Your Directors are pleased to present the Thirty Eighth Annual Report on the business
and operation of the Company together with Audited Financial Statements for the financial
year ended March 31, 2023.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights for the year ended March 31, 2023 are given below:
(Rs. in Crores)
|
Standalone |
Consolidated |
|
for the year ended |
for the year ended |
Particulars |
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
March 31, |
March 31, |
March 31, |
|
2023 |
2022 |
2023 |
2022 |
Total Income |
4,023.40 |
3749.64 |
4149.10 |
3840.79 |
Total Expenditure |
1785.28 |
1556.50 |
1874.47 |
1636.71 |
Profit before share of profit / (Loss) |
|
|
|
|
from Joint Ventures and tax |
2238.12 |
2193.14 |
2274.63 |
2204.08 |
Share of profit / (Loss) from joint venture |
- |
- |
3.54 |
(8.71) |
Profit before tax |
2238.12 |
2193.14 |
2278.17 |
2195.37 |
Income tax expense |
563.59 |
548.34 |
571.25 |
553.46 |
Profit for the year |
1674.53 |
1644.80 |
1706.92 |
1641.91 |
Profit for the year attributable to:- |
|
|
|
|
-Owners of the Company |
- |
- |
1706.41 |
1641.80 |
-Non- Controlling Interest |
- |
- |
0.51 |
0.11 |
Other Comprehensive Income |
|
|
|
|
Net other comprehensive income not to |
|
|
|
|
be reclassified to profit or loss in |
1.43 |
1.29 |
1.10 |
1.56 |
subsequent periods |
|
|
|
|
Other Comprehensive Income for the |
|
|
|
|
year attributable to:-- |
|
|
|
|
- Owners of the Company |
- |
- |
1.08 |
1.53 |
- Non- Controlling Interest |
- |
- |
0.02 |
0.03 |
Total comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
for the year |
1676.06 |
1646.09 |
1708.02 |
1643.47 |
Total Comprehensive Income for the |
|
|
|
|
year attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
- Owners of the Company |
- |
- |
1707.49 |
1643.33 |
- Non- Controlling Interest |
- |
- |
0.53 |
0.14 |
Total comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
for the year |
1676.06 |
1646.09 |
1708.02 |
1643.47 |
Retained Earnings |
|
|
|
|
at the beginning of the year |
6900.55 |
5796.33 |
7002.54 |
5901.05 |
Interim Dividend |
591.13 |
541.87 |
591.13 |
541.87 |
Tax on Interim Dividend |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Retained Earnings at the end of the year |
7985.48 |
6900.55 |
8118.93 |
7002.54 |
Earnings Per Share ( Face Value Rs.5/- ) |
42.49 |
41.74 |
43.31 |
41.66 |
PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW
During the financial year ended March 31, 2023 total income was Rs. 4023.4 crore as
against Rs. 3,749.64 crore during the previous year ended March 31, 2022. Profit Before
Tax was Rs. 2238.12 crore as against Rs. 2193.14 crore in the previous year. Profit After
Tax was Rs. 1674.53 crore as against Rs. 1,644.80 crore in the previous year.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Your Company, one of the largest Television Broadcasters in India operating Satellite
Television Channels across six languages of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi and
Bangla and presently airing FM radio stations across India continues to have sustained and
increased viewership of its channels with Sun TV being the most watched channel in India.
The Company produces its own content / acquires the related rights. The Company has the
license to operate an Indian Premier League ('IPL') franchise "SunRisers
Hyderabad" & SunRisers Eastern Cape Cricket South Africa's T20 League, and also
opened a branch office in South Africa. The Company also operates an OTT platform
"SUNNXT". There is no change in the nature of business of the Company.
DIVIDEND
The Board of Directors during the financial year ended March 31, 2023 have declared
Interim Dividends of, Rs. 5.00
th
per equity share (100%) of face value of Rs. 5.00 each declared on 12 August, 2022, Rs.
