e20vf
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
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Registration statement pursuant to section 12(b) or (g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
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þ |
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Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006
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Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the transition period from to
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Shell Company Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
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Date of event requiring this shell company report |
Commission File Number 001-16139
WIPRO LIMITED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrants name into English)
Karnataka, India
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Doddakannelli
Sarjapur Road
Bangalore, Karnataka 560035, India
+91-80-2844-0011
(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of Each Class
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Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
None
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Not applicable |
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
American Depositary Shares,
each represented by one Equity Share, par value Rs. 2 per share.
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
Not Applicable
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuers classes of capital or
common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report: 1,425,754,267 Equity Shares.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule
405 of the Securities Act
Yes þ No o
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is
not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act, 1934
Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated
filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large Accelerated Filer þ
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Accelerated Filer o
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Non Accelerated Filer o |
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Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
Item 17 o Item 18 þ
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company
(As defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Yes o No þ
Currency of Presentation and Certain Defined Terms
In this Annual Report on Form 20-F, references to U.S., or United States are to the United
States of America, its territories and its possessions. References to India are to the Republic
of India. References to U.K. are to United Kingdom. Reference to $ or US$ or dollars or U.S.
dollars are to the legal currency of the United States, references to £ or Pound Sterling are
to the legal currency of United Kingdom and references to Rs. or Rupees or Indian rupees are
to the legal currency of India. All amounts are in Rs. unless otherwise stated. Our financial
statements are presented in Indian rupees and translated into U.S. dollars and are prepared in
accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). References to
Indian GAAP are to Indian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. References to a particular
fiscal year are to our fiscal year ended March 31 of such year.
All references to we, us, our, Wipro or the Company shall mean Wipro Limited and, unless
specifically indicated otherwise or the context indicates otherwise, our consolidated subsidiaries.
Wipro is a registered trademark of Wipro in the United States and India. All other trademarks or
trade names used in this Annual Report on Form 20-F are the property of the respective owners.
Except as otherwise stated in this Annual Report, all translations from Indian rupees to U.S.
dollars are based on the noon buying rate in the City of New York on March 31, 2006, for cable
transfers in Indian rupees as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York which was Rs. 44.48 per $1.00. No representation is made that the Indian rupee amounts have
been, could have been or could be converted into United States dollars at such a rate or any other
rate. Any discrepancies in any table between totals and sums of the amounts listed are due to
rounding. Information contained in our website, www.wipro.com, is not part of this Annual Report.
Forward-Looking Statements May Prove Inaccurate
IN ADDITION TO HISTORICAL INFORMATION, THIS ANNUAL REPORT CONTAINS CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF SECTION 27A OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
SECURITIES ACT), AND SECTION 21E OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED (THE
EXCHANGE ACT). THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RISKS AND
UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE REFLECTED IN THE
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT MIGHT CAUSE SUCH A DIFFERENCE INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED
TO, THOSE DISCUSSED IN THE SECTIONS ENTITLED RISK FACTORS AND MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS OF OPERATION AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS REPORT. READERS ARE
CAUTIONED NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS, WHICH REFLECT
MANAGEMENTS ANALYSIS ONLY AS OF THE DATE HEREOF. IN ADDITION, READERS SHOULD CAREFULLY REVIEW THE
OTHER INFORMATION IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT AND IN THE COMPANYS PERIODIC REPORTS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS
FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC) FROM TIME TO TIME.
This Annual Report includes statistical data about the IT industry that comes from information
published by sources including International Data Corporation (IDC), Gartner Inc. (Gartner),
National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), and Dataquest India (Dataquest).
This type of data represents only the estimates of IDC, Gartner, NASSCOM, Dataquest and other
sources of industry data. In addition, although we believe that data from these companies is
generally reliable, this type of data is inherently imprecise. We caution you not to place undue
reliance on this data.
2
PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers
Not applicable.
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
4
Item 3. Key Information
Summary of Selected Consolidated Financial Data
The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements, the related notes and operating and financial review and prospects which are
included elsewhere in this Annual Report. The selected consolidated statements of income data for
the five years ended March 31, 2006 and selected consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31,
2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial
statements and related notes, which have been prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
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(In millions, except per equity share data) |
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Year ended March 31, |
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2002 |
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2003 |
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2004 |
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2005 |
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2006 |
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2006 |
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Convenience |
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translation into |
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US$ |
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Consolidated statements of
Income data: |
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Revenues: |
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Global IT
Services & Products
IT Services and Products |
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Rs. 22,412 |
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Rs. 28,623 |
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Rs. 39,102 |
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Rs. 54,280 |
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Rs. 73,061 |
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$ |
1,642 |
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BPO Services |
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1,644 |
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4,363 |
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6,433 |
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7,664 |
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172 |
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India and AsiaPac IT Services
and Products |
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Services |
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1,914 |
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2,240 |
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3,109 |
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4,709 |
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6,097 |
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137 |
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Products |
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5,037 |
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5,801 |
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6,305 |
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8,694 |
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10,380 |
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233 |
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Consumer Care and Lighting |
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2,939 |
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2,942 |
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3,567 |
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4,555 |
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5,625 |
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126 |
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Others |
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1,171 |
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1,599 |
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1,987 |
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2,681 |
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3,279 |
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74 |
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Total |
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33,473 |
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42,849 |
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58,433 |
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81,353 |
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106,107 |
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2,385 |
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Cost of revenues: |
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IT Services and Products |
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12,310 |
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16,763 |
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25,047 |
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33,780 |
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46,986 |
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1,056 |
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BPO Services |
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975 |
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2884 |
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4740 |
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5810 |
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131 |
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Global IT Services & Products |
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12,310 |
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17,738 |
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27,931 |
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38,520 |
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52,796 |
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1,187 |
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India and AsiaPac IT Services
and Products |
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Services |
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1,160 |
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1,187 |
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1,661 |
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2,679 |
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3,549 |
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80 |
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Products |
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4,268 |
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5,100 |
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5,643 |
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7,815 |
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9,286 |
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209 |
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Consumer Care and Lighting |
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1,999 |
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2,008 |
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2,355 |
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2,926 |
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3,556 |
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80 |
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Others |
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924 |
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1,143 |
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1,410 |
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1,914 |
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2,460 |
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55 |
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Total |
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20,661 |
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27,176 |
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39,000 |
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53,855 |
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71,647 |
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1,611 |
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Gross Profit |
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12,812 |
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15,673 |
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19,433 |
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27,498 |
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34,460 |
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775 |
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Operating expenses: |
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Selling and marketing expenses |
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(2,601 |
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(2,916 |
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(5,278 |
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(5,466 |
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(6,764 |
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(152 |
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General and administrative
expenses |
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(1,758 |
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(3,277 |
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(3,172 |
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(3,744 |
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(5,239 |
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(118 |
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Amortization of intangible
assets |
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(166 |
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(308 |
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(140 |
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(64 |
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(1 |
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Other operating income/
(expenses) |
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(11 |
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172 |
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226 |
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(291 |
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(421 |
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(9 |
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Operating income |
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8,442 |
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9,486 |
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10,901 |
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17,857 |
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21,972 |
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494 |
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Gain/ (loss) on sale of stock
by affiliates, including direct
issue of stock by affiliate |
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(206 |
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(207 |
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Other income/ (expense), (net) |
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838 |
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718 |
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868 |
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800 |
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1276 |
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29 |
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Equity in earnings of affiliates |
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147 |
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(355 |
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96 |
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158 |
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288 |
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6 |
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Income before taxes and
minority interest |
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9,427 |
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9,849 |
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11,659 |
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18,608 |
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23,536 |
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529 |
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Income taxes |
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(1,016 |
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(1,342 |
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(1,611 |
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(2,694 |
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(3,265 |
) |
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(73 |
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Minority interest (1) |
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(30 |
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(56 |
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(81 |
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(1 |
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(0 |
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Income from continuing
operations (4) |
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Rs. 8,411 |
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Rs. 8,477 |
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Rs. 9,992 |
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Rs. 15,833 |
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Rs. 20,270 |
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$ |
456 |
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Earnings per share from
continuing operations: |
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Basic |
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6.07 |
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6.11 |
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7.20 |
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11.38 |
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14.41 |
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0.32 |
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Diluted |
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6.06 |
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6.10 |
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7.20 |
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11.29 |
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14.24 |
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0.32 |
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Cash dividend per equity share |
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0.09 |
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0.17 |
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0.17 |
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4.84 |
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2.50 |
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0.12 |
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Additional data: |
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Revenue by
Segment
IT Services and Products |
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Rs. 22,668 |
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Rs. 28,949 |
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Rs. 39,412 |
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Rs. 54,256 |
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Rs. 72,888 |
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$ |
1,639 |
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5
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Year ended March 31, |
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2002 |
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2003 |
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2004 |
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2005 |
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2006 |
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2006 |
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Convenience |
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translation into |
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US$ |
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BPO Services |
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1,644 |
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4,363 |
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6,433 |
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7,626 |
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|
171 |
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Global IT Services and
Products |
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Rs. 22,668 |
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|
Rs. 30,593 |
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|
Rs. 43,775 |
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|
Rs. 60,689 |
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|
Rs. 80,514 |
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$ |
1,810 |
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India and AsiaPac IT Services
and Products |
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|
6,950 |
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8,046 |
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9,445 |
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13,395 |
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16,475 |
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370 |
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Consumer Care and Lighting |
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2,939 |
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2,942 |
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3,567 |
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4,555 |
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5,625 |
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126 |
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Others |
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916 |
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1,268 |
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1,646 |
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2,714 |
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3,493 |
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79 |
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Total |
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Rs. 33,473 |
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|
Rs. 42,849 |
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|
Rs. 58,433 |
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|
Rs. 81,353 |
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|
Rs. 106,107 |
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$ |
2,385 |
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Operating
Income by Segment
IT Services and Products |
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Rs. 7,609 |
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Rs. 8,034 |
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Rs. 8,505 |
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Rs. 14,817 |
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|
Rs. 18,398 |
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$ |
414 |
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BPO Services |
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|
247 |
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|
795 |
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|
1,008 |
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1,011 |
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22 |
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Global IT Services and
Products |
|
Rs. 7,609 |
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|
Rs. 8,281 |
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|
Rs. 9,300 |
|
|
Rs. 15,825 |
|
|
Rs. 19,409 |
|
|
$ |
436 |
|
India and AsiaPac IT Services
and Products |
|
|
578 |
|
|
|
539 |
|
|
|
761 |
|
|
|
970 |
|
|
|
1,405 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
Consumer Care and Lighting |
|
|
404 |
|
|
|
422 |
|
|
|
546 |
|
|
|
671 |
|
|
|
798 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Others |
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
256 |
|
|
|
308 |
|
|
|
466 |
|
|
|
487 |
|
|
|
11 |
|
Reconciling items (2) |
|
|
(190 |
) |
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
(75 |
) |
|
|
(127 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
Rs. 8,442 |
|
|
Rs. 9,486 |
|
|
Rs. 10,901 |
|
|
Rs. 17,857 |
|
|
Rs. 21,972 |
|
|
$ |
494 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Transitional disclosures pertaining to adoption of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing
operations, as reported |
|
Rs. 8,411 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add: Amortization of goodwill |
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing
operations, adjusted |
|
|
8,586 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per
share: Basic
Continuing operations, as
reported |
|
|
6.07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add: Amortization of goodwill |
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations, adjusted |
|
|
6.19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per
share: Diluted
Continuing operations, as
reported |
|
|
6.06 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add: Amortization of goodwill |
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continuing operations, adjusted |
|
|
6.18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash equivalents |
|
Rs. 3,251 |
|
|
Rs. 6,283 |
|
|
Rs. 3,297 |
|
|
Rs. 5,671 |
|
|
Rs. 8,858 |
|
|
$ |
199 |
|
Investments in liquid and
short-term mutual funds |
|
|
4,126 |
|
|
|
7,813 |
|
|
|
18,479 |
|
|
|
22,958 |
|
|
|
30,328 |
|
|
|
682 |
|
Working Capital (3) |
|
|
18,495 |
|
|
|
21,473 |
|
|
|
30,649 |
|
|
|
36,449 |
|
|
|
50,704 |
|
|
|
1,140 |
|
Total assets |
|
|
33,639 |
|
|
|
42,781 |
|
|
|
57,738 |
|
|
|
72,075 |
|
|
|
100,394 |
|
|
|
2,257 |
|
Total debt |
|
|
291 |
|
|
|
537 |
|
|
|
969 |
|
|
|
564 |
|
|
|
705 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Total stockholders equity |
|
|
27,457 |
|
|
|
35,431 |
|
|
|
46,364 |
|
|
|
56,729 |
|
|
|
78,764 |
|
|
|
1,771 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
1. |
|
Minority interest represents the share of minority in the profits of Wipro BPO
(formerly Wipro Spectramind Services Limited) and Wipro Healthcare IT. The minority
interest in Wipro Healthcare IT was acquired in the year ended March 31, 2003. The minority
interest in Wipro BPO was acquired in the year ended March 31,
2006. |
|
2. |
|
In the operating income by segment, amortization of goodwill is included in reconciling
items for the year ended March 31, 2002. |
|
3. |
|
Working Capital equals current assets less current liabilities. |
|
4. |
|
Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax for the years ended March 31, 2002 and
2003, were Rs. 127 million and Rs. 377 million respectively. |
|
5. |
|
Segment data for previous periods have been reclassified to conform to the current
period presentation. |
6
Exchange Rates
Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Indian rupee and the U.S. dollar will affect the
U.S. dollar equivalent of the Indian rupee price of our equity shares on the Indian stock exchanges
and, as a result, will likely affect the market price of our American Depositary Shares, or ADSs,
listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and vice versa. Such fluctuations will also affect the U.S.
dollar conversion by our depository for the ADSs, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, or
Depositary, of any cash dividends paid in Indian rupees on our equity shares represented by the
ADSs.
The following table sets forth, for the fiscal years indicated, information concerning the
number of Indian rupees for which one U.S. dollar could be exchanged based on the average of the
noon buying rate in the City of New York on the last business day of each month during the period
for cable transfers in Indian rupees as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York. The column titled Average in the table below is the average of the daily noon
buying rate on the last business day of each month during the year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended March 31, |
|
Period End |
|
Average |
|
High |
|
Low |
2006 |
|
Rs. |
44.48 |
|
|
Rs. |
44.21 |
|
|
Rs. |
46.26 |
|
|
Rs. |
43.05 |
|
2005 |
|
|
43.62 |
|
|
|
44.87 |
|
|
|
46.45 |
|
|
|
43.27 |
|
2004 |
|
|
43.40 |
|
|
|
45.78 |
|
|
|
47.46 |
|
|
|
43.40 |
|
2003 |
|
|
47.53 |
|
|
|
48.36 |
|
|
|
49.07 |
|
|
|
47.53 |
|
2002 |
|
|
48.83 |
|
|
|
47.81 |
|
|
|
48.91 |
|
|
|
46.58 |
|
On June 9, 2006, the noon buying in the City of New York as certified for customs purposes by
the Federal Reserve Bank of New York was Rs. 45.81.
The following table sets forth the high and low exchange rates for the previous six months and
are based on the noon buying rate in the City of New York on each business day during the period
for cable transfers in Indian rupees as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Month |
|
High |
|
Low |
May 2006 |
|
Rs. |
46.22 |
|
Rs. |
44.69 |
|
April 2006 |
|
|
45.09 |
|
|
|
44.39 |
|
March 2006 |
|
|
44.58 |
|
|
|
44.09 |
|
February 2006 |
|
|
44.54 |
|
|
|
44.10 |
|
January 2006 |
|
|
44.92 |
|
|
|
43.89 |
|
December 2005 |
|
|
46.26 |
|
|
|
44.94 |
|
Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
7
RISK FACTORS
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.
Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking
statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth in the following risk factors
and elsewhere in this Annual Report. The following risk factors should be considered carefully in
evaluating us and our business.
Risks Related to our Company and our Industry
Our revenues and expenses are difficult to predict because they can fluctuate significantly
given the nature of the markets in which we operate. This increases the likelihood that our
results could fall below the expectation of market analysts, which could cause the price of our
equity shares and ADSs to decline.
Our revenue historically has fluctuated and may fluctuate in the future depending on a number
of factors, including:
|
|
|
the size, complexity, timing, pricing terms and profitability of significant projects or product orders; |
|
|
|
|
changes in our pricing policies or those of our competitors; |
|
|
|
|
the proportion of services we perform at our clients sites rather than at our offshore facilities; |
|
|
|
|
seasonal changes that affect the mix of services we provide to our clients or the
relative proportion of services and product revenue; |
|
|
|
|
seasonal changes that affect purchasing patterns among our consumers of desktops,
notebooks, servers, communication devices, consumer care and other products; |
|
|
|
|
unanticipated cancellations, contract terminations or deferral of projects or those
occurring as a result of our clients reorganizing their operations; |
|
|
|
|
the duration of tax holidays or exemptions and the availability of other Government
of India incentives; |
|
|
|
|
the effect of seasonal hiring patterns and the time we require to train and
productively utilize our new employees; |
|
|
|
|
unanticipated variations in the duration, size and scope of our projects, as well as
changes in the corporate decision-making process of our clients; |
|
|
|
|
currency exchange fluctuations; and |
|
|
|
|
other economic and political factors. |
Approximately 52% of our total operating expenses in our IT Services and Products business,
particularly personnel and facilities, are fixed in advance of any particular quarter. As a
result, unanticipated variations in the number and timing of our projects or employee utilization
rates may cause significant variations in operating results in any particular quarter. Therefore,
we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our results of operations are not necessarily
meaningful and should not be relied upon as indications of future performance. Thus, it is possible
that in the future some of our quarterly results of operations may be below the expectations of
public market analysts and investors, and the market price of our equity shares and ADSs could
decline.
Our net income increased 28% in the year ended March 31, 2006, as compared to the year ended
March 31, 2005. We continue to face increasing competition, pricing pressures for our products and
services and wage pressures for our work force in India primarily due to large U.S. multinational
corporations establishing offshore operations in India. We are also investing in developing
capabilities in new technology areas and deepening our domain expertise. While we believe that our
global delivery model allows us to manage costs efficiently, as the proportion of our services
delivered at client sites increases, we may not be able to keep our operating costs as low in the
future. In our Business Process Outsourcing, or BPO, business, we are diversifying our service
offerings to include process transformation services. High attrition levels and higher proportion
of revenues from customer interaction services could adversely impact our
8
operating margins. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will be able to sustain our
historic levels of profitability.
If we do not continue to improve our administrative, operational and financial personnel and
systems to manage our growth, the value of our shareholders investment may be harmed.
We have experienced significant growth in all our businesses. We expect our growth to continue
to place significant demands on our management and other resources. This will require us to
continue to develop and improve our operational, financial and other internal controls, both in
India and elsewhere. In particular, our continued growth will increase the challenges involved in:
|
|
|
recruiting and retaining sufficiently skilled technical, marketing and management personnel; |
|
|
|
|
adhering to our high quality standards; |
|
|
|
|
maintaining high levels of client satisfaction; |
|
|
|
|
developing and improving our internal administrative infrastructure, particularly
our financial, operational, communications and other internal systems; and |
|
|
|
|
preserving our culture, values and entrepreneurial environment. |
If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, the quality of our services and products
may decline, and our ability to attract clients and skilled personnel may be negatively affected.
These factors in turn could negatively affect the growth of our Global IT Services and Products
business and harm the value of our shareholders investment.
Intense competition in the market for IT services could adversely affect our cost advantages,
and, as a result, decrease our revenues.
The market for IT services is highly competitive. Our competitors include software companies,
IT companies, systems consulting and integration firms, other technology companies and client
in-house information services departments. We may also face competition from IT companies
operating from China and the Philippines. Many of our competitors command significantly greater
financial, technical and marketing resources and generate greater revenue than we do. We cannot be
reasonably certain that we will be able to compete successfully against such competitors or that we
will not lose our key employees or clients to such competitors. Additionally, we believe that our
ability to compete also depends in part on factors outside our control, such as the availability of
skilled resources, the price at which our competitors offer comparable services, and the extent of
our competitors responsiveness to their clients needs.
We may face difficulties in providing end-to-end business solutions for our clients that could
cause clients to discontinue their work with us, which in turn could harm our business.
We have been expanding the nature and scope of our engagements and have added new service
offerings, such as IT consulting, business process management, systems integration and outsourcing
of entire portions of IT infrastructure. The success of these service offerings is dependent, in
part, upon continued demand for such services by our existing and new clients and our ability to
meet this demand in a cost-competitive and effective manner. In addition, our ability to
effectively offer a wider breadth of end-to-end business solutions depends on our ability to
attract existing or new clients to these service offerings. To obtain engagements for such
end-to-end solutions, we also are more likely to compete with large, well-established international
consulting firms, resulting in increased compensation and marketing costs. Accordingly, we cannot
be certain that our new service offerings will effectively meet client needs or that we will be
able to attract existing and new clients to these service offerings.
The increased breadth of our service offerings may result in larger and more complex projects
with our clients. This will require us to establish closer relationships with our clients and a
thorough understanding of their operations. Our ability to establish such relationships will depend
on a number of factors, including the proficiency of our IT professionals and our management
personnel. Our failure to understand our client requirements or our failure to deliver services
which meet the requirements specified by our clients could result in termination of client
contracts, and we could be liable to our clients for significant penalties or damages.
9
Larger projects may involve multiple engagements or stages, and there is a risk that a client
may choose not to retain us for additional stages or may cancel or delay additional planned
engagements. These terminations, cancellations or delays may result from the business or financial
condition of our clients or the economy generally, as opposed to factors related to the quality of
our services. Such cancellations or delays make it difficult to plan for project resource
requirements, and inaccuracies in such resource planning may have a negative impact on our
profitability.
Our success depends in large part upon our management team and other highly skilled
professionals. If we fail to retain and attract these personnel, our business may be unable to
grow and our revenue could decline, which may decrease the value of our shareholders investment.
We are highly dependent on the senior members of our management team, including the continued
efforts of our Chairman and Managing Director. Our ability to execute project engagements and to
obtain new clients depends in large part on our ability to attract, train, motivate and retain
highly skilled professionals, especially project managers, software engineers and other senior
technical personnel. If we cannot hire and retain additional qualified personnel, our ability to
bid on and obtain new projects and to continue to expand our business will be impaired and our
revenue could decline. We believe that there is significant competition for professionals with the
skills necessary to perform the services we offer. We may not be able to hire and retain enough
skilled and experienced employees to replace those who leave. Additionally, we may not be able to
re-deploy and retain our employees to keep pace with continuing changes in technology, evolving
standards and changing client preferences. We are experiencing high employee attrition rates, in
line with industry, in our BPO services business. Continued employee attrition rates in this
business may adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
The Central Government in India is considering introducing legislation mandating employers to
give preferential hiring treatment to under-represented groups. State Governments in India may also
introduce such legislation. The quality of our work force is critical to our business. The
legislation may affect our ability to hire the most qualified and competent technology and other
professionals.
Appreciation of Indian Rupee against major currencies of the world could negatively impact our
revenue and operating results.
Approximately 79% of our revenues are earned in major currencies of the world while a
significant portion of our costs is in Indian rupees. The exchange rate between the rupee and major
currencies of the world has fluctuated significantly in recent years and may continue to fluctuate
in the future. Appreciation of the rupee against the major currencies of the world can adversely
affect our revenues and competitive positioning, and can adversely impact our gross margins. We
enter into forward exchange contracts to minimize the impact of currency fluctuations on our
revenues. However, volatility in exchange rate movement and/or sustained rupee appreciation will
negatively impact our revenue and operating results.
Our hedging strategy could negatively impact our competitive positioning.
We have entered into forward contracts to hedge a significant portion of our forecasted
foreign currency inflows through fiscal 2007. Although the forward contracts minimize the impact of
volatility in foreign exchange rates on our income statement, this could result in our realizations
of foreign currency denominated revenues or foreign currency denominated expenses to be at a rate
different from prevailing market rates and different from the rates realized or incurred by our
competitors. This could adversely affect our competitive positioning in the market, our revenues
and our operations.
An economic slowdown, terrorist attacks in the United States, and other acts of violence or
war could delay or reduce the number of new purchase orders we receive and disrupt our operations
in the United States, thereby negatively affecting our financial results and prospects.
Approximately 65% of our Global IT Services and Products revenue is from the United States.
During an economic slowdown our clients may delay or reduce their IT spending significantly, which
may in turn lower the demand for our services and affect our financial results. Further, terrorist
attacks in the United States could cause clients in the U.S. to delay their decisions on IT
spending, which could affect our financial results. Any significant decrease in the IT industry,
or significant consolidation in that industry or decrease in growth or consolidation in other
industry segments on which we focus, may reduce the demand for our services and negatively affect
our revenues and profitability. Although we continue to believe that we have a strong competitive
position in the United States, we have increased our efforts to geographically diversify our
clients and revenue.
10
Our Global IT Services and Products service revenue depend to a large extent on a small number
of clients, and our revenue could decline if we lose a major client.
We currently derive, and believe we will continue to derive, a significant portion of our
Global IT Services and Products service revenue from a limited number of corporate clients. The
loss of a major client or a significant reduction in the service performed for a major client could
result in a reduction of our revenue. Our largest client for the years ended March 31, 2004, March
31, 2005 and March 31, 2006, accounted for 5%, 4% and 3% of our Global IT Services and Products
revenue, respectively. For the same periods, our ten largest clients accounted for 33%, 27% and 27%
of our Global IT Services and Products revenue. The volume of work we perform for specific clients
may vary from year to year, particularly since we typically are not the only outside service
provider for our clients. Thus, a major client in one year may not provide the same level of
revenue in a subsequent year.
There are a number of factors, other than our performance, that could cause the loss of a
client and that may not be predictable. In certain cases, clients have reduced their spending on IT
services due to challenging economic environment and consequently have reduced the volume of
business with us. If we were to lose one of our major clients or have significantly lower volume of
business with them, our revenue and profitability could be reduced. We continually strive to reduce
our dependence on revenue from services rendered to any one client.
Restrictions on immigration may affect our ability to compete for and provide services to
clients in the United States, which could hamper our growth and cause our revenue to decline.
If U.S. immigration laws change and make it more difficult for us to obtain H-1B and L-1 visas
for our employees, our ability to compete for and provide services to clients in the United States
could be impaired. In response to recent terrorist attacks in the United States, the U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services has increased the level of scrutiny in granting visas and has
decreased the number of its grants. This restriction and any other changes in turn could hamper
our growth and cause our revenue to decline. Our employees who work on site at client facilities
or at our facilities in the United States on temporary and extended assignments typically must
obtain visas.
A majority of our personnel in the United States hold H-1B visas or L-1 visas. An H-1B visa
is a temporary work visa, which allows the employee to remain in the United States while he or she
remains an employee of the sponsoring firm, and the L-1 visa is an intra-company transfer visa,
which only allows the employee to remain in the United States temporarily. Although there is no
limit to new L-1 petitions, there is a limit to the aggregate number of new H-1B petitions that the
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may approve in any government fiscal year. The U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services have limited the number of H-1B visas that may be granted as
of the 2005 fiscal year to 65,000 per year, from 195,000 in each of the three years prior to 2004.
Although the U.S. government has approved the grant of approximately 20,000 additional H-1B visas,
these visas are only available to skilled workers who possess a Masters or higher degree from
educational institutions in the United States.
The L-1 and H-1B Visa Reform Act of 2004 further proposes to preclude foreign companies from
obtaining L-1 visas for employees with specialized knowledge: (1) if such employees will be
stationed primarily at the worksite of another company in the U.S. and the employee will not be
controlled and supervised by his employer, or (2) if the placement is essentially an arrangement to
provide labor for hire rather than in connection with the employees specialized knowledge. The L1
Reforms Act provisions became effective in June 2005.
Immigration laws in the United States may also require us to meet certain levels of
compensation, and to comply with other legal requirements, including labor certifications, as a
condition to obtaining or maintaining work visas for our technology professionals working in the
United States.
Immigration laws in the United States and in other countries are subject to legislative
change, as well as to variations in standards of application and enforcement due to political
forces and economic conditions. It is difficult to predict the political and economic events that
could affect immigration laws, or the restrictive impact they could have on obtaining or monitoring
work visas for our technology professionals.
Although we currently have sufficient personnel with valid H-1B visas, we cannot assure you
that we will continue to be able to obtain any or a sufficient number of H-1B visas on the same
time schedule as we have previously obtained, or at all.
11
We focus on high-growth industries, such as networking and communications. Any decrease in
demand for technology in such industries may significantly decrease the demand for our services,
which may impair our growth and cause our revenue to decline.
Approximately 37% of our IT Services and Products business is derived from clients in high
growth industries who use our IT services for networking and communications equipment. These
industries have experienced periods of above normal growth and periods of contraction. Any
significant decrease in the growth of these industries will decrease the demand for our services
and could reduce our revenue.
Our failure to complete fixed-price, fixed-timeframe contracts on budget and on time may
negatively affect our profitability, which could decrease the value of our shareholders
investment.
We offer a portion of our services on a fixed-price, fixed-timeframe basis, rather than on a
time-and-materials basis. Although we use specified software engineering processes and our past
project experience to reduce the risks associated with estimating, planning and performing
fixed-price, fixed-timeframe projects, we bear the risk of cost overruns, completion delays and
wage inflation in connection with these projects. If we fail to accurately estimate the resources
and time required for a project, future rates of wage inflation and currency exchange rates, or if
we fail to complete our contractual obligations within the contracted timeframe, our profitability
may suffer.
Disruptions in telecommunications could harm our service model, which could result in a
reduction of our revenue.
