Mar 31, 2025
Your Directors are happy to present the 35th Annual Report together with the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the
year ended 31st March 2025.
1. PERFORMANCE
For FY 2024-25, your company recorded a revenue of ^ 3,482.22 million as compared to ^ 2,923.05 million in the previous
year which in terms of growth is 19.1%, over previous year. The EBIDTA for FY 2024-25 is 36.2% as compared to 33.4% of the
previous year.
Financial performance of the Company for the year ended 31st March 2025 is summarized below:
(^ in millions)
|
Sl. No. |
Particulars |
Year ended |
Year ended |
|
I |
Total Income |
3,482.22 |
2,923.05 |
|
i) Expenses other than Finance costs and Depreciation |
2,220.33 |
1,945.56 |
|
|
ii) Finance costs |
19.00 |
21.01 |
|
|
iii) Depreciation |
352.89 |
331.44 |
|
|
II |
Total Expenses (i ii iii) |
2,592.22 |
2,298.01 |
|
PBT (I-II) - Before Exceptional Items |
890.00 |
625.04 |
|
|
Less: Exceptional Items |
- |
- |
|
|
III |
PBT- After Exceptional Items |
890.00 |
625.04 |
|
IV |
Tax Expense |
222.45 |
136.93 |
|
V |
PAT (IM-IV) |
667.55 |
488.11 |
|
VI |
Profit/(Loss) for the period from discontinued operations |
5.87 |
(78.02) |
|
VII |
PAT from continued & discontinued operations (V VI) |
673.42 |
410.09 |
|
VIII |
Other comprehensive (loss) / income |
(0.37) |
(2.33) |
|
IX |
Total Comprehensive income for the year (VII VIII) |
673.05 |
407.76 |
2. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Macro Economy
Global Economy
In 2025, the global economy remains marked by heightened
uncertainty, despite signs of stabilization seen through
2024. While inflation was gradually aligning with central
bank targets through the last year, it continues to display
regional disparities. Labour markets, though showing
early signs of normalization, are yet to fully stabilise.
Against this backdrop, overall global growth has remained
subdued, averaging around 3%. The recent imposition of
wide-ranging tariffs, primarily by the United States, has
disrupted established trade flows, triggered volatility in
financial markets, and rekindled protectionist sentiments,
all of which are contributing to a more fragile and cautious
global economic environment.
The pace of economic activity has also weakened in recent
months. Retail sales and industrial production data reflect
a slowdown, with hiring momentum easing and layoffs
becoming more frequent across various economies. In the
United States, optimism among consumers and businesses
has been replaced by growing caution, coinciding with a
wave of new trade measures. Inflation remains above
central bank targets in many countries, driven by persistent
services inflation and a recent uptick in core goods prices.
While trade volumes experienced a brief boost from
inventory build-ups in anticipation of new tariffs in late
2024, they are now expected to soften as the full effects of
the trade restrictions take hold.
There is a notable divergence in economic performance
across major economies.
⢠The United States, which previously saw robust
domestic consumption, is beginning to show signs of
a cyclical slowdown.
⢠Europe continues to grapple with subdued demand,
high energy costs, and sluggish industrial activity.
⢠China''s domestic demand remains under pressure
due to prolonged weakness in the real estate sector
and ongoing deflationary trends, despite supportive
policy measures.
These country-specific challenges are further compounded
by long-standing structural issues, including falling labor
productivity and aging populations in several advanced and
emerging economies.
Against this backdrop, policy options are increasingly
constrained. Several governments have limited fiscal space
following extensive support measures during the pandemic and
the recent energy crisis. Elevated interest rates are pushing up
debt servicing costs, particularly in highly indebted economies.
With inflation expectations rising once again, central banks are
left with less room to manoeuvre without compromising their
credibility.
Outlook
Looking ahead, the global growth forecast has been revised
downward by the International Monetary Fund, with output
expected to slow to 2.8% in 2025, before edging up to 3.0% in
2026. This outlook reflects the immediate drag from new tariff
measures, supply chain disruptions, and broader geopolitical
tensions. The baseline scenario is accompanied by significant
uncertainty, with alternate paths depending on the evolution
of trade policies. The United States and China are projected
to be most directly impacted, though the ripple effects will
be felt worldwide. Additionally, fiscal tightening in advanced
economies and fluctuations in commodity prices may continue
to weigh on growth.
(Source: IMF_WEO_April_2025 (GLOBAL PROSPECTS AND
POLICIES))
Indian Economy
India has shown its resilience amid global headwinds with
government''s sustained focus on infrastructure development
and job creation. Regulatory reforms are expected to strengthen
manufacturing, while the services and agriculture sectors
remain robust. New tax incentives for the middle class are also
set to drive economic activity.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) projects India''s GDP to
grow by 6.7% in FY26, driven by strong domestic demand,
rising rural incomes, a resilient services sector, and moderating
inflation, boosting consumer confidence. Growth is expected
to rise further to 6.8% in FY27, supported by accommodative
monetary and fiscal policies.
Private consumption will remain a key growth engine, backed
by higher rural incomes and urban middle-class spending, aided
by personal income tax cuts. Inflation is projected to moderate
to 4.3% in FY2025 and 4.0% in FY2026, potentially allowing
monetary easing.
The services sector will lead growth through exports in business
services, education, and healthcare whereas agriculture is
expected to perform well, especially with strong rabi (winter)
sowing of wheat and pulses.
Urban infrastructure investment is set to rise, supported by a
new $1.17 billion government fund. While global uncertainties
may temper private investment in the near term, improvements
are expected with lower borrowing costs and pro-investment
reforms.
Outlook
India''s economic outlook remains broadly positive despite
external headwinds, on the back of strong fundamentals,
proactive policies, and a favourable investment climate.
While global risks such as rising U.S. tariffs on Indian exports
and potential commodity price surges pose challenges, the
country''s stable macroeconomic framework and ongoing
structural reforms are expected to mitigate their impact and
support sustained medium-term growth.
(Source: Asian Development Bank_ Outlook Apr 2025)
Industry Overview
Contract Research Organisation
Global
The global Contract Research Organization (CRO) market is
projected to grow from an estimated USD 69.56 billion in
2025 to approximately USD 126.17 billion by 2034, registering
a CAGR of 6.85% over the forecast period. In North America,
the CRO market exceeded USD 28.63 billion in 2024 and is
expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.88% throughout the same
timeframe. This growth trajectory underscores the increasing
reliance of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies on
CROs to streamline drug development processes and enhance
operational efficiency.^
⢠Drug Discovery services
The global drug discovery services market is projected to
reach USD 24.26 billion in 2025, up from USD 21.26 billion
in 2024, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.13%,
reaching approximately USD 79.71 billion by 2034.
|
Small-molecule drugs continue to lead the market due Given the stringent approval process for biologics and The high cost and complexity of in-house drug Surging R&D investments in the pharmaceutical (Source: Precedence Research) ⢠Pre-Clinical services |
The global preclinical CRO set to grow from USD 6.25
billion in 2024 to USD 14.34 billion by 2034, representing
a CAGR of 8.73%. In 2024, North America held the largest
share of the preclinical CRO market at 48%, while the Asia
Pacific region is expected to experience the fastest growth
through 2034. The importance of preclinical CROs has
grown significantly alongside the increasing complexity of
drug development. Today''s biopharmaceutical landscape is
marked by the rise of specialized and advanced therapies,
such as biologics, gene therapies, and personalized
medicine, all of which require highly specialized preclinical
testing protocols to assess their safety and therapeutic
potential. As R&D budgets for drug development continue
to rise, there is a greater demand for preclinical CRO
services, driving market growth. Additionally, the surge in
preclinical trials involving large molecules, coupled with
the pressure to reduce R&D costs, is expected to further
amplify the need for high-quality preclinical CRO support
over the forecast period.
The toxicology testing business dominated the preclinical
CRO market in 2024, driven by its critical role and the
advanced capabilities CROs offer in this area. As companies
increasingly outsource noncore preclinical work, demand
for toxicology services continues to rise, boosted by the
value-added offerings of CROs. Notably, about 50% of
preclinical trials fail due to toxicology issues, underscoring
its importance and fueling further growth for preclinical
CRO services.
Bioanalysis and DMPK studies business is expected to
register the fastest CAGR of 9.3%. This growth is fuelled
by the increasing demand for pharmacokinetic services,
which play a crucial role in supporting toxicology testing
during IND-enabling studies. Furthermore, bioanalysis and
DMPK research are essential throughout the entire drug
formulation process, not just in the preclinical stage. The
broad need for these services across multiple phases of
drug development is driving the expansion.
(Source: Towards Healthcare, Grandview research)
> Non-Clinical testing:
The non-clinical testing market for agrochemicals and
specialty chemicals is gaining traction due to increasing
regulatory scrutiny, environmental safety concerns, and
the growing demand for sustainable and safe chemical
use across industries. These testsâcovering toxicology,
ecotoxicology, environmental fate, and residue studiesâ
are essential to meet global compliance standards
such as OECD, EPA, REACH, and BPR. The global non¬
clinical testing market for agrochemicals is expected to
grow steadily, with CAGR estimates ranging from 6% to
8% through 2030.
Rising environmental and health concerns are pushing
companies to develop safer, more eco-friendly
formulations, requiring detailed toxicological and
environmental safety testing. New pesticide formulations,
biologicals, and precision ag-tech inputs require rigorous
non-clinical validation before commercialization.
Increasing R&D complexity and cost pressures are
encouraging agrochemical and specialty chemical
companies to outsource non-clinical testing to contract
research organizations (CROs).
(Source: Magna Intelligence)
> Bioanalytical testing and bioavailability/bioequivalence
(BA/BE)
Bioanalytical testing and bioavailability/
bioequivalence (BA/BE) studies are essential to the
drug development process particularly for generics,
biosimilars, and complex formulations. These services,
conducted under stringent GxP compliance, support
pharmacokinetics (PK), toxicokinetics (TK), and drug
metabolism assessments critical for regulatory approvals.
As drug development grows more complex and cost-
sensitive, pharmaceutical and biotech companies are
increasingly outsourcing bioanalytical and BA/BE services
to contract research organizations (CROs) and specialized
labs. This shift enables faster timelines, cost efficiency, and
access to cutting-edge analytical technologies.
The global bioanalytical testing market is projected to
expand from USD 4.5 billion in 2023 to over USD 8 billion
by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8-10%. The BA/BE service is
expected to see steady growth, fuelled by rising demand
for generics, biosimilars, and complex dosage forms across
both mature and emerging markets.
Regulatory mandates requiring proof of therapeutic
equivalence continue to drive BA/BE demand, particularly
in cost-sensitive regions such as India, China, and Latin
America. India, in particular, has established itself
as a global hub for BA/BE studies, thanks to its cost
advantages, regulatory maturity (DCGI, CDSCO), and
growing CRO infrastructure.
Additionally, the rise of modified-release
formulations and biologics/biosimilars is increasing the
need for tailored bioanalytical methods and specialized
assay capabilities, presenting significant growth
opportunities for CROs with expertise in large molecule
analysis and custom study designs.
(Source: Grand View Research)
Growth drivers:
Several key factors are driving the expansion of the CRO
market. Notably, the surge in biopharmaceutical research
and development activities has heightened the demand for
specialized services offered by CROs. These organizations
provide comprehensive support across various stages of drug
development, regulatory consulting, laboratory services,
etc. Additionally, the growing complexities and the need for
regulatory compliance have further amplified the demand for
CRO expertise.
Geographical growth:
⢠North America leads the CRO market, contributing
approximately 40% of the global market share.
⢠The United States, in particular, stands out as a
significant contributor, driven by its advanced healthcare
infrastructure, substantial pharmaceutical industry, and
favourable regulatory environment.
⢠Other regions, including Europe and Asia, are also
witnessing notable growth, attributed to increasing
investments in healthcare and research initiatives.
The CRO market is poised for continued growth, driven by
advancements in biopharmaceutical research, the complexity
of clinical trials, and the strategic outsourcing of drug
development processes. Companies operating in this sector
are well-positioned to capitalize on these trends by offering
specialized services that cater to the evolving needs of the
pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
(Source: Precedence Research, PR Newswire, Technavio)
India
The Indian Contract Research Organization (CRO) market has
demonstrated robust growth, with its valuation increasing from
USD 0.69 billion in 2023 to an anticipated USD 1.32 billion by
2032, reflecting a CAGR of 7.23%. This expansion is primarily
driven by India''s strategic positioning as a cost-effective hub for
clinical trials, bolstered by a large and diverse patient population,
skilled workforce, and an evolving regulatory landscape that
facilitates accelerated drug development processes.
⢠Drug Discovery Outsourcing:
The Indian drug discovery outsourcing market is
experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at
a CAGR of 10.6% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is
driven by India''s competitive advantages, including cost-
effective research and development (R&D) services,
a skilled workforce, and adherence to international
quality standards. Additionally, supportive government
initiatives and investments in R&D infrastructure are
further bolstering the sector''s expansion. The market''s
evolution reflects India''s increasing prominence as a
global hub for pharmaceutical innovation and outsourcing.
(Source: Grand View Research)
⢠Pre-Clinical Services:
The Indian preclinical Contract Research Organization
(CRO) market is experiencing significant growth, projected
to reach USD 393.6 million by 2030, with a CAGR of
11.4% from 2024 to 2030. This expansion is driven by
several factors, including India''s cost-effective research
environment, a skilled workforce, and increasing global
outsourcing of research and development (R&D)
activities. Key services within the market encompass
toxicology testing, bioanalysis, and drug metabolism and
pharmacokinetics (DMPK) studies, with toxicology testing
leading in revenue share and bioanalysis and DMPK studies
exhibiting the fastest growth. The biopharmaceutical
sector is the primary end-user, accounting for a significant
portion of the market share, due to the demand for
rigorous safety and efficacy testing in drug development.
Technological advancements, such as high-throughput
screening and advanced imaging techniques, have further
enhanced the capabilities of preclinical CROs in India,
making the country a preferred destination for preclinical
(Source: Grand View Research, MarkNtel, GIIResearch)
⢠Bioanalytical testing and bioavailability/bioequivalence
(BA/BE)
India has become a prominent global centre for
Bioavailability/Bioequivalence (BA/BE) studies, thanks to
its cost-efficient research environment and a vast pool
of skilled professionals. Numerous Contract Research
Organizations (CROs) and pharmaceutical companies in
the country actively conduct BA/BE studies, playing a vital
role in the global supply of generic medications.
The rising demand for BA/BE studies in India is fuelled by:
⢠Expansion of the generic pharmaceutical market
⢠Regulatory mandates from key regions including the US,
Europe, and others
⢠India''s strategic role as a major exporter of generic drugs
The bioequivalence studies market in India is projected to reach
a revenue of USD 42.6 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9%
between 2024 and 2030.
(Source: Credevo, Grand View Research)
Growth drivers:
Several factors contribute to the market''s growth trajectory.
⢠The globalization of clinical trials has led to increased
outsourcing of research and development activities to
India, owing to its competitive advantages in terms of cost
and efficiency.
⢠Additionally, the adoption of digital technologies, such
as real-time data analytics, has enhanced the speed and
accuracy of clinical research.
⢠Furthermore, the Indian government''s initiatives,
including the National Biopharma Mission and tax
incentives for R&D activities, have fostered a conducive
environment for innovation and investment in the
pharmaceutical sector.
Trends in the Indian CRO market:
⢠Oncology has emerged as a dominant therapeutic area
within the Indian CRO market, driven by the increasing
incidence of cancer and the demand for novel therapeutic
solutions.
⢠The pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sectors are the
primary end-users of CRO services, capitalizing on India''s
capabilities to conduct large-scale clinical trials at reduced
costs compared to Western counterparts.
⢠This trend is further supported by collaborations between
Indian CROs and global pharmaceutical companies, aiming
to expedite the development and commercialization of
new therapies.
The Indian CRO market is poised for continued growth, boosted
by advancements in digital health technologies, a supportive
regulatory framework, and an expanding pipeline of innovative
therapies. As global pharmaceutical companies increasingly
seek efficient and cost-effective solutions for drug development,
India''s CRO sector is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the
global healthcare ecosystem.
(Source: MarketResearchFuture)
Pharmaceutical Analytical Testing
Global
The pharmaceutical analytical testing market is experiencing
significant growth, projected to increase from USD 9.74 billion
in 2025 to USD 14.58 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 8.41%
during the forecast period. This expansion is primarily driven
by the increasing number of clinical trials, the rising focus on
analytical testing services for biologics and biosimilars, and the
growing trend of outsourcing laboratory testing services.
The GMP analytical testing services market is poised for
sustained growth, driven by regulatory imperatives, the rise
of complex generics, biologics, biosimilars and peptides.
Companies offering advanced analytical capabilities are well-
positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for high-
quality, compliant pharmaceutical products. Global Regulatory
mandate rigorous testing and validation processes for drug
development, making GMP analytical services essential for
ensuring product safety and quality.
The increasing demand for complex generics, biologics,
biosimilars and peptides necessitates detailed analysis for
characterisation, potency, purity, impurity analysis and stability,
thereby driving the need for specialized GMP analytical services.
The adoption of advanced analytical technologies, such as
mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC), and next-generation sequencing (NGS), is transforming
the GMP analytical services market by providing more accurate
and efficient testing solutions
The rise of complex products, biologics and combination
products and growing adoption of single-use components in
pharmaceutical manufacturing has heightened the importance
of Extractables & Leachables to detect potential contaminants
from packaging and delivery systems and prevent them from
affecting product quality. The detection of carcinogenic
nitrosamines in medications has heightened awareness and
demand for rigorous testing to prevent contamination and
ensure patient safety. Agencies such as the EMA and FDA
have implemented strict guidelines to control nitrosamine
impurities and ensure the safety of pharmaceutical products.
Innovations in analytical methods, such as high-resolution mass
spectrometry, have enhanced the detection and quantification
of trace impurities, bolstering the capabilities of testing services.
Maintaining GMP compliance requires significant investment in
infrastructure, equipment, and skilled personnel, which can be
a barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises.
(Source: Imarc Group)
Growth drivers:
Key factors contributing to market growth include:
⢠the heightened emphasis on analytical assessments of
biosimilars and biologics, which are critical for regulatory
approvals
⢠Initiatives by health regulatory bodies, such as the World
Health Organization''s efforts to enhance clinical trial
infrastructure in various therapeutic areas, are expected
to propel the growth of the pharmaceutical analytical
testing services market
⢠Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly outsourcing
analytical testing to specialized contract research
organizations (CROs) to reduce operational costs, gain
access to advanced technologies, and expedite drug
development.
These initiatives facilitate the ethics and regulatory approval
processes, thereby fostering an environment conducive to the
adoption of pharmaceutical analytical services.
Geographic distribution:
⢠North America currently holds the largest market share
in the pharmaceutical analytical testing market, driven by
substantial investments in research and development
⢠Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing
market during the forecast period, attributed to the
increasing number of clinical trials and the expansion of
pharmaceutical research activities in the region
Market outlook:
The pharmaceutical analytical testing market is poised for
continued growth, underpinned by advancements in analytical
methodologies, supportive regulatory frameworks, and an
expanding pipeline of pharmaceutical products. As the industry
increasingly focuses on ensuring the safety, efficacy, and quality
of new drugs, the demand for comprehensive analytical testing
services is expected to rise, positioning the market for sustained
expansion in the coming years.
(Source: Morder Intelligence)
India
The India Pharmaceutical Analytical Testing Outsourcing market
is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating a
rise to USD 308.7 million by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 10.7%
during the forecast period.
Market Segmentation and Trends:
⢠Service Segments:
⢠Other Testing Services: This segment was the
largest revenue contributor in 2023, accounting for
approximately 40.12% of the market share.
⢠Bioanalytical Testing: Identified as the fastest-growing
segment, it is expected to experience significant
growth throughout the forecast period.
⢠End Users:
⢠The market serves pharmaceutical companies,
biopharmaceutical companies, and contract research
organizations, each contributing to the demand for
outsourced analytical testing services.
In the Asia Pacific region, India is anticipated to register the
highest CAGR from 2024 to 2030, underscoring its emerging
prominence in the pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing
sector.
Key Market Drivers:
⢠Cost Efficiency: Outsourcing analytical testing services
allows pharmaceutical companies to reduce operational
costs associated with in-house testing facilities.
⢠Regulatory Compliance: The need to adhere to stringent
regulatory standards drives companies to seek specialized
external testing services.
⢠Focus on Core Competencies: By outsourcing, companies
can concentrate on their primary areas of expertise, such
as drug discovery and development.
⢠Technological Advancements: The adoption of advanced
analytical techniques and technologies by outsourcing
firms enhances the quality and reliability of testing
services.
Outlook:
The Indian pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing
market is on an upward trajectory, driven by increasing demand
for high-quality testing services, cost-effective solutions, and
adherence to stringent regulatory standards. India is set to
become a key player in the global pharmaceutical analytical
testing outsourcing landscape.
(Source: Grand View Research, Grand view Research Asia)
Testing, Inspection & Certification Market
Global
The global Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) market
is projected to grow from USD 239.48 billion in 2025 to USD
282.76 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 3.4%. This steady
growth trajectory highlights the sector''s resilience and its
critical role across multiple industries.
Several macroeconomic and industry-specific factors are
contributing to this expansion:
⢠Strengthening regulatory compliance requirements are
driving demand for standardized and independent quality
assurance services.
⢠Increased consumer awareness regarding product quality,
safety, and sustainability is encouraging manufacturers and
service providers to prioritize third-party certifications.
⢠Technological advancements, including the digitalization
of TIC services through automation and AI-enabled
inspection systems, are enhancing service delivery and
market scalability.
Key sectors fuelling growth include industrial manufacturing,
consumer goods, food safety, and energy. In addition, the rise
of electric vehicles (EVs) and the global shift toward renewable
energy are opening new avenues for specialized TIC services.
Global regulatory bodies continue to adopt more stringent
quality and safety standards, reinforcing the critical role
of TIC services in ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
Simultaneously, the globalization of supply chains and the
expansion of international trade are further amplifying the
need for reliable testing and certification.
In alignment with these trends, our strategic investments in
digital capabilities and sector diversification position us well
to capitalize on emerging opportunities and sustain long-term
value creation for our stakeholders.
(Source: MarketsAndMarkets)
Indian
TIC services are essential for ensuring product quality, safety,
and regulatory compliance across various industries. As India
strengthens its product standards and seeks to meet global
export requirements, the TIC market is expected to grow
steadily. India''s Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC)
market is projected to reach USD 23,457.5 million by 2030, with
a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2030.
In 2024, testing was the largest revenue-generating service in
India''s TIC market, while certification emerged as the fastest-
growing and most lucrative business during the forecast period.
India accounted for 4.3% of the global TIC market revenue in
2024. However, China is expected to lead the global TIC market
by revenue in 2030, with India following closely in the Asia
Pacific region. China is also forecasted to be the fastest-growing
market in the region, reaching USD 69,089.4 million by 2030.
Factors driving growth in India''s TIC market
The growth of India''s TIC market is driven by several factors,
including stringent regulatory compliance enforced by bodies
such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Food
Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), particularly
across food, electronics, and healthcare industries. Additionally,
infrastructure initiatives such as "Make in India" and the "Smart
Cities Mission" are fuelling the demand for construction material
testing and inspection. The expanding pharmaceutical sector,
including APIs and generic drugs, also requires comprehensive
TIC processes to meet both domestic and international health
standards.
Challenges
However, the market faces challenges related to quality
assurance and compliance, as ensuring adherence to stringent
regulations across industries is critical. The demand for
qualified professionals and advanced testing equipment is also
increasing, requiring continuous investment in these areas.
Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of TIC
services in enhancing consumer confidence and facilitating
international trade remains essential for sustained market
growth.
India''s TIC market is poised for significant expansion, supported
by regulatory demands, infrastructure development, and the
growth of key industries. To fully capitalize on this growth,
addressing challenges related to compliance, skilled workforce
availability, and awareness will be crucial for the market''s
continued success.
(Source: Grand View Research, 6Wresearch)
Food Testing Industry
Global
The global food safety testing market is poised for significant
growth, with projections indicating an increase from USD
25.33 billion in 2025 to USD 36.25 billion by 2030, reflecting
a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.43% during the
forecast period. This expansion is driven by heightened consumer
awareness of food quality, stringent regulatory standards, and
the globalization of food supply chains, necessitating rigorous
testing protocols to ensure food safety and compliance.
Growth drivers:
⢠Technological advancements are playing a pivotal role in
transforming the food safety testing landscape.
⢠The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), machine
learning (ML), and blockchain technologies is enhancing
diagnostic capabilities, enabling more accurate and
efficient detection of contaminants.
⢠Innovations such as food fingerprinting, which utilizes
spectroscopic and spectrometric data, are emerging
as powerful tools for food authentication and safety
verification.
Geographical distribution:
⢠The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the
fastest growth in the food safety testing market, driven
by the expansion of the food processing sector and
the enforcement of stringent food safety regulations in
countries such as India and China.
⢠The increasing demand for processed foods and the rising
awareness of foodborne illnesses are further propelling
the need for comprehensive testing solutions in the region.
(Source: Mordar Intelligence, IMARC, Precedence Research,
Allied Market Research)
India
The India Food Safety Testing Market was valued at
approximately USD 831.6 million in 2024 and is projected to
reach USD 1,799.4 million by 2033, reflecting a compound
annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.92% during the forecast period
from 2025 to 2033. This growth is primarily driven by increasing
consumer awareness regarding foodborne illnesses and the
rising demand for safe and quality food products. The market''s
expansion underscores the critical importance of food safety in
India''s evolving food industry.
Growth Drivers:
Several factors contribute to the robust growth of the food
safety testing market in India.
⢠There is a significant rise in consumer awareness about
foodborne illnesses, leading to a heightened demand for
stringent safety measures.
⢠Additionally, the implementation of stringent regulatory
frameworks has necessitated rigorous testing and
compliance, further driving the demand for food safety
testing services.
These factors collectively underscore the critical role of food
safety testing in ensuring public health and maintaining
consumer confidence in food products.
⢠The market is witnessing significant advancements
in testing technologies, enhancing the efficiency and
accuracy of food safety assessments.
⢠Techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based
assays, immunoassay-based methods, and agar culturing
are increasingly being employed to detect contaminants
and pathogens in food products. These innovations are
pivotal in addressing emerging food safety challenges and
ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory standards.
The Indian government, through the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has established
comprehensive regulations to ensure food safety across
the country. These regulations mandate rigorous testing
and compliance, prompting food producers and processors
to adopt advanced testing methodologies.
The stringent regulatory environment not only safeguards
public health but also fosters a culture of quality assurance
within the food industry, thereby driving the demand for food
safety testing services.
(Source: IMARC, astuteanalvfica. Precedence Research)
Electrical and Electronics Testing
Global
The EMC and EMI testing services market encompasses various
testing types, including emissions testing, immunity testing, and
electrostatic discharge (ESD) testing. These services are vital
across multiple industries, including automotive, aerospace,
telecommunications, healthcare, and consumer electronics, to
ensure compliance with international standards and regulatory
requirements.
The global Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) testing services market
is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing
complexity of electronic devices and stringent regulatory
standards. Valued at approximately USD 2.55 billion in 2023, the
market is projected to reach USD 3.99 billion by 2030, reflecting
a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2030.
Growth drivers:
⢠The growth is primarily attributed to the proliferation
of smart devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), and
advancements in wireless communication technologies
such as 5G.
⢠As electronic systems become more integrated and operate
at higher frequencies, ensuring their electromagnetic
compatibility is crucial to prevent interference that could
lead to device malfunction or failure.
Geographical distribution:
⢠Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to witness substantial
growth in the EMC testing services market, owing to rapid
industrialization and the expansion of the electronics
manufacturing sector in countries like China, Japan, and
South Korea.
⢠The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and
renewable energy systems further contributes to the
demand for EMC testing services in this region.
The EMC and EMI testing services market is poised for continued
expansion, driven by technological advancements, stringent
regulatory standards, and the growing demand for reliable and
interference-free electronic devices across various industries.
(Source: Dataintelo, Verified Market Research)
India
The Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electromagnetic
Interference (EMI) testing market in India is witnessing robust
growth, fuelled by the increasing use of electronic devices
across sectors such as telecommunications, automotive,
medical equipment, and consumer electronics.
Growth drivers:
As compliance with global and domestic regulatory standards
becomes essential, industries are prioritizing EMC and EMI
testing to ensure product performance, reliability, and safety.
The rollout of 5G and expansion of the IT and telecom sectors
further drive this demand. Additionally, government initiatives
such as "Make in India" and the adoption of Industry 4.0
practices are supporting local manufacturing, enhancing the
need for standardized testing to meet international benchmarks.
Challenges and outlook:
The market, however, faces challenges such as the requirement
for advanced testing infrastructure and specialized technical
know-how. Rapid technological changes demand continuous
updates in testing methodologies and equipment. The
pandemic disrupted operations temporarily, causing project
delays, though recovery has been strong with the shift towards
digitalization. EMI testing, a critical subset of EMC testing, is
increasingly vital in minimizing interference between devices,
especially in dense electronic environments like data centres
and industrial automation settings.
(Source: 6WResearch, Premium Market Insights)
Environment Testing Industry
Global
The global environmental testing market is anticipated to
grow from USD 7.43 billion in 2025 to USD 9.32 billion by
2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of
4.6% over the forecast period. This expansion is driven by the
implementation of more stringent pollution control regulations,
a heightened focus on sustainability, and increasing public
health concerns.
Rising levels of air, water, and soil contamination have
significantly elevated the demand for accurate and efficient
environmental testing solutions. Technological advancements
such as automation, Al-powered analytics, and high-precision
sensor technologies are enhancing the speed, accuracy, and
reliability of testing processes.
Furthermore, rapid industrialization, urbanization, and
infrastructure development particularly in emerging economies
continue to bolster the need for comprehensive environmental
testing services.
(Source: Market and Markets)
India
The Indian environmental testing market is projected to reach
USD 460.8 million by 2030, registering a compound annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% during the period from 2024
to 2030. This surge is driven by heightened awareness of
environmental degradation, enforcement of stricter regulations,
and increasing demand across sectors like pharmaceuticals,
consumer goods, and manufacturing. Government initiatives
such as the BioE3 policy, along with programs promoting "Net
Zero" and a circular bioeconomy, are further encouraging the
uptake of environmental testing services, aligning with the
nation''s broader sustainable development goals.
Growth drivers:
⢠India faces escalating air, water, and soil pollution, with
over two-thirds of its population exposed to air quality
worse than national standards. This environmental strain
is prompting industries to adopt testing services to meet
compliance norms and mitigate reputational risks.
⢠Public concern over environmental health is also
growing, adding pressure on businesses to demonstrate
accountability. Regulatory vigilance is intensifying,
reinforcing the demand for frequent and reliable
environmental monitoring. Technological advancements
such as portable kits, remote sensing, and AI-based
analytics are making environmental testing faster and
more accessible. These innovations are being adopted
swiftly, especially in industries driven by environmental
compliance.
⢠The agriculture sector, too, is fuelling demand through
increased soil testing, aided by government-backed
schemes like the Soil Health Card. As farmers seek to
optimize yield and ensure sustainable practices, soil
diagnostics are becoming a key growth area.
Challenges and outlook:
Key challenges include limited awareness of environmental
testing and the high cost of advanced equipment, which limits
adoption in smaller labs. Despite this, water and soil testing
are expanding rapidly due to rising health and sustainability
concerns. Maharashtra, leading in urbanization and industrial
activity, exemplifies regional growth, backed by progressive
environmental policies and infrastructure. The outsourcing of
testing services is also on the rise, allowing industries to ensure
compliance while focusing on core operations.
(Source: Industrvarc. Research and Markets)
2.1 COMPANY OUTLOOK
Your Company is positive about its growth prospects
in clinical, pre-clinical, non-clinical, biopharmaceutical,
pharma analytical, and electronics & electrical contract
testing and research, all of which have a strong positive
outlook despite the current global economic uncertainties,
large competition, and stricter regulatory compliance
requirements. The Company has a strong customer base,
and promising pipelines, which give it good visibility of
growth over the medium term. Over the long term, the
Company expects it will strategically look at acquisition
opportunities or alliances or partnerships to enhance its
market reach, capabilities and service portfolio, to gain
further market share. The trend in growth of the overseas
market for the Company is positive going forward. The
domestic market continues to hold immense potential led
by economic growth in the country. However, inflationary
pressures in terms of cost of manpower, technology and
material, and pricing pressures due to proliferation of
laboratories in the country could be a risk to watch out
for. VIMTA continues to maintain its dominance in the
domestic food testing and contract research services
to biopharmaceuticals industry. Doubling of the EMC
chamber capacity would help the company to meet the
growing demand. The Company''s track record in the
domestic market and overseas market should help it
sustain or better its growth.
2.2 STRENGTHS & STRATEGIES
Your Company''s strengths have been its human resources,
processes, partnerships, and unparalleled laboratory
infrastructure. VIMTA provides services to its customers
through processes and procedures that are oriented to
deliver strong compliance with regulatory requirements,
thereby maintaining the integrity of data and the reports,
and minimizing risks to the customers. VIMTA has a
track record of strong science and quality over a 40-year
history, earning it a reputation as a leading, high-quality,
sophisticated contract research and testing organization.
Over the years, it has developed a wide range of capabilities
and offers high-value, advanced testing services to support
product research and development. VIMTA believes it is
amongst the leaders in the domestic market for GMP
analytical services and GLP nonclinical services. The GMP,
GLP and GCP compliant services have been successfully
audited 175 times during the year by customers, regulatory
agencies, accrediting and certifying bodies.
Similarly, in the food testing business, VIMTA is recognized
as the leader not only in its testing expertise, technologies,
and quality, but also in its scale. VIMTA has the largest pan-
India network of full-fledged laboratories, positioning it to
take more market share within the industry and continue
to grow. It is counted as a center of excellence for the
country by government organizations as well.
In both food and above-mentioned product development
services for biopharmaceutical companies, the broad
spectrum of our services, cutting edge instrumentation
and facilities with large footprint allows VIMTA to offer
a comprehensive set of scientific laboratory services.
Further, the scale of services enables us to continuously
develop and refine our expertise and enhance our ability to
bend the cost and time curve of services to our customers.
Emtac Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., the 100% owned subsidiary
of Vimta, stands merged through an NCLT Order dated
January 23, 2025, thereby consolidating its presence in
the Electronics and Electrical testing. This will help Vimta
to serve the defense, industrial, telecom, and medical
devices sectors more efficiently and increase its reach in
the market.
The environmental monitoring and testing services are
strengthened with advanced analytical technologies such
as Dioxin Analyzers to serve various segments of our
economy.
Your Company has embarked on a strategy of end-to-end
digitization to improve productivity and eliminate data
integrity risks, and this process is expected to be completed
in two years.
Across all its business units, the company believes that
the technical and scientific expertise of its dedicated
employees provides it with a competitive advantage.
With a large pool of scientists holding advanced, masters
or equivalent degrees, including PhDs, VIMTA has an
edge due to the varied-scientific talent pool. The cross
pollination of scientific domain expertise is leveraged often
to create innovative as well as comprehensive solutions for
customers across industries.
VIMTA has strategically developed and oriented its research
and testing laboratory services towards the lucratively
growing industries and their outsourcing needs, to position
itself to win high value-add business. The service model
is focused on providing customers with both stand-alone
services as well as a mix of full-service contracts. VIMTA
leverages its experience in managing laboratory operations
for over 40 years, to create efficient processes delivering
quality outputs that help in maintaining long-term stable
customer relationships. Furthermore, your company
is focused on continuous operational improvements
and prudent cost management. Your company believes
that its strong financial profile demonstrates the quality
and efficiency of the business model and positions it for
continued growth.
2.3 KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS
In accordance with SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements), Regulations as amended in 2018, following
are the details of key financial ratios and significant
changes (changes of 25% or more as compared to the
immediately previous financial year) in key sector specific
financial ratio.
|
Ratio |
Financial Year |
Financial Year |
|
2024-25 |
2023-24 |
|
|
Days, Sales Outstanding |
103 |
106 |
|
Days, Inventory Outstanding |
128 |
150 |
|
Interest Coverage Ratio |
57.39 |
38.36 |
|
Current Ratio |
2.92 |
2.91 |
|
Debt Equity Ratio |
0.02 |
0.06 |
|
Operating Profit Margin* |
26.43% |
22.39% |
|
Net Profit Margin** |
19.41% |
16.91% |
|
Price Earnings Ratio |
33.46 |
20.14 |
|
Return on Capital Employed |
22.73% |
18.7% |
Note: The Above Ratio''s are computed for continuing
operations only and previous year ratios were regrouped
accordingly.
Brief reasons for significant change in the ratios when
compared to previous year are as under:
Days, Inventory Outstanding: Days, Inventory, Outstanding
is improved due to increased material consumption, which
is in line with the increased operating revenue.
Interest Coverage Ratio: The Interest Coverage ratio
increased with increased EBIT.
Price Earnings Ratio: Price Earnings ratio increased with
an increase in market price.
Return on Capital Employed: ROCE improved due to
increase in EBIT.
*Operating Profit Margin: Operating EBTDA to Revenue
from Operations.
**Net Profit Margin: Net Profit to Revenue from
Operations.
2.4 MATERIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN HUMAN RESOURCES/
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, INCLUDING NUMBER OF PEOPLE
EMPLOYED
Vimta has highly talented workforce of 1315 employees
out of which 52% are scientists.