3.75 per equity share (75%)
th rd
declared on 11 November, 2022, Rs. 3.75 per equity share (75%) declared on 3 February,
2022 and Rs. 2.50 per
th
equity share (50%) of face value of Rs. 5.00 on 13 March, 2023 and have not recommended
any Final Dividend. The dividend payout has resulted in a total dividend of 300%, i.e.,
Rs. 15.00 per equity share of face value of Rs. 5.00 each for the financial year ended
March 31, 2023. (Prev. Year of 275%, i.e., Rs. 13.75 per equity share of face value of Rs.
5.00 each). The Payout ratio for the year stood at 35.30%.
As per regulation 43A of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ('SEBI Listing Regulations'),
the Company has adopted a Dividend Distribution Policy which is available on the website
of the Company at www.suntv.in.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
During the financial year 2022-23, no amount has been transferred to the General
Reserve.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to the requirements under Section 134(3) (c) of the Companies Act, 2013 the
Directors to the best of their knowledge hereby state and confirm that for the year ended
March 31, 2023:
v In the preparation of the Statement of Profit & Loss for the financial year ended
March 31, 2023 and Balance Sheet at that date ("financial statements"), the
applicable accounting standards have been followed along with proper explanation relating
to material departures, if any;
v Appropriate accounting policies have been selected and applied them consistently and
made such 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 as at the end of the financial year and
of the profit of the Company for that period;
v 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. To ensure this, the Company
has established internal control systems, consistent with its size and nature of
operations. In weighing the assurance provided by any such system of internal controls its
inherent limitations should be recognized. These systems are reviewed and updated on an
ongoing basis. Periodic internal audits are conducted to provide reasonable assurance of
compliance with these systems. The Audit Committee meets at regular intervals to review
the internal audit function;
v The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis;
v Proper internal financial controls were in place and that the financial controls were
adequate and were operating effectively; and
v Proper systems are in place to ensure compliance of all laws applicable to the
Company.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
In accordance with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Company has constituted
a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. The CSR Committee of the Company has approved
a CSR policy. The Annual report on CSR activities as required under Companies (Corporate
Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 has been appended in Annexure I to this Report.
Further details relating to the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee are provided in
the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this report.
SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
Your Company has two subsidiaries viz., M/s. Kal Radio Limited and M/s. South Asia FM
Limited (SAFM). SAFM is a subsidiary under section 2(87) of the Companies Act, 2013.
However, the same is treated as Joint venture as per Ind-AS accounting standard framework.
There has been no material change in the nature of business of the subsidiaries.
Shareholders interested in obtaining a copy of the audited annual accounts of the
subsidiary companies may write to the Company Secretary. In terms of proviso to sub
section (3) of Section 129 of the Act, the salient features of the financial statement of
the subsidiaries is set out in the prescribed Form AOC 1 as Annexure II which forms part
of the annual report. There was no change in subsidiaries, joint ventures or associate
companies during the financial year under review. Financial accounts of subsidiary company
for the financial year 2022-23 will be available on the Company's website www.suntv.in
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
All Related Party Transactions entered during the year were in Ordinary Course of the
Business and at Arm's Length basis. There are no materially significant related party
transactions, i.e. transactions exceeding 10% of the annual consolidated turnover as per
the last audited financial statement entered into by the Company with its Directors/Key
Managerial Personnel or their respective relatives, the Company's Promoter(s), its
subsidiaries/joint ventures/ associates or any other related party, that may have a
potential conflict with the interest of the Company at large. Accordingly, the disclosure
of Related Party Transactions as required under Section 134(3)(h) of the Companies Act,
2013, in Form AOC-2 is not applicable. The Policy on Related Party Transactions, as
formulated by the Board is available on the Company's website at www.suntv.in
STATUTORY AUDITORS AND SECRETARIAL AUDITORS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 139(1),141, 142 and other applicable provisions
of the Companies Act, 2013, the Company appointed M/s. S.R. Batliboi & Associates LLP,
Chartered Accountants, (ICAI Firm Registration No:
th
101049W/E300004) as Statutory Auditors for a term of five years from the conclusion of
37 Annual General Meeting
nd
till the conclusion of 42 Annual General Meeting to be held in the year 2027 Further,
M/s. S.R. Batliboi & Associates LLP have confirmed that they hold a valid certificate
issued by the Peer Review Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India as
required under the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 and The Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Company has
appointed Smt. Lakshmmi Subramanian, Senior Partner of M/s. Lakshmmi Subramanian &
Associates, a firm of Company Secretaries in Practice to undertake the Secretarial Audit
of the Company. The Secretarial Audit Report for the financial year under review is
annexed herewith as Annexure III. The unmodified / unqualified report of Statutory
Auditors and Secretarial Auditors forms part of this report.
