Dear Members,
Your Directors have the pleasure of presenting a report on the business performance and
the audited consolidated and standalone financial statements of UPL Limited ("the
Company" or "UPL") for the financial year ended March 31, 2024.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
(H in crores)
|
Consolidated |
|
Standalone |
|
Particulars |
|
|
|
|
|
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
Continuing Operations |
|
|
|
|
Total Income |
43,581 |
54,053 |
6,202 |
9,480 |
EBITDA* |
5,515 |
11,178 |
1,205 |
1,300 |
Depreciation/amortisation |
2,763 |
2,547 |
130 |
431 |
Finance Cost |
3,852 |
2,963 |
144 |
188 |
Exceptional items |
252 |
170 |
- |
- |
(Loss) /Profit from Associates and Joint Venture |
(242) |
157 |
- |
- |
(Loss)/Profit before tax from continuing operations |
(2,087) |
5,150 |
931 |
681 |
Provision for taxation |
|
|
|
|
Current tax |
790 |
1,506 |
46 |
109 |
Deferred tax |
(999) |
(770) |
(6) |
(1) |
(Loss)/Profit after tax from continuing operations -(A) |
(1,878) |
4,414 |
891 |
573 |
Discontinued Operations: |
|
|
|
|
Profit before tax from discontinued operations |
- |
- |
422 |
603 |
Less: Tax expense of discontinued operations |
- |
- |
105 |
201 |
Profit from discontinued operations after tax (B) |
- |
- |
317 |
402 |
(Loss)/Profit after tax for the year (A+B) |
(1,878) |
4,414 |
1,208 |
975 |
Attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
Owners of the parent |
(1,200) |
3,570 |
1,208 |
975 |
Non Controlling Interests |
(678) |
844 |
- |
- |
*EBITDA for Consolidated amount excludes Exchange Difference (net) on trade
receivables, trade payables, etc. and other income.
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
FY2024 was one of the most challenging years for the crop protection chemicals industry
globally. Lower agrochemical prices and liquidation of high-cost inventory had adverse
impact on the realizations and revenues. UPL's consolidated revenues were H 43,581 Crores,
a drop of almost 20% over previous year, while EBITDA dropped by 51% to H 5,515 Crores.
Contribution margins were impacted by the transitory impact of higher rebates to support
the channel partners and liquidation of high-cost inventory. Further, our net finance
costs increased by 10% year-on year, mainly due to the rise in benchmark interest rates on
borrowings and an increase in quantum of debt. Overall, the average cost of debt for the
year stood at around 7% per annum.
The management is hopeful that FY2025 will bring the business back on track through
profitable growth, prioritizing margins over volumes, cash generation, and driving
innovation for value creation. Business should be on recovery path on account of
differentiated and sustainable products, new launches and cost optimization. The resulting
positive impact through our operating model upgrade is expected to drive organizational
efficiency and excellence. The region-wise performance for FY2024 is as under:
Region (J in crores) |
FY 2024 |
FY 2023 |
Change |
Latin America |
17,254 |
21,975 |
(21%) |
Europe |
6,609 |
7,324 |
(10%) |
North America |
3,893 |
8,735 |
(55%) |
India |
5,503 |
6,539 |
(16%) |
Rest of the World |
9,840 |
9,002 |
9% |
For more details on the financial performance, please refer to the Management
Discussion and Analysis Report.
STRATEGIC CORPORATE REALIGNMENT - SPECIALTY CHEMCIAL BUSINESS
UPL embarked upon the journey of realignment of businesses with the intent to create
self-sustainable pure-play business platforms. During the first phase of realignment, the
Company implemented strategic business realignment in FY2023 which involved creation of
two distinct pure-play platforms viz. (a) Crop Protection Business (domestic) under UPL
Sustainable Agri Solutions Limited (UPL SAS); and (b) Advanta Seeds Business under Advanta
Enterprises Limited (AEL). With the successful completion of the first phase of
realignment, the Company initiated balance realignment process in FY2024 to create a pure
play platform for Specialty Chemical' business. The shareholders of the Company had
approved transfer of Specialty Chemical business undertaking to UPL Speciality Chemicals
Limited ("USCL") a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company with the objective to
establish Specialty Chemicals business as a pure play manufacturing platform, which is in
the process of implementation.
PROPOSED RIGHTS ISSUE OF EQUITY SHARES
The Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on Friday, December 22, 2023
had approved the proposal for fund raising by way of Rights Issue of Equity Shares for an
amount aggregating upto H 4,200 crores. The Company is in the process of completing
necessary formalities and compliances which are required for the proposed rights issue of
equity shares.
DIVIDEND
The Board has recommended a dividend of 50% i.e. H 1/- per equity share of H 2/- each
for the financial year ended March 31, 2024, which if approved at the forthcoming Annual
General Meeting ("AGM"), will be paid to all those equity shareholders of the
Company, subject to deduction of income tax at source, whose names appear in the Register
of Members and as beneficial owners as per the beneficiary list furnished for the purpose
by National Securities Depository Limited and Central Depository Services (India) Limited.