A significant element of our business strategy is to continue to leverage and expand our
software development centers in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune, India, as well as overseas.
We believe that the use of a strategically located network of software development centers will
provide us with cost advantages, the ability to attract highly skilled personnel in various regions
of the country and the world, the ability to service clients on a regional and global basis and the
ability to provide services to our clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Part of our service
model is to maintain active voice and data communications between our main offices in Bangalore,
our clients offices, and our other software development and support facilities. Although we
maintain redundancy facilities and satellite communications links, any significant loss in our
ability to transmit voice and data through satellite and telephone communications could result in a
disruption in business, thereby hindering our performance or our ability to complete client
projects on time. This, in turn, could lead to a reduction of our revenue.
The markets in which we operate are subject to the risk of earthquakes, floods and other
natural disasters.
Some of the regions that we operate in are prone to earthquakes, flooding and other
natural disasters. In the event that any of our business centers are affected by any such
disasters, we may sustain damage to our operations and properties, suffer significant financial
losses and be unable to complete our client engagements in a timely manner, if at all. Further, we
may also incur costs in redeploying personnel and property. In addition, if there is a major
earthquake, flood or other natural disaster in any of the locations in which our significant
customers are located, we face the risk that our customers may incur losses, or sustained business
interruption and/or loss which may materially impair their ability to continue their purchase of
products or services from us. A major earthquake, flood or other natural disaster in the markets in
which we operate could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results
of operations and cash flows.
We may be liable to our clients for damages caused by disclosure of confidential
information or system failures.
We often have access to or are required to collect and store confidential client and customer
data. Many of our client agreements do not limit our potential liability for breaches of
confidentiality. If any person, including any of our employees, penetrates our network security or
misappropriates sensitive data, we could be subject to significant liability from our clients or
from our clients customers for breaching contractual confidentiality provisions or privacy laws.
Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential client and customer data, whether through
breach of our computer systems, systems failure or otherwise, could damage our reputation and cause
us to lose clients.
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We are investing substantial cash assets in new facilities and physical infrastructure, and
our profitability could be reduced if our business does not grow proportionately.
As of March 31, 2006, we had contractual commitments of approximately Rs. 1,714 million ($ 39
million) related to capital expenditures on construction or expansion of our software development
facilities. We may encounter cost overruns or project delays in connection with new facilities.
These expansions may increase our fixed costs. If we are unable to grow our business and revenues
proportionately, our profitability will be reduced.
Our international operations subject us to risks inherent in doing business on an
international level that could harm our operating results.
Currently, we have software development facilities in eight countries around the world. The
majority of our software development facilities are located in India. We intend to establish new
development facilities in Southeast Asia and Europe. We have not yet made substantial contractual
commitments to establish any new facilities and we cannot assure you that we will not significantly
alter or reduce our proposed expansion plans. Because of our limited experience with facilities
outside of India, we are subject to additional risks related to our international expansion
strategy, including risks related to complying with a wide variety of national and local laws,
restrictions on the import and export of certain technologies and multiple and possibly overlapping
tax structures. In addition, we may face competition in other countries from companies that may
have more experience with operations in such countries or with international operations generally.
We may also face difficulties integrating new facilities in different countries into our existing
operations, as well as integrating employees that we hire in different countries into our existing
corporate culture. Our international expansion plans may not be successful and we may not be able
to compete effectively in other countries.
Our business will suffer if we fail to anticipate and develop new services and enhance
existing services in order to keep pace with rapid changes in technology and the industries on
which we focus.
The IT services market is characterized by rapid technological change, evolving industry
standards, changing client preferences and new product and service introductions. Our future
success will depend on our ability to anticipate these advances and develop new product and service
offerings to meet client needs. We may not be successful in anticipating or responding to these
advances in a timely basis, or, if we do respond, the services or technologies we develop may not
be successful in the marketplace. Further, products, services or technologies that are developed by
our competitors may render our services non-competitive or obsolete.
Most of our client contracts can typically be terminated without cause and with little or no
notice or penalty, which could negatively impact our revenue and profitability.
Our clients typically retain us on a non-exclusive, project-by-project basis. Most of our
client contracts, including those that are on a fixed-price, fixed-timeframe basis, can be
terminated with or without cause, with between zero and ninety days notice and without
termination-related penalties. Additionally, most of our contracts with clients are typically
limited to discrete projects without any commitment to a specific volume of business or future
work. Our business is dependent on the decisions and actions of our clients, and there are a number
of factors relating to our clients that are outside our control that might result in the
termination of a project or the loss of a client, including:
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financial difficulties for a client; |
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a change in strategic priorities, resulting in a reduced level of IT spending; |
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a demand for price reductions; and |
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a change in outsourcing strategy by moving more work to client in-house IT
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We may engage in future acquisitions, investments, strategic partnerships or other ventures
that may harm our performance, dilute our shareholders ownership and cause us to incur debt or
assume contingent liabilities.
We have acquired and in the future may acquire or make investments in complementary
businesses, technologies, services or products, or enter into strategic partnerships with parties
who can provide access to those assets. For example, in December 2005, we acquired 100%
of the equity of mPower Software Service Inc. and its subsidiaries, a U.S. based company in the
payment processing sector, and we acquired 100% of the equity of BVPENTE BETEILIGUNGSVERWALTUNG
GmbH and its subsidiaries (NewLogic Technologies AG), a European system-on-
13
chip design company. In the future, we may not identify suitable acquisition,
investment or strategic partnership candidates, or if we do identify suitable candidates, we may
not complete those transactions on terms commercially acceptable to us or at all. We could have
difficulty in assimilating the personnel, operations, technology and software of the acquired
company. In addition, the key personnel of the acquired company may decide not to work for us. If
we make other types of acquisitions, we could have difficulty in integrating the acquired products,
services or technologies into our operations. These difficulties could disrupt our ongoing
business, distract our management and employees and increase our expenses.
Our revenues could be significantly affected if the governments, in geographies we operate in,
restrict companies from outsourcing work to foreign corporations
In the United States, despite economic recovery, the unemployment levels have not declined
significantly from the pre- economic recovery levels. There has been concern among the legislators
about the impact of outsourcing on unemployment levels in the United States. Legislation has been
proposed to prohibit federal and state governments from outsourcing IT and IT enabled services to
foreign corporations. Legislators have also proposed to introduce economic deterrents for U.S.
companies outsourcing work to foreign corporations.
Independent research agencies have conducted research and concluded that outsourcing benefits
the U.S. economy. Several U.S. companies have also supported outsourcing as a competitive
advantage. However, if the proposed laws come into effect it would adversely affect our revenues
and profitability.
Our BPO services revenue depend to a large extent on a small number of clients, and our
revenue could decline if a major client reduces the volume of services obtained from us.
We currently derive, and believe we will continue to derive, a significant portion of our BPO
services revenue from a limited number of corporate clients. The reduction in volume of work done
to a major client could result in a reduction of our revenue. Since we recruit and train employees
in anticipation of continued growth in volume, reduction in the volume of work from these major
clients would adversely impact our gross margins.
There are a number of factors that could cause the loss of a client and such factors are not
predictable. We could fail to achieve performance standards due to a lack of clarity between us and
the client on the performance standards or due to deficiencies in processes. In certain cases, a
client could reduce their spending on such services due to a challenging economic environment and
consequently reduce the volume and profitability of business with us. In other cases, a client
could reduce its spending on such services with us and form internal competing operations in the
U.S., India or other price competitive geographies.
Some of our long-term client contracts contain benchmarking provisions which, if triggered
could result in lower contractual revenues and profitability in the future.
As the size and complexity of our client engagements increase, our clients may require further
benchmarking provisions in our client contracts. Benchmarking provisions allow a customer in
certain circumstances to request a benchmark study prepared by an agreed upon third-party comparing
our pricing, performance and efficiency gains for delivered contract services to that of an agreed
upon list of other service providers for comparable services. Based on the results of the benchmark
study and depending on the reasons for any unfavorable variance, we may be required to reduce the
pricing for future services to be performed under the balance of the contract, which could have an
adverse impact on our revenues and profitability.
We may be liable to our clients for damages caused by system failures, which could damage our
reputation and cause us to lose customers.
Many of our contracts involve projects that are critical to the operations of our clients
businesses and provide benefits that may be difficult to quantify. Any failure in a clients
system could result in a claim for substantial damages against us, regardless of our responsibility
for such failure. Although we attempt to limit our contractual liability for consequential damages
in rendering our services, we cannot be assured that the limitations on liability we provide for in
our service contracts will be enforceable in all cases, or that they will otherwise protect us from
liability for damages. A successful assertion of one or more large claims against us that exceeds
our available insurance coverage or changes in our insurance policies, including premium increases
or the imposition of a large deductible or co-insurance requirement, could adversely affect our
operating results.
14
Our earnings will be adversely affected upon adoption of an accounting policy to expense stock
options based on fair value method.
We do not currently deduct the expense of employee stock option grants from our income based
on the fair value method. We have adopted the pro forma disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
issued FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, requiring companies to change
their accounting policies to record the fair value of stock options issued to employees as an
expense. We are required to adopt SFAS No. 123R as of April 1, 2006. The change in our accounting
policy with respect to the treatment of employee stock option grants will adversely affect our
earnings, operating results and earnings per share in the event that we make any grants in the
future. If we had amortized the stock based employee compensation expense determined under the fair
value method of SFAS No. 123, our net income as reported for the years ended March 31, 2004, 2005
and 2006 would have been reduced by Rs. 2,080 million, Rs. 1,244 million and Rs. 571 million
respectively.
Compliance with new and changing corporate governance and public disclosure requirements adds
uncertainty to our compliance policies and increases our costs of compliance.
Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to accounting, corporate governance and
public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, new SEC regulations, NYSE rules,
Securities and Exchange Board of India rules and Indian stock market listing regulations, are
creating uncertainty for companies like ours. These new or changed laws, regulations and standards
may lack specificity and are subject to varying interpretations. Their application in practice may
evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result
in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs of compliance as a result
of ongoing revisions to such governance standards.
Pursuant to the requirements of Sarbanes Oxley Act, 2002, in the annual report for the year
ended March 31, 2007, the company is required to report on the effectiveness of internal controls
over financial reporting. The company is documenting the internal controls over financial
reporting, assessing the design and operating effectiveness and correcting the deficiencies, if
any, in the internal controls over financial reporting. There can be no assurance that the company
would be able to complete this exercise on time or the company would not report any material
weakness in the internal controls over financial reporting.
We are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure,
and our efforts to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards in this regard have
resulted in, and are likely to continue to result in, increased general and administrative expenses
and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance
activities. In addition, the new laws, regulations and standards regarding corporate governance
may make it more difficult for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. Further, our
board members, chief executive officer and chief financial officer could face an increased risk of
personal liability in connection with their performance of duties. As a result, we may face
difficulties attracting and retaining qualified board members and executive officers, which could
harm our business. If we fail to comply with new or changed laws or regulations and standards
differ, our business and reputation may be harmed.
Risks Related to Investments in Indian Companies and International Operations generally.
We are incorporated in India, and substantially all of our assets and our employees are
located in India. Consequently, our financial performance and the market price of our ADSs will be
affected by political, social and economic developments affecting India, Government of India
policies, including taxation and foreign investment policies, Government currency exchange control,
as well as changes in exchange rates and interest rates.
Wages in India have historically been lower than wages in the United States and Europe, which
has been one of our competitive advantages. Wage increases in India may prevent us from sustaining
this competitive advantage and may reduce our profit margins.
Our wage costs in India have historically been significantly lower than wage costs in the
United States and Europe for comparably skilled professionals, and this has been one of our
competitive advantages. However, wage increases in India may prevent us from sustaining this
competitive advantage and may negatively affect our profit margins. We may need to increase the
levels of our employee compensation more rapidly than in the past to retain talent. Unless we are
able to continue to increase the efficiency and productivity of our employees or source talent from
other low cost locations, like Eastern Europe, China or South-East Asia, wage increases in the long
term may reduce our profit margins.
15
Our costs could increase if the Government of India reduces or withholds tax benefits and
other incentives it provides to us.
Currently, we benefit from certain tax incentives under Indian tax laws. As a result of these
incentives, our operations have not been subject to significant Indian tax liabilities. These tax
incentives currently include a tax holiday from payment of Indian corporate income taxes for our
Global IT Services and Products business operated from specially designated Software Technology
Parks and Special Economic Zones in India and an income tax deduction of 100% for profits
derived from exporting information technology services. As a result, a substantial portion of our
pre-tax income has not been subject to significant tax in recent years. For the years ended March
31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 our tax benefits were Rs. 2,925 million, Rs. 4,591 million and Rs. 4,721
million respectively, from such tax incentives. We are currently also eligible for exemptions from
other taxes, including customs duties. The Finance Act, 2000 phases out the tax holiday for
Software Technology Parks over a ten year period from the financial year 1999-2000 to financial
year 2008-2009. Our current tax holidays expire in stages by 2009. For companies opting for the
100% tax deduction for profits derived from exporting information technology services, the Finance
Act, 2000 phases out the income tax deduction over a period of five years from April 1, 2000.
Additionally, the Government of India could enact similar laws in the future, which could further
impair our other tax incentives.
In the Finance Act, 2005, the Government of India introduced a separate tax holiday scheme for
units set up under designated special economic zones engaged in manufacture of articles or in
provision of services. Under this scheme, units in designated special economic zones which begin
providing services on or after April 1, 2005 will be eligible for a deduction of 100 percent of
profits or gains derived from the export of services for the first five years from commencement of
provision of services and 50 percent of such profits or gains for a further five years. Certain tax
benefits are also available for a further five years subject to the unit meeting defined
conditions. When our tax holiday and income tax deduction exemptions expire or terminate, our costs
will increase.
In March 2004 and March 2005, we had received demands from the Indian income tax authorities
for our 2000 and 2001 fiscal years respectively for a total of Rs. 5,232 million. The tax demands
were primarily due to the denial of deductions claimed by us under Section 10A of the Income Tax
Act 1961, with respect to profits earned by our undertakings at our Software Technology Park
located at Bangalore. We have appealed against these demands. In March 2006, the first Income tax
appellate authority substantially upheld the deductions claimed by us under Section 10A of the Act,
which will vacate a substantial portion of the demands for these years.
In March 2006, we received an assessment order from the tax authorities for our 2002 fiscal
year on similar grounds. The order has demanded a tax of Rs. 2,869 million (including interest of
Rs.750 million). We will file an appeal against this assessment order within the prescribed
statutory timeframe.
Considering the facts and nature of disallowances, the order of the appellate authority
upholding our deduction claims for our 2000 and 2001 fiscal years, our management believes that the
final outcome of the 2002 dispute should also be resolved in our favour and there should not be any
material impact on our financial statements.
Although we currently believe we will ultimately prevail in our appeal, the results of such
appeal, and any subsequent appeals, cannot be predicted with certainty. Should we fail to prevail
in our appeal, or any subsequent appeals, in any reporting period, the operating results of such
reporting period could be materially adversely affected.
After considering the provision made in the books based on our assessment, as of March 31,
2006, our net exposure on these tax demands was Rs. 2,413 million, or approximately $ 54 million.
The Indian Finance Act, 2005 imposes an additional income tax on companies called a Fringe
Benefits Tax, or FBT. Pursuant to this Act, companies are deemed to have provided fringe benefits
to their employees if certain defined expenses are incurred. A portion of these expenses is deemed
to be a fringe benefit to the employees and subjects a company to tax at a rate of 30%, exclusive
of applicable surcharge and cess. The Fringe Benefits Tax and other similar taxes enacted in the
future by the Government of India could adversely affect our profitability.
Regional conflicts in South Asia could adversely affect the Indian economy, disrupt our
operations and cause our business to suffer.
South Asia has from time to time experienced instances of civil unrest and hostilities among
neighboring countries, including between India and Pakistan. In recent years there have been
military confrontations between India and Pakistan that have occurred in the region of Kashmir and
along the India-Pakistan border. The potential for hostilities between the two countries is high
due to terrorist incidents in India and the aggravated geopolitical situation in
16
the region. Both countries have initiated active measures to reduce hostilities. Military activity or terrorist
attacks in the future could influence the Indian economy by disrupting communications and making travel more
difficult and such political tensions could create a greater perception that investments in Indian
companies involve higher degrees of risk. This, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on
the market for securities of Indian companies, including our equity shares and our ADSs, and on the
market for our services.
Political instability in the Indian Government could delay the liberalization of the Indian
economy and adversely affect economic conditions in India generally, which could impact our
financial results and prospects.
Since 1991, successive Indian Governments have pursued policies of economic liberalization,
including significantly relaxing restrictions on the private sector. Nevertheless, the role of the
Indian Central and State Governments in the Indian economy as producers, consumers and regulators
has remained significant. The last general elections were held in May 2004. The ruling coalition
Government, which has over last several years pushed significant economic reforms, was voted out of
power and a new coalition Government has come to the helm. The new Government has announced
policies and taken initiatives that support the continued economic liberalization policies that
have been pursued by previous Government. Although we believe that the process of economic
liberalization will continue, the rate of economic liberalization could change, and specific laws
and policies affecting technology companies, foreign investment, currency exchange and other
matters affecting investment in our securities could change as well. A significant change in
Indias economic liberalization and deregulation policies could adversely affect business and
economic conditions in India generally and our business in particular.
The new Government is a coalition of several parties and withdrawal of one or more of these
parties could result in political instability. Such instability could delay the reform of the
Indian economy and could have a material adverse effect on the market for securities of Indian
companies, including our equity shares and our ADSs, and on the market for our services.
Indian law limits our ability to raise capital outside India and may limit the ability of
others to acquire us, which could prevent us from operating our business or entering into a
transaction that is in the best interests of our shareholders.
Indian law constrains our ability to raise capital outside India through the issuance of
equity or convertible debt securities. Generally, any foreign investment in, or an acquisition of,
an Indian company requires approval from relevant Government authorities in India, including the
Reserve Bank of India. However, subject to certain exceptions, the Government of India currently
does not require prior approvals for IT companies like us. If we are required to seek the approval
of the Government of India and the Government of India does not approve the investment or
implements a limit on the foreign equity ownership of IT companies, our ability to seek and obtain
additional equity investment by foreign investors will be limited. In addition, these
restrictions, if applied to us, may prevent us from entering into a transaction, such as an
acquisition by a non-Indian company, which would otherwise be beneficial for our company and the
holders of our equity shares and ADSs.
Our ability to acquire companies organized outside India depends on the approval of the
Government of India. Our failure to obtain approval from the Government of India for acquisition of
companies organized outside India may restrict our international growth, which could negatively
affect our revenue.
The Ministry of Finance of the Government of India and/or the Reserve Bank of India must
approve our acquisition of any company organized outside of India. The Government of India has
recently issued a policy statement permitting the acquisition of companies organized outside India
for a transaction value not exceeding 200% of the net worth of the acquiring company and:
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if the transaction consideration is paid in cash, up to 100% of the proceeds from an
ADS offering; and |
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if the transaction consideration is paid in stock (i.e., by issue of ADRs/GDRs), the
greater of $ 100 million or ten times the acquiring companys previous fiscal years
export earnings. |
We cannot assure you that any required approval from the Reserve Bank of India and or the
Ministry of Finance or any other Government agency can be obtained. Our failure to obtain approval
from the Government of India for acquisitions of companies organized outside India may restrict our
international growth, which could negatively affect our revenue.
17
It may be difficult for you to enforce any judgment obtained in the United States against us,
the selling shareholders or our affiliates.
We are incorporated under the laws of India and many of our directors and executive officers,
reside outside the United States. Virtually all of our assets and the assets of many of these
persons are located outside the United States. As a result, you may be unable to effect service of
process upon us outside India or upon such persons outside their jurisdiction of residence. In
addition, you may be unable to enforce against us in courts outside of India, or against these
persons outside the jurisdiction of their residence, judgments obtained in courts of the United
States, including judgments predicated solely upon the federal securities laws of the United
States.
We have been advised by our Indian counsel that the United States and India do not currently
have a treaty providing for reciprocal recognition and enforcement of judgments (other than
arbitration awards) in civil and commercial matters. Therefore, a final judgment for the payment of
money rendered by any federal or state court in the United States on civil liability, whether or
not predicated solely upon the federal securities laws of the United States, would not be
enforceable in India. However, the party in whose favor such final judgment is rendered may bring a
new suit in a competent court in India based on a final judgment that has been obtained in the
United States. The suit must be brought in India within three years from the date of the judgment
in the same manner as any other suit filed to enforce a civil liability in India. It is unlikely
that a court in India would award damages on the same basis as a foreign court if an action is
brought in India. Furthermore, it is unlikely that an Indian court would enforce foreign judgments
if it viewed the amount of damages awarded as excessive or inconsistent with Indian practice. A
party seeking to enforce a foreign judgment in India is required to obtain approval from the
Reserve Bank of India under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, to execute such a judgment
or to repatriate any amount recovered.
The laws of India do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as those of
the United States, and we may be unsuccessful in protecting our intellectual property rights.
Unauthorized use of our intellectual property may result in development of technology, products or
services which compete with our products. We may also be subject to third-party claims of
intellectual property infringement.
Our intellectual property rights are important to our business. We rely on a combination of
copyright and trademark laws, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions
to protect our intellectual property. However, the laws of India do not protect proprietary rights
to the same extent as laws in the United States. Therefore, our efforts to protect our
intellectual property may not be adequate. Our competitors may independently develop similar
technology or duplicate our products or services. Unauthorized parties may infringe upon or
misappropriate our products, services or proprietary information.
The misappropriation or duplication of our intellectual property could disrupt our ongoing
business, distract our management and employees, reduce our revenue and increase our expenses. We
may need to litigate to enforce our intellectual property rights or to determine the validity and
scope of the proprietary rights of others. Any such litigation could be time-consuming and costly.
As the number of patents, copyrights and other intellectual property rights in our industry
increases, and as the coverage of these rights increases, we believe that companies in our industry
will face more frequent infringement claims. Defending against these claims, even if not
meritorious, could be expensive and divert our attention and resources from operating our company.
Although we believe that our intellectual property rights do not infringe on the intellectual
property rights of any other party, infringement claims may be asserted against us in the future.
If we become liable to third parties for infringing their intellectual property rights, we could be
required to pay a substantial damage award and be forced to develop non-infringing technology,
obtain a license or cease selling the applications or products that contain the infringing
technology. We may be unable to develop non-infringing technology or to obtain a license on
commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
Risks Related to the ADSs
Sales of our equity shares may adversely affect the prices of our equity shares and the
ADSs.
Sales of substantial amounts of our equity shares, including sales by insiders, in the public
market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market
price of our equity shares or the ADSs or our ability to raise capital through an offering of our
securities. In the future, we may also sponsor the sale of shares currently held by some of our
shareholders, or issue new shares. We can make no prediction as to the timing of any such sales or
the effect, if any, that future sales of our equity shares, or the availability of our equity
shares for future sale, will have on the market price of our equity shares or ADSs prevailing from
time to time.
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An active or liquid trading market for our ADSs is not assured.
An active, liquid trading market for our ADSs may not be maintained in the long term. Loss of
liquidity could increase the price volatility of our ADSs.
Indian law imposes foreign investment restrictions that limit a holders ability to convert
equity shares into ADSs, which may cause our ADSs to trade at a premium or discount to the market
price of our equity shares.
Under certain circumstances, the Reserve Bank of India must approve the sale of equity shares
underlying ADSs by a non-resident of India to a resident of India. The Reserve Bank of India has
given general permission to effect sales of existing shares or convertible debentures of an Indian
company by a resident to a non-resident, subject to certain conditions, including the price at
which the shares may be sold. Additionally, except under certain limited circumstances, if an
investor seeks to convert the rupee proceeds from a sale of equity shares in India into foreign
currency and then repatriate that foreign currency from India, he or she will have to obtain an
additional Reserve Bank of India approval for each transaction. Required approval from the Reserve
Bank of India or any other Government agency may not be obtained on terms favorable to a
non-resident investor or at all.
Investors who exchange ADSs for the underlying equity shares and are not holders of record
will be required to declare to us details of the holder of record, and the holder of record will be
required to disclose the details of the beneficial owner. Any investor who fails to comply with
this requirement may be liable for a fine of up to Rs. 1,000 for each day such failure continues.
Such restrictions on foreign ownership of the underlying equity shares may cause our ADSs to trade
at a premium or discount to the equity shares.
An investor in our ADSs may not be able to exercise preemptive rights for additional shares
and may thereby suffer dilution of his or her equity interest in us.
Under the Indian Companies Act, a company incorporated in India must offer its holders of
equity shares preemptive rights to subscribe and pay for a proportionate number of shares to
maintain their existing ownership percentages prior to the issuance of any new equity shares,
unless such preemptive rights have been waived by three-fourths of the shares voting on the
resolution to waive such rights. Holders of ADSs may be unable to exercise preemptive rights for
equity shares underlying ADSs unless a registration statement under the Securities Act is effective
with respect to such rights or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities
Act is available. We are not obligated to prepare and file such a registration statement and our
decision to do so will depend on the costs and potential liabilities associated with any such
registration statement, as well as the perceived benefits of enabling the holders of ADSs to
exercise their preemptive rights, and any other factors we consider appropriate at the time. No
assurance can be given that we would file a registration statement under these circumstances. If we
issue any such securities in the future, such securities may be issued to the Depositary, which may
sell such securities for the benefit of the holders of the ADSs. There can be no assurance as to
the value, if any, the Depositary would receive upon the sale of such securities. To the extent
that holders of ADSs are unable to exercise preemptive rights granted in respect of the equity
shares represented by their ADSs, their proportional interests in us would be reduced.
ADS holders may be restricted in their ability to exercise voting rights.
At our request, the Depositary will mail to you any notice of shareholders meeting received
from us together with information explaining how to instruct the Depositary to exercise the voting
rights of the securities represented by ADSs. If the Depositary receives voting instructions from
you in time, relating to matters that have been forwarded to you, it will endeavor to vote the
securities represented by your ADSs in accordance with such voting instructions. However, the
ability of the Depositary to carry out voting instructions may be limited by practical and legal
limitations and the terms of the securities on deposit. We cannot assure that you will receive
voting materials in time to enable you to return voting instructions to the Depositary in a timely
manner. Securities for which no voting instructions have been received will not be voted. There may
be other communications, notices or offerings that we only make to holders of our equity shares,
which will not be forwarded to holders of ADSs. Accordingly, you may not be able to participate in
all offerings, transactions or votes that are made available to holders of our equity shares.
Item 4. Information on the Company
History and Development of the Company
Wipro Limited was incorporated in 1945 as Western India Vegetable Products Limited under the
Indian Companies Act, VII of 1913, which is now superseded by the Companies Act, 1956. We are
deemed to be registered
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under the Companies Act, 1956, or the Companies Act. We are registered with the Registrar of
Companies, Karnataka, Bangalore, India as Company No. 20800. Our registered office is located at
Doddakannelli, Sarjapur Road, Bangalore 560 035, and the telephone number of our registered office
is +91-80-2844-0011. The name and address of our registered agent in the United States is CT
Corporation, located at 1350 Treat Blvd., Suite 100, Walnut Creek, California 94596.
Wipro Limited was initially engaged in the manufacture of hydrogenated vegetable oil. Over
the years, we have diversified into the areas of Information Technology, or IT, services, IT
products and Consumer Care and Lighting Products. We are headquartered in Bangalore, India and
have operations in North America, Europe and Asia. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, 95%
of our operating income was generated from our IT business segments. For the same period, IT
Services and Products represented 84% of our operating income, BPO Services represented 4% of our
operating income, India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products represented 6% of our operating income
and Consumer Care and Lighting represented 4% of our operating income.
In October 2000, we raised gross aggregate proceeds of approximately $ 131 million in our
initial U.S. public offering of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange. We used a portion of these
proceeds to consummate the acquisition of Wipro BPO, Global Energy Practice and Wipro Nervewire.
We incurred capital expenditure of Rs. 4,135 million, Rs. 6,613 million and Rs. 7,486 million
during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. These capital
expenditures were primarily incurred on new software development facilities in India for our IT
Services and Products business segment. As of March 31, 2006, we had contractual commitments of
Rs. 1,714 million ($ 39 million) related to capital expenditures on construction or expansion of
software development facilities. We currently intend to finance our planned construction and
expansion entirely from internal sources of capital.
Business Overview
We are a leading global IT services company. We have been acknowledged as leading offshore
providers of technology services by Gartner, Forrester and other leading research and advisory
firms. We are the only Indian company to be ranked among the Top 10 Global Outsourcing Providers
in the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals Fortune Global 100 listings. We are
also winners of NASSCOMs Technology Innovation Award 2005.
We provide a comprehensive range of IT services, software solutions, IT consulting, business
process outsourcing, or BPO, services and research and development services in the areas of
hardware and software design to leading companies worldwide. We combine the business knowledge and
industry expertise of our domain specialists and the technical knowledge and implementation skills
of our delivery team in our development centers located in India and around the world, to develop
and integrate solutions which enable our clients to leverage IT for achieving their business
objectives. We use our quality processes and global talent pool for delivering time to development
advantage, cost savings and productivity improvements.
In India, we are a leader in providing IT solutions and services. We also have a profitable
presence in the Indian markets for consumer products and lighting.
We have three principal business segments:
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Global IT Services and Products. Our Global IT Services and Products segment
provides IT services to customers in the Americas, Europe and Japan. The range of our
services includes IT consulting, custom application design, development, re-engineering
and maintenance, systems integration, package implementation, technology infrastructure
outsourcing, BPO services and research and development services in the areas of
hardware and software design. Our service offerings in BPO services include customer
interaction services, finance and accounting services and process improvement services
for repetitive processes. |
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Until June 30, 2005, we reported Global IT Services and Products as an
integrated business segment. Effective as of July 1, 2005, we reorganized the
management structure of our Global IT Services and Products segment. Pursuant to
this reorganization, we have reorganized our business into new operating segments.
