TO THE MEMBERS
Your Directors have pleasure in presenting the 74th Annual
Report and Audited Financial Statements for the financial year ended 31st
March, 2024.
STANDALONE AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL RESULTS
|
STANDALONE |
CONSOLIDATED |
|
Year ended 31.3.2024 |
Year ended 31.3.2023 |
Year ended 31.3.2024 |
Year ended 31.3.2023 |
Sales and other Income |
6277.75 |
5925.81 |
7829.81 |
6369.94 |
Profit before finance cost and depreciation |
1322.67 |
1023.04 |
1445.93 |
1052.39 |
Finance cost |
120.67 |
43.92 |
138.27 |
45.54 |
Depreciation and Amortisation |
246.48 |
228.63 |
357.24 |
261.56 |
Profit before exceptional items and tax |
955.52 |
750.49 |
950.42 |
745.29 |
Exceptional Items: (Income) / Expenses |
133.36 |
- |
107.75 |
- |
Profit Before Tax |
822.16 |
750.49 |
842.67 |
745.29 |
Tax Expense: |
|
|
|
|
Current Tax |
291.00 |
223.95 |
313.24 |
230.14 |
Short / (Excess) provision of taxes for earlier years |
(2.99) |
- |
(3.06) |
0.22 |
Deferred Tax Liability / (Asset) |
3.74 |
20.84 |
3.28 |
23.00 |
Net Profit |
530.41 |
505.70 |
529.21 |
491.93 |
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
The Company does not propose to transfer any amount to the general
reserve out of the amount available for appropriation.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The standalone and consolidated financial statements are prepared in
accordance with the Indian Accounting Standards (Ind-AS) as prescribed under Section 133
of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 3 of the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards)
Rules, 2015 and Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Amendment Rules, 2016.
In accordance with Indian Accounting Standard (Ind AS-110), the audited
consolidated financial statements are also provided in the Annual Report.
CREDIT RATING
During the year under report, India Ratings & Research (A Fitch
Group Company) has reviewed and assigned/affirmed the following ratings to Company's
working capital limit, long term loan and commercial papers :
Fund / Non-Fund based working capital limit (INR 21000 Millions)
- IND AA+ / Stable / IND A1+
Long Term Loan (INR 6730 Millions) - IND AA+ / Stable
Commercial Paper (INR 2500 Millions) - IND A1+
Commercial Paper (INR 500 Millions) - IND A1+
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
a. Industry Structure and Development
Pharmaceutical industry has emerged as one of the fastest growing
industry in the world. The global pharmaceutical industry has shown rapid growth over the
years driven by factors such as an aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic
diseases, advancement in technology and raising healthcare awareness and expenditure
fueled by expanding middleclass population seeking better access to healthcare. As people
live longer, there is higher demand for medications to manage and treat conditions such as
cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer.
The pharmaceutical industry plays a crucial role in providing
healthcare by researching, developing, producing and marketing a wide range of drugs
including prescription medications, over the counter drugs, vaccines and
biopharmaceuticals. The industry is characterized by stringent regulations, long research
and development timelines, high investment in innovation and continuous quest for new and
improved therapeutic solutions.
The new medications are being constantly developed, approved and
marketed resulting in significant market growth. Oncology, immunology and neurology are
the fastest growing therapy segments. The biologics market is also growing at a
significant rate in the therapy areas such as oncology, diabetes and auto-immune diseases.
The pharmaceuticals supply chain has also undergone significant transformation spurred by
globalization, technological advancements, regulatory shifts and raising demand for
healthcare products. The focus is now shifting from manual and transactional process to
automation and strategic innovation. Significant investment in automating manufacturing
and packaging processes to enhance productivity and operational cost efficiency is also
taking place in the industry.
The pharmaceutical industry is estimated to grow from current US $ 1.6
trillion to about US $ 2.4 trillion by 2030 . Overall, the pharmaceutical industry is
expected to continue to evolve as it adapts to new technologies, regulatory changes and
ongoing demand for innovative healthcare solutions.
Though the pharmaceuticals industry is developing at a rapid pace, the
growth won't come easily for this industry that is heavily influenced by the
healthcare reforms, cost pressure, economic and geo-political fluidity, pricing regime,
increased competition and challenging regulatory landscape with increased scrutiny.
b. Outlook, Risks and Concerns
The Indian pharmaceutical industry has emerged as a global leader in
research and innovation driven by a combination of robust scientific and technological
base, strong domestic market and cost competitive manufacturing.
India is ranked 3rd worldwide in the production of
pharmaceutical products by volume and 14th by value. India is one of the
largest producer of generic medicines globally with about 20% share in global supply by
volume and is also leading vaccine manufacturer with a global market share of about 60%.
