To,
The Members,
Mercury Laboratories Limited
Your Directors have pleasure in presenting the 43rd Annual Report of Mercury
Laboratories Limited (the Company) on the business and operations of the Company together
with the audited financial statements for the financial year ended on March 31,2024.
1. FINANCIAL SUMMARY/PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY
The financial performance of the Company for the financial year ended March 31,2024
along with figures of previous financial year is summarized below:
Particulars |
(Rs in Lakhs) |
|
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
Revenue from Operations |
7,555.90 |
7,533.37 |
Gross Profit before Depreciation Interest & Tax |
1,0 11.88 |
1,028.98 |
Less: Interest |
38.30 |
36.19 |
Less: Depreciation |
281.55 |
248.33 |
Profit before Exceptional Items , Extra Ordinary Items & Tax |
692.03 |
744.46 |
Exceptional Items |
- |
- |
Extra-Ordinary Item |
- |
- |
Profit before Tax |
692.03 |
744.46 |
Less: Current Tax including Income Tax of Previous Year & |
126.61 |
186.58 |
Deferred Tax |
|
|
Profit of the year |
565.42 |
557.88 |
Add: Balance brought forward from the previous year |
419.71 |
253.83 |
Less: Dividend paid for the previous year |
(42.00) |
(42.00) |
Less: Transfer to G eneral Reserve |
(350.00) |
(350.00) |
Balance to be carried forward |
593.13 |
419.71 |
*Earni ng Per Share |
|
|
Basic |
47.12 |
46.49 |
Diluted |
47.12 |
46.49 |
*Equity Shares are at par value of f 10 per share.
2. Dividend:
Your Directors have recommended Final Dividend of f 3.5/- (i.e. 35%) per Equity Share
of f 10 each for the financial year ended on March 31,2024. The said dividend, if approved
by the shareholders, would involve a cash outflow of f 42.00 Lakhs. The dividend, if
declared, is subject to deduction of Tax at source in accordance with applicable
provisions. The Dividend Distribution Policy of the Company is set out as Annexure-A. The
Dividend Distribution Policy, in terms of Regulation 43A of the Securities and Exchange
Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (here
in after referred to as SEBI Listing Regulations') is also available on the website
of the Company at https://investor.mercurylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/DIVIDEND-
DISTRIBUTION-POICY-2.pdf
3. Transfer to Reserves:
Your Company transferred an amount of f 350.00 Lakhs to the General Reserve during the
Financial Year ended on March 31,2024.
4. Financial Performance and Operations Review:
During the year ended on March 31, 2024 your company registered Rs. 7,555.90 Lakhs
revenue from operations compared to Rs. 7,533.37 Lakhs in the previous year. Revenue from
domestic business increased by 2.40%. Profit before tax is decreased by 7.57% to Rs.
692.03 Lakhs from Rs. 744.46 Lakhs. Net profit after tax (before OCI) increased by 1.33%
as compared to previous year. The Company registered a net profit after tax (before OCI)
of Rs. 565.42 Lakhs as compared to net profit of Rs. 557.88 Lakhs for the previous year
ended March 31,2023.
5. Future Prospects:
India has become the fifth largest economy in the world, overtaking UK in September
2022, by moving up from 11th position in 2014. I say with confidence that
India will become the third largest economy in the world in next five years, says
our Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi.
The Hon'ble Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitaraman states while presenting the
Interim Budget-2024, India will be a developed economy by 2047 and proposes to
make major provisions for innovation in the Budget of July 2024. Our Hon'ble Minister of
Commerce & Industry, Shri.Piyush Goyal says India becoming a USD 5 trillion economy is
round the corner.
Our Indian Pharma Industry Association, is also poised for providing logistic support
for quality growth and capitalintensive investment in coming years, as is evident. Our
industry is poised for substantial growth in the coming decade by providing abundant
opportunities for companies of various sizes and capabilities. The current value at USD 50
billion, the industry is roughly divided equally by export revenue and domestic revenue.
The projections suggest that it is set to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of
10% until 2047, reaching a staggering USD 500 billion industry. Over the next 5-10 years,
we have the objective of achieving USD 73 billion and USD 120 billion respectively.
Our success can be attributed to various factors, including a large pool of skilled
professionals, cost-effective manufacturing capabilities, and a robust regulatory frame
work. The Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) and The Contract
Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) can play a pivotal role in supporting and sustaining
India's position in the global pharmaceutical landscape. According to Mordor intelligence,
The India CMO market size is estimated at USD 22.5 billion in 2024, and is expected to
reach USD 50 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.67%.