Business lines with similar economic characteristics and which comply with segment
aggregation criteria specified in U.S. GAAP have been combined to form our new
reportable segments. Consequently, IT Services and Products and BPO Services now
qualify as separate |
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reportable segments. Segment data for previous periods have
been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. |
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In December 2005, we acquired 100% of the equity of mPower Software
Service Inc. and its subsidiaries, a U.S. based company in the payment processing
space, for an aggregate cash consideration equal to Rs. 1,275 million ($28
million). Pursuant to the terms of this acquisition, we also acquired 100% of the
equity of MPact India, a joint venture between MasterCard International and mPower
Software Services Inc.. |
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In December 2005, we acquired 100% of the equity of BVPENTE
Beteiligungsverwaltung GmbH and its subsidiaries (NewLogic Technologies AG), a
European system-on-chip design company. The consideration included a cash payment
of Rs. 1,157 million and an earn-out of Euro 26 million to be determined and paid
in the future based on certain financial targets being achieved over a three-year
period. A portion of this earn-out, up to a maximum of Euro 3 million, is linked
to the continuing employment of one of the selling shareholders. |
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The operations of mPower and New Logic, which are now part of our IT
Services and Products, are currently reviewed by our Chief Operating Decision
Maker, or CODM, separately, and have accordingly been reported separately under
Acquisitions in the Notes to our Financial Statements. We intend to include all
acquisitions made within 2 to 4 quarters preceding the reporting date within
Acquisitions. |
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In April 2006, we acquired cMango Inc., a privately held California, US
headquartered company, in an all cash deal. cMango is a provider of Business
Service Management (BSM) solutions. The consideration included a cash payment of
Rs.886 Million ($20 million) paid at the closing of the transaction and additional
earn-out payments based on achieving specified financial metrics over a two year
period. |
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In May 2006, we acquired, subject to completion of certain closing
conditions, US based Quantech Global Services LLC and India based Quantech Global
Services Limited for a total consideration of Rs. 444.80 million ($ 10 million) and
additional earn outs based on achieving specified financial targets over a three
year period.. Quantech, founded 16 years ago, is a leading provider of Computer
Aided Design and Engineering services to Fortune 500 companies, particularly in the
automotive, aerospace and consumer goods industries. We currently intend to fund
this acquisition through our internal accruals. |
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In May 2006, we acquired, subject to completion of certain closing
conditions, a Europe based retail solutions provider, Enabler for a consideration
of Euros 41 Million ($ 53 million) payable on closure of the transaction as well as
earn-outs on achieving agreed financial targets over a two year period. We
currently intend to fund this acquisition through our internal accruals. Enabler is
one of the leading specialists in consulting and implementation of integrated
solutions and effective support of retail systems. |
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Our Global IT Services and Products segment accounted for 76% of our
revenues and 88% of our operating income for the year ended March 31, 2006. Of
these percentages, our IT Services and Products segment accounted for 69% of our
revenue and 84% of our operating income for the year ended March 31, 2006, and our
BPO Services segment accounted for 7% of our revenue and 4% of our operating income
for the year ended March 31, 2006. |
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India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products. Our India and AsiaPac IT Services and
Products segment is a leader in the Indian IT market and focuses primarily on meeting
the IT products and services requirements of companies in India, Asia-Pacific and the
Middle East region. This business segment accounted for 16% of our revenue and 6% of
our operating income for the year ended March 31, 2006. |
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Consumer Care and Lighting. We leverage our brand name and distribution strengths
to sustain a profitable presence in niche markets in the areas of soaps, toiletries and
lighting products for the Indian market. This business segment accounted for 5% of our
revenue and 4% of our operating income for the year ended March 31, 2006. |
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Industry Overview
IT Services and Products
The role of IT in transforming businesses and economies has been widely recognized. Changing
economic and business conditions, rapid technological innovation, proliferation of the Internet and
increasing globalization are creating an increasingly competitive market environment that is
driving corporations to transform the manner in which they operate. Customers are increasingly
demanding improved products and services with accelerated delivery times and at lower prices. To
adequately address these needs, corporations are focusing on their core competencies and are using
outsourced technology service providers to help improve productivity, develop new products, conduct
research and development activities, reduce business risk and manage operations more effectively.
The IT and information technology-enabled service or IT-ITES, sector has been experiencing
growth in India, with multinational companies building a global presence through cross-border
acquisitions and organic growth in other low cost locations. This is complemented by major global
players continuing to significantly develop their offshore delivery capabilities, predominantly in
India, validating the success of the global delivery model and highlighting Indias increasing role
in outsourcing.
The shift in the role of IT from merely supporting business to transforming business, which is
driving productivity gains and creating new business models, has increased the importance of IT to
the success of companies worldwide. The ability to design, develop, implement, and maintain
advanced technology platforms and solutions to address business and customer needs has become a
competitive advantage and a priority for corporations worldwide. We have found that companies are
now focused on moving data residing in disparate IT systems to the decision makers within the
company real-time and in a seamless manner. Companies have recognized the transformational
capabilities of real-time data and have started integrating IT processes with core business
activities, with their clients and with their suppliers. Concurrently, the prevalence of multiple
technology platforms and a greater emphasis on network security and redundancy have increased the
complexity and cost of IT systems, and have resulted in greater technology-related risks. The need
for more dynamic technology solutions and the increased complexity, cost and risk associated with
these technology platforms has created a growing need for specialists with experience in leveraging
technology to help drive business strategy.
To serve these companies, there is an increasing need for highly skilled technology
professionals in the markets in which we operate. IT service providers need cross functional teams
of domain experts with deep industry knowledge and process and implementation specialists with
technical expertise and application development skills. The cross functional teams should have the
ability to integrate solutions across disparate IT systems.
The focus for companies is on objective factors such as:
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providing decision makers with real-time data from disparate IT systems to enhance
the effectiveness of the decision making process; |
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realizing measurable cost efficiencies; |
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realizing a defined return on investment on their IT spending; |
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reducing the cycle time of introducing new software applications, commonly known as
time-to-application advantage; |
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reducing the time it takes to develop new technologies, commonly known as
time-to-market advantage; |
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increasing the focus on core activities by outsourcing IT infrastructure to
integrated IT service providers; and |
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strengthening individual portfolio and expanding geographic footprints through
cross-border mergers and acquisitions. |
According to the Worldwide Services Spending Forecast, a report published by International
Data Corporation, or IDC, in May 2005, the global IT services market is estimated to grow from
approximately $ 383 billion in 2003 to approximately $512 billion by 2008, reflecting a compound
annual growth rate, or CAGR, of 6%.
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According to NASSCOM Strategic Review Report 2006, the IT-ITeS exports are targeted to reach
$60 billion by 2010, reflecting a CAGR of 27%.
Companies are increasingly using external professional services as an effective tool to meet
their IT requirements. Outsourcing IT requirements enable companies to acquire high quality and
cost competitive services. We believe that effective outsourcing provides various benefits,
including lower total cost of ownership of IT infrastructure, better productivity from IT,
converting a portion of fixed costs into variable costs and quick access to the latest technology.
By deploying high-speed communications equipment, companies can access skilled IT services from
remote locations to meet their complex IT requirements in a cost-effective manner.
Increasing Trend Towards Offshore Technology Services. Companies are increasingly turning to
offshore technology service providers to meet their need for high quality, cost competitive
technology solutions. Technology companies have been outsourcing software research and development
and related support functions to offshore technology service providers to reduce cycle time for
introducing new products and services. These companies are now outsourcing a larger portion of
their IT activities, including core software research and development activities, to offshore
locations to access skilled resources at lower costs.
According to Gartners Global Offshore Sourcing Predictions report published in June 2004,
less than 3% of global corporate IT services spending are being globally sourced. By 2007, Gartner
expects that the globally sourced component of IT services spending will be 7% of total global IT
services spending.
According to NASSCOMM Strategic Review Report 2006, IDC forecasts a growth of over 7% (CAGR)
in worldwide IT-ITeS spends, and a growth of over 15% (CAGR) in offshore IT spending, over 2005-09.
Pure play IT services is becoming a high-volume commoditized service offering. Indian IT
service providers have traditionally addressed the application development and maintenance markets.
The Indian IT service providers are now acquiring or developing consulting skills to effectively
compete against leading global IT services companies as integrated service providers. Indian IT
service providers are also benefiting from the growing trend of companies breaking up large IT
services contracts into smaller components. The companies can diversify their vendor base, realize
cost savings by off-shoring certain components and retain flexibility to ramp up or scale down IT
operations lockstep with changing business requirements. Indian IT service providers can now
compete more effectively against established IT services companies like Accenture, EDS and IBM.
The India Advantage. We believe that India is a premiere destination for offshoring IT
services. According to the June 2004 Gartner Strategic Analysis Report, titled India Maintains Its
Offshore Leading Position, India will remain the dominant offshore service provider through 2008.
According to the report, no other nation will have a double-digit share of global offshore service
revenue.
According to NASSCOMs Strategic Review Report 2006, the total combined Indian IT services and
IT-enabled services export market in fiscal 2006 was nearly $ 23 billion. According to NASSCOMs
Strategic Review Report 2006, the total Indian IT services and IT-enabled services export market is
projected to grow to $ 60 billion by fiscal 2010.
We believe that there are several key factors contributing to this growth of India-based IT
services:
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India-based IT companies have proven their capability to deliver IT services that
satisfy the requirements of international clients who expect the highest quality
standards. According to a report by Dataquest published in October 2003, 75% of the
worlds SEI-CMM Level 5-assessed development centers were located in India. According
to NASSCOMs Strategic Review Report 2006, out of the 400 companies which have various
quality certifications, 82 are assessed at SEI-CMM Level 5 and 90 more companies are
reported to be in the process of getting certified. SEI-CMM is the Software Engineering
Institutes Capability Maturity Model, which assesses the quality of organizations
management system processes and methodologies. |
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India has a large, highly skilled English-speaking labor pool that is available at a
relatively low labor cost. According to NASSCOM Strategic Review Report 2006, the
Indian IT industry employed nearly 920,000 software professionals as of March 31, 2006,
making it the second largest employer in the IT services industry after the United
States. Approximately 280,000 engineering degree and diploma holders enter the
workforce annually, with a majority of them entering the IT industry. According to
this report, client organisations could expect total savings of 25% to 50% by using
offshore processes primarily because of |
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the differential in wages paid by these
companies in comparison to their India-based counterparts. Although wages in India are rising at a faster pace, the labor rate differential is
currently anticipated to remain a competitive advantage for Indian companies. |
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With the time differential between India and its largest market, the United States,
Indian companies are able to provide a combination of onsite and offshore services on a
24-hour basis on specific projects. |
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In addition to strong telecom links and physical connectivity to and within India
via road and air have also been stepped up over the past few years. According to the
mid term review of the Tenth Five Year Plan 2002-2007 India currently has the second
largest road network in the world totaling over 3.3 million kilometers. |
The traditional model for most large companies has been to manage most functions internally.
However, current global macroeconomic conditions and intense competitive pressures have forced
companies to pursue new business models. Companies are focusing on their core activities and
outsourcing critical but non-core activities to companies that specialize in such non-core
functions. Outsourcing enables companies to reduce their operating costs, realize benefits of scale
and flexible cost structures and achieve significant process improvements.
BPO Services
India is a leading destination for BPO services. The proven track record and client
relationships of established Indian IT services companies, favorable wage differentials,
availability of a large, high quality, English speaking talent pool and a regulatory environment
more friendly to investment are facilitating Indias emergence as a global outsourcing hub.
According to the March 2005 report published by IDC, titled Worldwide and US Business Process
Outsourcing (BPO) 2004-2008 forecast, the worldwide spending on BPO services is expected to grow
from $ 448 billion in 2004 to approximately $ 682 billion by 2008, a CAGR of 11%. According to
NASSCOM Strategic Review Report 2006, the worldwide spending on ITeS-BPO services is expected to
grow at a CAGR of more than 10% over 2005-2009.
India and Asia Pac IT Services and Products
The domestic Indian IT industry is primarily composed of hardware, packaged software and IT
services. According to IDC, while the domestic packaged software and IT services market is
expected to grow at 19.6% and 18.1% respectively for the period 2004-2009, the hardware market is
expected to show a comparatively modest growth rate of 17.9% for the same period. However, India is
expected to continue to be the fastest growing IT market in the APAC region.
IDC predicts that Indian IT market will grow at 19% in 2006 over 2005. WLAN equipments will
show the highest growth in the hardware segment, while Application Life Cycle Management Software
and Security Software will witness major growth in the software segment. According to IDC, the IT
services market in India is expected to grow to approximately to $ 3.5 billion in 2006 from an
estimated $ 2.9 billion in 2005. Outsourcing Services are expected to be the largest contributor
with 24% of this market. Increasing focus on vertical orientation is expected to lead to IT vendors
and independent software vendors, or ISVs bringing to market products and solutions that have
in-built industry-specific customization capabilities or templates. Government and education
verticals are also emerging as major IT spenders in the country.
Consumer Care and Lighting
The consumer care market that we address includes soaps, toiletries and infant care products.
A large portion of our revenues is derived from the sale of soaps. The market for soaps in India is
dominated by established players like Hindustan Lever (a subsidiary of Unilever). We have a strong
brand presence in a niche segment and have significant market share in select regional geographies.
We expect to increase our market share organically in our identified geographies and in addition we
look at acquiring established brands which complement our brand presence and distribution
strengths. In lighting, we operate in the domestic market for household lamps as well as
institutional market for luminaries and lamps. The market for lighting is led by Philips India
(subsidiary of Philips NV). We have a strong brand presence in select regional geographies for
domestic lighting, as well as an established institutional presence in select segments like
retailing, pharma lighting and software development centre lighting.
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Our Competitive Strengths
We believe that the following are our principal competitive strengths:
Comprehensive range of IT services
We provide a comprehensive and integrated suite of IT solutions, ranging from consulting to
application development and maintenance and take end-to-end responsibility for project execution
and delivery. We have over 15 years of experience in software development, re-engineering and
maintenance for our corporate customers and provide managed IT support services at the clients
site through our offshore development centers in India and several near shore development centers
located in countries closer to our clients offices. We believe that this integrated approach
positions us to take advantage of key growth areas in enterprise solutions, including IT services
data warehousing, implementation of enterprise package application software such as enterprise
resource planning, or ERP, supply chain management or SCM and customer relationship management or
CRM. In many large outsourcing deals, BPO services are an integral part of the total services
outsourced. Integrating BPO services into our portfolio of service offerings has provided us with a
strong competitive advantage over other IT services providers.
World-class quality as measured by SEI-CMM and Six Sigma initiatives
One of the crucial factors in our success has been our commitment to pursue the highest
quality standards in all aspects of our business. We were assessed at SEI-CMM Level 5, the highest
level of quality certification, in January 1999, making us the first IT services provider in the
world to achieve this standard. SEI-CMM is widely accepted in the software industry as a standard
to measure the maturity and effectiveness of software processes. Our SEI-CMM Level 5 rating is
supported by our Six Sigma initiative, which is an internationally recognized program focusing on
defect reduction and cycle time reduction. Our Six Sigma program was launched in 1998. Six Sigma
represents a quality standard of less than 3.4 defects per million opportunities in which a defect
may arise. In our continuous quest of doing more with less, we pioneered the application of LEAN
thinking in software services and support transactions. We believe that LEAN is a proven
manufacturing philosophy that has been sustained over several decades. The focus is on streamlining
activities solely from the customers viewpoint, eliminating waste, and a collaborative way of
working. We have found that this enhances productivity. We believe that our approach of continuous
enrichment through effective experimentation has proven fruitful. Preliminary results, from over
300 projects, indicate improvement in cycle time reduction and effort saving leading to financial
benefit with better teamwork.
Service offerings in emerging growth areas
We focus on identifying emerging growth areas and developing service offerings in these areas.
For example, we identified technology infrastructure outsourcing as an emerging growth area in
1998. We developed service offering in this area and familiarized customers with the concept of
remote network management. Today this comprises 8% of our revenues from IT Services and Products.
We have established centers of excellence in emerging growth areas. These centers focus on
understanding technology and developing customized business solutions for our customers.
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Broad range of research and development services
Our strengths in research and development services position us to take advantage of a recovery
in global research and development spending. We are one of few major IT services companies in the
world capable of providing an entire range of research and development services from concept to
product realization. According to NASSCOMs Strategic Review Report 2005, Indian Research and
Development services and software products exports are expected to grow from $ 2.3 billion in 2004
to grow to $ 8 billion by 2008, with a CAGR of 37%. This is higher than the 28% CAGR projected for
IT / ITeS Services by NASSCOM in their strategic review report. The annuity nature of revenues from
research and development services helps in mitigating the cyclic nature of IT services. We provide
IT services for designing, enhancing and maintaining platform technologies including servers and
operating systems, communication subsystems, local area and wide area network protocols, optical
networking systems, Internet protocol based switches, routers and embedded software, including
software used in mobile phones, home or office appliances, industrial automation and automobiles.
We acquired these skill sets through our earlier research and development efforts in the design of
computer hardware products for the Indian market when the Government of India did not allow these
products to be imported.
Global delivery model
One of our strengths is our global delivery model, which includes our offshore development
centers, or ODCs, and our near shore development centers. We were among the first India-based IT
services companies to implement the offshore development model as a method for delivering
high-quality services at a relatively low cost to international clients. Our global delivery model
has many features that are attractive to our clients, including:
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a time difference between the client site and the ODC which allows a 24-hour work
schedule for specific projects; |
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the ability to quickly increase the scale of development operations; |
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increased access to our large pool of highly skilled IT professionals located in India; and |
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physical and operational separation from all other client projects, providing
enhanced security for a clients intellectual property. |
Established track record with premier international customer base
As of March 31, 2006, our IT Services and Products segment had over 494 active clients and our
BPO Services had over 30 active customers and over 100 processes and 73% of our revenues of IT
Services and products segment was derived from Fortune 1000 and Global 500 clients. We had 79
clients that represented at least $5.0 million in revenues in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.
We believe that having an established base of high quality, high technology clients provide us
with the following competitive advantages:
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the type of clients we target are likely to maintain or increase their IT
outsourcing budgets; |
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our ODCs support critical IT applications of our large clients, so the clients are
therefore likely to provide a high level of repeat business; and |
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our IT professionals are consistently exposed to the latest technologies that we are
then able to leverage to procure business from other clients. |
Ability to access, attract and retain skilled IT professionals
We have continued to develop innovative methods of accessing and attracting skilled IT
professionals. We partnered with a leading Indian university to establish a program for on the job
training and a Masters degree in software engineering. We have also sought to open facilities in
various cities in India to better access local professionals. We believe that our ability to
retain highly skilled personnel is enhanced by our leadership position, opportunities to work with
leading edge technologies and focus on training and compensation. In fiscal 2002 we were assessed
at People Capability Maturity Model or PCMM level 5, the highest level of certification. PCMM is
widely accepted as a standard to measure the maturity and effectiveness of human resources
practices within a company. As of March 31, 2006, in our IT Services and Products business segment
we had over 29,800 IT professionals. We expect to grow these numbers in the foreseeable future.
One of the keys to attracting and retaining qualified personnel is our variable and performance
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linked compensation programs. We have had an employee stock purchase program since 1984 and
employee stock option plan and a productivity bonus plan since October 1999.
Robust systems and processes to support growth in business
We have proactively invested in systems, processes and infrastructure to support growth in our
business. We have developed systems and processes to ensure that we have adequate infrastructure,
robust recruitment systems and processes to maintain our culture of ethical behaviour, openness and
transparency. Our employee base in our IT Services and Products segment grew from approximately
9,900 employees as of March 31, 2001 to approximately 37,650 employees as of March 31, 2006 and our
employee base in BPO Services stands at approximately 16,080 employees as of March 31, 2006.
During the same period, our revenues from our IT Services and Products segment have grown from Rs.
17,816 million to Rs. 72,887 million. Our revenues from BPO Services have grown from Rs. 1,644
million for the year ending March 31, 2003 to Rs. 7,626 million for the year ending March 31, 2006.
Broad distribution network and strong sales force in India
We have a large and growing distribution network for our domestic businesses. For our Indian
IT Services and Products business segment, our direct sales force targets large corporate clients
and over 190 channel partners throughout India, and focuses on medium and small enterprises. For
our consumer care and lighting products, we have access to more than 1.5 million retail outlets.
This distribution reach provides us with a significant competitive advantage and allows us to grow
our business with minimal increases in personnel.
Strong brand recognition in the Indian market
We believe that our brands are some of the most well recognized brands in the Indian market.
We have been operating in the Indian market for over 60 years and believe that customers equate our
brand with high quality standards and a commitment to customer service. We enhance the value of
our brands through aggressive and selective advertising and promotions.
Our Strategy
Our objective is to be a world leader in providing a comprehensive range of IT services to our
clients. The markets we address are undergoing rapid change due to the pace of developments in
technology, changes in business models and changes in the sourcing strategies of clients. We
believe that these trends provide us with significant growth opportunities. The key elements of
our strategy include:
Significantly expand our IT Services and Products business and our BPO Services Business
We expect to continue to grow each of our IT Services and Products business and our BPO
Services business and the percentage of our total revenues and profits contributed by these
businesses over the next few years. We believe that we can achieve this objective through the
following means:
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Identify and develop service offerings in emerging growth areas as separate business
opportunities. Currently we are focusing on areas such as business intelligence
services, package implementation, niche consulting, data warehousing and network
storage; |
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Increase our share of the total IT spending by our large customers through focused
account management and more effective selling of all service lines to our existing
customers; |
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Develop industry specific point solutions and use them as entry strategies by
demonstrating industry knowledge and understanding of customer businesses and the
benefits of outsourcing; |
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Offer new pricing models, sharing the risks and rewards of the impact of IT
solutions on business, productivity improvements and timeliness of delivery; |
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Use efficient global sourcing models to source IT services from various geographies
and develop methodologies to develop and integrate solutions from around the globe. |
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Leverage our experience in providing IT infrastructure management services in the
Indian market and our access to existing clients outside India to provide technology
infrastructure support services; |
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Grow our research and development services by focusing on high growth markets such
as telecommunications, mobile communications and the Internet, and high growth
technologies such as embedded software; |
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Expand our market presence by providing enterprise application integration and
system integration services; and |
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Expand our business consulting services and position consulting services as
strategic differentiator over other competing entities. |
Increase the number and penetration of our IT Services and Products and our BPO Services
clients
We intend to increase the number of our clients through a dedicated sales team focused on new
client acquisitions and increasing our presence in Europe and Asia. Our goal is to make every new
client account earn over $ 1 million in annual revenues within twelve months. We intend to
increase our share of business with existing clients by expanding our range of IT solutions and by
increasing our knowledge of industry segments and individual client businesses to allow us to
better understand client requirements. We intend to grow our BPO Services business by leveraging
our existing client relationships to offer BPO Services to clients of our IT Services and Products
segment. We intend to expand our range of service offerings, migrate from providing solely
rules-based processing activities to offering an entire set of enhanced processes, provide value-
added services and partner with clients in business transformation initiatives.
Focus on services-led growth in India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products segment
We plan to grow in the IT market in India and AsiaPac by focusing on IT services. We believe
that by offering clients a full service technology solution, including IT consulting, systems
integration, support services, software and networking solutions along with branded hardware
products, we can enhance our profitability significantly.
Aggressively build awareness of the Wipro brand name
We plan to continue aggressively building awareness among clients and consumers both
domestically and internationally of the Wipro brand name. We believe we can leverage the strength
of an international brand name across all of our businesses by ensuring that our brand name is
associated with Wipros position as a market leader that is committed to high quality standards.
To achieve this objective, we intend to expand our marketing efforts with advertising campaigns and
promotional efforts that are targeted at specific groups.
Pursue selective acquisition of IT companies
We continue to pursue selective acquisitions of IT service companies that will allow us to
expand our service portfolio and acquire additional skills that are valued by our clients. We
believe this will strengthen our relationships with clients and allow us to realize higher revenues
from them. In pursuing acquisitions, we focus on companies where we can leverage domain expertise
and specific skill sets, and where a significant portion of the work can be moved offshore to India
to leverage our low cost offshore delivery model and realize higher margins.
In December 2005, we acquired 100% equity of mPower Software Services Inc. and subsidiaries
(mPower) including the minority shareholding held by MasterCard International in MPact India, a
joint venture between MasterCard International and mPower Software Services Inc. This acquisition
has enabled us to provide a wide range of additional technology services, including application
development and maintenance, infrastructure services, package implementation, BPO and testing. We
believe that through this acquisition, we will be able to expand our domain expertise in the
payments space and increase the addressable market for IT services.
In December, 2005, we also acquired 100% equity of BVPENTE Beteiligungsverwaltung GmbH and
subsidiaries (New Logic). Through this acquisition, we have acquired strong domain expertise in
semiconductor Intellectual Property (IP) cores and complete system-on-chip solutions with digital,
analog mixed signal and Radio Frequency (RF) design services. The acquisition also enables us to
access over 20 customers in the product engineering space.
In April 2006, we acquired cMango Inc, a privately held California, US-headquartered company,
in an all cash deal. cMango is a provider of Business Service Management (BSM) solutions. The
consideration included a cash payment of Rs.886 million ($20 million) paid at the closing of the
transaction and additional earn-out payments based on achieving specified financial metrics over a
two-year period.
28
In May 2006, we acquired, subject to completion of certain closing conditions, US based
Quantech Global Services LLC and India based Quantech Global Services Ltd. for a total
consideration of Rs. 444.80 million ($ 10 million) and additional earn outs based on achieving
specified financial targets over a three year period. Quantech, founded 16 years ago, is a leading
provider of Computer Aided Design and Engineering services to Fortune 500 companies, particularly
in the automotive, aerospace and consumer goods industries. We currently intend to fund this
acquisition through our internal accruals.
In May 2006, we acquired, subject to completion of certain closing conditions, a Europe based
retail solutions provider, Enabler for a consideration of Euros 41 Million ($ 53 million) payable
on closure of the transaction as well as earn-outs on achieving agreed financial targets over a two
year period. We currently intend to fund this acquisition through our internal accruals. Enabler is
one of the leading specialists in consulting and implementation of integrated solutions and
effective support of retail systems.
We continue to explore potential strategic partnerships and other relationships.
Sustain growth in operating income and cash flow of our traditional businesses
We have been in the consumer care business since 1945 and the lighting business since 1992.
The consumer care business has historically generated surplus cash for us to be able to grow our
other businesses. Our strategy is to maintain a steady growth in operating income for these
businesses through efficient capital utilization, strong brand name recognition and expanding our nationwide distribution network. We have invested in brands
which complement our brand and distribution strengths.
Continue development of our deep industry knowledge
We continue to build specialized industry expertise in the IT service industry. We combine
deep industry knowledge with an understanding of our clients needs and technologies to provide
high value, quality services. Our industry expertise can be leveraged to assist other clients in
the same industries, thereby improving quality and reducing the cost of services to our clients. We
will continue to build on our extensive industry expertise and enter into new industries.
IT Services and Products
Our IT Services and Products business segment, which we call Wipro Technologies, is a leader
in providing IT services to international companies. We provide our clients customized IT
solutions to improve their business competitiveness. Our IT services are focused on the following
areas:
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enterprise IT services; |
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technology infrastructure support services; and |
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research and development services; |
In our IT service offerings, we typically assume primary project management responsibility.
We offer these services globally through a team of over 29,800 IT professionals.
Enterprise Solutions Business
We provide a comprehensive range of enterprise solutions primarily to Fortune 1000 and Global
500 companies to meet their business needs. We combine the business knowledge and industry
expertise of our domain specialists and the technical knowledge and implementation skills of our
delivery team to create customized solutions for delivering time to development advantage, cost
savings and productivity enhancements. Our delivery capabilities are supplemented by a holistic
quality approach that integrates quality processes like Six Sigma, SEI CMM Level 5 and CMM to
eliminate deficiencies in execution.
We address the banking and financial services segment, the manufacturing sector, and the
retail, energy and utilities industries through our broad range of service offerings. Our
enterprise solutions division accounted for 64%, 63% and 63% of our IT Services and Products
revenues for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively.
29
Our services include:
Custom applications. We enable our clients to leverage IT to achieve business goals and to
align their IT systems with their business strategy by creating customized solutions, selecting
appropriate technologies, implementing systems on a fast-track basis, and ensuring overall quality.