Often hailed as the pharmacy of the world, Indian pharmaceutical industry is expanding
rapidly and is expected to reach a size of about US $ 130 Bn by 2030 from US $ 65 Bn
currently.
Indian pharmaceutical industry benefits from cost competitiveness
driven by backward integration, lower labour cost, economies of scale and efficient
manufacturing processes. These cost advantages enables Indian pharmaceutical industry to
provide competitively priced products both in the domestic and global market. The scale
and diversity of the Indian pharmaceutical industry enable it to cater to diverse needs
and maneuver through market turbulences effectively.
The contribution of the pharmaceutical industry to the country's
economy is also immense. Apart from large employment generation, either directly or
indirectly, this industry also contributes significantly to the country's GDP. The
Indian pharmaceutical industry growth will be driven by R&D capabilities, cost
efficiencies, huge talent pool of scientists and new opportunities in the emerging global
economies. The Indian pharmaceutical industry is expected to out-perform the global
pharmaceutical industry and emerge as one of the leading pharmaceutical industry globally
by absolute value.
However, poor public healthcare funding and infrastructure, low per
capita consumption of medicines in emerging economies including India, currency
fluctuations, geo-political conflicts, regulatory issues, government mandated price
control, inflation and resultant all round increase in input costs are a few causes of
concern.
During the year under report, there was no change in the nature of
Company's business.
c. Financial Performance and Operations Review
During the financial year under report, the Company registered on a
standalone basis a total income of Rs. 6277.75 Crores as against
Rs. 5925.81 Crores in the previous year, a growth of 6%. On a
consolidated basis, the total income of the Company has increased by 23% to Rs. 7829.81
Crores as against Rs. 6369.94 Crores in the previous financial year.
During the financial year under report, the Earnings before interest,
depreciation, exceptional items and tax expense on a standalone basis amounted to Rs.
1322.67 Crores as against Rs. 1023.04 Crores in the previous financial year. The
operations have resulted in a net profit of Rs. 530.41 Crores (after exceptional items)
during the financial year under report as against Rs. 505.70 Crores in the previous
financial year, an increase of 5%.
On a consolidated basis, the Earnings before interest, depreciation,
exceptional items and taxation amounted to Rs. 1445.93 Crores as against Rs. 1052.39
Crores in the previous financial year. The consolidated operations have resulted in a net
profit of Rs. 529.21 Crores (after exceptional items) during the financial year under
report as against Rs. 491.93 Crores in the previous financial year, an increase of 8%.
Break-up of Sales (standalone)
|
|
2023-24 |
|
|
2022-23 |
|
|
Domestic |
Exports |
Total |
Growth |
Domestic |
Exports |
Total |
Growth |
Formulations |
3097.16 |
1775.32 |
4872.48 |
11% |
2760.71 |
1639.19 |
4399.90 |
10% |
APIs & Intermediates |
316.92 |
932.38 |
1249.30 |
(9%) |
373.05 |
1004.23 |
1377.28 |
- |
Total Sales |
3414.08 |
2707.70 |
6121.78 |
6% |
3133.76 |
2643.42 |
5777.18 |
7% |
Growth |
9% |
2% |
6% |
|
9% |
|
5% |
7% |
|
Key Financial Ratios (standalone)
|
31st March, 2024 |
31st March, 2023 |
1. Debtors Turnover Ratio |
6.27 |
6.60 |
2. Inventory Turnover Ratio |
1.19 |
1.20 |
3. Interest Coverage Ratio |
9.67 |
24.00 |
4. Current Ratio |
2.31 |
2.91 |
5. Debt Equity Ratio |
0.18 |
0.24 |
6. Operating Profit Margin (%) |
15.31 |
12.28 |
7. Net Profit Margin (%) |
8.45 |
8.53 |
8. Return on Net Worth (%) |
8.35 |
8.60 |
Due to business growth, mainly in the formulations business, where the
value addition is better, there is an improvement in the key financial ratios as compared
to the previous financial year.
d. Domestic Formulations Business
The Company's branded formulations business in India now comprises
of 21 marketing divisions focusing on key therapeutic segments with a portfolio of about
165 brands. Your Company is now the 16th largest in the domestic formulations
market as per IQVIA - MAT March, 2024. 5 formulation brands of the Company are featuring
in the list of 300 top selling formulation brands in the country.
In order to increase the coverage and facilitate launch of new therapy
divisions and new products, the Company has added nearly 2000 medical representatives in
the domestic market during the last 2 financial years.
During the financial year under report, the domestic formulations
business recorded a growth of 12% at Rs. 3097.16 Crores as against
Rs. 2760.71 Crores in the previous year.