The total dividend pay-out will amount to approx. H 75 crores (including tax). The
dividend recommended is in line with the dividend distribution policy of the Company and
the policy is available on the website of the Company at https://
www.upl-ltd.com/investors/corporate-governance/policies. History of dividends declared by
the Company since last 11 years is available on the website of the Company at
https://www.upl-ltd. com/investors/shareholder-center/dividend-history.
FINANCE
(a) Deposits
During FY2024, the Company did not accept any deposit within the meaning of Chapter V
of the Companies Act, 2013.
(b) Particulars of Loans, Guarantees or Investments
The details of Loans, Guarantees or Investments are given in the Note nos. 8, 9 and 36
to the standalone financial statement.
(c) Changes in Paid-up Share Capital
During the year, no equity shares were issued or allotted. The paid-up share capital of
the Company as at March 31, 2024 was H 150,12,15,282/- comprising of 75,06,07,641 equity
shares of face value H 2/- each.
(d) Transfer to Reserves
Apart from transfer of H 3 Crore to Capital Redemption
Reserve, no amount is proposed to be transferred to any reserve(s).
LISTING OF COMMERCIAL PAPERS
The Company has issued Commercial Papers amounting to H 1500 crores during
FY2024. All the Commercial Papers are listed on National Stock Exchange of India Limited.
The Company has not defaulted in any of its dues to the financial lenders. The commercial
papers are rated by CRISIL & CARE. The details of ratings are provided in the
Corporate Governance Report which forms a part of this report.
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
At UPL Limited, Sustainability is driven with top-down approach. We have integrated
environment, social & governance dimensions to embed sustainability. We believe that a
business can be profitable by adopting sustainable practices ensuring harmony with the
society and environment. We are constantly working to reduce our environmental footprint
and find innovative product solutions that benefit the society. Our commitment to
environmental protection extends beyond the scope of legal requirements. We are committed
to the chemical industry's Responsible Care initiative and have set out the science
based targets with validation & approval from United Nations initiated Science Based
Targets initiative (SBTi).
UPL Sustainability Targets Achievements: |
|
|
|
|
|
Strengthen |
Reduce Environmental Footprint |
Enhance World Food Security |
Enhance Sustainable Sourcing |
Community Wellbeing |
Target |
Target |
Target |
Target |
Reduce 20% specific water, |
Achieve 50% revenues |
Achieve 60% sustainable |
Impact 3 million lives |
25% specific CO2 & 25% specific waste by 2025 from baseline 2020. |
from sustainable & differentiated products by 2027. |
sourcing by 2025. |
through livelihood, education, health and sanitation by 2025. |
Performance |
Performance |
Performance |
Performance |
Reduced 47% specific water, |
Achieved 36% revenues |
Achieved 35% sustainable |
Impacted 1.75 million |
34% specific CO2 & 52% specific waste in 2024 from baseline 2020. |
from sustainable & differentiated products in 2024. |
sourcing by 2024. |
lives through livelihood, education, health and sanitation by 2024. |
Some of the major developments of the FY2024 are summarized below:
UPL has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices World Index (DJSI).
UPL has been included in CDP Supplier Engagement Leaderboard.
UPL's science based targets are validated & approved by UN initiated Science
Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
In house sustainability data tracker software is successfully implemented to track
sustainability data from 41 manufacturing plants worldwide.
ESG rating agency DJSI rated UPL No. 1 amongst all agro-chemical companies
globally.
Granted 3 Patents at Green Cell for sustainable technologies.
International Sustainability Rating
1. Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) ESG Rating:
UPL's DJSI score in 2023 was 76 out of 100 which is highest amongst agro-chemicals
globally.
2. FTSE Russell ESG Rating:
UPL's FTSE score in 2023 was 3.8 out of 5. UPL was awarded and listed in FTSE 4 Good
Index for strong environmental, social and governance practices which were measured
against globally recognised standards. UPL scored higher rating in all three dimensions
from industry average.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Company is proud to possess world class Research & Development
("R&D") Centers spread across various locations in India as well as abroad.
The highly dedicated scientists and engineers working in R&D Centers across the globe
are completely focused on the Company's mission to make food products more sustainable.
The Company has invested substantially in expanding its Research & Technology
Centre. The newly constructed world class R.D. Shroff Research and Technology Centre
accommodates additional laboratory workspaces and employs highly sophisticated Research
& Development equipment for venturing into newer areas of technologies such as Flow
Chemistry, Bio-technological processes, Pheromones, Natural Plant Products, Adjuvants and
Surfactants. The Company's R&D scientists are engaged in designing viable,
cost-effective, and environmentally safe processes for the Speciality and Industrial
Chemical products needed for captive consumption and for supplying to other Industrial
Customers as well.