INTERNAL AUDITORS
M/s. K. Ramkrish & Co., Chartered Accountants, Chennai has been re-appointed as
Internal Auditors of the Company for the financial year 2023-24. The Audit Committee of
the Board and the Statutory Auditors are periodically apprised of the Internal Audit
findings and corrective actions are taken.
COST AUDITORS
The Company maintains the Cost Records as specified by the Central Government under
sub-section (1) of section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013. In pursuance of Section 148 of
the Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014 M/s. S.
Sundar & Associates, Cost Accountants, was engaged to carry out Audit of
Cost Records of the Company for the Financial Year 2023-24. Requisite proposal seeking
ratification of remuneration payable to the Cost Auditor forms part of the notice of
ensuing Annual General Meeting.
During the year under review, the Statutory Auditors, Cost Auditors and Secretarial
Auditor have not reported any instances of frauds committed in the Company by its Officers
or Employees to the Audit Committee under section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013.
MATERIAL SUBSIDIARY COMPANY
Pursuant to the Regulation 16 of the Listing Regulations, your Company has no material
subsidiary company, whose turnover or net worth exceeds 10% of the consolidated turnover
or net worth respectively of your Company and its subsidiaries in the immediately
preceding accounting year.
TRANSFER TO THE INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND
In terms of Section 125 (2) of the Companies Act, 2013, an amount of Rs. 3,54,087/-
being unclaimed dividend pertaining to the financial year 2014-15 & 2015-16, had been
transferred during the year to the Investor Education and Protection Fund established by
the Central Government.
DIRECTORS
None of the Company's Directors are disqualified from being appointed as a Director as
specified in Section 164 (2) of the Companies Act, 2013.
RETIREMENT BY ROTATION
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, Mr. K. Vijaykumar (DIN:
03578076), Executive Director of the Company will retire at the ensuing AGM and being
eligible, seeks re-appointment. The Board of Directors recommend his re-appointment.
The information on the particulars of Director eligible for re-appointment in terms of
Regulation 36(3) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations
has been provided in the annexure to the notice convening the Annual General Meeting.
CHANGES IN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
st
In a postal ballot dated 31 January 2022, the Company had re-appointed Mr. Kalanithi
Maran as Whole Time Director,
th
designated as "Executive Chairman" for the period of 5 years with effect from
20 April 2022, and Mrs. Kavery Kalanithi
th
as Whole Time Director, designated as "Executive Director" for the period of
5 years with effect from 20 April, 2022.
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 the Key Managerial Personnel of
the Company are Mr. Kalanithi Maran, Executive Chairman, Mr. R. Mahesh Kumar, Managing
Director, Mrs. Kavery Kalanithi, Executive Director, Mr. K. Vijaykumar, Executive
Director, Ms. Kaviya Kalanithi Maran, Executive Director, Mr. V.C. Unnikrishnan, Chief
Financial Officer and Mr. R. Ravi, Company Secretary.
SHARE CAPITAL
During the year, there were no changes in the Capital Structure of the Company.
CHANGES IN MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
During the year, there were no alterations made in the Memorandum and Articles of
Association of the Company.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT, MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS REPORT AND OTHER
INFORMATION REQUIRED UNDER THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013 AND SEBI (LISTING OBLIGATIONS AND
DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS) REGULATIONS, 2015
As required under Regulation 34 and Schedule V of SEBI (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (hereinafter referred to as "Listing
Regulations") the report on Management Discussion and Analysis, Corporate Governance
as well as the Practicing Company Secretaries' certificate regarding compliance of
conditions of Corporate Governance forms part of the Annual Report.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
In terms of Regulation 34(2) (f) of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosures
Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ('Listing Regulations') the Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Report, in the prescribed format, forms an Integral Part of the Annual
Report.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
Sun TV Network Limited had 1,086 employees as of March 31, 2023 (previously 1,106). In
accordance with the provisions of Section 197 (12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with
Rule 5 of The Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014
the required information is provided in the Annual Report which forms part of this Report.