Domestic Branded Formulations - Therapeutic Contribution
|
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
Therapeutic segment |
% to sales |
% to sales |
Pain Management |
52% |
52% |
Cardiovasculars & Anti-diabetics |
17% |
16% |
Anti-malarials |
3% |
3% |
Anti-bacterials |
6% |
6% |
Dermatology |
6% |
6% |
Gastro Intestinal (G I) products |
2% |
2% |
Cough Preparations |
4% |
5% |
Neuro Psychiatry |
3% |
3% |
Urology |
4% |
4% |
Nutraceuticals |
1% |
1% |
Others |
2% |
2% |
Total |
100% |
100% |
e. International Business
The products of the Company continue to be exported to over 100
countries across the globe. During the financial year under report, the international
business amounted to Rs. 2707.70 Crores as against
Rs. 2643.42 Crores in the previous year, a growth of 2%. Formulation
exports of the Company has increased by 8% to Rs. 1775.32 Crores and exports of APIs and
Drug Intermediates have de-grown by 7% to
Rs. 932.38 Crores.
The Company's formulations manufacturing facilities at Piparia
(Silvassa), SEZ Indore and APIs manufacturing facility at Ratlam were inspected by the US
FDA during the financial year under report. These manufacturing facilities have since
received Establishment Inspection Report classifying them as "Voluntary Action
Indicated (VAI)" and that these manufacturing facilities are considered to be in a
minimally acceptable state of compliance with regard to the current good manufacturing
practice (cGMP). The US FDA has also since lifted the import alert imposed on these
manufacturing facilities. The Company is currently in the process of commercializing its
APIs and formulations for the US market.
The Company takes the quality and compliance issues with utmost
importance. The Company has implemented comprehensive measures at all its manufacturing
facilities to ensure quality and regulatory compliances. The Company is committed to its
philosophy of highest standards of quality and compliance in manufacturing, operations,
systems, integrity and cGMP culture.
Continent-wise Exports
|
|
2023-24 |
|
|
|
2022-23 |
|
|
Continent |
Formulations |
APIs and Intermediates |
Total |
% to exports |
Formulations |
APIs and Intermediates |
Total |
% to exports |
Europe |
468.73 |
315.26 |
783.99 |
29% |
354.85 |
273.53 |
628.38 |
24% |
Africa |
477.76 |
42.69 |
520.45 |
19% |
548.02 |
55.05 |
603.07 |
23% |
Americas |
184.88 |
255.49 |
440.37 |
16% |
163..17 |
297.79 |
460.96 |
17% |
Asia |
134.18 |
267.10 |
401.28 |
15% |
110.82 |
341.52 |
452.34 |
17% |
CIS |
206.76 |
45.89 |
252.65 |
9% |
188.44 |
32.53 |
220.97 |
8% |
Australasia |
303.01 |
5.95 |
308.96 |
12% |
273.89 |
3.81 |
277.70 |
11% |
Total |
1775.32 |
932.38 |
2707.70 |
100% |
1639.19 |
1004.23 |
2643.42 |
100% |
Europe
The Company achieved European export sales of Rs. 783.99 Crores during
the financial year under report as against sales of Rs. 628.38 Crores in the previous
year, a growth of 25%.
The Company has developed and submitted 55 generic formulation dossiers
for registration in Europe out of which 50 dossiers are registered. The Company has also
obtained Certificate of Suitability (COS) of 61 APIs from European Directorate for Quality
Medicines (EDQM).
The Company has started marketing generic formulations in the United
Kingdom in its own label and this business is growing on expected lines with several more
generic formulations lined up for commercialization.
Africa
The Company achieved export sales of Rs. 520.45 Crores to Africa during
the financial year under report as against Rs. 603.07 Crores in the previous year, a
de-growth of 14%.
The Company exports branded and generic formulations as well as APIs to
many African countries. The Company markets branded formulations in Africa through
dedicated field force. The Company also supplies generics formulations to South Africa.
The Company is expanding its branded formulations business in this
continent through expansion of geographical coverage and increase in the number of branded
formulations marketed. Your Company is also is in the process of expanding its field force
in this continent. The Company is also continuously filing new formulation dossiers for
registration in the African countries.
Americas
The Company achieved sales of Rs. 440.37 Crores in this continent as
against Rs. 460.96 Crores in the previous year, a decline of 4%. The Company is currently
in the process of commercializing its APIs and formulations in the US market post lifting
of import alert on the Company's manufacturing facilities at Ratlam, Piparia
(Silvassa) and SEZ Indore.
43 ANDA applications of generic formulations developed by the Company
are filed with US FDA out of which 21 ANDA applications are granted till date. 55 DMFs of
the Company are also currently filed with US FDA.
