To,
The Shareholders
The Directors have the pleasure of presenting the Fifty First Annual
Report of your Company together with the Audited Financial Statement for the year ended 31st
March, 2024.
HIGHLIGHTS
1. Celebrating Legacy, Shaping tomorrow: Branded business:
The branded business which now accounts for around 72% of the overall
revenues of the Company has maintained its strength, consistently outperforming the market
in the respective geographies of presence. This is a testament to the enduring legacy of
excellence established over the years. The acquired India business of Curatio Health Care
(I) Private Limited ("Curatio") continues to create value, expanding market
reach and deepening our presence in the dermatology segment. With business now fully
integrated, synergies have materialised leading to margin expansion.
Generic:
Germany has registered strong growth on the back of new tender wins and
better conversion rate in tenders already won in the past. Incremental investments are
being made to increase the share of OTC business over the next 3 years and also building
portfolio around a new customer segment.
US, with the manufacturing facility at Dahej and Bileshwarpura approved
by the USFDA, new products launch will start from April 2024. Over the next 3 years, US is
expected to contribute positively to the overall performance of the Company.
2. India business:
Market outperformance: As per AIOCD data set (MAT March 24), the
Company grew at 11 % versus Indian Pharmaceutical Market (IPM) growth of 7%. Growth was
aided by strong performance of top brands, new launch momentum, market share gain in focus
therapies and growth from the Curatio acquired portfolio.
Field force expansion: During the year, the Company has expanded
field force to complement its new launches and selectively expand its reach amongst
Consulting Physicians and General Practitioners. As at 31st March 2024, total
number of field force stood at around 5,700.
In-Licensing: The Company entered into a strategic alliance with
Zydus Lifesciences Ltd for co-marketing Saroglitazar, prescribed for critical treatment
for Chronic liver diseases. The alliance will further augment our gastroenterology
franchise and will help to address emerging unmet patient needs of NASH and NAFLD disease
areas with high prevalence and limited therapeutic options availability.
Consumer Health: The Consumer health segment was launched in H2
of 2022-23. The under this segment was Shelcal 500 and further during the year, the
portfolio expanded with addition of more brands such as Unienzyme, Ahaglow and Tedibar.
Various digital campaign activations are undertaken including nationwide TV
advertisements, social media launch on websites and social handles.
The Company is now ranked 5th in the IPM. It has 21
brands in the Top 500 brands of IPM and has 16 brands with revenues of more than 100
crores.
The Company will continue to strengthen its competitive position
through focus on new launches, market expansion, improving field force productivity and
brand building.
3. Brazil business:
The Company continues to be ranked no. 1 Indian Pharmaceutical
Company in Brazil.
Brazil registered a growth of 20% (BRL growth of 12%). The
performance was aided by new product launches, improvement of market share in existing
products and higher growth in the generic segment.
As per secondary market data, Brazil grew at 14% against market
growth of 10% in value and 14 % vs market growth of 0.4% in volumes.
The Company launched three products during the year.
The Company has added a second sales team for its Central
Nervous System (CNS) products. The expanded sales force will complement new launches.
As at 31st March 2024, total number of field force
stood at around 321.
The Company will continue to deepen its presence in the existing
therapies of cardiology, diabetes and CNS by focusing on brand building, expansion of
product portfolio and improvement in field force productivity. The Company is also
preparing for two new therapeutic areas.
4. Germany business:
The Company continues to be ranked no. 1 amongst the Indian
Pharmaceutical Companies in Germany and is ranked no. 5 in the overall generic market.
The Company saw sequential growth on rolling quarter with new
tender wins, better conversion of existing tenders and growth in the non-tender segments.
As per IQVIA dataset (MAT March 24), the Company grew at 11% against market growth of 4%.
The Company continues to focus on cost efficiency efforts to
improve its market share in the tender segment, launching products that face patent
expiries, expanding non-tender segment & developing its OTC business.
5. US business:
US business registered de-growth mainly due to lack of new
products coupled with price erosion on existing products.
USFDA approved Dahej facility has received Establishment
Inspection Report (EIR), which paves way for the new product approvals. New product
launches will start from April 2024. Oncology facility has received EIR and the first
product is launched from this facility.
At end of year, 34 ANDAs were pending approval with USFDA and 4
tentative approvals were received. During the year,
10 ANDAs were approved and 2 ANDAs were filed.
6. Financial Performance:
The Company registered a revenue growth of 12% and Operating
EBITDA growth of 19%.
Operating EBITDA margins were 31% compared to 30% in the
previous year. product to be launched
At end of 2023-24, leverage in terms of Net debt to EBITDA
stands at 0.87x.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
The summary of Standalone (Company) and Consolidated (Company and its
subsidiaries) operating results for the year and appropriation of divisible profit is
given below:
( H in crores except per share data)
|
Standalone |
|
Consolidated |
|
|
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
Sales & Operating Income |
8,533 |
7,695 |
10,728 |
9,620 |
Profit Before Depreciation & Amortisation,
Net Finance Cost, Exceptional Items & Tax |
2,979 |
2,536 |
3,414 |
2,872 |
Less: Depreciation & Amortisation |
761 |
672 |
808 |
706 |
Less: Net Finance Cost |
301 |
287 |
342 |
319 |
Profit Before Exceptional Items & Tax |
1,917 |
1,577 |
2,264 |
1,847 |
Less: Exceptional Items |
- |
- |
(88) |
- |
Less: Tax Expense |
560 |
526 |
696 |
602 |
Net Profit for the Year |
1,357 |
1,051 |
1,656 |
1,245 |
Balance brought forward |
3,394 |
3,213 |
3,303 |
2,917 |
Other Comprehensive income and other adjustments |
0 |
(7) |
(2) |
4 |
Balance available for appropriation |
4,751 |
4,257 |
4,957 |
4,166 |
Appropriated as under: |
|
|
|
|
Transfer to General Reserve |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Dividend |
1,015 |
863 |
1,015 |
863 |
Balance Carried Forward |
3,736 |
3,394 |
3,942 |
3,303 |
Earnings Per Share (H per share) |
40.10 |
31.07 |
48.94 |
36.79 |
Consolidated Operating Results
The consolidated sales and operating income increased to H 10,728
crores from H 9,620 crores in the previous year showing a growth of 12%. The consolidated
operating profit for the year was H 3,414 crores as against H 2,872 crores in the previous
year registering growth of 19%. The consolidated net profit stood at H 1,656 crores
compared to H 1,245 crores in the previous year registering growth of 33%.