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Development. We offer our software development services over a broad spectrum of
technology areas that include client or server applications, object-oriented software,
Internet or intranet applications and mainframe applications. For example, a leading
electronics company in the United States used to sell products of a particular division
online. We helped the client to develop online sales capability at other divisions by
building an oracle application interface with EDI systems, third-party softwares and
third-party suppliers. Through this process, the client now obtains online information
about inventory levels of various products, reconciles sales returns, credits and
charge backs and generates automated invoices. |
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Re-engineering. We study a clients business processes and existing systems and
convert or redevelop them to improve efficiency and reduce costs. For example, we
assisted one of the worlds largest water companies in a strategic re-engineering
initiative to streamline its IT operations to ensure better service delivery, improved
customer relationship and closer links with business. Over a two year period, through a
series of strategic initiatives, we enabled the client to realize significant cost
savings and improvements in the quality of the IT applications. We followed a cycle of
define, perform, review and refine for each of the IT applications assigned to us. We realized savings in the IT application support budget
by consolidating IT applications to derive economies of scale and redistributing IT
applications among third party vendors for optimum cost savings. |
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Maintenance. To meet the needs of a changing business environment with limited
internal resource utilization, we address legacy software applications for our clients
that require upgrades. For example for a leading integrated utility company which
sells and delivers electricity and energy related products and services, we
significantly reduced the cost of maintaining IT applications by rationalizing
disparate IT applications, offshoring application maintenance work and automating
certain processes to improve process efficiency. |
Enterprise application integration services. We implement packaged enterprise applications
that integrate information in an organization with key business processes to improve the efficiency
and effectiveness of our clients. Through strategic alliances with other vendors, we assist our
clients in implementing services in the areas of enterprise resource planning, supply chain
management and customer relationship management. For example, a leading utility company in the
United Kingdom which supplies gas and electricity to residential and commercial centers was facing
challenges of deregulation and wanted to improve their relationship with customers. We developed a
technical architecture to integrate legacy systems with standard energy industry systems of ERP
applications. The application now provides critical information on customer interactions across
multiple channels and enables the client to develop a deeper understanding of customer
requirements.
Business intelligence and data warehousing. We develop strategies and implement solutions for
our clients to manage multiple sources of data for use in their decision-making processes. For
example, a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics wanted to develop a deeper
understanding of customer preferences and develop a customer centric business model for creating
competitive advantages and sustaining growth. We developed an application to deliver data about
customers segmented into demographics, buying patterns and profitability. We segmented 65 million
customers into five critical segments based on 20 parameters. We integrated over three billion
records of demographic information from POS terminals, rebates and warranties. We also developed
organization wide performance trackers, rollup of profitability and cost metrics at various levels,
including the store, product line and customer segments.
Package Implementation. We use our expertise in package software to architect, implement and
maintain client specific solutions. For example, we assisted a leading manufacturer of consumer
electronics, communications and IT products in the United States to successfully implement an ERP
application. The solution involved business process improvements across 26 cross-functional
business units and plants, configuration for two different versions of ERP covering three time
zones and two countries, and the training of over 300 users in multiple geographies.
Consulting. We leverage our domain expertise and knowledge base in specific areas to provide
consulting services. For example, we worked with one of the largest foreign exchange and travel
companies in designing the architecture of a global, online commercial foreign exchange system. The
system is intended to facilitate end-to-end automatic foreign exchange transactions with minimal
manual intervention and delays, customer relationship
30
management and provide value added services
to members. We defined a multi-tiered, multi-layered architecture to meet these requirements. The
architecture comprised disparate software technologies such as J2EE, XML, CORBA, VB and
COM-Java/EJB bridging.
Testing Services. We are the largest Offshore Testing Services provider in the world with
annual revenues aggregating to around $ 164 million, 4500 dedicated employees and 165 customers
across the globe, including engagements with fortune 500 companies. We have been operating our
Independent Testing Services division since 1997. Our service portfolio in testing covers the
entire gamut of user needs from product concept to deployment, across the stages of the product/
application life cycle.
Technology Infrastructure Support Services
Our service offerings include help desk management, systems management and migration, network
management and messaging services. We are able to provide our IT Services and Products clients
with high quality, 24-hour, seven-day-a-week support services by leveraging our expertise in
managing IT infrastructures for our clients in India. For example, we assist a large insurance
company in the United States, in monitoring the network, which supports 20,000 employees,
independent contractors and independent agents, for any intrusion, scanning, breach of network by
use of hacking tools or potential DOS attacks. We monitor and sustain firewalls by monitoring
incident detection, incident response and incident notification systems, analysis of logs and MIS
reporting. We formed this division at the end of 1998 and it accounted for 7%, 7%, 8% of our IT
Services and Products revenues for the year ended March 31, 2004, March 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006, respectively. We anticipate that this division of
our Global IT Services business will continue to grow over the next few years.
Research and Development Services
We provide product development services for both hardware and software systems that are
implemented in computers and communications equipment. We acquired these skill sets from earlier
research and development efforts in the design of computer hardware products for the Indian market
when the Government of India did not allow these products to be imported. We have leveraged our
research and development skills to become an outsourcing resource for companies that seek highly
skilled product development services for some of their core technologies. We are able to assume
complete responsibility for all phases of the development, beginning with the requirements analysis
to the transfer of technology and information to the client.
Our research and development services division accounted for 36%, 37% and 37% of our IT
Services and Products revenue for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Our
services include:
Hardware design and development. We design and develop various types of integrated electronic
circuits, or ICs, including application specific integrated circuits, or ASICs and field
programmable gate arrays, or FPGAs. We offer our services over a broad spectrum of technology
areas, and are able to provide our clients complete subsystems or entire products.
Software system design and development. We develop software applications, including computer
operating system software applications commonly known as middleware, electronics communication
protocols and software that helps computers manage networks and control peripheral devices such as
printers and monitors. We focus on embedded software technologies that involve the design and
development of software solutions that are embedded in the hardware of a particular device.
IT Professionals. We have approximately 12,500 IT professionals trained in a broad array of
computing platforms and communication technologies. By focusing on selected markets and
technologies we are able to leverage our expertise and create greater efficiencies as well as
faster delivery times. Our research and development services are organized into three areas of
focus, which are described below with illustrative examples of projects we have completed for our
clients:
Telecommunications and inter-networking. We provide software and hardware design, development
and implementation services in areas such as fiber optics communication networks, wireless
networks, data networks, voice switching networks and networking protocols. For example, one of
our clients, a European Leader in telematics products, wanted to develop a fully integrated
infotainment system featuring global navigation system, GSM phone, audio, emergency services,
internet access, voice activation and climate control. We designed a software application
interface, using Object Oriented Design methodology, integrating multiple functionalities,
comprised of human machine interface, functional modules (API layers), resource schedulers and
graphics library. Our client was able to offer the product ahead of competition and maintain the
technology leader position in the market.
31
Embedded systems and Internet access devices. The software solution we provide is programmed
into the hardware IC or ASIC to eliminate the need for running the software through an external
source. The technology is particularly important to portable computers, hand held devices,
consumer electronics, computer peripherals, automotive electronics and mobile phones, as well as
other machines such as process-controlled equipment. For example, we helped one of our customers in
Japan to gain first-mover advantage by providing mobile printing solution for business travelers.
We created an extensive architecture, used device simulators for development and testing and
managed the seamless migration of the solution to real-time environment. The solution interfaces
with laptops and multiple other mobile devices to cater to needs of anywhere printing solutions
for an estimated 45 million business travelers across the globe every year.
Telecommunications and service providers. We provide software application integration,
network integration and maintenance services to telecommunications service providers, Internet
service providers, application service providers and Internet data centers.
Our Global Delivery Model
In our IT service offerings, we typically assume primary project management responsibility for
all stages of implementation of the project. Typically, a project team consists of a small number
of IT professionals based at the clients location who define the scope of the project, track
changes to specifications and requirements during project implementation, assist in installing the software or system at the clients site and ensure
its continued operation. The large proportion of the development work on the project is performed
at one of our dedicated offshore development centers, or ODCs, located in India. Our project
management techniques, risk management processes and quality control measures enable us to complete
projects on time and seamlessly across multiple locations with a high level of quality.
The Offshore Development Center. We were one of the first Indian IT services companies to
implement the offshore development model as a method for delivering high-quality services at a
relatively low cost to our international clients. Our ODC is a virtual extension of the clients
working environment with a dedicated facility and dedicated hardware and software infrastructure
that replicates the clients facilities. Certain Clients have had ODCs with us over thirteen years
This is further enhanced by a dedicated high-speed telecommunication link with the clients onsite
facilities and a secure working environment. In all our projects, we endeavor to increase the
proportion of work performed at the ODCs in order to be able to take advantage of the various
benefits associated with this approach, including higher gross margins and increased process
control. Due to the level of investment required by our clients in an ODC and the quality of
services we provide, the ODC model has provided us a high percentage of repeat business and a
stable revenue stream.
The Nearshore Development Center. Based on specific client needs, we have established
dedicated development centers in close proximity to our clients business locations, which we call
nearshore development centers. These nearshore development centers have employees with specialized
functional expertise and provide on-call support to our customers. We currently have nearshore
development centers in Reading, in the U.K., Windsor, Ontario in Canada, Kiel in Germany, Tampere
in Finland, Shanghai in China and Yokohama in Japan. In addition to providing software development
services, these centers, with their significant local talent, also provide a local customer
interface.
Our Clients
We provide IT software solutions to clients from a broad array of industry sectors. Several
of our clients purchase our services across several of our business divisions. We seek to expand
the level of business with our existing clients by increasing the type and range of services we
provide to them. The table below illustrates the size of our client project engagement size as
measured by revenues.
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Number of clients in |
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Year ended |
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Year ended |
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Year ended |
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March 31, |
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March 31, |
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March 31, |
Per client revenue($) |
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2004 |
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2005 |
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2006 |
1-3 million |
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74 |
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64 |
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103 |
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3-5 million |
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19 |
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28 |
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30 |
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>5 million |
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44 |
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65 |
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79 |
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Total |
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137 |
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157 |
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212 |
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For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2005 and 2006, the largest client of our IT Services and
Products segment accounted for 5% and 3% of the revenues of IT Services and Products and the
largest client of our BPO Services segment accounted for 29% and 24% of the revenues of BPO
Services. For the same periods, the five largest clients of our IT Services and Products segment
accounted for 18% and 15% of IT Services and Products revenues.
Sales and Marketing
Our headquarters are located at Bangalore, India. We sell and market our IT Services
primarily through our direct sales force, with locations worldwide, including in the United States,
France, Germany, Holland, Japan, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Our sales teams are organized in
three ways:
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by the vertical market segment of the clients business; |
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by the geographic region in which the client is located; and |
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by the specific practice specialization or skill set that the client requires. |
We use an integrated team sales approach that allows our sales teams to pass a client over to
an execution team once the sale is completed. Our sales personnel work together with the
appropriate software professionals and technical managers in analyzing potential projects and
selling our expertise to potential clients. Global IT Services and Products also gets support from
our corporate marketing team to assist in brand building and other corporate level marketing
efforts. Our sales and marketing team in IT Services and Products has increased from 173 to 213
personnel from March 31, 2005 to March 31, 2006. We intend to expand our global marketing efforts
through increased presence in targeted geographical regions.
Competition
The market for IT services is highly competitive and rapidly changing. Our competitors in
this market include consulting firms, big four accounting firms, global IT services companies, such
as Accenture, EDS, IBM Global Services and India based IT services companies such as Cognizant,
Infosys, Satyam and Tata Consultancy Services.
These competitors are located internationally as well as in India. We expect that further
competition will increase and potentially include companies from other countries that have lower
personnel costs than those currently in India. A significant part of our competitive advantage has
historically been a wage cost advantage relative to companies in the United States and Europe.
Because wage costs in India are presently increasing at a faster rate than those in the United
States our ability to compete effectively will increasingly become dependent on our ability to
provide high quality, on-time, complex deliverables that depend on increased expertise in certain
technical areas. We also believe that our ability to compete will depend on a number of factors
not within our control, including:
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the ability of our competitors to attract, retain and motivate highly skilled IT
services professionals; |
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the extent to which our international competitors expand their operations in India
and benefit from the favorable wage differential; |
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the price at which our competitors offer their services; and |
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the extent to which our competitors can respond to a clients needs. |
We believe we compete favorably with respect to each of these factors and believe our success
has been driven by quality leadership, our ability to create client loyalty and our expertise in
targeted select markets.
In BPO Services, we primarily compete against the in-house business process outsourcing units
of international companies, other Indian IT service providers, global competitors and competitors
from other offshore locations like the Philippines and Ireland.
33
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Services
Wipro BPO is one of Indias largest third party offshore BPO providers. Wipro BPO enables
clients to improve their quality of processes, reduce costs and realize benefits of scale. Our
service offerings include:
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customer interaction services, such as IT-enabled customer services, marketing
services, technical support services and IT helpdesks; |
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finance and accounting services, such as accounts payable and accounts receivable
processing; and |
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process improvement services that provide benefits of scale for repetitive
processes like claims processing, mortgage processing and document management. |
In BPO Services, we primarily compete against the in-house business process outsourcing units
of international companies, other Indian IT service providers, global competitors and competitors
from other offshore locations like the Philippines and Ireland. In many large outsourcing deals,
BPO services are an integral part of the total services outsourced. Integrating BPO services into
our portfolio of service offerings has provided us with a strong competitive advantage over other
IT services providers.
For BPO projects, we have a defined framework to manage the complete BPO process migration and
transition. The process has been developed based on the experience of our senior management team
over the past ten years in migrating more than 390 remote business processes to India. This defined
framework is designed to ensure process integrity and minimize inherent migration risks. The
framework includes a proprietary transition toolkit, which ensures that there is a documented
methodology with formats, tools, guidelines and a repository of past experiences to aid the
transition team during the transition phase. For example, for one of the large broadband service
providers in the United States, we have been providing outsourced technical support services. We
now have 24x7 customer support facilities, whereas earlier it took 8-9 hours to start attending
customer requirements. Call volume has increased by a multiple of 30 times from pilot stage and
there is an overall increase in customer satisfaction.
Our employee base in our BPO Services segment is approximately 16,000 employees as of March
31, 2006. Our revenues from our BPO Services segment have grown from Rs. 1,644 million for the
year ended March 31, 2003 to Rs. 7,626 million for the year ended March 31, 2006.
India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products
Our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products business segment, which we call Wipro Infotech,
is focused on the Indian, Asia-Pacific and Middle-East markets and provides enterprise clients with
comprehensive IT solutions. Our suite of services and products consists of the following:
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technology products; |
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technology integration, IT management and infrastructure outsourcing services; |
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custom application development, application integration, package implementation and maintenance; and |
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consulting. |
Additionally, we provide our domestic customers with access to our full range of global IT
services, including enterprise solutions and research and development services.
Services and Products
Technology Products. We manufacture our own brand of personal desktop computers, servers and
notebooks, and offer in India a portfolio of international brands in desktops, servers, notebooks,
storage products, networking solutions and packaged software to meet our clients requirements. We
source components from domestic and international companies for manufacturing our own brand of
computers, servers and notebooks.
Technology integration and management services and outsourcing services. We enable our
customers to leverage our IT skill and expertise to maximize returns on their technology
investments. We have over 23 years of
34
experience and currently support approximately 400,000
systems with over 7,500 contracts, with approximately 5,600 IT professionals, including outsourced
professionals. Our offerings include:
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Availability Services. Includes hardware and software maintenance, and network
availability services. We provide these services through an annual service or
maintenance contract with the client which provides for both preventive and breakdown
maintenance services. |
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System Integration. We are one of the largest system integrators in India and our
services include integration of computing platforms, networks, storage, data center and
enterprise management software. These services are typically bundled with sales of our
technology products. |
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Infrastructure Management and Total Outsourcing. Includes management and operations
of customers IT infrastructure on a day-to-day basis. Our Total Outsourcing practice
encompasses process, function or activity of the IT department in a clients
organization that can be outsourced to us by the client, through a long term
contractual agreement. The scope of outsourcing typically covers two or more of the
following areas: applications management, infrastructure management, asset outsourcing
and human resources transition. |
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Technology Support Services. Includes technology support services for upgrades,
system migrations, messaging, network audits and new system implementation. When
combined with our expertise in availability and managed IT services, we can provide the client with a complete solution
for enhanced system performance. |
We supplement our in-house resources with approximately 130 franchisees, which we train, and
provide support for to allow them to provide both Availability and Managed IT services. This
allows us to grow our business substantially without corresponding increases in our personnel.
Custom application development, application integration, package implementation and
maintenance. We design, develop and implement enterprise applications for corporate customers. Our
solutions include custom application development, package implementation, sustenance of enterprise
applications, including industry-specific applications, and enterprise application integration.
Consulting. We provide consulting services in the areas of business continuity and risk
management, technology, process and strategy.
Clients
We provide products and services to clients in a variety of areas such as manufacturing,
banking, financial services and insurance, Government, IT and IT-enabled services,
telecommunications and education. Our clients also include channel partners, who are value-added
resellers of our services and products. As of March 31, 2006, we had close to 190 channel partners
throughout India. We have a diverse range of clients, none of whom account for more than 5% of our
India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products business segment revenues.
Sales and Marketing
We sell and market our products and services to major corporate clients through our direct
sales force, and to smaller clients and retail clients through an extensive network of channel
partners. Sales teams are organized based on vertical segments, geographies, client size or product
or service segment. Compensation to our sales team is comprised of salary and additional
compensation linked to achievement of revenue or profit target and collections that a particular
sales team produces. Sales efforts are supplemented through a corporate wide web based ordering
system and a marketing team that assists in brand building, and other corporate level marketing
efforts. As of March 31, 2006, we had 430 sales and marketing staff.
Competition
The market for our services and products is highly competitive and rapidly changing. Our
competitors include global players like IBM, Hewlett Packard, EDS, Dell and Indian companies such
as TCS, HCL Infosystems and Infosys. We anticipate that Lenovo, which has acquired the PC business
of IBM, will be a significant player in Indian IT products market. Global players like IBM and
Hewlett Packard and to some extent Sun Microsystems have been increasingly focusing on increasing
their presence in the Indian markets. Some of these competitors have secured large IT services
35
contracts in India. We anticipate this competition to continue to grow as the demand for these
services increases and we also expect additional companies to enter the Indian market.
Consumer Care and Lighting
Our consumer care and lighting business segment focuses on niche profitable market segments
and has historically generated cash to support the growth of our other business segments. We began
with the hydrogenated oil business in 1946, and have continued to expand our business, currently
offering a mix of consumer products including hydrogenated cooking oil, soaps and toiletries,
wellness products, light bulbs and fluorescent tubes, and lighting accessories.
Products
Soaps and toiletries. Our product lines include soaps and toiletries, as well as baby
products, using ethnic ingredients. Our umbrella brands include Santoor, Chandrika and Wipro
Active. The Wipro Baby Soft line of infant and child care products, which includes soap, talcum
powder, oil, diapers and feeding bottles and Wipro Sanjeevani line of wellness products.
Lighting. Our product line includes incandescent light bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps and
luminaries. We operate both in commercial and retail markets. We have also developed commercial
lighting solutions for pharmaceutical production centers, retail stores, software development
centers and other industries.
Hydrogenated cooking oils. Our product line consists of hydrogenated cooking oils, a cooking
medium used in homes, and bulk consumption points like bakeries and restaurants. We sell this
product under our brand name Wipro Sunflower, which was launched in the 1950s and has been a
leading brand in western and southern India.
Sales and Marketing
We sell and market our consumer care products primarily through our distribution network in
India, which has access to 2 million retail outlets throughout the country. We sell our lighting
products to major industrial and commercial customers through our direct sales force, from 29 sales
offices located throughout India. We also have access to over 250,000 retail outlets for our
lighting products.
We leverage our brand recognition by successfully incorporating the Wipro identity with our
consumer brands. We intend to expand our marketing efforts with advertising campaigns and
promotional efforts targeted to specific regions of India.
Competition
Our competitors in consumer care and lighting are located primarily in India, and include
multinational and Indian companies such as Hindustan Lever for soaps, toiletries and General
Electric and Philips for lighting. Certain competitors have recently focused sales strategies on
increasing volumes through lower prices. Sustained price pressures by competitors may require us to
respond with similar or different pricing strategies. We cannot be reasonably certain that we will
be able to compete successfully against such competitors or that continued competition may not
adversely affect our gross and operating profits.
Raw Materials and Manufacturing
The primary raw materials for many of our soap and hydrogenated oil products are agricultural
commodities, such as vegetable oils. We normally purchase these raw materials domestically and
internationally through various suppliers contracts. Prices of vegetable oils, agricultural
commodities tend to fluctuate due to seasonal, climatic and economic factors, which generally also
affect our competitors.
Our lighting products are manufactured from glass and industrialized parts. We purchase these
parts from various domestic and foreign distributors and manufacturers, pursuant to a combination
of requirement and other supply contracts.
We have six manufacturing facilities located across India.
36
Wipro Infrastructure Engineering Limited
Our fluid power business started in 1975, as a result of our strategy to enter new emerging
markets with profitable business and high margins. We focus on the hydraulics market, especially
the mobile construction equipment business and believe the growth of this business is linked to the
growth of infrastructure spending in India. We manufacture and sell cylinders and truck
hydraulics, and we also distribute hydraulic steering equipment and pumps, motors and valves for
international companies. The initiatives by the Government of India in improving physical
infrastructure have increased the demand for our products. We anticipate that this demand will
continue to remain strong until 2006. Our main competitors include Hitachi Ltd., Hyundai Motor
Company, UT Limited (India) and overseas suppliers such as the Danfoss Group and Komatsu Ltd.
Markets and Sales Revenue
Our revenues for the last three fiscal years by geographic areas are as follows:
(In millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
India |
|
Rs. 14,783 |
|
|
Rs. 19,350 |
|
|
Rs. 21,804 |
|
United States |
|
|
30,869 |
|
|
|
41,812 |
|
|
|
53,481 |
|
Europe |
|
|
10,459 |
|
|
|
16,602 |
|
|
|
24,310 |
|
Rest of the world |
|
|
2,323 |
|
|
|
3,589 |
|
|
|
6,512 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rs. 58,434 |
|
Rs. 81,353 |
|
Rs. 106,107 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wipro GE Medical Systems Private Limited
In 1990, we formed a joint venture with General Electric called Wipro GE Medical Systems
Private Limited to learn new technologies and management processes from world class companies like
General Electric and to enter new markets. General Electric currently holds 51% of the equity in
the joint venture and we hold 49%. The joint venture partners have equal representation on the
board of directors and the chairman of the joint venture is the chairman of Wipro Limited. The
joint venture provides customers in South Asian markets after sales services for all GE Medical
Systems products sold to them. Products offered in this market consist of GE Medical Systems
products manufactured world wide and portable ultrasound equipment manufactured in India by this
joint venture for the global markets. This venture also leverages our strength in software
development to develop embedded software for medical equipment designed and developed by General
Electric for their global product portfolio. The main competitors of Wipro GE Medical Systems
Private Limited include Siemens and Philips.
Intellectual Property
Our intellectual property rights are important to our business. We rely on a combination of
patent, copyright, trademark and design laws, trade secrets, confidentiality procedures and
contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property. We require employees, independent
contractors and, whenever possible, vendors to enter into confidentiality agreements upon the
commencement of their relationships with us. These agreements generally provide that any
confidential or proprietary information being developed by us or on our behalf be kept
confidential. These agreements also provide that any confidential or proprietary information
disclosed to third parties in the course of our business be kept confidential by such third
parties. However, our clients usually own the intellectual property in the software we develop for
them.
Our efforts to protect our intellectual property may not be adequate. Our competitors may
independently develop similar technology or duplicate our products and/or services. Unauthorized
parties may infringe upon or misappropriate our products, services or proprietary information. In
addition, India has now complied with all World Trade Organization, or WTO, requirements, which
means, that India meets the international mandatory and statutory requirements regarding the
protection of intellectual property rights.
We could be subject to intellectual property infringement claims as the number of our
competitors grows and our product or service offerings overlap with competitive offerings. In
addition, we may become subject to such claims since we may not always be able to verify the
intellectual property rights of third parties from which we license a variety of technologies.
Defending against these claims, even if not meritorious, could be expensive and divert our
attention from operating our company. If we become liable to third parties for infringing their
intellectual property rights, we
37
could be required to pay substantial damage awards and be forced
to develop non-infringing technology, obtain a license or cease selling the applications that
contain the infringing technology. The loss of some of our existing licenses could delay the
introduction of software enhancements, interactive tools and other new products and services until
equivalent technology could be licensed or developed. We may be unable to develop non-infringing
technology or obtain a license on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.
As of March 31, 2006, Wipro Limited and its subsidiaries hold more than 450 trademarks in
India, including Wipro, Santoor and Wipro Babysoft. Wipro Trademarks Holding Limited, our wholly
owned subsidiary, has more than 500 trademark applications pending in India. We have four
registered trademarks in Japan, five registered trademark in the United States, five registered
community trademarks. We have one trademark application pending registration in Nepal and twelve
applications in Sri Lanka. We have four community trademark applications pending in Europe. It is
uncertain whether we will obtain registration for pending trademark and service mark applications.
We have three patent applications that are currently pending in India. We have one registered
patent for our hydraulic tipping valve. We have twenty three registered copyrights and five pending
copyright registrations in India. We also have ten designs registered in India. We cannot guarantee
that we will obtain patent, design and copyright registration for any of our pending applications.
On April 12, 2005, Wilmer Cutler, attorneys representing Wipro Werbeagentur GmbH an
advertising company in Germany sent us a letter alleging infringement. The letter alleged that our
use of the WIPRO name and trademark in Germany constitutes infringement of Wipro Werbeagentur
GmbHs rights. On April 27, 2005, we replied denying the substantive allegations and asserted various defenses. We were served with an ex parte
injunction on June 3, 2005. We are moving the court to vacate the injunction. Based on our review
on this matter, we believe that, the allegations of Wipro Werbeagentur GmbHs are without merit.
However, there can be no assurance that we will prevail. An unfavorable outcome of this matter
could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations
and cash flows in Germany.
Effect of Government Regulation of our Business
Regulation of our business by the Indian Government affects our business in several ways. We
benefit from certain tax incentives promulgated by the Government of India, including a ten-year
tax holiday from Indian corporate income taxes for the operation of most of our Indian facilities
and a partial taxable income deduction for profits derived from exported IT services under Indian
tax laws. As a result of these incentives, our operations have been subject to relatively
insignificant Indian tax liabilities. We have also benefited from the liberalization and
deregulation of the Indian economy by the successive Indian Governments since 1991, including the
current Indian Government. Further, there are restrictive parts of Indian law that affect our
business, including the fact that we are generally required to obtain approval under the Factories
Act and the Shops and Establishment Act, from the Reserve Bank of India and/or the Ministry of
Finance of the Government of India to acquire companies organized outside India, and we are
generally required, subject to some exceptions, to obtain approval from relevant Government
authorities in India in order to raise capital outside India. The conversion of our equity shares
into ADSs is governed by guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
Finally, we are subject to several legislative provisions relating to the Prevention of Food
Adulteration, Weights and Measures, Drugs and Cosmetics, Storage of Explosives, Environmental
Protection, Pollution Control, Essential Commodities and operation of manufacturing facilities.
Non-compliance with these provisions may lead to civil and criminal liability. We are and generally
have been in compliance with these provisions.
Please see the section titled Risk Factors in Item 3, Key Information, as well as the
section titled Additional Information in Item 10, for more information on the effects of
Governmental regulation of our business.
38
Organizational Structure
Our subsidiaries and affiliates are provided in the table below as at March 31, 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Country of |
|
Percentage |
Name |
|
Incorporation |
|
Held by Wipro |
Wipro Inc.
|
|
United States
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Enthink Inc. (1)
|
|
United States
|
|
|
Wipro Japan KK
|
|
Japan
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Wipro Chandrika Limited
|
|
India
|
|
|
90 |
% |
Wipro Consumer Care Limited |
|
India
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Wipro Travel Services Limited
|
|
India
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Wipro Trademarks Holding Limited
|
|
India
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Wipro Holdings (Mauritius) Limited
|
|
Mauritius
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Wipro Holdings (UK) Limited (2)
|
|
United Kingdom
|
|
|
Wipro Technologies UK Limited (3)
|
|
United Kingdom
|
|
|
Wipro HealthCare IT Limited
|
|
India
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Wipro Infrastructure Engineering Limited
|
|
India
|
|
|
100 |
% |
WeP Peripherals Limited
|
|
India
|
|
|
36.93 |
% |
Wipro GE Medical Systems Private Limited
|
|
India
|
|
|
49 |
% |
Wipro Shanghai Limited
|
|
China
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Spectramind Inc.
|
|
United States
|
|
|
100 |
% |
Cygnus Negri Investments Pvt. Ltd. (4)
|
|
India
|
|
|
BVPENTE Beteiligungsverwaltung GmbH (5)
|
|
Austria
|
|
|
New Logic Technologies AG (6)
|
|
Austria
|
|
|
New Logic Technologies SARL (7)
|
|
France
|
|
|
New Logic Technologies SA (7)
|
|
Switzerland
|
|
|
New Logic Technologies Inc. (7)
|
|
United States
|
|
|
mPower Software Services Inc. (8)
|
|
USA
|
|
|
mPower Software Services India Pvt Ltd. (9)
|
|
India
|
|
|
MPACT Technology Services Pvt. Ltd. (10)
|
|
India
|
|
|
|
|
|
1) |
|
Majority owned through Wipro Inc. |
|
2) |
|
Wholly owned through Wipro Holdings (Mauritius) Limited. |
|
3) |
|
Wholly owned through Wipro Holdings (UK) Limited. |
|
4) |
|
Wholly owned through Wipro Trademarks Holding Limited. |
|
5) |
|
Wholly owned through Wipro Holdings (UK) Limited. |
|
6) |
|
Wholly owned through BVPENTE Beteiligungsverwaltung GMBH. |
|
7) |
|
Wholly owned through New Logic Technologies AG. |
|
8) |
|
Wholly owned through Wipro Inc. |
|
9) |
|
Wholly owned through mPower Software Services Inc. |
|
10) |
|
51% held by mPower Software Services Inc. and 49% held by Wipro Inc. |
Property, Plant and Equipment
Our headquarters and corporate offices are located at Doddakannelli, Sarjapur Road, Bangalore,
India. The offices are approximately 300,000 square feet. We have purchased approximately 2,062,000
square feet of land adjoining our corporate offices for future expansion plans. Additionally, our
most significant leased and owned properties are listed in the table below.