India's strategic geographical location provides an advantage for international
logistics. The country's proximity to key markets, coupled with well-developed
transportation infrastructure, ensures efficient and timely delivery of pharmaceutical
products.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS
As stipulated by regulation 34(3) read with Schedule V(B) of the SEBI Listing
Regulations, Management Discussion and Analysis forms parts of this report.
a) Industry Structure and Development
The government of India introduced administrative and effective implementation of
Revised Schedule-M equivalent to international regulatory standard. The government also
re-organized Regulatory education infrastructure by creating national pharmaceutical of
India by replacing Pharmacy Council of India. The aim and objective is to improve smart
learning to achieve smart quality products from time to time. Government also strengthen
regulatory department, distribution department, storage conditions etc. All these
activities will resultant into good quality products at affordable price available to
common people in next near future. The act of this will enhance trust and enhance quality
of the product, integrity and level of confidence in our industry.
b) Outlook, Risks and Concerns
The global growth is projected to 3% for the year 2023-24, however the current
scenario, geo political situation war between Israel and Gaza, war situation with Ukraine
& Russia, China & Taiwan, leads to disruptions in the global supply chain
affecting availability of raw materials and components necessary for drug manufacturing.
This may likely to generate short supply of medicines. These geo political conflicts can
leads to volatile currency fluctuations.
As stated earlier, we expect Health requirement India will increase number of folds and
in particular it will grow life style diseases like Cardiac, Hypertension and Geriatric.
Our industry will become ever Sun Rise industry by 2047 in respect of Healthcare.
c) Economic overview & Global pharma landscape
Amid a challenging global economic landscape and deteriorating geopolitical conditions,
India continues to shine as a bright spot. It is the fifth-largest economy in the world
and is poised to retain its position as the world's fastest-growing major economy. Its GDP
growth remained buoyant at 7.3% in FY 2023-24 as against 7.2% in FY.
The Global economy is expected to experience moderate growth in FY 2023-24. The IMF
projects global GDP growth to stabilize around 2.9 % in 2023, with slight
improvements in 2024. This growth is uneven across regions, with emerging markets and
developing economies outpacing advance economies. Inflation remains a concern,
particularly in advanced economies. Central banks are expected to maintain tight monetary
policies to control inflation, which could affect economic activity and consumer spending,
including healthcare.
Healthcare spending continues to rise globally, driven by aging populations, the
increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governments and private sectors are prioritizing investments in healthcare infrastructure,
which bodes well for pharmaceutical sector.
d) Financial Performance and Operation Review
During Financial Year 2023-24, revenue of the Company was f 7,555.90 Lakhs as compared
to f 7,533.37 Lakhs for the previous year ended March 31,2023 (Increase in revenue by
0.30% from the previous year).The Company registered a net profit (before OCI) of f 565.42
Lakhs as compared to net profit of f 557.88 Lakhs for the previous year ended March
31,2023. Return on Net Worth has been decreased to 11.12% from 12.98% mainly due to no
increase in sales.
f in Lakhs
Break-up of Sales |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
Growth / (Degrowth) In terms of % |
Domestic |
4,709.07 |
4,595.98 |
2.40 % |
Deemed Exports |
975.74 |
1,029.72 |
(5.53)% |
Direct Exports |
1,871.09 |
1,907.67 |
(1.95)% |
Total |
7,555.90 |
7,533.37 |
|
Details of significant changes in key Financial ratios given at Note No. 62 of the
Notes to financial statements.
e) Internal Control System and its adequacy
The Company has adopted policies and procedures covering all financial, operating and
compliance functions. Mercury Laboratories believes that internal control is a
prerequisite for governance and that business plans should be exercised within a framework
of checks and balances. The Company has adequate internal control system including
suitable monitoring procedures commensurate with its size and the nature of the business.
The internal control system provides 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. Further the Company has in place adequate
Internal Financial Controls with reference to financial statements. During the year, such
controls were tested and no reportable material weakness in the design or operations were
observed.
f) Human Resources
The Company values its employees as the most important asset and integral to its growth
and competitive position. We promote a conducive, productive and harmonious work
environment. We also motivate employees with recognition and rewards and support them
through various training programs to enhance their skills and competencies. The company
has built a competent team to handle challenging assignments. The Company's employee
strength stood at 482 as on March 31,2024.
g) Threats
Drug Price Control:
The Health Ministry keeps on revising the list of Drugs under price control. It is
likely that the Government may bring more drugs and formulations under price control or
change the mechanism of calculating the ceiling price of the drugs, which are under the
ambit of the revised policy, which in turn will affect the net margins of the Company.