Exceptional Item
Exceptional item of 88 crores pertains to gain on sale of
manufacturing facility at US which was previously impaired.
Management Discussion and Analysis (MDA)
The details of operating performance of the Company for the year, the
state of affairs and the key changes in the operating environment have been analysed in
the Management Discussion and Analysis section which forms a part of the Annual Report.
APPROPRIATIONS
i) Dividend
The Company endeavours to distribute 50% of its annual consolidated net
profit after tax without taking into account non-cash charges relating to the business
acquisitions as dividend, in accordance with the dividend policy. The policy is available
on the website https://www.torrentpharma.com/pdf/investors/Dividend_Policy.pdf
During the year under review, an interim dividend of H 22/- per equity
share of face value of H 5/- each (@ 440%) amounting to H 745 crores was paid to
the shareholders. Further the Board considered it prudent to recommend the final dividend
for 2023-24 as per the Dividend Distribution Policy and accordingly recommended a final
dividend of H 6/- per equity share of face value of H 5/- each (@ 120%) amounting to H 203
crores for approval of shareholders at the 51st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of
the Company. Hence, the total dividend paid / payable with respect to the year under
review was of H 28/- per equity share
(@ 560%) amounting to H 948 crores.
ii) Transfer to Reserves
The Board of Directors of the Company has decided not to transfer any
amount to the reserves for the year under review.
HUMAN RESOURCES
At Torrent Pharma, we recognise our employees as the Company's most
valuable assets essential to our growth and success. Our employees at every level,
contribute through their commitment, loyalty and hard work making our achievements
possible. In order to sustain this, we continue to build competencies to embrace the new
skills for a sustainable future. This has enabled the Company to develop an inclusive,
multicultural organisation that fosters employee satisfaction, diversity and a sense of
belonging.
We believe that the Company's success is the result of the combined
efforts of all its employees. During the year, the Company took several initiatives to
increase organisational performance and productivity in order to be a value-driven and
future-ready Organisation.
With the acquisition of Curatio Health Care (I) Private Limited; the
Human Resources Department has successfully facilitated the integration of the new
employees into Torrent's culture through various training and development programs.
Moreover, continuous training programs for Managers, both in the field and at the
Corporate Office, ensured the acquisition of new managerial skills, essential to be ready
for future challenges.
The Company is committed to provide a safe and healthy working
environment and achieving an injury and illness free work place. Economic considerations,
never supersedes health and safety measures and our leaders actively demonstrate visible
commitment towards health and safety.
All lead and lag incidents are reported through an incident reporting
system. The system has well-established procedures for reporting incidents; later
investigations are carried out to determine root cause, corrective actions and
improvements in the current systems. This entire process is carried out, in a
non-retaliatory mechanism for employees and contract staff equally resulting in reporting
incidents without fear.
Through cadre and capability building efforts, we remain focused on
strengthening our talent processes and building the talent pipeline for the Organisation.
Significant efforts have been made to strengthen our leadership and hire the best talent
available. These have helped to bring a new perspective and energy in the Organisation.
Our training and development initiatives have played a pivotal role in talent development
and enhancing employees' managerial skills.
To foster a sense of togetherness amongst our employees, various
initiatives such as SAMPARK have been implemented, facilitating regular interactions
between management and new employees offering Orientation program and avenues for open
communication.
Our coaching and mentoring programs alongside initiatives such as
Sahyog, Baat-cheet and U Coffee sessions empower employees to speak out on issues, learn
and grow both professionally and personally.
The Company's commitment towards health and safety extends to promote a
culture of health, wellbeing and psychological safety. Every employee takes responsibility
for their actions' impact on others and on the workplace and engages in meaningful, open
and respectful advice.
The Company is committed to Diversity and Inclusivity in the
Organisation. Various Women-friendly policies have created an ecosystem over the years
that enable women to work and contribute to the Organisation. Maternity Benefits as well
as Day care facilities are provided to further support female employees in advancing their
careers. The Company believes in meritocracy and has a robust appraisal system in place
for having a fair evaluation without any gender bias.
The Company believes and will continue to invest in the employees'
professional development, emphasising responsible growth and innovation. The Company
fosters a commitment to address patient needs, contribute to community well-being and
environmental sustainability.
The Company has a diverse workforce of 14,916 employees as on 31st
March, 2024 vis-?-vis 13,573 employees as on 31st March, 2023.
VIGIL MECHANISM
The Company has built a strong reputation over the years for conducting
its business with honesty and integrity and has exhibited zero tolerance towards any form
of unethical behavior or misconduct.