During the year, with the commitment to upskill and retain
talent, the company continued to provide various trainings
as well as other employee engagement activities. We
are focused on increasing productivity of our employees
and engaging them well for achieving greater connect to
business goals and objectives using various initiatives. The
company is using technology effectively to drive some of
these employee centric initiatives.
Vimta is one of India''s largest Contract Research & Testing
Organisations, headquartered in Hyderabad. Vimta has
a network of 7 laboratories, including labs related to
various divisions located at the headquarters, 1 Electricals
& Electronics lab and 6 Food branch labs in India as on
31st March, 2025. The total built up area of the labs is ~
6,00,000 sq.ft.
Your company has consistently been committed to adding
and improving its capabilities and service offerings. The
broad range of industries that it serves and likewise its
wide spectrum of services, are leveraged to stay resilient
and pursue long term strategic objectives for growth.
Company believes that the contract research and testing
industry is constantly evolving, giving rise to newer
opportunities. VIMTA is adept at evaluating opportunities
in a disciplined manner that is both capital intelligent and
growth oriented.
Your company firmly believes that it is on a strong growth
path and has made the right investments with a capex
outgo to the tune of ^ 791 Mns including infrastructure
expansion at Vimta Life Sciences facility, Genome
Valley, Hyderabad, India during the year. The significant
investments are a strong reflection of the company''s
confidence on the market opportunities and its growth
strategies.
Your company has decided to venture into the niche
segment of contract research and development of Biologics
and Peptides. The Global biologics segment is expected to
reach $730 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 8.2% from 2023.
The global outsourced CRAM market stands at around
$139.9 billion in 2024.
Indian Biologics market is expected to grow up to $24.6
billion by 2033. India has the highest biosimilar approvals
on the globe.
Your company will offer the services such as turnkey
biologics projects from clone development to drug product,
Clone development & RCB preparation, Development and
optimization of upstream, downstream and formulation
processes, Titer improvement & impurity control studies,
establishment of structure-function relationship, process
characterization studies, scale-down model development
and qualification, comparability & biosimilarity assessment
studies and Stability studies under NBEs, Biosimilar and
Peptide services.
Risks are inherent to any business. They are managed by
the Company through a risk management process of risk
identification and risk mitigation, through risk reduction
strategies & plans and continuous monitoring of the
effectiveness of the risk mitigation measures to control
them.
The Board has formulated a Risk Management Policy for
dealing with different kinds of risks attributable to the
operations of the Company. Risk Management Policy
of the Company outlines different kinds of risks and risk
mitigating measures and this is reviewed periodically by
the Audit Committee and the Board. The Company has
adequate internal control systems and procedures to
combat risks.
Vimta continues to strive to stay ahead on the competition
curve through creation of new service opportunities,
operational excellence and uncompromising commitment
to quality, regulatory compliance, and customer service.
However, there may be certain risk factors that could
adversely impact business.
Quality related risks: Poor performance in regulatory audits
and accreditation body audits could adversely impact
our business. Maintaining quality and compliance is part
of every activity in the organization. The management
leads the quality culture, understanding very well that
this is critical for business success and survival. However,
unforeseen poor or inadequate performance by employees
could lead to regulatory risks. There are adequate built in
controls and checks to mitigate this risk. Nevertheless,
these risks cannot be ruled out.
IT related risks: Our ability to serve customers effectively
depends on the reliability of our data & information
management and communication systems. We leverage
computerized technologies and IT tools to perform
many business critical activities hence we depend
on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our
data & information management and communication
systems, including systems we use in the laboratory, data
management systems, systems used to deliver services to
our customers, and failures in, breach of, or unauthorized
access to or use of these systems or data contained
therein may materially limit our operations and result in
significant harm to our business. IT risk management is
a part of our quality management system and thus the
security and operation of our data management systems
and communication systems, including data management
systems and communication systems. Cyber-attacks could
lead to disruption in operations. These are addressed
through adequate back-up mechanisms and Disaster
recovery process. A dedicated team is set up to constantly
keep upgrading the IT Assets and implement the latest
technologies to keep the environment safe and secure.
It is decided to begin the walk on ''zero trust security
architecture path''. Despite the extensive risk mitigation
measures in place, the risk of disruption to our operations
and business cannot be completely ruled out.
Service failure related risks: We are a scientific services
organization and quality of service to the customers is
critical for growth of our business. Quality of service
is related to our ability to deliver reports and projects
with scientifically reliable and accurate information;
compliance to contractual requirements, regulations,
standards, guidelines as applicable; and service customers
with professional and ethical conduct. If we fail to
perform our services per these expectations, we could
lose confidence of our customers who may choose not
to award further work to us or make claims against us
for breach of our contractual obligations. Any such action
could have a material adverse effect on our reputation,
business, results of operations, financial condition and/
or cash flows. Our mitigation strategy is directed towards
continuously strengthening our capabilities and learning
and implementing best practices. Further, stringent review
systems and suitable preventive actions are in place.
Financial risks: Vimta makes continuous investments
in capacity expansion, market reach and new business
streams. These investments are based on good business
judgement through market study, backed by strong
planning and risk mitigation measures. However, time
factors and market dynamics could delay results and/
or create risks in obtaining returns on such investment.
Other financial risks include bad debts from customers for
various reasons; and liquidity risks as a result of any poor
cash flows that could further lead to non-servicing of loans.
Your company has dedicated groups for customer relations
management and credit control. There are adequate
checks to identify risky customer accounts and control
business with them to minimize risks. Nevertheless, these
risks cannot be completely ruled out.
Data risks: As a third-party provider of services, we often
get into various service agreements, with customers
including requirements on data confidentiality, data
security and IP protection. Given the large scale of human
resources involved in our organization, and the inherent
vulnerability of IT solutions deployed, we may be at risk as
a result of unintentional violations of customer contracts
and agreements, which could further lead to significant
legal risks for the business. This is mitigated through strong
physical security and electronic security systems; trainings
to employees, business continuity processes such as
electronic data disaster recovery systems; confidentiality
oaths from employees; well-propagated whistle blower
policies etc. Nevertheless, these risks cannot be completely
ruled out.
Growth and personnel related risks: Growth if not
managed well places a strain on human, operational
and financial resources. To manage our growth, we must
continue to attract and retain talented staff across the
business operations. Management pays strong attention
to continuously building and improving operating and
administrative systems to enhance productivity of
personnel and processes and also to have a stronger
administrative control on the businesses spread at various
locations across the country. Given the dependency of
business on quality of personnel there are inherent risks
associated with personnel''s abilities and ethical conduct,
which may impact adversely customer satisfaction. Thus,
if we are unable to manage our growth effectively, we
could lose business from our customers. Further, if we
are unable to recruit, retain and motivate key personnel,
our business could be adversely affected. Our success
depends on the collective performance, contribution and
expertise of our senior management team and other key
personnel throughout our businesses, including qualified
management, professional, operational, scientific,
technical, and business development personnel. There is
significant competition for qualified personnel in all the
industries that we operate in, particularly personnel with
significant experience and expertise. The loss of any key
executive, or our inability to continue to recruit, retain and
motivate key personnel in a timely fashion, may adversely
impact our ability to compete effectively and grow our
business and negatively affect our ability to meet our short
and long-term business and financial goals. Company
takes several steps to maintain a motivated and engaged
team. Initiatives such as ESOPs to attract & retain talent,
rewards and recognition programs, personnel competency
enlargement programs etc., are among the many best
practices followed by the company. Nevertheless, the risks
related to growth and personnel cannot be completely
ruled out.
Other risks: A few more such risks and concerns are, change
in regulations and regulatory environment; downturn in
economies that our business operates in; steep drop-in
service prices from competition; increase in prices of input
material; changes in laws such as tax laws etc. External risks
also include foreign exchange risks; interest rate risks; risks
from terrorism etc. Further there are also risks of critical
equipment breakdowns, power breakouts, short supply of
any input material or consumable, fire, and other natural
calamities. These are handled through a robust business
continuity plan where adequate backups are created
and tested from time to time for their effectiveness,
nevertheless, these risks cannot be completely ruled out.
It is possible that the above list of risks does not cover
all risks exhaustively. However, being an experienced
organization, the mitigation measures are in-built into the
organization, its strategy and processes, which have so far
helped the organization go through, and grow through,
various phases of business and the market situations. It
will be management''s continuous endeavour to develop
strategies that would help the organization de-risk its
business & grow with opportunities.
i DIVIDEND
Your directors have recommended a dividend of ^ 2/-
per equity share of ^ 2/- each, for FY 2024-25, subject to
approval of members.
4 TRANSFER OF UNCLAIMED DIVIDEND TO INVESTOR
EDUCATION & PROTECTION FUND (IEPF)
Members may please note that as per the provisions of
Sections 124 & 125 of the Companies Act, 2013, read
with Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority
(Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016,
dividends that remain unclaimed for a period of seven
years from the date of transfer to the Unpaid Dividend
Account shall be transferred to the Investor Education &
Protection Fund.
Details of the unclaimed dividends and the due dates on which those are liable to be transferred to the Investor Education &
Protection Fund are given below:
|
Year of Dividend |
No. of Shareholders |
Unclaimed |
Date of |
Date of transfer to |
Last date of |
|
2017-18 |
617 |
3,41,280 |
25.08.2018 |
30.09.2018 |
29.09.2025 |
|
2018-19 |
495 |
3,11,536 |
27.07.2019 |
01.09.2019 |
31.08.2026 |
|
2019-20 |
Dividend Not Declared |
||||
|
2020-21 |
2,301 |
5,96,166 |
05.07.2021 |
10.08.2021 |
09.08.2028 |
|
2021-22 |
656 |
2,92,546 |
25.06.2022 |
31.07.2022 |
30.07.2029 |
|
2022-23 |
961 |
3,16,410 |
28.06.2023 |
03.08.2023 |
02.08.2030 |
|
2023-24 |
1,683 |
3,66,951 |
18.07.2024 |
22.08.2024 |
21.08.2031 |
5 TRANSFER TO RESERVES
No amount is proposed to be transferred to reserves.
6 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
In compliance with the provisions of the SEBI (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015, a separate report on corporate governance along
with a certificate from a practicing Company Secretary
on its compliance, forms an integral part of this Board''s
Report.
7 ANNUAL RETURN
Pursuant to Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013
and Rule 12(1) of the Companies (Management and
Administration) Rules, 2014 (as amended), a copy of the
Annual Return of the Company is uploaded on the website
of the Company, which can be accessed at httos://vimta.
com/wp-content/uploads/2Q24-25-Annual-Returns.pdf
8 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
During the year under review, the Company has spent
a total sum of R 1,16,21,028/- (One Crore Sixteen Lakh
Twenty-One Thousand Twenty-Eight Rupees) on CSR
activities as approved by the CSR Committee. Disclosures
as per Rule 8 of Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility
Policy) Rules, 2014 is enclosed as Annexure I to this report.
9 MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
During the year under review, five Meetings of the Board
were convened and held, the details of which are given
in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of
this report. The intervening gap between the Meetings
was within the limits prescribed under the Companies Act,
2013.
10 SHARE CAPITAL
As at the end of the year, following is the status of share
capital:
1. *Authorised share capital: R 11,99,99,500 (Rupees
Eleven crore ninety-nine lakh ninety-nine thousand
five hundred only) divided into 5,99,99,750 equity
share of ^ 2/- each.
2. Paid up capital: ^ 4,44,69,024 (Rupees Four crore
forty-four lakh sixty-nine thousand twenty-four only)
divided into 2,22,34,512 equity shares of R 2/- each.
3. ESOPs allotted during the year under review: 63,929
equity shares of ^ 2/- each to the Employees upon
exercise of Employee Stock Options under "Vimta
Labs Employee Stock Option Plan 2021". Disclosure
under Section 67(3)(c) of the Act in respect of voting
rights not exercised directly by the employees of the
Company is not applicable.
*Note:- Upon approval of the merger of the wholly
owned subsidiary with the Company, by the Hon''ble
NCLT, Hyderabad, the authorised share capital has
revised to R 11,99,99,500.
11 ISSUE OF SHARES
During the year under review, the Company has not:
i) Issued any shares with differential voting rights
pursuant to provisions of Rule 4 of the Companies
(Share Capital and Debenture) Rules, 2014.
ii) Issued any sweat equity shares to any of its employees,
pursuant to the provisions of Rule 8 of the Companies
(Share Capital and Debenture) Rules, 2014.
The Board of Directors at their meeting held on 28th April
2025, has recommended to the shareholders for their
approval to issue bonus equity shares in the proportion of
1 : 1, i.e., 1 (One) bonus equity share of ^ 2/- each for every
1 (One) fully paid-up equity share held as on the record
date. The record date for reckoning eligible shareholders
entitled to receive bonus shares will be decided by the
Board of Directors post approval of Bonus Issue by the
Shareholders.
12 FINANCING THE PURCHASE OF SHARES OF THE COMPANY
During the year under review, the company has not
given, either directly or indirectly, nor by means of a loan,
guarantee, the provision of security or otherwise, financial
assistance for the purpose of, or in connection with, a
purchase or subscription made or to be made, by any
person of or for any shares in the company in violation of
the provisions of Section 67 of the Companies Act, 2013.
13 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
The members of the Company at their 31st Annual General
Meeting held on 5th July 2021, had granted approval for
"Vimta Labs Employee Stock Option Plan 2021" and grant
of stock options to the Eligible Employees of the Company
under the scheme. The Company has obtained In-principle
approval from Stock Exchanges for Vimta Labs Employee
Stock Option Plan 2021 for issue of 6,63,234 Options. Out
of which Nomination and Remuneration Committee at its
meeting granted Options at various stages as mentioned
below:
|
S. No. |
Tranche No. |
No. of Options |
Grant Date |
|
1 |
I |
5,07,769 |
19th September 2022 |
|
2 |
II |
17,961 |
11th May 2022 |
|
3 |
III |
35,702 |
26th October 2022 |
|
4 |
IV |
11,872 |
30th October 2023 |
|
5 |
V |
85,532 |
17th July 2024 |
|
6 |
VI |
9,609 |
8th November 2024 |
|
7 |
VII |
61,174 |
24th January 2025 |
Further, during the year under review, the company allotted
63,929 equity shares of ^ 2/- each to the Employees upon
exercise of Employee Stock Options under "Vimta Labs
Employee Stock Option Plan 2021."
The details of "Vimta Labs Employee Stock Option Plan
2021" form part of the Notes to Accounts of the Financial
Statements in this Annual Report.
The disclosures pursuant to Regulation 14 of the
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share Based
Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 can be accessed
at https://vimta.com/wD-content/uploads/Disclosures-
pursuant-to-Reaulation-14-of-the-Securities-and-
Exchanae-Board-of-India-Share-Based-Emplovee-Benefits-
Reaulattons-2Q14-2.pdf and the same are enclosed as
Annexure II to this report together with a certificate
obtained from the Secretarial Auditors confirming
compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI
(SBEB) Regulations, which is enclosed as Annexure III to
this report.
14 CHANGE IN NATURE OF BUSINESS
There has been no change in the nature of business of the
Company during the year under review.
15 CHANGES IN MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
The Board of Directors at their meeting held on 28th April
2025, has approved a proposal to foray into the Biologics
Contract Research and Development (CDMO) segment,
subject to shareholders approval. This strategic initiative
aligns with the Company''s long-term vision of expanding
its service offerings in the biopharmaceutical sector.
The proposed business activity encompasses contract
development, analytical testing, and other R&D services
related to biologics and peptide-based drug development
and manufacturing support. This move is expected to open
a new revenue stream and enhance long-term shareholder
value by leveraging the Company''s existing expertise and
capitalizing on the growth momentum in the biologics
sector. In order to legally undertake this activity, the
Company proposes to amend the Object Clause (Clause
III - A) of its Memorandum of Association by inserting
a clause/(clauses) authorizing engagement in biologics
CDMO services.
The resolutions related to the above is being placed at the
Annual General Meeting along with the necessary details.
16 PARTICULARS OF DEPOSITS
During the year under review, the company has not
accepted any deposit pursuant to the provisions of
Sections 73 and 76 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with
the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
Thus, there is no non-compliance with the requirements
of Chapter V of the Companies Act.
17 SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES
During the year under review, the Scheme of Amalgamation
under Section 230 to 232 and other applicable provisions
of the Companies Act, 2013 of EMTAC Laboratories Private
Limited, (wholly owned subsidiary) with Vimta Labs Limited
(Holding Company) and their respective Shareholders and
Creditors was approved by the Hon''ble National Company
Law Tribunal (''NCLT''), Hyderabad Bench vide its order
dated 23rd January 2025.Pursuant to said order EMTAC
Laboratories Private Limited got merged with Vimta Labs
Limited - w.e.f., 01st April 2024.
Copy of the said order can be accessed at httos://vimta.
com/wo-content/uoloads/2.NCLT-Qrder. pdf.
Statement containing the salient features of the financial
statements of the wholly owned subsidiary as per sub¬
section (3) of Section 129 of the Companies Act, 2013 in
Form AOC-1 is not applicable to the Company.
During the year, no other company has become or ceased
to be a subsidiary or joint venture or associate company of
this company.
18 PARTICULARS OF LOANS AND GUARANTEE GIVEN,
SECURITY PROVIDED AND INVESTMENT MADE
As required under Section 186(4) of the Act, Particulars
of Loans, Guarantee given and security provided and
investment made details are shown in Annexure IV and
Notes to the Financial Statements (Refer note no. 44 of
Financial Statements).
19 PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES AND RELATED DISCLOSURES
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details
as required under Section 197(12) of the Companies Act,
2013 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment
and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014
are provided in Annexure V to this Report.
If any Member is interested in obtaining information
pursuant to Rule 5 (2) of the Companies (Appointment
and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014,
such Member may write to the Company Secretary at the
Registered Office in this regard.
20 AUDITORS
a) Independent Auditor''s Report
During the year under review, the Company''s auditors
have not made any qualification, reservation or adverse
remark or disclaimer in their Report on the financial
statements of the Company and there were no instances
of frauds reported by the auditors under Section 143(12)
of the Companies Act, 2013.
b) Statutory Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of sections 139,142 and other
applicable provisions of the Act read with the rules
made thereunder, M/s Gattamaneni & Co., Chartered
Accountants (Firm Reg. No. 009303S) were appointed
as Statutory Auditors of the Company for a term of five
consecutive years from the conclusion of the 32nd Annual
General Meeting (AGM) held on 25th June 2022 on a
remuneration mutually agreed by the Board of Directors
and the Auditors. They hold office until the conclusion of
the 37th Annual General Meeting to be held in the calendar
year 2027. The auditors have confirmed that they hold
valid certificate issued by the Peer Review Board of the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and are eligible
to continue to hold the office for rest of their tenure.
c) Internal Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 of the Act and
based on the recommendations of Audit Committee, the
Board of Directors at their meeting held on 28th April 2025,
have reappointed M/s Chaitanya V & Associates, Chartered
Accountants as Internal Auditors of the Company for the
financial year 2025-26. M/s Chaitanya V & Associates,
Chartered Accountants, have confirmed their willingness
to be reappointed as the Internal Auditors of the Company.
Further, the Audit Committee in consultation with Internal
Auditors, formulated the scope, functioning periodicity
and methodology for conducting the Internal Audit.
d) Cost Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of section 148 of the Act read
with the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules 2014,
and based on the recommendations of Audit Committee,
Board of Directors at their meeting held on 28th April 2025,
reappointed M/s Lavanya & Associates Cost Accountants
(Firm Registration No. 101257) as Cost Auditors of the
Company for the financial year 2025-26. A resolution
seeking ratification of remuneration payable to the Cost
Auditors to conduct cost audit for the financial year 2025¬
26 has been included in the notice convening 35th AGM of
the Company. The necessary consent letter and certificate
of eligibility was received from the cost auditors confirming
their eligibility to be re- appointed as the Cost Auditors of
the Company.
e) Maintenance of cost records
The Company has maintained the cost records as specified
by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of
section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013.
f) Secretarial Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of regulation 24A of the
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations
and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and
Section 204 of the Act, read with the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel)
Rules, 2014, and based on the recommendations of the
Audit Committee, the Board of Directors at their meeting
held on 28th April 2025 has appointed M/s D Hanumanta
Raju & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries as Secretarial
Auditors on a remuneration mutually agreed by the Board
of Directors and the Secretarial Auditors for a term of five
consecutive years (subject to the approval of Members at
the ensuing Annual General Meeting) from the conclusion
of the 35th Annual General Meeting until the conclusion
of the 40th Annual General Meeting of the Company to be
held in the year 2030. The auditors have confirmed that
they hold valid certificate issued by the Peer Review Board
of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and the
consent letter and certificate of eligibility was received
from M/s D Hanumanta Raju & Co., confirming their
eligibility for the appointment.
The Secretarial Auditors'' Report for FY 2024-25 does not
contain any qualification, reservation or adverse remark.
The Secretarial Audit Report for the financial year 2024-25
in the prescribed form MR-3 is enclosed with this Report
as Annexure VI.
g) Annual Secretarial Compliance Report
Secretarial Compliance Report for the financial year ended
31st March 2025 on compliance of all applicable SEBI
Regulations and circulars/ guidelines issued thereunder,
was obtained from M/s D Hanumanta Raju & Co.,
Practicing Company Secretaries and submitted to both the
stock exchanges.
h) Disclosure as per Section 143(12)
During the year under review, neither the Statutory
Auditors nor the Secretarial Auditor has reported any
offence of fraud committed by the Company''s officers or
employees under Section 143(12) of the Act to the Central
Government or to the Audit Committee.
21 AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Board has constituted the Audit Committee as per the
provisions of Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013 and
SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015. The composition, attendance, powers
and role of the Audit Committee are included in Corporate
Governance Report. All the recommendations made by the
Audit Committee were accepted by the Board of Directors.
22 COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS ON BOARD
MEETINGS AND GENERAL MEETINGS
During the year under review, the Company has complied
with the Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute
of Company Secretaries of India as applicable to Board
Meetings and General Meetings.
23 POSTAL BALLOT
During the financial year under review, no Postal Ballot
notices were issued
24 DIRECTORS'' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Directors'' Responsibility Statement as required under
Section 134 (5) of the Companies Act, 2013 (the Act),
Directors of your Company hereby state and confirm that:
i. In the preparation of the annual accounts, the
applicable accounting standards have been followed,
along with proper explanation relating to material
departures, if any;
ii. They had selected such accounting policies as
mentioned in the notes to the financial statements
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 as at 31st March 2025 and of the profit and
loss of the Company for the year ended on that date;
iii. They had taken proper and sufficient care for the
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. They had prepared the annual accounts on a going
concern basis;
v. They had laid down proper internal financial controls
to be followed by the Company and that such internal
financial controls were adequate and were operating
effectively; and
vi. They had devised proper systems to ensure
compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws
and that such systems were adequate and operating
effectively.
25 DIRECTORS AND KEY MANGERIAL PERSONNEL
The Board of Directors of the Company has an optimum
combination of Executive, Non-Executive and Independent
Directors.
a) Directors retiring by rotation
As per the provisions of the Companies Act and the
Articles of Association of the Company, Mr. Satya Sreenivas
Neerukonda (DIN: 00269814), Executive Director, retires
by rotation and being eligible, offered himself for re¬
appointment. The proposal for the re-appointment
of Mr. Satya Sreenivas Neerukonda is being placed at
the AGM along with the necessary details. Subject to
his reappointment as Director, Mr. Satya Sreenivas
Neerukonda will continue to be the Executive Director for
the balance period of his tenure.
b) Changes in Directorship/Committee Position
During the year under review, there is no change in
composition of Board.
Currently, the Board has five committees: The Audit
Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee,
Stakeholders'' Relationship Committee, Corporate
Social Responsibility Committee and Risk Management
Committee. Composition of the committees is given below.
|
Audit Committee |
Position |
|
Mr. G Purnachandra Rao |
Chairman |
|
Ms. Y Prameela Rani |
Member |
|
Mr. Sanjay Dave |
Member |
|
Stakeholders'' Relationship |
Position |
|
Mr. G Purnachandra Rao |
Chairman |
|
(w.e.f., 9th November 2024) |
|
|
Ms. Y Prameela Rani |
Chairperson |
|
(upto 8th November 2024) |
|
|
Mr. Sanjay Dave |
Member |
|
Mr. Satya Sreenivas Neerukonda |
Member |
|
(w.e.f., 9th November 2024) |
|
Nomination and Remuneration |
Position |
|
Mr. Sanjay Dave |
Chairman |
|
Mr. G Purnachandra Rao |
Member |
|
Ms. Y Prameela Rani |
Member |
|
Corporate Social Responsibility |
Position |
|
Ms. Harita Vasireddi |
Chairperson |
|
Mr Harriman Vungal |
Member |
|
Mr. Sanjay Dave |
Member |
|
Risk Management Committee |
Position |
|
Mr. Satya Sreenivas Neerukonda |
Chairman |
|
Mr. Sanjay Dave |
Member |
|
Ms. Harita Vasireddi |
Member |
|
Mr. Harriman Vungal |
Member |
|
Dr. Upendra Bhatnagar |
Member |
|
Mr. Srinivas Prathipati |
Member |
|
Mr. Siva Rama Krishna Kambhampati |
Member |
Disclosure by Directors
None of the Directors of the Company are disqualified
as per the provisions of Section 164(2) of the Companies
Act, 2013. Directors have made necessary disclosures to
this effect as required under the Companies Act, 2013.
Further, the Company has obtained Certificate pursuant
to Regulation 34(3) and Schedule of the SEBI (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015 from M/s D Hanumanta Raju & Co., Practicing
Company Secretaries, Secretarial Auditors and attached
the same to this report.
c) Appointment/ Re-appointment
The Board of Directors in their meeting held on 28th
April 2025, on recommendation of Nomination and
Remuneration Committee has re-appointed Dr. Yadagiri
R Pendri (DIN:01966100) as an independent director not
liable to retire by rotation, for the second and final term
of five years commencing from 10th August 2025 to 09th
August 2030, subject to the approval of the shareholders
in ensuring Annual General Meeting.
d) Changes in the Key Managerial Personnel and their terms
and conditions of appointment
Dr. S P Vasireddi, Executive Chairman, Ms. Harita Vasireddi,
Managing Director, Mr. Harriman Vungal, Executive
Director - Operations, Mr. Satya Sreenivas Neerukonda,
Executive Director, Mr. Siva Rama Krishna Kambhampati,
Chief Financial Officer and Ms. Sujani Vasireddi, Company
Secretary are Key Managerial Personnel of the Company
within the meaning of Section(s) 2(51) and 203 of
the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel)
Rules, 2014.
During the year under review, Mr. Rama Narahai Naidu
Dodda resigned from the position of Chief Financial Officer
w.e.f., 10th December 2024 and Mr. Siva Rama Krishna
Kambhampati was appointed as Chief Financial Officer
w.e.f., 06th March 2025.
The Board of Directors on recommendation of Nomination
and Remuneration Committee and Audit Committee at
their meeting held on 28th April 2025, has approved revision
in remuneration of Executive Directors i.e., Managing
Director and Whole-time Directors (excluding Executive
Chairperson) subject to the approval of the shareholders
at the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The resolutions
related to the revision in remuneration are being placed at
the AGM along with the necessary details.
Apart from the aforementioned appointment, resignation
and revision in remuneration, there have been no other
changes in the Key Managerial Personnel during the
financial year under review.
e) Declaration by Independent Directors
As per the requirement of Section 149(7) of the Act, all the
Independent Directors of the Company have submitted
their respective declarations that they fulfil the criteria
of independence under Section 149 of the Act, read
with Regulation 25 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
f) All the Independent Directors of your Company have been
registered and are members of Independent Directors
Databank maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate
Affairs (IICA).
g) It is hereby declared that in the opinion of the Board, each
independent director appointed is a person of integrity
and possesses all the relevant expertise and experience
(including proficiency). The Company has imparted
necessary familiarization programme to the independent
director.
h) During the year under review, no new Independent
Director was appointed.
26 POLICY ON DIRECTORS'' APPOINTMENT AND
REMUNERATION
Based on the recommendation of Nomination &
Remuneration Committee, the Board of Directors
approved and adopted a Policy for selection, appointment
and remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel
and other employees of the Company as required under
Section 178(3) of the Act.
The Nomination and Remuneration Policy and Board
Diversity Policy is set out as Annexure VII, and the same can
be accessed at https://vimta.com/wD-content/uploads/
Nomination-Remuneration-Policv.pdf and httos://vimta.
com/wp-content/uploads/Board-Diversitv-Pol icv.pdf
27 HUMAN RESOURCES
Our success depends on the collective performance,
contribution and expertise of our senior management
team and several key personnel throughout our
organization, including scientific, technical, administrative,
and other business enabling functions such as business
development. With an employee base of 1,315, the
company leverages the diverse and abundant skills and
domain expertise to build a scientifically strong and
quality driven organization. Vimta believes that its Human
Resources is the key to achieve business growth. Thus, to
ensure employee satisfaction, the Company offers a safe,
conducive, and productive environment. Endeavours are
continuous to attract new talent and ensure the retention
of existing employees. To establish a strong, connect with
employees, several employee engagement initiatives are
undertaken. Training and skill development programs are
continuously delivered to promote a learning culture.
Special skill development and training programs are
conducted for identified special talent pool. Keeping pace
with technological advancements, more and more HR
processes are digitalised with substantial investments.
The employees are sufficiently empowered and company
believes that such work environment propels the team
to achieve higher levels of performance. The unflinching
commitment of its employees is the driving force
behind the Company''s profitable growth. Your Company
appreciates the spirit and the contributions of its dedicated
employees.
28 PARTICLUARS OF CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITH
RELATED PARTIES
All the contracts/ arrangements/ transactions entered by
the Company during the year under review with related
parties were in the ordinary course of business and at
arm''s length basis. The particulars of such contracts
or arrangements with related parties, pursuant to the
provisions of Section 134(3)(h) of the Companies Act, 2013
and Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, in the
prescribed form AOC-2 is enclosed as Annexure VIII to this
report.
The policy on materiality of related party transactions and
on dealing with the related party transactions is uploaded
on the website of the Company, which can be accessed at
httos://vimta.com/wp-content/uoloads/4.Related-Partv-
Transaction-Policv-V2.pdf
All the related party transactions are placed before the
Audit Committee and also before the Board for their
respective approval. Omnibus approval of the Audit
Committee is obtained as per SEBI (Listing Obligations
and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 for the
transactions which can be foreseen and are repetitive in
nature. The Company has developed a Policy on Related
Party Transactions including the latest amendments
thereof for the purpose of identification and monitoring of
such transactions.
29 CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION
AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The information on conservation of energy, technology
absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo as
required under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act,
2013 read with Rule 8 of The Companies (Accounts) Rules,
2014, is enclosed as Annexure IX to this report.
30 RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
During the year under review, the Risk Management
Committee was constituted by the Board of Directors at
its meeting held on 24th January 2025. The Committee
is responsible for overseeing the implementation and
effectiveness of the Company''s Risk Management Policy,
including the identification of key risks, assessment of
their potential impact and the formulation of appropriate
mitigation strategies. The Board and management support
this framework, ensuring that significant risks are regularly
reviewed and addressed. Details of the identified risks and
the corresponding management perceptions are provided
in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report.
31 ANNUAL EVALUATION OF BOARD PERFORMANCE AND
PERFORMANCE OF ITS COMMITTEES AND OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and
Regulation 25 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Board has carried
out the annual performance evaluation of its own, that of
its committees and individual directors.
A structured evaluation is performed covering various
aspects of the Board''s functioning such as adequacy of
the composition of the Board and its Committees, Board
culture, execution and performance of specific duties,
obligations and governance aspects.
The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors
was carried out by the entire Board. The performance
evaluation of the Chairman and the Non-Independent
Directors was carried out by the Independent Directors
who also reviewed the performance of the Secretarial
Department. All the evaluations had satisfactory outcomes.
The Company has a comprehensive Code of Conduct (the
Code) in place pursuant to Regulation 17(5) of Listing
Regulations, applicable to all the senior management
personnel and Directors including Independent Directors
to such extent as may be applicable to them depending on
their roles and responsibilities. The Code covers duties of
Independent Directors and also gives guidance needed for
ethical conduct of business and compliance of law. Further,
a policy on obligation of Directors and senior management
personnel for disclosure of committee positions and
commercial transitions pursuant to Regulation 26(2), (5)
and (6) of Listing Regulation is in place. All the Directors
and senior management confirmed the compliance to the
code of conduct. Declaration on compliance with Code
of Conduct is annexed as Annexure X to the Corporate
Governance Report.
Pursuant to SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading)
(Amendment) Regulations, 2018, the Company has
adopted and complied to the Code of Internal Procedures
and Conduct for Regulating, monitoring and reporting
of trading by designated persons and their immediate
relatives along with Code of Fair Disclosures.
The Company has complied with provisions relating to the
constitution of Internal Complaints Committee under the
Sexual Harassment of women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The company formed
a committee to attend to the complaints and monitor
implementation of the above Act. During the financial year
ended 31st March 2025, the company has not received any
complaints from employees regarding sexual harassment.
The number of complaints filed, disposed of and pending
as of the financial year under review is zero (0).
The Company has a Whistle Blower Policy in place, framed
to deal with instances of fraud and mismanagement, if
any in the Company. The Policy provides for adequate
safeguards against victimization of employees who avail
the mechanism and also provides for direct access to
the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The details of the
Policy are explained in the Corporate Governance Report
and also posted on the website of the Company, which can
be accessed at https://vimta.com/wD-content/uploads/
Whistle-Blower-Policv.pdf
A robust internal control mechanism is a prerequisite to
ensure that an organisation functions ethically, complies
with all legal and regulatory requirements and observes
the generally accepted principles of good governance.
Your Company has adequate internal control systems
for business processes, efficiency in its operations, and
compliance with all the applicable laws and regulations.
Regular internal checks and audits ensure that the
responsibilities are being effectively executed. In-depth
review of internal controls, accounting procedures and
policies of Company is conducted. Your Company has
adopted adequate internal controls and audit system
commensurate with its size and nature of business. Internal
financial control with reference to financial statement is
adhered.
Internal audit is carried on a quarterly basis. The Internal
Audit report directly to the Audit Committee of the
Board, which ensures process independence. The Audit
Committee reviews the adequacy and efficacy of the
internal controls, as well as the effectiveness of the risk
management process across the Company. After reviewing
the findings and suggestions, the Audit Committee directs
the respective departments through Board to implement
the same.
In due compliance of the Listing Regulations and in
accordance with the requirements prescribed by SEBI,
the cash flow statement prepared and is appended to this
Annual Report.
The company has adequate internal financial controls
with reference to the financial statements in place and the
same were operating effectively.
Based on the framework of internal financial controls and
compliance systems established and maintained by the
Company, the work performed by the Internal, Statutory
and Secretarial Auditors and the reviews performed by
the Management and the relevant Board Committees,
including the Audit Committee, the Board believes that
the Company''s internal financial controls with reference
to the financial statements were adequate and effective
during the year ended 31st March 2025.
39 PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE INSOLVENCY & BANKRUPTCY
CODE, 2016 (31 OF 2016)
During the year, the company has not made any
applications under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,
2016, nor any proceeding is pending under the said code.
40 BORROWINGS
During the year under review, the company has not
approached its Bankers/Financial Institutions for one time
settlement in respect of its borrowings. Accordingly, no
valuation was done during the year under review.
41 BUSINESS TRANSFER AGREEMENT
During the year under review, your company has entered
into Business Transfer Agreement ("BTA") on 30th August
2024 with Thyrocare Technologies Limited ("Thyrocare")
for transferring and selling diagnostic and pathological
services business as a going concern basis. The said
transaction was completed on 11th October 2024 and the
Company cease to render diagnostic and pathological
services w.e.f., 11th October 2024.
42 MATERIAL CHANGES
No material changes have occurred subsequent to the end
of the financial year of the Company to which the financial
statements relate and till the date of the report, that have
an impact on the financial position of the Company.
43 PARTICULARS OF SIGNIFICANT/MATERIAL ORDERS
PASSED, IF ANY
During the year under review, there were no significant
and material orders passed by any Regulator or Court or
Tribunals which would impact the going concern status of
the Company''s operations in future.
44 GREEN INITIATIVE IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has taken a
green initiative in Corporate Governance by allowing
paperless compliances by the Companies and permitted
the service of Annual Reports and documents to the
shareholders through electronic mode subject to certain
conditions. Members who have not yet registered their
email addresses are requested to register the same with
their Depositories in case the shares are held by them
in electronic form and with Company''s Registrars and
Transfer Agents, CIL Securities Limited, in case the shares
are held by them in physical form.
45 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Directors record their deep appreciation for the
contributions made by the employees at all levels, for their
sincerity, hard work, solidarity, and dedicated support to
the Company during the year. The Directors also wish to
place on record their gratitude to shareholders, customers,
vendors, consultants, bankers, and all other stakeholders
for their continued support to the Company.