Generics:
The Government of India is continuously bringing in policies to shift the market
towards generic products. The implementation of this process requires action by all
stakeholders. This may have impact on future business strategies of the Company.
Manufacturing & Supplying Risk:
Although a major portion of the Company's finished formulations and injectable are
being manufactured at inhouse facilities, the Company also depends on its suppliers for
sourcing of its raw materials. Any significant disruption at in-house facilities or any of
its suppliers' locations due to economic, geo political & social factors or any other
event may impair the Company's ability to meet the markets demand on a timely basis. In
addition, the Company's manufacturing capabilities could be impacted by quality
deficiencies in the products, which its suppliers provide, leading to impact on its
financial performance.
Currency fluctuation risks:
Foreign currency risks arise out of overseas operations and financing activities.
Exchange rate volatility significantly impacts earnings and net equity because of
invoicing in foreign currencies, expenditure in foreign currencies and foreign currency
borrowings. The Company has a defined foreign exchange risk management framework to manage
these risks excluding translation risks.
International Taxation:
As the Company has potential tax exposure resulting from application of varying laws
and interpretations, which include intercompany transactions with related parties in
relation to various aspects of business. Although the Company believes, its cross border
transactions between affiliates are based on internationally accepted practices, tax
authorities in various jurisdictions may have different views or interpretations and
subsequently challenge the amount of profits taxed in their jurisdiction resulting into
increase in tax liability including interest and penalties causing the tax expenses to
increase.
h) Formulation and Developments
The Company always works on quality and cost reduction by developing in house and
re-engineering formulations. Company always consider Formulation and Development as
crucial for sustain growth of the Company and tries to introduce newer and newer delivery
systems for products available with regard to time by enhancing therapeutic values. To
achieve this objective, we have experienced and qualified pharmacists whose activity is to
maintain and find out newer and newer delivery system. This will help to the company to
maintain its material consumption ratio.
I) Cautionary Statement
Certain statements in the above Report may be forward looking and are stated as
required by the legislations in force. The actual results may be affected by many factors
that may be different from what is envisaged in terms of future performance and the
outlook presented above.
6. Directors' Responsibility Statement
As required by Section 134(3) of the Act, your Directors, to the best of their
knowledge and belief, confirm that:
a. In the preparation of annual accounts for the year ended March 31, 2024, the
applicable accounting standards read with requirements set out under Schedule III to the
Act, have been followed and there are no material departures from the same;
b. 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 March 31, 2024 and of the Profit of
the Company for the year ended on that date;
c. Your Directors have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate
accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding the
assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d. Your Directors have prepared the annual accounts on a ''going concern'' basis;
e. Your Directors have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the
Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and are operating
effectively;and
f. Your Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions
of all applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
7. Directors
During the year under review, following changes occurred in the position of Directors
of the Company:
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Articles of
Association of the Company, Mr. Paresh J Mistry(DIN: 07893645), Non- Executive Director of
the Company is liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing 43rd Annual General
Meeting and being eligible, offered himself for reappointment. The retirement of director
by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting is determined in accordance with the
provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.
There were no changes in Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary of the
Company during the year under review.
Necessary resolutions for re-appointment of the aforesaid directors and their detailed
profiles have been included in the notice convening the ensuing AGM and details of
proposal for appointment / reappointment are mentioned in the explanatory statement of the
notice. Your directors commend their re-appointment.
During the year, the non-executive directors of the Company had no pecuniary
relationship or transactions with the Company except Mr. Paresh J Mistry, Director of the
Company who is being paid of holding position of Purchase Manager in the Company
Key Managerial Personnel as at March 31,2024 are as under:
1. Mr. Rajendra R Shah, Managing Director
2. Mr. Ashish Vasavada, Chief Financial Officer
3. Ms. Krishna Shah, Company Secretary
8. Number of Meetings of the Board and Committees
Four Meetings of the Board were held during the year on May 05, 2023, August 05, 2023,
November 08, 2023 & February 12, 2024. For details of the meetings of the Board and
Committees, please refer to the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this
report. The maximum interval between any two meetings did not Exceed 120 days, as
prescribed by the Act and Listing Regulations.