Our commitment to professionalism, fairness, dignity, and ethical
conduct is reinforced through a robust reporting system for all its employees and
stakeholders detailed in the Corporate Governance Report.
This reporting system not only encourages the reporting of unethical
behavior but also ensures the protection of whistle blowers, granting them direct access
to the Audit Committee. Our Code of Business Conduct articulates important corporate
ethical practices that shapes our business operations and represent our core values.
Both the Whistle blower Policy and Code of Business Conduct are
accessible on our website at www.torrentpharma.com demonstrating our commitment to
transparency and accountability.
Furthermore in compliance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment
of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the rules made
thereunder, the Company has formulated a Policy on protection of women against sexual
harassment at workplace. In this context, the Company regularly organises a series of
interactive awareness workshops for its employees. The Company has complied with the
provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and
Redressal) Act, 2013 relating to the formation of Internal Complaints Committee. During
the year, no complaints were received under this policy.
In addition, the Company has in place the Human Rights Policy defining
the guiding principles for respecting and protecting the Human Rights across the
Company's operations.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
The CSR Activities undertaken by the Company were under the thrust
areas of Community Healthcare, Sanitation & Hygiene, Education & Knowledge
Enhancement and Social Care & Concern. During the year, the Company was required to
spend H 29.65 crore (2% of the average net profit of the past three financial
years). The total amount spent during the year was H 40.96 crore. Further, the
unspent amount at the end of the year was transferred to "Unspent CSR Account".
The brief details of the major CSR activities are described hereunder:
REACH: Driven by the belief of Chairman Emeritus, Sudhir Mehta Children
are the future of our nation and this future must be well preserved', the
flagship CSR program of the Group "REACH" Reach EAch CHild was initiated
in the year 2016 under the aegis of UNM Foundation, a Section 8 Company
("UNMF").
In the past years, UNMF adjusted its approach towards community
healthcare initiatives, which are now carried out in two distinct categories viz. Outreach
Activities and Medical Services.
Outreach Activities
Targeting baseline health of children, these activities are designed to
improve the health and well-being of children in underserved communities, establishing a
foundation for a healthy future. Under this programme, UNMF organises baseline screening
camps across various villages covered in three states including Gujarat, Maharashtra,
Uttar Pradesh and Union Territory of Diu, Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli. Children are
screened for anaemia and malnourishment; necessary interventions are taken for possible
improvement.
1,50,000+ |
1,600+ |
Children screened through grassroot interventions |
Villages covered (Gujarat, Maharashtra,
Uttar Pradesh, |
|
Union Territory Diu, Daman and Dadra
Nagar Haveli) |
58% |
89% |
Children out of malnourishment |
Children out of anemia |
Expanding Outreach to More Lives
In 2023-24, UNMF expanded its initiatives in more than 600 villages
targeting to cover cumulative total of 1,600 villages and screened additional 31,000
children totalling more than 1,50,000 children on a cumulative basis. UNMF plans to extend
its interventions to over 400 additional villages in the year 2024-25 with this, we
will be able to reach a total of 2,000 villages and make a positive impact on the health
of both anaemic and malnourished children. To enhance its impact, UNMF plans to expand its
community interventions in villages nearby Dholera, Junagadh and Naswadi in Gujarat and
Agra in Uttar Pradesh.
Adolescent girls' Healthcare and Sanitation
One of the Company's initiatives was focused on empowering
adolescent girls in rural areas by addressing the taboo associated with menstruation and
promoting menstrual hygiene. The programme included interventions to encourage the use of
sanitary napkins and provide education on menstrual hygiene. Female volunteers / employees
conducted counselling sessions and distributed sanitary napkins to 11 to 18 years old
menstruating adolescent girls in SUGEN, Dahej, Indrad, Banaskantha and Radhanpur.
During 2023-24, UNMF has distributed bio-degradable reusable sanitary
napkins to additional 27,000 adolescent girl beneficiaries owing to definite advantages
like environment friendly and can be reused for 15 to 18 months after simple wash. Till
31st March, 2024; 64,000 beneficiaries have been served with these unique
sanitary pads.
72,000+ |
1200+ |
Adolescent girls benefited |
Villages covered in cumulative basis |
Medical Services UNM Children Hospital & PHC:
UNMF offers medical services to children up to 18 years of age who live
in remote areas with limited access to medical facilities. The initiative involves setting
up multidisciplinary UNM Children Paediatric Health Centres to provide free medical
consultation, basic laboratory services, and medication to underprivileged children. In
2017, UNMF had launched four paediatric centres in SUGEN, Dahej, Indrad, and Balasinor of
Gujarat with a focus on outpatient departments (OPDs). In 2020, UNMF achieved a
significant milestone by transforming the SUGEN paediatric centre into a 150-bedded
hospital, providing critical care to children. Consequently, five more PHCs have been
started on rented premise on once in a weekly basis at locations of Dediapada, Waghai,
Naswadi, Radhanpur and Chhapi to reach to and serve beneficiaries in interior rural areas
with less medical facilities.
In 2023-24, UNMF started conducting OPDs on regular basis at Naswadi
and Radhanpur locations, and new Urban UNM Children PHCs at Ankleshwar and Bhestan.
Looking at the response from community, UNMF intends to establish UNM
Children PHCs at Dholera and Junagadh rural locations and 2 at urban areas in next year.
Cumulative status across all 10 UNM Children PHCs & 1 UNM Children
Hospital.
