Dear Members,
Your Directors have pleasure in presenting the 30th (Thirtieth) Annual Report on the business and operations of your Company along with the Audited Financial Statements for the Financial Year ended December 31, 2024.
Financial Performance
The financial performance of your Company for the Financial Year ended December 31, 2024 is summarized below:
(Rs in Million)
Particulars | Standalone Financial Year ended December 31, 2024 | Financial Year ended December 31, 2023 | Consolidated Financial Year ended December 31, 2024 | Financial Year ended December 31, 2023 |
Total Revenue | 147,025.35 | 127,789.68 | 206,025.96 | 164,004.22 |
Total Expenses | 116,325.96 | 104,108.05 | 171,680.29 | 136,605.83 |
Profit before tax after exceptional items | 30,699.39 | 23,681.63 | 34,330.89 | 27,393.60 |
Less: Tax Expenses | 7,495.75 | 5,930.37 | 7,988.04 | 6,375.47 |
Profit after tax | 23,203.64 | 17,751.26 | 25,946.33* | 20,559.22* |
Balance brought forward from last year | 64,261.97 | 25,101.68 | 62,868.91 | 27,398.84 |
Balance carried over to | 60,721.86 | 40,558.71 | 68,582.05 | 45,663.50 |
Balance Sheet | ||||
General Reserve | 444.26 | 444.26 | 444.26 | 444.26 |
Other Reserves | 97,657.91 | 23,259.02 | 90,308.95 | 16,761.15 |
Reserves & Surplus carried to Balance Sheet | 158,824.03 | 64,261.97 | 159,335.27 | 62,868.91 |
*After adjustment on account of non-controlling interest.
Consolidated Financial Statements
The Consolidated Financial Statements of your Company for the Financial Year 2024 are prepared in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 (the Act), Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 [SEBI (LODR) Regulations] which shall also be provided to the Members in their forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).
State of the Companys Affairs
Your Company has presence in 26 States and 6 Union Territories in India as well as in 9 other countries through franchise rights (viz. Nepal, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini). Additionally, the Company holds distribution rights in 4 countries (viz. Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and Madagascar). As of December 31, 2024, the Company has 48 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities (36 in India and 12 in
International Geographies) with more than 2,600 owned vehicles, more than 2,800 primary distributors and more than 130 depots. The Company continues to create long-term value through different facets of its business and improve its presence, product mix and utilisation levels. With an increasing penetration on the back of a robust distribution network and diversifying product portfolio, the Company has created a sustainable operating efficiency at its manufacturing facilities.
Key Developments
On March 26, 2024, your Company consummated the acquisition of The Beverage Company Proprietary Limited, South Africa along-with its wholly-owned subsidiaries (BevCo). Accordingly, Bevco became the subsidiary of the Company. This acquisition allowed the Company to consolidate its presence in franchised territories in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini, as well as territories with distribution rights in Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, and Madagascar.
On November 13, 2024, your Company entered into share purchase agreements with Tanzania Bottling Company SA and Ghana Bottling Company Limited to acquire 100% share capital of SBC Tanzania Limited and SBC Beverages Ghana Limited respectively, subject to regulatory and other approvals, including but not limited to PepsiCo Inc.
Varun Beverages Morocco SA (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company) entered into an Exclusive Snacks Appointment Agreement to manufacture and package Cheetos in the territory of Morocco. This appointment is in addition to the existing distribution agreement for PepsiCos snacks portfolio consisting of Lays, Cheetos, Doritos in the territory of Morocco.
Varun Foods (Zimbabwe) (Private) Limited and Varun Beverages (Zambia) Limited (subsidiaries of the Company) entered into an Exclusive Snacks Franchising Appointment with Premier Nutrition Trading LLC, Dubai (subsidiary of PepsiCo Inc.) to manufacture, distribute, and sell Simba Munchiez in the territory of Zimbabwe & Zambia.
Deposits
Your Company has not accepted any deposits during the year under review falling within the ambit of Section 73 of the Act and the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
Transfer to General Reserve
Your Company has not transferred any amount to General Reserve for the Financial Year 2024.