For and on behalf of the Board
Date: 28th April 2025 Dr. Sivalinga Prasad Vasireddi
Place: Hyderabad Executive Chairman
(DIN:00242288)
Mar 31, 2024
|
(' in Millions) |
|||||
|
Sl. No. |
Particulars |
Year Ended March 31, 2024 |
Year Ended March 31, 2023 |
||
| Â |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
|
|
I |
Total Income |
3,169.01 |
3,222.68 |
3,185.84 |
3,216.34 |
| Â |
i) Expenses other than Finance costs, depreciation and amortisation expenses |
2,292.52 |
2,314.70 |
2,215.69 |
2,232.79 |
| Â |
ii) Finance costs |
21.13 |
21.22 |
26.44 |
26.45 |
| Â |
iii) Depreciation and amortisation expenses |
339.99 |
341.95 |
305.40 |
307.13 |
|
II |
Total Expenses (i+ii+iii) |
2,653.64 |
2,677.87 |
2,547.53 |
2,566.37 |
| Â |
PBT (I-II) - Before Exceptional Item |
515.37 |
544.81 |
638.31 |
649.97 |
| Â |
Less: Exceptional Items |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
III |
PBT- After Exceptional Items |
515.37 |
544.81 |
638.31 |
649.97 |
|
IV |
Tax Expense |
127.30 |
134.72 |
165.32 |
168.25 |
|
V |
PAT (III-IV) |
388.07 |
410.09 |
472.99 |
481.72 |
| Â |
Other comprehensive (loss) / income |
(2.32) |
(2.33) |
(0.22) |
(0.26) |
|
VI |
Total Comprehensive income for the year (V+VI) |
385.76 |
407.76 |
472.77 |
481.46 |
Â
Your Directors are happy to present the 34th Annual Report together with the Standalone & Consolidated Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31st March 2024.
1. OUR COMPANY'S PERFORMANCE
For FY 2023-24, company recorded a consolidated revenue of ' 3,222.68 million as compared to ' 3,216.34 million in the previous year and standalone revenue of ' 3,169.01
2. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Macro Economy Global Economy
The global economy continues to navigate a complex landscape, marked by geopolitical tensions and mounting cost-of-living concerns. Nevertheless, its resilience remains evident, with inflation receding more rapidly than anticipated, mostly owing to supply chain efficiencies and decisive monetary policies, including interest rate adjustments by central banks aimed at curbing inflation. Despite these encouraging signs, potential slowdowns loom in 2024, triggered largely by persistently high interest rates and scaled-back government spending in response to national debt levels.
In late 2023, major economies witnessed a surge in growth, fuelled by government spending, rising disposable incomes, and pandemic savings. However, the upswing was uneven. The Eurozone, for instance, faced weak consumer confidence, high energy prices, and declining
million as compared to ' 3185.84 million in the previous year.
The EBITDA for FY 2023-24 is 28.2% and 27.7% for consolidated and standalone levels respectively, compared to 30.6%Â and 30.5%, of the previous year.
The Financial performance of the Company for the year ended 31st March 2024 with the comparative figures of previous years is summarized below: manufacturing, while low-income economies remained below pre-pandemic growth due to high borrowing costs.
On a positive note, favourable improvements in supply chain and moderating energy prices have curbed inflation, bringing headline and core rates closer to pre-pandemic levels. This easing inflation could possibly lead to future rate cuts, potentially boosting stock markets. The decline in inflation reflects both receding energy shocks and easing labour market tightness. Although job vacancies have seen a dip and unemployment rates are marginally rising, an increase in labour supply including immigration, is contributing to the overall picture.
Despite these favourable trends, the challenge of high long-term borrowing costs persists, fuelled by escalating government debts. Monetary policies continue to vary significantly across different countries, with some central banks lowering rates and others maintaining them to ensure economic stability. More importantly, controlled wage growth is preventing a wage-price spiral, ensuring that both near-term and long-term inflation expectations are anchored.
Outlook
Global growth is forecasted to hold near 3.1% in 2024, with a modest uptick to 3.2% in 2025, on the back of improved prospects in China, the US, and some emerging economies. That said, tighter monetary policy, reduced fiscal stimulus,
and sluggish productivity will keep growth below historical averages. Advanced economies are expected to face a temporary slowdown in 2024, followed by a rebound, while emerging markets will likely see stable, but uneven, growth across regions.
(Source: WEO Jan 2024 & EY)
Indian Economy
As global economy finds itself at a precarious crossroads in 2024, marked by a narrow escape from recession and ongoing volatility, geopolitical tensions have intensified, leading to economic fragmentation and financial instability. In the midst of this turbulence, India has emerged as a significant economic and geopolitical force. Its strategic decisions are poised to potentially elevate it to the world's third-largest economy within the next five years and achieve developed nation status by 2047. India's path could exemplify a model for inclusive growth, digital innovation, and climate action.
In 2023, India reached a significant milestone by assuming the presidency of the G20, the world's foremost global economic forum, where it highlighted its economic strength and adept diplomacy on a global stage. Economically, India emerged as a pivotal driver of global growth, accounting for 16% of the total global growth in 2023. Its impressive growth rate of 7.2% during the fiscal year 2022-2023 was the second highest among G20 nations, nearly doubling the average growth rate of emerging market economies for that period.
Looking ahead, India's economy has the potential to reach $7 trillion by 2031, driven by domestic reforms, infrastructure development, and focus on emerging sectors. Despite shortterm challenges like global economic slowdown, India remains well-positioned for long-term success. Continued disinflation, favourable monsoon, and increased private investment are expected to support growth, making India the fastest-growing large economy. Diversification and attracting private investment will further capitalize on global opportunities, sustaining robust growth.
Outlook
India's GDP growth is projected to ease to 6.8%, with inflation and interest rates likely peaking. Potential interest rate cuts could begin as early as June 2024. While government infrastructure
spending may soften, private investments are expected to remain robust, driven by emerging sectors. Government initiatives to support rural areas aim to maintain income levels and consumer demand. However, factors like monsoon performance, global oil prices, and logistics disruptions remain crucial for managing both growth and inflation.
(Source: CRISIL_ Outlook Mar 2024, World Economic Forum & EY)
Industry Overview (Opportunities and Threats)
Pharmaceutical Analytical Testing Global
The market for pharmaceutical analytical testing is projected to reach USD 13.43 billion by 2029, reflecting a growth rate of 8.41% annually between 2024 and 2029.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the pharmaceutical analytical testing landscape. The urgent need to develop vaccines and treatments for the coronavirus disease propelled a surge in new drug candidate creation. Analytical testing is crucial throughout drug development, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and safety at every stage. The rapid response to COVID-19 drove the development of biosimilars, combination therapies, and innovative vaccines. This, in turn, increased the demand for advanced bioanalytical testing techniques, such as electrophoresis, electrochemical and titrimetric assays, and immunoassays.
Beyond the pandemic's influence, several other factors are contributing to market growth:
Rising Number of Clinical Trials: The increasing number of clinical trials globally necessitates robust analytical testing procedures.
Focus on Biologics and Biosimilars: The growing focus on developing and testing biologics and biosimilars creates further demand for specialized analytical testing.
Outsourcing Lab Testing: The trend of pharmaceutical companies outsourcing their laboratory testing needs to specialized firms is another key driver.
The need for stringent quality control measures in the pharmaceutical industry is paramount. According to FDA drug recall statistics, a significant number of drugs are recalled annually, highlighting the importance of thorough testing before medications reach the market. Analytical testing plays a critical role in guaranteeing the safety and efficacy of drugs, ultimately protecting public health and ensuring the effectiveness of
treatment options.
(Source: Morder Intelligence & EY)
India
The market is propelled by innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, a heightened focus on regulation, a growing number of end-users, and the cost benefits of outsourcing. To ensure long-term sustainability, pharmaceutical companies must boost their R&D spending and invest in drug discovery. Additionally, the increasing need for product safety and quality, along with evolving regulations for in vivo and in vitro tests, are expected to further drive market growth.
The demand for specific types of tests has surged due to the development of combination products, biosimilars, and other new medicines. Market growth is driven by several key factors, including stringent regulations, the need to meet regulatory standards, rising demand for biosimilars and biopharmaceutical products, a growing pipeline of products, and enhanced efficiencies.
The growth of the pharmaceutical analytical testing outsourcing market in the region faces significant challenges due to increased reliance on unreliable outsourced manufacturing organizations. Additional obstacles include a shortage of experienced specialists, a lack of well-established healthcare infrastructure, high operational costs, changes in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), evolving regulatory policies, and the demand for shorter turnaround times. These factors collectively threaten to impede the expansion of the market.
(Source: APAC Market Data Forecast & EY)
Â
Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) services are instrumental in guaranteeing that infrastructure, products, and services meet stringent safety and quality standards across various regulations. The consistent demand for regular inspections and testing across industries, regardless of seasonal fluctuations, is a key driver of this market's anticipated growth.
Â
Several factors are fuelling this expansion: stricter regulations in sectors like healthcare and automotive, the incorporation of AI and IoT for enhanced testing capabilities, the growing need to comply with diverse standards in a globalised world, and an intensified focus on quality, safety, and sustainability.
The global TIC market is projected to balloon to $280.6 billion by 2029, reflecting a steady growth rate of 3.8% from its $233.2 billion value in 2024. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to dominate the TIC market due to the rise of emerging economies like India, China, Japan, and South Korea. Their growing industrial bases, export booms, stricter regulations, and rapid urbanization are driving the demand for TIC services.
That said, globalisation is also a double-edged sword. While it necessitates TIC services throughout complex supply chains to maintain quality, it also creates challenges. Proliferation of labs, complex logistics, and the ever-increasing need for efficiency are putting a strain on the industry.
The biggest hurdle remains the lack of standardised TIC regulations globally. This inconsistency poses a huge challenge for businesses to operate seamlessly across borders and ensure consistent quality and compliance.
(Source: Mordar Intelligence , Markets and markets & EY)
India
India is a prominent market for Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) services in the Asia Pacific region, with an expected CAGR of 4.4% from 2023 to 2030. This growth is propelled by escalating demand from businesses and organisations for reliable TIC methodologies. Adherence to rigorous testing and inspection protocols is imperative for businesses to uphold optimal quality, productivity, and efficiency levels. Employing TIC strategies enable businesses to customise their supply chain operations, thereby enhancing corporate processes.
The market holds significant potential, driven by regulations, trade, domestic consumption, the expansion of renewable energy production and infrastructure projects.
The market is divided into two categories: Application and Sourcing type.
⢠   By application: The market caters to various sectors including consumer goods & retail, agriculture & food, chemicals, infrastructure, manufacturing, medical & life sciences, mining, oil & gas, automotive, public sector, and IT, telecom & others.
⢠   By sourcing type: Businesses can choose between inhouse testing capabilities or outsourcing services.
CRO Services Market Global
The global contract research organisation (CRO) services market is projected to surge from $82 billion in 2024 to $129 billion by 2029, reflecting a robust CAGR of 9.6%. This growth is fuelled by pipeline of drug development projects for therapeutics and medical devices. Advancements in technology, particularly in precision/personalised medicine, are driving the outsourcing of development services to CROs. Additionally, rising clinical trial outsourcing is driving its surge in developing countries. CROs are actively expanding their global networks to enhance customer service.
North America currently dominates the CRO services market, and this trend is expected to persist on the back of an ever-expanding drug development pipeline and a growing number of drugs entering clinical trials. Pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic institutions increasingly outsource development activities to leverage CRO expertise in infrastructure, therapeutic areas, regulatory compliance, and more.
The burgeoning field of precision/personalised medicine presents another growth opportunity. The number of FDA-approved personalised medicines has witnessed a significant rise, with over 50 approvals between 2020 and 2022. However, patient recruitment and retention remain a challenge due to shortage of skilled professionals and lack of patient-centric approaches in clinical trials. Decentralised clinical trials (DCTs) are expected to mitigate this hurdle.
(Source: MarketsAndMarkets, Grand View Research, Technavio & EY)
India
India's CRO sector is flourishing, with a projected CAGR of 10.75% to reach $2.5 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by specialised research and development service providers assisting pharmaceutical and biotech companies across various stages of drug development (discovery, pre-clinical, clinical, bioequivalence/bioavailability).
India is a preferred destination for global clinical trials because of significant cost advantage, improved regulatory environment and hospitals infrastructure, growing access to larger patient
populations and physicians propelled by expansion of private hospitals into tier 2 and tier 3 cities of India. The clinical trials market is dominated by Phase II and III trials which are growing at 15% to 18%.
Likewise, India is also a large global hub for small molecules and biosimilar bioequivalence studies as India is the major supplier of generic drugs worldwide. Globally this market is close to USD 700 million and estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.4%. The growth of bioequivalence studies is driven by expanding pharmaceutical market, rising healthcare costs, advancing scientific technologies, and rising chronic illnesses.
The Indian pre-clinical CRO segment, is expected to reach $393.6 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.4%. Multiple factors fuel this expansion: cost advantages, a skilled workforce, rising technological advances, favourable regulatory environment, and a rising trend of global R&D outsourcing. Furthermore, the biopharmaceutical companies dominated the market in 2023, particularly small and mid-sized businesses that lack enough preclinical drug development facilities or experience. In the coming years, this is predicted to increase demand for preclinical CRO services.
According to a 2023 study by India's Department of Pharmaceuticals, leading pharmaceutical companies' R&D spending surpassed $138 billion in 2022, reflecting a sustained upward trend. The overall market benefits from the growing international preference for outsourcing R&D activities. Pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, and agrochemical companies leverage CRO expertise to conduct pre-clinical research, allowing them to focus on core competencies. Advancements in automation and robotics further enhance efficiency and expedite experiment completion.
(Source: Grandview Research, Study on CRO sector in India & EY)
Environment Testing Industry Global
The global environmental testing market is projected to reach $20.16 billion by 2030, driven by a robust CAGR of 7.8%. Stringent environmental regulations and active enforcement by organisations like the OEFA and EPA are key factors fuelling this growth.
Environmental testing services have seen increased utilisation across sectors like personal care and pharmaceuticals during the pandemic. Regulatory bodies mandate routine testing and inspection of environmental waste, further propelling market expansion. Additionally, rising public awareness of environmental issues and the development of faster contaminant detection methods are creating lucrative new market opportunities. These factors are expected to significantly boost demand for environmental testing services in the coming years.
India
India's environmental testing market, valued at $240.15 million in 2023, is poised for steady growth at a CAGR of 7.94% from 2025 to 2029. This expansion is driven by several key factors:
⢠   Deteriorating air, water, and soil quality: Rising pollution levels necessitate frequent environmental testing to monitor and manage these concerns.
⢠   Stricter environmental regulations: The Indian government's implementation of stringent environmental standards compel industries to comply, leading to a surge in testing demand.
⢠   Western India's dominance: This region houses a high concentration of industries (pharmaceuticals, chemicals, petroleum) with significant environmental impact. Consequently, extensive testing is required to ensure compliance and mitigate environmental risks. Stringent environmental regulations in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat further propel market growth by mandating regular testing for industrial activities.
⢠   Heightened public awareness: Growing public concern about environmental issues fosters increased demand for testing services.
⢠   Industrial expansion: The expansion of sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverages, all of which require environmental testing as part of their operations, also contributes to market growth.
(Source: Techsciresearch & EY)
Food Testing Industry
Global
The global food safety testing market, valued at over $21.6 billion in 2023, is projected to expand at a healthy CAGR of 8.1% from 2024 to 2032, owing to the worldwide surge in food consumption and the growing need for secure food supplies, particularly in developing nations like India, Indonesia, and Brazil.
A significant factor is the rising incidence of foodborne illnesses caused by contaminated food. This public health concern, coupled with increased consumer awareness and demand for
transparency in food production, is driving the market towards stricter testing protocols. Stringent regulations like the FSMA in the US and EU further compel food manufacturers to implement rigorous safety measures.
The market is witnessing a shift towards more comprehensive testing methods that go beyond traditional pathogen detection. This includes testing for chemicals, toxins, and GMOs, reflecting the growing consumer demand for organic and non-GMO products.
North America and Europe currently dominate the market due to established regulatory environments and high consumer awareness. However, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific are experiencing rapid growth, driven by urbanisation, evolving dietary habits, and strengthening regulatory frameworks.
(Source: GMI Research, Mordar Intelligence, Imarcgroup & EY)
The Indian food safety testing market, valued at $55.25 million in 2023, is poised for impressive growth at a CAGR of 7.18% through 2029. This surge is driven by a growing national focus on food safety and quality.
India's increasing population and rising consumer awareness about foodborne illnesses are fuelling a demand for robust testing mechanisms that aim to safeguard the integrity of the
food supply chain and prevent illnesses.
A key driver of this market is the stringent regulatory framework established by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The FSSAI acts as a watchdog, setting standards, regulating food production and distribution, and ensuring compliance with safety guidelines. These regulations directly influence the market, as food producers and manufacturers must Source: Techsci Research & EY to rigorous quality and safety testing protocols.
(Source: Techsci Research & EY)
Electrical and Electronics TestingGlobal
The global market for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing is projected to grow steadily, reaching $3.8 billion by 2032 from $2.5 billion in 2023. This represents a CAGR of 4.9%. Several factors are driving this expansion:
⢠   Increased demand for certification services: Businesses are increasingly seeking certification to ensure their products comply with regulations.
⢠   Rising consumer electronics demand: The growing popularity of consumer electronics fuels the need for EMC testing.
⢠   Developments in 5G infrastructure: As 5G technology rolls out, robust EMC testing becomes crucial.
EMC testing verifies the proper functionality of electronic and electrical equipment within their intended electromagnetic environment. It ensures products operate without interfering with other devices or being affected by external electromagnetic disturbances.
The market for EMC testing is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years due to several additional factors:
⢠   Stricter security requirements: Mandatory EMC testing for medical devices, for instance, is becoming more common.
⢠   Standardisation of electronic devices: Widespread standardisation across electronic products strengthens the need for EMC testing.
Â
⢠   Focus on brand reputation: Companies increasingly recognise the value of EMC testing in maintaining brand reputation.
The rise of new mobile network technologies like LTE, and 5G, require specialised testing equipment to guarantee quality and reliability. This, in turn, fuels the growth of the EMC testing market.
(Source: straitsresearch & EY)
Rising disposable income in developing nations like India is fuelling a significant market for high-tech consumer devices such as smart wearables, smartphones, smart appliances, and electric vehicles. This trend, coupled with Asia-Pacific's (APAC) established role in mass producing electronics for various sectors, is propelling the region's electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing market.
India in particular, is experiencing remarkable growth in its EMC testing market due to several factors:
⢠   Rise in Manufacturing Facilities: The increasing number of manufacturing units in India, driven by the government's "Make in India" initiative, necessitates robust EMC testing to ensure product compliance.
⢠   Skilled Workforce Availability: A readily available pool of skilled personnel further strengthens India's position as a manufacturing hub and drives the demand for EMC testing services.
(Source: Asia-Pacific EMC Testing Market to 2028 & EY)
Clinical Diagnostics Industry Global
The clinical diagnostics market is poised for steady growth, projected to reach $109.92 billion by 2029 from $84.18 billion in 2024, a CAGR of 5.48%. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated this growth due to a surge in testing needs. The demand for diagnostics is expected to remain stable in the postpandemic period, contributing to market growth over the next five years.
Beyond the pandemic, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases is driving demand for healthcare services, and clinical diagnostics play a crucial role in disease prevention, detection, and management. This increasing burden of chronic illness is another key factor propelling the overall market forward.
(Source: Mordar Intelligence & EY)
India
India's diagnostic services market is experiencing significant growth, jumping from $14.57 billion in 2022 to $16.23 billion in 2023. By FY32, the market is projected to reach a staggering $43.57 billion.
The market comprises two main segments: pathology testing (60% share) and imaging diagnostics (40% share). While the radiology segment thrives due to rising demand for imaging services, pathology testing has also grown due to increased adoption of preventive health check-ups.
Several factors continue to contribute to this growth: Increased healthcare spending by a growing elderly population, rising income levels leading to greater ability to afford diagnostics, growing awareness of the importance of preventive testing, introduction of advanced diagnostic tests, expanding health insurance coverage, government initiatives focused on healthcare.
Post-pandemic, diagnostic services have become even more critical, playing a vital role throughout the healthcare journey -from early disease detection to treatment and post-treatment monitoring.
(Source: The Hindu & EY)
2.1 COMPANY OUTLOOK
Your Company is positive about its growth prospects in the biopharmaceutical, food, environmental, and electronics & electrical contract testing and research markets all of which have a strong positive outlook despite the current global economic uncertainties, large competition, and stricter regulatory compliance requirements. The Company has a strong customer base, and promising pipelines which give it good visibility of growth over the medium term. Over the long term, the Company expects it would strategically look at acquisition opportunities or alliances or partnerships to enhance its market reach, capabilities and service portfolio, to gain further market share. Penetration into overseas markets would be an important lever of growth going forward. Domestic market continues to hold immense potential led by economic growth in the country. However, inflationary pressures in terms of cost of manpower, technology and material, and pricing pressures due to proliferation of laboratories in the country will be the key risks to watch out for. VIMTA continues to maintain its dominance in the domestic food testing and contract research services to biopharmaceuticals industry. Its expansion into electronic and electrical products testing
Â
services should contribute to the Company's growth. The Company's leading position in the domestic market in addition to its business development overseas should help it sustain its growth.
2.2 OUR STRENGTHS & STRATEGIES
VIMTA believes that it is well-positioned to serve the global biopharmaceutical, agrochemical, specialty chemical and medical device industries through its integrated product development services. VIMTA provides services to its customers through processes and procedures that are oriented to deliver strong compliance to regulatory requirements, thereby maintaining the integrity of data and the reports, and minimizing risks to the customers. VIMTA has a track record of strong science and quality over a 40-year history, earning it a reputation as a leading, high quality, sophisticated contract research and testing organization. Over the years it has developed wide range of capabilities and offers high-value, advanced testing services to support product research and development. VIMTA believes it is amongst the leaders in the domestic market for GMP analytical services and GLP nonclinical services. The GMP, GLP and GCP compliant services have been successfully audited more than 100 times during the year by customers, regulatory agencies, accrediting and certifying bodies.
Similarly, in food testing business, VIMTA is recognized as the leader not only in its testing expertise, technologies, and quality, but also in its scale. VIMTA has the largest pan India network of full fledged laboratories positioning it to take more market share within the industry and continue to grow. It is counted as a center of excellence for the country by the government organizations as well.
In both food and above-mentioned product development services for biopharmaceutical companies, the broad spectrum of our services, cutting edge instrumentation and facilities with large footprint allows VIMTA to offer a comprehensive set of scientific laboratory services. Further, the scale of services enables us to continuously develop and refine our expertise and enhance our ability to bend the cost and time curve of services to our customers.
In Electronics and Electrical testing, VIMTA has invested over ' 300 million in capital expenditure to set up a state-of-the-art EMI/EMC testing facility which has capabilities to test electronics used for military/defense components as well. VIMTA believes that this capability is a differentiated offering to the industries in the domestic market. The safety and environment tests capabilities of Emtac Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., the WOS of VIMTA, complement well the EMI/EMC services. In future years the breadth of the menu offered by Emtac will be strengthened to widen the customer base, which will benefit VIMTA as well in expanding its reach in the market.
The environmental services comprise of again a diverse range of offerings. The experience of the company and its team in environmental services is second to none in the domestic market. Company has long-standing relationships with its customers as demonstrated by having provided services for decade or more to several of its top customers. These relationships tend to have larger and longer-term contracts, which provide stability and visibility to Company's revenues in environmental services.
VIMTA's clinical diagnostics laboratory services are spread across multiple cities including a central reference lab in Hyderabad. Company has a strong B2B reputation in the local markets. Despite the tough market conditions in diagnostics industry, company has been able to retain its customers owing to its reputation as a high quality service provider. Company will focus on B2B business to grow its reach in its local markets and in the future should be able to grow through professional partnerships with hospitals and other healthcare centers.
Across all its business units, the company believes that the technical and scientific expertise of its dedicated employees provides it with a competitive advantage. With a large pool of scientists holding advanced, masters or equivalent degrees, including PhDs, VIMTA has an edge due to the varied-scientific talent pool. The cross pollination of scientific domain expertise is leveraged often to create innovative as well as comprehensive solutions for customers across industries.
VIMTA has strategically developed and oriented its research and testing laboratory services towards the lucratively growing industries and their outsourcing needs, to position itself to win high value-add business. The service model is focused on providing to customers both stand-alone services as well as a mix of full-service contracts. VIMTA leverages its experience in managing laboratory operations for over 40 years, to create efficient processes delivering quality outputs that helps in maintaining long term stable customer relationships. Furthermore, company is focused on continuous operational improvements and prudent cost management. Company believes that its strong financial profile demonstrates the quality and efficiency of the business model and positions it for continued growth.
2.3 KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS
In accordance with SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements), Regulations as amended in 2018, following are the details of key financial ratios and significant changes (changes of 25% or more as compared to the immediately previous financial year) in key sector specific financial ratio.
Â
|
Ratio |
Financial Year 2023-24 |
Financial Year 2022-23 |
|
Debtors Turnover Ratio (in days) |
95.75 |
90.03 |
|
Inventory Turnover Ratio (in days) |
27.13 |
22.94 |
|
Interest Coverage Ratio |
28.92 |
50.38 |
|
Current Ratio |
2.91 |
2.86 |
|
Debt Equity Ratio |
0.06 |
0.05 |
|
Operating Profit Margin* |
16.53% |
20.18% |
|
Net Profit Margin** |
12.89% |
15.14% |
|
Price Earning Ratio |
24.01 |
13.94 |
|
Return on Capital Employed |
15.88% |
21.95% |
Brief reasons for significant change in the ratios when compared to previous year are as under:
Interest Coverage Ratio: Interest Coverage ratio fell with decrease in EBIT.
Price Earning Ratio: Price Earning ratio improved with increase in market price.
Return on Capital Employed: ROCE declined due to increase in total equity & decrease in EBIT.
*Operating Profit Margin: Operating EBTDA to Revenue from Operations.
**Net Profit Margin: Net Profit to Revenue from Operations.
2.4 Â Â Â MATERIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN HUMAN RESOURCES/Â INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, INCLUDING NUMBER OF PEOPLEÂ EMPLOYED
The company's human resource strength stands at 1428 as on March 31, 2024. Company's focus is on increasing productivity of manpower and engaging them well for achieving greater connect to business goals and objectives. Company has increased reliance on technology to drive these initiatives.
2.5 Â Â Â INFRASTRUCTURE
Vimta is one of India's largest Contract Research & Testing Organisations, Headquartered in Hyderabad, Vimta on 31st March, 2024 has a network of 17 laboratories, including 01 Environment branch, 09 Clinical Diagnostics branches/ satellite labs, 08 Food branch labs in India. The total built up area of the labs is ~ 4,00,000 sq.ft.
2.6 Â Â Â INVESTMENTS
VIMTA has consistently been committed to adding and improving its capabilities and service offerings. The broad range of industries that it serves and likewise its wide spectrum of services, are leveraged to stay resilient and pursue long term strategic objectives for growth. Company believes that the contract research and testing industry is constantly evolving, giving rise to newer opportunities. VIMTA is adept at evaluating opportunities in a disciplined
manner that is both capital intelligent and growth oriented.
Despite a flat performance in FY 2024, Company firmly believes that it is on a strong growth path and has made the right investments with a capex outgo to the tune of ' 771 Mns including infrastructure expansion at Vimta Life Sciences facility, Genome Valley, Hyderabad, India during the year. The significant investments are a strong reflection of the company's confidence on the market opportunities and its growth strategies.
2.7 RISKS & CONCERNS
Risks are inherent to any business. They are managed by the Company through a risk management process of risk identification and risk mitigation, through risk reduction strategies & plans and continuous monitoring of the effectiveness of the risk mitigation measures to control them.
The Risk Management Committee duly constituted by the Board has formulated a Risk Management Policy for dealing with different kinds of risks attributable to the operations of the Company. Risk Management Policy of the Company outlines different kinds of risks and risk mitigating measures and this is reviewed periodically by the Audit Committee and the Board. The Company has adequate internal control systems and procedures to combat risks.
Vimta continues to strive to stay ahead on the competition curve through creation of new service opportunities, operational excellence and uncompromising commitment to quality, regulatory compliance, and customer service. However, there may be certain risk factors that could adversely impact business.
Quality related risks: Poor performance in regulatory audits and accreditation body audits could adversely impact our business. Maintaining quality and compliance is part of every activity in the organization. The management leads the quality culture, understanding very well that this is critical for business success and survival. However, unforeseen poor or inadequate performance by employees could lead to regulatory risks. There are adequate built in controls and checks to mitigate this risk. Nevertheless, these risks cannot be ruled out.
IT related risks: Our ability to serve customers effectively depends on the reliability of our data & information management and communication systems. We leverage computerized technologies and IT tools to perform many business critical activities hence we depend on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our data & information management and communication systems, including systems we use in the laboratory, data management systems, systems used to deliver services to our customers, and failures in, breach of, or unauthorized access to or use of these systems or data contained
therein may materially limit our operations and result in significant harm to our business. IT risk management is a part of our quality management system and thus the security and operation of our data management systems and communication systems, including data management systems and communication systems. Cyber-attacks could lead to disruption in operations. These are addressed through adequate back-up mechanisms and Disaster recovery process. A dedicated team is set up to constantly keep upgrading the IT Assets and implement the latest technologies to keep the environment safe and secure. Despite the extensive risk mitigation measures in place, the risk of disruption to our operations and business cannot be completely ruled out.
Service failure related risks: We are a scientific services organization and quality of service to the customers is critical for growth of our business. Quality of service is related to our ability to deliver reports and projects with scientifically reliable and accurate information; compliance to contractual requirements, regulations, standards, guidelines as applicable; and service customers with professional and ethical conduct. If we fail to perform our services per these expectations, we could lose confidence of our customers who may choose not to award further work to us or make claims against us for breach of our contractual obligations. Any such action could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations, financial condition and/ or cash flows. Our mitigation strategy is directed towards continuously strengthening our capabilities and learning and implementing best practices. Further, stringent review systems and suitable preventive actions are in place.
Financial risks: Vimta makes continuous investments in capacity expansion, market reach and new business streams. These investments are based on good business judgement through market study, backed by strong planning and risk mitigation measures. However, time factors and market dynamics could delay results and/ or create risks in obtaining returns on such investment. Other financial risks include bad debts from customers for various reasons; and liquidity risks as a result of any poor cash flows that could further lead to non-servicing of loans. Your company has dedicated groups for customer relations management and credit control. There are adequate checks to identify risky customer accounts and control business with them to minimize risks. Nevertheless, these risks cannot be completely ruled out.
Data risks: As a third-party provider of services, we often get into various service agreements, with customers including requirements on data confidentiality, data security and IP protection. Given the large scale of human resources involved in our organization, and the inherent vulnerability of IT solutions deployed, we may be at risk as a result of unintentional violations of customer contracts and agreements, which could further lead to significant legal risks for the business. This is mitigated through strong physical security and electronic security systems; trainings to employees, business continuity processes such as electronic data disaster recovery systems; confidentiality oaths from employees; well-propagated whistle blower policies etc. Nevertheless, these risks cannot be completely ruled out.
Growth and personnel related risks: Growth if not managed well places a strain on human, operational and financial resources. To manage our growth, we must continue to attract and retain talented staff across the business operations. Management pays strong attention to continuously building and improving operating and administrative systems to enhance productivity of personnel and processes and also to have a stronger administrative control on the businesses spread at various locations across the country. Given the dependency of business on quality of personnel there are inherent risks associated with personnel's abilities and ethical conduct, which may impact adversely customer satisfaction. Thus, if we are unable to manage our growth effectively, we could lose business from our customers. Further, if we are unable to recruit, retain and motivate key personnel, our business could be adversely affected. Our success depends on the collective performance, contribution and expertise of our senior management team and other key personnel throughout our businesses, including qualified management, professional, operational, scientific, technical, and business development personnel. There is significant competition for qualified personnel in all the industries that we operate in, particularly personnel with significant experience and expertise. The loss of any key executive, or our inability to continue to recruit, retain and motivate key personnel in a timely fashion, may adversely impact our ability to compete effectively and grow our business and negatively affect our ability to meet our short and long-term business and financial goals. Company takes several steps to maintain a motivated and engaged team. Initiatives such as ESOPs to attract & retain talent, rewards and recognition programs, personnel competency enlargement programs etc., are among the many best practices followed by the company. Nevertheless, the risks related to growth and personnel cannot be completely ruled out.
Other risks: A few more such risks and concerns are, change in regulations and regulatory environment; downturn in economies that our business operates in; steep drop-in service prices from competition; increase in prices of input material; changes in laws such as tax laws etc. External risks also include foreign exchange risks; interest rate risks; risks from terrorism etc. Further there are also risks of critical equipment breakdowns, power breakouts, short supply of any input material or consumable, fire, and other natural
calamities. These are handled through a robust business continuity plan where adequate backups are created and tested from time to time for their effectiveness, nevertheless these risks cannot be completely ruled out.
It is possible that the above list of risks does not cover all risks exhaustively. However, being an experienced organization, the mitigation measures are in-built into the organization, its strategy and processes, which have so far helped the organization go through, and grow through, various phases of business and the market situations. It will be management's continuous endeavour to develop strategies that would help the organization de-risk its business & grow with opportunities.
3 Â Â Â DIVIDEND
Your Directors have recommended a dividend of ' 2/- per equity share of ' 2/- each, for 2023-24 fiscal, Subject to approval of members.
4 Â Â Â TRANSFER OF UNCLAIMED DIVIDEND TO INVESTORÂ EDUCATION & PROTECTION FUND (IEPF)
Members may please note that as per the provisions of Sections 124 & 125 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016, dividends that remain unclaimed for a period of seven years from the date of transfer to the Unpaid Dividend Account shall be transferred to the Investor Education & Protection Fund.
|
The details of the unclaimed dividends and the due dates on which those are liable to be transferred to the Investor Education & Protection Fund are given below: |
|||||
|
Year of Dividend - Final |
No. of Shareholders who have not claimed |
Unclaimed Amount (?) |
Date of Declaration |
Date of transfer to unpaid account |
Last date of transfer to IEPF |
|
2016-17 |
Dividend Not Declared |
||||
|
2017-18 |
619 |
3,43,280 |
25.08.2018 |
30.09.2018 |
29.09.2025 |
|
2018-19 |
500 |
3,16,536 |
27.07.2019 |
01.09.2019 |
31.08.2026 |
|
2019-20 |
Dividend Not Declared |
||||
|
2020-21 |
2305 |
6,00,666 |
05.07.2021 |
10.08.2021 |
09.08.2028 |
|
2021-22 |
663 |
3,00,546 |
25.06.2022 |
31.07.2022 |
30.07.2029 |
|
2022-23 |
966 |
3,22,410 |
28.06.2023 |
03.08.2023 |
02.08.2030 |
5 Â Â Â TRANSFER TO RESERVES
No amount is either required or proposed to be transferred to reserves of the Company.
6 Â Â Â CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
In compliance with the provisions of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, a separate report on corporate governance along with a certificate from a practicing Company Secretary on its compliance, forms an integral part of this Board's Report.
7 Â Â Â ANNUAL RETURN
Pursuant to Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 12(1) of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, (as amended), a copy of the Annual Return of the Company will be uploaded on the website of the Company, which can be accessed at https:// vimta.com/wp-content/uploads/MGT-7.pdf.
8 Â Â Â CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
During the year under review, the Company has spent a total sum of ' 1,00,78,201/- on CSR activities as approved by the CSR Committee. Disclosures as per Rule 8 of Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules,
2014 is enclosed as Annexure I to this report.
9 Â Â Â MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
During the year under review, six Meetings of the Board were convened and held, the details of which are given in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this report. The intervening gap between the Meetings was within the limits prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013.
10 Â Â Â SHARE CAPITAL
As at the end of the year, following is the status on share capital:
1.    Authorised share capital: ' 70,000,000 (Rupees Seventy million) divided into 35,000,000 equity share of ' 2/-each.
2.    Paid up capital: ' 44,341,166 (Rupees forty-four million, three hundred and forty one thousand, and one hundred and sixty-six) divided into 2,21,70,583 (Two Crore twenty one lacs seventy thousand five hundred and eighty three) equity shares of ' 2/- each
3.    ESOPs allotted: 41,594 equity shares of ' 2/- each to the Employees upon exercise of Employee Stock Options under "Vimta Labs Employee Stock Option
Plan 2021". Disclosure under Section 67(3)(c) of the Act in respect of voting rights not exercised directly by the employees of the Company is not applicable.
11 Â Â Â ISSUE OF SHARES
During the year under review, the Company has not:
Issued any shares with differential voting rights pursuant to provisions of Rule 4 of the Companies (Share Capital and Debenture) Rules, 2014.
Issued any sweat equity shares to any of its employees, pursuant to the provisions of Rule 8 of the Companies (Share Capital and Debenture) Rules, 2014.
12 Â Â Â FINANCING THE PURCHASE OF SHARES OF THE COMPANY
During the year under review, the company has not given, either directly or indirectly, nor by means of a loan, guarantee, the provision of security or otherwise, financial assistance for the purpose of, or in connection with, a purchase or subscription made or to be made, by any person of or for any shares in the company in violation of the provisions of Section 67 of the Companies Act, 2013.
13 Â Â Â EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
The members of the Company at their 31st Annual General Meeting held on 5th July 2021, had granted approval for "Vimta Labs Employee Stock Option Plan 2021" and grant of stock options to the Eligible Employees of the Company under the scheme. The Company has obtained In-principle approval from Stock Exchanges for Vimta Labs Employee Stock Option Plan 2021 for issue of 663,234 Options. Out of which Nomination and Remuneration Committee at its meeting granted Options at various stages as mentioned below:
|
S. No. |
Tranche No. |
No. of Options Granted |
Grant Date |
|
1 |
I |
507,769 |
19th September 2021 |
|
2 |
II |
17,961 |
11th May 2022 |
|
3 |
III |
35,702 |
26th October 2022 |
|
4 |
IV |
11,872 |
30th October 2023 |
Further, during the year under review, the company allotted 41,594 equity shares of ' 2/- each to the Employees upon exercise of Employee Stock Options under "Vimta Labs Employee Stock Option Plan 2021."