We have one sales and marketing office located in each of the following countries: Canada,
France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland, Finland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom,
China and Japan. In addition, we have eleven sales and marketing offices in the United States.
39
We operate ten manufacturing sites, aggregating approximately 12,64,871 square feet and
approximately 4,037,979 square feet of land. We own seven of these facilities, located in Amalner,
Tumkur, Bangalore, Mysore, Hindupur, Chennai and Pondicherry, India. We have leased on a long-term basis two facilities
located in Waluj and Baddi, India. We have one software development facility in London, United
Kingdom.
Our software development and manufacturing facilities are equipped with a world class
technology infrastructure that includes networked workstations, servers, data communication links,
captive power generators and other plants and machinery.
We believe that our facilities are optimally utilized and that appropriate expansion plans are
being planned and undertaken to meet our future growth.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Building |
|
Land (1) |
|
|
Location |
|
Approx. Sq.ft. |
|
Approx. Sq.ft. |
|
Ownership |
Software Development Facilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bangalore (M.G.Road), Karnataka |
|
|
56,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Bangalore (ITPL), Karnataka |
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Bangalore (Koramangala 1),
Karnataka |
|
|
48,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Bangalore (Koramangala 2),
Karnataka |
|
|
52,500 |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
|
Owned |
Bangalore (Madivala 1),
Karnataka |
|
|
48,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Bangalore (Madivala 2),
Karnataka |
|
|
74,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Bangalore (Madivala 3),
Karnataka |
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Bangalore (Madivala 4),
Karnataka |
|
|
69,803 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Bangalore (Electronic City 1),
Karnataka |
|
|
225,000 |
|
|
|
217,800 |
|
|
Long term lease |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bangalore (Electronic City 2), Karnataka
(2) |
|
|
430,000 |
|
|
|
522,000 |
|
|
Owned |
Bangalore SIRI Tech, Karnataka |
|
|
42,272 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Bangalore (Electronic City 4), Karnataka
(2) |
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
2,015,000 |
|
|
Owned |
Bangalore (Sigma Infotech
Park-Whitefield),
Karnataka |
|
|
45,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Bangalore (Ahmed Plaza) |
|
|
9,270 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Bangalore (Subramanya Arcade) |
|
|
7,308 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Chennai (Guindy), Tamil Nadu |
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
16,000 |
|
|
Owned |
Chennai (Guindy), Tamil Nadu |
|
|
78,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Owned |
Chennai (Sholinganalur), Tamil
Nadu |
|
|
450,000 |
|
|
|
610,000 |
|
|
Owned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chennai (Anna Salai), Tamil Nadu |
|
|
44,713 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Cochin Info Park |
|
|
11,956 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Cochin Info Park |
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,96,841 |
|
|
Long term lease |
Mysore (Mettagalli Inudstrial Area),
Karnataka |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Owned |
Carlton Towers, Bangalore,
Karnataka |
|
|
4,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Okhla Industrial Estate, Delhi |
|
|
139,991 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Gurgaon 2 and 3, Haryana |
|
|
74,624 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long term lease |
Hyderabad (Madhapur), Andhra Pradesh |
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
196,000 |
|
|
Long term lease |
Hyderabad (Manikonda), Andhra Pradesh
(2) |
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
1,300,000 |
|
|
Long term lease |
Queens Plaza, SP Road, Hyderabad |
|
|
55,970 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Kolkatta (2) |
|
|
350,000 |
|
|
|
522,000 |
|
|
Long term lease |
New Mumbai (Belapur), Maharashtra |
|
|
156,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long term lease |
Pune, (Hinjawadi), Maharashtra |
|
|
270,000 |
|
|
|
1,084,000 |
|
|
Long term lease |
Secunderabad (Begumpet), Andhra
Pradesh |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long term lease |
Reading, United Kingdom |
|
|
10,380 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Stockholm, Sweden |
|
|
9,226 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Windsor, Canada |
|
|
24,662 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Kiel, Germany |
|
|
3,745 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Yokohoma, Japan |
|
|
5,328 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Shanghai, China |
|
|
3,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Leased |
Total |
|
|
5,452,063 |
|
|
|
6,512,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Factories |
|
Building |
|
Land |
|
Ownership |
|
|
Approx. Sq.ft. |
|
Approx. Sq.ft. |
|
|
Amalner, Maharashtra |
|
|
727,000 |
|
|
|
1,108,000 |
|
|
Owned |
Bangalore, Karnataka |
|
|
63,000 |
|
|
|
397,000 |
|
|
Owned |
Tumkur, Karnataka |
|
|
139,000 |
|
|
|
736,000 |
|
|
Owned |
Hindupur, Andhra Pradesh |
|
|
31,000 |
|
|
|
114,000 |
|
|
Owned |
Guduvancherry, Chennai |
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
|
Owned |
Mysore, Karnataka |
|
|
60,000 |
|
|
|
327,000 |
|
|
Owned |
Thirubhvanai, Pondicherry |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
Owned |
Waluj, Aurangabad |
|
|
124,000 |
|
|
|
767,000 |
|
|
Long term lease |
Baddi , Himachal Pradesh |
|
|
10,871 |
|
|
|
108,979 |
|
|
Long term lease |
Total |
|
|
1,264,871 |
|
|
|
4,037,979 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes land owned or held by us pursuant to a long term lease. |
|
(2) |
|
Facility partially completed |
Material Plans to Construct, Expand and Improve Facilities
As of March 31, 2006, we have capital commitments of Rs. 1,714 million ($ 39 million) related
to the construction or expansion of our software development facilities. Additional expansion plans
are currently intended to be funded by internal accruals.
Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of business, we may from time to time become involved in certain legal
proceedings. Except as otherwise described herein, Wipro Limited, our directors, executive
officers and subsidiaries are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings. Please see
the description of our tax proceedings before the Deputy Commissioner of Income, Tax, Bangalore,
India, under the section tiled Income Taxes under Item 5 of this Annual Report.
41
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Readers are cautioned that this discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. When used in this discussion, the words anticipate, believe,
estimate, intend ,could, may, plan, predict, should, would, will and expect
and other similar expressions as they relate to the company or our business are intended to
identify such forward-looking statements. These forwardlooking statements speak only as of the
date of this report, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Actual results, performances or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or
implied in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such
differences include those described under the heading Risk Factors, as well as the other factors
discussed in this report. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction
with our financial statements included herein and the notes thereto.
Overview
We are a leading global information technology, or IT, services company founded in 1945, and
headquartered in Bangalore, India. We provide a comprehensive range of IT services, software
solutions and research and development services in the areas of hardware and software design to the
leading companies worldwide. We use our development centers located in India and around the world,
quality processes and global resource pool to provide cost effective IT solutions and deliver
time-to-market and time-to-development advantages to our clients. We also provide business process
outsourcing, or BPO, services.
In India, we are a leader in providing IT solutions and services. We also have a profitable
presence in the Indian markets for consumer products and lighting.
We have three principal business segments:
Global IT Services and Products. Our Global IT Services and Products segment provides IT
services to customers in the Americas, Europe and Japan and BPO Services to clients in North
America, Europe, Australia and other markets. The range of IT services we provide includes IT
consulting, custom application design, development, re-engineering and maintenance, systems
integration, package implementation, technology infrastructure outsourcing, testing services and
research and development services in the areas of hardware and software design. Our services
offerings in BPO Services include customer interaction services, finance and accounting services
and process improvement services for repetitive processes.
Until June 30, 2005, we reported Global IT Services and Products as an integrated business
segment. Effective as of July 1, 2005, we reorganized the management structure of our Global IT
Services and Products segment. Pursuant to this reorganization, we have reorganized our business
into new operating segments. Business lines with similar economic characteristics and which comply
with segment aggregation criteria specified in U.S. GAAP have been combined to form our new
reportable segments. Consequently, IT Services and Products, and BPO Services now qualify as
reportable segments and are reported separately. Segment data for previous periods have been
reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
In December 2005, we acquired 100% of the equity of mPower Software Service Inc. and its
subsidiaries, a U.S. based company in the payment processing space, for an aggregate cash
consideration equal to Rs. 1,275 million ($28 million). Pursuant to the terms of this acquisition,
we also acquired 100% of the equity of MPact India, a joint venture between MasterCard
International and mPower Software Services Inc..
In December 2005, we also acquired 100% of the equity of BVPENTE Beteiligungsverwaltung GmbH
and its subsidiaries (NewLogic Technologies AG), a European system-on-chip design company. The
consideration included a cash payment of Rs. 1,157 million and an earn-out of Euro 26 million to be
determined and paid in the future based on certain financial targets being achieved over a
three-year period. A portion of this earn-out, up to a maximum of Euro 3 million, is linked to the
continuing employment of one of the selling shareholders.
42
The operations of mPower and New Logic, which are now part of our IT Services, are currently
reviewed by our Chief Operating Decision Maker, or CODM, separately, and have accordingly been
reported separately under Acquisitions in our Notes to Financial Statements. We intend to include
all acquisitions made within 2 to 4 quarters preceding the reporting date within Acquisitions.
Our Global IT Services and Products segment accounted for 76% of our revenue and 88% of our
operating income for the year ended March 31, 2006. Of these percentages, our IT Services
and Products segment accounted for 69% of our revenue and 84% of our operating income for
the year ended March 31, 2006 and our BPO Services segment accounted for 7% of our revenue
and 4% of our operating income for the year ended March 31, 2006.
In April 2006, we acquired cMango Inc., a privately held California, US headquartered
company, in an all cash deal. cMango is a provider of Business Service Management (BSM)
solutions. The consideration included a cash payment of Rs.886 Million ($20 million) paid at
the closing of the transaction and additional earn-out payments based on achieving specified
financial metrics over a two year period.
In May 2006, we acquired, subject to completion of certain closing conditions, US based
Quantech Global Services LLC and India based Quantech Global Services Ltd. for a total
consideration of Rs. 444.80 million ($ 10 million) and additional earn outs based on
achieving specified financial targets over a three year period. Quantech, founded 16 years
ago, is a leading provider of Computer Aided Design and Engineering services to Fortune 500
companies, particularly in the automotive, aerospace and consumer goods industries. We
currently intend to fund this acquisition through our internal accruals.
In May 2006, we acquired, subject to completion of certain closing conditions, a Europe
based retail solutions provider, Enabler for a consideration of Euros 41 Million ($ 53
million) payable on closure of the transaction as well as earn-outs on achieving agreed
financial targets over a two year period. We currently intend to fund this acquisition
through our internal accruals. Enabler is one of the leading specialists in consulting and
implementation of integrated solutions and effective support of retail systems.
India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products. Our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products
segment is a leader in the Indian IT market and focuses primarily on meeting the requirements for
IT products and services of companies in India, AsiaPacific and the Middle East region. Our India
and AsiaPac IT Services and Products segment accounted for 16% of our revenue and 6% of our
operating income for the year ended March 31, 2006.
Consumer Care and Lighting. We leverage our brand name and distribution strengths to sustain
a profitable presence in niche markets in the areas of soaps, toiletries, lighting products and
hydrogenated cooking oils for the Indian market. Our Consumer Care and Lighting segment accounted
for 5% of our revenue and 4% of our operating income for the year ended March 31, 2006.
Our revenue and net income for the years ended March 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 are provided
below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wipro Limited and its subsidiaries |
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions except earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
data) |
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
Rs. |
58,433 |
|
|
Rs. |
81,353 |
|
|
Rs. |
106,107 |
|
Cost of revenue |
|
|
(39,000 |
) |
|
|
(53,895 |
) |
|
|
(71,647 |
) |
Gross profit |
|
|
19,433 |
|
|
|
27,458 |
|
|
|
34,460 |
|
Gross margins |
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
34 |
% |
|
|
32 |
% |
Operating income |
|
|
10,901 |
|
|
|
17,857 |
|
|
|
21,972 |
|
Loss on direct issue
of stock by subsidiary |
|
|
(206 |
) |
|
|
(207 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
9,992 |
|
|
|
15,833 |
|
|
|
20,270 |
|
Earnings per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
7.20 |
|
|
|
11.38 |
|
|
|
14.41 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
7.20 |
|
|
|
11.29 |
|
|
|
14.24 |
|
In June 2004, our shareholders approved a stock dividend, which was previously approved by our
Board of Directors. The stock dividend declared was two equity shares for every one equity share
outstanding on the record date. As each ADS represented one equity share of the Company, ADS
holders also received two ADSs for every one ADS outstanding on the record date. Accordingly, we
have issued 465,631,260 additional equity shares, which amount
43
includes 6,419,576 additional ADSs
issued in respect of outstanding ADSs on the record date, and have transferred an
amount of Rs. 931 million from retained earnings to equity shares (and ADSs) on our balance
sheet. Share and per share data for all periods reported have been adjusted to reflect the stock
dividend, and the share and per share numbers reflected herein are post-stock dividend numbers.
In July 2005, the members of the Company approved a stock dividend, effective August 24, 2005,
in the ratio of 1 additional equity shares or ADS for every equity share or ADS held. Accordingly,
we issued 705,893,574 additional shares and has transferred an amount of Rs. 1,162 million from
additional paid in capital and Rs. 250.04 from retained earnings, to equity shares. The allocation
between additional paid in capital and retained earnings is in line with the local statutory
accounts. Share and per share data for all periods reported have been adjusted to reflect the stock
split effected in the form of stock dividend. Capitalization of additional paid in capital and
retained earnings aggregating Rs. 1,412 million has been recorded for the year ended March 31,
2006.
44
Acquisitions
Acquisition of Ownership Interest in a Subsidiary
As of March 31, 2005, we held approximately 93% of the outstanding equity shares of Wipro BPO
Solutions Limited or Wipro BPO. The remaining shares were held by the employee shareholders.
During the year ended March 31, 2006, we acquired the balance 7% of the equity shares from the
employee shareholders at fair value for an aggregate consideration of Rs. 852 million. The
step-acquisition resulted in goodwill and intangibles of Rs. 304 million and Rs. 15 million
respectively. As a result of this transaction, Wipro BPO became our wholly owned subsidiary.
In terms of the scheme of amalgamation approved by the Reserve Bank of India on February 11,
2006, the High Court of Karnataka on April 5, 2006, the Registrar of Companies, Mauritius on
January 6, 2006 and the Ministry of Finance, Bermuda on March 28, 2006, Wipro BPO Solutions
Limited, India, Spectramind Limited, Mauritius and Spectramind Limited, Bermuda amalgamated with
the Company as of April 1, 2005. The Scheme of Amalgamation became effective in April 2006 pursuant
to obtaining necessary approvals and filing with the Registrar of Companies. In accordance with the
scheme, the merger became effective as of the Appointed Date of April 1, 2005. The transfer of
assets being a transfer from subsidiary to parent was recorded at the carrying value and therefore
does not have any impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
mPower Software Services Inc. and subsidiaries
In December 2005, we acquired 100% equity of mPower Software Services Inc. and subsidiaries
(MPower) including the minority shareholding held by MasterCard International in MPact India, a
joint venture between MasterCard International and mPower Software Services Inc. for an aggregate
cash consideration of Rs.1,274. mPower Software Services Inc. is a US based Company engaged in
providing IT services in the payments service sector.
We believe that through this acquisition, we will be able to expand our domain expertise in
providing IT services to customers in payments processing sector and increase the addressable
market. Further, a part of this acquisition, we aim to provide MasterCard a wide range of services
including application development and maintenance, infrastructure services, package implementation,
BPO and testing.
The total purchase price has been preliminarily allocated to the acquired assets and
liabilities as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Description |
|
Fair value |
|
|
Net tangible assets |
|
Rs. 185 |
|
|
|
|
|
Customer Related Intangibles |
|
|
357 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liability |
|
|
(125 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
|
|
857 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
Rs. 1,274 |
|
|
|
|
|
The purchase consideration has been allocated on a preliminary basis based on our estimates.
We are in the process of making a final determination of the carrying value of assets and
liabilities, which may result in changes in the carrying value of net assets recorded. Finalization
of the purchase price allocation based on an independent third party appraisal, which is expected
to be completed by June 2006, may result in certain adjustments to the above allocation.
mPower Software Services Inc. merged with Wipro Inc effective upon the close of business on
March 31, 2006.
45
BVPENTE Beteiligungsverwaltung GmbH and subsidiaries
On December 28, 2005, we acquired 100% equity of BVPENTE Beteiligungsverwaltung GmbH and
subsidiaries (New Logic). New Logic is a European system-on-chip design company. The consideration
includes cash payment of Rs. 1,157 and an earn-out of Euro 26.00 million to be determined and paid
in the future based on certain financial targets being achieved over a 3 year period. We have
determined that a portion of this earn-out, up to a maximum of Euro 2.50 million that is linked to
the continuing employment of one of the selling shareholders is compensatory in nature. The balance
earn-out will be recorded as additional purchase price when the contingency is resolved.
We believe that through this acquisition, we have acquired strong domain expertise in
semiconductor Intellectual Property (IP) cores and complete system-on-chip solutions with digital,
analog mixed signal and Radio Frequency (RF) design services. The acquisition also enables us to
access over 20 customers in the product engineering service sector.
The purchase price paid has been preliminarily allocated to the acquired assets and
liabilities as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Description |
|
Fair value |
|
Net tangible assets |
|
Rs. 307 |
|
|
|
|
|
Customer Related Intangibles |
|
|
147 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technology Related Intangibles |
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Tax Liability |
|
|
(53 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
|
|
690 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
Rs. 1,158 |
|
|
|
|
|
The purchase consideration has been allocated on a preliminary basis based on our estimates.
The Company is in the process of making a final determination of the carrying value of assets and
liabilities which may result in changes in the carrying value of net assets recorded. Finalization
of the purchase price allocation based on an independent third party appraisal, which is expected
to be completed by June 2006, may result in certain adjustments to the above allocation.
46
Our revenue and operating income by business segment are provided below for the years
ended March 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Global IT Services and Products |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IT Services and Products |
|
|
67 |
% |
|
|
67 |
% |
|
|
68 |
% |
BPO Services |
|
|
8 |
% |
|
|
8 |
% |
|
|
7 |
% |
Acquisitions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
% |
Total |
|
|
75 |
% |
|
|
75 |
% |
|
|
76 |
% |
India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
Consumer Care and Lighting |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Others |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Global IT Services and Products |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IT Services and Products |
|
|
78 |
% |
|
|
83 |
% |
|
|
84 |
% |
BPO Services |
|
|
7 |
% |
|
|
6 |
% |
|
|
5 |
% |
Acquisitions |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
Total |
|
|
85 |
% |
|
|
89 |
% |
|
|
88 |
% |
India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Consumer Care and Lighting |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
Others |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Others category in the table above includes our other lines of business such as Wipro
Infrastructure Engineering and Wipro Biomed. Wipro Biomed, which was earlier reported as part of
the Health Science business segment for purposes of financial reporting, is now being reported as
part of Others. As discussed previously, we reorganized our business segments in July 2005. We
reorganized the management structure of our Global IT Services and Products segment. Pursuant to
this reorganization, we have reorganized our business into new operating segments. Business lines
with similar economic characteristics and which comply with segment aggregation criteria specified
in U.S. GAAP have been combined to form our new reportable segments. Consequently, IT Services and
Products and BPO Services now qualify as a separate reportable segments. Corporate activities such
as treasury, legal, accounting and human resources which do not qualify as operating segments under
SFAS No. 131, have been considered as reconciling items. Reconciling items are net of common costs
allocated to other business segments.
Global IT Services and Products
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IT Services and Products |
|
Rs. |
39,412 |
|
|
Rs. |
54,256 |
|
|
Rs. |
72,887 |
|
BPO Services |
|
|
4,363 |
|
|
|
6,433 |
|
|
|
7,626 |
|
Total |
|
|
43,775 |
|
|
|
60,689 |
|
|
|
80,513 |
|
Gross profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IT Services and Products |
|
|
14,364 |
|
|
|
20,476 |
|
|
|
25,901 |
|
BPO Services |
|
|
1,480 |
|
|
|
1,693 |
|
|
|
1,817 |
|
Total |
|
|
15,844 |
|
|
|
22,169 |
|
|
|
27,718 |
|
Selling and marketing expenses |
|
|
(3,520 |
) |
|
|
(3,223 |
) |
|
|
(3,942 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
(2,493 |
) |
|
|
(2,739 |
) |
|
|
(4,144 |
) |
Research and Development expenses |
|
|
(232 |
) |
|
|
(274 |
) |
|
|
(202 |
) |
Amortization of intangibles |
|
|
(300 |
) |
|
|
(122 |
) |
|
|
(31 |
) |
Others, net |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
9,300 |
|
|
|
15,825 |
|
|
|
19,409 |
|
Revenue growth rate over prior period |
|
|
43 |
% |
|
|
39 |
% |
|
|
33 |
% |
Gross margin |
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
37 |
% |
|
|
34 |
% |
Operating margin |
|
|
21 |
% |
|
|
26 |
% |
|
|
24 |
% |
47
Revenue from our Global IT Services and Products segment consists of revenue from our IT
Services and Products and BPO Services business operating segments. Until June 30, 2005, we
reported Global IT Services and Products as an integrated business segment. Effective as of July
1, 2005, we reorganized the management structure of our Global IT Services and Products segment
into IT Services and Products and BPO Services.
IT Services and Products
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|
(in millions) |
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IT Services |
|
Acquisitions |
|
Total |
Revenue |
|
Rs. |
39,412 |
|
|
Rs. |
54,256 |
|
|
Rs. |
72,419 |
|
|
|
Rs.468 |
|
|
Rs. |
72,887 |
|
Gross profit |
|
|
14,364 |
|
|
|
20,476 |
|
|
|
25,813 |
|
|
|
88 |
|
|
|
25,901 |
|
Selling and marketing expenses |
|
|
(3,418 |
) |
|
|
(3,122 |
) |
|
|
(3864 |
) |
|
|
(29 |
) |
|
|
(3,893 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
(2,126 |
) |
|
|
(2,226 |
) |
|
|
(3345 |
) |
|
|
(47 |
) |
|
|
(3,392 |
) |
Research and Development expenses |
|
|
(232 |
) |
|
|
(274 |
) |
|
|
(202 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(202 |
) |
Amortization of intangibles |
|
|
(84 |
) |
|
|
(52 |
) |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
(18 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
Others, net |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
8,505 |
|
|
|
14,817 |
|
|
|
18,401 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
18,398 |
|
Revenue growth rate over prior
period |
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
33 |
% |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
34 |
% |
Gross margin |
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
38 |
% |
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
19 |
% |
|
|
36 |
% |
Operating margin |
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
27 |
% |
|
|
25 |
% |
|
|
(1 |
)% |
|
|
25 |
% |
Revenue from our IT Services and Products is derived from technology and software services
provided on a time-and-materials or fixed-price, fixed-timeframe basis. Our business segment
revenue includes the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. Revenue from IT services provided on a
time-and-materials basis is recognized in the period that services are provided and costs are
incurred. Revenue from IT services provided through fixed-price, fixed-timeframe projects is
recognized on a percentage of completion basis. Provisions for estimated losses on projects in
progress are recorded in the period in which we determine such losses to be probable. Maintenance
revenue is deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the agreement. To date, a substantial
majority of our services revenue has been derived from time-and-materials projects. From time to
time, we may experience pricing pressure from our clients, especially during economic downturns,
which could adversely affect our revenue, margins and gross profits. For example, clients often
expect that as we do more business with them they will receive volume discounts. Additionally,
clients may ask for fixed-price arrangements or reduced rates. As such, we believe the proportion
of revenue from fixed-price, fixed-timeframe projects may increase. Our operating results could be
adversely affected by factors such as cost overruns due to delays, unanticipated costs, and wage
inflation.
The cost of revenue for services in our IT Services and Products segment consists primarily of
compensation expenses, data communication expenses, computer maintenance, travel expenses and
occupancy expenses associated with services rendered. We recognize these costs as incurred.
Selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of sales, advertising and marketing expenses and
allocated corporate overhead expenses associated with corporate marketing. General and
administrative expenses consist primarily of administrative expenses and allocated corporate
overhead expenses associated with management, human resources, information management systems,
quality assurance and finance.
The revenue and profits for any period of our IT services is significantly affected by the
proportion of work performed at our facilities in India and at client sites overseas and by the
utilization rates of our IT professionals. The higher rates we charge for performing work at
client sites overseas do not completely offset the higher costs of performing such overseas work,
and therefore, services performed in India generally yield better profit margins. For this reason,
we seek to move a project as early as possible from overseas locations to our Indian development
centers. As of March 31, 2006, 75% of our professionals engaged in providing IT services were
located in India. For the year ended March 31, 2006, 48% of the revenues of our IT services were
generated from work performed at our facilities in India.
In our segment reporting only, management has included the impact of exchange rate
fluctuations in revenue. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, revenue, as reported
in our statements of income, is Rs. 39,162 million, Rs. 54,236 million and Rs. 73,061 million for
the years ended March 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively.
48
BPO Services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
Rs. |
4,363 |
|
|
|
6,433 |
|
|
|
7,626 |
|
Gross profit |
|
|
1,480 |
|
|
|
1,693 |
|
|
|
1,817 |
|
Selling and marketing expenses |
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
|
(49 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
(367 |
) |
|
|
(513 |
) |
|
|
(752 |
) |
Research and Development expenses |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Amortization of intangibles |
|
|
(216 |
) |
|
|
(70 |
) |
|
|
(5 |
) |
Others, net |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
795 |
|
|
|
1,008 |
|
|
|
1,011 |
|
Revenue growth rate over prior period |
|
|
165 |
% |
|
|
47 |
% |
|
|
19 |
% |
Gross margin |
|
|
34 |
% |
|
|
26 |
% |
|
|
24 |
% |
Operating margin |
|
|
18 |
% |
|
|
16 |
% |
|
|
13 |
% |
Revenue from BPO Services is derived from both time-based and unit-priced contracts. Our
business segment revenue includes the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. Revenue from BPO
Services is recognized as services are performed under the specific terms of the contracts with our
customers. Provisions for estimated losses on projects in progress are recorded in the period in
which we determine such losses to be probable. Maintenance revenue is deferred and recognized
ratably over the term of the agreement. To date, a substantial majority of our services revenue has
been derived from time-and-materials projects. From time to time, we may experience pricing
pressure from our clients, especially during economic downturns, which could adversely affect our
revenue, margins and gross profits. For example, clients often expect that as we do more business
with them they will receive volume discounts. Additionally, clients may ask for fixed-price
arrangements or reduced rates. As such, we believe the proportion of revenue from fixed-price,
fixed-timeframe projects may increase. Our operating results could be adversely affected by
factors such as cost overruns due to delays, unanticipated costs, and wage inflation.
The cost of revenue for services in our BPO Services segment consists primarily of
compensation expenses, data communication expenses, computer maintenance, travel expenses and
occupancy expenses associated with services rendered. We recognize these costs as incurred.
Selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses for our BPO Services
business segment are similar in type to those for our IT Services and Products business segment.
The revenue and profits for any period of our BPO Services is significantly affected by the
proportion of work performed at our facilities in India and at client sites overseas and by the
utilization rates of our BPO professionals. The higher rates we charge for performing work at
client sites overseas do not completely offset the higher costs of performing such overseas work,
and therefore, services performed in India generally yield better profit margins. For this reason,
we seek to move a project as early as possible from overseas locations to our Indian development
centers.
In our segment reporting only, management has included the impact of exchange rate
fluctuations in revenue. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, revenue, as reported
in our statements of income, is Rs. 4,303 million, Rs. 6,477 million and Rs. 7,664 million for the
years ended March 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively.
49
India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Services |
|
Rs. |
3,109 |
|
|
Rs. |
4,709 |
|
|
Rs. |
6,097 |
|
Products |
|
|
6,336 |
|
|
|
8,686 |
|
|
|
10,378 |
|
Total |
|
|
9,445 |
|
|
|
13,395 |
|
|
|
16,475 |
|
Gross profit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Services |
|
|
1,448 |
|
|
|
2,030 |
|
|
|
2,548 |
|
Products |
|
|
693 |
|
|
|
871 |
|
|
|
1092 |
|
Total |
|
|
2,141 |
|
|
|
2,901 |
|
|
|
3,640 |
|
Selling and marketing expenses |
|
|
(919 |
) |
|
|
(1,150 |
) |
|
|
(1,392 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
(492 |
) |
|
|
(788 |
) |
|
|
(841 |
) |
Others, net |
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
Operating income |
|
|
761 |
|
|
|
970 |
|
|
|
1404 |
|
Revenue growth rate over prior period |
|
|
17 |
% |
|
|
42 |
% |
|
|
23 |
% |
Gross margin |
|
|
23 |
% |
|
|
22 |
% |
|
|
22 |
% |
Operating margin |
|
|
8 |
% |
|
|
7 |
% |
|
|
9 |
% |
Revenue from the services component of our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products business
segment is derived principally from hardware and software support, maintenance, software services
and consulting services. Revenue from the products component of our India and AsiaPac IT Services
and Products segment is derived primarily from the sale of computers, networking equipment and
related hardware products. Our business segment revenue includes the impact of exchange rate
fluctuations. We recognize revenue from services, depending on the contract terms, over the
contract period. Revenue on products is recognized, in accordance with the sales contract, on
dispatch of the products to the customer.
The cost of revenue for services in our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products segment
consists primarily of compensation expenses, expenses on outsourced services and replacement parts
for our maintenance services. We recognize these costs as incurred. The cost of revenue for
products in our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products segment consists of manufacturing costs
for products, including materials, labor and facilities. In addition, a portion of the costs
reflects products manufactured by third parties and sold by us. We recognize these costs at the
time of sale. In cases where the application of the contingent revenue provision of EITF Issue No.