Change in the Nature of Business, if any
During the year under review, there was no change in the nature of business of the Company.
Dividend Distribution Policy
The Board of Directors of the Company in their meeting held on August 9, 2017 approved and adopted a Policy on Distribution of Dividend to comply with Regulation 43A of SEBI (LODR) Regulations and the same is uploaded on website of the Company at https://www.varunbeverages. com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/10-Dividend-Distribution-Policy.pdf
Dividend
During the year under review, the Board of Directors in their meeting held on July 30, 2024 declared an interim dividend of 1.25 per Equity Share (face value of 5/- per Equity Share) to the eligible equity shareholders of the Company. Further, the Board of Directors have also recommended a final dividend of 0.50 per Equity Share (face value of 2/- per Equity Share) for the Financial Year 2024. Total cash outflow for dividend payout would be ~ 3,315.06 million for the Financial Year 2024.
Your Company has transferred the unpaid/unclaimed dividend (interim and final) to the Unclaimed Dividend Accounts of the respective financial years and the details of the same are uploaded on website of the Company at https://varunbeverages.com/corporate-governance/
Investor Education and Protection Fund
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 124 of the Act, Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016 (IEPF Rules) read with relevant circulars and amendments thereto, amount of dividend which remains unpaid/ unclaimed for a period of seven years from the date of transfer to the Companys unpaid dividend account and corresponding shares on which the dividend remains unclaimedforsevenconsecutiveyearsormorearerequired to be transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) constituted by the Central Government. Accordingly, your Company had transferred 45,375/- to IEPF (being unpaid/unclaimed interim dividend amount for FY 2017) and also transferred 299 equity shares (on which interim dividend for FY 2017 remained unpaid/ unclaimed for seven consecutive years) to the designated demat account of IEPF Authority and the same can be claimed from IEPF Authority only after complying with prescribed procedure under IEPF Rules.
Acquisition Guidelines
Your Company applies stringent strategic and financial criteria to any potential acquisition or partnership and to enhance transparency, the Board of Directors of the Company have approved and adopted Acquisition Guidelines for Companys M&A activities for viable acquisitions and the same is uploaded on website of the Company at https://varunbeverages.com/wp-content/ uploads/2023/03/9-VBL-Guidelines-for-Acquisition-in-India.pdf
Sub-Division/Split of Equity Shares
During the year under review, pursuant to the approval of Members through Postal Ballot on August 30, 2024, the Issued, Subscribed and Paid-up Equity Share Capital existing on the Record Date (i.e. September 12, 2024) was sub-divided/split such that each Equity Share having face value of 5/- each fully paid-up, was sub-divided/split into such number of Equity Shares having face value of 2/- each fully paid-up.
Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP)
During the year under review, in compliance with the provisions of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018, SEBI (LODR) Regulations and Sections 42 & 62 of the Act and Rules made thereunder, your Company has issued and allotted
132,743,362 Equity Shares of face value of 2/- each to the eligible Qualified Institutional Buyers at an issue price of 565/- per Equity Share i.e. at a premium of 563/- per Equity Share aggregating to 7,500 crore. Brief summary of utilization of funds are as follows:
Particulars | Amount as per Placement Document ( in crore) | Amount Utilized as on 31.12.2024 ( in crore) |
1. Repayment/ Prepayment, in part or in full of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the company and /or one of its subsidiaries | 5,600.00 | 5,047.55 |
2. For general corporate purposes and inorganic acquisitions | 1,839.00 | 385.85 |
3. QIP Issue Expense | 61.00 | 61.11* |
Total | 7,500.00 | 5,494.50 |
*incremental amount utilized through general corporate purposes allocated funds.
Share Capital
Pursuant to the approval of Members through Postal Ballot on August 30, 2024, the Authorized Share Capital of the Company stood sub-divided/ split from
10,000,000,000/- (Rupees Ten Billion only) divided into 2,000,000,000 (Two Billion) Equity Shares of face value of 5/- (Rupees Five only) each to 10,000,000,000/- (Rupees Ten Billion only) divided into 5,000,000,000 (Five Billion) Equity Shares of face value of 2/- (Rupees Two only) each.