9. Nomination Remuneration Policy
The Policy on appointment and remuneration of directors, key managerial persons (KMP)
and senior management including criteria for determining qualifications, positive
attributes and director's independence as required under Section 178(3) of the Act, and
Regulation 19 read with Schedule II Part D of SEBI Listing Regulations has been formulated
by the Company. Policy on Nomination and Remuneration of Directors, Key / Senior
Managerial Personnel may be accessed on the Company's website at:
https://investor.mercurylabs.com/wp-
content/uploads/2019/11/NOMINATION-AND-REMUNERATION-POLICY.pdf
The remuneration paid to the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior Management
is in accordance with the Nomination and Remuneration Policy formulated in accordance with
Section 178 of the Act and Regulation 19 read with Schedule II of the SEBI Listing
Regulations. Further details on the same are given in the Corporate Governance Report
which forms part of this Annual Report.
10. Board Evaluation
Pursuant to SEBI (Listing Obligations & Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015
mandates that the Board shall monitor and review the Board evaluation framework. The
Companies Act, 2013 states that a formal annual evaluation needs to be made by the Board
of its own performance and that of its committees and individual directors. Schedule IV of
the Companies Act, 2013 states that performance evaluation of independent directors shall
be done by the entire Board of Directors, excluding the Director being evaluated.
The Board of Directors has carried out an annual evaluation of its own performance,
Board Committees and Individual Directors pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the
Corporate Governance requirements as prescribed by Securities and Exchange Board of India
(SEBI) under SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
The performance of the Board was evaluated by the Board after seeking inputs from all
the directors on the basis of the criteria such as the Board composition and structure,
effectiveness of board processes, Information and functioning etc.
The performance of the Committees was evaluated by the Board after seeking inputs from
the Committee members on the basis of the criteria such as the composition of committees,
effectiveness of committee meetings, etc.
The Board and the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) reviewed the performance
of the Individual Directors on the basis of the criteria such as the contribution of the
individual director to the Board and committee meetings like preparedness on the issues to
be discussed, meaningful and constructive contribution and inputs in meetings, etc. In
addition, the Chairman was also evaluated on the key aspects of his role.
In a separate meeting of Independent Directors, performance of non-independent
directors, performance of the board as a whole and performance of the Chairman was
evaluated, taking into account the views of executive directors and non-executive
directors. The same was discussed in the board meeting that followed the meeting of the
independent Directors, at which the performance of the Board, its committees and
individual directors was also discussed.
11. Internal Financial Control Systems and their adequacy
The details in respect of internal financial control and their adequacy are included in
the Management Discussion & Analysis, which forms part of this report.
12. Audit Committee
The details pertaining to composition of audit committee are included in the Corporate
Governance Report, which forms part of this report.
13. Share Capital
The paid-up Equity Share Capital of the Company as at March 31,2024 is Rs. 120 Lakhs.
The Company currently has no outstanding shares issued with differential rights, sweat
equity or ESOS.
14. Risk Management
Risks are events, situations or circumstances which may lead to negative consequences
on the Company's businesses. Risk management is a structured approach to manage
uncertainty. A formal enterprise wide approach to Risk Management is being adopted by the
Company and key risks is getting managed within a unitary framework. Key business risks
and their mitigation are considered in the annual/strategic business plans and in periodic
management reviews. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the risk management
plan and ensuring its effectiveness. The Audit Committee has additional oversight in the
area of financial risks and controls. Major risks identified by the businesses and
functions are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on a continuing basis.
15. Safety, Environment and Health
The Company considers safety, environment and health as the management responsibility.
Regular employee training programs are carried out in the manufacturing facilities on
safety, environment and health.
16. Particulars of Loans, Guarantees or Investments
The Company has not provided any loans and guarantees and no investments made pursuant
to Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 during the year ended on March 31,2024. Details
of loans, guarantees and investments covered under section 186 of the Act are given in the
notes to the Financial Statements.
17. Particulars of contracts or arrangements with related parties:
There are no materially significant related party transactions made by the Company with
related parties which may have potential conflict of interest with the Company at large.
As a matter of policy, your Company carries out transactions with related parties on an
arms' length basis. Statement of these transactions is given at Note No. 48 of the Notes
to financial statements.
Accordingly, particulars of contracts or arrangements with related parties referred to
in Section 188(1) of the Act along with the justification in prescribed Form AOC-2 is
furnished as Annexure-B' to this report.