The details of "Vimta Labs Employee Stock Option Plan 2021" form part of the Notes to Accounts of the Financial Statements in this Annual Report.
The disclosures pursuant to Regulation 14 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 can be accessed at https:// vimta.com/wp-content/uploads/Disclosures-pursuant-to-Regulation-14-of-the-Securities-and-Exchange-
Board-of-India-Share-Based-Employee-Benefits-Regulations-2014-1.pdf and the same are enclosed as Annexure II to this report together with a certificate obtained from the Secretarial Auditors confirming compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (SBEB) Regulations, which is enclosed as Annexure III to this report.
14 Â Â Â CHANGE IN NATURE OF BUSINESS
There has been no change in the nature of business of the Company during the year under review.
15 Â Â Â PARTICULARS OF DEPOSITS
During the year under review, the company has not accepted any deposit pursuant to the provisions of Sections 73 and 76 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014. Thus, there is no non-compliance with the requirements of Chapter V of the Companies Act.
16 Â Â Â SUBSIDIARIES
EMTAC laboratories Private Limited, established in 2014, became a wholly owned subsidiary (WOS) of Vimta Labs Ltd in March 2020. Its principal business is testing and certification. It provides safety/performance testing services for electrical, electronic, and mechanical products and is also a physical security product, (bank safes/lockers, ATMs, home use lockers, fire wall doors etc.) certification company.
Emtac is located in Hyderabad, India. Its laboratory division is accredited to ISO 17025 by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and the certification division is accredited to ISO 17065 by NABCB (National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies). It is also a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approved and Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) designated laboratory.
Emtac is India's First Laboratory to be awarded NABL accreditation for Physical Security Products and also the first Laboratory in Telangana state to be accredited by NABL for safety testing of IT Products (viz., mobile phones, CCTV cameras, laptop components, cash registers, set top boxes, adapters etc.), UPS, LED lights, Electric Fans, Power banks, etc. It is one of the very few labs recognized by BIS for testing of table fans. It has a very strong technical team, which has made India's first ATM testing standard.
Emtac was strategically acquired by Vimta to complement its entry into electronic and electrical testing space. While Vimta offers EMI/EMC testing for consumer durables, defence, avionics, automotive, IT, wireless, telecom, medical and other industrial equipment and components, Emtac complements with safety and Environmental testing along with certification services to offer comprehensively packaged testing and certification services.
Emtac recorded revenues with a growth of 73% in the financial year 2023-24 at ' 100.98 million. Profit before tax for the financial year 2023-24 stands at ' 29.44 million compared to ' 11.64 million in the previous year.
The statement containing the salient features of the financial statements of the wholly owned subsidiary as per sub-section (3) of Section 129 of the Companies Act, 2013 in Form AOC-1 is annexed as Annexure IV to this report.
During the year, no other company has become or ceased to be a subsidiary or joint venture or associate company of this company.
AMALAGAMATION OF EMTAC LABORATORIES PVT LTD INTO AND WITH ITS PARENT COMPANY VIMTA LABS LTD.
Company is working on merging its subsidiary, EMTAC Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. This merger, currently undergoing judicial and regulatory review, is expected to be completed by the end of this financial year 2024-25.
The merger aims to consolidate the Company's market presence and is expected to enhance operational efficiency, sharpen strategic focus, and improve agility with the support of the Company's leadership. Additionally, it will better facilitate resource utilization, leading to reduced overhead and corporate costs.
Holding Subsidiary, Vimta is also engaged in the business of testing Electromagnetic interference (EMI)/ Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and requires no changes to be made to Company's organizational and operating structure and moreover enhances business efficiency, strengthens competitive power, enhances customer base, achieves economies of scale thereby lowering the cost of financing and increasing corporate value. Board considered the proposal of amalgamation at its meeting held on 30th March 2024, and approved the Scheme of Amalgamation of Emtac Laboratories Private Limited ("Transferor Company") with Vimta Labs Limited ("Transferee Company") under the provisions of Sections 230 to 232 of the Companies Act, 2013. The Scheme is under process and subject to necessary statutory and regulatory approvals under the applicable laws, including approval of the jurisdictional National Company Law Tribunal.
17.    PARTICULARS OF LOANS AND GUARANTEE GIVEN, SECURITY PROVIDED AND INVESTMENT MADE
As required under Section 186(4) of the Act, your Directors report includes Particulars of Loans, Guarantee given and security provided and investment made details, are shown in Annexure V and Notes to the Financial Statements (Refer Note 42 of Standalone Financial Statements).
18. Â Â Â PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES AND RELATED DISCLOSURES
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details as required under Section 197(12) of the Companies Act,
2013 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014Â are provided in Annexure VI to this Report.
If any Member is interested in obtaining information pursuant to Rule 5 (2) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, such Member may write to the Company Secretary at the Registered Office in this regard.
19 AUDITORS
19.1 Â Â Â Independent Auditor's Report
During the year under review, the Company's auditors have not made any qualification, reservation or adverse remark or disclaimer in their Report on the financial statements of the Company and there were no instances of frauds reported by the auditors under section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013.
19.2 Â Â Â Statutory Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of sections 139,142 and other applicable provisions of the Act read with the rules made thereunder, M/s Gattamaneni & Co., Chartered Accountants (Firm Reg. No. 009303S) were appointed Statutory Auditors of the Company for a term of five consecutive years from the conclusion of the 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 25th June 2022 on a remuneration mutually agreed by the Board of Directors and the Auditors. They hold office until the conclusion of the 37th Annual General Meeting to be held in the calendar year 2027. The auditors have confirmed that they hold valid certificate issued by the Peer Review Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and are eligible to continue to hold the office for rest of their tenure.
19.3 Â Â Â Internal Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of section 138 of the Act and based on the recommendations of Audit Committee, the Board of Directors at their meeting held on 18th May 2024, have reappointed M/s Chaitanya V & Associates, Chartered Accountants as Internal Auditors of the Company for the financial year 2024-2025. M/s Chaitanya V & Associates, Chartered Accountants, have confirmed their willingness to be reappointed as the Internal Auditors of the Company. Further, the Audit Committee in consultation with Internal Auditors, formulated the scope, functioning periodicity and methodology for conducting the Internal Audit.
19.4 Â Â Â Cost Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of section 148 of the Act read with the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules 2014, and based on the recommendations of Audit Committee, Board of Directors at their meeting held on 18th May 2024 reappointed M/s Lavanya & Associates Cost Accountants (Firm Registration No. 101257) as Cost Auditors of the Company for the financial year 2024-2025. A resolution
seeking ratification of remuneration payable to the Cost Auditors to conduct cost audit for the financial year 202425 has been included in the notice convening 34th AGM of the Company. The necessary consent letter and certificate of eligibility was received from the cost auditors confirming their eligibility to be re- appointed as the Cost Auditors of the Company.
19.5 Â Â Â Maintenance of cost records
The Company has made and maintained the cost records as specified by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013.
19.6 Â Â Â Secretarial Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of section 204 of the Act, read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, and based on the recommendations of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors at their meeting held on 18th May 2024 reappointed M/s D Hanumanta Raju & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries as Secretarial Auditors for the financial year 2024-2025. The consent letter and certificate of eligibility was received from M/s D Hanumanta Raju & Co., confirming their eligibility for the appointment.
The Secretarial Audit Report for the financial year 2023-24 in the prescribed form MR-3 is enclosed with this Report as Annexure VII.
19.7 Â Â Â Annual Secretarial Compliance Report
Secretarial Compliance Report for the financial year ended March 31, 2024, on compliance of all applicable SEBI Regulations and circulars/ guidelines issued thereunder, was obtained from M/s D Hanumanta Raju & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries and submitted to both the stock exchanges.
20 Â Â Â AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Board has constituted the Audit Committee as per the provisions of Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The composition, attendance, powers and role of the Audit Committee are included in Corporate Governance Report. All the recommendations made by the Audit Committee were accepted by the Board of Directors.
21 Â Â Â COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS ON BOARDÂ MEETINGS AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
During the year under review, the Company has complied with the Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India as applicable to Board Meetings and Annual General Meetings.
22 Â Â Â POSTAL BALLOT
During the year under review, postal ballot notice dated 31st January 2024 was sent to the shareholders as per
the provisions of Section 110 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 22 the Companies (Management and Administration Rules), 2014, seeking shareholders' approval for Re-appointment of Mr. Purnachandra Rao Gutta, Independent Director and Mr. Sanjay Dave, Independent Director of the Company and Reappointment of Ms. Harita Vasireddi, Managing Director, Mr. Harriman Vungal, Executive Director - Operations and Mr. Satya Sreenivas Neerukonda as Executive Director of the Company. The shareholders through E-Voting have approved the resolutions with requisite majority. The postal ballot results were passed on 26th March 2024.
23 Â Â Â DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to the provisions of section 134(5) of the Act, based on the representations received from the Operating Management, the Board of Directors, to the best of their knowledge and belief state that:
i.    In the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards have been followed, along with proper explanation relating to material departures, if any;
ii.    They had selected such accounting policies as mentioned in the notes to the financial statements 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 as at 31st March 2024 and of the profit and loss of the Company for the year ended on that date;
iii.    They had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act for safeguarding the assets of the company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv. They had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
v.    They had laid down proper internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and that such internal financial controls were adequate and were operating effectively; and
vi.    They had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
24 Â Â Â DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
The Board of Directors of the Company has an optimum combination of Executive, Non-Executive and Independent Directors.
24.1 Directors retiring by rotation
Dr S P Vasireddi (DIN: 00242288), Executive Chairman, retires by rotation and being eligible, offered himself for
re-appointment. The proposal for the re-appointment of Dr S P Vasireddi is being placed at the AGM along with the necessary details.
24.2 Changes in Directorship/Committee Position
During the year under review, Dr. S P Vasireddi, was appointed Executive Chairman of the Company with effect from 1st July 2023 to 30th June 2026. The said appointment was approved the at 33rd Annual General Meeting held on 28th June 2023.
Apart from the above, there was no change in the designation/ terms of Directorship.
Currently, the Board has four committees: The Audit Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Stakeholders' Relationship Committee and Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. The composition of the committees is given below.
|
Audit Committee |
Position |
|
Mr. G Purnachandra Rao |
Chairperson |
|
Ms. Y Prameela Rani |
Member |
|
Mr. Sanjay Dave |
Member |
| Â | |
|
Nomination and Remuneration Committee |
Position |
|
Mr. Sanjay Dave |
Chairperson |
|
Mr. G Purnachandra Rao |
Member |
|
Ms. Y Prameela Rani |
Member |
| Â | |
|
Stakeholders Relationship Committee |
Position |
|
Ms. Y Prameela Rani |
Chairperson |
|
Mr. G Purnachandra Rao |
Member |
|
Mr. Sanjay Dave |
Member |
| Â | |
|
Corporate Social Responsibility Committee |
Position |
|
Ms. Harita Vasireddi |
Chairperson |
|
Mr. Harriman Vungal |
Member |
|
Mr. Sanjay Dave |
Member |
24.3 Disclosure by Directors
None of the Directors of the Company are disqualified as per the provisions of Section 164(2) of the Companies Act, 2013. Directors have made necessary disclosures to this effect as required under the Companies Act, 2013. Further, the Company has obtained Certificate pursuant to Regulation 34(3) and Schedule of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 from M/s D Hanumanta Raju & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries, Secretarial Auditors and attached the same to this report.
24.4 Â Â Â Appointment/ Re-appointment
i.    Mr. Purnachandra Rao Gutta (DIN: 00876934) was reappointed as an independent director, not liable to retire by rotation, for the second and final term of five years commencing from 11th May 2024 to 10th May 2029;
ii.    Mr. Sanjay Dave (DIN: 08450232) was reappointed as an independent director, not liable to retire by rotation, for the second and final term of five years commencing from 11th May 2024 to 10th May 2029;
iii.    Ms. Harita Vasireddi (DIN 00242512), was reappointed as Managing Director, not liable to retire by rotation, for a period of five years from 14th July 2024 to 13th July 2029;
iv.    Mr. Harriman Vungal (DIN 00242621), was reappointed as an Executive Director - Operations, liable to retire by rotation, for a period of three years from 14th July, 2024 to 13th July, 2027; and
v.    Mr. Satya Sreenivas Neerukonda (DIN 00269814) was reappointed as an Executive Director, liable to retire by rotation, for a period of five years from 14th July, 2024 to 13th July, 2029.
The approval of members through special resolutions was taken by means of Postal Ballot, through Electronic Voting (e-voting) for the above reappointments. The resolutions were approved by requisite majority on 26th March 2024.
24.5 Â Â Â Changes in the Key Managerial Personnel
Dr. S P Vasireddi, Executive Chairman, Ms. Harita Vasireddi, Managing Director, Mr. Harriman Vungal, Executive Director - Operations, Mr. Satya Sreenivas Neerukonda, Executive Director, Mr. D.R. Narahai Naidu, Chief Financial Officer and Ms. Sujani Vasireddi, Company Secretary are Key Managerial Personnel of the Company within the meaning of Section(s) 2(51), and 203 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014. Dr. S P Vasireddi has been appointed Executive Chairman w.e.f. 01st July 2023. Apart from the said appointment and reappointment of others of other whole time directors there has been no change in the Key Managerial Personnel during the financial year under review.
24.6 Â Â Â Declaration by Independent Directors
As per the requirements of section 149(7) of the Act, all the Independent Directors of the Company have submitted their respective declaration that they fulfil the criteria of independence under Section 149 of the Act, read with Regulation 25 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
24.7    During the year under review, no new Independent Director was appointed.
25 Â Â Â POLICY ON DIRECTORS' APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION
Based on the recommendation of Nomination & Remuneration Committee, the Board of Directors approved and adopted a Policy for selection, appointment and remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and other employees of the Company as required under Section 178(3) of the Act.
The Nomination and Remuneration Policy and Board Diversity Policy is set out as Annexure VIII, and the same can be accessed at https://vimta.com/wp-content/uploads/ Nomination-Remuneration-Policy.pdf https://vimta.com/ wp-content/uploads/Board-Diversitv-Policv.pdf
Our success depends on the collective performance, contribution and expertise of our senior management team and several key personnel throughout our organization, including scientific, technical, administrative, and other business enabling functions such as business development. With close to 1400 employee strength, the company leverages the diverse and abundant skills and domain expertise to build a scientifically strong and quality driven organization. Vimta believes that its Human Resources is the key to achieve business growth. Thus, to ensure employee satisfaction, the Company offers a safe, conducive, and productive environment. Endeavours are continuous to attract new talent and ensure the retention of existing employees. To establish a strong, connect with employees, several employee engagement activities are undertaken. Training and skill development programs are offered continuously delivered to promote a learning culture. Special skill development and training programs are conducted for identified talent pool. Keeping pace with technological advancements, HR processes are continued to be digitalised with substantial investments. The employees are sufficiently empowered, and company believes that such work environment propels the team to achieve higher levels of performance. The unflinching commitment of its employees is the driving force behind the Company's profitable growth. Company appreciates the spirit and the contributions of its dedicated employees.
27 Â Â Â PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITHÂ RELATED PARTIES
All the contracts/ arrangements/ transactions entered by the Company during the year under review with related parties were in the ordinary course of business and at arm's length basis. The particulars of such contracts or arrangements with related parties, pursuant to the provisions of section 134(3)(h) and Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, in the prescribed form AOC-2, is enclosed as Annexure IX to this report.
The policy on materiality of related party transactions and the dealings is uploaded on the website of the Company,
which can be accessed at https://vimta.com/wp-content/ uploads/Related-Party-Transaction-Policy.pdf
All the related party transactions are placed before the Audit Committee and also before the Board for their respective approval. Omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained as per SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 for the transactions which can be foreseen and are repetitive in nature. The Company has a Policy on Related Party Transactions including the latest amendments thereof for the purpose of identification and monitoring of such transactions.
28 Â Â Â CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTIONÂ AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The information on conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo as required under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8 of The Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, is enclosed as Annexure X to this report.
29 Â Â Â RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
Your Company continues implementation of effective Risk Management policy. The management and the Board oversees the implementation of risk management policy including identification, impact assessment and mitigation plans. The details of risks perceived by the Management are reported in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report.
30 Â Â Â ANNUAL EVALUATION OF BOARD PERFORMANCE ANDÂ PERFORMANCE OF ITS COMMITTEES AND OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 25 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Board has carried out the annual performance evaluation of itself, that of its committees and individual directors.
A structured evaluation was performed, covering various aspects of the Board's functioning such as adequacy of the composition of the Board and its Committees, Board culture, execution and performance of specific duties, obligations and governance aspects.
The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors was carried out by the entire Board. The performance evaluation of the Chairman and the Non-Independent Directors was carried out by the Independent Directors who also reviewed the performance of the Secretarial Department. All the evaluations had satisfactory outcomes.
31 Â Â Â CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANDÂ SENIOR MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
The Company has a comprehensive Code of Conduct (the Code) in place, pursuant to Regulation 17(5) of Listing Regulations, applicable to all the senior management
personnel and Directors including Independent Directors to such extent as may be applicable to them depending on their roles and responsibilities. The Code covers duties of Independent Directors and also gives guidance needed for ethical conduct of business and compliance of law. Further, a policy on obligation of Directors and senior management personnel for disclosure of committee positions and commercial transitions pursuant to Regulation 26(2) (5) and (6) of Listing Regulation is in place. All the Directors and senior management confirmed the compliance to the Code of Conduct. Declaration on compliance with Code of Conduct is annexed as Annexure XI to the Corporate Governance Report.
32 Â Â Â PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING
Pursuant to SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) (Amendment) Regulations, 2018, the Company has adopted and complied to the Code of Internal Procedures and Conduct for regulating, monitoring and reporting of trading by designated persons and their immediate relatives along with Code of Fair Disclosures.
33 Â Â Â PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL OF SEXUALÂ HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE
The Company has complied with provisions relating to the constitution of Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The company formed a committee to attend to the complaints under the above Act. During the financial year ended 31st March 2024, the Company has not received any complaint from any woman employee pertaining to any sexual harassment.
34 Â Â Â VIGIL MECHANISM/ WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
The Company has a Whistle Blower Policy in place, framed to deal with instances of fraud and mismanagement, if any in the Company. The Policy provides for adequate safeguards against victimization of employees who avail the mechanism and also provides for direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The details of the Policy are explained in the Corporate Governance Report and also posted on the website of the Company, which can be accessed at https://vimta.com/wp-content/uploads/ Whistle-Blower-Policy.pdf
35 Â Â Â INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY
A robust internal control mechanism is a prerequisite to ensure that an organisation functions ethically, complies with all legal and regulatory requirements and observes the generally accepted principles of good governance.
Your Company has adequate internal control systems for business processes, efficiency in its operations, and compliance with all the applicable laws and regulations. Regular internal checks and audits ensure that the responsibilities are being effectively executed. In-depth
review of internal controls, accounting procedures and policies of Company is conducted. Your Company has adopted adequate internal controls and audit system commensurate with its size and nature of business. Internal financial control with reference to financial statement is adhered.
Internal audit is carried on a quarterly basis. The internal auditors report directly to the Audit Committee of the Board, which ensures process independence. The Audit Committee reviews the adequacy and efficacy of the internal controls, as well as the effectiveness of the risk management process across the Company. After reviewing the findings and suggestions, the Audit Committee directs the respective departments through Board to implement the same.
In due compliance of the listing agreement and in accordance with the requirements prescribed by SEBI, the cash flow statement is prepared and appended to this Annual Report.
37 Â Â Â ADEQUACY OF INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS WITHÂ REFERENCE TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The company has adequate internal financial controls in place with reference to the financial statements and the same were operating effectively.
Based on the framework of internal financial controls and compliance systems established and maintained by the Company, the work performed by the Internal, Statutory and Secretarial Auditors and the reviews performed by the Management and the relevant Board Committees, including the Audit Committee, the Board believes that the Company's internal financial controls with reference to the financial statements were adequate and effective during the year ended 31st March 2024.
38 Â Â Â PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE INSOLVENCY & BANKRUPTCYÂ CODE, 2016 (31 OF 2016)
During the year, the company has not made any applications under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, nor any proceeding is pending under the said code.
During the year under review, the company has not approached its Bankers/Financial Institutions for one time settlement in respect of its borrowings. Accordingly, no valuation was done during the year under review.
40 Â Â Â SCHEME OF AMALGAMATION
During the year under review, Emtac Laboratories Private Limited (the Amalgamating / Transferor Company) and Vimta Labs Limited (the Amalgamated/Transferee Company) entered into a Scheme of Amalgamation whereby the Transferor Company shall be amalgamated with Transferee
Company, effective 01.04.2024, being the Appointed Date. Considering various advantages that would endure upon the proposed amalgamation, such as dedicated focus on the respective business, administrative convenience and efficient utilization of resources, the Board of Directors of both the said Companies, in their respective Meetings, have approved the amalgamation Scheme for the amalgamation.
Both the said Companies are in the process of obtaining NOC from the respective secured creditors and unsecured creditors and also necessary statutory and regulatory approvals under the applicable laws, including approval of the jurisdictional National Company Law Tribunal.
No material changes have occurred subsequent to the end of the financial year of the Company to which the financial statements relate and till the date of the report, that have an impact on the financial position of the Company.
42 Â Â Â PARTICULARS OF SIGNIFICANT/MATERIAL ORDERSÂ PASSED, IF ANY
During the year under review, there were no significant and material orders passed by any Regulator or Court or Tribunals which would impact the going concern status of the Company's operations in future.
43 Â Â Â GREEN INITIATIVE IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has taken a green initiative in Corporate Governance by allowing paperless compliances by the Companies and permitted the service of Annual Reports and documents to the shareholders through electronic mode subject to certain conditions. Members who have not yet registered their email addresses are requested to register the same with their Depositories in case the shares are held by them in electronic form, and with Company's Registrars and Transfer Agents, CIL Securities Limited, in case the shares are held by them in physical form.
The Directors record their deep appreciation for the contributions made by the employees at all levels, for their sincerity, hard work, solidarity, and dedicated support to the Company during the year. The Directors also wish to place on record their gratitude to shareholders, customers, vendors, consultants, central and state government departments, bankers, and all other stakeholders for their continued support to the Company.
Mar 31, 2023
Your Directors are happy to present the 33rd Annual Report together with the Standalone & Consolidated Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended 31st March 2023.
1. OUR COMPANY (State of the Company''s affairs)
Vimta Labs Ltd., originally established in 1984 as a Partnership firm, is India''s most comprehensive contract research and testing organization, providing a wide range of services to biopharmaceutical, food, consumer goods, electronic, electrical, agrochemical, healthcare, medical device, power, cement, oil & gas, ores & minerals, infrastructure and many other industries, government organizations as well as other industry participants. Over the span of ~40 years, we have developed a track record of consistent quality, delivery and continuous innovation that has enabled us to grow faster than our underlying markets over the past four years and deliver strong financial results. We believe our scientific expertise, along with our cutting-edge technologies and knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements help our customers bring to market safe and quality products and maximize returns on their outsourcing spends. Broadly, these services include:
⢠Drug discovery, development, and drug life cycle management support services in the areas of preclinical research, clinical research, central lab, and analytical services for biopharmaceutical companies;
⢠Preclinical research and testing services for medical device companies;
⢠Contract research and testing for agrochemical and specialty chemical companies;
⢠Food testing and analytical development services to support manufacturers, processors, farmers, retailers, traders, exporters, regulators (viz. FSSAI, BIS, APEDA, EIC, etal);
- VIMTA''s Life Sciences Food Lab is a National Reference Lab for testing of Water, Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Beverages;
- VIMTA setup and operates the National Food Laboratory at Navi Mumbai, under PPP model with FSSAI. The contract was awarded to VIMTA in 2021 with a term of 25 years;
⢠Clinical diagnostics services to patients, clinicians, hospitals;
⢠Environmental regulatory services such as impact assessments and post project monitoring, to various industries such as power, infrastructure, cement, oil & gas, mining etc;
⢠EMI/EMC testing for electronic and electrical products/ components.
1.1. OUR VISION
To be seen as an Indian organization with a global perspective that has created an integrated, quality driven, customer sensitive Contract Research and Testing service platform, that''s the most comprehensive of its kind across the globe.
1.2. OUR CORE VALUES
⢠Integrity of service through honesty, responsibility and an uncompromising commitment to Quality and Customer service.
⢠Respect for all our team members, partners, customers, suppliers, and all other people our business interacts with.
1.3. OUR CREDO
The values, beliefs and principles that guide us in our decisions and actions.
We believe our work impacts the wellbeing of millions of people across the globe. Our responsibility is to the end consumers, patients, and all others who use the products we help discover or develop and test for quality. In protecting the interests for these key stakeholders, everything we do must be with integrity, honesty, responsibility and of high quality.
We are strongly committed to provide value to our customers in terms of scientific knowledge, time and cost. Regulatory and quality system compliance must be the corner stone for our services. Customers'' orders must be serviced as per promised timelines and accurately.
Our partner vendors must have fair and transparent opportunities to grow their business with us.
We are responsible to our employees to provide a safe, harmonious, and unbiased work environment where we are committed to each person''s individual learning and development. Employees must feel valued and believe that each one of them contributes to the success and growth of the organization, and that their work impacts the society beneficially. We must respect them, recognize their merit, and encourage them to make suggestions and complaints. We must support the health and well-being of our employees and help them to fulfill the needs of their work-life balance. There must be equal opportunity for employment, development, and advancement for those qualified. We must have highly capable leaders and their actions must be just and ethical. Compensation must be fair and working conditions safe, clean, and orderly.
We acknowledge our responsibility to the communities and environment in which we live and work. We must be a good corporate citizen and contribute to the development of weaker sections of society. We must be a good corporate citizen and abide sincerely with all applicable laws and good governance practices. We must protect and even try to enrich the environment we live in, and also consciously use the natural resources that we are privileged to have.
Our final responsibility is to our shareholders. Our business must have intrinsic potential to flourish and make a sound profit. We must plan well for growth and sustainability and execute our plans well. We must pay close attention to the markets we work in and continuously evaluate the opportunities and risks to act upon. We must innovate our services to stay relevant to market needs and make investments with balance. We have to build state-of-the-art facilities, maintain current and reliable technologies, and use materials that befit the purpose of our activities. Capacities must be enhanced, and expansions must be pursued. Reserves must be created to provide for adverse times. When we operate according to these fundamental principles, the shareholders should realize a fair return.
1.4. OUR SERVICES
I. Biopharmaceutical industry services
From product discovery/development to release and post approval/marketing services, we offer the following integrated services to biopharmaceutical and vaccines industry.
⢠Preclinical/early development/studies
⢠IND/505 (b)(2) enabling/studies
⢠Invitro studies (IVPT, IVRT, IVBE studies)
⢠Clinical research and development
⢠Bioanalytical
⢠Analytical
⢠Central lab
The services are in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) requirements, as applicable.
Lab locations:
Hyderabad
Accreditations & Approvals
⢠Drug Controller General (India) - DCGI
⢠GLP by National GLP Compliance and Monitoring Authority (NGCMA)
⢠AAALAC
⢠Committee for Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CPCSEA)
⢠Accredited by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories for ISO 17025 & ISO 15189
⢠College of American Pathologists (CAP)
⢠Pre-approved by WHO for Good Practices for Pharmaceutical Quality Control Laboratories (GPPQCL)
⢠State Drug Control Administration (DCA)
II. Food & Agri Testing
Extensive quality (purity and nutrition analysis) and safety testing expertise in all categories of food, water, and beverages including specialty services such as GMO testing, testing for Dioxins & Furans, Trace Heavy Metals, Label Claims, Radioactive isotopes, Vitamins and Minerals, Packaging and shelf life.
Methods development and validation.
Lab locations:
Hyderabad, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Noida, Visakhapatnam, Nellore.
Accreditations & Approvals
⢠ISO 17025 by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
⢠Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI)
⢠Recognized as National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Water and Beverages testing
⢠Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
⢠Export Inspection Council (EIC)
⢠Agriculture Products Exports and Development Authority (APEDA)
⢠European Commission
⢠AGMARK
⢠Tea Board
III. Clinical Diagnostics
Patient care services through wide range of test panels in Hematology, Serology, Cytogenetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Histopathology/ Cytopathology, Biochemistry.
Lab locations:
Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Chennai.
Accreditations & Approvals
⢠ISO 15189 by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories
⢠College of American Pathologists (CAP)
IV. Environment testing
Environment essentially being a multi-disciplinary science, the range of services offered are also comprehensive and cater to the varied needs of industry, pollution control agencies and regulatory authorities, in a larger pursuit of a green globe.
Lab locations and branch offices:
Hyderabad, Coimbatore (moved to Chennai in 2023), Chennai, Noida, Kolkata.
Accreditations & Approvals
⢠Recognized by Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF & CC)
⢠ISO-18001 certified and Accredited by NABET-QCI for carrying out EIA and EMP studies
⢠Laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories)
V. EMI/EMC testing
Regulatory compliance and due diligence require that electronic devices undergo EMI/EMC testing. The most common applications for EMI/EMC testing are for defence/ aerospace devices & components, consumer goods, medical devices, industrial devices, wireless and telecom products. EMI/EMC testing is a critical step in bringing a new product into market.
Lab Locations:
Hyderabad.
Accreditations & Approvals
⢠NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) Accredited as per ISO 17025
⢠TEC (Telecommunication Engineering Center, GOI) recognized.
1.5. SERVICES OF WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY - EMATC
LABORATORIES PRIVATE LIMITED
Emtac is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vimta offering
the following services, which complement the EMI/
EMC testing services at Vimta.
⢠Product safety testing for IEC/EN, BIS, TEC, BEE standards
⢠Product Environmental Testing
⢠Physical Security Product testing as per BIS and EN standards
⢠Product Certification Services
Lab Locations:
Hyderabad.
Accreditations & Approvals
⢠NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) Accredited as per ISO 17025
⢠NABCB (The National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies) Accredited for Product Certification as per ISO/IEC 17065
⢠BIS approved
⢠TEC (Telecommunication Engineering Center, GOI) recognized
2. OUR COMPANY''S PERFORMANCE
For F.Y 2022-23, your company recorded a consolidated revenue of '' 3,216.34 million as compared to '' 2,797.28 million in the previous year and standalone revenue of '' 3185.84 million as compared to '' 2,774.34 million in the previous year, which in terms of growth is 15% and 14.8 % at consolidated and standalone levels respectively, over previous year.
The EBIDTA for FY 2022-23 is 30.6% and 30.5% for consolidated and standalone levels respectively, which grew well when compared to 28.8% and 28.8%, of the previous year.
|
The Financial performance of the Company for the year ended 31st March 2023 is summarized below: |
('' in Millions) |
||||
|
Sl. No. |
Year Ended |
Year Ended |
|||
|
Particulars |
March 31, 2023 |
March 31, 2022 |
|||
|
Standalone |
Consolidated |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
||
|
I |
Total Income |
3,185.84 |
3,216.34 |
2,774.34 |
2,797.28 |
|
i) Expenses other than Finance costs and Depreciation |
2,215.69 |
2,232.79 |
1,962.08 |
1,979.92 |
|
|
ii) Finance costs |
26.44 |
26.45 |
14.96 |
14.98 |
|
|
iii) Depreciation |
305.40 |
307.13 |
231.58 |
233.29 |
|
|
II |
Total Expenses (i ii iii) |
2,547.53 |
2,566.37 |
2,208.62 |
2,228.19 |
|
PBT Before Exceptional Items (I-II) |
638.31 |
649.97 |
565.72 |
569.09 |
|
|
Less: Exceptional Item |
- |
- |
(12.24) |
(12.24) |
|
|
III |
PBT- After Exceptional Item |
638.31 |
649.97 |
553.48 |
556.85 |
|
IV |
Tax Expense |
165.32 |
168.25 |
142.90 |
143.55 |
|
V |
Profit After Tax (III-IV) |
472.99 |
481.72 |
410.58 |
413.30 |
|
Other comprehensive (loss)/income |
(0.22) |
(0.26) |
(2.03) |
(2.03) |
|
|
VI |
Total Comprehensive income for the year (V VI) |
472.77 |
481.46 |
408.55 |
411.27 |
3. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Macro Economy Global Economy
More than a year later, repercussions of Russia''s intervention in Ukraine and emergence of highly contagious variants of COVID-19 continue to have a bearing on several economies. Additionally, the global economic recovery is being hindered by the tightening of financial conditions worldwide. As a result, several economies are anticipated to experience a slowdown in income growth, along with an increase in unemployment in 2023. Despite the central banks'' efforts to tackle inflation by raising interest rates, achieving price stability may take longer than expected. In the long term, the prospect for economic growth appears less encouraging than it has been for several decades. Global demand remained dampened driven by various economic factors, however, the gradual decline in commodity prices and China''s reopening of its economy, normalized shipping conditions are expected to slightly boost global demand.
Outlook - Global
The global growth outlook remained uncertain due to sticky high inflation, weakened demand, and the ongoing war. The global economic growth is expected to slow from 3.4% in 2022 to 2.8% in 2023, with advanced economies experiencing the highest deceleration from 2.7% growth in 2022 to an expected 1.3% growth in 2023.
Indian Economy
In the fiscal year 2022, the Indian economy saw substantial growth due to private consumption and investment, though slower than the year before. However, in the fiscal year 2023, India''s growth will be influenced by several factors, including the worldwide economic slowdown, restricted monetary conditions, and high oil prices. Despite these challenges, the government''s conducive policies, decreased non-performing loans in banks, and considerable corporate deleveraging will serve as a boost to the economy''s growth.
Private consumption is likely to grow due to improved labour market conditions, consumer confidence, and increased capital expenditure by the government. Services sector is expected to see a strong recovery whereas agricultural sector expected to sustain the growth momentum in FY2023. Inflation is expected to further cool due to base effects and slowing demand, although adverse weather and higher global oil prices present downside risks.
Industry Overview
Outlook - India
India''s GDP growth rate was 6.4% during FY2023 due to a combination of factors such as expected global economic slowdown, strict monetary policies, and high oil prices. Despite these obstacles, India''s growth rate remains higher than that of comparable economies, primarily due to strong domestic consumption and lower dependence on global demand.
(Opportunities and Threats)
Testing, Inspection & Certification Market Global
According to the forecast, the global testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) market is expected to experience growth from USD 223.9 billion in 2023 to USD 265.0 billion by 2028, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% during the forecast period.
Several key factors are anticipated to contribute to the growth of the TIC market, including stringent government regulations aimed at ensuring product safety and environmental protection. Additionally, the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies necessitates interoperability testing, while the increasing trade in counterfeit and defective pharmaceutical products calls for robust TIC measures. Furthermore, the growing emphasis on digitalization to enhance customer experience and the escalating significance of food safety and hygiene are expected to drive the TIC market''s growth in the foreseeable future.
Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) Market Forecast to 2028
By adopting secure and effective testing and inspection practices, companies can uphold optimal quality standards, enhance productivity, and maximize efficiency. Leveraging TIC practices allows companies to tailor their supply chain activities to their specific requirements, streamlining their business processes.
The growing transportation and logistics sector offers promising growth prospects for the TIC industry, driven by increasing global trade and the adoption of intelligent logistics systems. These systems enable the use of TIC solutions to ensure timely product delivery, reducing operational expenses across the value chain. Reliable TIC practices are crucial in optimizing supply chain operations and maximizing profitability in a highly competitive market.
Moreover, regional governments'' persistent endeavours to enhance transportation facilities, such as increasing frequency and improving safety measures for public vehicles, are driving the adoption of well-organized TIC practices. These efforts contribute
to the establishment of a robust TIC environment, promoting efficient and safe transportation for people.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a notable impact on the TIC market, with disruptions in manufacturing and production activities in various regions due to lockdown measures implemented by national governments. Despite these challenges, the healthcare sector has witnessed increased TIC practices, driven by the growing demand for healthcare services and related products, including medical supplies. Similarly, the consumer goods industry has also embraced TIC practices during the pandemic, as there has been a heightened demand for safe and high-quality food products to meet consumers'' needs.
In 2022, the testing segment dominated the TIC market, representing the highest revenue share of over 70%. This can be attributed to the widespread use of testing practices across industries such as automotive, energy & utilities, oil & gas, petroleum, and manufacturing. Implementing rigorous testing of products enables companies to uphold stringent quality parameters and meet customer requirements. As a result, companies in various sectors are increasing their operational expenditure on testing equipment investments, thereby driving market growth. The emphasis on maintaining high-quality standards and customer satisfaction is acting as a catalyst for the adoption of testing practices in the TIC market.
(Source: MarketsandMarkets, Grand View Research, and EY) India
India is a dynamic market for testing and inspection in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by its status as one of the fastest emerging economies in the region with significant growth in the production sector and increasing export of goods. The Indian TIC market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.03% and reach USD 14.93 billion by 2027. Among the fastest-growing sectors in the region, TIC activities for the healthcare sector are prominent. The competitive advantage of Indian pharmaceutical companies is bolstered by low production costs and robust R&D efforts, leading to increased exports. Furthermore, the Indian government''s Pharma Vision 2020 initiative aims to establish India as a global leader in drug manufacturing. The potential for product recalls is also expected to drive the demand for TIC activities in the pharmaceutical industry.