The Scientists working in the Company's R&D Centers are meticulously working
towards developing innovative and highly efficacious combination products. The Scientists
have successfully provided cost-effective integrated pest management solutions to support
the farmers globally.
The R&D scientists strive to incorporate principles of green chemistry and atom
economy in the products and processes during development. The environmental effects and
product safety are given utmost importance during each stage of the process. The products
and intermediates are thoroughly evaluated for personal safety, biohazards, and
environmental safety.
The products intended for commercialization are initially tested at highly competitive
GLP laboratories and various data such as chemical composition, impurity profile, physical
properties, container compatibility, packaging data, shelf-life data, residue analysis
data, bio-efficacy, and toxicity profile are generated before their regulatory approval.
The commercial products undergo rigorous testing through independent Quality Assurance
laboratories and field research stations before they are offered to the Company's esteemed
customers.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
UPL is committed to build a sustainable future for itself and all its stakeholders. At
UPL, the priority has always been people and planet alongside its business growth. UPL's
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a part of our DNA, and all our initiatives are
curated with the intention of creating a more equitable and inclusive society. The company
is committed to making a positive social impact beyond its business operations. Operating
with the two core principles of "Open Hearts" and "Always Human",
community wellbeing is always at the heart of our initiatives and form the guiding force
of our CSR initiatives aligned to our fundamental belief, "Nothing is
Impossible". The Company focuses on sustainable solutions that address community
needs. These initiatives extend beyond factory and office locations, reaching diverse
geographies to strengthen communities and promote self-reliance. UPL's holistic approach
integrates CSR with its business strategy, emphasizing collaboration, knowledge transfer,
and shared value creation. The Company understands and reciprocates to the needs of its
communities to enable and empower them to lead a dignified life. UPL's CSR initiatives are
aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and in line with the
nation's development needs. The CSR strategy is envisioned as a catalyst for bringing
about sustainable transformation and social integration with the aim of creating equality,
social inclusion, and economic growth for a more equitable society. UPL's 4 focus areas in
CSR are:
1. Institution of Excellence.
2. Sustainable Livelihood.
3. Biodiversity Conservation.
4. Inclusive Development and Growth
Our CSR values are shared across the globe by UPL and all its subsidiary companies. We
have impacted around 1.75 million lives through our CSR initiatives.
For detailed report on Corporate Social Responsibility, please refer to the section
Social Initiatives' in the annual report and Annexure 1 to this Board's
Report.
The CSR policy is available on the website of the Company under Investors section at
https://www.upl-ltd.com/investors/ corporate-governance/policies.
VIGIL MECHANISM / WHISTLE-BLOWER POLICY
The Company has always strived to conduct its business fairly, ethically and with
integrity. In line with this belief, the Company has in place a robust whistle-blower
policy to deal with any fraud, irregularity, or mismanagement in the Company. The Chairman
of the Audit Committee oversees the whistle-blower policy. This policy aims to encourage
employees and directors who have concerns about suspected misconduct to come forward and
express these concerns without fear of punishment or unfair treatment. The policy aims to
provide an avenue for employees and directors to raise concerns and reassure them that
they will be protected from reprisals or victimization for whistleblowing in good faith.
This Policy is in addition to the Company's Global Code of Conduct, which empowers its
stakeholders to make protected disclosures through the reporting channels consisting of
designated e-mail address, hotline, and customised web-portal, details of which are
prescribed under the Policy and the Code. On a regular basis, the Company undertakes all
efforts to create awareness among the employees about the Policy including the new joinees
during the year.
The policy is available on the website of the Company under Investors section at
https://www.upl-ltd.com/investors/ corporate-governance/policies .
PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT (POSH) OF WOMEN AT THE WORKPLACE
The Company is committed in creating and maintaining a secure and safe work environment
that enables its employees, agents, vendors and partners to work free from unwelcome,
offensive and discriminatory sexual behavior without fear of prejudice, gender bias and
sexual harassment. In order to deal with sexual harassment at workplace, the Company has
implemented a gender-neutral policy Policy on Prevention and Redress of Sexual
Harassment at Workplace ("Policy").
The Policy applies to all those employed and associated with UPL and its subsidiaries
irrespective of whether they are regular, temporary, ad hoc or daily wage basis employees.
The Policy also covers all contract workers, consultants, retainers, probationers,
trainees, and apprentices or called by any other such name engaged by us whether the terms
of their employment are expressed or implied.
A knowledgeable and experienced Internal Complaints Committee comprising mainly of
women and an unbiased third party is currently functional to attend and redress complaints
that arise under this Policy. Further, there are sub committees at unit locations to
ensure strict adherence to this policy and keep the workplace free from biases and
prejudices. The Internal
Complaints Committee has received one formal complaint during FY2024 and the same was
duly resolved.