The Policy on Materiality of Related Party Transactions and on dealing with Related
Party Transactions as approved by the Board is available on the Company's website and can
be accessed at https://investor.mercurylabs.com/wp-
content/uploads/2023/02/Related-Party-Transaction-Policy.pdf
18. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Company's CSR initiatives and activities are aligned to the requirements of Section 135
of the Act.
A brief outline of the CSR policy of the Company and the initiatives undertaken by the
Company on CSR activities during the year are set out in Annexure-C' of this
report in the format prescribed in the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy)
Rules, 2014.
This Policy is available on the Company's website at
https://investor.mercurylabs.com/wp-
content/uploads/2024/06/Corporate-Social-Responsibility-Policy-2-1.pdf. For other details
regarding the CSR Committee, please refer to the Corporate Governance Report, which is a
part of this report.
19. Policy on prevention, prohibition and Redressal of sexual harassment at workplace
The Company has zero tolerance for sexual harassment at workplace and has adopted a
Policy on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace, in
line with the provisions of The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the Rules there under. The Policy aims to provide
protection to employees at the workplace and prevent and redress complaints of sexual
harassment and for matters connected or incidental thereto, with the objective of
providing a safe working environment, where employees feel secure.
In compliance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the Company had constituted an Internal
Complaints Committee. The Committee has not received any complaint of sexual harassment
during the financial year 2023-24. The policy on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of
Sexual Harassment of Women at work place is placed on website of the Company
https://investor.mercurylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Policy-on-Prevention-of-Sexual-Harassment-at-
Work-Place.pdf
20. Vigil Mechanism/Whistle Blower Policy
The Company has adopted a Whistle Blower Policy, to provide a formal mechanism to the
Directors and employees to report their concerns about unethical behavior, actual or
suspected fraud or violation of the Company's Code of Conduct or ethics policy. The Policy
provides for adequate safeguards against victimization of employees who avail of the
mechanism and provides for direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. It is
affirmed that no personnel of the Company has been denied access to the Audit Committee.
The Whistle Blower Policy is posted on the website of the Company
https://investor.mercurylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Whistle_Blower_Policy_MLL-1.pdf
21. Significant and material orders passed by the regulators or courts.
No significant material orders have been passed by the Regulators or Courts or
Tribunals which would impact the going concern status of the Company and its future
operations.
22. Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo
The information on Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo stipulated under Section 134 (3)(m) of the Act read with Rule 8 of The
Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, is annexed as Annexure-D'.
23. Particulars of Employees and Remuneration
The information under Section 197 of the Act read with Rule 5 of the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014:
A. The ratio of the remuneration of each director to the median remuneration of the
employees of the Company and percentage increase in remuneration of each Director, Chief
Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary in the financial year:
Name of Director |
Designation |
Remuneration (Rs. in Lakhs) |
Ratio to Median Remuneration |
Percentage increase/ decrease in the remuneration |
*Mr. Divyakant R Zaveri |
Independent Director & Chairman |
2.5 |
1.23 |
? |
Mr. Rajendra R Shah 2 |
Managing Director |
18.66 |
9.15 |
(106) |
Mr. Dilip R Shah |
Non-Executive Director |
--- |
--- |
--- |
Mr. Bharat Mehta |
Independent Director |
--- |
--- |
--- |
**Mr. Paresh Mistry |
Non-Executive Director |
14.02 |
6.87 |
5.89 |
Ms. Janki R Shah |
Non-Executive Director |
--- |
--- |
--- |
Mr. Ashish Vasavada |
Chief Financial Officers |
14.30 |
7.01 |
10.85 |
Ms. Krishna Shah |
Company Secretary |
4.03 |
1.98 |
21.75 |
*Mr. Divyakant R Zaveri, being Chartered Accountant has been paid professional fees
during the year under review.
* *Mr. Paresh Mistry, Employee of the Company was appointed as director of the Company
w.e.f October 01,2017 and he continue to draw remuneration in his capacity as employee
holding office or place of profit in company.
Notes:
1. There was no change in the criteria for payment of remuneration to Managing
Director. The variation reflected in column % increase in remuneration in FY
2023-24 is due to change in amount of perquisites and other benefits. Basic salary
was remaining same.