During the year under review, the Issued, Subscribed and Paid-up Equity Share Capital of your Company was increased/changed from 6,496,074,880/- (Rupees Six Billion Four Hundred Ninety Six Million Seventy Four Thousand and Eight Hundred Eighty only) divided into 1,299,214,976 (One Billion Two Hundred Ninety Nine Million Two Hundred Fourteen Thousand and Nine Hundred Seventy Six) Equity Shares of face value of
5/- (Rupees Five only) each to 6,763,020,034/- (Rupees Six Billion Seven Hundred Sixty Three Million Twenty Thousand and Thirty Four only) divided into 3,381,510,017 (Three Billion Three Hundred Eighty One Million Five Hundred Ten Thousand and Seventeen) Equity Shares of face value of 2/- (Rupees Two only) each due to
(i) sub-division/split of Equity Shares of the Company such that each Equity Share having face value of 5/- each fully paid-up, was sub-divided/split into such number of Equity Shares having face value of
2/- each fully paid-up;
(ii) allotment of 729,215 (Seven Hundred Twenty Nine Thousand and Two Hundred Fifteen) Equity Shares of the Company in aggregate upon exercise of stock options vested under Employees Stock Option Scheme 2016;
(iii) allotment of 132,743,362 (One Hundred Thirty Two Million Seven Hundred Forty Three Thousand and Three Hundred Sixty Two) Equity
Shares of face value of 2/- each pursuant to Qualified Institutions Placement.
Employees Stock Option Scheme
Your Company has Employees Stock Option Scheme 2016 (ESOP Scheme 2016) i.e. in compliance with SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021, as amended from time to time (SEBI ESOP Regulations) and there has been no material change to the ESOP Scheme 2016 during the year under review. Consequent to sub-division/split of Equity Shares, all the options granted under the ESOP Scheme 2016 have been adjusted for sub-divided/split shares.
Certificate from Secretarial Auditors of the Company that ESOP Scheme 2016 has been implemented in accordance with the SEBI ESOP Regulations and the resolution(s) passed by the Members of the Company will be uploaded on website viz. https://varunbeverages.com/agm/ for inspection by Members of the Company.
The statutory disclosures as mandated under the Act and SEBI ESOP Regulations are available on website of the Company at https://varunbeverages.com/agm/
Credit Rating
During the year under review, your Companys credit ratings by CRISIL is as below:
Long Term Rating | CRISIL AA+/Stable (Re-affirmed) |
Short Term Rating | CRISIL A1+ (Re-affirmed) |
Related Party Transactions
To comply with the provisions of Sections 177 and 188 of the Act and Rules made thereunder read with Regulation 23 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, your Company took necessary prior (including omnibus) approval of the Audit, Risk Management and Ethics Committee before entering into related party transactions. All contracts/ arrangements/transactions entered into by the Company during the Financial Year 2024 with related parties, as defined under the Act and SEBI (LODR) Regulations, were in the ordinary course of business and on arms length basis.
During the year under review, your Company and/ or its subsidiaries have not entered into any contract/ arrangement/transaction with related parties which could be considered material in accordance with the Policy of the Company on Related Party Transactions.
None of the transactions with any of the related parties were in conflict with the interest of the Company rather, these were synchronized and synergized with the Companys operations. Attention of Members is drawn to the disclosure of transactions with the related parties set out in Note No. 43 of the Standalone Financial Statements forming part of the Annual Report.