Asia
The Asian business (excluding India) recorded sales of Rs. 401.28
Crores as against Rs. 452.34 Crores in the previous year. The Company exports formulations
as well as APIs to several Asian countries. In countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar,
Philippines and Vietnam, the Company markets its branded formulations through dedicated
field force.
Confederation of Independent States (CIS)
The Company's CIS business recorded sales of Rs. 252.65 Crores as
against
Rs. 220.97 Crores in the previous year, a growth of 14%. Most of the
business is from branded formulation sales in Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus. The
Company's branded formulations are marketed in this continent by its own field force
appointed through its non-trading offices.
But for geo-political conflict, the Company's export business in
this sub-continent could have been even better.
Australasia
The Company exports APIs to Australia and formulations to Australia and
New Zealand in this sub-continent. The business from this continent was Rs. 308.96 Crores
during the financial year under report as against Rs. 277.70 Crores in the previous year,
a growth of 11%.
The Company has developed and submitted 76 generic formulation dossiers
for registration in this market out of which 73 dossiers are registered.
f. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Intermediates Business
During the financial year under report, the APIs and Intermediates
business recorded sales of Rs. 1249.30 Crores as against Rs. 1377.28 Crores in the
previous financial year. Nearly 75% of the APIs and Intermediates business is from
exports.
The Company exports its APIs across the globe. Most of the
international customers of the Company are end user formulations manufacturers including
several multinational companies.
Your Company continue to commercialize new APIs for the global market.
g. Intellectual Property Protection
The Company has created intellectual property management group within
the Research and Development centers to deal with management and protection of
intellectual property. The Company has filed many patent applications till date in India,
USA and other countries. These applications relate to novel and innovative manufacturing
processes for the manufacture of APIs and pharmaceutical formulations.
h. Internal Control Systems and its adequacy
The Company has adequate internal control systems including suitable
monitoring procedures commensurate with its size and the nature of the business. The
internal control systems provide for all documented policies, guidelines, authorization
and approval procedures. The Company has an internal audit department which carries out
audits throughout the year. The statutory auditors while conducting the statutory audit,
review and evaluate the internal controls and their observations are discussed with the
Audit committee of the Board.
i. Human Resources
The human resource plays a vital role in the growth and success of an
organization. The Company has maintained cordial and harmonious relations with employees
across various locations.
During the year under review, various training and development
workshops were conducted to improve the competency level of employees with an objective to
improve the operational performance of individuals. The Company has built a competent team
to handle challenging assignments. The Company strives to enhance the technical, work
related and general skills of employees through dedicated training programs on a
continuous basis.
The Company has 17,335 permanent employees (including 923 overseas
employees) as on 31st March, 2024. Out of this, 9,198 employees are engaged in
the marketing and distribution activities.
j. Cautionary Statement
Certain statement in the management discussion and analysis may be
forward looking within the meaning of applicable securities law and regulations and actual
results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Factors that would make
differences to Company's operations include competition, price realization, currency
fluctuations, regulatory issues, changes in government policies and regulations, tax
regimes, economic development within India and the countries in which the Company conducts
business and other incidental factors.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFTER THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR
No material changes or commitments affecting the financial position of
the Company have occurred between the end of the financial year to which the financial
statements in this report relate and the date of this report.
SHARE CAPITAL
The paid-up share capital of the Company as at 31st March,
2024 was 25,37,04,218 equity shares of Rs. 1/- each aggregating to Rs. 25.37 Crores.
SUBSIDIARY, JOINT VENTURE AND ASSOCIATE COMPANIES
Unichem Laboratories Ltd.
The Company entered into a definitive Share Purchase Agreement (SPA)
for acquisition of 2,35,01,440 fully paid-up equity shares of Rs. 2/- each, constituting
33.38% of the paid up equity share capital of Unichem Laboratories Ltd. (Unichem), a
listed entity, from one of its promoter shareholder at a price @ Rs. 440/- per equity
share on 24th April, 2023. These shares were subsequently acquired by the
Company @ Rs. 402.25 per share aggregating to Rs. 945.35 Crores thru stock exchange block
deal mechanism on 2nd August, 2023, post receipt of the necessary consent from
the Competition Commission of India.
Since this acquisition of the shareholding in Unichem was more than the
threshold limit under the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers)
Regulations, 2011, the Company had also made an open offer to the public shareholders of
Unichem to acquire from them upto another 26% of the paid up equity share capital of said
company at a price @ Rs. 440/- per share.