All employees are mandated to attend a classroom training and confirm their adherence
to the rules as mentioned on Company's website. During FY2024, a refresher POSH workshop
was conducted for 59 Committee members online for 1 day by Company's external members.
Employees were asked to complete the online course of Prevention of Workplace Harassment
(POSH) as part of the awareness session.
INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY
The Company has an adequate system of internal controls. The Company has adopted
policies and procedures covering all major financial and operating functions. These
controls have been designed to provide reasonable assurance over:
- Accuracy and completeness of the accounting records.
- Compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Effectiveness and efficiency of operations.
- Prevention and detection of frauds and errors.
- Safeguarding of assets from unauthorized use or losses.
The Company has an in-house internal audit department with a team of qualified
professionals. The internal audit department prepares an annual audit plan based on risk
assessment and conducts extensive reviews covering financial, operational and compliance
controls. In addition, the Company has also appointed reputed external audit firms to
carry out the internal audit reviews. Improvements in processes are identified during
reviews and communicated to the management on an ongoing basis. The Audit Committee of the
Board monitors the performance of the internal audit team on a periodic basis through
review of audit plans, audit findings and issue resolution through follow-ups. Each year,
there are at least four meetings in which the Audit Committee reviews internal audit
findings. Internal Audit function plays a key role in providing both the management and
the Audit Committee, an objective view and re-assurance of the overall internal control
systems and effectiveness of the risk management processes and the status of compliances
with operating systems, internal policies and regulatory requirements across the company
including its subsidiaries.
Compliance with laws and regulations is monitored through a well-implemented compliance
tool that requires individual functions to confirm and report statutory compliances with
all laws and regulations concerning their respective functions. The Company has
well-defined and adequate internal controls commensurate with the size, scale and
complexity of its operations. The key internal financial controls have been documented in
the form of a Risk & Control Framework and embedded in the respective business
processes. This framework includes entity level controls, process level controls and IT
general controls.
On a periodic basis, testing of entity level controls, process level controls and IT
general controls is carried out and the status of testing of controls is presented to the
Audit Committee. During the year, internal controls were tested and no reportable material
weaknesses in design and effectiveness were observed.
RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
In today's dynamic business landscape, with multiple uncertainties being confronted by
businesses in tandem, it gets critical for us to stay vigilant about key enterprise-wide
risks that may impact our strategic business objectives and respond to them in a proactive
manner. At UPL, our risk enabled performance management framework enables us to identify
potential risks before they occur in order to mitigate the downside of risks and harness
the opportunities.
To achieve above stated objective, UPL has developed and implemented Risk-enabled
performance Management ("ERM") framework, benchmarked with leading international
risk management standards such as ISO 31000 and Committee of Sponsoring Organisation of
the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). ERM framework facilitates structured approach
to identify enterprise-wide risks that may impact the organization's strategic business
objectives. While achievement of strategic objectives is the key driver, our values,
culture, obligation and commitment to employees, customers, investors, regulatory bodies,
partners and the community around us are the foundation on which our ERM framework is
developed. Systematic and proactive identification of risks and mitigation thereof enable
effective and quick decision-making and propels the performance of the organization
forward. Over the years, the risk management practices implemented by UPL have evolved
significantly. UPL has adopted a consistent risk management policy to ensure common,
organization wide understanding of ERM by defining key ERM principles to be adhered across
UPL, in a phased manner. UPL has adopted a standard framework, including risk management
process and enabling templates across business functions to ensure a coordinate and
integrated approach for managing risks and opportunities across the organization. It has
also adopted an ERM Standard which intends to reinforce the commitment of UPL to
effectively manage the existing and evolving risks and harness the underlying
opportunities while safeguarding the business value to achieve its strategic objectives.
UPL's ERM Framework defines the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders across
the organization to strengthen risk governance and oversight. The Company has also
appointed a dedicated ERM team and developing a formal network of risk champions across
businesses and functions to strengthen the risk-aware corporate culture and ensure
availability of risk management focused competency within the organization at all times.
The Company has developed and implemented a multi-tier risk identification approach to
identify and mitigate macro, strategic and external risks emanating from business
strategies. It provides guidance to the business for identifying, assessing, prioritizing,
responding, monitoring and reporting any risk or potential threat to these objectives in a
consistent manner. The risk management framework encourages businesses to identify
relevant risks and opportunities in line with the short-term and long-term strategic
business plans.