Your Company has framed a Policy on Related Party Transactions in accordance with the Act and SEBI (LODR) Regulations. The Policy intends to ensure that proper reporting, approval and disclosure processes are in place for all transactions between the Company and its related parties. The policy is uploaded on website of the Company at https://www.varunbeverages.com/policies/ policy-on-related-party-transactions.pdf
Since all transactions which were entered into during the Financial Year 2024 were on arms length basis and in the ordinary course of business and there was no material related party transaction entered by the Company during the Financial Year 2024 as per Policy on Related Party Transactions, hence no detail is required to be provided in Form AOC-2 prescribed under Clause (h) of Sub-section (3) of Section 134 of the Act and Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014.
Particulars of Loans, Guarantees or Investments
Details of Loans, Guarantees or Investments covered under the provisions of Section 186 of the Act are given in the Notes to the Standalone Financial Statements.
Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures
Your Company has following Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Venture:
Subsidiaries
Varun Beverages (Nepal) Private Limited;
Varun Beverages Lanka (Private) Limited; - Ole Springs Bottlers (Private) Limited (step-down subsidiary);
Varun Beverages Morocco SA;
Varun Beverages (Zambia) Limited;
Varun Beverages (Zimbabwe) (Private) Limited;
Varun Beverages RDC SAS;
Varun Beverages International DMCC;
Varun Beverages South Africa (Pty) Ltd;
VBL Mozambique, SA;
The Beverage Company Proprietary Limited, South Africa (w.e.f. 26.03.2024);
- The Beverage Company Bidco Proprietary Limited (w.e.f. 26.03.2024) (step-down subsidiary);
- Little Green Beverages Proprietary Limited (w.e.f. 26.03.2024) (step-down subsidiary);
- Softbev Proprietary Limited (w.e.f. 26.03.2024) (step-down subsidiary);
Varun Foods (Zimbabwe) (Private) Limited (w.e.f. 22.05.2024); and
Lunarmech Technologies Private Limited (wholly owned subsidiary w.e.f. 16.12.2024).
Associates
Clean Max Tav Private Limited; and
Huoban Energy 7 Private Limited
Joint Venture
IDVB Recycling Operations Private Limited
To comply with the provisions of Section 129 of the Act, a separate statement containing salient features of Financial Statements of Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Venture of your Company (including their performance and financial position) in prescribed Form AOC-1 forms part of Consolidated Financial Statements and therefore not repeated here to avoid duplication. Further, contribution of Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Venture to the overall performance of your Company is outlined in Note No. 58 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Statements of the aforesaid Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Venture companies are kept open for inspection by the Members at the Registered Office of your Company on all days except Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday up to the date of AGM i.e. April 3, 2025 between 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as required under Section 136 of the Act. Any Member desirous of obtaining a copy of the said Financial Statements may write to the Company at its Registered Office or Corporate Office. The Financial Statements including the Consolidated Financial Statements and all other documents required to be attached with this Report have been uploaded on website of the Company at https://varunbeverages.com/ annual-reports/
To comply with the provisions of Regulation 16(c) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, the Board of Directors of the Company have approved and adopted a Policy for determination of Material Subsidiary and Governance of Subsidiaries and as on December 31, 2024, none of the subsidiary was a material subsidiary of the Company in terms of the said Policy. Policy for determination of Material Subsidiary and Governance of Subsidiaries is uploaded on website of the Company at https://www.varunbeverages.com/policies/policy-on-material-subsidiary-VBL.pdf
Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
Directors
To comply with the provisions of Section 152 of the Act and in terms of the Articles of Association of the Company, Mr. Varun Jaipuria (DIN: 02465412) and Mr. Rajinder Jeet Singh Bagga (DIN: 08440479), Whole-time Directors are liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing AGM and being eligible, seeks re-appointment. The Board of Directors, on the recommendation of Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC), recommended their re-appointment for consideration by the Members at the ensuing AGM.
Further, the re-appointment of Mr. Varun Jaipuria and Mr. Raj Gandhi (DIN: 00003649) w.e.f. November 1, 2024 and Mr. Rajinder Jeet Singh Bagga w.e.f. May 2, 2024 as Whole-time Directors for a further period of upto 5 (Five) years, liable to retire by rotation and the appointment of Dr. Naresh Trehan (DIN: 00012148) w.e.f. April 21, 2024 as a Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of the Company, liable to retire by rotation were approved by Members of your Company at 29th AGM held on April 3, 2024.