2. The remuneration to Directors is within the overall limits approved by the
shareholders of the Company.
b. The percentage increase in the median remuneration of employees in the financial
year:
The percentage increase in the median remuneration of employees in the financial year
was 9.09%.
c. The number of permanent employees on the rolls of the Company: 482
d. Average percentile increase already made in the salaries of employees other than the
Managerial Personnel in the last financial year and its comparison with the percentile
increase in the managerial remuneration and justification thereof and point out if there
are any exceptional circumstances for increase in the managerial Remuneration:
Average percentage increase made in the salaries of employees other than the managerial
personnel in the financial year ending March 31, 2024 was approximately 4.89% and the
average increase in the managerial personnel remuneration was 5.77%
e. Affirmation that the remuneration is as per the remuneration policy of the Company:
The Company affirms that the remuneration paid are as per the remuneration policy of
the Company.
f. The statement containing names of top ten employees in terms of remuneration
drawn and the particulars of employees as required under Section 197(12) of the Act read
with Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Rules, 2014, is provided in a separate annexure forming part of this report.
Further, the report and the accounts are being sent to the Members excluding the aforesaid
annexure. In terms of Section 136 of the Act, the said annexure is open for inspection and
any Member interested in obtaining a copy of the same may write to the Company Secretary.
24. Auditors & Their Reports
(1) Statutory Auditors:
M/s. Naresh & Co., Chartered Accountants were appointed as Statutory Auditors of
your Company for a period of Five (5) years, commencing from the conclusion of the 41st
AGM held in the year 2022, until the conclusion of the 46th AGM to be held in
the year 2027.
The Statutory Auditors have confirmed their eligibility and submitted a certificate in
affirming that they are not disqualified for holding the office of the Statutory Auditor.
The report given by the Statutory Auditor on the financial statements of the Company forms
part of the Annual Report. There was no instance of fraud during the year under review,
which required the statutory auditors to report to the Audit Committee and/or Board under
Section 143(12) of the Act, and the rules made thereunder. No fraud has been reported by
the Auditors to the Audit Committee or the Board. The Notes on accounts, referred to in
the Auditor's Report, are self-explanatory and therefore do not call for any further
comments.
(2) Secretarial Auditors:
Pursuant to the provisions of the Section 204 of the Act and the Companies (Appointment
and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rule, 2014, the Board of Directors of the
Company had appointed M/s. Mitesh Rana & Co. a firm of Company Secretaries to carry
out Secretarial Audit for the year ended on March 31,2024. The Secretarial Audit Report is
annexed as Annexure-E'
The Auditors' Report and the Secretarial Audit Report for the financial year ended
March 31,2024 do not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark.
The Board of Directors of your Company has appointed M/s. Dholakia & Associates
LLP, Practicing Company Secretaries Firm, Mumbai to carry out Secretarial Audit of your
Company for FY 2024-25.
(3) Cost Auditors:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 148 read with Companies (Cost Records and Audit)
Amendment Rules, 2014 and as recommended by the Audit Committee, the Board had appointed
M/s. V.M. Patel & Associates, Practicing Cost Accountants, who have given their
consent to act as Cost Auditors and laid on the table the consent letter received from
them & confirmed that his appointment met the requirements of Section 141(3)(g) of the
Act for the year 2024-25 and that he was free from disqualification as specified under
section 141 read with Section 148 of the Act.
In terms of Rule 14 of the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rule, 2014, remuneration
payable to the cost auditors is required to be ratified by members. Accordingly, an
ordinary resolution will be passed by members at the 43rd Annual General Meeting approving
the remuneration payable to M/s. V.M. Patel & Associates.
(4) Internal Auditors
The Board of Directors appointed M/s. K R & Associates, Chartered Accountant as
Internal Auditors of the Company for financial year 2024-25.
25. Secretarial Standards:
The Company has complied with the all Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of
Company Secretaries of India and adopted under the Act
26. Deposits:
The Company has no unpaid and / or unclaimed deposit. The Company has accepted deposit
from Directors and the Shareholders and has complied with all applicable provisions of the
Companies Act relating to acceptance and renewal of deposits.
The details relating to deposits, covered under Chapter V of the Act are as under:
Particulars |
Amt in |
Accepted during the year from the Directors and Members |
None |
Remained unpaid or unclaimed as at the end of the year |
None |
Whether there has been any default in repayment ofdeposits or payment
of interest thereon during the year and if so, number of s uch cases and the total amount
involved (i) at the beginning of the year;(ii) maximum during the year; and (iii) at the
end of the year; |
None |
27. Extract of Annual Return
A copy of Annual Return as required in accordance with Section 92(3) of the Act read
with the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, has been placed on
Company's website at http://investor.mercurylabs.com/miscellaneous-shareholder-details/
28. Material Change & Commitments, if any
There is no material changes and commitments, that would affect financial position of
the company from the end of the financial year of the company to which the financial
statements relate and the date of director's report.
