The Directors are pleased to present their Thirty-Ninth Annual Report together with
audited financial statements for the financial year ended 31st March 2023.
PERFORMANCE REVIEW
During FY 2022-23, Indian Economy witnessed GDP growth of 7.2% against 9.1% during FY
2021-22. GDP growth, during the year under review, was mainly driven by construction,
mining, transport & other services apart from sustained growth in the agricultural
sector.
During the year under review, the domestic CV Industry registered YoY growth of 34%
with volumes reaching at 9,62,500. Sale of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) increased by
27% with volumes at 6,03,500 and Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles (M&HCVs)
increased by 49% with volumes at 3,59,000. The 5-12 ton GVW category, in which the Company
principally operates, increased by 40% with volumes reaching at 1,10,200.
Your Companys sales volume increased by 68% (from 7,392 in FY 2021-22 to 12,442 in FY
2022-23) with higher share of buses. The Company was able to increase its bus market share
from 14.9% (FY 2021-22) to 20.2% (FY 2022-23).
The CV Industry growth, during the year under review, was supported by infrastructure
push by the Government, strong replacement demand, pick-up in mining & construction
activities, and some element of pre-buying prior to the introduction of BS6 Phase-2 norms
effective from 1st April, 2023. Further, the growth was driven by opening up of offices
and educational institutions and increase in tour & travel activities, etc.
With increase in volumes (from 7,392 vehicles to 12,442 vehicles - up 68%) and
softening of commodity prices, financial performance of the Company has improved
considerably during FY 2022-23 as summarized below:
|
|
(Rs. in Crores) |
| Year ended 31st March |
2023 |
2022 |
| Sales Volume (No. of Vehicles) |
12442 |
7392 |
| Sale of Products (Net) and Other Operating Revenues |
1821.59 |
924.17 |
| Profit / (Loss) before Other Income, Depreciation, Finance Costs and Tax |
81.64 |
(41.20) |
| Add: Other income |
3.12 |
5.96 |
| Profit / (Loss) before Depreciation, Finance Costs and Tax |
84.76 |
(35.24) |
| Less: Depreciation and Amortization |
42.43 |
43.52 |
| Profit / (Loss) before Finance Costs and Tax |
42.33 |
(78.76) |
| Less: Finance Costs |
25.05 |
21.51 |
| Profit / (Loss) before Tax |
17.28 |
(100.27) |
| Less: Tax (Including Deferred Tax) |
(2.55) |
(0.51) |
| Profit / (Loss) after Tax |
19.83 |
(99.76) |
| Add: Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) [Net of Tax] |
(3.37) |
5.68 |
| Total comprehensive income for the year |
16.46 |
(94.08) |
DIVIDEND
Keeping in view the financial position of the Company, the Directors of your Company
have not recommended any dividend for FY 2022-23.
Pursuant to Regulation 43A of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015, as amended, the Board has approved and adopted a Dividend
Distribution Policy, effective from 1st April, 2021. The policy is available on the
Companys website at https:// www.smlisuzu.com/Financials/DividendPolicy.aspx
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Management Discussion and Analysis, which also covers the state of the Companys
affairs, forms a part of this report.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
A report on corporate governance together with the Certificate from M/s. A. Arora &
Co., a firm of Practicing Company Secretaries, confirming compliance with corporate
governance norms as stipulated under the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015, forms a part of this report.
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
Industrial relations and work atmosphere remained cordial throughout the year with
sustained communication and engagement with workforce through various forums.
SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
The Company continues to demonstrate strong commitment to safety, health and
environment which have been adopted as core organizational values. The Company ensures
safety and audits its facilities in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
The Directors review these areas periodically through reports and presentations made at
the Board Meetings. Employees are continuously made aware of hazards / risks associated
with their job and their knowledge and skills are updated through requisite training to
meet any emergency. Medical check-ups and eco-friendly activities are conducted
periodically.
Safe disposal of hazardous waste is ensured through recyclers / co-processors of
hazardous wastes. Effluent treatment plant and online monitoring systems have been
installed for the treatment of trade & domestic effluents and usage of treated water
for other processes like green belt maintenance.