UPL identifies risks including emerging risks in various categories, such as strategic,
external and preventable risks. It also monitors the health of risks in a proactive manner
that provide early warning indicators to the relevant stakeholders. We take cognizance of
risks faced by our key stakeholders and their cumulative impact while framing our risk
responses. The Risk Register is revisited periodically by appropriate stakeholders to
ensure that the overall approach to risk management is dynamic, including assessment of
mitigation plans to enhance the overall assurance to the management and Board. This
further provides an assurance on the review of risk profile at an acceptable level in a
rapidly changing environment. Given the dynamic nature of business, UPL has defined and
implemented a formal process of identifying, assessing and reviewing emerging risks. It
uses horizon scanning for early detection of emerging risk such as the implications of the
recent geopolitical crisis and its effects associated therewith on UPL. The Board has the
overall responsibility of maintaining sound and effective risk management. It ensures ERM
Policy and Framework is in place and shall maintain an oversight to ensure it is
implemented across the Company in an effective manner, while the Risk Management Committee
sets the tone and culture towards effective risk management across the Group. Pursuant to
Regulation 21 of the SEBI (Listing Obligation and Disclosure Requirements) Regulation 2015
("SEBI Listing Regulations"), a Risk Management Committee, consisting of Dr.
Vasant Gandhi - Chairman-Independent Director, Mr. Carlos Pellicer - Non-Executive,
Non- Independent Director, Mr. Raj Kumar Tiwari, Whole Time Director and Mr. Anand Vora
Chief Financial Officer has been formulated and institutionalized. The Risk
Management Committee conducts integrated risks and performance reviews along with the
Senior Executives engaged in different functions.The Committee reviews identified risks,
the effectiveness of the developed mitigation plan to provide feedback and guidance on
emerging risks. The Committee also facilitates provision of adequate resources for
business to effectively mitigate critical risks and ensure business value is protected and
enhanced at all times. The Committee also maintains a continuous oversight to ensure the
risk management framework is effectively integrated with the core functions such as
Strategic Business Planning, Capital Allocation and assurance providing functions such as
Internal Audit, Internal Controls, Compliance Management etc. to enhance the business
resiliency and provide portfolio view of the risks.
Risk Management highlights of the Year
After the successful implementation of the ERM process at UPL Limited, the Company's
focus is to further institutionalize the ERM framework across global operations and evolve
towards a vision of integrated risk reporting encompassing all our global operations.
Further, we plan to digitize the ERM process and leverage advanced analytical
capabilities to facilitate risk informed decision making through relevant emerging risk
insights across critical business decision making processes. This will further assist the
Company in standardizing and enhancing the efficiency of risk management process.
Our approach to risk management is designed to provide reasonable assurance that our
assets are safeguarded, the risks facing the business are being assessed and mitigated.
For more details on the risks and their mitigation plans, please refer to Management
Discussion and Analysis report in this annual report. The Risk Management Policy of the
Company is available on the website at
https://www.upl-ltd.com/investors/corporate-governance/policies.
SUBSIDIARY / ASSOCIATE / JOINT VENTURE COMPANIES
The Company has several subsidiary companies and associates spread across the globe.
Crop protection product companies need local registrations to enable them to sell their
products in different countries in the world. These registrations are granted by the local
government body of each country to a local entity established in that country.
As on March 31, 2024, there were 230 subsidiaries / associates / joint ventures across
the globe. Most of these subsidiaries and associate companies are marketing arm and their
main activity is confined to marketing by servicing local market with greater efficiency
and ensuring timely availability of different products of the Company. Some other entities
are holding companies which hold investments in other group entities.
The details of essential parameters of each subsidiary / associate company / joint
venture such as share capital, assets, liabilities, turnover, profits before and after tax
are given separately under the Statement of AOC-1 Form forming part of the Annual Report.
Subsidiary Financials are available on Company's website at https://
www.upl-ltd.com/investors/shareholder-center/subsidiary-financials. The companies which
were newly added or ceased to be subsidiaries / associate / joint ventures during the year
are as follows:
Sr. |
|
|
|
|
Country |
No. |
Name of the Company |
|
Newly Formed / Acquired Entities |
|
|
1 |
UPL Crop Protection Holdings Limited |
Cayman |
|
|
Islands |
2 |
Advanta Seeds Philippines Inc |
Philippines |
3 |
ASI Seeds Enterprises Kenya Limited |
Kenya |
4 |
Advanta Seeds Mexico Sa De Cv. |
Mexico |
5 |
UPL Lanka Bio (Private) Limited |
Sri Lanka |
6 |
UPL Radicle II LP |
USA |
Sr. |
|
|
|
|
Country |
No. |
Name of the Company |
|
7 |
UPL Speciality Mauritius Limited |
Mauritius |
8 |
Advanta Seeds (Pty) Ltd |
South Africa |
9 |
UPL Arabia for Chemical Manufacturing |
Kingdom Of |
|
|
Saudi Arabia |
10 |
Advanta Seeds Zambia Limited |
Zambia |
11 |
Advanta Seeds Tanzania Limited |
Tanzania |
12 |
Advanta Seeds Hungary Kft |
Hungary |
13 |
UPL Share Service Center, S. A. de C. V. |
Mexico |
Ceased during the year due to merger / liquidation / sale
1 |
Arysta LifeScience U.K. BRL Limited |
U.K. |
2 |
Industrias Agriphar SA |
Guatemala |
3 |
Sci PPWJ |
France |
4 |
Arysta LifeScience UK & Ireland Ltd |
U.K. |
5 |
Decco Portugal Post Harvest LDA |
Portugal |
MATERIAL SUBSIDIARY
As on March 31, 2024, the Company has the following 4 unlisted material subsidiaries as
per the parameters laid down under SEBI LODR Regulations. These material subsidiary
companies are: UPL Corporation Limited, Mauritius, UPL Do Brasil - Industria e Com?rcio
de Insumos Agropecu?rios S.A., UPL Agrosolutions Canada Inc., and UPL Management DMCC.