620+ |
1,87,000+ |
6,21,000+ |
OPDs / day |
OPDs FY 2023-24 |
OPDs since inception |
UNM Children Hospital: Enhancing Healthcare Facilities
In 2022, Torrent Group took a strategic decision to shift its focus
from OPDs to surgeries, allowing the company to offer advanced surgical procedures to
children in need. This decision led to the transformation of the SUGEN paediatric centre
into the UNM Children Hospital, symbolising the company's commitment to providing
comprehensive medical services to children. Located in Kamrej, the hospital boasts
state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced pneumatic tube systems and
cutting-edge operation theatres. With a team of highly skilled paediatric surgeons and
doctors, the hospital has become a beacon of hope, attracting beneficiaries from cities
across India for critical treatments.
Through UNM Children Hospital, Torrent Group has been enhancing
facilities and expanding services to meet the growing healthcare demands of the community.
The hospital offers specialised cardiac care and has expanded its facilities:
Particulars |
Beneficiaries |
FY 2023-24 |
|
till March 2024 |
|
|
(Cumulative since |
|
|
April 2020) |
|
OPD |
1,17,336 |
61,001 |
IPD |
4,354 |
2,725 |
Surgery |
2,539 |
1,709 |
Neonatal ICU (NICU) |
327 |
207 |
Paediatric ICU (PICU) |
267 |
178 |
Surgical Camps: Bringing Healthcare Closer
Torrent Group conducts surgical screening camps as part of the UNM
Children Hospital - Intensive Awareness Action Plan to identify and provide primary
screening and consultation facilities to surgical patients in remote areas. These camps
facilitate the identification of surgical needs and provide essential medical services to
underserved communities.
Impact of Surgical Camps in FY 23-24
Location |
Number of |
|
Surgeries |
UNMCH |
110 |
Waghai |
16 |
Pakhajan |
16 |
Ucchal |
5 |
Balasinor |
6 |
Radhanpur and Chappi |
29 |
Total |
182 |
Through these initiatives, Torrent Group is committed to improving the
healthcare infrastructure and services available to communities, ensuring better health
outcomes and well-being for all.
Pratiti - Public Park Development:
The Pratiti program aims to provide citizens with accessible,
sustainable green spaces for leisure and recreation. The Company has successfully revamped
nine parks in Ahmedabad, covering more than 98,000 square meters. The Company's
commitment to maintaining these green spaces ensures their longevity and continued
accessibility to the public.
All the gardens are designed and developed with a mission to provide
the best environmental conditions to live in, by providing the citizens with recreational
areas by creating parks, gardens, ponds, and lakes near their neighborhood with reduced
level of air and noise pollution by improving micro-alignment at the city level, and to
recharge groundwater through ponds and lakes.
The Company along with one of India's best-known landscape design
firms conceptualised an approach for development of urban public parks.
The development / re-development of 4 parks in Ahmedabad admeasuring
approx. 2,65,000 square meters area is in progress.
Lake Development:
The Company has also taken two Lakes for development at Zolapur and
Kesardi villages in Sanand and Bavla districts respectively for providing the villagers
with basic facilities and recreational areas. The major activities undertaken include
refurbishing of crematorium, community hall & surrounding area near by temple,
development of gazebo with siting arrangement, children play area, open gym area and Green
belt development with walking track.
Both the lakes have been fully developed, inaugurated and opened for
public use during the year. The Report on CSR activities is annexed herewith as Annexure
A.
ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH & SAFETY (HSE)
Our Pharmaceuticals business is built on trust and responsibility with
the patients and consumers at the heart of everything we do. We are prioritising HSE at
every level of our operations for protecting the planet from the challenges of climate
change, preserving our natural resources and keeping our employees and communities safe.
We are driven by strong HSE Policies that encompass rigid safety procedures and
guidelines, environmental and sustainable programmes and employee well-being initiatives.
Statutory requirements are dynamic in nature and keeping up with HSE
compliance is a foundational necessity for businesses to sustain and grow. We keep on
assessing and updating our applicable statutory compliances which are being ensured
through various internal and external mechanisms.
Our constant and focused endeavours in HSE domain like adopting various
digitalisation in our prevailing HSE practices like Online portal for reporting Unsafe Act
/ Conditions and Incidents with Corrective and Preventive actions, Continual Safety
training and counselling on Technical and behavioural approach, Organising various HSE
Campaigns, Internal and External Safety Inspections
& audits have contributed substantially to bring down incident
rates and thus leading to sustainable, safe and healthy working environment for our work
force and other Stakeholders. Health and Safety training is provided to all employees and
contract workers on a regular basis by external and internal HSE Specialist. To foster a
healthy HSE culture inside the firm, we encourage all employees, including contract
workers to embrace safe working habits and behavior.
The Board remains highly engaged in overseeing ESG (Environmental,
Social & Governance) progress against defined roadmap to translate our climate
strategy into actions and deliver significant improvements in carbon footprint, energy
& water efficiency and more efficient waste management for business sustainability.
As a commitment towards green energy resources, the Company has
commissioned Hybrid (Solar & Wind) Power generation plant with an investment of 85
crores for Indrad and Bileshwarpura manufacturing facilities and R&D Centre. This
generation facility is situated at Kalawad, Dist: Jamnagar, Gujarat and comprises of two
wind mills having capacity of 2.7 MW each and 5.0 MW AC Solar Power plant. During FY
2023-24, 21 Mn KWH green energy has been generated reducing the environmental impact /
carbon footprint significantly by 21.5% compared to previous fiscal and also resulting
into an annual saving of 14.60 crores.