Company has received declarations from all the Independent Directors of the Company confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as prescribed both under Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations and are in compliance with Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014. Further, the Independent Directors have also confirmed that they are not aware of any circumstance or situation, which exists or may be reasonably anticipated, that could impair or impact their ability to discharge their duties as Independent Directors of the Company.
The Board is of the opinion that the Independent Directors of the Company possess requisite qualifications, experience and expertise and they hold highest standards of integrity (including the proficiency) and fulfils the conditions specified in the Act read with Rules made thereunder and SEBI (LODR) Regulations and are eligible & independent of the management.
None of the Directors of the Company are disqualified as per the provisions of Section 164 of the Act. The Directors of the Company have made necessary disclosures under Section 184 and other relevant provisions of the Act.
Brief resume and other details of the Directors being appointed/re-appointed at the ensuing AGM as stipulated under Secretarial Standard-2 issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and Regulation 36 of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, are separately disclosed in the Notice of ensuing AGM.
Key Managerial Personnel
Mr. Rajesh Chawla was appointed as a Chief Financial OfficerandKeyManagerialPersonneloftheCompanyw.e.f. May 14, 2024 in accordance with the provisions of Section 203 of the Act read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, in place of Mr. Lalit Malik, who resigned as Chief Financial Officer and Key Managerial Personnel of your Company w.e.f. May 13, 2024.
Further, Mr. Raj Gandhi, Whole-time Director and Mr. Ravi Batra, Chief Risk Officer & Group Company Secretary, continued to be the Key Managerial Personnel of your Company in accordance with the provisions of Section 203 of the Act read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014.
Board Evaluation
To comply with the provisions of Section 134(3)(p) of the Act and Rules made thereunder and Regulation 17(10) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, the Board has carried out the annual performance evaluation of the Directors individually including the Independent Directors (wherein the concerned Director being evaluated did not participate), Board as a whole and following Committees of the Board of Directors:
i) Audit, Risk Management and Ethics Committee; ii) Nomination and Remuneration Committee; iii) Stakeholders Relationship Committee; and iv) Corporate Social Responsibility Committee.
The manner in which the annual performance evaluation has been carried out is explained in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this report. Board is responsible to monitor and review the evaluation framework.
Further, to comply with Regulation 25(4) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, Independent Directors also evaluated the performance of Non-Independent Directors, Chairman and Board as a whole at a separate meeting of Independent Directors.
Board and Committees of the Board
The number of meetings of the Board and various Committees of the Board including composition are set out in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this report. The intervening gap between the meetings was within the period prescribed under the provisions of Section 173 of the Act and SEBI (LODR) Regulations.
Remuneration Policy
To comply with the provisions of Section 178 of the Act and Rules made thereunder and Regulation 19 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, the Companys Remuneration Policy for Directors, Key Managerial Personnel (KMP), Senior Management and other Employees of the Company is uploaded on website of the Company at https://www. varunbeverages.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/12-Remuneration-Policy.pdf. The Policy includes, inter-alia, the criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes, independence of a Director, appointment and remuneration of Directors, KMPs, Senior Management Personnel and other employees of the Company.
Remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Particulars of Employees
The statement of remuneration under Section 197 of the Act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is attached to this report as Annexure A.
Further, as per second proviso to Section 136(1) of the Act read with Rule 5 of the aforesaid Rules, the Boards Report and Financial Statements are being sent to the Members of the Company excluding the statement of particulars of employees as required under Rule 5(2) of the aforesaid Rules. Any member interested in obtaining a copy of the said statement may write to the Compliance Officer at complianceofficer@rjcorp.in up to the date of AGM. The said statement is also available for inspection by the Members at the Registered Office of your Company on all days except Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday up to the date of AGM i.e. April 3, 2025 between 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Statutory Auditors
The Shareholders of the Company in their 27th & 28th AGM held on April 7, 2022 and March 27, 2023 respectively appointedM/s.OPBagla&Co.LLP,CharteredAccountants (Firm Registration Number 000018N/N500091) and M/s. J C Bhalla & Co., Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration Number 001111N) as Joint Statutory Auditors of the Company for a period of upto 5(Five) consecutive years to hold office till the conclusion of AGM to be held in the year 2027 and 2028 respectively. They have also confirmed that they are not disqualified from continuing as Joint Statutory Auditors of the Company.