29. Corporate Governance Report
As stipulated by Regulation 34(3) read with Schedule V(C) of the Listing Regulations,
Corporate Governance Report forms part of this Annual Report Annexed to the said report is
the Auditor's Certificate as prescribed under Schedule V(E) of the Listing Regulations
certifying compliance with conditions of corporate governance.
30. Independent Directors
The Independent Directors of the Company have given the declaration and confirmation to
the Company as required under Section 149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation
25(8) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015
confirming that they meet the criteria of independence and that they are not aware of any
circumstances or situation which exists or may be reasonably anticipated that could impair
or impact their ability to discharge their duties with an objective independent judgment
and without any external influence.
The Board of Directors of your company confirms that the Independent Directors fulfill
the conditions specified in Section 149 (6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the SEBI
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and are independent of
the management.
31. Unclaimed Dividend Amounts and Transfer to IEPF
The Company has transferred dividend amounts which remained unpaid or unclaimed for a
period of seven years from the date of their transfer to unpaid dividend account, from
time to time, on due dates to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)
administered by the Central Government.
The Company has uploaded the details of unpaid and unclaimed dividends lying with the
Company as on March 31, 2024 on the website of the Company.
During the year under review, the Company has transferred 1100 equity shares of Rs.
10/- (Rupees Ten only) each of 7 members whose dividend has remained unclaimed / unpaid
for a consecutive period of 7 (seven) years to the demat account of IEPF after giving
notice to the members and advertisement in newspaper to claim their shares and the Company
has credited unclaimed dividend of Rs. 1,33,583 to the Investor Education and Protection
Fund (IEPF) pursuant to Section 125(1) of the Act, pertaining to FY 2015-16. Details of
shares transferred to IEPF Authority during financial year 2023-24 are also available on
the website of the Company http://investor.mercurylabs.com/details-of- shares-to-iepf/
32. Familiarisation Program for Independent Directors
All Independent Directors are familiarised with the operations and functioning of the
Company at the time of their appointment and on an ongoing basis. The details of the
training and familiarisation program are provided in the Corporate Governance Report and
is also available on the website of the Company at
https://investor.mercurylabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Director-Familirazation-Programme_05.05.2023.pdf
33. Prohibition of Insider Trading
In compliance with The SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015
(PIT Regulations) as amended, the Company has framed a Code of Conduct to
regulate, monitor and report trading by all the employees, directors, designated persons
and their immediate relatives, connected persons and such employees of the Company who are
expected to have access to the UPSI relating to the Company. The Code lays down
guidelines, which advises them on procedure to be followed and disclosures to be made,
while dealing in the shares of the Company. Company also maintains the structured digital
database as mandated in the PIT Regulations.
34. Other Disclosures
i. During the year under review, there was no change in Company's nature of business
ii. The Company has not failed to implement any corporate action during the year under
review;
iii. The disclosure pertaining to explanation for any deviation or variation in
connection with certain terms of public issue, rights issue, preferential issue, etc. is
not applicable to the Company;
iv. Company does not have any subsidiary, associate or joint venture Companies within
the meaning of the Companies Act, 2013.
v. No application was made nor is any proceeding pending under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
vi. The Company does not have any scheme of provision of money for the purchase of its
own shares by employees or by trustees for the benefit of employees.
vii. No settlements have been done with banks or financial institutions.
viii. The Company doesn't fulfill the criteria provided under Regulation 34(2)(f) of
the SEBI Listing Regulations 2015, therefore Business Responsibility & Sustainability
Report is not applicable to the Company
35. Acknowledgment
The Board of Directors wish to place on record their appreciation for the continued
support extended by the Bankers, Business Associates, clients, vendors and suppliers,
Government Authorities, Employees at all levels and Stakeholders, in furthering the
interest of the Company.
Date: May 28, 2024 |
On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mercury Laboratories Limited |
Rajendra R. Shah |
Dilip R Shah |
Managing Director |
Director |
DIN: 00257253 |
DIN: 00257242 |
Place: Vadodara |
Place: USA |