None of these subsidiaries have sold, disposed off or leased more than 20% of its assets
during the current year. The Company's policy on material subsidiaries can be accessed at
https://www.upl-ltd. com/investors/corporate-governance/policies.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All related party transactions ("RPT") entered into during the year were on
arm's length basis and were in the ordinary course of business. There are no materially
significant related party transactions made by the Company which may have a potential
conflict with the interest of the Company at large. Accordingly, the disclosure of related
party transactions in Form AOC-2 is not applicable.
Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained for related party
transactions which are repetitive in nature. Audit Committee reviews all related party
transactions in detail as required under applicable law and regulations on a quarterly
basis. The Audit Committee of UPL Limited consists of only Independent Directors. It
reviews the related party transactions from the point of view of the business need, arm's
length pricing and major commercial terms. UPL has put in place a stringent process to
approve related party transactions. The Company engages a Big Four accounting firm or
other reputed agency to review the inter-company transfer pricing arrangement with respect
to all international related party transactions, from the standpoint of transfer pricing
regulations under the Tax laws for determining arm's length pricing. Similar exercise is
also carried out for domestic related party transactions.
The policy on RPTs as approved by the Board is available on the website of the Company
at https://www.upl-ltd.com/investors/ corporate-governance/policies.
SEBI has amended the provisions relating to RPTs pursuant to which approval of the
Members of the Company is required for entering into material RPTs effective from April 1,
2022. Accordingly, the Company at the Extraordinary General Meeting held on March 28, 2024
obtained approval of the Members for continuing / undertaking RPTs which may exceed the
materiality threshold of H 1000 crore and which are in the ordinary course of business and
on arms' length basis.
Detailed disclosure on related party transactions as per IND AS-24 containing name of
the related party and details of the transactions entered with such related party have
been provided under Notes to financial statements. Disclosure on related party
transactions on half year basis are also submitted to the stock exchanges.
INSURANCE
All the properties and operations of the Company, to its best judgement have been
adequately insured.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS
There are no significant and material order passed by the Regulators or Courts which
impacts the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
AUDITORS a) Statutory Auditor
At the 38th Annual General Meeting ("AGM") of the Company held on
August 12, 2022, the Members of the Company had re-appointed B S R & Co. LLP,
Chartered Accountants (ICAI Firm Registration Number 101248W/W-100022) as the Statutory
Auditor of the Company pursuant to Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013 for the second
term of 5 (five) years from the Company's FY2022-23 till the conclusion of the 43rd
AGM of the Company.
The Auditor's Report on standalone and consolidated financial statements for the year
ended March 31, 2024 forms part of the Annual Report and contains an Unmodified Opinion
without any qualification, reservation or adverse remark. b) Cost Auditor
Pursuant to Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Cost
Records and Audit) Rules, 2014 and amendments thereto, the cost records maintained by the
Company are required to be audited. The Company has maintained cost records as per the
requirements of the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014. The Board on the
recommendation of the Audit Committee, has appointed M/s. RA & Co., Cost Accountants
to audit the cost records of the Company for the FY2025 at a remuneration of H
12,10,000/- (Rupees Twelve Lakh Ten Thousand only) plus applicable taxes as well as the
reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses on actual basis. The Company has
received a certificate of eligibility from the cost auditor for their appointment. As per
the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, the remuneration payable to the cost auditor is
required to be placed before the Members in a general meeting for approval / ratification.
Accordingly, a resolution seeking Member's approval for the remuneration payable to M/s.
RA & Co., Cost Auditor is included in the Notice convening the AGM.
The Cost Audit Report for the FY2023 was filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
on August 10, 2023. The report was unmodified and did not contain any qualification,
reservation or adverse remark. The Cost Audit Report for the FY2024 will be filed before
the due date. c) Secretarial Auditor
Pursuant to Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 and The Companies (Appointment and
Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Board had appointed M/s. N. L.
Bhatia & Associates, a firm of Company Secretaries in Practice to conduct secretarial
audit for the FY2023-24. The Report of the Secretarial Auditor is annexed to this
report as Annexure 3. The report of the Secretarial Auditor for the FY2024 is
unmodified and does not contain any qualification, reservation or adverse remark.