The Statutory Auditors Report for the Financial Year 2024 does not contain any qualification, reservation or adverse remark and forms part of the Annual Report. The Statutory Auditors have not reported any fraud under Section 143(12) of the Act.
Cost Audit
In terms of Section 148 of the Act and the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, Cost Audit is not applicable on the Company for the Financial Year 2024.
Disclosure under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
To comply with the provisions of Section 134 of the Act and Rules made thereunder, your Company has complied with the provisions relating to constitution of Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
During the year under review, no complaint was received under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Vigil Mechanism / Whistle Blower Policy
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 177 of the Act and Regulation 22 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, the Company has adopted a Vigil Mechanism/Whistle Blower Policy to provide a platform to the Directors and Employees of the Company to raise concerns regarding any irregularity, misconduct or unethical matters/dealings within the Company. The same is detailed in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this report.
During the year under review, no complaint was received under the Vigil Mechanism/ Whistle Blower Policy of the Company.
Secretarial Auditors
Pursuant to the amended provisions of Regulation 24A of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations and Section 204 of the Act read with Rule 9 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Audit, Risk Management and Ethics Committee and the Board of Directors have approved and recommended the appointment of M/s. Sanjay Grover & Associates, Peer Reviewed Firm of Company Secretaries in Practice (Firm Registration Number: P2001DE052900) as Secretarial Auditors of the Company for a term of upto 5(Five) consecutive years to hold office from the conclusion of ensuing AGM till the conclusion of 35th (Thirty Fifth) AGM of the Company to be held in the Year 2030, for approval of the Members at ensuing AGM of the Company. Brief resume and other details of M/s. Sanjay Grover & Associates, Company Secretaries in Practice, are separately disclosed in the Notice of ensuing AGM.
M/s. Sanjay Grover & Associates have given their consent to act as Secretarial Auditors of the Company and confirmed that their aforesaid appointment (if made) would be within the prescribed limits under the Act & Rules made thereunder and SEBI (LODR) Regulations. They have also confirmed that they are not disqualified to be appointed as Secretarial Auditors in terms of provisions of the Act & Rules made thereunder and SEBI (LODR) Regulations.
The Secretarial Audit Report for the Financial Year 2024 does not contain any qualification, reservation or adverse remark and is attached to this report as Annexure B. Further, the Secretarial Auditors have not reported any fraud under Section 143(12) of the Act.
Risk Management
The Audit, Risk Management and Ethics Committee of the Board of Directors inter-alia monitor and review the risk management plan and such other functions as assigned from time to time.
Your Company has a robust Risk Management Policy which identifies and evaluates business risks and opportunities. The Company recognizes that these risks needs to be managed and mitigated to protect the interest of the stakeholders and to achieve business objectives. The risk management framework is aimed at effectively mitigating the Companys various business and operational risks through strategic actions. In line with the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, cyber security risks are also covered under Risk Management Policy of the Company.
Internal Financial Controls
Your Company has in place adequate Internal Financial Controls. The report on Internal Financial Controls issued by M/s. J C Bhalla & Co., Chartered Accountants and M/s. O P Bagla & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants, Joint Statutory Auditors of the Company is annexed to the Audit Report on the Financial Statements of the Company and does not contain any reportable weakness in the Company.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Your Company has a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy which is uploaded on website of the Company at https:// varunbeverages.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/24-CSR-Policy-Clear-Version.pdf. This Policy includes inter-alia the guiding principles for selection, implementation and monitoring of CSR activities of the Company.