However, as per the provisions of Section 136(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Annual
Report is being sent to all the Shareholders of the Company excluding the aforesaid
information. Any member interested in obtaining such information may address their email
to tvinfo@sunnetwork.in. The said information is available for inspection at the
registered office of the Company during working hours up to the date of ensuing AGM.
SIGNIFICANT/MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS
There were no significant or material orders passed by the regulators or courts or
tribunals impacting the going concern status and that of the Company's operations in
future.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY
BETWEEN THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR AND THE DATE OF THE REPORT
There were no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the
Company that occurred between the end of financial year to which this financial statements
relate to and the date of this Report.
ANNUAL RETURN
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 the Annual Return in the
prescribed format is available on the website of the Company www.suntv.in
NUMBER OF MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
During the financial year, Five Board Meetings were held. The details of meetings are
furnished in the Corporate Governance Report. The intervening gap between the Meetings did
not exceed as per Section 173 (1) of the Companies Act.
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS' DECLARATION
All Independent Directors have given declarations that they meet the criteria of
independence as laid down under Section 149 (6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation
16(1)(b) of the Listing Regulations.
POLICY OF DIRECTORS' APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION
The Company's policy on Director's appointment and remuneration including criteria for
determining qualifications, positive attributes, independence of a Director and other
matters provided in Section 178(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 is available at the
Company's website www.suntv.in. Further, information about remuneration of individual
Directors are provided in the of Annual Return Form MGT - 7.
BOARD DIVERSITY
The Company recognizes that a Board of diverse and inclusive culture is integral to its
success. Ethnicity, age and gender diversity are areas of strategic focus to the
composition of our Board. The Board considers that its diversity, including gender
diversity, is a vital asset to the business. The Board has adopted the Board Diversity
policy which can be accessed at www.suntv.in.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The details pertaining to the composition of the various Committees of the Board of
Directors are included in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this
report.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES AND INVESTMENT
Details of Loans, Guarantees and Investments covered under the provisions of Section
186 of the Companies Act, 2013 are given in the notes to the Financial Statements (Note
No. 7 & 9).
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL
The information about internal financial controls is set out in the Management
Discussion & Analysis Report, which is attached and forms part of the report.
PUBLIC DEPOSITS
During the year under review, your Company did not accept any deposits in terms of
Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposit)
Rules, 2014.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Board has constituted a Risk Management Committee comprising of Independent
Directors and has developed and implemented a detailed risk management policy for the
Company including identification therein of elements of risk, if any, which in the opinion
of the Board may threaten the existence of the Company as required under Section 134 of
the Companies Act, 2013 read with Regulation 21 of the Listing regulations. The Company
has constituted a Risk Management Committee of the Board comprising of an Independent
Directors of the Company as required under Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The Committee reviews the risk
management initiatives taken by the Company on a Quarterly basis and evaluate its impact
and the plans for mitigation. For details, please refer to the Management Discussion and
Analysis report which form part of the Board's Report.
FAMILIARIZATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The Company has practice of conducting structured induction and familiarization
programme of the Independent Directors as detailed in the Corporate Governance Report
which forms part of the Annual Report.
VIGIL MECHANISM/ WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
As per Section 177 (10) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 22 of the Listing
Regulations, the Company has a vigil mechanism to deal with instance of fraud and
mismanagement, if any. The details of policy are explained in the Corporate Governance
Report. Policy on Vigil Mechanism is hosted on the website www.suntv.in
PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL POSITION OF SUBSIDIARIES
The financial position of each of the subsidiaries is provided in a separate statement
AOC 1, attached to the Financial Statement pursuant to first proviso of Section 129(3) of
the Companies Act, 2013 as Annexure II.