The Company accepted 1,35,79,571 equity shares of Rs. 2/- each validly
tendered in the said open offer by the public shareholders of Unichem Laboratories Ltd. @
Rs. 440 per equity share aggregating to Rs. 597.50 Crores and representing 19.29% of the
paid-up equity share capital of the said company. With this further acquisition of shares
tendered in the open offer, the Company now holds 3,70,81,011 fully paid-up equity shares
of Rs. 2/- each of Unichem representing 52.67% of paid-up share capital of the said
company. In view of this, Unichem Laboratories Ltd. has now become a subsidiary of the
Company.
Since, subsidiary's subsidiary is also a subsidiary, the following
wholly owned subsidiaries of Unichem have also now become subsidiaries of the Company :
Niche Generics Ltd., UK
Unichem SA Pty Ltd., South Africa
Unichem Farmaceutica Do Brasil Ltda, Brazil
Unichem Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., USA
Unichem Laboratories Ltd., Ireland
Unichem (China) Pvt. Ltd., China
Merger of Ramdev Chemical Pvt. Ltd. and Tonira Exports Ltd., wholly
owned subsidiaries with the Company
The Hon'able National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench vide its
order dated 27th April, 2023 approved the merger of M/s. Ramdev Chemical Pvt.
Ltd. and M/s. Tonira Exports Ltd., Company's wholly owned subsidiaries, with the
Company with effect from 1st April, 2022. The necessary effect for this merger
is since given in the Company's books of accounts.
There has been no material change in the nature of the business of the
subsidiaries.
Except Unichem Laboratories Limited and Unichem Pharmaceuticals USA
Inc, the Company has no other subsidiary which can be considered as material within the
meaning Regulation 16 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 136(1) of the Companies
Act, 2013, the following have been placed on the website of the Company www.ipca.com.
a) Annual Report of the Company containing therein its standalone and
the consolidated financial statements; and b) Audited annual accounts of each of the
subsidiary companies.
As required, the financial data of the subsidiaries, joint venture and
associate companies is furnished in the prescribed Form AOC-1 as an Annexure to the
consolidated financial statements.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act,
2013, the consolidated financial statements of the Company are attached.
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT _R&D_
The Company has always considered Research and Development (R&D) as
crucial for the sustained growth of the Company. In the recent years, the Company has
stepped-up investments in R&D to keep pace with the changing domestic and global
scenario.
The Company has R&D centers at Mumbai, Ratlam, Athal (Silvassa) and
Ranu (Vadodara) which are duly recognized by the Government of India, Ministry of Science
and Technology, Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR).
The R&D expenditure of the Company during the financial year was
Rs. 161.50 Crores (2.64% of the turnover) as against Rs. 156.49 Crores (2.71% of the
turnover) in the previous year.
With qualified and experienced research scientists and engineers
manning the research and development activities, the Company has focused its thrust on new
and innovative process and product development for the manufacture of APIs with
non-infringing processes. Apart from development of new dosage forms and drug delivery
systems, improvement in processes and yield as well as cost reduction are also focus
areas.
DIVIDEND
Your Directors had declared an interim equity dividend of Rs. 2/- per
equity share (200%) at the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company held on 14th
November, 2023. The said interim dividend was paid in the month of December 2023.
Your directors are now pleased to recommend a final equity dividend
ofRs. 2/- per equity share (200%), making the total dividend recommended to Rs. 4/- per
equity share (400%) for the financial year under report.
The total dividend amounting to Rs. 101.48 Crores, if approved at the
ensuing Annual General Meeting, will be appropriated out of the profits for the year.
The total dividend paid/recommended for the financial year under report
is in line with the Company's dividend distribution policy which is placed on the
Company's website www.ipca.com.
INVESTORS EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND _IEPF_
The Company has transferred to the Investors Education and Protection
Fund (IEPF) all the unpaid dividend amounts required to be so transferred on or before the
due date(s) for such transfer. The Company has also transferred to IEPF, such of the
Company's equity shares in respect of which the dividend declared has not been paid
or claimed for seven consecutive years.
The details of the unpaid / unclaimed dividends for the last seven
financial years are available on the website of the Company www.ipca.com.
The Company has appointed its Company Secretary as the nodal officer
under the provisions of IEPF.
DIRECTORS
Mr. Ajit Kumar Jain and Mr. Pranay Godha retire by rotation at the
ensuing Annual General Meeting and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-appointment.
Dr. (Ms) Manisha Premnath was re-appointed as an Independent Director
for a second term of five consecutive years from 21st September, 2019 till 20th
September, 2024, through postal ballot on 27th March, 2019. Mr. Kamal Kishore
Seth was re-appointed as an Independent Director for a second term of five consecutive
years from 29th March, 2024 till 28th March, 2029 through postal
ballot on 28th March, 2024. The Board has appointed Mr. Kamal Kishore Seth as
Lead Independent Director.