In the consumer electronics sector, the Indian government has permitted 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in electronic hardware manufacturing through the automatic route, which is expected to attract increased investment in the sector. The National Electronics Policy is also anticipated to further stimulate investment in the electronics industry. Additionally, the "Made in India" policy promotes domestic manufacturing, encouraging companies to produce their products in India and comply with Indian TIC standards.
The food industry in India is expected to drive significant growth in testing and inspection practices, fuelled by increasing concerns about food safety and the need to reduce food
recalls. To improve transparency and accountability in food safety inspection and sampling, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the country''s food regulator, has established a nationwide online platform. The FSSAI has urged states to adopt this system to eliminate discrepancies and ensure food safety officers are held accountable. Additionally, the FSSAI has developed inspection checklists to facilitate efficient inspections of Food Business Operators (FBOs) by food safety officers. These checklists are used to assess compliance with regulatory requirements and determine the level of adherence to each requirement. This emphasis on standardized inspection processes by the FSSAI is expected to drive growth in testing and inspection activities in the food industry in India. India''s EV Testing, Inspection and Certification Market is expected to grow at a significant rate on the back of growing EV adoption, rising focus by the Government to impose stricter regulatory standards on the automotive industry, increasing sales of EVs, among others. Statutory Indian bodies such as Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Structural Energy Research Centre and others have been playing a crucial role in enabling the EV sector by focusing on building standards, safety provisions, tariff categories. These, along with the growing consumer awareness on product quality and safety will drive the nation''s EV-TIC market in the times to come.
Outsourcing has emerged as a lucrative option for companies that are unable to invest in setting up their own testing laboratories. As the Asia-Pacific region, including countries like India and China, transitions from developing to developed status through rapid industrial growth, several TIC firms have emerged to meet the increasing demand for testing services. This demand is expected to drive the growth of the TIC market in the region. However, a key concern for clients in this area is the potential infringement of proprietary technology while obtaining necessary permissions to establish testing units.
Contract Research Organisation Market Global
The estimated value of the global CRO services market in revenue for 2023 is $76.6 billion, with a projected growth to reach $127.3 billion by 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7% from 2023 to 2028. This
growth is primarily attributed to factors such as the continuous expansion of pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device R&D pipelines, as well as technological advancements in the clinical trials process. Additionally, the increasing demand for novel clinical trial designs to support cell and gene therapies is expected to create growth opportunities for companies operating in this market.
In the past decade, the field of drug discovery and development has witnessed consistent growth, with an increasing number of clinical studies being conducted and novel drug molecules advancing through various phases of the drug development cycle. According to the pharma R&D Annual Review 2022, the number of drugs in the R&D pipeline grew from 17,737 in 2020 to 20,109 in 2022. Additionally, data from clinicaltrials.gov shows that the number of registered studies increased from 32,517 in 2019 to 36,770 in 2022, at a CAGR of 4.2%. This growth in the R&D pipeline of novel drugs has resulted in an increased outsourcing of the drug development process, as companies seek to leverage external capabilities and access scientific and process innovations to develop cost-effective and efficient drug molecules. This trend is expected to drive the growth of the CRO services market.
(Source: MarketsandMarkets and EY)
India
The CRO market in India is projected to reach USD 979.8 million by 2030, with a CAGR of 7.5% during the period from 2022 to 2030.
The Indian CRO industry is driven by several factors, including the favourable climatic testing conditions in the country and the adoption of international norms and intellectual property rights. Regulatory agencies such as the Director Controller General of India (DCGI), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) are actively working towards creating conducive conditions for research in India, which is further bolstering the industry.
The Indian government has taken significant steps to streamline regulations related to clinical trials to promote drug development and innovation. The removal of restrictions on the number of clinical trials investigators can conduct has facilitated the growth of the Contract Research Organizations (CROs) market in India. Mandating trial sites to maintain emergency medical care and rescue arrangements has further improved trial safety and led to the development of experienced investigators and key opinion leaders who are driving the growth of CROs in India. These regulatory changes have made India an attractive destination for clinical trials, resulting in increased clinical research in the country. It is important to note that ethical conduct and participant safety remain a priority, with strict adherence to good clinical practices (GCP) and ethical guidelines. The government and regulatory authorities such as the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) continue to monitor and regulate clinical trials to ensure compliance with established standards. Overall, these changes have promoted clinical research, stimulated drug development, and fostered innovation in India.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the CRO market in India. The global efforts towards developing a vaccine for the coronavirus have also influenced the development of other vaccines and medicines. During the peak of the pandemic, a substantial portion, accounting for 30% of all clinical trials in the US, focused on vaccines and therapies for COVID-19.
The In-vitro Diagnostics (IVD) contract research organization market in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.0%, reaching US$ 314.92 million by 2028, up from US$ 172.00 million in 2021. This growth is attributed to factors such as increased demand for IVD diagnostics due to rising prevalence of autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, and other conditions. Additionally, heightened awareness among people, a surge in clinical trials, high research and development expenditure in the region for IVD, and low operational costs in India are expected to promote market growth. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the need for clinical trials for the development of IVD testing kits for COVID-19, contributing to the overall growth of the IVD contract research organization market in India.
The global environmental testing market was valued at USD 11.07 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2023 to 2030. The increasing concern over environmental degradation due to industrial activities and pollution in many economies is driving the growth of the industry. Governments are investing in high-tech testing tools and services to maintain hygienic and environmental standards and safeguard the environment, leading to the growth of the market.
The demand for wastewater management is also expected to increase due to rising temperatures, depletion of freshwater resources, and the need to reduce carbon footprints. In addition, the industry is being driven by the privatization of testing services and the need for third-party testing. Service providers are adopting various strategies to gain a higher market share and meet changing technical demands from end-use industries. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the need for sustainable development and increased attention to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) indices.
Clinical Diagnostics Industry Global
The global clinical diagnostics market reached a size of US$76.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.56% to reach US$124.7 billion by 2028.
Clinical diagnostics involve detecting, identifying, and monitoring diseases through a patient''s signs, symptoms, health history, and physical examination. These diagnostics include developing, manufacturing, and selling automated test systems, informatics systems, test kits, and specialized quality controls. They are widely used in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and point-of-care testing worldwide to aid in disease management, patient stratification, and predicting therapeutic efficacy to improve patient outcomes.
The market growth is driven by rising chronic disease prevalence, increasing adoption of automated platforms for disease management, growing awareness about laboratory tests, and healthcare providers using clinical diagnostics to develop targeted therapies. Furthermore, the market is positively influenced by the escalating demand for personalized medicine among patients.
(Source: Globe Newswire and EY)
India
The diagnostics industry in India is volume-driven and highly fragmented, with a few large, organized players and numerous small and regional players dominating 80-85% of the market. Factors such as higher life expectancy, changes in lifestyle, and a health-conscious population are expected to contribute to industry growth.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in demand for testing services, resulting in higher volumes and realizations for the industry. While the Indian government has promised to increase healthcare spending, pricing pressure remains a challenge for industry players, with stiff competition from small regional players.
Pathology and radiology are the two categories of the diagnostics industry, with pathology accounting for 58% of revenue and radiology for 42%. The industry offers potential for growth, especially in rural areas where there is a low penetration of testing centres, and consolidation may occur with the introduction of government healthcare policies.
India
The Indian environmental testing market is projected to reach $391.3 million by 2026 due to increasing pollution levels in the country and the need to adhere to government regulations. Customized testing services and demand from regulatory bodies for regular testing are driving market growth, along with the need for specific testing methods to provide efficient results.
The National Water Mission, launched in 2009, highlights the need for conservation of water and equitable distribution across India, which has led to a greater need for environmental testing services. However, the high initial investments required for deploying environmental testing equipment, especially for high sensitivity sensors used in analytical instruments, pose a challenge for the market.
(Source: Industry Arc and EY)
The Food Safety Testing Market has surpassed a value of USD
19.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a 7% CAGR from 2023 to 2032, driven by the rising demand for food consumption globally. The market growth is fuelled by the increasing population suffering from foodborne illnesses due to contamination from various sources.
Rapid urbanization, surging consumer income, and changing dietary habits are expected to support industry growth. Rising concerns about product quality and recalls have led businesses to adopt food safety testing methods.
Meat, poultry, and seafood testing dominate the market share. The increasing need for proper food handling and preparation procedures to reduce the possibility of contamination will promote growth in the pathogens segment which is expected to reach USD 1 billion by 2032.
The rapid technology segment is expected to observe a 7% CAGR through 2032. Rapid technologies produce results in less than 48 hours, lowering the likelihood of contamination in products scheduled for testing and allows corrective actions to be performed in advance.
The market share from the processed food segment is expected to exceed USD 9.5 billion by 2032. Food safety is a critical concern for producers since contaminants can appear at any stage of production or supply.
The COVID-19 pandemic has positively amplified market revenue as technical solutions were adopted to safeguard food safety. The introduction of alternative rapid technologies and solutions for food testing is expected to complement industry development in the future.
(Source: GMI and EY)
India
The Indian food safety testing market is rapidly growing due to the high prevalence of foodborne illnesses in the country, particularly among young children. The market is expected to reach USD 923.4 million in 2027.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is a government-regulated organization that focuses on enhancing food safety testing procedures in the country. To this end, it has developed the "Food Safety on Wheels" initiative to provide mobile units for food testing. This initiative has been expanding and now has 60 mobile vans and 95 modified mobile vans operating in different states and union territories of the country. Additionally, according to a study conducted by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, 585 of the total number of food products testing laboratories in the country have been accredited to international standards, such as ISO/IEC 17025/ NABL. Overall, the increasing demand for food safety testing services in India presents a significant growth opportunity for both government-regulated organizations and private players in the market.
Electrical and Electronics Testing Global
The worldwide market for testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) services in the electrical and electronics sector has experienced consistent growth in recent years. The key drivers behind this expansion include rising demand for household appliance testing, growing emphasis on electrical equipment validation, and the increasing trend of globalization and brand protection.
The market for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing is projected to grow significantly and reach $3.87 billion by 2028. EMC testing ensures that electronic and electrical devices do not emit excessive electromagnetic interference and continue to function as required in the presence of several electromagnetic phenomena. EMC is crucial for the installation of electrical equipment in various industries. As the number of electrical and electronic devices increases, governments are investing heavily in EMC testing. EMC testing services are in high demand by manufacturers to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, improve product marketability, and reduce manufacturing costs in pre-production phase. Consumer appliances and electronics are driving the growth of EMC testing applications due to the proliferation of wireless technologies and the interconnection of various systems and components in electronic devices.
India
India EMC testing market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.7% and reach $231.5 Million by 2028.
The manufacturing industry in India has emerged as a rapidly growing sector. The Indian government has introduced the "Make in India" program to bolster the manufacturing sector and establish it as a prominent global manufacturing hub. The objective of this initiative is to elevate the contribution of the manufacturing sector to 25% of the country''s GDP by the year 2022.
The electronics industry in the region is experiencing robust growth, fuelled by the increasing demand for advanced technological solutions. The widespread adoption of smartphones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices is a key driving force behind the market''s expansion in the country. The consumer appliances and electronics segment of the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing market is anticipated to reach a value of US$ 55.8 million by 2028, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% during the forecast period. Similarly, the automotive segment of the EMC testing market is estimated to be valued at US$ 49.2 million by 2028, with an expected CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period.
(Source: Asia-Pacific EMC Testing Market Report and EY)
3.1 COMPANY OUTLOOK
Your Company is positive about its growth prospects in the biopharmaceutical, food, environmental, and electronics & electrical contract testing and research markets all of which have a strong positive outlook despite the current global economic uncertainties, large competition, and stricter regulatory compliance requirements. The Company has a strong customer base, and promising pipelines which give it good visibility of growth over the medium term. Over the long term, the Company expects it would strategically look at acquisition opportunities or alliances or partnerships to enhance its market reach, capabilities and service portfolio, to gain further market share in various countries. Penetration into overseas markets would be an important lever of growth going forward. Domestic market continues to hold immense potential led by economic growth in the country. However, inflationary pressures in terms cost of manpower, technology and material, and pricing pressures due to proliferation of laboratories in the country will be the key risks to watch out for. VIMTA continues to maintain its dominance in the domestic food testing and contract research services to biopharmaceuticals industry. Its expansion into electronic and electrical products testing services should contribute to the Company''s growth. The Company''s leading position in the domestic market should help it sustain its growth.
3.2 OUR STRENGTHS & STRATEGIES
Your company believes it is well-positioned to serve the global biopharmaceutical, agrochemical, specialty chemical and medical device industries through its integrated product development services. VIMTA provides services to its customers through processes and procedures that are oriented to deliver strong compliance to regulatory requirements, thereby maintaining the integrity of data and the reports, and minimizing risks to the customers. VIMTA has a track record of strong science and quality over a 40-year history, earning it a reputation as a leading, sophisticated contract research and testing organization. Over the years it has developed wide range of capabilities and offers high-value, advanced testing services, including GMP lab services, bioanalytical, bioassays, ultra trace analyses and central laboratory infrastructure to support product research and development. VIMTA believes it
is the leader in the domestic market for GMP analytical services and GLP nonclinical services. The GMP, GLP and GCP compliant facilities have been successfully audited more than 100 times during the year by customers, regulatory agencies, accrediting and certifying bodies, and Company''s track record of quality has earned it a strong reputation in the market.
Similarly, in food testing business, VIMTA is recognized as the leader not only in its testing expertise, technologies, and quality, but also in its scale. VIMTA has the largest pan India network of laboratories positioning it to take more market share within the industry and continue to grow. It is counted as a center of excellence for the country by the government organizations as well.
In both food and above-mentioned product development services for biopharmaceutical companies, the broad spectrum of services, cutting edge instrumentation and facilities with large footprint allows VIMTA to offer a comprehensive set of scientific laboratory services. Further, the scale of services enables us to continuously develop and refine our expertise and enhance our ability to bend the cost and time curve of services to our customers.
In Electronics and Electrical testing, VIMTA has invested over Rs.300 million in capital expenditure to set up a state-of-the-art EMI/EMC testing facility which has capabilities to test electronics used for even military/ defense components. VIMTA believes that this capability is a differentiated offering to the industries in the domestic market. The safety and environment tests capabilities of Emtac Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., the WOS of VIMTA, complement well the EMI/EMC services. In future years the breadth of the menu offered by Emtac will be strengthened to widen the customer base, which will benefit VIMTA as well in expanding its reach in the market.
The environmental services comprise of again a diverse range of offerings. The experience of the company and its team in environmental services in second to none in the domestic market. Geographic expansion of VIMTA''s Environment offices into more States has been undertaken to reach more customers. Company has long-standing relationships with its customers as demonstrated by having provided services for decade or more to several of its top customers. These relationships tend to have larger and longer-term contracts, which provide stability and visibility to Company''s revenues in environmental services.
VIMTA''s clinical diagnostics laboratory services are spread across 9 cities including central reference lab in Hyderabad, regional reference labs and satellite labs. Company has a strong B2B reputation in the local markets. Despite the tough market conditions in diagnostics industry, company has been able to retain its customers thanks to its reputation as a high quality service provider. Company will focus on
B2B business to grow its reach in its local markets and in the future should be able to grow through professional partnerships with hospitals and other healthcare centers.
Across all its business units, the company believes that the technical and scientific expertise of its dedicated employees provides it with a competitive advantage. With a large pool of scientists holding advanced, masters or equivalent degrees, including PhDs, VIMTA has an edge due to the varied-scientific talent pool. The cross pollination of scientific domain expertise is leveraged often to create innovative as well as comprehensive solutions for customers across industries.
VIMTA has strategically developed and oriented its contract research and testing laboratory services towards the lucratively growing industries and their outsourcing needs, to position itself to win high value-add business. The service model is focused on providing to customers both standalone services as well as a mix of full-service contracts. VIMTA leverages its experience in managing laboratory operations for 40 years, to create efficient processes delivering quality outputs that helps in maintaining long term stable customer relationships. Furthermore, company is focused on continuous operational improvements and prudent cost management. Company believes that its strong financial profile demonstrates the quality and robustness of the business model and positions it for continued growth.
3.3 KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS
In accordance with SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements), Regulations as amended in 2018, following are the details of significant changes (changes of 25% or more as compared to the immediately previous financial year) in key sector specific financial ratio.
|
Key financial ratios: |
||
|
Ratio |
Financial Year 2022-23 |
Financial Year 2021-22 |
|
Debtors Turnover Ratio (in days) |
90.03 |
98.66 |
|
Inventory Turnover Ratio (in days) |
22.94 |
20.99 |
|
Interest Coverage Ratio |
50.38 |
46.20 |
|
Current Ratio |
2.86 |
2.60 |
|
Debt Equity Ratio |
0.05 |
0.08 |
|
Operating Profit Margin* |
20.18% |
20.47% |
|
Net Profit Margin** |
15.14% |
14.85% |
|
Price Earning Ratio |
13.94 |
16.85 |
|
Return on Capital Employed |
21.95% |
24.72% |
Brief reasons for significant change in the ratios when compared to previous year are as under:
Debt Equity Ratio: Debt-equity ratio improved due to debt repayments and higher cash accruals.
Price Earning Ratio: Price Earning ratio declined with increase in Earnings Per Share.
Return on Capital Employed: ROCE declined due to increase in total equity.
*Operating Profit Margin: Operating EBTDA to Revenue from Operations.
**Net Profit Margin: Net Profit to Revenue from Operations.
3.4 MATERIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN HUMAN RESOURCES/ INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, INCLUDING NUMBER OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED
With the growth in business, the company''s human resource strength grew by 16% and as on 31st March 2023, Company had 1368 employees. Company''s focus is on increasing productivity of manpower and engaging them well for achieving greater connect to business goals and objectives. Company has increased reliance on technology to drive these initiatives.
Vimta is one of India''s largest Contract Research & Testing Organisations, equipped with state of art Testing. Headquartered in Hyderabad, Vimta has a network of 20 laboratories, including 03 Environment branches, 09 Clinical Diagnostics branch/satellite lab, 08 Food branch labs in India. The total built up area of the labs is ~ 4,00,000 sq.ft.
VIMTA has consistently been committed to adding and improving its capabilities and service offerings. The broad range of industries that it serves and likewise its wide spectrum of services, are leveraged to stay resilient and pursue long term strategic objectives for growth. Company believes that the contract research and testing industry is constantly evolving, giving rise to newer opportunities. VIMTA is adept at evaluating opportunities in a disciplined manner that is both capital efficient and growth oriented.
It firmly believes that it is on a strong growth path and has made the right investments over the years. In order to sustain the growth momentum in coming years, company requires more capacities and therefore has embarked on almost doubling infrastructure capacities in its Life Sciences campus, Hyderabad. This significant investment is a strong reflection of the company''s confidence on the increasing demand for its services.
Risks are inherent to any business. They are managed by the Company through a risk management process of risk identification and risk mitigation, through risk reduction strategies & plans and continuous monitoring of the
effectiveness of the risk mitigation measures to control them.
The Risk Management Committee duly constituted by the Board has formulated a Risk Management Policy for dealing with different kinds of risks attributable to the operations of the Company. Risk Management Policy of the Company outlines different kinds of risks and risk mitigating measures and this is reviewed periodically by the Audit Committee and the Board. The Company has adequate internal control systems and procedures to combat risks.
Vimta continues to strive to stay ahead on the competition curve through creation of new service opportunities, operational excellence and uncompromising commitment to quality, regulatory compliance, and customer service. However, there may be certain risk factors that could adversely impact business.
Quality related risks: Poor performance in regulatory audits and accreditation body audits could adversely impact our business. Maintaining quality and compliance is part of every activity in the organization. The management leads the quality culture, understanding very well that this is critical for business success and survival. However, unforeseen poor or inadequate performance by employees could lead to regulatory risks. There are adequate built in controls and checks to mitigate this risk. Nevertheless, these risks cannot be ruled out.
IT related risks: Our ability to serve customers effectively depends on the reliability of our data & information management and communication systems. We leverage computerized technologies and IT tools to perform many business critical activities hence we depend on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our data & information management and communication systems, including systems we use in the laboratory, data management systems, systems used to deliver services to our customers, and failures in, breach of, or unauthorized access to or use of these systems or data contained therein may materially limit our operations and result in significant harm to our business. IT risk management is a part of our quality management system and thus the security and operation of our data management systems and communication systems, including data management systems and communication systems. Cyber-attacks could lead to disruption in operations. These are addressed through adequate back-up mechanisms and Disaster recovery process. A dedicated team is set up to constantly keep upgrading the IT Assets and implement the latest technologies to keep the environment safe and secure. Despite the extensive risk mitigation measures in place, the risk of disruption to our operations and business cannot be completely ruled out.
Service failure related risks: We are a scientific services organization and quality of service to the customers is critical for growth of our business. Quality of service is related to our ability to deliver reports and projects with scientifically reliable and accurate information; compliance to contractual requirements, regulations, standards, guidelines as applicable; and service customers with professional and ethical conduct. If we fail to perform our services per these expectations, we could lose confidence of our customers who may choose not to award further work to us, or make claims against us for breach of our contractual obligations. Any such action could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, results of operations, financial condition and/ or cash flows. Our mitigation strategy is directed towards continuously strengthening our capabilities, and learning and implementing best practices. Further, stringent review systems and suitable preventive actions are in place.
Financial risks: Vimta makes continuous investments in capacity expansion, market reach and new business streams. These investments are based on good business judgement through market study, backed by strong planning and risk mitigation measures. However, time factors and market dynamics could delay results and/ or create risks in obtaining returns on such investment. Other financial risks include bad debts from customers for various reasons; and liquidity risks as a result of any poor cash flows that could further lead to non-servicing of loans. Your company has dedicated groups for customer relations management and credit control. There are adequate checks to identify risky customer accounts and control business with them to minimize risks. Nevertheless, these risks cannot be completely ruled out.
Data risks: As a third-party provider of services, we often get into various service agreements, with customers including requirements on data confidentiality, data security and IP protection. Given the large scale of human resources involved in our organization, and the inherent vulnerability of IT solutions deployed, we may be at risk as a result of unintentional violations of customer contracts and agreements, which could further lead to significant legal risks for the business. This is mitigated through strong physical security and electronic security systems; trainings to employees, business continuity processes such as electronic data disaster recovery systems; confidentiality oaths from employees; well-propagated whistle blower policies etc. Nevertheless, these risks cannot be completely ruled out.
Growth and personnel related risks: Our business has been having sustained growth over the past few years and growth if not managed well places a strain on human, operational and financial resources. To manage our growth, we must continue to attract and retain talented staff across the business operations. Management pays
strong attention to continuously building and improving operating and administrative systems to enhance productivity of personnel and processes and also to have a stronger administrative control on the businesses spread at various locations across the country. Given the dependency of business on quality of personnel there are inherent risks associated with personnel''s abilities and ethical conduct, which may impact adversely customer satisfaction. Thus, if we are unable to manage our growth effectively, we could lose business from our customers. Further, if we are unable to recruit, retain and motivate key personnel, our business could be adversely affected. Our success depends on the collective performance, contribution and expertise of our senior management team and other key personnel throughout our businesses, including qualified management, professional, operational, scientific, technical, and business development personnel. There is significant competition for qualified personnel in all the industries that we operate in, particularly personnel with significant experience and expertise. The loss of any key executive, or our inability to continue to recruit, retain and motivate key personnel in a timely fashion, may adversely impact our ability to compete effectively and grow our business and negatively affect our ability to meet our short and long-term business and financial goals. Company takes several steps to maintain a motivated and engaged team. Initiatives such as ESOPs to attract & retain talent, rewards and recognition programs, personnel competency enlargement programs etc., are among the many best practices followed by the company. Nevertheless, the risks related to growth and personnel cannot be completely ruled out.
Other risks: A few more such risks and concerns are, change in regulations and regulatory environment; downturn in economies that our business operates in; steep drop-in service prices from competition; increase in prices of input material; changes in laws such as tax laws etc. External risks also include foreign exchange risks; interest rate risks; risks from terrorism etc. Further there are also risks of critical equipment breakdowns, power breakouts, short supply of any input material or consumable, fire, and other natural calamities. These are handled through a robust business continuity plan where adequate backups are created and tested from time to time for their effectiveness, nevertheless these risks cannot be completely ruled out.
It is possible that the above list of risks does not cover all risks exhaustively. However, being an experienced organization, the mitigation measures are in-built into the organization, its strategy and processes, which have so far helped the organization go through, and grow through, various phases of business and the market situations. It will be management''s continuous endeavour to develop strategies that would help the organization de-risk its business & grow with opportunities.
4. DIVIDEND
Your Directors have recommended a dividend of '' 2/- per equity share of '' 2/- each, for 2022-23 fiscal.
5. TRANSFER OF UNCLAIMED DIVIDEND TO INVESTOR EDUCATION & PROTECTION FUND (IEPF)
Members may please note that as per the provisions of Sections 124 & 125 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016, dividends that remain unclaimed for a period of seven years from the date of transfer to the Unpaid Dividend Account shall be transferred to the Investor Education & Protection Fund.
Details of unclaimed dividends and the due dates on which those are liable to be transferred to the Investor Education & Protection Fund are given below:
|
Year of Dividend - Final |
No. of Shareholders who have not claimed |
Unclaimed Amount (?) |
Date of Declaration |
Date of transfer to unpaid account |
Last date of transfer to IEPF |
|
2015-16 |
821 |
426444.00 |
02.09.2016 |
08.10.2016 |
08.10.2023 |
|
2016-17 |
Dividend Not Declared |
||||
|
2017-18 |
627 |
354280.00 |
25.08.2018 |
30.09.2018 |
29.09.2025 |
|
2018-19 |
506 |
325536.00 |
27.07.2019 |
01.09.2019 |
31.08.2026 |
|
2019-20 |
Dividend Not Declared |
||||
|
2020-21 |
2316 |
618666.00 |
05.07.2021 |
10.08.2021 |
09.08.2028 |
|
2021-22 |
674 |
317981.00 |
25.06.2022 |
31.07.2022 |
30.07.2029 |
6. TRANSFER TO RESERVES
No amount is proposed to be transferred to reserves during the year.
7. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
In compliance with the provisions of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, a separate report on corporate governance along with a certificate from a practicing Company Secretary on its compliance and forms an integral part of this Board''s Report.
8. ANNUAL RETURN
Pursuant to Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 12(1) of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, (as amended), a copy of the Annual Return of the Company will be uploaded on the website of the Company, which can be accessed at https:// vimta.com/wp-content/uploads/Anuual-Returns-2022-23. pdf.
9. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Company as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, undertook and supported many projects such as:
promoting health care; preventive health care;
eradicating hunger, poverty, and malnutrition; promoting education especially among children and the differently abled and livelihood enhancement projects, and;
animal welfare, wherein it rescues and rehabilitates sick and needy animals.
During the year under review, the Company has spent a total sum of '' 62,45,570/- on the CSR activities as approved by the CSR Committee. Disclosures as per Rule 8 of Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 is enclosed as Annexure I to this report.
10. MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
During the year under review, four Meetings of the Board were convened and held, the details of which are given in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this report. The intervening gap between the Meetings was within the limits prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013.
11. SHARE CAPITAL
As at the end of the year, the authorised Share Capital of the company stood at '' 7,00,00,000 (Rupees Seven Crore only) divided into 3,50,00,000 Equity shares of '' 2/- each and Paid-up Capital stood at '' 4,42,57,978 (Rupees Four Crore Forty-Two Lakh Fifty-Seven Thousand Nine Hundred and Seventy-Eight Only) divided in to 22,128,989 equity shares of '' 2/- each. During the year under review, the company has allotted 21,179 equity shares of '' 2/- each to the Employees upon exercise of Employee Stock Options under "Vimta Labs Employee Stock Option Plan 2021". Disclosure under Section 67(3)(c) of the Act in respect of voting rights not exercised directly by the employees of the Company is not applicable.
12. ISSUE OF SHARES
During the year under review, the Company has not:
i) Issued any shares with differential voting rights pursuant to provisions of Rule 4 of the Companies (Share Capital and Debenture) Rules, 2014;
ii) Issued any sweat equity shares to any of its employees, pursuant to the provisions of Rule 8 of the Companies (Share Capital and Debenture) Rules, 2014.
13. FINANCING THE PURCHASE OF SHARES OF THE COMPANY
During the year under review, the company has not given, whether directly or indirectly, and whether by means of a loan, guarantee, the provision of security or otherwise, financial assistance for the purpose of, or in connection with, a purchase or subscription made or to be made, by any person of or for any shares in the company in violation of the provisions of Section 67 of the Companies Act, 2013.
14. EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
The members of the Company at their 31st Annual General Meeting held on 5th July 2021, had granted approval for "Vimta Labs Employee Stock Option Plan 2021" and grant of stock options to the Eligible Employees of the Company under the scheme. The Company has obtained In-principle approval from Stock Exchanges for Vimta Labs Employee Stock Option Plan 2021 for issue of 663,234 Options. Out of which Nomination and Remuneration Committee at its meeting held on 19th September 2021 granted 507,769 Options in Tranche I, on 11th May 2022 granted 17,961 Options in Tranche II, and on 26th October 2022 granted 35,702 Options in Tranche III, out of the Total Grant of 663,234 Options. The details of "Vimta Labs Employee Stock Option Plan 2021" form part of the Notes to Accounts of the Financial Statements in this Annual Report.
Further, during the year under review, the company allotted 21,179 equity shares of '' 2/- each to the Employees upon exercise of Employee Stock Options under "Vimta Labs Employee Stock Option Plan 2021."
The disclosures pursuant to Regulation 14 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 can be accessed at https:// vimta.com/wp-content/uploads/Disclosures-pursuant-to-Regulation-14-of-the-Securities-and-Exchange-Board-of-India-Share-Based-Employee-Benefits-Regulations-2014. pdf and the same are enclosed as Annexure II to this report together with a certificate obtained from the Secretarial Auditors confirming compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (SBEB) Regulations, which is enclosed as Annexure III to this report.
15. CHANGES IN THE NATURE OF BUSINESS
There has been no change in the nature of business of the Company during the year under review.
16. PARTICULARS OF DEPOSITS
During the year under review, the company has not accepted any deposit pursuant to the provisions of Sections 73 and 76 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014. Thus, there is no non-compliance with the requirements of Chapter V of the Companies Act.
17. SUBSIDIARIES
EMTAC laboratories Private Limited, established in 2014, became a wholly owned subsidiary (WOS) of Vimta Labs Ltd in March 2020. Its principal business is testing and certification. It provides safety/performance testing services for electrical, electronic, and mechanical products and is also a physical security products, (bank safes/lockers, ATMs, home use lockers, fire wall doors etc.) certification company.
Emtac is located at Hyderabad, India. Its laboratory division is accredited to ISO 17025 by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and the certification division is accredited to ISO 17065 by NABCB (National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies). It is also a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approved and Telecommunication Engineering Center (TEC) designated laboratory. Its vision is to be one of the world''s most respected product testing and certification laboratory, recognized for its technical competence, quality, integrity and customer partnership.
Emtac is India''s First Laboratory to be awarded NABL accreditation for Physical Security Products and also the first Laboratory in Telangana state to be accredited by NABL for safety testing of IT Products (viz., mobile phones, CCTV cameras, laptop components, cash registers, set top boxes, adapters etc.), UPS, LED lights, Electric Fans, Power banks, etc. It is one of the very few labs recognized by BIS for testing of table fans. It has a very strong technical team, which has made India''s first ATM testing standard.
Emtac was strategically acquired by Vimta to complement its entry into electronic and electrical testing space. While Vimta offers EMI/EMC testing for consumer durables, defence, avionics, automotive, IT, wireless, telecom, medical and other industrial equipment and components, Emtac complements with safety and Environmental testing along with certification services to offer comprehensively packaged testing and certification services.
Emtac recorded revenues with a growth of 126% in the financial year 2022-23 at '' 58.38 million. Profit before tax for the financial year 2022-23 stands at '' 11.64 million compared to '' 3.35 million in the previous year.
The statement containing the salient features of the financial statements of the wholly owned subsidiary as per sub-section (3) of Section 129 of the Companies Act, 2013 in Form AOC-1 is annexed as Annexure IV to this report.
During the year, no other company has become or ceased to be a subsidiary or joint venture or associate company of this company.
18. PARTICULARS OF LOANS AND GUARANTEE GIVEN, SECURITY PROVIDED AND INVESTMENT MADE
As required under Section 186(4) of the Act, your Directors report includes Particulars of Loans, Guarantee given and security provided and investment made details, are shown in Annexure V and Notes to the Financial Statements (Refer Note 42 of Standalone Financial Statements).
19. PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES AND RELATED DISCLOSURES
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details as required under Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are provided in Annexure VI to this Report.
If any Member is interested in obtaining information pursuant to Rule 5 (2) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, such Member may write to the Company Secretary at the Registered Office in this regard.
20. AUDITORS
a) Independent Auditor''s Report
During the year under review, the Company''s auditors have not made any qualification, reservation or adverse remark or disclaimer in their Report on the financial statements of the Company and there were no instances of frauds reported by the auditors under section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013.
b) Statutory Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of sections 139,142 and other applicable provisions of the Act read with the rules made thereunder, M/s Gattamaneni & Co., Chartered Accountants (Firm Reg. No. 009303S) were appointed Statutory Auditors of the Company for a term of five consecutive years from the conclusion of the 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 25th June 2022 on a remuneration mutually agreed upon by the Board of Directors and the Auditors. They hold office until the conclusion of the 37th Annual General Meeting to be held in the calendar year 2027. The auditors have confirmed that they hold valid certificate issued by the Peer Review Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and eligible to continue to hold the office for rest of their tenure.
c) Internal Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of section 138 of the Act and based on the recommendations of Audit Committee, the Board of Directors at their meeting
held on 3rd May 2023, have reappointed M/s Chaitanya V & Associates, Chartered Accountants as Internal Auditors of the Company for the financial year 20232024. M/s Chaitanya V & Associates, Chartered Accountants, have confirmed their willingness to be reappointed as the Internal Auditors of the Company. Further, the Audit Committee in consultation with Internal Auditors, formulated the scope, functioning periodicity and methodology for conducting the Internal Audit.
d) Cost Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of section 148 of the Act read with the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules 2014, and based on the recommendations of Audit Committee, Board of Directors at their meeting held on 3rd May 2023 reappointed M/s Lavanya & Associates Cost Accountants (Firm Registration No. 101257) as Cost Auditors of the Company for the financial year 2023-2024. A resolution seeking ratification of remuneration payable to the Cost Auditors to conduct cost audit for the financial year 2023- 24 has been included in the notice convening 33rd AGM of the Company. The necessary consent letter and certificate of eligibility was received from the cost auditors confirming their eligibility to be reappointed as the Cost Auditors of the Company.
e) Maintenance of Cost Records
The Company has made and maintained the cost records as specified by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013.
f) Secretarial Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of section 204 of the Act, read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, and based on the recommendations of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors at their meeting held on 3rd May 2023 reappointed M/s D Hanumanta Raju & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries as Secretarial Auditors for the financial year 202324. The consent letter and certificate of eligibility was received from M/s D Hanumanta Raju & Co., confirming their eligibility for the appointment.
The Secretarial Audit Report for the financial year 2022-23 in the prescribed form MR-3 is enclosed with this Report as Annexure VII.
g) Annual Secretarial Compliance Report
Secretarial Compliance Report for the financial year ended March 31, 2023, on compliance of all applicable SEBI Regulations and circulars/ guidelines issued thereunder, was obtained from M/s D Hanumanta
Raju & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries and submitted to both the stock exchanges.
21. AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Board has constituted the Audit Committee as per the provisions of Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The composition, attendance, powers and role of the Audit Committee are included in Corporate Governance Report. All the recommendations made by the Audit Committee were accepted by the Board of Directors.
22. COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS ON BOARD MEETINGS AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS
During the year under review, the Company has complied with the Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India as applicable to Board Meetings and Annual General Meetings.
23. POSTAL BALLOT
During the year under review, no postal ballot resolutions were passed.
24. DIRECTORS'' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to section 134(5) of the Act, based on the representations received from the Operating Management, the Board of Directors, to the best of their knowledge and belief state that:
i. In the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards have been followed, along with proper explanation relating to material departures, if any;
ii. They had selected such accounting policies as mentioned in the notes to the financial statements 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 as at 31st March 2023 and of the profit and loss of the Company for the year ended on that date;
iii. They had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act for safeguarding the assets of the company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
iv. They had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
v. They had laid down proper internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and that such internal financial controls were adequate and were operating effectively; and
vi. They had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws
and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
25. DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
The Board of Directors of the Company has an optimum combination of Executive, Non-Executive and Independent Directors.
a) Directors retiring by rotation
As per the provisions of the Companies Act and the Articles of Association of the Company, Mr. Harriman Vungal (DIN: 00242621), Executive Director - Operations, retires by rotation and being eligible, offered himself for re-appointment. The proposal for the re-appointment of Mr. Harriman Vungal is being placed at the AGM along with the necessary details. Subject to his reappointment as Director, Mr. Harriman will continue to be the Executive Director -Operations for the balance of his tenure.
b) Changes in Directorship/Committee Position
During the year under review, Ms. Y Prameela Rani, Independent Director of the Company was reappointed for a second/final term for five consecutive years with effect from 1st December 2022 to 30th November 2027. The said reappointment was passed at 32nd Annual General Meeting held on 25th June 2022.
Apart from the above, there was no change in the designation/ terms of Directorship.