Further, the Company has taken one more step in the direction of
optimum utilisation of renewable resources by commissioning of Agro waste based (In
briquette form) boiler at its Indrad, Dahej and Baddi manufacturing facilities. In order
to achieve this green initiative, the Company has invested capex of around 35 crores.
This initiative has resulted into reduction in fossil fuel consumption by 38% and reducing
the environmental impact / carbon footprint significantly by 39% compared to previous
fiscal and also resulting into annual saving of 10 crores.
Captive renewable power generation system (Solar Roof Top 1.7
MW) at Indrad, Bileshwarpura and Sikkim manufacturing facilities and R& D Centre
contributed to generate 22 lakh KWH of green energy and annual cost saving of 1.5 crores
in FY 2023-24.
Our waste management strategy commits us to finding ethical,
economical, and efficient ways to reduce the volume and minimise our waste foot print. It
also goes further, with a commitment to maximise recovery of resources and improve
operating efficiency while reducing environmental risks and impacts.
Incineration of Hazardous waste disposal from all manufacturing
facilities have been reduced by 52% from previous year. The majority of waste quantity is
diverted from incineration to co-processing (Energy Recovery) in cement industries.
Land fillable Hazardous waste disposal from all manufacturing
facilities have been reduced by 35% from previous year. Generation of land fillable
quantity has been reduced and in addition to this, majority of waste quantity is diverted
from landfill to co-processing (Energy Recovery) in cement industries. Almost 50% of
manufacturing facilities in operation have achieved target of zero landfill waste
disposal. We aspire to achieve remarkable reduction in disposal quantity and to continue
our efforts for remaining sites to become Zero Landfill Hazardous waste.
The majority of waste quantities are diverted from incineration and
landfilling to co-processing (Energy Recovery) in cement industries.
Under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and its subsequent
amendment, the Company is registered as a Brand Owner with Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB). As an extended producer's responsibilities (EPR), the Company is collecting
back 100% equivalent quantity of plastic waste across PAN India and disposing them off
safely.
All our manufacturing facilities across India including few functions
at our Corporate Office are certified for ISO 14001:2015 (Environment Management System)
and 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System). Two Manufacturing
facilities and R&D Centre of the Company are also accredited with ISO 50001:2018
(Energy Management System).
Our goal is "Zero Harm, Zero Injury, Zero Accident". We have
been striving to achieve it by having state-of-the art system, process & trained /
skilled manpower.
In line with our sustainability goals, we are committed to reduce
carbon emissions and energy consumption. To achieve this goals, we have developed action
plans to utilise hybrid renewable sources such as solar and wind power, bio- briquettes,
flash steam systems and heat pumps.
FINANCE
(a) Share Capital
As on 31st March, 2024 the Authorised Capital of the Company
is 235 crores, divided into 42 crores Equity Shares of 5/- each and 25 Lakh Preference
Shares of 100/- each.
(b) Deposits and Loans, Guarantees and Investments
The Company has neither accepted nor renewed any deposits. None of the
deposits earlier accepted by the Company remained outstanding, unpaid or unclaimed as on
31st March, 2024.
Details of Loans, Guarantees and Investments by Company under the
provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013, during the year, are provided in
Note 10 and 11 to the Standalone Financial Statements.
(c) Debentures and other debt instruments
The outstanding amount of Non-Convertible Debentures issued by the
Company is H 785.70 crores as on 31st March, 2024.
(d) Contracts or Arrangements with Related Parties
All Related Party transactions are entered in compliance to the
provisions of law, the Policy on Materiality of and dealing with Related Party
Transactions ("Related Party Policy") and were entered with the approval of
Audit Committee, Board and Shareholders if and as applicable. All the related party
transactions were entered into during the financial year were on arm's length basis.
Further there were no related party transactions which could be considered material based
on the definition of material transaction as mentioned under explanation to Sub Regulation
(1) of Regulation 23 of the the Securities Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations
and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("Listing Regulations").
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 to the Company for
2023-24 and hence does not form part of this report.
(e) Internal Financial Control System
The Company has a formal framework of Internal Financial Control
("IFC") in alignment with the requirement of Companies Act, 2013 and has also
laid down specific responsibilities on the Board, Audit Committee, Independent Directors
and Statutory Auditors with regard to IFC.
Accordingly, the Company has a well-placed, proper and adequate IFC
system, which ensures:
The orderly and efficient conduct of its business;
Safeguarding of its assets;
The prevention and detection of frauds and errors;
The accuracy and completeness of the accounting records; and
The timely preparation of reliable financial information.
The Board reviews the effectiveness of controls documented as part of
IFC framework, and take necessary corrective and preventive actions wherever weaknesses
are identified as a result of such reviews. This review covers entity level controls,
process level controls, fraud risk controls and Information Technology controls.
Based on this evaluation, no significant events had come to notice
during the year that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, our IFC. The management has also come to a conclusion that the IFC and other
financial reporting was effective during the year and is adequate considering the business
operations of the Company. The Statutory Auditors of the Company has audited the IFC with
reference to Financial Reporting and their Audit Report is annexed as Annexure B to the
Independent Auditors' Report under Standalone Financial Statements and Consolidated
Financial Statements.
(f) Material changes affecting the Company
No material changes and commitments have occurred after the close of
the year till the date of this Report which may affect the financial position of the
Company.