Dr. Narendra Mairpady was appointed as an Independent Director for a
term of five consecutive years from 20th October, 2022 till 19th
October, 2027 through postal ballot on 4th December, 2022.
During the year under report, Dr. (Ms) Swati Patankar was appointed as
an Independent Director of the Company for a term of five consecutive years from 14th
February, 2024 till 13th February, 2029. The shareholders have since approved
her appointment as an Independent Director through postal ballot on 28th March,
2024.
At the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company held on 29th
May, 2024 and as recommended by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Mr. Vivek
Keshav Shiralkar is appointed as an Independent Director of the Company for a term of five
consecutive years from 29th May, 2024 till 28th May, 2029. This
appointment is subject to the approval of the shareholders at the ensuing Annual General
Meeting.
At the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company held on 29th
May, 2024 and as recommended by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Mr. Ajit Kumar
Jain is re-appointed as the Managing Director of the Company for a further period of five
years with effect from 21st August, 2024. This re-appointment is subject to the
approval of the shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
The second term of appointment of Mr. Anand T. Kusre as an independent
director of the Company came to an end on 31st March, 2024. Accordingly, he
ceased to be an independent director of the Company with effect from 1st April,
2024. The Company has immensely benefited from his knowledge and guidance as well as
advice given by him during his tenure a director all these years. The Board places on
record its sincere appreciation for the services rendered by him during his tenure as a
Director of the Company.
Dr. (Ms) Manisha Premnath, Mr. Kamal Kishore Seth, Dr. Narendra
Mairpady, Dr. (Ms) Swati Patankar and Mr. Vivek Shiralkar who are independent directors,
have submitted declaration that each of them meets the criteria of independence as
provided in the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (LODR) Regulations and there has been no
change in the circumstances which may affect their status as independent directors during
the year.
None of the directors of the Company are debarred from holding the
office of Director by virtue of any SEBI order or order by any other competent authority.
In the opinion of the Board, the independent directors possess
appropriate balance of skills, experience and knowledge, as required.
A brief note on Directors retiring by rotation and eligible for
re-appointment as well as Director being appointed is furnished in the Report on Corporate
Governance annexed herewith.
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
During the financial year under report, the following persons continue
to be the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company:
Mr. Premchand Godha |
Executive Chairman |
Mr. Ajit Kumar Jain |
Managing Director / CFO |
Mr. Pranay Godha |
Managing Director/CEO |
Mr. Prashant Godha |
Executive Director |
Mr. Harish P. Kamath |
Corporate Counsel & Company Secretary |
There was no change in the Key Managerial Personnel during the
financial year under report.
POLICY ON DIRECTORS' APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION AND OTHER
DETAILS
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has laid down the criteria
for Directors' appointment and remuneration including criteria for determining
qualification, positive attributes and independence of a Director. The following
attributes/criteria for selection have been laid by the Board on the recommendation of the
Committee: the candidate should possess the positive attributes such as leadership,
entrepreneurship, business advisor or such other attributes which in the opinion of the
Committee are in the interest of the Company; the candidate should be free from any
disqualification as provided under Sections 164 and 167 of the Companies Act, 2013;
the candidate should meet the conditions of being independent as stipulated under the
Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015, in case of appointment as an independent director; and the
candidate should possess appropriate educational qualification, skills, experience and
knowledge in one or more fields of finance, law, management, sales, marketing,
administration, research, corporate governance, technical operations, infrastructure,
medical, social service, professional teaching or such other areas or disciplines which
are relevant for the Company's business.
BOARD EVALUATION
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee lays down the criteria for
performance evaluation of independent directors, Board of Directors and Committees of the
Board. The criteria for performance evaluation is based on the various parameters like
attendance and participation at meetings of the Board and Committees thereof, contribution
to strategic decision making, review of risk assessment and risk mitigation, review of
financial statements, business performance and contribution to the enhancement of brand
image of the Company.
The Board has carried out evaluation of its own performance as well as
that of the Committees of the Board and all the Directors.
The annual evaluation was carried out in the following manner:
Sr. No. Performance evaluation of |
Performance evaluation performed by |
1. Board and individual directors |
Board after seeking inputs from all directors |
2. Board Committees |
Board seeking inputs from all committee members |
3. Individual Directors |
Nomination and Remuneration committee |
4. Non-independent directors, Board as a whole and the
Chairman |
Separate meeting of independent directors after taking views
from executive directors |
5. Board, its Committees and individual Directors |
At the board meeting held after the meeting of the
independent directors based on evaluation carried out as above. |
PROFICIENCY OF DIRECTORS
All the independent directors of the Company have registered their
names in the database maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Manesar,
Haryana. Those of the independent directors who are not otherwise exempted have appeared
and passed or shall appear and pass the common proficiency test conducted by the said
institute within the prescribed time.