Currently, the Board has four committees: The Audit Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Stakeholders'' Relationship Committee and Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. The composition of the committees is given below.
|
Audit Committee |
Position |
|
Mr. G Purnachandra Rao |
Chairman |
|
Ms. Y Prameela Rani |
Member |
|
Mr. Sanjay Dave |
Member |
|
Nomination and Remuneration Committee |
Position |
|
Mr. Sanjay Dave |
Chairman |
|
Mr. G Purnachandra Rao |
Member |
|
Ms. Y Prameela Rani |
Member |
|
Stakeholders Relationship Committee |
Position |
|
Ms. Y Prameela Rani |
Chairperson |
|
Mr. G Purnachandra Rao |
Member |
|
Mr. Sanjay Dave |
Member |
|
Corporate Social Responsibility Committee |
Position |
|
Ms. Harita Vasireddi |
Chairperson |
|
Mr. Harriman Vungal |
Member |
|
Mr. Sanjay Dave |
Member |
c) Disclosure by Directors
None of the Directors of your Company are disqualified as per the provisions of Section 164(2) of the Companies Act, 2013. Your Directors have made necessary disclosures to this effect as required under the Companies Act, 2013. Further, the Company has obtained Certificate pursuant to Regulation 34(3) and Schedule of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 from M/s D Hanumanta Raju & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries, Secretarial Auditors and attached the same to this report.
d) Appointment of Dr. S P Vasireddi (DIN: 00242288) as Executive Chairman of the Company.
Dr. S P Vasireddi''s appointment as Non-Executive NonIndependent Director & Chairman of the Company was last approved at the Annual General Meeting held on 25th August 2018 and he has been continuing in the same position till date.
Dr. S P Vasireddi has a rich experience of over 40 years in the contract research and testing industry. He is the founder of VIMTA and under his leadership and guidance the Company has not only prospered with good growth but also earned a significantly remarkable reputation in the industry. Dr. Vasireddi is known as the pioneer and visionary who built the contract research and testing industry in India. The world class laboratory infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies he introduced over the years put India on the global map as an outsourcing destination for quality, testing and contract research services.
Dr. Vasireddi''s vision, strategic insights, deep scientific and technical knowledge, and quick study abilities have enabled him to play a pivotal role in building numerous firsts and competitive edges for Vimta viz.,
⢠1st GOI gazette notified EPA laboratory in the country.
⢠1st CRO in India''s who''s BA/BE study got approved by USFDA.
⢠1st ultra trace laboratory in country for testing dioxins and furans.
⢠1st Lab in Asia to be pre-qualified by WHO for GPQCL.
⢠1st Lab in India to offer Leachables and Extractables studies.
⢠1st Lab in India to introduce Customer Specific Contract Labs.
⢠1st Lab in India to be approved by European Commission for PCP trace analysis in Food exports to Europe.
⢠1st Lab in India to set up a truly world class contract research and testing laboratory facility.
⢠Only Lab in India to have a PPP with UNIDO for Analytical Laboratory Capacity Building in Developing/Underdeveloped Nations.
⢠1st lab in India to setup a pan India network of full-service food testing laboratories.
He brings critical expertise in laboratory business management and the Board is of the opinion that Dr S P Vasireddi''s rare expertise and closer guidance to company''s leadership as an Executive Chairman, will be of immense value to the Company at this juncture of growth and expansion. Dr. Vasireddi is a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Nagpur University.
Dr. Vasireddi''s past and present associations include:
⢠Member of Central Advisory Committee-Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
⢠Member of the Governing Board of NABL.
⢠Chairperson- ABL, Risk Management Committee.
⢠Member of National Committee-CII National Committee on Drugs and Pharmaceuticals.
⢠Member of Research Council-National Physical Laboratories, India.
⢠Chairman of Calibration Committee-National Physical Laboratories, India.
⢠Founder of Association of Contract Research Organizations (ACRO), India.
The Board based on the recommendations of the Nomination Remuneration Committee, recommends him as Executive Chairman of the Company for a period of 3 years w.e.f., 01.07.2023 for the approval of the shareholders. Dr. S P Vasireddi has consented to accept the proposed appointment. Board looks forward to his contributions as the company expands its scale and reach into new markets significantly.
He will attain the age of 75 years on 1st July 2023, and as per the provisions of section 196(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013, appointing him as Executive Chairman requires approval of members by way of a special resolution. Further, as the proposed remuneration to the Executive Director together with the remuneration of other whole time Directors who are promoters or members of the promoter group, in aggregate, exceeds 5% of the net profits of the Company, approval of Members is sought by way of a Special Resolution as required under Regulation
17(6)(e) of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
Dr. S P Vasireddi, Non-Executive Chairman holds 3,598,525 equity shares in the company. Except Dr. S P Vasireddi, Non-Executive Chairman and Mrs. Harita Vasireddi, Managing Director being daughter of Dr. S P Vasireddi none of the other Directors/Key Managerial Personnel are in anyway concerned or interested in his appointment.
e) Changes in the Key Managerial Personnel
Ms. Harita Vasireddi, Managing Director, Mr. Harriman Vungal, Executive Director - Operations, Mr. Satya Sreenivas Neerukonda, Executive Director, Mr. D.R. Narahai Naidu, Chief Financial Officer and Ms. Sujani Vasireddi, Company Secretary are Key Managerial Personnel of the Company within the meaning of Section(s) 2(51), and 203 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014. There has been no change in the Key Managerial Personnel during the financial year under review.
f) Declaration by Independent Directors
As per the requirement of section 149(7) of the Act, all the Independent Directors of the Company have submitted their respective declarations that they fulfil the criteria of independence under Section 149 of the Act, read with Regulation 25 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
g) During the year under review, no new Independent Director was appointed.
26. POLICY ON DIRECTORS'' APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION
Based on the recommendation of Nomination & Remuneration Committee, the Board of Directors approved and adopted a Policy for selection, appointment and remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and other employees of the Company as required under Section 178(3) of the Act.
The Nomination and Remuneration Policy and Board Diversity Policy is set out as Annexure VIII, and the same can be accessed at https://vimta.com/wp-content/uploads/ Nomination-Remuneration-Policy.pdf and https://vimta. com/wp-content/uploads/Board-Diversity-Policy.pdf
27. HUMAN RESOURCES
Our success depends on the collective performance, contribution and expertise of our senior management team and several key personnel throughout our organization, including scientific, technical, administrative, and other business enabling functions such as business development. With close to 1400 employee base, the company leverages the diverse and abundant skills and
domain expertise to build a scientifically strong and quality driven organization. Vimta believes that its Human Resources is the key to achieve business growth. Thus, to ensure employee satisfaction, the Company offers a safe, conducive, and productive environment. Endeavours are continuous to attract new talent and ensure the retention of existing employees. To establish a strong, connect with employees, several employee engagement initiatives are undertaken. Training and skill development programs are continuously delivered to promote a learning culture. Special skill development and training programs are conducted for identified special talent pool. Keeping pace with technological advancements, more and more HR processes are digitalised with substantial investments. The employees are sufficiently empowered, and company believes that such work environment propels the team to achieve higher levels of performance. The unflinching commitment of its employees is the driving force behind the Company''s profitable growth. Your Company appreciates the spirit and the contributions of its dedicated employees.
28. PARTICLUARS OF CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
All the contracts/ arrangements/ transactions entered by the Company during the year under review with related parties were in the ordinary course of business and at arm''s length basis. The particulars of such contracts or arrangements with related parties, pursuant to the provisions of section 134(3)(h) and Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, in the prescribed form AOC-2 is enclosed as Annexure IX to this report.
The policy on materiality of related party transactions and on dealing with the related party transactions is uploaded on the website of the Company, which can be accessed at https://vimta.com/wp-content/uploads/Related-Party-Transaction-Policy.pdf
All the related party transactions are placed before the Audit Committee and also before the Board for their respective approval. Omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained as per SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 for the transactions which can be foreseen and are repetitive in nature. The Company has developed a Policy on Related Party Transactions including the latest amendments thereof for the purpose of identification and monitoring of such transactions.
29. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The information on conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo as required under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8 of The Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, is enclosed as Annexure X to this report.
Your Company continues to have an effective Risk Management policy in place. The management and the Board oversees the risk management policy including identification, impact assessment and mitigation plans. The details of risks perceived by the Management are reported in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report.
31. ANNUAL EVALUATION OF BOARD PERFORMANCE AND PERFORMANCE OF ITS COMMITTEES AND OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 25 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Board has carried out the annual performance evaluation of its own, that of its committees and individual directors.
A structured questionnaire was prepared after taking into consideration inputs received from the Directors, covering various aspects of the Board''s functioning such as adequacy of the composition of the Board and its Committees, Board culture, execution and performance of specific duties, obligations and governance aspects.
The exercise carried out to evaluate the performance of individual Directors included parameters such as level of engagement and contribution, independence of judgement, safeguarding the interest of the Company and its minority shareholders etc. The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors was carried out by the entire Board. The performance evaluation of the Chairman and the Non-Independent Directors was carried out by the Independent Directors who also reviewed the performance of the Secretarial Department. The Directors expressed their satisfaction with the evaluation process.
32. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
The Company has a comprehensive Code of Conduct (the Code) in place pursuant to Regulation 17(5) of Listing Regulations, applicable to all the senior management personnel and Directors including Independent Directors to such extent as may be applicable to them depending on their roles and responsibilities. The Code covers duties of Independent Directors and also gives guidance needed for ethical conduct of business and compliance of law. Further, a policy on obligation of Directors and senior management personnel for disclosure of committee positions and commercial transitions pursuant to Regulation 26(2) (5) and (6) of Listing Regulation is in place. All the Directors and senior management confirmed the compliance to the code of conduct. Declaration on compliance with Code of Conduct is annexed as Annexure XI to the Corporate Governance Report.
33. PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING
Pursuant to SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) (Amendment) Regulations, 2018, the Company has adopted the Code of Internal Procedures and Conduct for Regulating, monitoring and reporting of trading by designated persons and their immediate relatives along with Code of Fair Disclosures.
34. POLICY ON PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE
The Company has complied with provisions relating to the constitution of Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The company formed a committee to attend to to the complaints under the above Act. During the financial year ended 31st March 2023, the Company has not received any complaint from any woman employee pertaining to any sexual harassment.
35. VIGIL MECHANISM/ WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
The Company has a Whistle Blower Policy in place, framed to deal with instances of fraud and mismanagement, if any in the Company. The Policy provides for adequate safeguards against victimization of employees who avail the mechanism and also provides for direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The details of the Policy are explained in the Corporate Governance Report and also posted on the website of the Company, which can be accessed at https://vimta.com/wp-content/uploads/ Whistle-Blower-Policy.pdf
36. INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY
A robust internal control mechanism is a prerequisite to ensure that an organisation functions ethically, complies with all legal and regulatory requirements and observes the generally accepted principles of good governance.
Your Company has adequate internal control systems for business processes, efficiency in its operations, and compliance with all the applicable laws and regulations. Regular internal checks and audits ensure that the responsibilities are being effectively executed. In-depth review of internal controls, accounting procedures and policies of Company is conducted. Your Company has adopted adequate internal controls and audit system commensurate with its size and nature of business. Internal financial control with reference to financial statement is adhered.
Internal audit is carried on a quarterly basis. They report directly to the Audit Committee of the Board, which ensures process independence. The Audit Committee reviews the adequacy and efficacy of the internal controls, as well as the effectiveness of the risk management process across the Company. After reviewing the findings and suggestions, the Audit Committee directs the respective departments through Board to implement the same.
37. CASH FLOW STATEMENT
In due compliance of the listing agreement and in accordance with the requirements prescribed by SEBI, the cash flow statement is prepared and is appended to this Annual Report.
38. ADEQUACY OF INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS WITH REFERENCE TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The company has adequate internal financial controls with reference to the financial statements in place and the same were operating effectively.
Based on the framework of internal financial controls and compliance systems established and maintained by the Company, the work performed by the Internal, Statutory and Secretarial Auditors and the reviews performed by the Management and the relevant Board Committees, including the Audit Committee, the Board believes that the Company''s internal financial controls with reference to the financial statements were adequate and effective during the year ended 31st March 2023.
39. During the year, the company has not made any applications under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, nor any proceeding is pending under the said code.
40. During the year under review, the company has not approached its Bankers/Financial Institutions for one time settlement in respect of its borrowings. Accordingly, no valuation was done during the year under review.
41. Material changes and commitments if any, affecting the financial position of the company which have occurred between the end of the financial year of the company to which the financial statements relate and the date of the report
No material changes have occurred subsequent to the end of the financial year of the Company to which the financial statements relate and till the date of the report, that have an impact on the financial position of the Company.
42. PARTICULARS OF SIGNIFICANT/MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED, IF ANY
During the year under review, there were no significant and material orders passed by any Regulator or Court or Tribunals which would impact the going concern status of the Company''s operations in future.
43. GREEN INITIATIVE IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has taken a green initiative in Corporate Governance by allowing paperless compliances by the Companies and permitted the service of Annual Reports and documents to the shareholders through electronic mode subject to certain conditions. Members who have not yet registered their email addresses are requested to register the same with their Depositories in case the shares are held by them in electronic form and with Company''s Registrars and Transfer Agents, CIL Securities Limited, in case the shares are held by them in physical form.
44. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Directors record their deep appreciation for the contributions made by the employees at all levels, for their sincerity, hard work, solidarity, and dedicated support to the Company during the year. The Directors also wish to place on record their gratitude to shareholders, customers, vendors, consultants, bankers, and all other stakeholders for their continued support to the Company.
For and on behalf of the Board, Date: 03rd May 2023 Dr. Sivalinga Prasad Vasireddi
Place: Hyderabad Non-Executive Chairman
(DIN: 00242288)
Mar 31, 2018
Boardâs Report
To
The Members of VIMTA LABS LIMITED
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the 28th Annual Report and audited financial statements of your Company for the year ended March 31, 2018.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
('' in Millions)
|
For the Year 2017-18 |
For the Year 2016-17 |
|
|
Income |
1822.91 |
1547.89 |
|
Profit before Interest & Finance cost, Depreciation and Tax expense |
464.64 |
282.52 |
|
Interest & Finance cost |
52.00 |
20.87 |
|
Depreciation |
157.00 |
96.30 |
|
Profit before Tax |
255.64 |
165.35 |
|
Tax expenses (current & deferred) |
91.31 |
59.43 |
|
Profit for the year including other comprehensive income |
159.05 |
100.44 |
|
EPS (in ''.) |
7.43 |
4.79 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Close to 18% growth in revenues compared to previous financial year.
- EBITDA for the year stood at Rs,.464.64 million as compared to Rs,.282.52 million in the previous year, that resulted in a PAT of Rs,.159.05 million, which is close to 58% increase over the previous year profits.
- Strong increase of 55% in the earnings per share, at Rs,.7.43. FIRST-TIME ADOPTION OF Ind-AS.
Your Company has prepared its first Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) compliant Financial Statements for the period commencing April 1, 2017 with restated comparative figures for the year ended March 31, 2017. These financial statements are prepared in accordance with Indian Accounting Standards notified under the provisions of Companies Act, 2013 read with Rules made there under.
BUSINESS - MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS Company Overview
Vimta Labs is India''s leader in contract research and testing services for the food, environment and pharmaceutical products testing. It offers preclinical research, clinical research and analytical services. The Company is also in the business of providing clinical diagnostic services and third party analytical laboratory services to various other industries. Vimta has a network of 17 laboratories in India, including multiple branch laboratories for food testing and clinical diagnostics.
Our Vision
To be seen as an Indian organization with a global perspective that has created an integrated, quality driven, customer sensitive, Contract Research and Testing centre, that is the most comprehensive of its kind across the globe.
Our Core Values
- Integrity of service through honesty, responsibility and an uncompromising commitment to Quality and Customer service.
- Respect for all our team members, partners, customers, suppliers and all other people our business interacts with.
A strong leadership position is built by Vimta through the following core strategies :
- Quality & Compliance - This is the foundation of our business and remains the core of our processes. Quality principles and continuous improvement towards best practices are integrated into all our activities.
- Innovation - Constantly creating new services aiming to deliver end-to-end laboratory services to the customers.
- Technology - Use of advanced technologies supported by robust IT solutions.
- Knowledge - People are the strength of Vimta. The diverse education, skills and experience of our team is harnessed for operational excellence and to deliver trusted results and scientifically reliable data.
Industry Overview & Trends
In the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device industries, products must conform to applicable national and international regulations. Regulations are constantly revised to upgrade the safety and efficacy information on products, and therefore the need for more safety assessments and testing continues to grow. This is a positive trend for our business, since the product developers and manufacturers increasingly depend on third party services to ensure their products comply with the regulations and continuously meet the quality and safety standards set by the Regulators. The service providers are varying in the scope and size of their business and not in very large numbers with many players offering a limited range of services. Vimta provides vital support and expertise for pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device products throughout various stages of their development,
production and distribution. Vimta being an integrated service provider, and with a strong regulatory audit track record, is one of the leaders in this segment.
In the food and agri industry, the strengthening regulatory landscape in India, increasing consumer awareness on product quality and safety, and the robust trade between India and other countries, continues to propel the need for assurance of product safety and quality at every stage of the food production and trade process. These too, are positive market factors and trends for our business. Our services build trust, and reduce risk across diverse agriculture and food supply chains. Vimta offers routine as well as specialized testing services for food and agri products to assist with regulatory compliance, trade and internal quality requirements. Vimta has food testing laboratories in 10 cities across India, which is the largest network in the country, and has received all required approvals from quality accreditation and regulatory bodies. This now enables us to gain more access to the markets and leverage our pan India presence to grow the business within the food i industry.
Clinical diagnostics is a large market in India that continues to grow with the growth in economy and public''s increasing healthcare awareness and access to healthcare infrastructure. Sophisticated technologies are constantly brought into the market by global vendors. Competition is very high and local, further this is a very price sensitive one. The service providers in this business are highly fragmented and of varying sizes offering either routine, or specialized or combination services. Vimta enjoys a strong quality brand in the country and has a pan India presence offering both routine and specialized diagnostic services. We continue to invest in expanding our geographic reach and building specialized test capabilities to grow in this growing market.
India is a part of the global community that is beginning to put greater focus on developing sustainable economies. Protecting the environment and its natural resources is a key agenda for India. This focus retains the need for quality environmental impact assessment and environment testing services. Vimta has always been a leader in this business for over three decades, due to its wide expertise, the quality of its services, and its reputation for integrity of data.
Given the above business environment, we believe VIMTA is well poised to leverage the market opportunities available and continue the robust growth journey that it has embarked on. Having stated this, there is no guarantee that these market trends will all continue to be positive for our business, as there could be several risks and events that could negatively impact the opportunities and business factors for Vimta.
Risk Management
The Risk Management Committee duly constituted by the Board had formulated a Risk Management Policy for dealing with different kinds of risks attributable to the operations of the Company. Risk Management Policy of the Company outlines different kinds of risks and risk mitigating measures to be adopted by the Board. The Company has adequate internal control systems and procedures to combat the risk. The Risk Management procedure will be reviewed periodically by the Audit Committee and the Board.
Risks are inherent to any business. They are managed by your Company through a risk management process of risk identification and risk mitigation, through risk reduction strategies & plans and continuous monitoring of the effectiveness of the risk mitigation measures to control them.
Your company continues to strive to stay ahead on the competition curve through creation of new service opportunities, operational excellence and its uncompromising commitment to quality, regulatory compliance and customer service. However, there may be certain factors that are beyond Vimta''s control that could adversely impact business. A few that generally could impact most of the companies in this industry include, change in regulations and regulatory environment; downturn in economies that our business operates in; steep drop in service prices from competition; increase in prices of input material; changes in laws such as tax laws etc., that could adversely impact the competitiveness of Vimta in global markets; foreign exchange risks; interest rate risks; risks from terrorism etc. There could be many more risks from external factors, which management currently doesn''t foresee to be material.
Other risks and mitigations
Quality related risks - Poor performance in regulatory audits and accreditation body audits could adversely impact Vimta''s business. Maintaining quality and compliance is part of every activity in the organization. Your company''s management leads the quality culture understanding very well that this is critical for business success and survival. However, surprises from poor or inadequate performance by employees could lead to regulatory risks. There are adequate built in controls and checks to mitigate this risk. Nevertheless, these risks cannot be completely ruled out.
Financial risks - Vimta makes continuous investments in capacity expansion, market reach and new business streams. These investments are based on good business judgment through market study, backed up by strong planning and risk mitigation measures. However, time factors and market dynamics could delay results and/or create risks in obtaining returns on such investment. Other financial risks include, bad debts from customers for various reasons; and liquidity risks as a result of any poor cash flows that could further lead to non-servicing of loans. Your company has dedicated groups for customer relations management and credit control. There are adequate checks to identify risky customer accounts and control business with them to minimize risks. Nevertheless, these risks cannot be completely ruled out.
Data risks - As a third party provider of services, we often get into various service agreements, with customers including requirements on data confidentiality, data security and IP protection. Given the large scale of human resources involved in our organization, and the inherent vulnerability of IT solutions deployed, company may be at risk as a result of unintentional violations of customer contracts and agreements, which could further lead to significant legal risks for the business. This is mitigated through strong physical security and electronic security systems; trainings to employees, business continuity processes such as electronic data disaster recovery systems; confidentiality oaths from employees; well propagated whistle blower policies etc.
Other risks include : Critical equipment breakdowns, power breakouts, short supply of any input material or consumable fire and natural calamities. These are handled through a robust business continuity plan where adequate backups are created and tested from time to time for their effectiveness.
It is possible that the above risk analysis does not cover all risks exhaustively. But being an experienced organization, the mitigation measures in-built into the organization, its strategy and processes, so far have helped the organization go through, and grow through, various phases of business and the market situations. It will be management''s continuous Endeavour to develop strategies that would help the organization de-risk its business.
Cautionary Statement
Statements in the Management Discussion are forward looking and actual factors that come into play for the business and the consequent results might differ materially from those expressed or implied.
STATE OF COMPANYâS AFFAIRS Performance
Gross revenue for the year 2017-18 is Rs,.1822.91 million as compared to Rs,.1547.89 million in the previous year. During the year under review, the sales have gone up by 18% as compared to the previous year. Net Profit before tax is Rs,. 255.64 million as compared to Rs,. 165.35 million in the previous year. Profit for the year including other comprehensive income stood at Rs,.159.05 million as compared to Rs,. 100.44 million of previous year.
Material Changes and Commitments
There were no material changes and commitments, affecting the financial position of the Company which have occurred between the end of the financial year of the Company to which the financial statements relate, and the date of this report.
Dividend
Your Directors have recommended a dividend of Rs,. 2/- per equity share of Rs,. 2/- each for 2017-18 fiscal.
Transfer to Reserves
Your Directors have decided not to transfer any portion of its current year''s profits to the Reserves.
BOARD
Particulars of Board of Directors and its Committees : Composition and particulars of Board of Directors, its Committees along with terms of reference and meetings held during the year under review are given in detail in the report on corporate governance. During the period under review the Board has accepted all the recommendations of Audit Committee.
Particulars of changes in Directorship and Key Managerial Personnel
Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, Independent Director has resigned from the Board on account of his pre-occupation with other assignments. Your Board has placed on record the valuable contribution made by him to the Company as a member of the Board and its Committees during his tenure.
Consequent to the resignation of Dr. Subba Rao, Mrs. Y. Prameela Rani was appointed as an Additional Director by your Board in their meeting held on 01.12.2017 to hold her office of Independent Director up to the ensuing Annual General Meeting of the Company. The detailed profile of Mrs. Prameela Rani is attached to the notice calling Annual General Meeting. In the opinion of the Board, she fulfills the conditions for her appointment as Independent Director as specified in the Act and Listing Regulations. Your Directors commend her appointment.
Further Dr S P Vasireddi, the Executive Chairman has conveyed his intention not to continue as Whole-time Director on attaining the age of 70. Accordingly, on the recommendations of Nomination & Remuneration Committee, the Board at its meeting held on June 30, 2018 has re-appointed him as Non-Executive Director & Chairman of the Company w.e.f. July 01, 2018, subject to approval of the members.
Your Board has placed on record the valuable contributions made by Dr. S P Vasireddi to the Company as Executive Chairman.
Mr A Venkata Ramana, the Company Secretary& Compliance Officer has resigned and would be relieved from the services on August, 31 2018. Your Board has placed on record the valuable contribution made by him to the Company.
Consequent to the resignation of Mr A Venkata Ramana, your Board has appointed Mrs. Sujani Vasireddi as Company Secretary & Compliance Officer to take charge w.e.f. August 31, 2018.
Declaration by Independent Directors
The Independent Directors of the Company have submitted their declarations as required under Section 149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013 stating that they meet the criteria of independence as per sub-section (6) of Section 149 of the Act.
Nomination and Remuneration Policy
In compliance with the provisions of Section 178 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 19 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 entered into with the Stock Exchanges, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee has recommended to the Board a Nomination and Remuneration policy with respect to appointment/ nomination and remuneration payable for the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and senior level employees of the Company. The said policy has been adopted by the Board and the same is attached as Annexure-II to the Board''s Report and also placed it on Companyâs website www.vimta.com.
Board Evaluation
The Board and the Independent Directors have carried out evaluations for the year 2017-18 w.r.t. performance of the Board, its Committees, the individual Directors and the Chairperson in compliance to the provisions of Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The evaluation reports are meeting the expectations of the Board. Further the Nomination and Remuneration Committee has also evaluated the performance of each Director.
The evaluation criteria have been explained in the report on corporate governance appended to the Board''s report.
Training of Independent Directors
There is a system for every Director inducted newly to the Board to undergo an orientation program in order to get familiarized with the strategy, operations and functions of the Company. The Executive Directors / senior personnel make presentations to the inductees about the Company''s strategy, operations, service offerings, markets, organization structure, finances, human resources, technology, facilities, risk management, etc.
Further, at the time of appointment of an Independent Director, the Company issues a formal letter of appointment outlining his / her role, functions, duties and responsibilities as an Independent Director. The contents of the letter of appointment is available on Company''s website www.vimta.com. During the year under review necessary training was given to Mrs. Y Prameela Rani, Additional Director who was inducted newly to the Board.
Statement of particulars of Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial personnel & Particulars of Employees
Pursuant to Section 197 (12) read with Rule 5(1) and 5(2) of Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, details of remuneration of managerial personnel and particulars of employees are appended as Annexure III to the Board''s report and form part of the Annual Report.
Directors'' Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013 (the Act) your Board of Directors state that:
a) In the preparation of annual accounts, applicable accounting standards have been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures;
b) They have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit and loss for that period;
c) They have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d) They have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
e) They have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively; and
f) They have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
DSIR RECOGNITION
The Company has been recognized by DSIR (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research) as in-house R&D unit vide approval F.No.TU/IV-RD/2833/ 2017 and pursuing its goal to continuously innovate or increase efficiency of its services by allocating dedicated scientific personnel and purpose design facility to realize its vision of adding new services and research programs for expansion and diversification to meet changing global industry requirements, and new scientific and technological advancements.
PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS & ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
All transactions entered into by the Company with the Related Parties as defined in the Companies Act, 2013 were in the ordinary course of business and are on arm''s length pricing basis. The Audit Committee granted approvals for the transactions and the same were reviewed and consented by the Board of Directors.
These related party transactions are not materially significant and not in conflict with the interest of the Company. Details of contracts and arrangements with related parties as referred to in Section 188(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 are given as Annexure-I to the Board''s Report in form No: AOC-2 pursuant to Section 134 (3)(h) of the Act read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014. There are no subsidiary Companies. Hence, disclosure under A (2) of Schedule V of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 is not applicable.
INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS
The Company has well-defined and effective internal financial controls which are adequate and commensurate with the size and nature of its business. The controls are adequate for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of the business, including adherence to the Company''s policies, safeguarding of assets, prevention and detection of fraud and errors, the accuracy and completeness of accounting records and timely preparation of reliable financial information.
SEGMENT-WISE OR PRODUCT-WISE PERFORMANCE
The Company is providing services of Testing and Contract Research in the fields of Clinical Research, Pre-Clinical Research, Clinical Diagnostics, Bio-pharma services, Analytical Testing & Research and Environmental studies. Since the inherent nature of all these services are inter related and governed by similar set of risks and returns and operating in the same economic environment, segment reporting is not applicable. Accordingly, for reporting purposes, all these services are treated as single business and geographical segment. The said treatment is in accordance with Ind-As 108 Segment Reporting.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Human Resource is one of the key strength of the Company. At the end of the financial year 31.03.2018, the Company had 1081 employees including 26 medical doctors; 37 PhDs and 1018 science graduates, post graduates, engineers, technicians and other administrative staff.
VIGIL MECHANISM / WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
Pursuant to Section 177(9) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 7 of the Companies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014, Regulation 22 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Board has adopted Whistle Blower Policy. This policy aims for conducting the affairs in a fair and transparent manner by adopting highest standards of professionalism, honesty, integrity and ethical behavior.
A mechanism has been established for employees to report concerns about unethical behavior, actual or suspected fraud or violation of Code of Conduct and Ethics. The policy provides adequate safeguards against the victimization of employees who avail of the mechanism and allows direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee in exceptional cases.
Your Company hereby affirms that during the year, no Director / employee have been denied access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee and that no complaints were received.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS
During the year under review, the Company has neither directly / indirectly given any loan to its Directors nor extended any guarantee or provided any security in connection with any loan taken by them. Further, the Company has neither given any inter-corporate loan / advance nor made any investments in other companies.
SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
Safety, health and environment continue to be the priority areas of the Company. Some of the major activities in these areas have been recycling of waste water, reduction in paper usage, training of staff at all levels w.r.t. safety, health and environment.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE FLUCTUATIONS
The net loss during the year on account of Foreign exchange fluctuations against overseas customers, Vendors and Book balances was ''.2.63 million. The same was accounted under the head Other Expenses in the statement of Profit and Loss.
AUDITORS
Statutory Auditors
The Members in their Annual General Meeting held on 27.09.2017 have appointed M/s Gattamaneni & Co, Chartered Accountants (Firm Reg. No:009303S) as Statutory Auditors of the Company to hold office for a period of 5 years until the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting to be held in the calendar year 2022. In terms of the first proviso to Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013 the appointment of the auditors shall be placed for ratification at every Annual General Meeting. Accordingly, the said appointment of M/s Gattamaneni & Co, Chartered Accountants, as statutory auditors of the Company is placed for ratification by the Shareholders. In this regard, the Company has received a certificate from the auditors to the effect that if their appointment is ratified, it would be in accordance with the provisions of Section 141 of the Act. The Auditors have also confirmed that they hold a valid certificate issued by the Peer Review Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Audit Report
The Statutory Auditors have given their report dated 11.05.2018 on financial statements of your Company relating to financial year 2017-18 and the same form part of the Annual Report.
Their report does not contain any qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks or disclaimer.
No frauds were reported by the Statutory Auditors either to the Central Government or to the Audit Committee / the Board in terms of section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013.
Internal Auditors
On the recommendations of the Audit Committee, in pursuance of Section 138 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rules made there under, the Board has appointed M/s JVSL & Associates, Chartered Accountants (Firm Reg.No. 015002S) as Internal Auditors of the Company to carry out internal auditing of books of accounts periodically.
Cost Auditors
In pursuance of Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rules made there under, based on the recommendations of the Audit Committee, the Board has appointed M/s U S Rao & Co (Registration No. 102629), Cost Accountants as Cost Auditors of the Company to carry out the audit of cost records maintained by the Company.
In pursuance of rule 4 (a) (ii) of Companies (Audit and Auditors) rules
2014 the remuneration for the financial year 2018-19 fixed by the Board of Directors which is payable to Cost Auditors needs a ratification by the shareholders of the Company. Accordingly, remuneration fixed by the Board is placed for ratification before the shareholder.
Secretarial Auditors
In pursuance of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rules made there under, the Board has appointed M/s D Hanumantha Raju & Co, Practicing Company Secretaries as Secretarial Auditors of the Company to carry out the secretarial audit.
The Secretarial Audit Repot for the year ended March 31, 2018 issued in Form MR-3 is Annexed-IV to this report. There are no qualifications, reservations and or adverse remarks in the report.
OTHER INFORMATION IN PURSUANCE OF RULE 8 (5) OF COMPANIES (ACCOUNTS) RULES, 2014
- The financial summary and the changes in Directors and Key Managerial Personnel were given supra. During the year under review, there is no change in the nature of business of the Company and it has no subsidiaries, joint ventures or associate companies.
- During the year under review, the Company has not accepted any deposits in terms of Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made there under and hence providing compliance statement with respect to the provisions of Chapter V of the Act is not applicable.
- During the year under review, there are no orders passed by the regulators or courts or tribunals impacting the going concern status and Company''s operations in future.
- Following are the details in respect of adequacy of internal financial controls with reference to the Financial Statements:
- The Company has well-defined and effective internal financial controls which are adequate and commensurate with the size and nature of its business.
RISK MANAGEMENT
This was discussed supra under "Business - Management Discussion and Analysis".
ANTI SEXUAL HARASSMENT
A Committee was framed in compliance to the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 in order to curb sexual harassment, if any, at work place of the Company. There were no complaints received by the Company during the year under review.
EXTRACTOFANNUAL RETURN
In accordance with the provisions of Section 134(3(a) of the Companies Act, 2013, an extract of the Annual Return in the prescribed format is appended as Annexure-V to the Board''s Report.
The Annual Return are placed on Companyâs website www.vimta.com.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company, as a policy believes that its corporate governance goes beyond the regulatory requirement and has laid strong emphasis on the transparency, accountability, responsibility, fairness, integrity, consistent value systems and delegation across all of its operations.
A separate section on Corporate Governance along with a Certificate from the Auditors confirming the compliance is appended to the Board''s Report and forms part of the Annual Report.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
Corporate Social Responsibility is commitment of the Company to the community and society at large. The Company believes that CSR plays an important role in an organization''s existence, sustained growth and for overall development of all stakeholders & the society at large. In line with this, the Board has constituted CSR Committee and adopted a CSR policy on the recommendations of the Committee. The policy is placed on Companyâs website www.vimta.com.
During the year under review your Company has supported the Akshaya Patra Foundation''s mid-day meals program, which serves lunch to children in government and government-aided schools through procurement of a customized vehicle, worth Rs,.1.33 Million for meals transportation. Further, your Company has contributed an amount of Rs,.0.57 Million to M/s Narsingh Swain Memorial Trust for providing medical aid to differently abled people, on charitable basis, who belong to economically weaker sections of the society; Rs,. 0.5 Million was contributed to M/s Public Health Foundation of India for medical research activities and Rs,. 0.2 Million to Trust for Education and Rehabilitation of Disabled, Orphans and Destitute (TERDOD) for rehabilitation of disabled & orphans.
Report on CSR activity is enclosed as Annexure-VI to the Board''s Report in compliance to Rule 8 of Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014.
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
In due compliance of the listing agreements and in accordance with the requirements prescribed by SEBI, the cash flow statement is prepared and is appended to this Annual Report.
STOCK EXCHANGES
Equity Shares of the Company are listed with BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited and the respective listing fees was paid in time and no amount is outstanding.
SHARETRANSFERAGENCY
The Company has appointed M/s CIL Securities Ltd, 214, Raghava Ratna Towers, Abids, Hyderabad - 500001 as its share transfer agency for handling both physical and electronic transfers.
TRANSFER OF UNCLAIMED DIVIDEND AMOUNT AND SHARES
The Company has transferred unclaimed dividend for the year up to 2009-10 to Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). The details of unclaimed dividends and due dates for transfer to the said fund account for other financial years are disclosed in the report on corporate governance.
Further, in pursuance of Section 124(6) of Companies Act, 2013 read with Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016 the shares of the relevant shareholders who have not claimed their dividend amount relating to 2008-09 & 2009-10 were transferred to IEPF Authorities.
The members may claim the dividend amount and / or the shares so transferred by making an application with IEPF authorities in the prescribed form.
CODEOFCONDUCT
The Company has adopted Code of Conduct for the Board and for the senior level employees of the Company and they are complying with the said code. A declaration by the Managing Director to this effect is furnished as Annexure-VII to the Board''s Report.
INFORMATION ON CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION & FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134 (3) (m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8 (3) of Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, the relevant information pertaining to conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo is appended hereto as Annexure-VIII and forms part of the Board''s Report.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Directors wish to place on record, their appreciation for the contribution made by the employees at all levels, for their sincerity, hard work, solidarity and dedicated support to the Company. The Directors also wish to place on record their gratitude to shareholders and thank the customers, vendors, franchisees, bankers and legal advisors for their continued support to the Company''s growth.