INSURANCE
The Company's manufacturing facilities, properties, equipment and
stocks are adequately insured against all major risks including loss on account of
business interruption caused due to property damage. The Company has appropriate liability
insurance covers particularly for product liability, clinical trials and cyber liability.
The Company has also taken Directors' and Officers' Liability Policy to provide
coverage against the liabilities arising on them.
BUSINESS RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk Management is an integral part of our strategy for
stakeholders' value enhancement and is embedded in to governance & decision
making process across the Organisation. The Company has in place the Risk Management
Policy to ensure effective responses to strategic, operational, financial and compliance
risks faced by the Organisation.
As a part of this Policy, all the risks are discussed and deliberated
with the concerned functional heads and business process owners to continually identify,
assess, mitigate and monitor risks across the entity, its business functions and units.
The Policy also encompasses identification, assessment and mitigation of ESG risks. The
Risk Management Committee meets periodically to assess and deliberate on the key risks and
adequacy of mitigation plan. It has formulated a comprehensive Risk Register',
which is periodically updated to capture new risks / threats augmenting from changes in
internal / external environment. Inputs from risk assessment are also embedded into annual
internal audit programme. Key risks and mitigation measures are summarised in Management
Discussion and Analysis section of the Annual Report.
SUBSIDIARIES & JOINT VENTURES
As of 31st March, 2024, the Company has 17 subsidiaries, out
of which 3 are step down subsidiaries.
During the year, Farmaceutica Torrent Colombia SAS, wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company was incorporated on 03rd January, 2024.
The highlights of performance of major subsidiaries of the Company have
been discussed and disclosed under the Management Discussion and Analysis section of the
Annual Report. The contribution of each of the subsidiaries in terms of the revenue and
profit is provided in Form AOC-1, which forms part of the Annual Report.
The details of UNM Foundation, associate company of the Company is also
shown in the AOC-1. This associate company is Section 8 Company and primarily
floated with another company of the Torrent group to carry out the CSR activities.
The annual accounts of the subsidiary companies will be made available
to any Member of the Company seeking such information at any point of time and are also
available for inspection by any Member of the Company at the Registered Office of the
Company on any working day during business hours up to the date of the AGM. The annual
accounts of the subsidiary companies are also available on the website of the Company at www.torrentpharma.com.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
(a) Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Company is led by the Executive Chairman
and comprises ten other Directors as on 31st March, 20241,
including two Whole Time Directors and seven Independent Directors which includes two
Women Directors and one Non-Executive Director (Other than Independent Directors).
All the Independent Directors of the Company have furnished
declarations that they meet the criteria of independence as prescribed under the Companies
Act, 2013 and under SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015 ("Listing Regulations").
During the year under review:
Sudhir Mehta (holding DIN 00061871), Chairman Emeritus, has
stepped down as Non-Executive, Non-Independent Director of the Company on 31st
March, 2024 with a desire to spend more quality time with family and on social causes. The
Board put on record its deep appreciation for the pioneer role played by him in building
up the Company. He will continue to be Chairman Emeritus of the Company without holding
any position on the Board of Directors of the Company.
Shailesh Haribhakti (holding DIN 00007347) and Haigreve Khaitan
(holding DIN 00005290), Independent Directors of the
Company, who were appointed for second and final term for a period from
01 st April, 2019 to 31st March, 2024 ceased as Directors on the
Board of the Company on 31st March, 2024 pursuant to completion of second and
final term. The Board put on record its sincere appreciation for the valuable role played
by them in guiding the functioning of the Board and its Committees.
The Board places on record its profound appreciation for the guidance
& support provided by them for overall growth of the Company.
During the last AGM held on 07th August, 2023, the members
approved appointment of Nikhil Khattau (holding DIN 00017880) as an Independent Director
of the Company for a term of 5 (five) consecutive years effective from 01st
October, 2023.
1 Shailesh Haribhakti and Haigreve Khaitan have completed their
tenure as Independent Directors of the Company on 31st March, 2024 and Sudhir
Mehta has stepped down as Director of the Company effective 31st March, 2024.
In the opinion of the Board, the directors appointed during the year
possess requisite expertise, integrity and experience (including proficiency) for
appointment as Independent Directors of the Company.
Jinesh Shah (holding DIN 00406498), Whole time Director, is liable to
retire by rotation at the forthcoming AGM. He has expressed his desire to step down as the
Director of the Company and not getting re-appointed.
Samir Mehta (holding DIN 00061903) has been re-appointed by the Board
of Directors in its meeting held on 24th May, 2024 as Executive Chairman of the
Company for the period of 5 years with effect from 01st April, 2025, subject to
approval of the Members.
On the recommendation of Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the
Board appointed Jinal Mehta (holding DIN 02685284) as an Additional (Non-Executive
Non-Independent) Director of the Company effective 24th May, 2024 subject to
approval of shareholders in the next General Meeting of the Company or within the period
of three months from the date of appointment, whichever is earlier. The Board has
recommended the appointment of Jinal Mehta (holding DIN 02685284) as a Director to the
Members at the ensuing AGM.
The brief resume and other relevant information of the Directors being
appointed / re-appointed is given in the explanatory statement to the Notice convening the
AGM, for your perusal.
(b) Meetings of Board of Directors
Regular meetings of the Board are held to review performance of the
Company, to discuss and decide on various business strategies, policies and other issues.