00-21 results in recognizing a loss on a delivered item the cost recognized is limited to the
amount of non-contingent revenues recognized. The balance of the costs are recorded as an asset and
are reviewed for impairment based on the estimated net cash flows to be received for future
deliverables under the contract. These costs are subsequently recognized on recognition of the
revenue allocable to the balance deliverables.
Selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses for our India and
AsiaPac IT Services and Products business segment are similar in type to those for our IT Services
and Products business segment.
Historically, in our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products business segment, revenue from
products has accounted for a substantial majority of revenue and a much smaller portion of
operating income. Our strategy in the IT market in India and AsiaPacific region is to improve our
profitability by focusing on IT services, including systems integration, support services, software
and networking solutions, Internet and e-commerce applications.
In our segment reporting only, management has included the impact of exchange rate
fluctuations in revenue. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, revenue, as reported
in our statements of income, is Rs. 9,413 million, Rs. 13,403 million and Rs. 16,477 for the years
ended March 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively.
Consumer Care and Lighting
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
Rs. |
3,567 |
|
|
Rs. |
4,555 |
|
|
Rs. |
5,625 |
|
Gross profit |
|
|
1,212 |
|
|
|
1,629 |
|
|
|
2,069 |
|
Selling and marketing expenses |
|
|
(596 |
) |
|
|
(877 |
) |
|
|
(1,160 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
(72 |
) |
|
|
(82 |
) |
|
|
(102 |
) |
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
(18 |
) |
|
|
(21 |
) |
Others, net |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
546 |
|
|
|
671 |
|
|
|
799 |
|
Revenue growth rate over prior period |
|
|
21 |
% |
|
|
28 |
% |
|
|
23 |
% |
Gross margin |
|
|
34 |
% |
|
|
36 |
% |
|
|
37 |
% |
Operating margin |
|
|
15 |
% |
|
|
15 |
% |
|
|
14 |
% |
50
We have been in the Consumer Care business since 1945 and the lighting business since 1992.
The Consumer Care business has historically generated surplus cash. Our strategy is to sustain
operating margins, continue generating positive operating cash flows and increase the proportion of
revenues from high margin products.
We recognize revenue from product sales, in accordance with the sales contract, at the time of
shipment. Cost of products consists primarily of raw materials and other manufacturing expenses
such as overhead costs for factories. Selling, general and administrative expenses are similar in
type to those for our other business segments.
Amortization of Deferred Stock Compensation
We use the intrinsic value based method of APB Opinion No. 25 and record stock compensation
expense for the difference between the exercise price of options and the fair value as determined
by quoted market prices of our equity shares on the date of grant. We have elected to amortize the
deferred stock compensation on a straight line basis over the vesting period of the equity
shares.
In the previous periods, we issued equity shares to our employees pursuant to our Wipro
Equity Reward Trust (WERT). In June 2004, we established an option plan titled the Wipro
Restricted Stock Unit Plan (WRSUP 2004) and a plan titled Wipro ADS Restricted Stock Unit Plan
(WARSUP 2004). Options granted under these plans generally vest ratably at the end of each year
over a period of five years from the date of grant. Upon vesting our employees can acquire one
equity share for every option held. The options are subject to forfeiture if the employee
terminates employment before vesting. The excess of market price on the date of grant over the
exercise price payable by the employees is recognized as deferred compensation cost.
As of March 31, 2006, there were 7,598,174 options outstanding under our WRSUP 2004 plan and
1,000,720 options outstanding under our WARSUP 2004 Plan. The deferred compensation cost arising
from such grants is being amortized over the vesting period of five years.
As a result of the above, we have amortized deferred stock compensation expenses of Rs. 45
million, Rs. 354 million and Rs. 652 million for the years ended March 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
respectively.
The stock compensation charge has been allocated to cost of revenue and selling and marketing
expenses and general and administrative expenses in line with the nature of the service rendered by
the employee who received the benefit.
The allocation is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2003 |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in millions) |
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenue |
|
Rs. |
15 |
|
|
Rs. |
238 |
|
|
Rs. |
437 |
|
Selling and marketing expenses |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
|
75 |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
|
140 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rs. |
45 |
|
|
Rs. |
354 |
|
|
Rs. |
652 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives in proportion to the
economic benefits consumed in each period. We have amortized intangible assets of Rs. 308 million,
Rs. 140 million and Rs. 64 million for the years ended March 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively.
Foreign Exchange Gains/(Losses), net
Foreign exchange gains, net, comprise:
|
|
|
exchange differences arising from the translation or settlement of transactions in
foreign currency; and |
|
|
|
|
The changes in fair value for derivatives not designated as hedging derivatives and
ineffective portion of the hedging instruments. For forward foreign exchange contracts
which are designated and effective as accounting hedges, the marked to market gains and
losses are deferred and reported as a component of other comprehensive income in
stockholders equity. |
51
Others, net
Others, net, include net gains on the sale of property, plant, equipment, and other operating
income.
Loss on Direct Issue of Stock by Subsidiary
As of March 31, 2004, we held 93% of the outstanding equity shares of Wipro BPO. The
remaining shares were held by the employees of Wipro BPO.
As more fully described in Note 4 and 24 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, as
of March 31, 2003, Wipro BPO had 9,329,762 equity shares subject to outstanding employee stock
options issued under the Wipro BPO option plan. During the year ended March 31, 2004, 3,339,279
options were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of Rs. 29.41 per share and 839,015
options were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of Rs. 57 per share.
As a result of these option exercises, our ownership interest in Wipro BPO was reduced from
100% to 93%. The exercise price for these options was less than our carrying value per share.
Accordingly, the exercise resulted in a decline in the carrying value of our ownership interest by
Rs. 206 million. In accordance with our accounting policy, we have included this decline in
carrying value in the statement of income as a loss on the direct issue of stock by subsidiary.
As of March 31, 2004, Wipro BPO had 4,745,731 employee stock options outstanding under the
Wipro BPO option plan. During the year ended March 31, 2005, 4,637,375 options vested and were
exercised at a price of Rs. 57 per share. The remaining options were forfeited.
As the exercise price per option was less than our carrying value per share, the decline in
the carrying value of our ownership interest of Rs. 207 million has been included in the statement
of income for the year ended March 31, 2005 as a loss on the direct issue of stock by a subsidiary.
The shares issued as a result of the option exercises are covered by a share repurchase
feature that entitles us to repurchase these shares at the then fair value and also gives the
employee the right to sell the shares back to us at the then fair value. Both we and the employee
can exercise this repurchase right after six months from the date of option exercise.
During the year ended March 31, 2005, we acquired 4,147,561 shares from the employees of Wipro
BPO for an aggregate consideration of Rs. 618 million, pursuant to the repurchase right. The excess
of consideration paid over the value of minority interest acquired amounting to Rs. 189 million has
been recorded as goodwill.
As a result of the above transactions, as of March 31, 2005, our ownership interest in Wipro
BPO remained at approximately 93%. The remaining shares were held by the employee shareholders.
During the year ended March 31, 2006, we acquired the balance 7% of the equity shares from the
employee shareholders at fair value for an aggregate consideration of Rs. 852 million. The
step-acquisition resulted in goodwill of Rs. 304 million and intangibles of Rs. 15 million.
Other Income, net
Our other income includes interest income on short-term investments, net of interest expense
on short-term and long-term debt, dividend income and realized gains/losses on the sale of
investment securities.
Equity in Earnings/Losses of Affiliates
Wipro GE Medical Systems Private Limited. (Wipro GE). We hold a 49% equity interest in Wipro
GE Medical Systems Private Limited, a venture where General Electric, USA holds the balance of 51%.
WeP Peripherals Ltd. (WeP). We hold a 36.93% equity interest in WeP Peripherals Ltd.
52
Income Taxes
Our net income earned from providing services at client premises outside India is subject to
tax in the country where we perform the work. Most of our tax paid in countries other than India
can be applied as a credit against our Indian tax liability to the extent that the same income is
liable to tax in India.
Currently, we benefit from certain tax incentives under Indian tax laws. As a result of these
incentives, our operations have not been subject to significant Indian tax liabilities. These tax
incentives currently include a tax holiday from payment of Indian corporate income taxes for our
Global IT Services and Products business operated from specially designated Software Technology
Parks and Special Economic Zones in India and an income tax deduction of 100% for profits
derived from exporting information technology services. As a result, a substantial portion of our
pre-tax income has not been subject to significant tax in recent years. For the years ended March
31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 our tax benefits were Rs. 2,925 million, Rs. 4,591 million and Rs. 4,721
million respectively, from such tax incentives. We are currently also eligible for exemptions from
other taxes, including customs duties.
In the Finance Act, 2005, the Government of India introduced a separate tax holiday scheme for
units set up under designated special economic zones engaged in manufacture of articles or in
provision of services. Under this scheme, units in designated special economic zones which begin
providing services on or after April 1, 2005 will be eligible for a deduction of 100 percent of
profits or gains derived from the export of services for the first five years from commencement of
provision of services and 50 percent of such profits or gains for a further five years. Certain tax
benefits are also available for a further five years subject to the unit meeting defined
conditions. When our tax holiday and income tax deduction exemptions expire or terminate, our costs
will increase. Additionally, the Government of India could enact similar laws in the future, which
could further impair our other tax incentives.. When our tax holiday and income tax deduction
exemptions expire or terminate, our costs will increase.
In March 2004 and March 2005, we received demands from the Indian income tax authorities for
our 2000 and 2001 fiscal years respectively for a total of Rs. 5,232 million. The tax demands were
primarily due to the denial of deductions claimed by us under Section 10A of the Income Tax Act
1961 (Act), with respect to profits earned by our undertakings at our Software Technology Park
located at Bangalore. We had appealed against these demands. In March 2006, the first Income tax
appellate authority substantially upheld the deductions claimed by us under Section 10A of the Act,
which will vacate a substantial portion of the demands for these years.
In March 2006, we also received an assessment order for our 2002 fiscal years on similar
grounds. The order has demanded a tax of Rs. 2,869 million (including interest of Rs. 750 million).
We will file an appeal against these assessment orders within the prescribed statutory timeframe.
Considering the facts and nature of disallowances, the order of the appellate authority
upholding our deduction claims for our 2000 and 2001 fiscal years, our management believes that the
final outcome of the 2002 dispute should be resolved in our favour and there should not be any
material impact on our financial statements.
Although we currently believe we will ultimately prevail in our appeal, the results of such
appeal, and any subsequent appeals, cannot be predicted with certainty. Should we fail to prevail
in our appeal, or any subsequent appeals, in any reporting period, the operating results of such
reporting period could be materially adversely affected.
The Indian Finance Act, 2005 imposes an additional income tax on companies called a Fringe
Benefits Tax, or FBT. Pursuant to this Act, companies are deemed to have provided fringe benefits
to their employees if certain defined expenses are incurred. A portion of these expenses is deemed
to be a fringe benefit to the employees and subjects a company to tax at a rate of 30%, exclusive
of applicable surcharge and cess. The Fringe Benefits Tax and other similar taxes enacted in the
future by the Government of India could adversely affect our profitability.
Results of Operations
Years ended March 31, 2006 and 2005
Revenue. Our total revenues increased by 30% from Rs. 81,353 million for the year ended March
31, 2005 to Rs. 106,107 million for the year ended March 31, 2006. This was driven primarily by a
34%, 19%, 23%, 23% and 23% increase in revenue from our IT Services and Products, BPO Services,
India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products, Consumer Care and Lighting and Others business
segments, respectively.
53
Global IT Services and Products revenue increased by 33% from Rs. 60,713 million for the year
ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 80,726 million for the year ended March 31, 2006. IT Services and
Products revenue increased by 34% from Rs. 54,256 million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs.
72,884 million for the year ended March 31, 2006. This increase was attributable primarily to two
factors. First, we acquired mPower and New Logic in December 2005. Second, the increase in revenues
from IT Services comprises of a 36% increase in the revenues from enterprise services and a 36%
increase in revenue from technology services. The increase in revenue from enterprise services was
primarily driven by increased revenue from services provided to customers in the financial
services, energy and utilities and healthcare and other sectors. The increase in revenue from
technology services was primarily driven by increased revenue from the design and development of
embedded software solutions for customers in the consumer electronics sector. In our IT Services
and Products business segment, we added 166 new clients during the year ended March 31, 2006. The
total number of clients that individually accounted for over $1 million run rate in revenue
increased from 144 as of March 31, 2005 to 195 as of March 31, 2006.
BPO Services revenue increased by 19% from Rs. 6,433 million for the year ended March 31, 2005
to Rs. 7,626 million for the year ended March 31, 2006. This increase in revenue from our BPO
Services business segment was primarily due to an increase in the number of clients and an increase
in the scope and volume of services provided to existing clients. In our BPO Services business
segment, we added 5 new clients during the year ended March 31, 2006. The total number of clients
that individually accounted for over $1 million run rate in revenue increased from 13 as of March
31, 2005 to 17 as of March 31, 2006.
India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products revenue increased by 23% from Rs. 13,403 million
for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 16,477 million for the year ended March 31, 2006. Revenue
from the products component of our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products business segment
increased by 19% from Rs. 8,694 million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 10,380 million for
the year ended March 31, 2006. The increase is attributable to an increase in revenue from traded
products by 22% and in manufactured products by 11%.
Revenue from the services component of our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products business
segment grew by 29% from Rs. 4,709 million in the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 6,097 million
for the year ended March 31, 2006. The increase was primarily due to an increase in revenue from
service lines like consulting services and system integration services and growth in our core
service business of hardware and software support and maintenance services.
Consumer Care and Lighting revenue increased by 23% from Rs. 4,555 million for the year ended
March 31, 2005 to Rs. 5,625 million for the year March 31, 2006. This was primarily due to
increased efforts on expanding market presence in select geographies which resulted in higher sales
of soap products, lighting (luminous and compact fluorescent lamp).
Revenue from Others increased by 22% from Rs. 2,681 million for the year ended March 31, 2005
to Rs. 3,279 million for the year ended March 31, 2006. This was primarily due to a 37% increase
in the revenues from the sale of hydraulic cylinders and tipping gear systems in our Wipro
Infrastructure Engineering business.
Gross Profit. As a percentage of total revenue, gross profit declined marginally by 1% from
34% for the year ended March 31, 2005 to 33% for the year ended March 31, 2006. This was primarily
on account of a decline in gross profit as a percentage of revenue from our IT Services and
Products segment from 38% for the year ended March 31, 2005 to 36% for the year ended March 31,
2006 and BPO Services from 26% for the year ended March 31, 2005 to 24% for the year ended March
31, 2006 which was partially offset by an increase in gross profit as a percentage of revenue from
our Consumer Care and Lighting segment by 1% from 36% for the year ended March 31, 2005 to 37% for
the year ended March 31, 2006. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues from our India and AsiaPac
IT Services and Products remained constant at 22% for the years ended March 31, 2005 and 2006.
The gross profit as a percentage of revenues of our Global IT Services and Products has
decreased by 2% from 37% of revenue for the year ended March 31, 2005 to 35% of revenue for the
year ended March 31 2006 primarily on account of:
The gross profits as a percentage of revenues of our IT services and products declined by 2%
from 38% for the year ended March 31, 2005 to 36% for the year ended March 31, 2006. The
decrease was primarily due to increase in compensation costs for offshore and onsite
employees, as a part of our compensation review in November 2005 and January 2006
respectively, increase in amortization of deferred compensation costs and impact of fringe
benefit taxes. The gross profits as a percentage of revenues were also impacted by the new
acquisitions which have a lower gross profit margin.
54
The gross profits as a percentage of revenues of our BPO services declined by 2% from 26%
for the year ended March 31, 2005 to 24% for the year ended March 31, 2006. The decrease was
primarily due to increase in compensation costs as part of our compensation review in
October 2005, increase in amortization of deferred compensation costs and impact of fringe
benefit taxes.
As a percentage of India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products revenue, gross profit remained
constant at 22% for the years ended March 31, 2005 and 2006. The gross profits as a percentage of
revenues of our services segment of our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products declined by 1%
from 43% for the year ended March 31, 2005 to 42% for the year ended March 31, 2006. This decline
was offset by an increase in the gross profits as a percentage of revenues of our products segment
of our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products by 1% from 10% for the year ended March 31, 2005
to 11% for the year ended March 31, 2006.
As a percentage of Consumer Care and Lighting revenue, gross profit increased by 1% from 36%
for the year ended March 31, 2005 to 37% for the year ended March 31, 2006. This was due to
increase in the proportion of revenues from soap products which typically have higher margins than
lighting products.
Selling and marketing expenses. Selling and marketing expenses increased by Rs. 1,298 million
from Rs. 5,466 million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 6,764 million for the year ended
March 31, 2005. This increase was primarily on account of an increase in selling and marketing
expenses in our IT Services business by Rs.771 million, a decrease in BPO Services by Rs.52
million, an increase in selling and marketing expenses in our India and AsiaPac IT Services and
Products business by Rs. 241 million and increase in the selling and marketing expenses in our
Consumer Care and Lighting business by Rs. 284 million and an increase in selling and marketing
expenses in Others including reconciling items by Rs. 54 million.
Selling and marketing expenses for our Global IT Services and Products business segment
increased by 22% from Rs. 3,223 million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 3,942 million for
the year ended March 31, 2006. This was primarily due to a 25% increase in the selling and
marketing expenses in our IT Services and Products business from Rs. 3,122 million for the year
ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 3,893 million for the year ended March 31, 2006, partially offset by a
decline of 52% in the selling and marketing expenses in BPO Services, from Rs. 102 million for the
year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 49 million for the year ended March 31, 2006. The increase of Rs.
771 million in selling and marketing expenses in our IT Services and Products business was
primarily due to an increase in the number of our sales and marketing personnel from 173 as of
March 31, 2005 to 213 as of March 31, 2006, increase in the compensation costs as part of our
compensation review in January 2006, and increase in the amortization of deferred compensation
costs. The decline of Rs. 52 million in the selling and marketing expenses in our BPO Services
business is primarily on account of a rationalization of the sales force.
Selling and marketing expenses for our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products business
segment increased by 21% from Rs. 1150 million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 1,392
million for the year ended March 31, 2006. This is primarily due to two factors: first, increase in
compensation costs due to an increase in the number of sales and marketing personnel for this
business segment and increase in compensation costs as part of compensation review in November
2005, and, second, increase in shipping and handling costs from Singapore to customer locations on
account of increase in proportion of revenues from our overseas manufacturing facilities.
Selling and marketing expenses for our Consumer Care and Lighting business increased by 32%
from Rs. 877 million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 1,160 million for the year ended
March 31, 2006. This was primarily due an increase in sales promotion expenses for building brands
and expanding market share in select geographies in this business segment and increase in sales
personnel and increase in compensation costs.
Selling and marketing expenses for Others, including reconciling items, have increased by 25%
from Rs. 216 million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 270 million for the year ended March
31, 2006.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased 40% from
Rs. 3,744 million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 5,238 million for the year ended March
31, 2006. This increase was primarily on account of increase in general and administrative expenses
of our IT Services and Products business by Rs. 1,167 million, increase in BPO Services by Rs.238
million, increase in general and administrative expenses of our India and AsiaPac IT Services and
Products business by Rs. 53 million, increase in general and administrative expenses of our
Consumer Care and Lighting business by Rs. 20 million and increase in general and administrative
expenses of Others including reconciling items by Rs. 16 million.
55
General and administrative expenses for our Global IT Services and Products business segment
increased by 51% from Rs. 2,739 million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 4,144 million for
the year ended March 31, 2006.
The increase of Rs. 1405 million in general and administrative expenses is primarily due to an
increase in general and administrative expenses of our IT Services and Products business by Rs.
1,167 million and an increase in general and administrative expenses of our BPO Services business
by Rs. 238 million. The increase of Rs. 1,167 million in the general and administrative expenses in
our IT Services and Products business was primarily due to an increase in compensation costs as
part of compensation review from November 2005 at offshore and January 2006 at onsite, increase in
provision for doubtful receivables and an increase in recruitment expenditure due to increase in
the number of hires. The increase of Rs. 238 million in the general and administrative expenses in
our BPO Services business is primarily due to increase in compensation costs as part of our
compensation review effective October 2005, higher occupancy costs and increase in expenditure on
recruiting employees.
General and administrative expenses for our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products
business segment increased by 7% from Rs. 788 million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 841
million for the year ended March 31, 2006. This was primarily due to an increase in compensation
costs as part of compensation review in November 2005.
General and administrative expenses for Consumer Care and Lighting increased by 24% from Rs.
82 million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 102 million for the year ended March 31, 2006.
The increase is primarily due increase in compensation costs as part of our compensation review
which is effective from November 2005.
General and administrative expenses for Others, including reconciling items, have increased by
12% from Rs. 135 million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 151 million for the year ended
March 31, 2006.
Operating income. As a result of the foregoing factors, operating income increased by 23% from
Rs. 17,857 million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 21,972 million for the year ended March
31, 2006. Operating income of our IT Services and Products business increased by 24% from Rs.
14,817 million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 18,399 million for the year ended March 31,
2006. Operating income of our BPO services increased from Rs. 1,008 million for the year ended
March 31, 2005 to Rs. 1,011 million for the year ended March 31, 2006. Operating income of our
India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products increased by 45% from Rs. 970 million for the year ended
March 31, 2005 to Rs. 1,404 million for the year ended March 31, 2006. Operating income of our
Consumer Care and Lighting increased by 19% from Rs. 671 million for the year ended March 31, 2005
to Rs. 798 million for the year ended March 31, 2006. Operating income of Others, including
reconciling items, declined by Rs. 31 million from Rs. 391 million for the year ended March 31,
2005 to Rs. 360 million for the year ended March 31, 2006.
Other income, net. Other income, net, increased from Rs. 799 million for the year ended March
31, 2005 to Rs. 1,276 million for the year ended March 31, 2006. The increase in other income is
primarily due to an increase in the average quantum of investments and an increase in the average
yield during the year ended March 31, 2006.
Income taxes. Income taxes increased by 21% from Rs. 2,694 million for the year ended March
31, 2005 to Rs. 3,265 million for the year ended March 31, 2006. Our effective tax rate decreased
from 14.5% for the year ended March 31, 2005 to 13.9% for the year ended March 31, 2006. Income
taxes for the year ended March 31, 2006 include reversal of provision of Rs. 175 million in respect
of prior years due to a favorable tax order. Excluding this, our effective tax rate increased from
14.5% for the year ended March 31, 2005 to 14.9% for the year ended March 31, 2006. The increase in
effective tax rate is primarily on account of an increase in the proportion of income being subject
to tax.
Equity in earnings / losses of affiliates. Equity in earnings of affiliates for the year ended
March 31, 2005 and 2006 was Rs. 158 million and Rs. 288 million respectively.
Equity in earnings of affiliates of Rs. 288 million for the year ended March 31, 2006
comprises equity in earnings of Wipro GE of Rs. 259 million and equity in earnings of WeP
Peripherals of Rs. 29 million. Equity in earnings of affiliates of Rs. 158 million for the year
ended March 31, 2005 comprises equity in earnings of Wipro GE of Rs. 126 million and equity in
earnings of WeP Peripherals of Rs. 32 million.
Net Income. As a result of the foregoing factors, net income increased by 28% from Rs. 15,832
million for the year ended March 31, 2005 to Rs. 20,270 million for the year ended March 31, 2006.
56
Years ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
Revenue. Our total revenues increased by 39% from Rs. 58,433 million for the year ended March
31, 2004 to Rs. 81,353 million for the year ended March 31, 2005. This was driven primarily by a
39%, 47%, 42%, 28% and 35%
increase in revenue from IT Services and Products, BPO Services, India and AsiaPac IT Services
and Products, Consumer Care and Lighting and Others business segments, respectively.
Global IT Services and Products revenue increased by 40% from Rs. 43,465 million for the year
ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 60,713 million for the year ended March 31, 2005. This increase in
revenues of our Global IT Services and Products business segment was attributable to a 39% increase
in IT services and 47% increase from BPO services. The increase in IT services is due to 41%
increase in revenue from enterprise services and a 45% increase in revenue from technology
services. The increase in revenue from enterprise services was primarily driven by increased
revenue from services provided to customers in the financial services and retail sectors. The
increase in revenue from technology services was primarily driven by increased revenue from
services provided in the areas of design and development of embedded software solutions to consumer
electronics, automotive and computer hardware manufacturing companies and an increase in revenue
from our Telecom and Internetworking division. Revenue from BPO services increased primarily due to
an increase in the number of clients and an increase in the scope and volume of services provided
to clients.
In our Global IT Services and Products business segment, we added 130 new clients during the
year ended March 31, 2005. The total number of clients that individually accounted for over $1
million run rate in revenue increased from 137 as of March 31, 2004 to 157 as of March 31, 2005.
India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products revenue increased by 42% from Rs. 9,413 million for
the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 13,404 million for the year ended March 31, 2005. Revenue from
the products component of our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products business segment increased
by 38% from Rs. 6,305 million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 8,695 million for the year
ended March 31, 2005. The increase is attributable to an increase in revenue from traded products
by 100% partially offset by a decline in revenues from manufactured products by 25%.
Revenue from the services component of our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products business
segment grew by 52% from Rs. 3,108 million in the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 4,709 million
for the year ended March 31, 2005. The increase was primarily due to an increase in revenue from
new service lines like consulting services and system integration services and growth in our core
service business of hardware and software support and maintenance services.
Consumer Care and Lighting revenue increased by 28% from Rs. 3,567 million for the year ended
March 31, 2004 to Rs. 4,555 million for the year March 31, 2005. This was primarily due to
increased efforts on expanding market presence in select geographies which resulted in higher sales
of soap products.
Revenue from Others increased by 35% from Rs. 1,988 million for the year ended March 31, 2004
to Rs. 2,681 million for the year ended March 31, 2005. This was primarily due to a 41% increase
in the revenues from the sale of hydraulic cylinders and tipping gear systems in our Fluid Power
business. The initiatives by the Government of India in improving physical infrastructure have
increased the demand for hydraulic cylinders and tipping gear systems.
Gross Profit. As a percentage of total revenue, gross profit increased marginally by 1% from
33% for the year ended March 31, 2004 to 34% for the year ended March 31, 2005. This was primarily
on account of increase in gross profit as a percentage of revenue from our IT Services and Products
segment from 36% for the year ended March 31, 2004 to 38% for the year ended March 31, 2005,
decrease in gross profit as a percentage of revenue from our BPO Services from 34% for the year
ended March 31, 2004 to 26% for the year ended March 31, 2005 and increase in gross profit as a
percentage of revenue from our Consumer Care and Lighting segment by 2% from 34% for the year ended
March 31, 2004 to 36% for the year ended March 31, 2005. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues
from our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products was around 22% for the years ended March 31,
2004 and 2005. Gross margins of Others remained constant at 29% for the years ended March 31, 2004
and 2005.
The gross profit as a percentage of revenues of Global IT Services and Products has increased
by 1% from 36% of revenue for the year ended March 31, 2004 to 37% of revenue for the year ended
March 31 2005. This increase was due to a increase of 2% in gross profit as a percentage of revenue
from our IT Services and Products, from 36% for the year ended March 31, 2004 to 38% for the year
ended March 31, 2005. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues from our BPO Services business
decreased from 34% for the year ended March 31, 2004 to 26% for the year ended March 31, 2005.The
increase in IT services and Products is primarily due to a 2% increase in the proportion of
services rendered
57
offshore, a 7% increase in our onsite billing rates and a 6% increase in our
offshore billing rates. This increase was partially offset by a decline in average exchange rates
at which the revenue has been realized and an increase in compensation for offshore employees as a
part of our compensation review in March 2004 and November 2004 and amortization of deferred
compensation cost arising from the grant of options in October 2004. The decline of 8% in BPO
services was primarily due to reduction in quantum of services sourced by a key customer and
efforts to improve mix of revenues from transaction processing services in total revenues.
As a percentage of India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products revenue, gross profit remained
constant at 22% for the year ended March 31, 2004 and 2005. This was primarily on account of a
decline in gross profits as a percentage of revenue from the Services segment of our India and
AsiaPac IT Services and Products by 4% from 47% for the year ended March 31, 2004 to 43% for the
year ended March 31, 2005. This decline was offset by an increase in the proportion of revenues
from the Services segment, which typically have a higher gross margin compared to the Products
segment. The gross profits as a percentage of revenues from the Products component of our India and
AsiaPac IT Services and Products remained constant at 10%.
As a percentage of Consumer Care and Lighting revenue, gross profit increased by 2% from 34%
for the year ended March 31, 2004 to 36% for the year ended March 31, 2005. This was due to
increase in the proportion of revenues from soap products which have higher margins than the other
products.
Selling and marketing expenses. Selling and marketing expenses increased by Rs. 188 million
from Rs. 5,278 million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 5,466 million for the year ended
March 31, 2005. The increase in selling and marketing expenses in our India and AsiaPac IT Services
and Products business by Rs. 231 million and increase in the selling and marketing expenses in our
Consumer Care and Lighting business by Rs. 281 million was partially offset by a decline in selling
and marketing expenses in our IT Services and Products business by Rs. 297 million and in Others
including reconciling items by Rs. 27 million.
Selling and marketing expenses for our Global IT Services and Products business segment
declined by 8% from Rs. 3,520 million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 3,223 million for
the year ended March 31, 2005. This was primarily due to a 9% decrease in the selling and marketing
expenses in our IT Services and Products business from Rs. 3,418 million for the year ended March
31, 2004 to Rs. 3,122 million for the year ended March 31, 2005. The decline of Rs. 297 million in
selling and marketing expenses is primarily due to two factors: first, lower expenditure on
advertisement and travel, and second, selling and marketing expenses for the year ended March 31,
2004 included Rs. 120 million of special incentive bonus paid to employees of our Global Energy
Practice and Wipro Nervewire, the businesses we acquired in December 2002 and May 2003
respectively.