For and on behalf of the Board
Place : Hyderabad DR S P VASIREDDI
Date : 30.06.2018 EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Mar 31, 2016
To
The Members of VIMTA LABS LIMITED
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the 26th Annual Report and audited accounts of your Company for the year ended March 31, 2016.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Financial Results for the year under review are as follows :
(Rs. in lakhs)
|
|
For the Year 2015-2016 |
For the Year 2014-2015 |
|
|
1. Profit before interest, depreciation & taxes (EBIDTA) |
|
1991.14 |
1846.03 |
|
Less : Finance charges & Interest |
130.38 |
|
72.14 |
|
Depreciation |
1025.64 |
1156.02 |
1109.90 1182.04 |
|
2. Profit /(Loss) before Amortization, Prior year adjustments & Taxes |
|
835.12 |
663.99 |
|
Less : Amortization of Preliminary Expenses |
-- |
|
- |
|
Less/(Add) : Prior year adjustments |
-- |
-- |
â â |
|
3. Profit /(Loss) before tax |
|
835.12 |
663.99 |
|
4. Less : a) Current Tax |
171.00 |
|
139.20 |
|
b) Prior year Tax Liability / (Credits) |
(6.22) |
|
(0.08) |
|
c) Deferred Tax Liability/(Asset) |
26.95 |
191.74 |
18.64 157.76 |
|
5. Profit /(Loss) after Tax |
|
643.38 |
506.23 |
|
6. Add / (Less) : Surplus brought forward from previous years |
|
3254.59 |
*3064.64 |
|
Amount available for appropriations |
|
3897.97 |
3570.87 |
|
APPROPRIATIONS : |
|
|
|
|
Transfer to General Reserve |
|
65.00 |
51.00 |
|
Proposed dividend |
|
221.08 |
221.08 |
|
Provision for tax on proposed dividend |
|
45.01 |
44.20 |
|
Surplus carried to Balance Sheet |
|
3566.88 |
3254.59 |
|
|
|
3897.97 |
3570.87 |
* After adjustment of depreciation on assets whose useful life was expired as per the new Companies Act 2013
OPERATIONS:
Net Revenue from operations increased by 16.25% compared to the previous year. Earnings before interest, depreciation, taxes and amortization (EBIDTA) for the year stood at Rs. 1991.14 lakhs as compared to Rs.1846.03 lakhs in the previous year. The EBIDTA has gone up in spite of increased expenditure on employee benefits on account of additional manpower & increased liability of Bonus, as a result of change in the provisions of Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Act, 2015 and increase in material and power costs.
Profit after tax (including deferred tax) stood at Rs.643.38 lakhs with 27% increase over previous year of Rs.506.23 lakhs.
During the year under review, your Company has initiated the process of setting up of branch laboratories, pan India at nine locations to capture the growing demand for third party quality testing and certification. The process for obtaining required accreditations from National Accreditation Board for Laboratories (NABL) for six branches is under progress and the commercial operations are expected to commence from third quarter of the current fiscal.
The Company augmented the funds for setting up of the above said branches partly through term loan of Rs.27.10 Crores from State Bank of Hyderabad and the balance from internal accruals.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS
There were no material changes and commitments, affecting the financial position of the Company which have occurred between the end of the financial year of the Company to which the financial statements relate and the date of this report.
APPROPRIATIONS
Dividend
Your Directors are pleased to recommend a dividend of Rs.1/- per equity share of Rs.2/- each for the financial year 2015-16.
Transfer to Reserves
Out of the current year''s profits, your Directors propose to transfer Rs.65 Lakhs to General Reserve.
BOARD
Particulars of Board of Directors and its Committees: Particulars of Board of Directors, its Committees along with terms of reference and meetings held during the year under review are given in detail in the report on corporate governance.
Particulars of changes in Directorship and Key Managerial Personnel
Except the re-appointment of Managing Director and other Whole time Directors as mentioned herein, there were no changes in the Directors of the Company.
The reappointment and remuneration of Managing Director and the other three Whole-time Directors i.e. Executive Chairman, Executive Director - Operations and the Executive Director - Administration was approved by the Board for a tenure of three (3) years effective from 15.07.2016 subject to the approval of the members in the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
Further, during the year under review, there were no new appointments to the Directorship and there were no cessations of the Directorship.
During the year under review Mr. M Murali Mohana Rao has taken the charge of CFO from July 1, 2015 consequent to the retirement of his predecessor Mr. P Sankaraiah on June 30, 2015
Directors'' Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013 the Board of Directors states that:
(a) In the preparation of annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards have been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures;
(b) They have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit and loss for that period;
(c) They have taken proper and sufficient care for the
maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(d) They have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
(e) They have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively, and
(f) They have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
Declaration by Independent Directors
The Independent Directors of the Company have submitted their declarations as required under Section 149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013 stating that they meet the criteria of independence as per sub-section (6) of Section 149 of the Act.
Nomination and Remuneration Policy
In compliance with the provisions of Section 178 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 19 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 entered into with the Stock Exchanges, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee has recommended to the Board a Nomination and Remuneration policy with respect to appointment / nomination and remuneration payable for the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and senior level employees of the Company. The said policy has been adopted by the Board and the same is attached as Annexure-II to the Board''s Report.
Evaluation
The Companies Act, 2013 mandates that a formal annual evaluation has to be made by the Board of its own performance and that of its committees and individual Directors. The performance evaluation of Independent Directors shall be done by the entire Board of Directors, as per the provisions of Schedule IV to the Act. Similarly, the Independent Directors in their separate meeting shall carry out the performance evaluation of Non-Independent Directors and the Board as a whole. Accordingly, the Board and the Independent Directors have carried out respective evaluations for the year 201516 and the evaluation reports are meeting the expectations of the Board. The evaluation mechanism has been explained in the report on corporate governance appended to the Board''s report.
Training of Independent Directors
There is a system for every Director inducted newly to the Board to undergo an orientation program in order to get familiarized with the strategy, operations and functions of the Company. The Executive Directors / senior personnel make presentations to the inductees about the Company''s strategy, operations, service offerings, markets, organization structure, finances, human resources, technology, facilities, risk management, etc.
Further, at the time of appointment of an Independent Director, the Company issues a formal letter of appointment outlining his / her role, functions, duties and responsibilities as an Independent Director. The contents of the letter of appointment is available on Company''s website www.vimta.com
Statement of particulars of Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial personnel & Particulars of Employees:
Pursuant to Section 197 (12) read with Rule 5(1) and 5(2) of Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, details of remuneration of managerial personnel and particulars of employees are appended as Annexure-III to the Board''s report and form part of the Annual Report.
Vigil Mechanism / Whistle Blower Policy
Pursuant to Section 177(9) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 7 of the Companies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014, Regulation 22 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Board has adopted Whistle Blower Policy. This policy aims for conducting the affairs in a fair and transparent manner by adopting highest standards of professionalism, honesty, integrity and ethical behaviour.
A mechanism has been established for employees to report concerns about unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud or violation of Code of Conduct and Ethics. The policy provides adequate safeguards against the victimization of employees who avail of the mechanism and allows direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee in exceptional cases.
Your Company hereby affirms that during the year, no Director / employee have been denied access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee and that no complaints were received.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The Management Discussion and Analysis given below covers the key issues concerning the business carried on by the Company with respect to Industry Overview, Outlook, Trends, Opportunities, Threats & Risks.
Economic uncertainties, continuing demand for generics and incremental demand in biosimilars, pricing pressures, technological innovations, expanding healthcare systems and increasing healthcare spending in developing economies such as Africa, Middle East, South America and West Asian markets, government policy and regulatory changes continue to characterize the opportunities for global life sciences segment. CRO industry being an integral part of the life sciences segment faces its own opportunities and risks within the life sciences landscape.
Opportunities for contract research and testing organizations arise from the current trends such as, strong R&D spending in US and UK, growing specialty drugs segment, rise in aspiring biosimilar companies, numerous and stringent regulations around the world, and demand for enhancing R&D spending efficiencies. These trends will create more demand for contract R&D services in those countries, including India, where scientific talent and infrastructure is not only available but economically advantageous as
On the downside, particularly for India, reputational perception has been low. Mergers and acquisitions continue to be key strategic tools used by the life sciences industries to grow rapidly and leverage their product portfolio. This is leading to a shrinkage in market from the CRO perspective. A new trend in pricing mechanisms between CROs and their customers involves risk sharing or outcome based contracts. Such contracts result in higher risks for CROs but will also open windows for greater business development opportunities.
The Indian market for contract food safety and quality testing is strongly driven by regulations, their enforcement, increasing concern from public on product safety, and foreign trade. Food companies have begun to rely more on third party testing labs for integrity of their quality and safety programs. The opportunities for testing labs to grow in India are tremendous in the coming decade. On the flip side, poor regulatory enforcement, lack of commitment from manufacturers, food business operators and retailers on the food safety and quality could lead to up rise of low quality testing laboratories that will compete with laboratories of repute for business. Therefore, cost and speed of testing service will continue to remain the biggest customer demand.
VIMTA, in its continuous endeavor for sustainable growth is focused on a holistic approach that offers integrated services to its pharma customers to deliver higher value services as opposed to segmented services. Its preclinical, clinical, central lab, biopharma and analytical services enable the Company to form strong partnerships with its customers through the ability to add value across the drug development cycle.
Business risks are managed by VIMTA through its continued focus on compliance to regulations and Standards. Operational efficiencies are driven through the integrated service delivery model. New markets such as China and parts of Europe are being developed in addition to its continued focus domestically and in US.
Overall, in food and pharma segments, the opportunities for VIMTA look promising. Risks are inherent to any business and VIMTA continues to focus on service innovations, technology, talent grooming and quality to manage and mitigate risks.
Branch Laboratories:
In order to meet customer requirements and demands, VIMTA has embarked on an expansion journey and is in the process of setting up a pan India network of testing laboratories, that are designed to meet the local needs of the market and delivery of quality services.
Setting up of branch laboratories at Pune, Bhimavaram and Nellore locations were completed and labs in Kolkata, Kochi, & Visakhapatnam are in their final stage of lab setup and the process for obtaining required accreditations from National Accreditation Board for Laboratories (NABL) for these branches is under progress. Commercial operations from these branches are expected from third quarter of the current fiscal. Labs in Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Indore are in middle stage of lab setup.
Particulars of Contracts & Arrangements with Related Parties
All transactions entered into by the Company with the Related Parties as defined in the Companies Act, 2013 were in the ordinary course of business and are at Arm''s Length pricing basis. The Audit Committee granted approvals for the transactions and the same were reviewed and consented by the Board of Directors.
These related party transactions are not materially significant and not in conflict with the interest of the Company. Details of contracts and arrangements with related parties as referred to in Section 188(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 are given as Annexure-I to the Board''s Report in form No: AOC-2 pursuant to Section 134 (3)(h) of the Act read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014.
Particulars of Loans, Guarantees or Investments
During the year under review, the Company has neither directly or indirectly, given any loan to its Directors, nor extended any guarantee or provided any security in connection with any loan taken by them. Further, the Company has neither given any inter-corporate loan / advance nor made any investments in other companies.
Safety, Health and Environment
Safety, health and environment continue to be the priority areas of the Company. Some of the major activities in these areas have been recycling of waste water, training of staff at all levels to the required standards of safety, health and environment.
Internal Control Systems
The Company has a well-defined internal control system that is adequate and commensurate with the size and nature of its business. Internal Audit department is put in place and adequate internal controls are established to ensure that all assets are safeguarded and protected against loss from unauthorized use or disposition and all the transactions are authorized, recorded and reported correctly. SAP based controls are in place.
Financial Performance
Gross revenue for the year 2015-16 is Rs.12575.24 lakhs as compared to Rs.10831.91 lakhs in the previous year. During the year under review, the sales have gone up by 16.25% as compared to the previous year. The Net profit stood at Rs. 643.38 lakhs as compared to of Rs. 506.23 lakhs of previous year.
Foreign Exchange Fluctuations
The net loss during the year on account of Foreign exchange fluctuations against overseas customers, Vendors and Book balances was Rs.5.19 lakhs. The same was accounted under the head Other Expenses in the statement of Profit and Loss account.
Segment-wise or Product-wise Performance
The Company is providing services of Testing and Contract Research in the fields of Clinical Research and Pre-Clinical Research, Clinical Diagnostics, Biopharma services, Analytical Testing & Research and Environmental studies. Since the inherent nature of all these services are inter related and governed by the similar set of risks and returns and operating in the same economic environment, segment reporting is not applicable. Accordingly, for reporting purposes, all these services are treated as single business and geographical segment. The said treatment is in accordance with Accounting Standard - 17 Segment Reporting.
Human Resources
Human Resource is one of the key strength of the Company. At the end of the financial year i.e. 31.03.2016, the Company has 908 employees including 21 medical doctors; 26 PhDs and 861 scientists, engineers, technicians and other administrative staff.
AUDITORS
Statutory Auditors
At the Annual General Meeting held on July 07, 2014, M/s J V S L & Associates, Chartered Accountants (Firm Reg. No: 15002S) were appointed Statutory Auditors of the Company to hold office for a period of three years i.e., till the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting to be held in the calendar year 2017. In terms of the first proviso to Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013 the appointment of the auditors shall be placed for ratification at every Annual General Meeting. Accordingly, the said appointment of M/s J V S L & Associates, Chartered Accountants, as statutory auditors of the Company is placed for ratification by the Shareholders. In this regard, the Company has received a certificate from the auditors to the effect that if their appointment is ratified, it would be in accordance with the provisions of Section 141 of the Act. The Auditors have also confirmed that they hold a valid certificate issued by the Peer Review Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
The Statutory Auditor''s Report does not contain any qualifications, reservation or adverse remarks or disclaimer made in the Audit Report for the financial year 2015-16. Further, no frauds are reported by the Auditor in terms of section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013. This report forms part of the Annual Report.
Internal Auditors
In pursuance of Section 138 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rules made there under, the Board has appointed M/s Gattamaneni & Co., Chartered Accountants as Internal Auditors of the Company to carry out internal auditing of books of accounts periodically.
Cost Auditors
In pursuance of Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rules made there under, the Board has appointed M/s U S Rao & Co (Registration No. 102629), Cost Accountants as Cost Auditors of the Company to carry out the audit of cost records maintained by the Company.
In pursuance of rule14 (a) (ii) of Companies (Audit and Auditors) rules 2014 the remuneration fixed by the Board of Directors which is payable to Cost Auditors needs a ratification by the shareholders of the Company. Accordingly, remuneration fixed by the Board is placed for ratification before the shareholders.
Secretarial Auditors
In pursuance of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rules made there under, the Board has appointed M/s D Hanumanta Raju & Co, Practicing Company Secretaries as Secretarial Auditors of the Company to carry out the secretarial audit.
The Secretarial Auditor''s Report does not contain any qualifications, reservation or adverse remarks or disclaimers made. The Secretarial Audit Report forms part of the Annual Report as Annexure-IV to the Board''s Report.
OTHER INFORMATION IN PURSUANCE OF RULE 5 OF COMPANIES (ACCOUNTS) RULES, 2014
- The financial summary and the changes in Directors and Key Managerial Personnel were given supra. During the year under review, there is no change in the nature of business of the Company. During the year under review, the Company has no Subsidiaries, joint ventures or associate companies.
- During the year under review, the Company has not accepted any deposits in terms of Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made there under and hence compliance with respect to the provisions of Chapter V of the Act is not applicable.
- During the year under review, there are no significant and material orders passed by the regulators or courts or tribunals impacting the going concern status and Company''s operations in future.
- Following are the details in respect of adequacy of internal financial controls with reference to the Financial Statements:
The Company has adequate Internal Financial Controls (IFC) and well laid down procedures are in place. The Audit Committee periodically reviews the adequacy of internal controls with respect to financial transactions and suggests the changes, if any required to the said controls.
The Company maintains its books of accounts in SAP system and the work flow and approvals are routed through SAP. Further, the Company has set internal financial control systems to maintain accurate and complete accounting records, to safeguard its assets, to prevent and detect any frauds and errors.
The Company has internal audit department and also appointed Internal Auditors in compliance to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 who in turn observe the set internal controls and the financial transactions of the Company. The internal audit department reviews the set controls and the financial transactions periodically and reports to the Management. On quarterly basis the Internal Auditors will present their report to the Audit Committee and the Management comments on the Internal Auditor''s observations and gives its replies to the Committee. Based on the reports, the Management will take up necessary steps to mitigate the short falls, if any.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Risk Management Committee duly constituted by the Board had formulated a Risk Management Policy for dealing with different kinds of risks attributable to the operations of the Company. Risk Management Policy of the Company outlines different kinds of risks and risk mitigating measures to be adopted by the Board. The Company has adequate internal control systems and procedures to combat the risk. The Risk Management procedure will be reviewed periodically by the Audit Committee and the Board.
ANTI SEXUAL HARASSMENT
A Committee was framed in compliance to the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 in order to curb sexual harassment, if any, at work place of the Company. There were no complaints received by the Company during the year under review.
EXTRACTOFANNUAL RETURN
In accordance with the provisions of Section 134(3(a) of the Companies Act, 2013, an extract of the Annual Return in the prescribed format is appended as Annexure-V to the Board''s Report.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company, as a policy believes that the corporate governance goes beyond the regulatory requirement and has laid strong emphasis on the transparency, accountability, responsibility, fairness, integrity, consistent value systems and delegation across all of its operations.
A separate section on Corporate Governance along with a Certificate from the Auditors confirming the compliance is appended to the Board''s Report and forms part of the Annual Report.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
Corporate Social Responsibility is commitment of the Company to the community and society at large. The Company believes that CSR plays an important role in an organization''s existence, sustained growth and for overall development of all stakeholders & the society at large. In line with this, the Board has constituted CSR Committee and adopted a CSR policy on the recommendations of the Committee.
During the year under review the Company has paid an amount of Rs.11,59,714/- to Narsingh Swain Memorial Trust, Hyderabad and an amount of '' 8,00,000/- paid to Hyderabad Eye Institute (Operating Trust of L V Prasad Eye Institute), Hyderabad for providing medical aid to differently abled people on charitable basis who belong to economically weaker sections of the society.
Report on CSR activity is enclosed as Annexure-VI to the Board''s Report in compliance to Rule 8 of Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014.
INFORMATION ON CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION & FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134 (3) (m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 3 of Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, the relevant information pertaining to conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo is appended hereto as Annexure-VII and forms part of the Board''s Report.
DISCLOSURES AS PER THE SEBI (LISTING AND DISCLOSURE) REGULATIONS, 2015
Cash flow statement
In due compliance of the listing agreements and in accordance with the requirements prescribed by SEBI, the cash flow statement is prepared and is appended to this Annual Report.
Stock exchanges
Equity Shares of the Company are listed with BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited and the respective listing fees was paid in time and no amount is outstanding.
Share transfer agency
The Company has appointed M/s CIL Securities Ltd, 214, Raghava Ratna Towers, Abids, Hyderabad - 500001 as its share transfer agency for handling both physical and electronic transfers.
Transfer of unclaimed Dividend amount to Investor Education and Protection Fund
The Company has transferred unclaimed dividend for the years 2001-02; 2002-03; 2003-04, 2004-05 (interim & Final), 2005-06, 2006-07 and 2007-08 to Investor Education and Protection Fund. The details of unclaimed dividends and due dates for transfer to the said fund account for other financial years are disclosed in the report on corporate governance.
Code of conduct
The Company has adopted Code of Conduct for the Board and for the senior level employees of the Company and they are complying with the said code. A declaration by the Managing Director to this effect is furnished as Annexure-VIII to the Board''s Report.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Directors wish to place on record their gratitude to shareholders and thank the customers, vendors, franchisees, bankers and legal advisors for their continued support to the Company''s growth. The Directors also wish to place on record, their appreciation for the contribution made by the employees at all levels, for their sincerity, hard work, solidarity and dedicated support to the Company.
For and on behalf of the Board
Place : Hyderabad DR S P VASIREDDI
Date : 14.07.2016 EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Mar 31, 2015
The Members of VIMTA LABS LIMITED
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the 25th Annual Report and
audited accounts of your Company for the year ended March 31, 2015.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Financial Results for the year under review are as follows :
(Rs in lakhs)
For the Year 2014 - 2015
1. Profit before interest, depreciation & 1846.03
taxes (EBIDTA)
Less : Finance charges & Interest 72.14
Depreciation 1109.90 1182.04
2. Profit /(Loss) before Amortization, 663.99
Prior year adjustments & Taxes
Less : Amortization of Preliminary Expenses - -
Less/(Add) : Prior year adjustments - -
3. Profit /(Loss) before tax 663.99
4. Less : a) Current Tax 139.20
b) Prior year Tax Liability / (Credits) (0.08)
c) Deferred Tax Liability/(Asset) 18.64 157.76
5. Profit /(Loss) after Tax 506.23
6. Add / (Less) : Surplus brought forward
from previous years 3064.64
Amount available for appropriations 3570.87
APPROPRIATIONS :
Transfer to General Reserve 51.00
Proposed dividend 221.08
Provision for tax on proposed dividend 44.20
Surplus carried to Balance Sheet 3254.59
3570.87
(Rs in lakhs)
For the Year 2013-2014
1. Profit before interest, depreciation & 2938.27
taxes (EBIDTA)
Less : Finance charges & Interest 233.51
Depreciation 938.49 1172.00
2. Profit /(Loss) before Amortization, - 1766.27
Prior year adjustments & Taxes
Less : Amortization of Preliminary Expenses - -
Less/(Add) : Prior year adjustments
3. Profit /(Loss) before tax 1766.27
4. Less : a) Current Tax 370.30
b) Prior year Tax Liability / (Credits) -
c) Deferred Tax Liability/(Asset) 72.03 442.33
5. Profit /(Loss) after Tax 1323.94
6. Add / (Less) : Surplus brought forward 2439.69
from previous years
Amount available for appropriations 3763.63
APPROPRIATIONS :
Transfer to General Reserve 135.00
Proposed dividend 442.16
Provision for tax on proposed dividend 75.14
Surplus carried to Balance Sheet 3111.33
3763.63
After adjustment of depreciation on assets whose useful life was
expired as per the new Companies Act 201
STATE OF THE COMPANY'S AFFAIRS
Net Revenue from operations got reduced by 9.33% for the year 2014-15
compared to previous year 2013-14.
Decline in revenues was due to revised United States Food and Drugs
Administration guidelines seeking additional data from industry's
abbreviated new drug applications, thus reducing the total number of
clinical research projects awarded during the year under review.
Earnings before interest, depreciation, taxes and amortization (EBIDTA)
for the year are Rs. 1846.03 lakhs as compared to the previous year
earnings of Rs. 2938.27 lakhs. Profit after tax (including deferred tax)
stood at Rs. 506.23 lakhs as against a profit of Rs. 1323.94 lakhs in the
previous year.
Pursuant to enactment of the Companies Act, 2013 the useful lives of
fixed assets have been revised in accordance with Schedule II to the
Act effective from April 1, 2014 and as a result an additional
depreciation provision of Rs. 49.61 Lakhs was made for the year.
Further, in line with transitional provision made under Note 7(b) of
Schedule II to the Act an amount of Rs. 38.45 Lakhs (net of deferred tax
asset) has been adjusted to retained earnings in respect of assets
having no useful life as on April 1, 2014.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS
There were no material changes and commitments, affecting the financial
position of the Company which have occurred between the end of the
financial year of the Company to which the financial statements relate
and the date of this report.
APPROPRIATIONS
Dividend
Your Directors are pleased to recommend a dividend of Rs. 1/- per equity
share of Rs. 2/- each for the financial year 2014-15.
Transfer to Reserves
Out of the current year's profits your Directors propose to transfer Rs.
51 Lakhs to General Reserves.
BOARD
Particulars of Board of Directors and its Committees
The particulars of Board of Directors, its Committees along with terms
of reference and meetings held during the year under review are given
in detail in the report on corporate governance.
Particulars of changes in Directorship
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 (6) of the Companies
Act, 2013 read with Articles of Association of the Company, V V Prasad,
Director of the Company would retire by rotation at the ensuring Annual
General Meeting, and is eligible for reappointment. The Directors
recommend the re-appointment of V V Prasad as Director of the Company,
subject to retirement by rotation.
Except V V Prasad none of the appointments of other whole-time
Directors and the Independent Directors are due for re-appointment.
Further, during the year under review there were no new appointments to
the Directorship, except reappointment of Directors who retire by
rotation. There were no cessations from the Directorship.
Particulars of changes in Key Managerial Personnel
P Sankaraiah, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Company has retired
from the services on June 30, 2015. The Board has appointed M Murali
Mohana Rao as CFO effective from July 1, 2015.
The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank P Sankaraiah,
outgoing CFO for his leadership and commitment since 2006, and welcome
the new CFO M Murali Mohana Rao.
Directors' Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013
the Board of Directors states that:
(a) In the preparation of annual accounts, the applicable accounting
standards have been followed along with proper explanation relating to
material departures;
(b) They have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and
prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of
the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit and loss
for that period;
(c) They have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the
Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and
detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(d) They have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
(e) They have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by
the Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and
were operating effectively and
(f) They have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate
and operating effectively.
Declaration by Independent Directors
The Independent Directors of the Company have submitted their
declarations as required under Section 149(7) of the Companies Act,
2013 stating that they meet the criteria of independence as per
sub-section (6) of Section 149 of the Act.
Particulars of Contracts & Arrangements with Related Parties
All transactions entered by the Company with Related Parties were in
the Ordinary course of Business and are at Arm's Length pricing basis.
The Audit Committee granted approvals for the transactions and the same
were reviewed by the Committee and the Board of Directors.
There were no materially significant transactions with Related Parties
during the financial year 2014-15 which were in conflict with the
interest of the Company. The details of contracts and arrangements with
related parties as referred to in Section 188(1) of the Companies Act,
2013 were given as Annexure-I to the Board's Report in form No: AOC-2
pursuant to Section 134 (3)(h) of the Act read with Rule 8(2) of the
Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014.
Particulars of Loans, Guarantees or Investments
During the financial year 2014-15 the Company neither has, directly or
indirectly, given any loan to its Directors nor extended any guarantee
or provided any security in connection with any loan taken by them.
Further, the Company has neither given any inter-corporate loan /
advance nor made any investments in other companies.
Nomination and Remuneration policy
In compliance to the provisions of Section 178 of the Companies Act,
2013 and Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement entered into with the Stock
Exchanges, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee has recommended to
the Board a Nomination and Remuneration policy with respect to
appointment / nomination and remuneration payable for the Directors,
Key Managerial Personnel and senior level employees of the Company. The
said policy has been adopted by the Board and the same will form part
of the Annual Report as Annexure-II to the Board's Report.
Evaluation
The Companies Act, 2013 mandates that a formal annual evaluation needs
to be made by the Board of its own performance and that of its
committees and individual Directors. The performance evaluation of
Independent Directors shall be done by the entire Board of Directors,
as per the provisions of Schedule IV to the Act. Similarly, the
Independent Directors in their separate meeting shall carry out the
performance evaluation of Non-Independent Directors and the Board as a
whole. Accordingly, the Board and the Independent Directors have
carried out respective evaluations for the year 2014- 15 and the
evaluation reports are meeting the expectations of the Board.
The evaluation mechanism has been explained in the report on corporate
governance appended to the Board's report.
Training of Independent Directors
Every new Independent Director of the Board attends an orientation
program in order to get familiarize with the strategy, operations and
functions of the Company. The Executive Directors / senior personnel
make presentations to the inductees about the Company's strategy,
operations, service offerings, markets, organization structure,
finances, human resources, technology, facilities, risk management,
etc.
Further, at the time of appointment of an Independent Director the
Company issues a formal letter of appointment outlining his / her role,
functions, duties and responsibilities as an Independent Director. The
contents of the letter of appointment is available on Company's website
www.vimta.com
Statement of particulars of Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
personnel & Particulars of employees:
Pursuant to Section 197 (12) read with Rule 5(1) and 5(2) of Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014
details of remuneration of managerial personnel and particulars of
employees are appended as Annexure-III to the Board's report and form
part of the Annual Report.
Replacement of Articles of Association
The existing regulations of the Articles of Association (AoA) were
framed at the time of incorporation in 1991 based on then Companies
Act, 1956 and several regulations contains with reference to specific
provisions of 1956 Act. Since most of the regulations are not
consistent with the revised Companies Act, 2013 the Board of Directors
considered that it is expedient to replace the full set of the existing
regulations of the AoA with new regulations and seeks the approval of
the shareholders for the same.
The proposed draft regulations of the AoA are placed on the Company's
website for perusal by the shareholders. Any shareholder who would like
to have a copy of the same may write to the Company.
Vigil Mechanism / Whistle Blower Policy
Pursuant to Section 177(9) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 7
of the Companies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014 and
Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement, the Board has adopted Whistle
Blower Policy. This policy aims for conducting the affairs in a fair
and transparent manner by adopting highest standards of
professionalism, honesty, integrity and ethical behavior.
A mechanism has been established for employees to report concerns about
unethical behavior, actual or suspected fraud or violation of Code of
Conduct and Ethics. The policy also provided adequate safeguards
against the victimization of employees who avail of the mechanism and
allows direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee in
exceptional cases.
Your Company hereby affirms that during the year no Director / employee
have been denied access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee and that
no complaints were received.
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD
VIMTA in pursuing its goal to continuously invent and innovate its
services has constituted a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) in year
2014. The purpose of SAB is to assist the Company with scientific
strategy and direction to realize its vision. SAB will advise on new
services and research programs for expansion and diversification by
providing expert opinion on changing global industry requirements, and
new scientific and technological advancements.
SAB is chaired by Prof. D. Balasubramanian, one of the Independent
Directors of Vimta. Dr. KANURY V.S .RAO, founder of Drug Discovery
Research Center (DDRC) and Dr. PANKAJ SHAH, Executive Director
Bristol-Myers Squibb are the other independent members. The Executive
Chairman, Managing Director and Executive Director Operations of Vimta
are the internal members.
AUDITORS Statutory Auditors
At the Annual General Meeting held on July 07, 2014, M/s J V S L &
Associates, Chartered Accountants (Firm Reg. No: 15002S), were
appointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company to hold office for a
period of three years i.e., till the conclusion of the Annual General
Meeting to be held in the calendar year 2017. In terms of the first
proviso to Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013 the appointment of
the auditors shall be placed for ratification at every Annual General
Meeting. Accordingly, the said appointment of M/s J V S L & Associates,
Chartered Accountants, as statutory auditors of the Company is placed
for ratification by the Shareholders. In this regard, the Company has
received a certificate from the auditors to the effect that if their
appointment is ratified, it would be in accordance with the provisions
of Section 141 of the Act. The Auditors have also confirmed that they
hold a valid certificate issued by the Peer Review Board of the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
The Statutory Auditor's Report does not contain any qualifications,
reservation or adverse remarks. This report form part of the Annual
Report.
Internal Auditors
In pursuance of Section 138 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rules
made there under, the Board has appointed M/s Gattamaneni & Co.,
Chartered Accountants as Internal Auditors of the Company to carry out
internal auditing of books of accounts periodically.
Cost Auditors
In pursuance of Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rules
made there under, the Board has appointed M/s U S Rao & Co
(Registration No. 102629), Cost Accountants as Cost Auditors of the
Company to carry out the audit of cost records maintained by the
Company for the financial year 2014-15.
In pursuance of rule14 (a) (ii) of Companies (Audit and Auditors) rules
2014 the remuneration fixed by the Board of Directors which is payable
to Cost Auditors needs a ratification by the shareholders of the
Company. Accordingly, remuneration fixed by the Board is placed for
ratification before the shareholders.
Secretarial Auditors
In pursuance of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rules
made thereunder, the Board has appointed M/s D Hanumanta Raju & Co,
Practicing Company Secretaries as Secretarial Auditors of the Company
to carry out the secretarial audit.
The Secretarial Auditor's Report does not contain any qualifications,
reservation or adverse remarks. The Secretarial Audit Report forms part
of the Annual Report as Annexure-IV to the Board's Report.
OTHER INFORMATION IN PURSUANCE OF RULE 5 OF COMPANIES (ACCOUNTS) RULES,
2014
- The financial summary and the changes in Directors and Key
Managerial Personnel were given supra.
- During the year under review, there is no change in the nature of
business of the Company.
- During the year under review, the Company has no Subsidiaries,
joint ventures or associate companies.
- During the year under review, the Company has not accepted any
deposits in terms of Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the
rules made there under and hence compliance with respect to the
provisions of Chapter V of the Act is not applicable .
- During the year under review, there are no significant and material
orders passed by the regulators or courts or tribunals impacting the
going concern status and Company's operations in future.
- Following are the details in respect of adequacy of internal
financial controls with reference to the Financial Statements:
The Company maintains its books of accounts in SAP system and the work
flow and approvals are routed through SAP. Further, the Company has set
internal control systems to maintain accurate and complete accounting
records, to safeguard its assets, to prevent and detect any frauds and
errors.
The Company has internal audit department and also appointed Internal
Auditors in compliance to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 who
in turn observe the set internal controls and the financial
transactions of the Company. The internal audit department reviews the
set controls and the financial transactions periodically and reports to
the Management. On quarterly basis the Internal Auditors will present
their report to the Audit Committee and the Management comments on the
Internal Auditor's observations and gives its replies to the Committee.
Based on the reports, the Management will take up necessary steps to
mitigate the short falls, if any.
The Audit Committee periodically reviews the adequacy of internal
controls with respect to financial transactions and suggests the
changes, if any required to the said controls.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Risk Management Committee duly constituted by the Board had
formulated a Risk Management Policy for dealing with different kinds of
risks attributable to the operations of the Company. Risk Management
Policy of the Company outlines different kinds of risks and risk
mitigating measures to be adopted by the Board. The Company has
adequate internal control systems and procedures to combat the risk.
The Risk Management procedure will be reviewed periodically by the
Audit Committee and the Board.
ANTI SEXUAL HARASSMENT
A Committee was framed in compliance to the provisions of the Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and
Redressal) Act, 2013 in order to curb sexual harassment, if any, at
work place of the Company. There were no complaints received by the
Company during the year under review
EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN
In accordance with the provisions of Section 134(3(a) of the Companies
Act, 2013, an extract of the Annual Return in the prescribed format is
appended as Annexure-V to the Board's Report.
CORPORATEGOVERNANCE
The Company, as a policy believes that the corporate governance goes
beyond the regulatory requirement and has laid strong emphasis on the
transparency, accountability, responsibility, fairness, integrity,
consistent value systems and delegation across all of its operations.
A separate section on Corporate Governance along with a Certificate
from the Auditors confirming the compliance is appended to the Board's
Report and forms part of the Annual Report.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
Corporate Social Responsibility is commitment of the Company to the
community and society at large. The Company believes that CSR plays an
important role in an organization's existence, sustained growth and for
overall development of all stakeholders & the society at large. In line
with this, the Board has constituted CSR Committee and adopted a CSR
policy on the recommendations of the Committee.
During the year under review the Company has paid an amount of Rs.
404,000/- to Narsingh Swain Memorial Trust, Hyderabad for providing
medical aid to the differently abled people on charitable basis who
belong to economically weaker sections of the society as a part of
their Akar Asha Project. An amount of Rs. 63,236/- is yet to be spent
during the current financial year out of the total eligible amount of Rs.
467,236/- to be spent during 2014-15 fiscal.
Report on CSR activity is enclosed as Annexure-VI to the Board's Report
in compliance to Rule 8 of Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility
Policy) Rules, 2014.
INFORMATION ON CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION & FOREIGN
EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134 (3) (m) of the Companies Act,
2013 read with Rule 3 of Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, the relevant
information pertaining to conservation of energy, technology
absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo is appended hereto as
Annexure-VII and forms part of the Board's Report.
DISCLOSURES AS PER THE LISTING AGREEMENT & SEBI REGULATIONS
Cash flow statement
In due compliance of the listing agreements and in accordance with the
requirements prescribed by SEBI, the cash flow statement is prepared
and is appended to this Annual Report.
Stock exchanges
Equity Shares of the Company are listed with Bombay Stock Exchange
Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited and the listing
fee was paid in time and no amount was outstanding.
Share transfer agency
The Company has appointed M/s CIL Securities Ltd, 214, Raghava Ratna
Towers, Abids, Hyderabad - 500001 as its share transfer agency for
handling both physical and electronic transfers.
Transfer of unclaimed Dividend amount to Investor Education and
Protection Fund
The Company has transferred unclaimed dividend for the years 2001-02;
2002-03; 2003-04, 2004-05 (interim & Final), 2005-06 and 2006-07 to
Investor Education and Protection Fund. The details of unclaimed
dividends and due dates for transfer to the said fund account for other
financial years are disclosed in the report on corporate governance.
Code of conduct
The Company has adopted Code of Conduct for the Board and for the
Senior level employees of the Company and they are complying with the
said code. A declaration by the Managing Director to this effect is
furnished as Annexure-VIII to the Board's Report.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Directors wish to place on record their gratitude to shareholders
and thank the customers, vendors, franchisees, bankers and legal
advisors for their continued support to the Company's growth. The
Directors also wish to place on record, their appreciation for the
contribution made by the employees at all levels, for their sincerity,
hard work, solidarity and dedicated support to the Company.
For and on behalf of the Board
Place : Hyderabad DR S P VASIREDDI
Date : 17.07.2015 EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Mar 31, 2013
The Directors hereby present the 23rd Annual Report and audited
accounts of your Company for the year ended March 31, 2013.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Financial Results for the year under review are as follows :
(Rs. in lakhs)
For the Year For the Year
2012-2013 2011-2012
1. Profit before interest,
Depreciation & Taxes (EBIDTA) 2202.64 394.61
Less : Finance Charges &
Interest 265.53 406.67
Depreciation 1499.64 1765.17 1586.04 1992.71
2. Profit/(Loss) before
Amortization, Prior year 437.47 (1598.10)
adjustments & Taxes
Less : Amortization of
Preliminary Expenses - -
Less/(Aad): Prior year
adjustments - - - -
3. Profit/(Loss) before tax 437.47 (1598.10)
4. Less: a) Current Tax 87.52 -
b) Prior year Tax Liability /
(Credits) 3.74 (25.75)
c) Deferred Tax Liability/
(Asset) (75.13) 16.13 (34.71) (60.46)
5. Profit/(Loss) after Tax 421.34 (1537.64)
6. Add / (Less): Surplus
brought forward from
previous years 2215.02 3752.66
Amount available for
appropriations 2636.36 2215.02
APPROPRIATIONS :
Transfer to General Reserve 42.50 -
Proposed dividend 132.65 -
Provision for tax on
proposed dividend 21.52 -
Surplus carried to
Balance sheet 2439.69 2215.02
2636.36 2215.02
OPERATIONS
Net Revenue from operations has gone up by 25% for the year 2012- 13
compared to previous year 2011-12. Exports have gone up 54%.