A calendar of Board / Committee meetings for the year is prepared and circulated to the
Directors well in advance to enable them to plan their schedule for effective
participation in the meetings. During the year, five meetings of the Board of Directors
were convened and held on 02nd May, 2023, 30th May, 2023, 07th
August, 2023, 23rd October, 2023 and 02nd February, 2024. The
intervening gap between two consecutive meetings was not more than one hundred and twenty
days. Detailed information on the meetings of the Board is included in the Corporate
Governance Report which forms part of the Annual Report.
(c) Audit Committee
The composition of the Audit Committee is in compliance with the
provisions of Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 18 of the Listing
Regulations. The composition of the Committee as on 31st March, 2024 is given
below:
Name of Director |
Category of Directorship |
Shailesh Haribhakti, Chairman1 |
Independent Director |
Haigreve Khaitan2 |
Independent Director |
Ameera Shah |
Independent Director |
Nayantara Bali |
Independent Director |
Dr. Maurice Chagnaud |
Independent Director |
Nikhil Khattau3 |
Independent Director |
1 Shailesh Haribhakti ceased to be Member and Chairman of the Committee
due to completion of his term on the Board on 31st March, 2024.
2 Haigreve Khaitan ceased to be Member of the Committee due to
completion of his term on the Board on 31st March, 2024.
3 Nikhil Khattau was appointed as the Member of the Committee with
effect from 14th October, 2023 and as Chairman of the Committee with effect
from 24th May, 2024.
During the year, the Board has accepted all the recommendations made by
the Audit Committee.
(d) Appointment of Directors
(i) Criteria for Appointment of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Company has identified following criteria
for determining qualification, positive attributes and independence of Directors:
1) Proposed Director ("Person") shall meet all statutory
requirements and should: possess the highest ethics, integrity and values;
not have direct / indirect conflict with present or potential
business / operations of the Company;
have the balance and maturity of judgment;
be willing to devote sufficient time and energy;
have demonstrated high level of leadership and vision, and the
ability to articulate a clear direction for an organisation;
have relevant experience (in exceptional circumstances,
specialisation / expertise in unrelated areas may also be considered);
have appropriate comprehension to understand or be able to
acquire that understanding
Relating to Corporate Functioning
Involved in scale, complexity of business and specific market and
environment factors affecting the functioning of the Company.
2) The appointment shall be in compliance with the Board Diversity
Policy of the Company.
The key qualifications, skills and attributes which the Board is
collectively expected to have for the effective discharge of their duties are explained in
Corporate Governance Report of the Company.
(ii) Process for Identification / Appointment of Directors
Board members may (formally or informally) suggest any potential
person to the Chairman of the Company meeting the above criteria. If the Chairman deems
fit, necessary recommendation shall be made by him to the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee (NRC).
Chairman of the Company can himself also refer any potential
person meeting the above criteria to the NRC.
NRC delibrates the matter and recommends such proposal to the
Board.
Board considers such proposal on merit and decide suitably.
(e) Familiarisation Programme of Independent Directors
The Independent Directors have been updated with their roles, rights
and responsibilities in the Company by specifying them in their appointment letter along
with necessary documents, reports and internal policies to enable them to familiarise with
the Company's procedures and practices. The Company endeavours, through presentations
at regular intervals, to familiarise the Independent Directors with the strategy,
operations and functioning of the Company and also with changes in the regulatory
environment having a significant impact on the operations of the Company and the
pharmaceutical industry as a whole. Site visits to various plant locations and CSR sites
get organised for the Directors to enable them to understand the operations of and CSR
activities carried out by the Company. The Independent Directors also meet with senior
management team of the Company in formal / informal gatherings.
The details of such familiarisation programs for Independent Directors
are posted on the website of the Company and can be accessed at https://www.torrentpharma.com/pdf/cms/Familiarisation_Programme_2023-24.pdf
(f) Board Evaluation
The Evaluation of Board, its Committees, Individual Directors
(Independent and Non Independent Directors) and Chairperson was carried out as per the
process and criteria laid down by the Board of Directors based on the recommendation of
the NRC:
Chairperson of meeting of Independent Directors briefed the
Board that the Independent Directors have carried out the performance evaluation of the
Board as a whole, its committees, the Non-Independent Directors, Chairman and flow
information between the management and the Board.
The evaluation of Chairperson was co-ordinated by the
Chairperson of the Independent Directors meeting.
Pursuant to above, the Board expressed the satisfaction on the
functioning of the Board, the Committees and performance of Individual Directors.
The Independent Directors met on 02nd February, 2024
with respect to the above process.
(g) Key Managerial Personnel
There was no change in the Key Managerial Personnel during the year
under review.
(h) Directors' Responsibility Statement
In terms of Section134(3)(c) of the Companies Act, 2013, in relation to
financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31st March, 2024, the
Board of Directors state that:
i. the applicable Accounting Standards have been followed in
preparation of the financial statements and there are no material departures from the said
standards;
ii. reasonable and prudent accounting policies have been used in
preparation of the financial statements and that they have been consistently applied and
that reasonable and prudent judgments and estimates have been made in respect of items not
concluded by the year end, so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of
the Company as at 31st March, 2024 and of the profit for the year ended on that
date;
iii. proper and sufficient care has been taken for maintenance of
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013,
for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and
other irregularities;
iv. the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern
basis;
v. proper internal financial controls were in place and were adequate
and operating effectively; proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of
applicable laws were in place and were adequate and operating effectively.