Selling and marketing expenses for our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products business
segment increased by 25% from Rs. 919 million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 1,150
million for the year ended March 31, 2005. This was primarily due to two factors: first, increase
in compensation costs due to an increase in the number of sales and marketing personnel for this
business segment and increase in compensation costs as part of compensation review in April 2004
and October 2004, and, second, increase in expenditure on travel due to increased promotional
activities in select geographies in this business segment.
Selling and marketing expenses for Consumer Care and Lighting increased by 47% from Rs. 596
million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 877 million for the year ended March 31, 2005.
This was primarily due to the increase in sales promotion expenses for building brands and
expanding market share in select geographies in this business segment.
Selling and marketing expenses for Others, including reconciling items, have declined by 11%
from Rs. 243 million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 216 million for the year ended March
31, 2005.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased 18% from
Rs. 3,172 million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 3,744 million for the year ended March
31, 2005. This increase was primarily on account of increase in general and administrative expenses
of our IT Services and Products business by Rs. 100 million, increase in general and administration
expenses of our BPO Services by Rs.146 million, increase in general and administrative expenses of
our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products business by Rs. 296 million, increase in general and
administrative expenses of our Consumer Care and Lighting business by Rs. 10 million and increase
in general and administrative expenses of Others including reconciling items by Rs. 20 million.
General and administrative expenses for our Global IT Services and Products business segment
increased by 10% from Rs. 2,493 million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 2,739 million for
the year ended March 31, 2005.
58
The increase of Rs. 246 million in general and administrative
expenses is primarily due to an increase in general and administrative expenses of our IT Services
and Products business by Rs. 100 million and an increase in general and administrative expenses of
our BPO Services business by Rs. 146 million .The increase of Rs. 246 million in general and
administrative expenses is primarily due to an increase in compensation costs and additional
expenditure on new common facilities.
General and administrative expenses for our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products
business segment increased by 60% from Rs. 492 million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 788
million for the year ended March 31, 2005. This was primarily due to an increase in compensation
costs as part of compensation review in April 2004 and October 2004, an increase in the provision
for doubtful receivables and an increase in the loss on sale of trade receivables due to increase
in sale of trade receivables.
General and administrative expenses for Consumer Care and Lighting increased by 14% from Rs.
72 million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 82 million for the year ended March 31, 2005.
General and administrative expenses for Others, including reconciling items, have increased by
17% from Rs. 115 million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 135 million for the year ended
March 31, 2005.
Operating income. As a result of the foregoing factors, operating income increased by 64% from
Rs. 10,901 million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 17,857 million for the year ended March
31, 2005. Operating income of Global IT Services and Products increased by 70% from Rs. 9,300
million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 15,825 million for the year ended March 31, 2005.
Operating income of India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products increased by 27% from Rs. 761
million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 970 million for the year ended March 31, 2005.
Operating income of Consumer Care and Lighting increased by 23% from Rs. 546 million for the year
ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 671 million for the year ended March 31, 2005. Operating income of
Others, including reconciling items, increased by Rs. 97 million from Rs. 294 million for the year
ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 391 million for the year ended March 31, 2005.
Other income, net. Other income, net, declined from Rs. 868 million for the year ended March
31, 2004 to Rs. 800 million for the year ended March 31, 2005. The decline in other income is
primarily due to a decline in investment yields partially offset by an increase in the average
quantum of investments during the year ended March 31, 2005.
Income taxes. Income taxes increased by 67% from Rs. 1,611 million for the year ended March
31, 2004 to Rs. 2,694 million for the year ended March 31, 2005. Our effective tax rate increased
from 13.8% for the year ended March 31, 2004 to 14.5% for the year ended March 31, 2005. The
increase in effective tax rate is primarily on account of an increase in the proportion of income
being subject to tax.
Equity in earnings / losses of affiliates. Equity in earnings of affiliates for the year ended
March 31, 2004 and 2005 was Rs. 96 million and Rs. 158 million respectively.
Equity in earnings of affiliates of Rs. 158 million for the year ended March 31, 2005
comprises equity in earnings of Wipro GE of Rs. 126 million and equity in earnings of WeP
Peripherals of Rs. 32 million. Equity in earnings of affiliates of Rs. 96 million for the year
ended March 31, 2004 comprises equity in earnings of Wipro GE of Rs. 56 million and equity in
earnings of WeP Peripherals of Rs. 40 million.
Net Income. As a result of the foregoing factors, net income increased by 58% from Rs. 9,992
million for the year ended March 31, 2004 to Rs. 15,833 million for the year ended March 31, 2005.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have historically financed our working capital and capital expenditure through our
operating cash flows. As of March 31, 2006, we had cash and cash equivalents of Rs. 8,858 million,
investments in liquid and short-term mutual funds of Rs. 30,328 million and an unused line of
credit of approximately Rs. 1,300 million. To utilize the line of credit we need to comply with
certain financial covenants.
Cash provided by operating activities for the year ended March 31, 2006 was Rs. 20,192 million
against Rs. 19,006 million in the year ended March 31, 2005. Accounts receivables increased by Rs.
5,363 million during the year ended March 31, 2006 against an increase of Rs. 3,833 million during
the year ended March 31, 2005. Accounts receivable as a percentage of revenues has increased from
18.2% for the year ended March 31, 2005 to 19.4% for the year ended March 31, 2006. Other assets
increased by Rs. 2,215 million during the year ended March 31, 2006 against a
59
decline of Rs. 856
million during the year ended March 31, 2005. Other assets for the year ended March 31, 2006
included Rs. 384 million of refundable deposits paid towards lease of land, Income tax paid in
advance, included in other assets, increased by Rs. 1,000 million during the year ended March 31,
2006. Accrued expenses and employee costs increased by Rs. 3,991 million during the year ended
March 31, 2006 against
an increase of Rs. 2,317 million during the year ended March 31, 2005.
Cash used in investing activities for the year ended March 31, 2006 was Rs. 17,299 million
against Rs. 11,496 million in the year ended March 31, 2005. During the year ended March 31, 2006
Rs. 2,777 million was utilized for acquisitions against Rs. 618 million utilized during the year
ended March 31, 2005. During the year ended March 31, 2006 Rs. 7,486 million was expended on
acquiring property, plant and equipment against Rs. 6,613 million incurred during the year ended
March 31, 2005. The remaining amounts was invested in liquid and short-term mutual funds.
Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended March 31, 2006 was Rs. 305 million
against Rs. 5,138 million of cash used in financing activities during the year ended March 31,
2005. During the year ended March 31, 2006 Rs. 4,767 million was received from employees upon
exercise of employee stock options against Rs. 2,577 million received during the year ended March
31, 2005. During the year ended March 31, 2005 and 2006 dividend of Rs. 7,575 million and Rs. 3,998
million respectively was paid to the shareholders. As of March 31, 2006, the short term borrowings
from Banks were Rs. 705 million. The short term borrowings are against the line of credit by banks
and are used to bridge the temporary mismatches in cash flows of certain subsidiaries.
We have proposed to pay an annual cash dividend of Rs. 5 per share on equity shares and ADRs.
This proposal is subject to approval by the shareholders of the Company. We expect a dividend
payout of approximately Rs. 8,200 million.
As of March 31, 2006 we had contractual commitments of Rs. 6,656 million ($150 million)
related to capital expenditures on construction or expansion of software development facilities,
non-cancelable operating lease obligations and other purchase obligations. Plans to construct or
expand our software development facilities are dictated by business requirements.
We currently intend to finance our operations and planned construction and expansion entirely
from internal sources of capital.
In our acquisitions, a portion of purchase consideration is payable upon achievement of
specified earnings targets in future. We currently intend to finance the payment of purchase
consideration entirely from internal sources of capital.
In April 2006, we acquired cMango Inc., a privately held California, US headquartered
company, in an all cash deal. cMango is a provider of Business Service Management (BSM) solutions.
The consideration included a cash payment of Rs.886 Million ($20 million) paid at the closing of
the transaction and additional earn-out payments based on achieving specified financial metrics
over a two year period.
In May 2006, we acquired, subject to completion of certain closing conditions, US based
Quantech Global Services LLC and India based Quantech Global Services Ltd. for a total
consideration of Rs. 444.80 million ($10 million) and additional earn outs based on achieving
specified financial targets over a three year period. Quantech, founded 16 years ago, is a leading
provider of Computer Aided Design and Engineering services to Fortune 500 companies, particularly
in the automotive, aerospace and consumer goods industries. We currently intend to fund this
acquisition through our internal accruals.
In May 2006, we acquired, subject to completion of certain closing conditions, a Europe based
retail solutions provider, Enabler for a consideration of Euros 41 Million ($53 million) payable on
closure of the transaction as well as earn-outs on achieving agreed financial targets over a two
year period. We currently intend to fund this acquisition through our internal accruals. Enabler is
one of the leading specialists in consulting and implementation of integrated solutions and
effective support of retail systems.
For Wipro BPO, 4,637,375 shares issued as a result of option exercises during the year ended
March 31, 2005 are covered by a share repurchase feature that entitles us to repurchase these
shares at the then fair value and also gives the employee the right to sell the shares back to us
at the then fair value. The right can be exercised only after six months from the date of option
exercise. The shares were acquired in April 2005.
60
In the normal course of business, we transfer accounts receivables and employee advances
(financial assets). These transfers can be with or without recourse. As at March 31, 2006, we have
transferred financial assets of Rs. 259 million.
Our liquidity and capital requirements are affected by many factors, some of which are based
on the normal ongoing operations of our businesses and some of which arise from uncertainties
related to global economies and the markets that we target for our services. In addition, we
routinely review potential acquisitions. In the future, we may
require or choose to obtain additional debt or equity financing. We cannot be certain that
additional financing, if needed, will be available on favorable terms.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The company has not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by SEC Final
Rule 67 (FR-67), Disclosure in Managements Discussion and Analysis about Off-Balance Sheet
Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations.
Contractual obligations
The table of future payments due under contractual commitments as of March 31, 2006,
aggregated by type of contractual obligation, is given below:
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In Rs. million |
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Total |
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contractual |
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|
payment |
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Payments
due in |
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|
|
|
|
2006-07 |
|
2007-09 |
|
2009-11 |
|
2011 onwards |
Capital Commitments |
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|
1714 |
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|
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|
|
1714 |
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|
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|
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|
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Non-cancelable
operating lease
obligation |
|
|
2996 |
|
|
|
|
|
396 |
|
|
|
735 |
|
|
|
611 |
|
|
|
1254 |
Purchase obligations |
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|
1,946 |
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|
|
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|
1,946 |
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|
Purchase obligations include all commitments to purchase goods or services of either a fixed
or minimum quantity that meet any of the following criteria: (1) they are non-cancelable, or (2) we
would incur a penalty if the agreement was terminated. If the obligation to purchase goods or
services is non-cancelable, the entire value of the contract was included in the above table. If
the obligation is cancelable, but we would incur a penalty if cancelled, the amount of the penalty
was included as a purchase obligation.
Research and Development
Research and Development investments in IT Services and Products business is directed towards
developing solutions that have broad applications across various industry segments and developing
expertise in emerging technologies. Over a period of two to three years Research and Development
efforts in identified areas are focused on developing in-depth solutions, frameworks and
applications.
Research and Development initiatives are executed through Centers of Excellence or CoE and
Innovation Initiative.
CoEs are designed to enable growth of existing practice and/or create a new practice. CoEs
focus on creating competencies in specific existing and emerging technologies and domains. CoEs
create thought leadership by publishing white papers and participating in industry forums.
Currently, we have CoEs focusing on Wireless and Broadband Communication , Computing Platforms
like Grid Computing , e-Biz technologies like Web services, Retail Supply chain management and
other similar areas.
Innovation initiative is directed towards creating new solutions and intellectual property
which potentially expand our service offerings.
Innovation initiative covers the entire cycle of Idea Generation, Incubation and Successful
Execution. We focus on Process Innovations, Delivery Innovations, Technology Innovations, Product
Innovations and Business Innovations. We were awarded the NASSCOMs IT Innovation Award 2005 for
our pioneering work in next generation managed services platform.
61
Research and development expenditures for the years ended March 31, 2005 and 2006 were Rs. 274
million and Rs. 202 million, respectively.
Trend Information
IT Services and Products. We believe that the increased competition among IT companies,
commoditization of services and high volume transactions in IT services limits our ability to
increase our prices and improve our profits. We continually strive to differentiate ourselves from
the competition, innovate service delivery models, adopt new pricing strategies and demonstrate our
value proposition to the client to sustain prices and profits. We have also acquired businesses to
augment our existing services and capabilities. Our acquisitions have also allowed us to sustain
and in certain circumstances improve our prices and profits.
Gross profit as a percentage of revenues in our IT Services and Products decreased from 38% in
the year ended March 31, 2005 to 36% in the year ended March 31, 2006. We anticipate difficulty in
sustaining or improving our profits due to:
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pricing pressures; |
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increases in proportion of services performed at client location some of our newer
service offerings, such as consulting and package implementation, require a higher
proportion of services to be performed at the clients premises; |
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increases in wages for our IT professionals; |
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the impact of amortization of stock compensation cost; and |
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the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on our rupee realizations; |
We expect these trends to continue for the foreseeable future. In response to the pressure on
gross margins and the increased competition from other IT services companies, we are focusing on
offering services with higher margins, strengthening our delivery model, increasing employee
productivity, investing in emerging technology areas, managing our cost structure, aligning our
resources to expected demand and increasing the utilization of our IT professionals.
To remain competitive, we believe that we need to innovate, identify and position ourselves in
emerging technology areas and increase our understanding of industry, business and impact of IT on
the business.
Our IT Services and Products business segment is also subject to fluctuations primarily
resulting from factors such as:
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the effect of seasonal hiring which occurs in the quarter ended September 30; |
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the time required to train and productively use new employees; |
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the proportion of services we perform at client sites for a particular project; |
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exchange rate fluctuations; and |
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the size, timing and profitability of new projects. |
BPO Services. Although we believe that the increasing acceptance of outsourcing and offshoring
as an economic necessity has contributed to continued growth in our revenue, we have experienced
pricing pressures in our BPO Services business due to increased competition among IT companies.
Gross profit as a percentage of revenues in BPO Services decreased from 26% in the year ended March
31, 2005 to 24% in the year ended March 31, 2006. We anticipate difficulty in sustaining or
improving our profits due to, among other things, the impact of the high percentage on fixed costs,
attrition rates and composition of voice based services in our revenues from BPO services. Our BPO
Services business segment is also subject to seasonal fluctuations.
India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products. In our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products
business segment we have experienced pricing pressures due to increased competition among IT
companies. Large multinational corporations like IBM and HP have identified India as a key focus
area. The gross margins in the products component of this business segment increased by 1% from 10%
for the year ended March 31, 2005 to 11% for the year ended March 31, 2006.
Our India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products business segment is also subject to seasonal
fluctuations. Our product revenue is driven by capital expenditure budgets and the spending
patterns of our clients, who often delay or accelerate purchases in reaction to tax depreciation
benefits on capital equipment. As a result, our India and AsiaPac IT
62
Services and products revenue
for the quarters ended March 31 and September 30 are typically higher than other quarters of the
year. We believe the impact of this fluctuation on our revenue will decrease as the proportion of
services revenue increases.
Consumer Care and Lighting. Our Consumer Care and Lighting business segment is also subject to
seasonal fluctuations. Our revenues in this segment are also subject to commodity price
fluctuations.
Our quarterly revenue, operating income and net income have varied significantly in the past
and we expect that they are likely to vary in the future. You should not rely on our quarterly
operating results as an indication of future performance. Such quarterly fluctuations may have an
impact on the price of our equity shares and ADSs.
Recent accounting pronouncements.
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standard Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 123 (revised
2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123R), requiring companies to measure the cost of employee
services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value
of the award. The compensation costs arising out of such awards are required to be recognized over
the period during which an employee provides service in exchange for the award. SFAS No.123R
provides two alternative adoption methods. The first method is a modified prospective transition
method whereby a company would recognize share based employee costs from the beginning of the
fiscal period in which the recognition provisions are first applied as if the fair value-based
accounting method had been used to account for all employee awards granted, modified, or settled
after the effective date and to any awards that were not fully vested as of the effective date.
Measurement and attribution of compensation cost for awards that are unvested as of the effective
date of SFAS No.123R would be based on the same estimate of the grant-date fair value and the same
attribution method used previously under SFAS No.123, Acounting for Stock Based Compensation
(SFAS No. 123).
The second adoption method is a modified retrospective transition method whereby a company
would recognize employee compensation cost for periods presented prior to the adoption of SFAS No.
123R in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123; that is, an entity would recognize
employee compensation costs in the amounts reported in the pro forma disclosures provided in
accordance with SFAS No. 123; a company would not be permitted to make any changes to those amounts
upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R unless those changes represent a correction of an error. For periods
after the date of adoption of SFAS No.123R, the modified prospective transition method described
above would be applied.
SFAS No.123R does not change the accounting guidance for share-based payment transaction with
parties other than employees provided in SFAS No. 123 as originally issued and EITF Issue No 96-18.
Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in
Conjunction with Selling Goods or Services.
SFAS No. 123R is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. SFAS No. 123R
applies to all awards granted and to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled in the fiscal year
beginning after June 15, 2005. Pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Commission Release No.
33-8568, we are required to adopt SFAS No. 123R from April 1, 2006.
If we had amortized the stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair
value method, the Companys net income as reported for the years ended March 31, 2004, 2005 and
2006 would have been reduced by Rs. 2,080 million, Rs. 1,244 million and Rs. 571 million,
respectively.
We will adopt SFAS No. 123R from fiscal year beginning April 1, 2006, using the modified
prospective method. As of March 31, 2006, unamortized costs determined based on the fair value
approach described in SFAS No. 123, net of estimated forfeiture, amounted to Rs. 2,365 million
which will be amortised over the weighted average period of approximately three years.
Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R the company will record a cumulative catch-up adjustment to
recognize the impact of adjusting compensation charge for estimated forfeitures.
The corresponding unamortized stock compensation cost determined under the intrinsic value
based method of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, amounted to Rs. 2,202
million.
63
Critical accounting policies
Critical accounting policies are defined as those that in our view are most important to the
portrayal of the Companys financial condition and results and that place the most significant
demands on managements judgment. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other
accounting policies, please refer to Note 2 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition
We derive our revenues primarily from two sources: (i) product revenue and (ii) service revenue.
Product Revenue
Product revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the product
has been delivered, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably
assured. The product is considered delivered to the customer once it has been shipped, and title
and risk of loss has been transferred.
We generally consider a binding purchase order or a signed contract as persuasive evidence of
an arrangement. Persuasive evidence of an arrangement may take different forms depending upon the
customary practices of a specific class of customers.
Service Revenue
Service revenue is recognized when there is persuasive evidence of a contract, the sales price
is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Time-and-materials service
contract revenue is recognized as the services are rendered. Revenue from fixed-price,
fixed-timeframe contracts that involve significant production, modification or customization of the
software is accounted for in conformity with ARB No. 45, using the guidance in Statement of
Position (SOP) 81-1, and the Accounting Standards Executive Committees conclusion in paragraph 95
of SOP 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition. Fixed-price, fixed-timeframe contracts, which are
similar to contracts to design, develop, manufacture, or modify complex aerospace or electronic
equipment to a buyers specification or to provide services related to the performance of such
contracts and contracts for services performed by architects, engineers, or architectural or
engineering design firms as laid out in paragraph 13 of SOP 81-1, are also accounted for in
conformity with SOP 81-1. In these Fixed-price, fixed-timeframe contracts revenue is recognized
using the percentage-of-completion method.
We use the input (cost expended) method to measure progress towards completion. Percentage of
completion method accounting relies on estimates of total expected contract revenue and costs. We
follow this method when reasonably dependable estimates of the revenues and costs applicable to
various elements of the contract can be made. Key factors we review to estimate the future costs to
complete include estimates of future labor costs and productivity efficiencies. Because the
financial reporting of these contracts depends on estimates that are assessed continually during
the term of these contracts, recognized revenue and profit are subject to revisions as the contract
progresses to completion. When estimates indicate that a loss will be incurred, the loss is
provided for in the period in which the loss becomes evident. To date, we have not had any
fixed-price, fixed-timeframe contracts that resulted in a material loss.
We evaluate change orders to determine whether such change orders are normal element and form
part of the original scope of the contract. If the change orders are part of the original scope of
the contract, no changes are made to the contract price. For other change orders, contract revenue
and costs are adjusted only after the approval of the changes to the scope and price by us and the
client. Costs that are incurred for a specific anticipated contract that will result in no future
benefits unless the contract is obtained are not included in contract costs are deferred before the
signing of the contract.
Maintenance revenue is recognized ratably over the term of the agreement. Revenue from
customer training, support and other services is recognized as the related services are performed.
Revenues from BPO Services are derived from both time-based and unit-priced contracts. Revenue
is recognized as services are performed under the specific terms of the contracts with the
customers.
Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables
64
Based on the guidance in EITF Issue No. 00-21, we recognize revenues on the delivered products
or services only if:
|
|
|
The revenue recognition criteria applicable to the unit of accounting is met; |
|
|
|
|
The delivered element has value to the customer on a standalone basis. The delivered
unit will have value on a standalone basis if it is being sold separately by other
vendors or the customer could resell the deliverable on a standalone basis; |
|
|
|
|
There is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered
item(s); and |
|
|
|
|
If the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered
item, delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and
substantially in our control. |
The arrangement consideration is allocated to the units of accounting based on their fair
values. The revenue recognized for the delivered items is limited to the amount that is not
contingent upon the delivery or performance of the undelivered items. In certain cases, the
application of the contingent revenue provisions of EITF Issue No. 00-21 could result in
recognizing a loss on the delivered element. In such cases, the cost recognized is limited to the
amount of non-contingent revenues recognized and the balance of costs are recorded as an asset and
are reviewed for impairment based on the estimated net cash flows to be received for future
deliverables under the contract. These costs are subsequently recognized on recognition of the
revenue allocable to the balance of deliverables.
Assessments about whether the delivered units have a value to the customer on a standalone
basis, impact of forfeiture and similar contractual provisions, and determination of fair value of
each unit would affect the timing of revenue recognition and would impact our results of
operations.
Accounting Estimates
While preparing financial statements we make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amount of assets, liabilities, disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of
financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses for the reporting period.
Specifically, we make estimates of the uncollectability of our accounts receivable by analyzing
historical payment patterns, customer concentrations, customer credit-worthiness and current
economic trends. If the financial condition of the customers deteriorates, additional allowances
may be required.
Our estimate of liability relating to pending litigation is based on currently available facts
and our assessment of the probability of an unfavorable outcome. Considering the uncertainties
about the ultimate outcome and the amount of losses, we re-assess our estimates as additional
information becomes available. Such revisions in our estimates could materially impact our results
of operations and our financial position.
We provide for inventory obsolescence, excess inventory and inventories with carrying values
in excess of market values based on our assessment of the future demands, market conditions and our
specific inventory management initiatives. If the market conditions and actual demands are less
favorable than our estimates, additional inventory write-downs may be required. In all cases
inventory is carried at the lower of historical costs or market value.
Accounting for Income taxes
As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements we are required to
estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. We are subject to tax
assessments in each of these jurisdictions. A tax assessment can involve complex issues, which can
only be resolved over extended time periods. Though we have considered all these issues in
estimating our income taxes, there could be an unfavorable resolution of such issues that may
affect results of our operations.
We also assess the temporary differences resulting from differential treatment of certain
items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and
liabilities, which are recognized in our consolidated financial statements. We assess our deferred
tax assets on an ongoing basis by assessing our valuation allowance and adjusting the valuation
allowance appropriately. In calculating our valuation allowance we consider the future taxable
incomes and the feasibility of tax planning initiatives. If we estimate that the deferred tax asset
cannot be realized at the recorded value, a valuation allowance is created with a charge to the
statement of income in the period in which such assessment is made. We have not created a deferred
tax liability in respect of the basis difference in the
65
carrying value of investments in domestic
subsidiaries, since we expect to realize this in a tax-free manner and the current tax laws in
India provide means by which we can realize our investment in a tax-free manner.
We are subject to a 15% branch profit tax in the United States to the extent the net profit
attributable to our U.S. branch for the fiscal year is greater than the increase in the net assets
of the U.S. branch for the fiscal year, as computed in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code.
As of March 31, 2006, the U.S. branchs net assets amounted to approximately $130 million. We have
not triggered the branch profit tax and, consistent with our business plan, we intend to maintain
the current level of our net assets in the United States. Accordingly, we did not record a
provision for branch profit tax.
Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, we have assigned all
the assets and liabilities, including goodwill, to the reporting units. We review goodwill for
impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of
goodwill may not be recoverable. The provisions of SFAS No. 142 require that a two-step impairment
test be performed on goodwill. In the first step, we compare the fair value of the reporting unit
to its carrying value. We determine the fair value of our reporting units using the income
approach. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of a reporting unit based on
measurement techniques such as discounted cash flow analyses. If the fair value of the reporting
unit exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not impaired
and we are not required to perform further testing. If the carrying value of the net assets
assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, then we must perform
the second step in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting units goodwill and
compare it to the carrying value of the reporting units goodwill. The implied fair value of
goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business
combination. That is, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and
liabilities of that unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit
had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the
purchase price paid to acquire the reporting unit. If the carrying value of a reporting units
goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, then we must record an impairment loss equal to the
difference.
To assist in the process of determining goodwill impairment, we obtain appraisals from
independent valuation firms. In addition we perform internal valuation analyses and consider other
market information that is publicly available. The discounted cash flow approach and the income
approach, which we use to estimate the fair value of our reporting units, are dependent on a number
of factors including estimates of future market growth and trends, forecasted revenue and costs,
appropriate discount rates and other variables. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we
believe to be reasonable, but which are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual future
results may differ from those estimates.
Derivatives and Hedge Accounting, and Exchange Rate Risk
Although our functional currency is the Indian rupee, we transact a major portion of our
business in foreign currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar. The exchange rate between the rupee
and the dollar has changed substantially in recent years and may fluctuate substantially in the
future. Consequently, the results of our operations are adversely affected as the rupee
appreciates against the U.S. dollar. Our exchange rate risk primarily arises from our foreign
currency revenues, receivables and payables. We enter into forward foreign exchange contracts
(derivatives) to mitigate the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates on accounts receivables and
forecasted cash flows denominated in certain foreign currencies. The derivatives also include short
term forward foreign exchange contracts pursuant to a roll-over hedging strategy which are replaced
with successive new contracts up to the period in which the forecasted transactions are expected to
occur. We also designate zero-cost collars, which qualify as net purchased options, to hedge the
exposure to variability in expected future foreign currency cash inflows due to exchange rate
movements beyond a defined range. The range comprises an upper and lower strike price. At maturity,
if the exchange rate remains within the range the cash inflows are realized at the spot rate,
otherwise the cash inflows are realized at the upper or lower strike price.
We designate the derivatives in respect of forecasted transactions, which meet the hedging
criteria, as cash flow hedges. Changes in the derivative fair values that are designated, effective
and qualify as cash flow hedges, under SFAS No. 133 Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities, are deferred and recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive
income until the hedged transactions occur and are then recognized in the consolidated statements
of income. With respect to derivatives acquired pursuant to the roll-over hedging strategy, the
changes in the fair value of discount or forward premium points are recognized in consolidated
statements of income of each period. The company does not apply the short-cut method to determine
hedge effectiveness.
66
Gains and losses upon roll-over of derivatives acquired pursuant to the roll-over hedging
strategy are deferred and recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income until
the hedged transactions occur and are then recognized in the consolidated statements of income.
Changes in fair value for derivatives not designated as hedging derivatives and ineffective
portion of the hedging instruments are recognized in consolidated statements of income of each
period. We assess the hedge effectiveness at the end of each reporting period.
Hedge ineffectiveness could result from forecasted transactions not happening in the same
amounts or in the same periods as forecasted or changes in the counterparty credit rating.
Further, change in the basis of designating derivates as hedges of forecasted transactions could
alter the proportion of derivatives which are ineffective as hedges. Hedge ineffectiveness
increases volatility of the consolidated statements of income since the changes in fair value of an
ineffective portion of derivatives is immediately recognized in the consolidated statements of
income.
We may not purchase adequate instruments to insulate ourselves from foreign exchange currency
risks. The policies of the Reserve Bank of India may change from time to time which may limit our
ability to hedge our foreign currency exposures adequately. In addition, any such instruments may
not perform adequately as a hedging mechanism. We may, in the future, adopt more active hedging
policies, and have done so in the past.
As of March 31, 2006 there were no significant gains or losses on derivative transactions or
portions thereof that have become ineffective as hedges, or associated with an underlying exposure
that did not occur.