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS' MEETING
As per Regulation 25 of the Listing Regulations, a separate meeting of Independent
Directors was held during the financial year. The detailed information is given in the
Corporate Governance Report.
BOARD EVALUATION
In terms of applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI Listing
Regulations, the Board has carried out a formal annual evaluation of its own performance,
the Directors individually as well as the functioning of its committees. A detailed
explanation has been given in the Corporate Governance Report.
POLICY ON INSIDER TRADING
Pursuant to the provisions of the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations,
2015, as amended the Code of Conduct to regulate, monitor and report trading by Designated
Persons and their Immediate and the policy for fair disclosure of unpublished price
sensitive information has been made available on the Company's website www.suntv.in
POLICY ON PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORKPLACE
The Company has zero tolerance for sexual harassment at workplace and has adopted an
Anti-Sexual Harassment policy in line with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of
Women at workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the Rules
thereunder. During the year under review no complaints on sexual harassment were received.
The Company has constituted Internal Complaints Committee with four members to consider
and resolve sexual harassment complaints. The Committee met once in the financial year
ended March 31, 2023.
DETAILS OF APPLICATION MADE OR ANY PROCEEDING PENDING UNDER THE INSOLVENCY AND
BANKRUPTCY CODE 2016, DURING THE YEAR
No applications have been made and no proceedings are pending against the Company under
the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016.
INFORMATION AS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 134(3)(m) OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013 READ WITH
RULE 8(3) OF THE COMPANIES (ACCOUNTS) RULES, 2014
(A) CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, ADAPTATION AND INNOVATION
The Company is engaged in Satellite Television Broadcasting operations and the
information, as intended under section 134(3)(m) does not arise. The Company uses the
latest high definition (HD) digital technology in broadcasting its programs. The outdated
technologies are constantly identified and updated with latest innovations.
(B) FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
(Rs. in Crores)
Particulars |
March 31, 2023 |
March 31, 2022 |
Foreign Exchange Earnings |
481.61 |
213.93 |
Foreign Exchange Outgo |
167.36 |
597.23 |
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As required by Indian Accounting Standard Ind-AS 110 & Ind-AS 27 on Consolidated
Financial Statements issued by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, the
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are attached. The Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements also account for the non-controlling interest of your
Company's subsidiary.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
Your Company has complied with the applicable Secretarial Standards, SS-1 relating to
Meetings of Board and SS-2 relating to General Meetings.
CERTIFICATIONS
The Managing Director and the Chief Financial Officer have submitted a certificate to
the Board regarding the financial statements and other matters as required under
Regulation 17(8) of the Listing Regulations and the Managing Director has confirmed the
Code of Conduct as envisaged in Listing Regulations. In terms of Regulation 34 of SEBI
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, an Independent
professional has given a Certificate on Corporate Governance Compliance and a Certificate
stating that none of the Directors are disqualified, which forms part of the report.
MAJOR THINGS HAPPENED DURING THE YEAR WHICH MADE THE IMPACT ON THE OVERALL WORKINGS OF
THE COMPANY & THE MAJOR ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE COMPANY IN THAT RESPECT
Nil
THE DETAILS OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMOUNT OF THE VALUATION DONE AT THE TIME OF ONE TIME
SETTLEMENT AND THE VALUATION DONE WHILE TAKING LOAN FROM THE BANKS OR FINANCIAL
INSTITUTIONS ALONG WITH THE REASONS THEREOF
During the year under review there was no instance of one-time settlement with any Bank
or Financial Institution.
APPRECIATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors take this opportunity to place on record their deep appreciation of the
dedication, hard work, solidarity, co-operation, support and commitment of employees at
all levels in maintaining the sustained growth of your Company and remain in the forefront
of media and entertainment business.
Your Directors thank and express their gratitude for the support and co-operation
received from the Central and State Governments mainly the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting and the Department of Telecommunication and other stakeholders including
viewers, producers, vendors, financial institutions, banks, investors, service providers
as well as regulatory and governmental authorities and stock exchanges, for their
continued support.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
|
Kalanithi Maran |
Place : Chennai |
Chairman |
Date : August 11, 2023 |
DIN: 00113886 |