REMUNERATION
(a) Remuneration Policy
The Remuneration policy covers the remuneration for the Directors
(Chairman, Managing Director, Whole-time Directors, Independent Directors and other
non-executive Directors) and other employees (under senior management cadre and management
cadre). The Policy has been formulated with the following key objectives:
To ensure that employee remuneration is in alignment with
business strategy & objectives, organisation values and long-term interests of the
organisation.
To ensure objectivity, fairness and transparency in
determination of employees' remuneration.
To ensure the level and composition of remuneration are
reasonable and sufficient to attract, retain and motivate a high performance workforce and
are in compliance with all applicable laws.
It covers various heads of remuneration including benefits for
Directors and employees. It also covers the process followed with respect to annual
performance reviews and variables considered for revision in the remuneration. The said
Policy is available on the website of the Company www.torrentpharma.com.
(b) Criteria for Remuneration to Non-Executive Directors (NEDs):
1. The payment of commission to the Directors of the Company who are
neither in the whole time employment nor Managing Director(s) (NEDs) is approved by
the shareholders of the Company and is subject to the condition that total commission paid
to the NEDs shall not exceed the percentage limits of the net profit of the Company as
specified in the Companies Act, 2013 (presently 1% of the net profit), calculated in
accordance with Section 197 read with Section 198 and any other applicable provisions of
the Companies Act, 2013.
Further, as per the Regulation 17(6)(ca) of the Listing Regulations,
approval of the shareholders by special resolution shall be required every year, in which
the annual remuneration payable to a single NED exceeds fifty per cent of the total annual
remuneration payable to all NEDs, giving details of the remuneration thereof.
2. The Board or its Committee specifically authorised for this purpose,
determines the manner and extent upto which the commission is paid to the NEDs within the
limit as approved by the Members. The commission is determined based on the participation
of the Directors in the meetings of Board and / or Committees thereof, as well as on
industry practice, performance of the Company and contribution by the Directors, etc.
3. Payment of Commission is made annually on determination of profit.
4. Sitting fees of H 1 lakh is paid to Independent Directors for each
meeting of the Board or any Committee thereof attended by them.
5. Independent Directors are reimbursed for all the expenses incurred
for attending any meeting of the Board or Committees thereof and which may arise from
performance of any special assignments given by the Board.
(c) Remuneration to Managerial Personnel
The details of remuneration paid to the Managerial Personnel forms part
of the Corporate Governance Report.
(d) Particulars of Employees and related disclosures
In terms of 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, disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details are
provided in the Annexure B to this Report.
AUDITORS
(a) Statutory Auditors
As per Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies
(Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, the members of the Company in Forty Ninth AGM of the
Company approved the re-appointment of B S R & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm
Registration No. 101248W/W-100022) as Statutory Auditors of the Company for a term of 5
(five) consecutive years from the conclusion of Forty Ninth AGM until the conclusion of
the Fifty Forth AGM to be held with respect to the financial year 2026-27.
(b) Cost Auditors
In terms of the Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8
of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, the Company has prepared and maintained the cost
accounts and records for the year 2023-24.
The Company has appointed M/s. Kirit Mehta & Co., Cost Accountants,
Mumbai (Firm Registration No. 000353) as the Cost Auditors of the Company for audit of
cost accounting records of its activities (Formulation & Bulk Drugs activities) for
the financial year ended 31st March, 2024. The Cost Audit Report to the Central
Government for the financial year ended 31st March, 2023 was filed on 02nd
September, 2023, within the statutory timeline. Further, the Board of Directors has
appointed M/s. Kirit Mehta & Co. as the Cost Auditor of the Company for the financial
year 2024-25 and fixed their remuneration, subject to ratification by the Members in the
ensuing AGM of the Company.
(c) Secretarial Auditor
The Board, pursuant to Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with
Rule 9 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,
2014, had appointed M/s. M. C. Gupta & Co., Company Secretaries, as the Secretarial
Auditors of the Company to conduct the Secretarial Audit as per the provisions of the
Companies Act, 2013 for the year 2023-24.
M/s. M. C. Gupta & Co. have carried out the Secretarial Audit
accordingly and their report in Form MR-3, is annexed with this Report as Annexure C.
There were no qualification / observations in the report.
During the year 2023-24, the Company has complied with all the
applicable Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
As required by Regulation 34 read with Schedule V of the Listing
Regulations, a separate Report on Corporate Governance forms part of the Annual Report.
The Report on Corporate Governance also contains certain disclosures required under the
Companies Act, 2013. A certificate from the Statutory Auditors of the Company regarding
compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under Clause E of Schedule
V of the Listing Regulations forms part of this Report as Annexure D.
ANNUAL RETURN
In terms of Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 12 of the
Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the Annual Return of the Company is
available on the website of the Company at the link https://torrentpharma.com/index.php/
investors/annual_return
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, ETC.
A statement containing the necessary information on Conservation of
energy, Technology absorption and Foreign exchange earnings and outgo stipulated under
Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts)
Rules, 2014 is annexed to this Report as Annexure E.
APPRECIATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Your Directors appreciate the trust reposed by the medical fraternity
and patients in the Company and look forward to their continued patronage. The Directors
are also grateful and pleased to place on record their appreciation for the excellent
support, guidance and cooperation extended by the Government of India and various State
Governments specifically the Governments of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Madhya
Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh Central and State Government Bodies and Authorities, Financial
Institutions and Banks. The Board also expresses its appreciation of the understanding and
support extended by the shareholders and the commitment shown by the employees of the
Company.
|
For and on behalf of the Board of
Directors |
|
Samir Mehta |
Mumbai |
Executive Chairman |
24th May, 2024 |
DIN: 00061903 |