The Company continues to maintain and uphold ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System),
IATF 16949: 2016 (Automotive Quality Management System), ISO 27001:2013 (Information
Security Management System), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) and ISO
45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System) certifications.
CURRENT BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
The domestic CV Industry registered decline of 3.3% in wholesale volumes during Q1 FY
2023-24 with volumes at 2,17,000 (last year - 2,24,500).
M&HCVs truck segment has been impacted with unpredictable rainfall, tightened
emission norms resulting in some prebuying during last quarter of FY 2022-23 and elevated
interest rates - declined 1.7% with volumes at 66,800 (last year - 68,000). LCV truck
segment suffered due to high base effect and slowdown in e-commerce business - declined
8.9% with volumes at 1,24,800 (last year - 1,37,000). However, Bus segment witnessed
strong growth in volumes backed by demand from the educational institutions and increased
spending by the Government - up 30.4% with volumes at 25,400 (last year - 19,500).
During Q1 FY 2023-24, Your Companys sales volume increased by 14% (from 3511 in Q1 FY
2022-23 to 4006 in Q1 FY 2023-24). The Companys turnover for the first quarter is Rs.
633.8 crores and Profit Before tax (PBT) is Rs. 32.0 crores (against Q1 FY 2022-23
turnover of Rs. 500.7 crores and PBT of Rs. 2.3 crores).
Although CV industry volumes declined during Q1 FY 2023-24, Industry experts predict
recovery in the subsequent quarters, supported by steady freight demand, economic recovery
and the Governments focus on infrastructure spending in line with the budgetary
allocations.
Current scenario and outlook for CV industry are discussed in detail in the Management
Discussion and Analysis, which forms part of this report.
DIRECTORS
At the last Annual General Meeting, held on 21st September, 2022, the Members had
approved the appointment of Ms. Atima Khanna as Non-Executive Independent Director (in
place of Dr. (Mrs.) Vasantha S. Bharucha whose term was completed on 21st September 2022)
and Mr. Takashi Nishida as Non-Executive Director (in place of Mr. Kazuo Goda who tendered
his resignation effective from 10th August 2022).
Mr. Masaki Morohoshi retires by rotation and being eligible, offers himself for
re-appointment.
Mr. Takashi Nishida retires by rotation and being eligible, offers himself for
re-appointment.
The details of the Directors being recommended for appointment / re-appointment are
contained in the Notice convening the ensuing Annual General Meeting of the Company.
All the independent Directors have given declaration to the Company that they meet the
criteria of independence set out in the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and the Companies
Act, 2013. The Board is of the opinion that the Independent Directors of the Company hold
highest standards of integrity and possess requisite expertise and experience required to
fulfill their duties as Independent Directors.
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL (KMPs)
In terms of the applicable provisions of the Companies Act 2013, Mr. Junya Yamanishi,
Managing Director & CEO, Mr. Rakesh Bhalla, Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Parvesh
Madan, Company Secretary, are the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company as on 31st
March, 2023. During the year under review, Mr. Rakesh Bhalla was re-appointed as Chief
Financial Officer of the Company from 11th February 2023 to 31st May 2025.
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
Based on the recommendations of its Nomination & Remuneration Committee, the Board
has adopted a Nomination and Remuneration Policy, which is attached as Annexure A.
SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATE COMPANIES
Sumitomo Corporation, Japan, a body corporate, is the Promoter of the Company and holds
43.96% shareholding of the Company. In terms of the provisions of Section 2(76) the
Companies Act, the Company is an Associate Company of Sumitomo Corporation. However, the
Company does not have any Subsidiary, Joint Venture or Associate Company.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All related party transactions that were entered into during the financial year were at
arms length, in the ordinary course of business and in compliance with the applicable
provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Listing Regulations. There were no material
transactions made by the Company during the year that would have required Members
approval.
All related party transactions are placed before the Audit Committee for its approval.
Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained for the transactions which are
repetitive in nature.
The Company has adopted a policy to deal with related party transactions as approved by
the Board of Directors. It is available on the Companys website at the web link: http://
smlisuzu.com/Financials/RPTPolicy.aspx.
In terms of Section 134(3) (h) of the Companies Act, 2013, there are no transactions to
be reported in Form AOC-2. The details of the related party transactions as per Ind-AS,
are set out in Note 36 to the Financial Statements.
EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN
In terms of Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 12 of the Companies
(Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the Annual Return of the Company is available
on the website of the Company at the web link: https://smlisuzu.com/upload/agmnotice/annualreturn
2023.pdf.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
Seven (7) Board Meetings were held during the year as detailed in the Corporate
Governance Report which forms part of this report.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee comprises of three independent Directors - Mr. Sudhir Nayar, as
Chairman, Mr. Chandra Shekhar Verma and Ms. Atima Khanna as its members. The tenure of Dr.
(Mrs.) Vasantha S. Bharucha was completed on 21st September 2022 and Ms Atima Khanna was
appointed in her place w.e.f. 22nd September 2022.
All the recommendations made by the Audit Committee during the year were accepted by
the Board.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
The information as per Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5 (1) of
the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, forms
part of this Report is attached as Annexure B.
The disclosure as per Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5 (2) and
Rule 5 (3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,
2014 is provided in a separate annexure forming part of this Report. That annexure is not
being sent to the Members and others entitled to this Report and the financial statements,
as provided in Section 136 (1) of the Companies Act, 2013. Any member interested in
obtaining a copy of the said Annexure may write to the Company Secretary at
investors@smlisuzu.com
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS UNDER SECTION 186 OF THE COMPANIES ACT,
2013
The Company has not given any loans, guarantees or made any investments during the
year, which would be covered by Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013.
AMOUNTS PROPOSED TO BE CARRIED TO RESERVES
No amount proposed to be transferred to General Reserves.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY
No material changes have occurred or commitments made after 31st March, 2023, which may
affect the financial position of the Company or require disclosure.
SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
Your Company is conscious of its responsibility towards preservation of natural
resources and continuously takes initiatives to reduce consumption of electricity and
water.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The primary objective of risk management is to protect the Company against risks to the
value of the business, its capital and its continuity. In order to achieve the objective
and for better governance, the Board has a Risk Management Committee (RMC) comprising two
independent Directors and Managing Director & CEO.
RMC is entrusted with the functions of determining efficacy of risk management
framework of the Company, evaluation of risks and mitigating measures. The Company has
adopted a Risk Management Policy based on the recommendations of RMC.
The Policy sets out key risk areas - financial risks (including risk to assets),
commodity price risks, foreign exchange fluctuation risks, legislative and regulatory
risks, environmental risks (including natural disasters), operational risks, IT &
Cyber Security risks, risks relating to employment and manpower, and individual large
transactional risks. The Policy also provides guidance for Business Continuity Plan. The
Chief Risk Officer (CRO) identifies and proposes action in respect of all risks as and
when any are perceived or foreseen or inherent in operations; analyses these, and then
reports to RMC for its review and guidance. The Directors also bring to the notice of, and
caution, the Committee of a risk perceived by them.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee comprises of three Directors - Mr.
Chandra Shekhar Verma, Independent Director, as the Chairman, Mr. Takuro Horikoshi,
Non-Executive Director and Mr. Junya Yamanishi, Managing Director & CEO as its
members.
On the recommendations of its CSR Committee, the Board has adopted Companys policy on
CSR with key thrust areas defined as - promoting healthcare and sanitation, supporting
education of girl child and under privileged children, sponsoring vocational education/
technical education, supporting deserving sportspersons etc.
Annual Report on CSR activities for the year ended 31st March, 2023 is attached as Annexure
C.
BOARD EVALUATION
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act and Listing Regulations, performance
evaluation of the Board and its Committees and all the Directors was undertaken and the
details are covered in the Corporate Governance Report.
CHANGE IN THE NATURE OF BUSINESS
There has been no change in the nature of business of the Company during the year.
SHARE CAPITAL
There was no change in the Companys issued, subscribed and paid-up equity share
capital during the year. Further, the Company has not issued any sweat equity shares or
equity shares with differential rights during the year under review.
DEPOSITS
During the year, the Company has not accepted any deposit under Chapter V of the
Companies Act, 2013.