Annual Report on CSR activities for the Financial Year 2024 as required under Sections 134 and 135 of the Act read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 and Rule 9 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is attached to this report as Annexure - C.
Directors Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to Section 134(3)(c) read with Section 134(5) of the Act, the Directors state that:
(a) in the preparation of the annual accounts for the Financial Year ended December 31, 2024, 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 your Company as at December 31, 2024 and of the profits of the Company for the period ended on that date;
(c) proper and sufficient care have been taken for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordancewiththeprovisionsofActforsafeguarding the assets of your Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(d) the annual accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis;
(e) proper internal financial controls laid down by the Directors were followed by the Company and that such internal financial controls were adequate and operating effectively; and
(f) proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws were in place and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
Other Information
Management Discussion & Analysis Report
Management Discussion & Analysis Report for the Financial Year 2024 as stipulated under Regulation 34(2)(e) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations forms part of the Annual Report.
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) for the Financial Year 2024 describing the initiatives taken by the Company from an Environment, Social and Governance perspective as stipulated under Regulation 34(2)(f) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations forms part of the Annual Report.
Further, as per the new reporting requirements, your Company had taken reasonable assurance of the BRSR
Core from third-party Independent Assurance provider and the same forms part of the Annual Report.
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 stipulated under Section 134(3)(m) of the Act read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is attached to this report as Annexure D.
Corporate Governance Report
Your Company is committed to maintain the highest standards of Corporate Governance and adhere to the Corporate Governance requirements set out by Securities and Exchange Board of India. The report on Corporate Governance as stipulated under the SEBI (LODR) Regulations is attached to this report as Annexure E. The certificate from M/s. Sanjay Grover & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries confirming compliance with the conditions of corporate governance is also attached to the Corporate Governance Report.
Listing
The Equity Shares of the Company are listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited. Both these stock exchanges have nation-wide trading terminals. Annual listing fee for the Financial Year 2024-25 has been paid to the National Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSE Limited.
Equity Shares of your Company have been admitted in Future & Options (F&O) segment with National Stock Exchange of India Limited with effect from November 29, 2024 and BSE Limited with effect from December 13, 2024.
Annual Return
Pursuant to Sections 92(3) and 134(3)(a) of the Act, the Annual Return of the Company is uploaded on website of the Company at https://varunbeverages.com/ annual-reports/
Research & Development
During the year under review, no Research & Development was carried out.
Cautionary Statement
Statements in the Boards Report and the Management Discussion & Analysis Report describing the Companys objectives, expectations or forecasts may be forward looking within the meaning of applicable laws and regulations. Actual results may differ from those expressed in the statement.
General
Your Directors confirm that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the following items as there was no transaction on these items during the year under review:
1. Issue of equity shares with differential voting rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise.
2. The Whole-time Directors of the Company does not receive any remuneration or commission from any of its subsidiaries.
3. No significant or material orders were passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and Companys operations in future.
4. Issue of Sweat Equity Shares.
5. No application made or any proceeding pending under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 as at the end of the Financial Year 2024.
6. No instance of one-time settlement with any bank or financial institution.
The Company is in regular compliance of the applicable provisions of Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
No material changes and commitments have occurred after the closure of the Financial Year 2024 till the date of this Report, which would affect the financial position of your Company.
Acknowledgement
Your Companys organizational culture upholds professionalism, integrity and continuous improvement across all functions as well as efficient utilization of the Companys resources for sustainable and profitable growth.
Your Directors wish to place on record their appreciation for the sincere services rendered by employees of the Company at all levels. Your Directors also wish to place on record their appreciation for the valuable co-operation and support received from various Government Authorities, Banks/Financial Institutions and other stakeholders such as members, customers and suppliers, among others. Your Directors also commend the continuing commitment and dedication of employees at all levels which has been vital for the Companys success. Your Directors look forward to their continued support in future.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors | |
ForVarun Beverages Limited | |
Ravi Jaipuria | |
Date: February 10, 2025 | Chairman |
Place: Gurugram | DIN: 00003668 |
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