The Board has re-appointed M/s. N. L. Bhatia & Associates to conduct the
secretarial audit for the FY2025. They have confirmed their eligibility for the
appointment.
During the year, there are no instances of any fraud reported by any of the aforesaid
auditors to the Audit Committee or the Board.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Companies Act, 2013 ("the
Act") and Articles of Association of the Company, Mr. Vikram R. Shroff (DIN:
00191472), Non- Executive Director of the Company, retires by rotation at the forthcoming
AGM of the Company and being eligible has offered himself for re-appointment. An ordinary
resolution in this regard has been proposed for approval of the members. The information
of Mr. Vikram R. Shroff seeking re-appointment, as required under Regulation 36(3) of SEBI
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("SEBI Listing
Regulations") and the Secretarial Standard on General Meetings issued by The
Institute of Company Secretaries of India, is provided in the Notice convening the 40th
AGM of the Company.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee and the Board considered and recommended
re-appointment of Ms. Usha Monari (DIN: 08652684) for a second term of 5 consecutive years
as an Independent Director of the Company. Ms. Usha Monari was appointed as an Independent
Director in the 39th AGM held on August 18, 2023.
All the independent directors of the Company as on March 31, 2024 have given requisite
declarations stating that they meet the criteria of independence laid down under Section
149(6) of the Act, Regulation 16(b) of SEBI Listing Regulations and have complied with the
Code for Independent Directors as prescribed in Schedule IV to the Act. In the opinion of
the Board, there has been no change in the circumstances which may affect their status as
Independent Directors of the Company and the Board is satisfied of the integrity,
expertise, and experience (including proficiency in terms of Section 150(1) of the Act and
applicable rules thereunder) of all Independent Directors on the Board. In terms of
Section 150 read with Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors)
Rules, 2014, Independent Directors of the Company are registered on the Independent
Director Databank maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA).
Following are the Key Managerial Personnels as on March 31, 2024 as per section 2(51)
of the Act:
1. Mr. Raj Kumar Tiwari Whole-Time Director
2. Mr. Anand Vora Chief Financial Officer
3. Mr. Sandeep Deshmukh Company Secretary and Compliance Officer
EVALUATION OF BOARD'S PERFORMANCE
Pursuant to the provisions of Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI Listing Regulations, the
evaluation process for performance of the Board, its various committees, individual
directors and the Chairman of the Board and respective Committees was carried out during
the year. Each director was provided a questionnaire to be filled up providing feedback on
the overall functioning of the Board, its committees and contribution of individual
directors. The questionnaire covered various parameters such as structure of the
Board/Committees, board meeting practices, overall board effectiveness, attendance/
participation of directors in the meetings, etc. The directors were also asked to provide
their suggestions for areas of improvement to ensure higher degree of engagement with the
management. All the Directors were satisfied with the effectiveness of evaluation carried
out during the year.
The Independent Directors during the year completed evaluation of
Non-independent/Non-promoter Directors and the entire Board including the Chairman. The
Independent Directors expressed satisfaction on overall functioning of the Board, various
committees as well as all the directors of the Company. They appreciated the knowledge and
expertise of the Chairman and Group CEO and his exemplary leadership qualities which
demonstrate positive attributes in following the highest standards of corporate values and
culture of the Company.
The Board also discussed the report of performance evaluation and its outcome.
COMMITTEES OF BOARD, NUMBER OF MEETINGS OF THE BOARD AND BOARD COMMITTEES
The Board has seven committees, namely, Audit Committee, Nomination and Remuneration
Committee, Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, Stakeholders Relationship Committee,
Risk Management Committee, Sustainability Committee and Finance and Operations Committee.
All the recommendations made by the Committees of Board including the Audit Committee were
accepted by the Board.
The Board met 9 times during the year under review. The maximum gap between two Board
meetings did not exceed 120 days. A detailed update on the Board, its Committees, its
composition, terms of reference of various Board Committees, number of board and committee
meetings held and attendance of the directors at each meeting is provided in the Report on
Corporate Governance.
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The Board on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee framed and
adopted the Nomination and Remuneration Policy for selection, appointment and removal of
directors, senior management, key managerial personnel (KMP) including their remuneration.
The Chairman of the Board and other Directors form the policies and ensure their
implementation in the best interests of the Company.
The Committee plays important role in selection of directors, senior management and KMP
inter-alia including determination of qualifications, experience, expertise, and
board diversity.
Remuneration to non-executive directors consists of sitting fees for attending
Board/Committee meetings, commission and other reimbursements. The said commission is
restricted to 1% of the net profits of the Company. All the independent directors are paid
commission on uniform basis. The Independent directors are not entitled to any stock
options.