SIGNIFICANT ORDERS PASSED BY REGULATORS, COURTS OR TRIBUNALS IMPACTING GOING CONCERN
AND COMPANYS OPERATIONS
To the best of our knowledge, the Company has not received any such orders from
regulators, courts or tribunals or any other authority during the year, which may impact
the going concern status of the Company or its operations in future. Further, there is no
proceeding pending under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
POLICY ON PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORKPLACE
The Company has adopted a policy in line with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment
of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the Rules
there under. The Policy aims to provide protection to women at the workplace and prevent
and redress complaints of sexual harassment and for matters connected or incidental
thereto, with the objective of providing a safe working environment.
The Company has also constituted an Internal Complaints Committee in accordance with
the Act, to inquire into complaints and take appropriate action. The Company has not
received any complaint of sexual harassment during the year.
VIGIL MECHANISM /WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
The Company has adopted a whistle blower policy, to provide formal mechanism to the
Directors, Employees and Business Associates of the Company to report their concerns about
unethical behavior, actual or suspected fraud or violation of the Companys code of
conduct or ethics policy or to report genuine concerns or grievances including instances
of leak or suspected leak of unpublished price sensitive information pursuant to SEBI
(Prohibition of Insider T rading) Regulations, 2015. It provides for adequate safeguards
against victimization of Employees and any other person who avail of the mechanism and
provides for direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee.
Whistle Blower Policy of the Company is available on the Companys website at the web
link: http://smlisuzu.com/Financials/WhistleBlowerPolicy.aspx.
SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Company has duly complied with the applicable Secretarial Standards issued by the
Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).
DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to Section 134(3) (c) and 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Directors, to
the best of their knowledge and ability, confirm that:
(a) in the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2023, the
applicable accounting standards have been followed and proper explanations provided
relating to material departures, if any;
(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 as at 31st March, 2023 and of the profit of
the Company for the year ended on that date;
(c) they have 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; they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
(d) they have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and
that such internal financial controls are adequate and are operating effectively;
(e) they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The details of familiarization programme for Independent Directors in respect of their
roles, rights & responsibilities, nature of the industry in which Company operates,
business model of the Company and related matters are available on the website of the
Company at web link: http://smlisuzu.com/Financials/FamiliarisationProgramme.aspx
SECRETARIAL AUDIT
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 and The Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, M/s A. Arora &
Co., a firm of Company Secretaries in practice, was appointed as the Secretarial Auditors
of the Company to carry out the Secretarial Audit of the Company for FY 2022-23. The
Secretarial Audit Report, for the year under review, does not contain any qualification
and is attached as Annexure D.
INTERNAL AUDITORS
M/s. S. Tandon & Associates, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 006388N),
was appointed as the Internal Auditors of the Company for Financial Year 2022-23.
STATUTORY AUDITORS
M/s. Walker Chandiok & Co LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No.
001076N/N500013), was appointed as the Statutory Auditors of the Company, at its 36th
Annual General Meeting, for a period of five years.
Auditors Report to the Members of the Company, for the year under review, does not
contain any qualification.
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS WITH REFERENCE TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Based on the work performed by the internal, statutory and secretarial auditors and the
reviews carried out by the Management and the relevant Board Committees, the Directors are
of the opinion that the Company has in place, adequate internal financial controls, with
reference to financial statements, commensurate with the size and nature of the business
of the Company. During the year, such controls were tested and no reportable material
weaknesses in the design or operation were observed.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The required information on conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign
exchange earnings and outgo as stipulated in the Companies Act, 2013 is attached as Annexure
E.
COST RECORDS
There are no cost records which are prescribed under Section 148(1) of the Companies
Act for any of the products manufactured / services rendered by the Company.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT (BRSR)
As per Regulation 34 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations 2015, a Business Responsibility & Sustainability Report for FY 2022-23 is
attached as Annexure F and forms part of this Report.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Your Directors express their grateful appreciation for the co-operation received from
the concerned Government departments, banks, dealers and other business constituents
during the year under review. Your Directors also wish to place on record their deep sense
of appreciation for the committed services of the employees of the Company at all levels.
|
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
|
S.K. TUTEJA |
JUNYA YAMANISHI |
| Dated: 4th August, 2023 |
Chairman |
Managing Director & CEO |
+91-9892691696