REMUNERATION POLICY
The objective and broad framework of the Company's Remuneration
Policy is to consider and determine the remuneration based on the fundamental principles
of payment for performance, for potential and for growth. The Remuneration Policy reflects
on certain guiding principles of the Company such as aligning remuneration with the longer
term interests of the Company and its shareholders, promoting a culture of meritocracy and
creating a linkage to corporate and individual performance and emphasising on line
expertise and market competitiveness so as to attract the best talent. It also ensures the
effective recognition of performance and encourages a focus on achieving superior
operational results. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee recommends the remuneration
of Directors and Key and Senior Managerial Personnel which is approved by the Board of
Directors, subject to the approval of shareholders, where necessary. The level and
composition of remuneration shall be reasonable and sufficient to attract, retain and
motivate the directors, key and senior managerial personnel and other employees of the
quality required to run the Company successfully. The relationship of remuneration to
performance should be clear and meet appropriate performance benchmarks. The remuneration
to directors, key managerial personnel and senior management personnel should also involve
a balance between fixed and incentive pay reflecting short and long term performance
objectives appropriate to the working of the Company and its goals. The Remuneration
Policy is placed on the Company's website www.ipca.com.
Information about elements of remuneration package of individual
directors is provided in the Annual Return as provided under Section 92(3) of the
Companies Act, 2013 which is placed on the website of the Company.
FAMILIARISATION PROGRAM FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Details of the familiarisation programs for independent directors are
disclosed on the website of the Company www.ipca.com.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD AND COMMITTEES THEREOF
This information has been furnished under Report on Corporate
Governance, which is annexed.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Your Directors confirm: i) that in the preparation of the annual
accounts, the applicable accounting standards have been followed along with proper
explanation relating to material departures;
ii) that your Directors have selected such accounting policies and
applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of
the financial year 31st March, 2024 and of the profit of the Company for the
financial year;
iii) that your Directors have taken proper and sufficient care for the
maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act
for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and
other irregularities;
iv) that your Directors have prepared the annual accounts on a going
concern basis;
v) that your Directors have laid down internal financial controls to be
followed by the Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were
operating effectively; and
vi) that your Directors have devised proper systems to ensure
compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate
and operating effectively.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
As per the requirement of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Company has complied with the requirements of
Corporate Governance in all material aspects.
A report on Corporate Governance (Annexure 1) together with a
certificate of its compliance from a Practising Company Secretary, forms part of this
report.
FIXED DEPOSITS
During the year under review, the Company has not accepted any fixed
deposits and as such no amount of principal or interest on deposits from public was
outstanding as on the date of the balance sheet.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Details of the Audit Committee along with its constitution and other
details are provided in the Report on Corporate Governance.
AUDITORS, AUDIT REPORT AND AUDITED ACCOUNTS
M/s. Natvarlal Vepari & Co., Chartered Accountants, Firm
Registration No. 106971W were appointed as the Statutory Auditors to carry out statutory
audit of the Company for a period of 5 (five) years from the conclusion of the 72nd
AGM of the Company and till the conclusion of the 77th AGM of the Company.
The Auditors' Report read with the notes to the accounts referred
to therein are self-explanatory and therefore, do not call for any further comments. There
are no qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks made by the Auditors.
COST AUDIT
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013,
M/s. ABK & Associates, Cost Accountants (Firm Registration No. 000036) were appointed
as the Cost Auditors to conduct audit of cost records of the Company for the financial
year 2023-24.
The Cost Audit Report for the financial year 2022-23, which was due to
be filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs by 8th September, 2023 was
filed on 6th September, 2023.
The Company has maintained the cost accounts and cost records as
specified by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of Section 148 of the Companies
Act, 2013.
SECRETARIAL AUDIT
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 and other applicable
provisions, if any, of the Companies Act, 2013, M/s. Parikh & Associates, Practising
Company Secretaries were appointed as the Secretarial Auditors for auditing the
secretarial records maintained by the Company for the financial year 2023-24.
The Secretarial Auditors' Report is annexed hereto. There are no
qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks made by the Secretarial Auditors.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY _CSR_
The Company is committed to good corporate citizenship. As a part of
its corporate social responsibility, the Company continues to undertake a range of
activities including healthcare and education to improve living conditions of the needy
people. The CSR policy of the Company is placed on the website of the Company
(http://www.ipca.com/pdf/corporate_policy/Corporate_Social_Responsibility_Policy.pdf ).
During the year under report, the Company has also supported healthcare
and educational projects undertaken by charitable institutions and organizations.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act,
2013, an abstract on Company's CSR activities is furnished as Annexure 2 to this
report.