Earnings before interest, depreciation, taxes and amortization (EBIDTA)
for the year are Rs. 2202.64 Lakhs as compared to the previous year
earnings of Rs. 394.61 lakhs. Profit after tax (including deferred tax)
stood at Rs. 421.34 lakhs as against a loss ofRs. (1537.64) lakhs in
the previous year.
DIVIDEND
Your Directors are pleased to recommend a dividend of 30% i.e. 0.60
Paise per equity share ofRs. 2/-each for the financial year 2012-13.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
Your Directors propose to transfer Rs. 42.50 Lakhs to General Reserves.
An amount of Rs. 2439.69 lakhs is proposed to be retained in Profit &
Loss Account.
DIRECTORS
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 read with
the Articles of Association of the Company, Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri and
Rao P Potharlanka, Directors of the Company would retire by rotation at
the ensuing Annual General Meeting, and are eligible for reappointment.
Your Directors recommend the re- appointment of Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri
and Rao P Potharlanka as Directors subject to retirement by rotation.
AUDITORS
M/s Sarathy & Balu, Chartered Accountants, Auditors of the Company
would hold office till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General
Meeting. They have given their consent for reappointment and further
stated that they are eligible to take up the appointment within the
provisions of Section 224 (1-B) of the Companies Act, 1956. It is
proposed to appoint them as auditors of the Company to hold office from
the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting till the
conclusion of next Annual General Meeting.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
No employee of the Company has received remuneration in excess of the
limits specified under Section 217(2A) of the Companies Act, 1956 read
with the rules made there under. Hence, the Board confirming nil
information to be furnished under this section.
INFORMATION ON ENERGY CONSERVATION & TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION
Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 217(l)(e) of the Companies Act,
1956 read with the Companies (Disclosure of particulars in the Report
of the Board of Directors) Rules, 1988, the relevant information
pertaining to Energy Conservation, Technology Absorption, Foreign
Exchange earnings and outgo is enclosed hereto as Annexure and forms
part of this report.
DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act,
1956 your Directors state that:
i. The applicable accounting standards have been followed in
preparation of the annual accounts and there are no material departures
during the year under review.
ii. They have selected the accounting standards and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and
prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of
the Company at the end of the financial year.
iii They have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of
Companies Act, 1956 to safeguard the assets of your Company and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities.
iv. They have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis.
Response to auditors'' observations
With respect to Auditors observations in their report dated 27.04.2013,
under item No. ix(a) the delays in depositing income tax deductions at
source (TDS) and service tax in few cases were due to delay in receipt
of expected cash inflows in time. However, all the payments were made
before the end of the year under review.
With respect to Auditors observations in item No. ix (b) (ii) of their
report that the Company has not deposited the demand of
Rs.338,181,778/- raised by Service Tax department relating to periods
from 2005-06 to 2009-10 & 2010-11, it is informed that the Company has
gone for an appeal against the demand and the same is pending before
Central Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal, Bangalore. Company''s
legal counsel confirmed the validity of the stand taken by the Company
in this matter. Out of total demand the Company has deposited an amount
of Rs.. 20,000,000 as per the directions of CESTAT at the time of
hearing the stay of demand petition With respect to Auditors''
observations in item No. xi (a) of their report, the delay in repayment
of term loan installments to the bankers were due to delay in receipt
of expected cash inflows in time. However, all the small delays were
made good within a couple of weeks'' time from the due dates.
FIXED DEPOSITS
Your Company has not accepted any deposits in terms of Section 58A of
the Companies Act, 1956 and the rules made there under and hence
compliance with the same is not applicable.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Your Directors wish to place on record their gratitude to shareholders
and thank the customers, vendors, franchisees, bankers and legal
advisors for their continued support to your Company''s growth. Your
Directors wish to place on record, their appreciation for the
contribution made by the employees at all levels, who, through their
competence, sincerity, hard work, solidarity and dedicated support
enabled your Company to make rapid strides.
For and on behalf of the Board
Place : Hyderabad DR S P VASIREDDI
Date : 27.04.2013 CHAIRMAN & MANAGING DIRECTOR
Mar 31, 2012
To The Members of VIMTA LABS LIMITED
The Directors hereby present the 22nd Annual Report and audited
accounts of your Company for the year ended March 31, 2012.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Financial Results for the year under review are as follows :
(Rs. in lakhs)
For the Year
2011-2012
1. Profit before interest,
Depreciation & Taxes
(EBIDTA) 394.61
Less :
Finance Charges & Interest 406.67
Depreciation 1586.04 1992.71
2. Profit/(Loss) before
Amortization, Prior year (1598.10)
adjustments & Taxes
Less : Amortization of
Preliminary Expenses - -
Less/(Add) : Prior year
adjustments - -
3. Profit/(Loss) before tax (1598.10)
4. Less : a) Prior year Tax
Liability/
(Credits) (25.75)
b) Deferred Tax
Liability/(Asset) (34.71) (60.46)
5. Profit/(Loss) after Tax (1537.64)
6. Add/(Less) : Surplus
brought forward
from previous
years 3752.66
Amount available for
appropriations 2215.02
APPROPRIATIONS :
Transfer to General Reserve -
Proposed dividend -
Provision for tax on
proposed dividend -
Surplus carried to
Balance sheet 2215.02
2215.02
For the Year
2010-2011
1. Profit before interest,
Depreciation & Taxes
(EBIDTA) 1580.53
Less :
Finance Charges & Interest 313.08
Depreciation 1652.92 1966.00
2. Profit/(Loss) before
Amortization, Prior year (385.47)
adjustments & Taxes
Less : Amortization of
Preliminary Expenses 40.19
Less/(Add) : Prior year
adjustments - 40.19
3. Profit/(Loss) before tax (425.66)
4. Less : a) Prior year Tax
Liability/
(Credits) 112.96
b) Deferred Tax
Liability/(Asset) (72.11) 40.85
5. Profit/(Loss) after Tax (466.51)
6. Add/(Less) : Surplus
brought forward
from previous
years 4322.29
Amount available for
appropriations 3855.78
APPROPRIATIONS :
Transfer to General Reserve -
Proposed dividend 88.43
Provision for tax on
proposed dividend 14.69
Surplus carried to
Balance sheet 3752.66
3855.78
OPERATIONS
Earnings before interest, depreciation, taxes and amortization (EBIDTA)
for the year are Rs. 394.61 lakhs as compared to the previous year
earnings of Rs. 1580.53 lakhs. Loss after tax (including deferred tax)
stood at Rs. 1537.64 lakhs as against a loss of Rs. 466.51 lakhs in the
previous year.
During the year under review a number of Clinical studies got delayed
due to unprecedented regulatory developments in Clinical Research
industry causing inordinate delays in receiving the approvals. Further,
the Company had to accept cancellation of some of the studies due to
withdrawal by the Customers as they did not want to proceed further
resulting in steep decline in top line. It was an aberration. Added to
this, the input costs have gone up significantly resulting in low
EBIDTA as compared to previous year.
DIRECTORS
Rao Purnachandra Potharlanka an US national was inducted to the Board
of your Company on 30.01.2012 as Additional Director. Your Directors
recommend the appointment to be regularized as Director subject to
retirement by rotation.
Keeping in view of the Company's requirement and the succession plans,
the Board in its meeting held on May 21, 2012 has changed the portfolio
of Harita Vasireddi as Joint Managing Director without any change in
the other terms of her appointment as approved by the shareholders in
their meeting dated 26.03.2010. She resumed her office w.e.f.
25.05.2012.
Your Directors recommend the change in portfolio of Harita Vasireddi.
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 read
with the Articles of Association of the Company, T S Ajai and Prof D
Balasubramanian Directors of the Company would retire by rotation
at the ensuing Annual General Meeting, and are eligible for re-
appointment.
Your Directors recommend the re-appointment of T S Ajai and Prof D
Balasubramanian as Directors subject to retirement by rotation.
AUDITORS
M/s Sarathy & Balu, Chartered Accountants, Auditors of the
Company would hold office till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual
General Meeting. They have given their consent for reappointment
and further stated that they are eligible to take up the appointment
within the provisions of Section 224 (1-B) of the Companies Act,
1956. It is proposed to appoint them as auditors of the Company to
hold office from the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General
Meeting till the conclusion of next Annual General Meeting.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
No employee of the Company has received remuneration in excess
of the limits specified under Section 217(2A) of the Companies Act,
1956 read with the rules made there under. Hence, the Board
confirming nil information to be furnished under this section.
INFORMATION ON ENERGY CONSERVATION & TECHNOLOGY
ABSORPTION
Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 217(1)(e) of the Companies Act,
1956 read with the Companies (Disclosure of particulars in the Report
of the Board of Directors) Rules, 1988, the relevant information
pertaining to Energy Conservation, Technology
Absorption, Foreign Exchange earnings and outgo is enclosed hereto as
Annexure and forms part of this report.
DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act,
1956 your Directors state that :
i. The applicable accounting standards have been followed in
preparation of the annual accounts and there are no material departures
during the year under review.
ii. They have selected the accounting standards and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and
prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of
the Company at the end of the financial year.
iii. They have taken proper and sufficient care for the
maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the
provisions of Companies Act, 1956 to safeguard the assets of your
Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other
irregularities.
iv. They have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
The Management Discussion and Analysis given below discusses the key
issues concerning the business carried on by the Company.
Industry Overview
VIMTA LABS LIMITED is engaged in Contract Research and Testing
activities in Analytical, Preclinical, Clinical, Clinical Diagnostics,
Cellular & Molecular Biology and Environmental assessments. Like in the
previous year, during the year under review, Indian CRO Industry has
experienced many more delays in receiving regulatory approvals for
contract research projects.
Potential and Outlook
Preclinical, Clinical and Analytical Contract research and testing
activity demand is growing due to growth in Biologics and drug
discovery projects. Company's benefit however is dependent upon in time
approvals from various regulatory bodies. Government of India has
issued regulatory guidelines on Bio-similars recently.
Threats
Competition is an inherent threat for any business. More and more
players have entered the business verticals Vimta is engaged in.
Multinational Contract Testing and Research Organizations are anchoring
in India to reduce their service costs. To mitigate the threats Vimta
is always looking for continuous innovation of new portfolios thus
giving itself a clear lead of 2-3 years.
Risks and Concerns
The increasing demand for Vimta's services has increased the pressure
on human resources. Due to high demand and less availability of
talented human resources, employee turnover has become a challenge and
may continue in the near future. Your Company is doing its best to
employ qualified people and impart on the job training to cope with the
increasing work loads. Further, steep increase in the input costs due
to high inflation and increased manpower cost are major concerns. Vimta
is making all efforts to reduce expenditure to offset the effect of
this inflation.
Safety, Health and Environment
As a part of Vimta's commitment towards the principles of sustainable
development, safety, health and environment continue
to be the priority areas of the Company. Some of the major activities
in these areas have been recycling of waste water, training of staff at
all levels to the required standards of safety, health and environment.
Foreign exchange fluctuations
The net gain during the year on account of Foreign exchange
fluctuations against foreign currency term loan accounts and overseas
customer accounts is Rs. 7.42 lakhs. The same is accounted under the
heads other Income and Finance costs in the statement of Profit and
Loss account.
Segment-wise or Product-wise performance
The Company is primarily engaged in the business of testing and
research activities in various disciplines such as Contract Research,
Pre-Clinical, Cellular Molecular Biology, Clinical Diagnostics,
Analytical Testing, Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment
studies. Since the inherent nature of all these activities are
integrated and governed by the same set of risks and returns and
operating in the same economic environment, these have been grouped as
a single segment in the financial statements. The said treatment is in
accordance with the Accounting Standard (AS)-17 on "Segment
Reporting".
Internal Control Systems
The Company has a well-defined internal control system that is adequate
and commensurate with the size and nature of its business. Adequate
internal controls are established to ensure that all assets are
safeguarded and protected against loss from unauthorized use or
disposition and all the transactions are authorized, recorded and
reported correctly.
Financial performance
Gross revenue for the year 2011-12 is Rs. 9027.52 lakhs as compared to
the previous year of Rs. 9603.82 lakhs. During the year under review,
the domestic sales have gone down by 4.94% and exports by 15.14% as
compared to the previous year. The Net loss stood at Rs. 1537.64 lakhs
as compared to the previous year net loss of Rs. 466.51 lakhs.
Human Resources
Human Resource is one of the strong drivers of the Company. At the end
of the financial year, Vimta has 679 employees including 27 Medical
Doctors; 19 PhDs and 409 Scientists, Engineers and Technicians.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company has complied with the Corporate Governance Code as
stipulated under the listing agreement with the Stock Exchanges. A
Separate section on Corporate Governance along with a Certificate from
the auditors confirming the compliance is annexed to and forms part of
this report.
DISCLOSURES AS PER THE LISTING AGREEMENT & SEBI REGULATIONS
Cash flow statement
In due compliance of the listing agreements and in accordance with the
requirements prescribed by SEBI, the cash flow statement is prepared
and is appended to this Annual Report.
Stock exchanges
Equity Shares of your Company are listed with Bombay Stock Exchange
Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited and the listing
fee was paid in time and no amount was outstanding.
Share transfer agency
The Company has appointed M/s CIL Securities Ltd, 214, Raghava Ratna
Towers, Abids, Hyderabad-500001 as its share transfer agency for
handling both physical and electronic transfers.
Transfer of unclaimed Dividend amount to Investor Education and
Protection Fund
The Company has transferred unclaimed dividend for the years 2001-02;
2002-03; 2003-04, 2004-05 (interim & Final) to Investor Education and
Protection Fund. The details of unclaimed dividends and due dates for
transfer to the fund account for other financial years are disclosed in
the Corporate Governance Report.
Code of conduct
Your Company has adopted Code of Conduct for the Board and the Senior
Management of the Company and they are complying with the said code. A
declaration by the CEO to this effect is furnished in Annexure to this
report.
Response to auditors' qualifications
With respect to Auditors qualification in their report dated
21.05.2011, under item No. ix(b) the delays in depositing income tax
deductions at source (TDS) and service tax in few cases were due to
delay in receipt of expected cash inflows in time. However, all the
payments were made before the end of the year under review.
With respect to Auditors qualification in item No. xi (a) & (b) of
their report, the delay in repayment of term loan instalments to the
bankers were due to delay in receipt of expected cash inflows in time.
However, all the delays were made good before the end of the year under
review.
With respect to Auditors qualification in item No. ix (e) of their
report that the Company has not deposited the demand of Rs.
27,78,46,538/- raised by Service Tax department relating to periods
from 2005-06 to 2009-10, it is informed that the Company has gone for
an appeal against the demand and the same is pending before Central
Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal, Bangalore. Company's legal
counsel confirmed the validity of the stand taken by the Company in
this matter.
FIXED DEPOSITS
Your Company has not accepted any deposits in terms of Section 58A of
the Companies Act, 1956 and the rules made there under and hence
compliance with the same is not applicable.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Your Directors wish to place on record their gratitude to shareholders
and thank the customers, vendors, franchisees, bankers, Technology
Development Board, merchant bankers and legal advisors for their
continued support to your Company's growth. Your Directors wish to
place on record, their appreciation for the contribution made by the
employees at all levels, who, through their competence, sincerity, hard
work, solidarity and dedicated support, enabled your Company to sustain
in business.
For and on behalf of the Board
DR S P VASIREDDI
CHAIRMAN & MANAGING DIRECTOR
Place : Hyderabad
Date : 16.07.2012
Mar 31, 2011
The Members of
VIMTA LABS LIMITED
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the 21st Annual Report and
audited accounts of your Company for the year ended March 31, 2011.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Financial Results for the year under review are as follows :
(Rs.in lakhs)
For the Year
2010-2011
1. Profit before interest, 1569.43
Depreciation & Taxes
Less : Finance Charges & 301.98
Interest Depreciation 1652.92 1954.90
2. Profit /(Loss) before (385.47)
Amortization, Prior year
adjustments & Taxes
Less : Amortization of Prelimi 40.19
nary Expenses
Less/(Add) : Prior year adjust 112.96 153.15
ments
(538.62)
3. Profit /(Loss) before tax
4. Less : a) Provision for Tax
(regular)
c) Deferred Tax Liabili (72.11) (72.11)
ty/(Asset)
5. Profit /(Loss) after Tax (466.51)
6. Add / (Less) : Surplus brought 4322.29
forward from previous years
Amount available for appropri 3855.78
ations
APPROPRIATIONS :
Transfer to General Reserve - -
Proposed dividend 88.43
Provision for tax on proposed 14.69
dividend
Surplus carried to Balance sheet 3752.66
3855.78
For the Year
2009-2010
2145.33
1. Profit before interest,
Depreciation & Taxes
Less : Finance Charges & Interest 262.43
Depreciation 1393.01 1655.44
489.89
2. Profit /(Loss) before Amortization,
Prior year adjustments & Taxes
Less : Amortization of Preliminary
Expense 40.19
Less/(Add) : Prior year adjustments 42.41 82.60
3. Profit /(Loss) before tax 407.29
4. Less : a) Provision for Tax (regular) 133.00
c) Deferred Tax Liability/ 8.43 141.43
(Asset)
5. Profit /(Loss) after Tax 265.86
6. Add / (Less) : Surplus brought
forward from previous years 4293.35
Amount available for appropriations 4559.21
APPROPRIATIONS :
Transfer to General Reserve 30.00
Proposed dividend 176.86
Provision for tax on proposed dividend 30.06
Surplus carried to Balance sheet 4322.29
4559.21
OPERATIONS
During the first quarter of the year under review, your Company has
started commercial activities at its pre-clinical facility.
Consequently the costs towards manpower; administrative expenses and
depreciation have gone up as compared to the previous fiscal resulting
net loss for the year. Further during this year, your Company had to
charge off certain non recurring i.e. one time expenses to profit and
loss account in line with the applicable Accounting Standards. Your
Directors are confident that in the coming years, the Company would
make adequate profits. With better control over logistics, the
Pathology Testing activities of Noida were moved back to Genome Valley
facility during third quarter of the year under review.
Earnings before interest, depreciation, taxes and amortization (EBIDTA)
for the year are Rs. 1569.43 lakhs as compared to the previous year
earnings of Rs.145.33 lakhs. Loss after tax (including deferred tax)
stood at Rs. 466.50 lakhs as against a profit of Rs. 265.86 lakhs in
the previous year.
RECOGNITIONS & ACCREDITATIONS :
Your Company received the following recognitions and Accreditations
during the year under review.
- USFDA CGMP approval for Drugs Laboratory.
- AAALAC (Association for Assessment and Accreditation of
Laboratory Animal Care) Certification for Pre Clinical Laboratory.
- QCI-NABET Accreditation as Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) consultancy organization
- WHO CGMP pre qualification.
DIVIDEND
From the surplus available in the Profit and Loss account, your
Directors are pleased to recommend a dividend of 20% i.e. `. 0.40 per
each equity share of Rs.2/- each for the financial year 2010-11.
Transfer to Reserves
In the absence of profits for the year under review, no transfer of
Profit to General Reserve. After providing `. 103.12 lakhs for payment
of dividend and tax, the balance of `. 3752.66 lakhs is proposed to be
retained in Profit & Loss Account.
DIRECTORS
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 read with
the Articles of Association of the Company, Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri and
Prof K Ramachandran, Directors of the Company would retire by rotation
at the ensuing Annual General Meeting, and are eligible for
re-appointment. While Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri opted himself for
re-appointment, Prof K Ramachandran has opted not to be re-appointed
due to personal reasons. Your Directors recommend the re-appointment of
Dr Subba Rao Pavuluri as Director subject to retirement by rotation.
Your Directors express their sincere gratitude to Prof K Ramachandran
for his contribution to the Company.
AUDITORS
M/s Sarathy & Balu, Chartered Accountants, Auditors of the Company
would hold office till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General
Meeting. They have given their consent for reappointment and further
stated that they are eligible to take up the appointment within the
provisions of Section 224 (1-B) of the Companies Act, 1956. It is
proposed to appoint them as auditors of the Company to hold office from
the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting till the
conclusion of next Annual General Meeting.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
No employee of the Company has received remuneration in excess of the
limits specified under Section 217(2A) of the Companies Act, 1956 read
with the rules made there under. Hence, the Board confirming nil
information to be furnished under this section.
INFORMATION ON ENERGY CONSERVATION & TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION
Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 217(1)(e) of the Companies Act,
1956 read with the Companies (Disclosure of particulars in the Report
of the Board of Directors) Rules, 1988, the relevant information
pertaining to Energy Conservation, Technology Absorption, Foreign
Exchange earnings and outgo is enclosed hereto as Annexure and forms
part of this report.
DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act,
1956, your Directors state that :
i. The applicable accounting standards have been followed
in preparation of the annual accounts and there are no material
departures during the year under review.
ii. They have selected the accounting standards and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and
prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of
the Company at the end of the financial year.
iii. They have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of
Companies Act, 1956 to safeguard the assets of your Company and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities.
iv. They have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis.
Research & Development
Vimta's R & D is registered with Department of Scientific and
Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology. 15 new assays
for clinical diagnostics and Biologics were developed during 2010-11
fiscal.
During the year your Company has spent Rs.96.46 lakhs on its R & D
activities towards manpower and chemicals and consumables.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company has complied with the Corporate Governance Code as
stipulated under the listing agreement with the Stock Exchanges. A
Separate section on Corporate Governance along with a Certificate from
the auditors confirming the compliance is annexed to and forms part of
this report. The new Corporate Governance guidelines 2009 issued by
Ministry of Company Affairs are under consideration for implementation.
DISCLOSURES AS PER THE LISTING AGREEMENT & SEBI REGULATIONS
Cash flow statements
In due compliance of the listing agreements and in accordance with the
requirements prescribed by SEBI, the cash flow statement is prepared
and is appended to this Annual Report.
Stock exchanges
Equity Shares of your Company are listed with Bombay Stock Exchange
Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited and the listing
fee was paid in time and no amount was outstanding.
Share transfer agency
The Company has appointed M/s CIL Securities Ltd, 214, Raghava Ratna
Towers, Abids, Hyderabad - 500001 as its share transfer agency for
handling both physical and electronic transfers.
Transfer of unclaimed Dividend amount to Investor Education and
Protection Fund
The Company has transferred unclaimed dividend for the years 2001-02;
2002-03 & 2003-04 to Investor Education and Protection Fund. The
details of unclaimed dividends and due dates for transfer of other
financial years are disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report.
Code of conduct
Your Company has adopted Code of Conduct for the Board and the Senior
Management of the Company and they are complying with the said code. A
declaration by the CEO to this effect is furnished in Annexure to this
report.
Replies on auditors' qualifications
With respect to Auditors qualification in their report dated
13.05.2011, under item No. ix(b) the delays in depositing income tax
deductions at source (TDS) and service tax in few cases were due to
delay in receipt of expected cash inflows in time. However, all the
payments were made before the end of the respective months in which
they were payable.
With respect to Auditors qualification in item No. xi (a) of their
report, the delay in repayment of term loan instalments to the bankers
were due to delay in receipt of expected cash inflows in time. However,
all the delays were made good before the end of the year under review.
FIXED DEPOSITS
Your Company has not accepted any deposits in terms of Section 58A of
the Companies Act, 1956 and the rules made there under and hence
compliance with the same is not applicable.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Your Directors wish to place on record their gratitude to shareholders
and thank the customers, vendors, franchisees, bankers, Technology
Development Board, merchant bankers and legal advisors for their
continued support to your Company's growth. Your Directors wish to
place on record, their appreciation for the contribution made by the
employees at all levels, who, through their competence, sincerity, hard
work, solidarity and dedicated support, enabled your Company to make
rapid strides.
For and on behalf of the Board
DR S P VASIREDDI
CHAIRMAN & MANAGING DIRECTOR
Place : Hyderabad
Date : 22.07.2011
Mar 31, 2010
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the 20th Annual Report and
audited accounts of your Company for the year ended March 31, 2010.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
(Rs.in lakhs)
Financial Results for the year under review are as follows:
For the Year For the Year
2009-2010 2008-2009
1. Profit before interest,
Depreciation & Taxes 2145.33 2401.46
Less : Finance Charges &
Interest 262.43 262.60
Depreciation 1393.01 1655.44 1483.28 1745.88
2. Profit before Amorti
zation, Prior year 489.89 655.58
adjustments & Taxes
Less : Amortization of
Preliminary Expenses 40.19 40.18
Less/(Add) : Prior year
adjustments 42.41 82.60 (12.53) 27.65
3. Profit before tax 407.29 627.93
4. Less : a) Provision for
Tax (regular) 133.00 225.00
b) Fringe Benefit Tax - 15.00
c) Deferred Tax Liability/
(Asset) 8.43 141.43 (16.50) 223.50
5. Profit after Tax 265.86 404.43
6. Add : Surplus brought
forward from previous years 4293.35 4137.84
Amount available for
appropriations 4559.21 4542.27
APPROPRIATIONS
Transfer to General Reserves 30.00 42.00
Proposed dividend 176.86 176.86
Provision for tax on
proposed dividend 30.06 30.06
Surplus carried to Balance
sheet 4322.29 4293.35
4559.21 4542.27
OPERATIONS
Earning before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBIDTA)
for the year are Rs. 2145.33 lakhs as compared to the previous year
earnings ofRs. 2401.46 lakhs. Profit after tax (including deferred tax)
stood at Rs. 265.86 lakhs as against Rs. 404.43 lakhs of previous year. The
reduction in profits has been due to added costs on human resources to
develop new capabilities for the Company and increased expenditure for
meeting developmental activities.
RECOGNITIONS & ACCREDITATIONS
VIMTA has been successful with the following regulatory audits and
accreditations :
- First FDA audit and approval for drug testing as per cGMP at Vimta
Life Sciences facility.
- MHRA, UK audit for Bioavailability studies at Cherlapally facility.
- 6th FDA audit for Bioavailability studies
- CAP (College of American Pathologists) accreditation for Clinical
laboratory. Vimta happens to be the first and only lab in AP to be
accredited by CAP
- Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments
in Animals (CPCSEA) approval to conduct experiments on animals In
addition to the above the Company has gone through 58 customer and
prospect audits successfully paving way for future business.
DIVIDEND
Your Directors are pleased to recommend a dividend of 40% i.e. 80 Paise
per equity share ofRs.2/- each for the financial year 2009-10.
Transfer to Reserves
Your Directors propose to transfer ` 30 Lakhs to General Reserves. An
amount of ` 4322.29 lakhs is proposed to be retained in Profit & Loss
Account.
DIRECTORS
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 read with
the Articles of Association of the Company, T S Ajai and Prof D
Balasubramanian, Directors of the Company would retire by rotation at
the ensuing Annual General Meeting, and are eligible for re-
appointment. T S Ajai and Prof D Balasubramanian have agreed for
reappointment.
Your Directors recommend the re-appointment of T S Ajai and Prof D
Balasubramanian as Directors subject to retirement by rotation.
AUDITORS
M/s Sarathy & Balu, Chartered Accountants, Auditors of the Company
would hold their office till the conclusion of the ensuing Annual
General Meeting. They have given their consent for reappointment and
further stated that they are eligible to take up the appointment within
the provisions of Section 224 (1-B) of the Companies Act, 1956. It is
proposed to re-appoint the same auditors to hold the office from the
conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meeting till the conclusion of
subsequent Annual General Meeting.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
List of employees of the Company who have received remuneration in
excess of the limits specified in Section 217(2A) of the Companies
Act, 1956 read with the rules made there under is enclosed hereto as
Annexure-I and forms part of this report.
INFORMATION ON ENERGY CONSERVATION & TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION
Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 217(1)(e) of the Companies Act,
1956 read with the Companies (Disclosure of particulars in the Report
of the Board of Directors) Rules, 1988, the relevant information
pertaining to Energy Conservation, Technology Absorption, Foreign
Exchange earnings and outgo is enclosed hereto as Annexure -II and
forms part of this report.
DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act,
1956, your Directors state that :
I. The applicable accounting standards have been followed in
preparation of the annual accounts and there are no material departures
during the year under review.
ii. They have selected the accounting standards and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and
prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of
the company at the end of the financial year and of the profit of the
Company for the period.
iii. They have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of
Companies Act, 1956 to safeguard the assets of the company and for
preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities.
iv. They have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS
The Management Discussion and Analysis given below discusses the key
issues concerning the business carried on by the Company.
Industry Overview
VIMTA LABS LIMITED is engaged in Contract Research and Testing
activities in the following areas :
i) Advanced Molecular Biology
ii) Analytical testing of Food & Drugs
iii) Clinical Reference Laboratory Services
iv) Clinical Research
v) Environmental Monitoring and Impact Assessment
vi) In-house R&D
vii) Pre-Clinical Research
As seen above your Companys focus is majorly on Pharma and health care
industry.
Scope and Potential
Amended drugs and cosmetic act demands GLP/GMP compliant drug testing
with effect from September 2010. Your company is well positioned with
its cGMP compliant laboratories created at Alexandria Knowledge Park
(formerly known as S P Bio-Tech Park) in Genome Valley. FDA approval
received recently enhances our opportunity in terms of domestic and
international business opportunities.
Your company has started building capabilities to support drug
discovery activities from invitro to invivo. Internal Research &
Development team has been developing a range of invitro and biologics
assays to support the market needs. The newly created pre-clinical
invivo (animal house) facility is in the process of seeking AAALAC
accreditation and necessary GLP certification during the current
fiscal.
The Clinical Research activities of your company have been
predominantly Bio-availability and Bio-equivalence studies supporting
the generic industry. As generic industry has been going through a
process of consolidation globally your company has taken steps to
launch Clinical Trial services (Phase II, III and IV) since last one
year. Today your company has a wide network of clinical trial sites.
This helps your company to compete for its share in the growing
clinical trial market.
The recent accreditations of your companys clinical laboratory by
College of American Pathologists (CAP) are just in time to support
clinical trial sample analysis as a Central Lab for global companies
demanding global standards.
Your company has been successful in building bench mark infrastructure
required for Contract Research and testing activities. As can be seen
from the financials, your company has been investing appropriately on
the human resources during the last two years to build capabilities for
a sustainable growth.
Strengths
Quality, Technology and Knowledge have been the three prime drivers for
your company. The international accreditations, success at global
regulatory audits and partnerships with market leaders confirm that
your company is in the right direction.
Threats
Competition is an inherent threat for any business. More and more
players are likely to walk into the field of operations, Vimta is
engaged in. Multinational Contract Testing and Research organizations
are anchoring in India to reduce their service costs. To mitigate the
threats Vimta is always looking for continuous innovation of new
portfolios thus giving itself a clear lead of 2-3 years.
Outlook
With the pre-clinical facility in place and considering the market
potential and increasing intent from Pharma MNCs on outsourcing to
Indian CROs, the Company is confident of maintaining higher growth
rates in the years to come.
Risks and Concerns
The increasing demand for Vimtas services has been putting a lot of
pressure on human resources. Availability of talented and trained
manpower is scarce and the Company is doing its best to employ
qualified people and impart on job training to cope with the increasing
work loads. Further, steep increase in the input costs due to high
inflation is a major concern. Vimta is making all its efforts to reduce
expenditure to offset the effect of inflation to maintain profitability
levels.
Safety, Health and Environment
As a part of Vimtas commitment towards the principles of sustainable
development, safety, health and environment continue to be priority
areas for the Company. Some of the major activities in these areas have
been recycling of waste water; the pre-clinical facility is a gold
rated green building, training of staff at all levels in the facility
has been created with required standards to monitoring the safety,
health and environment.
Foreign exchange fluctuations
Foreign currency transactions pertaining to the invoices raised on
customers are accounted at the exchange rates prevailing on dates of
the respective transactions. The outstanding receivables as on balance
sheet date are translated at year end rates. The exchange differences
arising on actual date of receipts from the customers settled during
the year resulted in a gain of ` 253.75 lakhs.
Monetary liabilities denominated in foreign currency pertaining to term
loan as at balance sheet date is translated at year end exchange rate.
The resultant exchange loss during the year is ` 147.58 lakhs.
The net gain during the year on account of the above transactions
amounting to ` 106.17 lakhs has been accounted under other income in
Profit & Loss Account.
Segment-wise or Product-wise performance
The Company is primarily engaged in the business of testing and
research activities in various disciplines such as Contract Research,
Clinical Speciality Diagnostics, Analytical Testing, Environmental
Monitoring and Impact Assessment studies. Since the inherent nature of
all these activities are integrated and governed by the same set of
risks and returns and operating in the same economic environment, these
have been grouped as a single segment in the financial statements. The
said treatment is in accordance with the Accounting Standard (AS) - 17
on "Segment Reporting".
Internal Control Systems
The Company has a well-defined internal control system and the same is
adequate and commensurate with the size and nature of its business.
Adequate internal controls are established to ensure that all assets
are safeguarded, and protected against loss from unauthorized use or
disposition, and all the transactions are authorized, recorded and
reported correctly. As a part of control systems, Company is in the
process of SAP ERP implementation.
The Company monitors and reviews the progress on the basis of internal
audit reports and through Audit Committee Meetings regularly.
Financial performance
Gross revenue for the year 2009-10 is ` 8841.56 lakhs as compared to
the previous year of ` 8173.07 lakhs. The Export income increased by
35.82% in the year to reach ` 4125.93 lakhs, as compared to the
previous year of ` 3037.74 lakhs. The Net Profit stood at ` 265.86
lakhs as compared to the previous year net profit of ` 404.43 lakhs.
Human Resources
Human Resource is one of the strong drivers of the company. At the end
of the financial year Vimta had 777 employees including 32 Medical
Doctors; 34 PhDs and 425 Scientists, Engineers and Technicians.
Research & Development
The R & D division of your company in addition to development and
validation of Molecular diagnostic assays for in house use of Clinical
Reference Lab, has developed in-vitro and biologics assays to support
pre-clinical activities of the Company. With the development of these
assays, your Company has the capability to provide a complete service
for drug discovery and pre-clinical testing from in- vitro through to
in-vivo.
During the year your company has spent ` 118.02 lakhs in its R & D
activities towards manpower and Chemicals & consumables
R & D activities also involve several collaborative efforts for drug
discovery and development of diagnostic assays and devices that will
enable Vimta to obtain valuable Intellectual Property (IP) rights and
enhance its portfolio in the near future.
Corporate Governance
The Company has complied with the Corporate Governance Code as
stipulated under the listing agreement with the Stock Exchanges. A
Separate section on Corporate Governance along with a Certificate from
the auditors confirming the compliance is annexed to and forms part of
this report. The Corporate Governance Voluntary Guidelines 2009 issued
by Ministry of Corporate Affairs are under consideration for
implementation.
DISCLOSURES AS PER THE LISTING AGREEMENT & SEBI REGULATIONS
Cash flow statements
In due compliance of the listing agreements and in accordance with the
requirements prescribed by SEBI, the cash flow statement was prepared
and appended to this Annual Report.
Stock exchanges
Equity Shares of your Company are listed with Bombay Stock Exchange
Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited. The listing fee
was paid in time and no amount was outstanding.
Share transfer agency
The Company has appointed M/s CIL Securities Ltd, 214, Raghavaratna
Towers, Abids, Hyderabad - 500001 as its share transfer agency for
handling both physical and electronic transfers.
Transfer of unclaimed Dividend amount to Investor Education and
Protection Fund
The Company has transferred unclaimed dividend for the years 2001-02 &
2002-03 to Investor Education and Protection Fund. The details of
unclaimed dividends and due dates for transfer to the said fund account
for other financial years were disclosed in the Corporate Governance
Report.
Code of conduct
Your company has adopted Code of Conduct for the Board and the Senior
Management of the Company and they are complying with the said code. A
declaration by the CEO to this effect is furnished in Annexure to this
report.
Replies on Auditors Qualifications
With respect to Auditors qualification in their report dated
12.05.2010, under item No. ix(b) the delays in depositing income tax
deductions at source (TDS) and service tax in few cases were due to
delay in receipt of expected cash in flows in time. However, all the
payments were made before the end of the respective months in which
they are payable. With respect to item No. xi (a), the company had to
prioritise its capital requirements out of the current revenues
resulting in delay in repayment of term loan installments to the
bankers. However, the entire loan was repaid within the stipulated
period.
FIXED DEPOSITS
Your Company has not accepted any deposits in terms of Section 58A of
the Companies Act, 1956 and the rules made there under and hence
compliance with the same is not applicable.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Your Directors wish to place on record their gratitude to shareholders
and thank the customers, vendors, franchisees, bankers, Technology
Development Board, merchant bankers and legal advisors for their
continued support to your Companys growth. Your Directors wish to
place on record, their appreciation for the contribution made by the
employees at all levels, who, through their competence, sincerity, hard
work, solidarity and dedicated support, enabled your Company to make
rapid strides.
For and on behalf of the Board
Place : Hyderabad DR S P VASIREDDI
Date : 28.07.2010 CHAIRMAN & MANAGING DIRECTOR
Disclaimer: This is 3rd Party content/feed, viewers are requested to use their discretion and conduct proper diligence before investing, GoodReturns does not take any liability on the genuineness and correctness of the information in this article