The remuneration to a Whole Time Director/Executive Directors is broadly divided into
fixed and variable components. The fixed components comprise of monthly salary,
allowances, perquisites, and other retirement benefits. The variable component comprise of
performance based annual commission. The remuneration payable to them is subject to
approval of the members of the Company. The overall managerial remuneration payable to
them shall not exceed 10% of the net profits of the Company. For senior management, the
remuneration is based on their performance, Company's performance, individual targets
achieved, industry benchmark and compensation trends in the industry. Their remuneration
consists of monthly salary, bonus, perquisites, KPI and other retirement benefits.
The Nomination and Remuneration Policy and Executive Compensation Policy are available
on the website of the Company at
https://www.upl-ltd.com/investors/corporate-governance/policies.
HUMAN RESOURCES
The Company continuously strives to be the best globally in all the domains of its
operations and believes that its employees are the core foundation of this vision. The HR
strategy is committed to creating an engaging workforce and an inspirational leadership
that continuously powers this vision.
Key initiatives undertaken for Employees and Employees Wellness are as under: -
1. NextGen University Relations Program for the development of Associates.
2. CTO Mentoring Program for career advancement.
3. Advanced Leadership Development Program for Senior Leaders.
4. Executive Coaching for high-potential employees.
5. Women Leadership Program, Stand Tall for high-potential women.
6. Talent Rotation for high potential employees.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
Details of remuneration as required under Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule
5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014
is annexed to this Report as Annexure 2.
Particulars of employee remuneration as required under Section 197(12) of the Act read
with Rule 5(2) and Rule 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Rules, 2014 forms part of this report. In terms of the provisions of Section
136 of the Act, the Annual Report is being sent to members excluding the aforementioned
information. Any member interested in obtaining such information may write to the Company
Secretary of the Company.
ENERGY CONSERVATION, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The particulars relating to energy conservation, technology absorption, foreign
exchange earnings and outgo, as required to be disclosed under Section 134(3)(m) of the
Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are
provided in Annexure 4 to this Report.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
In terms of Section 134(3)(c) of the Companies Act, 2013, the directors confirm that:
a) In the preparation of the annual financial statements for the year ended March 31,
2024, the applicable accounting standards have been followed alongwith proper explanation
relating to material departures, if any. b) Such accounting policies as mentioned in the
Notes to the financial statements have been selected and applied consistently, and
judgement and estimates have been made that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a
true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at March 31, 2024 and of the
profit/loss of the Company for the year ended on that date. c) Proper and sufficient care
has been taken 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. d) That the annual financial
statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. e) That proper internal financial
controls were in place and that the financial controls were adequate and were operating
effectively. f) That systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable
laws were in place and were adequate and operating effectively.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT DISCUSSIONS AND ANALYSIS REPORT & BUSINESS
RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Your Company has been complying with Corporate Governance practices as set out in a
separate report, in pursuance of requirement of Para C of Schedule V of SEBI Listing
Regulations. A certificate from N.L Bhatia & Associates, Practicing Company
Secretaries confirming compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated
under the SEBI Listing Regulations is part of this Annual Report.
The Management Discussions and Analysis Report and Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Report forms part of the Annual Report as required under the SEBI Listing
Regulations.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Board of Directors affirms that the Company has complied with the applicable
Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Companies Secretaries of India relating
to the meetings of the Board and General Meetings.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Consolidated financial statements are prepared for the FY2024 in compliance with the
provisions of the Companies Act, applicable accounting standards and as prescribed under
the SEBI Listing Regulations. The consolidated statements are prepared on the basis of
audited financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, associates and joint
ventures. These consolidated financial statements along with the Auditor's Report thereon
form part of the Company's Annual Report.
ANNUAL RETURN
Pursuant to Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, a copy of the draft Annual Return
as on March 31, 2024 has been placed on the website of the Company and the web link of
such Annual Return is
https://www.upl-ltd.com/investors/financial-results-and-reports/annual-reports
OTHER DISCLOSURES
1. There was no change in the nature of business of the Company as stipulated under
sub-rule 5(ii) of Rule 8 of Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014.
2. There have been 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 balance sheet relates and the date of this Report.
3. There is no application made or proceeding pending under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2016 during the FY2024.
4. There was no instance of one-time settlement with any Bank or Financial Institution.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Board of Directors wish to place on record its deep sense of appreciation for the
committed services by all the employees of the Company. The Board of Directors would also
like to express their sincere appreciation for the assistance and co-operation received
from the financial institutions, banks, Government of India and Government of various
countries where the Company has operations, Government authorities, customers, vendors and
members during the year under review.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Statements in the Director's Report and the Management Discussion and Analysis Report
describing the Company's objectives, expectations or predictions, may be forward looking
within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results may
differ materially from those expressed in the statement. Important factors that could
influence the Company's operations include global and domestic demand and supply
conditions, availability of critical materials and their cost, changes in government
policies and tax laws, economic development of the country, and other factors which are
material to the business operations of the Company.
|
On behalf of the Board of Directors |
|
Jaidev R. Shroff |
Mumbai |
Chairman |
May 13, 2024 |
(DIN: 00191050) |
|