SAFETY, ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
The Company considers safety, environment and health as the management
responsibility. Regular employee training programmes are carried out in the manufacturing
facilities on safety, environment and health.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES AND INVESTMENTS
The Company has not given any loans or guarantees or made any
investments in contravention of the provisions of the Section 186 of the Companies Act,
2013. The details of the loans and guarantees given and investments made by the Company
are provided in the notes to the financial statements.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All related party transactions that were entered into during the
financial year were on arm's length basis and were in the ordinary course of
Company's business. The Company has not entered into any contract,
arrangement or transaction with any related party which could be considered as material as
defined under SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
The Board has approved a policy for related party transactions which
has been uploaded on the website of the Company. (https://www.ipca.
com/wp-content/pdf/corporate-policy/Policy_on_Related_Party_Transactions.pdf).
All the related party transactions are placed before the Audit
Committee as well as the Board for approval on a quarterly basis. Omnibus approval was
also obtained from the Audit Committee and the Board on an annual basis for repetitive
transactions.
Related party transactions under Indian Accounting Standard Ind
AS 24 are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Prescribed Form No. AOC-2
pursuant to clause (h) of sub-section (3) of Section 134 of the Act and Rule 8(2) of the
Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is furnished as Annexure 3 to this report.
EMPLOYEES
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013
read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel)
Rules, 2014, a statement showing the names and other particulars of the employees drawing
remuneration and other details as set out in the said Rules is furnished under Annexure 4
to this report.
However, having regard to the provisions of the first proviso to
Section 136(1) of the Act and as advised, the Annual Report excluding the aforesaid
information is being sent to the members of the Company. The said information is available
for inspection at the registered office of the Company during working hours excluding
Saturdays and any member interested in obtaining such information may write to the Company
Secretary and the same will be furnished on request.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Board has laid down a code of conduct for board members and senior
management personnel of the Company. The code incorporates the duties of independent
directors as laid down in the Companies Act, 2013. The said code of conduct is posted on
Company's website www. ipca.com. The Board members and senior management personnel
have affirmed compliance with the said code of conduct. A declaration in this regard
signed by the Managing Director / CEO is given at the end of the Corporate Governance
Report.
WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY / VIGIL MECHANISM
There is a Whistle Blower Policy in the Company and that no personnel
have been denied access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The policy provides for
adequate safeguards against victimization of persons who use vigil mechanism. The Whistle
Blower Policy is posted on the website of the Company www.ipca.com.
PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING
The Company has also adopted a code of conduct for prevention of
insider trading. All the Directors, senior management employees and other employees who
have access to the unpublished price sensitive information of the Company are governed by
this code. During the year under Report, there has been due compliance with the said code
of conduct for prevention of insider trading. The same has been placed on the website of
the Company www.ipca.com.
CONSTITUTIONOFCOMMITTEEUNDERSEXUALHARRASSMENTOFWOMENATWORKPLACE_PREVENTION,
PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL_ ACT, 2013
The Company has adopted a policy in line with the requirements of
Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace and a Committee has been set-up
to redress sexual harassment complaints received. The necessary annual report has been
submitted to the competent authority in this regard.
BUSINESS RISK MANAGEMENT
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134 of the Companies Act, 2013,
the Company has constituted a Risk Management Committee. The details of the Committee and
its terms of reference are provided in the Report on Corporate Governance, which is
annexed.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS
There are no significant or material orders passed by any regulator,
tribunal or court that would impact the going concern status of the Company and its future
operations.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS AND OUTGO
In accordance with the requirements of Section 134 of the Companies
Act, 2013, statement showing particulars with respect to conservation of energy,
technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo is furnished as Annexure 5
to this report.
ANNUAL RETURN
In accordance with the requirements of Section 92 (3) of the Companies
Act, 2013 and rule 12 (1) of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, a
copy of Annual Return in Form MGT-7 is placed on the Company's website www.ipca.com
(weblink : https:// www.ipca.com/investors-extract-of-annual-return/).
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report of the Company
for the financial year ended 31st March, 2024 forms part of this Report. The
same is also uploaded on the Company's website www.ipca.com as a part of the Annual
Report.
SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Company has complied with all the applicable Secretarial Standards
issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Your Directors place on record their appreciation for the continued
co-operation and support extended to the Company by the bankers and financial
institutions. Your Directors also thank the medical profession, the trade and consumers
for their patronage of the Company's products. Your Directors also place on record
their profound admiration and sincere appreciation of the continued hard work put in by
employees at all levels.
|
For and on behalf of the Board |
|
Premchand Godha |
Mumbai, 29th May, 2024 |
Executive Chairman |
|