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
Directors and Senior Management
Our directors and executive officers, their respective ages and positions as of March 31, 2006
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position |
Azim H. Premji
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board and
Managing Director (designated as Chairman) |
Dr. Ashok S Ganguly
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
Director |
B.C. Prabhakar
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
Director |
Dr. Jagdish N. Sheth
|
|
|
67 |
|
|
Director |
Narayanan Vaghul
|
|
|
69 |
|
|
Director |
P.M. Sinha
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
Director |
Suresh C. Senapaty
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Vice President,
Finance |
Pratik Kumar
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
Executive Vice President, Human Resources |
Suresh Vaswani
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
President-Global IT Service Lines, Wipro Technologies;
President-Wipro Infotech |
Vineet Agrawal
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
President, Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting |
Ranjan Acharya
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
Senior Vice President, Human Resources Development |
Tamal Dasgupta
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
Head Energy and Utilities |
Girish S. Paranjpe
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
President-Banking, Finance and Insurance Vertical, Wipro
Technologies |
Sudip Banerjee
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
President-Enterprise Solutions, Wipro Technologies |
Dr. A.L. Rao
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
President, Technology Services and Chief Operating Officer |
Ramesh Emani
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
President-Embedded & Product Engineering Solutions, Wipro
Technologies |
Azim H. Premji has served as our Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of our Board of Directors
and Managing Director (designated as Chairman) since September 1968. Mr. Premji holds a Bachelor of
Science, or B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.
Dr. Ashok S Ganguly has served as a member of our Board of Directors since January 1999.
Since April 2003, Dr. Ganguly has served as the Chairman of ICICI OneSource Ltd, a business process
outsourcing company, and, since September 2003, as the Chairman of ABP Pvt Ltd, a media and
publishing company. From August 1996 to March 2003, he served as the Chairman of ICI India Limited,
a manufacturing company. Dr. Ganguly also currently serves as a
67
Director on the Central Board of
the Reserve Bank of India and Hemogenomics Pvt Ltd. He is also a non-executive Director of
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., ICICI Knowledge Park Ltd., Hemogenonics Pvt. Ltd. and Tata AIG Life
Insurance Co. Ltd. More recently, Dr. Ganguly was appointed as a member of the Advisory Board of
Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd. Dr. Ganguly holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Bombay
University and a Master of Science, or M.S. and a Doctor of Philosophy degree, or Ph.D. from the
University of Illinois. In addition, he is a member of the Prime Ministers Council on Trade and
Industry as well as the Investment Commission. He is also a member of the National Knowledge
Commission to the Prime Minister.
B.C. Prabhakar has served as a member of our Board of Director on Wipro Board since February
1997. He has been practicing law in his own firm since April 1970. Mr. Prabhakar holds a B.A. in
Political Science and Sociology and an LL.B. from Mysore University. Mr B C Prabhakar serves as a
non-executive Director of Automative Axles Limited.
Dr. Jagdish N. Sheth has served as a member of our Board of Directors on Wipro Board since
January 1999. He has been a professor at Emory University since July 1991. Dr Sheth is also on the
Boards of, Cryo-Cell International
Inc, Adayana Inc, CipherTrust Inc, Shasun Chemicals and Drugs Limited and Manipal AcuNova
Private Limited. Dr. Sheth holds a B. Com from Madras University, an M.B.A. and a Ph.D in
Behavioral Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh.
Narayanan Vaghul has served as a member of our Board of Directors on Wipro Board since June
1997. He has been Chairman of the Board of ICICI Bank Limited since September 1985. Mr. Vaghul is
also on the Boards of Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., Mahindra Industrial Park Limited, Nicholas
Piramal India, Ltd., Hemogenomics Pvt. Ltd., Himatsingka Seide Limited, Asset Reconstruction
Company (India) Limited, Air India Engineering Services Limited, Air India Air Transport Services
Limited, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited and Air India Limited. Mr. Vaghul is also the Chairman
of the Compensation Committee of Mahindra and Mahindra Limited, ICICI Bank Limited and Nicholas
Piramal India Ltd. Mr. Vaghul holds a B. Commerce in Banking from Madras University. Mr N Vaghul
is also a member of the Audit Committee in Air India Limited, Nicholas Piramal India Limited and
Mahindra World City Developers Limited. Mr N. Vaghul is also the lead independent Director of the
Company.
Priya Mohan Sinha has served as a member of our Board of Directors on Wipro Board since
January 2002. He has served as the Chairman of PepsiCo India Holdings Limited and President of
Pepsi Foods Limited since November 1992. From October 1981 to November 1992, he was on the
Executive Board of Directors of Hindustan Lever Limited. From 1981 to 1985 he also served as
Sales Director of Hindustan Lever. Currently, he is also on the Boards of ICICI Bank Limited, Bata
India Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Lafarge India Pvt. Limited and Azim Premji
Foundation Pvt. Ltd and is Chairman of Bata India Limited. Mr. Sinha was also Chairman of Stepan
Chemicals Limited between 1990 and 1993 and on the Boards of Brooke Bond India Limited, Lipton
India Limited, Indexport Limited and Lever Nepal Limited. Mr. Sinha holds a B.A. from Patna
University and he has also attended Advanced Management Program in the Sloan School of Management,
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Suresh C. Senapaty has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Executive Vice
President, Finance, since January 1995 and served with us in other positions since April 1980. Mr.
Senapaty holds a B. Com. from Utkal University in India, and is a Fellow Member of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of India.
Pratik Kumar has served as our Executive Vice President, Human Resources, since April 2002,
and has served with us in other positions since November 1991. Mr. Pratik Kumar holds a B. A. from
Delhi University and an M.B.A. from Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI), Jamshedpur, India.
Suresh Vaswani has served as President-Global IT Service Lines, Wipro Technologies and
President of Wipro Infotech since December 2000, and has served with us in other positions since
June 1987. Mr. Vaswani holds a Bachelor of Technology, or B.Tech. from the Indian Institute of
Technology, or IIT, Kharagpur, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute
of Management, Ahmedabad.
Vineet Agrawal has served as President of Wipro Consumer Care and Lighting since July 2002 and
has served with us in other positions since December 1985. Mr. Agrawal holds a B.Tech. from IIT,
New Delhi, and an M.B.A from Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.
Ranjan Acharya has served as Senior Vice President-Human Resources Development since April
2002, and has served with us in other positions since July 1994. Mr. Ranjan Acharya holds a B.S.
from Pune University and an M.B.A. from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, India.
68
Tamal Dasgupta has served as Head-Energy and Utilities since March 2000. Mr. Dasgupta holds a
B.Com. from Calcutta University and is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
India, and has completed CPA from Maryland, U.S.
Girish S. Paranjpe has served as President Banking, Finance and Insurance Vertical of Wipro
Technologies since October 2000, and has served with us in other positions since July 1990. Mr.
Paranjpe holds a B.Com. from Bombay University and is a Fellow Member of Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India and Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India.
Sudip Banerjee has served as President-Enterprise Solutions of Wipro Technologies since
February 2002 and has served with us in other positions since November 1983. Mr. Sudip holds a
B.A. from Delhi University and Diploma in Management from All India Management Association.
Dr. A.L. Rao has served as President-Technology Services and Chief Operating Officer of Wipro
Technologies since October 2000 and has served with us in other positions since August 1980. Dr.
Rao holds a B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from Andhra University in India.
Ramesh Emani has served as President-Embedded and Product Engineering Solutions of Wipro
Technologies since October 2003, and has served with us in other positions since November 1983. Mr.
Emani holds a B.Tech. from Jawaharlal Nehru Technology University, Hyderabad and Master of
Technology, or M.Tech. from IIT, Kanpur.
New Director Appointment
On April 19, 2006, our Board of Directors appointed William Arthur (Bill) Owens as an
additional member of our Board of Directors, to be effective as of July 1, 2006.
Mr. Owens has held senior leadership positions at large multinational corporations. From
April 2004 to November 2005, Mr. Owens served as Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Nortel Networks Corporation, a networking communications company. From August
1998 to April 2004, Mr. Owens served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer of Teledesic LLC, a satellite communications company. From June 1996 to August 1998, Mr.
Owens served as President, Chief Operating Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), a research and engineering firm. Presently,
Mr. Owens serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Polycom Inc., a media communications
company; Daimler Chrysler AG, an automotive company; Sprint Wireline, a communications company; and
AEA Investors LLC, an investment company. Mr. Owens holds a M.B.A. (Honors) degree from George
Washington University, a B.S. in Mathematics from the U.S. Naval Academy and a B.A. and M.A. in
Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University
Resignation of director
Mr. Vivek Paul, Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Global IT Services
and Products business segment resigned from the services of the company effective October 2005.
Consequent to his resignation the company re-organized the management structure of Global IT
Services and Products business segment.
Professor Eisuke Sakakibara, Independent Non-Executive Director, resigned from Board of the
company effective August 2005.
Compensation
Director Compensation
Our Board Governance and Compensation Committee determines and recommends to our Board of
Directors the compensation payable to our directors. All board-level compensation is subject to
approval by our shareholders. Each of our non-employee directors receive an attendance fee of
$224.82 (Rs. 10,000) for every Board and Committee meeting they attend. Our directors are
reimbursed for travel and out-of-pocket expenses in connection with their attendance at Board and
Committee meetings. Additionally, we also compensate non-employee directors by way of commission,
which is limited to a fixed sum payable as approved by the Board subject to a maximum of 1% of the
net profits of the Company as approved by the shareholders, as follows:
|
1. |
|
Dr. Ashok S Ganguly receives approximately $26,978 (Rs. 1,200,000) per year. |
69
|
2. |
|
Narayan Vaghul receives approximately $31,474 (Rs. 1,400,000) per year. |
|
|
3. |
|
Dr. Jagdish N. Sheth receives approximately $50,000 (Rs. 2,224,000) per year. |
|
|
4. |
|
P. M. Sinha receives approximately $22,482 (Rs. 1,000,000) per year. |
|
|
5. |
|
B. C. Prabhakar receives approximately $13,489 (Rs. 600,000) per year. |
In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, we paid an aggregate of $151,928 (Rs. 6,757,760) as
commission to our non-employee directors.
Upto the period of his resignation as a member of our Board of Directors in 2005, Professor
Eisuke Sakakibara was paid a commission of Yen 2,400,000 ( $20,443).
Executive Compensation
The annual compensation of our executive directors is approved by our Board Governance and
Compensation Committee, within the parameters set by the shareholders at the shareholders meetings,
and the annual compensation of our other executive officers is approved by our Board Governance and
Compensation Committee. Remuneration of our executive officers, including our employee directors,
consists of a fixed component, performance bonus and a variable performance linked incentive. The
following two tables present the annual and long term compensation earned, awarded or paid for
services rendered to us for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006 by our Executive Directors and
members of our administrative, supervisory or management bodies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Compensation ($) |
|
|
Salary and |
|
Commission/In |
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
allowances |
|
centives (1) |
|
Housing (2) |
|
Others (3) |
Azim H. Premji |
|
$ |
96,775 |
|
|
$ |
392,195 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
340 |
|
|
Vivek Paul |
|
|
268,765 |
|
|
|
1,030,137 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pratik Kumar |
|
|
102,415 |
|
|
|
34,947 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
941 |
|
|
Suresh C. Senapaty |
|
|
123,624 |
|
|
|
51,266 |
|
|
|
24,280 |
|
|
|
2,794 |
|
|
Vineet Agrawal |
|
|
142,086 |
|
|
|
5,551 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,401 |
|
|
Sudip Banerjee |
|
|
114,246 |
|
|
|
40,146 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
617 |
|
|
Girish S. Paranjpe |
|
|
112,670 |
|
|
|
45,589 |
|
|
|
8,511 |
|
|
|
313 |
|
|
Tamal Dasgupta |
|
|
89,346 |
|
|
|
28,725 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,148 |
|
|
Dr. A.L. Rao |
|
|
120,023 |
|
|
|
49,090 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
536 |
|
|
Ranjan Acharya |
|
|
81,919 |
|
|
|
30,359 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
Suresh Vaswani |
|
|
126,482 |
|
|
|
47,863 |
|
|
|
4,626 |
|
|
|
773 |
|
|
Ramesh Emani |
|
|
122,810 |
|
|
|
47,527 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,984 |
|
|
|
|
1. |
|
Azim H. Premji and Vivek Paul were paid commissions at the rate of 0.1% on incremental
profits and 0.3% on net profits respectively. Profits are computed in accordance with the
provisions of the Indian Companies Act, 1956. Mr Vivek Paul was paid a commission up to the
date of his resignation of employment as our Vice Chairman in October 2005. All other
executives were paid incentives under a Quarterly Performance Linked Scheme based on their
achievement of pre-defined profit targets. |
|
2. |
|
The value of this perquisite accounts for more than 25% of the total value of all perquisites
and personal benefits received in fiscal 2006. |
70
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long Term Compensation ($) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
No. of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
No. of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share/AD |
|
|
|
|
|
RSU/ADS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S Options |
|
|
|
|
|
RSUs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
|
granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred |
|
during the |
|
Grant |
|
during the |
|
Grant |
|
Expiration |
Name |
|
benefits(1)(2) |
|
year |
|
Price |
|
year |
|
price |
|
Date |
Azim H. Premji |
|
|
79,303 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vivek Paul |
|
|
40,314 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pratik Kumar |
|
|
10,509 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Suresh C. Senapaty |
|
|
20,719 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vineet Agrawal |
|
|
12,568 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sudip Banerjee |
|
|
20,383 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Girish S. Paranjpe |
|
|
20,916 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tamal Dasgupta |
|
|
8,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. A.L. Rao |
|
|
23,133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ranjan Acharya |
|
|
8,978 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Suresh Vaswani |
|
|
19,178 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ramesh Emani |
|
|
20,728 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. |
|
Deferred benefits payable to other employees by way of our contribution to the Provident Fund
and Pension Fund. The Provided Fund is a statutory fund to which Wipro and our employees
contribute every month. A lump sum payment on separation and a Pension payment on attaining
the age of superannuation are payable from the balance standing to the credit of the Fund, as
per the Employee Providend Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. |
|
|
|
Deferred benefits, in the case of Mr. Vivek Paul, are comprised of our contribution to a
Deferred Compensation Plan. We have a Deferred Compensation Plan in place and a
Participation Agreement with Mr. Paul. Contributions made by us under this Deferred
Compensation Plan are managed by an irrevocable Trust whose trustees are appointed by us
under a Trust Agreement. Wells Fargo NA has been appointed as a Trustee of the Trust. We
make a contribution of 15% of the base salary of Mr. Paul to the Trust and Mr. Paul was also
eligible to contribute up to 15% of his base salary and up to 100% of his commission under
the Deferred Compensation Plan to the Trust. The Trust has made payouts of Deferred
Compensation to Mr. Vivek Paul upon compliance with specific conditions prescribed in the
Plan and related agreements. Upon resignation of Mr. Paul, the investments of the Trust are
liquidated and remitted to Mr. Paul offsetting the deferred compensation. As on March 31,
2006, there is no other Participant in the said Plan. |
|
|
|
Under our pension plans, any pension that is payable to an employee is not computed on the
basis of final compensation, but on the accumulated pension fund to the credit of the
employee as the date of separation, death, disability or retirement. We annually contribute
15% of Mr. Premjis base salary and commission earned for that year to our pension fund for
the benefit of Mr. Premji. For all other employees, we contribute 15% of their respective
base salaries to our pension for their benefit. These contributions are included in this
column. |
|
2. |
|
In addition to the deferred benefits indicated above, we are also required by Indian law to
pay a one time only lump sum of $8,023 (Rs. 350,000) as a gratuity payment for each of our
employees, other than Mr. Paul, at the time of separation, death, disability or retirement,
subject to complying with certain conditions. |
71
We operate in numerous countries and compensation for our officers and employees may vary
significantly from country to country. As a general matter, we seek to pay competitive salaries in
all the countries in which we operate.
Board Composition
Our Articles of Association provide that the minimum number of directors shall be four and the
maximum number of directors shall be twelve. As of March 31, 2006, we had six directors on our
Board. Our Articles of Association provide that at least two-thirds of our directors shall be
subject to retirement by rotation. One third of these directors must retire from office at each
annual general meeting of the shareholders. A retiring director is eligible for re-election. Up to
one-third of our directors can be appointed as non-retiring directors. Currently, Azim H. Premji is
a non-retiring director.
The terms of each of our directors and their expiration dates are:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Expiration of current term of office |
|
Term of office |
Azim H. Premji
|
|
July 30, 2007
|
|
2 years and seven months |
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Jagdish Sheth
|
|
Annual General Meeting 2006
|
|
Retirement by rotation |
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Ashok S Ganguly
|
|
Annual General Meeting 2008
|
|
Retirement by rotation |
|
|
|
|
|
B. C. Prabhakar
|
|
Annual General Meeting 2007
|
|
Retirement by rotation |
|
|
|
|
|
N. Vaghul
|
|
Annual General Meeting 2007
|
|
Retirement by rotation |
|
|
|
|
|
P. M. Sinha
|
|
Annual General Meeting 2006
|
|
Retirement by rotation |
Option Grants
There were no option grants to our Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Managing Director
(designated as Chairman) in the fiscal years ended March 31, 2005 and 2006. Details of options
granted to other senior management executives are reported elsewhere in this Item 6 under the
section titled Share Ownership.
Option Exercises and Holdings
Our Chairman did not exercise or hold any options during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.
The details of stock options held and exercised with respect to other senior management executives
are reported elsewhere in this Item 6 under the section titled Share Ownership.
Terms of Employment Arrangements and Indemnification Agreements
Under the Companies Act, our shareholders must approve the salary, bonus and benefits of all
employee directors at a General Meeting of Shareholders. Each of our employee directors have signed
an agreement containing the terms and conditions of employment, including a monthly salary,
performance bonus and benefits including vacation, medical reimbursement and pension fund
contributions. These agreements have varying terms ranging from a two to five year period, but
either we or the employee director may generally terminate the agreement upon six months notice to
the other party.
72
The terms of our employment arrangements with Azim H. Premji, Pratik Kumar, Suresh C.
Senapaty, Ranjan Acharya, Suresh Vaswani, Sudip Banerjee, Tamal Dasgupta, Dr. A.L. Rao, Vineet
Agrawal and Ramesh Emani provide for up to a 180-day notice period, up to 21 days of leave per year
in addition to statutory holidays, and an annual compensation review. Additionally, employees are
required to relocate as we may determine, and to comply with confidentiality provisions.
We also have entered into agreements to indemnify our directors and officers for claims
brought under any rule of law to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. These agreements,
among other things, indemnify our directors and officers for certain expenses, judgments, fines and
settlement amounts incurred by any such person in any action or proceeding, including any action by
or in the right of Wipro Limited, arising out of such persons services as our director or officer,
including claims which are covered by the Insurance Policy on Directors and Officers Liability
Insurance taken by the Company.
Board Committee Information
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, which was formed in 1987, reviews, acts on and
reports to our Board of Directors with respect to various auditing and accounting matters. The
primary objective of our Audit Committee is to monitor and provide effective supervision of our
financial reporting process with a view towards ensuring accurate, timely and proper disclosures
and the transparency, integrity and quality of financial reporting. Our Audit Committee oversees
the work carried out in the financial reporting process by our management, including our
internal auditors and reviews the processes and safeguards employed by each. In addition, our
Audit Committee has the responsibility of oversight and supervision over our system of internal
control over financial reporting, audit process and process for monitoring the compliance with
related laws and regulations. Our Audit Committee recommends to our shareholders the appointment
of our independent registered public accounting firm and reviews the scope of our annual audits,
approves fees to be paid to the independent registered public accounting firm and reviews/approves
our accounting practices. The Audit Committee is comprised of the following three non-executive
directors:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. N. Vaghul
|
|
-
|
|
Chairman of the Audit Committee |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Messrs. P. M. Sinha and B. C. Prabhakar
|
|
-
|
|
Members of the Audit Committee |
Our Audit Committee held five meetings during our 2006 fiscal year. Our Audit Committee has
adopted a charter. The charter is available under the investor relations section on our website at
www.wipro.com. See Item 18 of this Annual Report for the report of our Audit Committee.
Board Governance and Compensation Committee
The Board Governance and Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, (formerly
functioning as two committees viz. Compensation and Benefits Committee which was originally formed
in 1987 and Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee formed in 2003) determines the salaries,
benefits for our employees, directors and senior officers, and administers the stock option grants
issued by our company. This Committee also develops and recommends our Board a set of corporate
governance guidelines applicable to our company, implements the policies and processes relating to
corporate governance principles and the self evaluation process for our Board and Committees,
ensures that appropriate procedures are in place to assess Board membership needs and recommends
potential director candidates to our Board of Directors. The Board Governance and Compensation
Committee is comprised of the following three non-executive directors:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Ashok S Ganguly
|
|
- Chairman of the Board Governance and Compensation Committee |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Messrs. N. Vaghul and P.M. Sinha
|
|
- Members of the Board Governance and Compensation
Committee |
Our Board Governance and Compensation Committee held three meetings during our 2006 fiscal
year. Our Board Governance & Compensation Corporate Governance Committee has adopted a charter.
The charter is available under the investor relations section on our website at www.wipro.com.
73
Employees
As of March 31, 2006, we had over 53,700 employees, including over 29,800 IT professionals.
Highly trained and motivated people are critical to the success of our business. To achieve this,
we focus on attracting and retaining the best people possible. A combination of strong brand name,
a congenial working environment and competitive compensation programs enables us to attract and
retain these talented people.
Our human resources department is centralized at our corporate headquarters in Bangalore and
functions across all of the business segments. We have implemented corporate-wide recruiting,
training, performance evaluation and compensation programs that are tailored to address the needs
of each of our business segments.
Recruiting
We hire entry level graduates from both the top engineering and management universities in
India, as well as more experienced lateral hires through employee referral programs,
advertisements, placement consultants, our website postings and walk-ins. To facilitate employee
growth within Wipro Limited, all new openings are first offered to our
employees. The nature of work, skill sets requirements and experience levels are highlighted
to the employees. Applicants undergo the regular recruitment process and, if selected, get
assigned to their new roles.
Training
Each of our new recruits must attend an eight week intensive training program when they begin
working with us. New or recent graduates must also attend additional training programs that are
tailored to their area of technology. We also have a mandatory continuing education program that
requires each IT professional to attend at least 40 hours of continuing education classes to
improve their understanding and competency of new technologies, as well as to develop leadership
and personal self-development skills. We currently have 82 full-time faculty members to provide
these training courses. We supplement our continuing education program for existing employees by
sponsoring special programs at leading educational institutions, such as the Indian Institute of
Management, Bangalore, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Symbiosis Institute of
Business Management, Pune and others, to provide special skill set training in areas such as
Business Skills and Project management to any of our IT professionals who choose to enroll and meet
the eligibility criteria of these Institutes.
Performance Evaluations
Employees receive written performance objectives that they develop in cooperation with their
respective managers. They are measured against these criteria annually in a formal review process
which includes self-reviews and reviews from peers, managers and subordinates.
Compensation
We continually strive to provide our employees with competitive and innovative compensation
packages. Our compensation packages include a combination of salary, stock options, pension, and
health and disability insurance. We measure our compensation packages against industry standards
and seek to match or exceed them. We adopted an employee stock purchase plan in 1984. We have
devised both business segment performance and individual performance linked incentive programs that
we believe more accurately link performance to compensation for each employee. For example, we
link cash compensation to a business segments quarterly operating margin objectives.
Share Ownership
The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2006, for each director and executive officer,
the total number of equity shares, ADSs and options to purchase equity shares and ADSs exercisable
within 60 days from March 31, 2006. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules
of the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information with respect to the beneficial ownership
of any principal shareholder has been furnished by such shareholder and, unless otherwise indicated
below, we believe that persons named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with
respect to all the shares shown as beneficially owned, subject to community property laws, where
applicable.
The shares beneficially owned by the directors include the equity shares owned by their family
members to which such directors disclaim beneficial ownership. The number of shares beneficially
owned includes equity shares, equity shares underlying ADSs, the number of equity shares and equity
shares underlying ADSs exercisable within 60 days from March 31, 2006. The number of shares
presented in the table below also reflects the adjusted figure from our
74
1-for-1 stock dividend
approved by our shareholders in July 2005. For the convenience of the readers, the stock option
grant price has been translated into U.S. dollars based on the noon buying rate in the City of New
York on March 31, 2006, for cable transfers in Indian rupees as certified for customs purposes by
the Federal Reserve Bank of New York which, was Rs.44.48 per $1.00. The share numbers and
percentages listed below are based on 1,425,754,267 equity shares outstanding as of March 31, 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Equity |
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Shares |
|
Shares |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
beneficially |
|
Beneficially |
|
Options |
|
Grant Price |
|
|
Name |
|
owned |
|
Owned |
|
Granted |
|
($) |
|
Date of expiration |
Azim H. Premji (1)
|
|
|
1,161,136,260 |
|
|
|
81.44 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. C. Prabhakar (2)
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Jagdish Sheth
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Ashok S Ganguly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N. Vaghul
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P. M. Sinha
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Suresh C. Senapaty
|
|
|
97,700 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
15,000
19,200
|
|
5.94
0.05
|
|
February 2009
October 2010 |
|
Pratik Kumar
|
|
|
51,300 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
12,000
19,200
|
|
5.94
0.05
|
|
February 2009
October 2010 |
|
Vineet Agrawal
|
|
|
145,220 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
15,000
19,200
|
|
5.94
0.05
|
|
February, 2009
October 2010 |
|
Suresh Vaswani
|
|
|
91,992 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
15,000
22,400
|
|
5.94
0.05
|
|
February 2009
October 2010 |
|
Sudip Banerjee
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
10,800
22,400
|
|
5.94
0.04
|
|
February 2009
October 2010 |
|
Girish S. Paranjpe
|
|
|
25,700 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
15,000
22,400
|
|
5.94
0.05
|
|
February 2009
October 2010 |
|
Dr. A.L. Rao
|
|
|
129,460 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
9,000
22,400
|
|
5.94
0.05
|
|
February 2009
October 2010 |
|
Tamal Dasgupta
|
|
|
11,600 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
8,400
12,800
|
|
5.94
0.05
|
|
February 2009
October 2010 |
|
Ranjan Acharya
|
|
|
13,400 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
9,000
16,000
|
|
5.94
0.05
|
|
February 2009
October 2010 |
|
Ramesh Emani
|
|
|
25,700 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
12,000
22,400
|
|
5.94
0.05
|
|
February 2009
October 2010 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Represents less than 1% of the shares. |
75
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes 326,259,000 shares held by Hasham Traders (a partnership), of which Mr. Premji is
a partner, 325,017,000 shares held by Prazim Traders (a partnership), of which Mr. Premji is a
partner, 324,244,800 shares held by Zash Traders (a partnership), of which Mr. Premji is a partner,
38,263,000 shares held by Napean Trading Investment Co. Pvt. Ltd., of which Mr. Premji is a
director, 51,014,200 shares held by Regal Investments Trading Co. Pvt. Ltd., of which Mr. Premji is
a director, 38,860,600 shares held by Vidya Investment Trading Co. Pvt. Ltd., of which Mr. Premji
is a director, 1,434,600 shares held jointly by Mr. Premji and members of his immediately
family and 8,451,000 shares held by the Azim Premji Foundation (I) Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Premji disclaims
beneficial ownership, the 8,451,000 shares held by the Azim Premji Foundation (I) Pvt. Ltd. |
|
(2) |
|
The shares are jointly held with an immediate family member of Mr. Prabhakar. |
|
(3) |
|
The shares are jointly held with an immediate family member of Mr. P M Sinha. |
OPTION PLANS
Wipro Employee Restricted Stock Unit Plan 2005
Our Wipro Restricted Stock Unit Plan 2005, or 2005 unit plan, provides for the grant of
options to eligible employees and directors. The creation of our 2005 unit plan was approved by
our Board of Directors on June 14, 2005 and by our shareholders on July 21, 2005. Our 2005 unit
plan became effective on July 21, 2005, and unless terminated sooner, the plan will terminate
automatically on July 20, 2015. A total of 12,000,000 equity shares (as adjusted for corporate
actions from time to time) are currently reserved for issuance pursuant to the plan.
Our Board Governance and Compensation Committee appointed by our Board of Directors administer
our 2005 unit plan. The committee has the sole power to determine the terms of the units granted,
including the exercise price, selection of eligible employees, the number of equity shares to be
covered by each option, the vesting and exercise periods, and the form of consideration payable
upon such exercise. In addition, the committee has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the
2005 stock plan with the approval of the shareholders, provided that no such action may adversely
affect the rights of any participant under the plan. The Committee has the powers to interpret the
terms of the Plan and options granted pursuant to the Plan. The plan does not confer any right to
the participant with respect to continuing the participants status as an employee with the
Company.
Our 2005 unit plan does not allow for the transfer of options and only the participant may
exercise an option during his or her lifetime. The vesting period for the options under the plan
shall range from 12 months to not more than 84 months. A participant must exercise any vested
units prior to termination of service with us and within a specified period post separation as per
the Plan. The exercise price of options granted under our 2005 unit plan will be determined by the
committee.
Our 2005 unit plan provides that in the event of our merger with or into another corporation
or a sale of substantially all of our assets, the successor corporation shall either assume the
outstanding units or grant equivalent units to the holders. If the successor corporation neither
assumes the outstanding units nor grants equivalent units, such outstanding units shall vest
immediately, and become exercisable in full.
ADS Restricted Stock Unit Plan 2004 (ADS option)
Our ADS Restricted Stock Unit Plan 2004, or 2004 ADS unit plan, provides for the grant of
options to our eligible employees and directors. The creation of our 2004 ADS unit plan was
approved by our Board of Directors on April 16, 2004 and by our shareholders on June 11, 2004. The
2004 ADS unit plan became effective on June 11, 2004, and unless terminated sooner, the 2004 ADS
unit plan will terminate automatically on June 10, 2014. A total of 12,000,000 ADSs, representing
12,000,000 equity shares (as adjusted for corporate action from time to time), are currently
reserved for issuance pursuant to the plan.
76
Our Board Governance and Compensation Committee appointed by our Board of Directors administer
the 2004 ADS unit plan. The committee has the sole power to determine the terms of the units
granted, including the exercise price, selection of eligible employees, the number of ADSs to be
covered by each ADS option, the vesting and exercise periods, and the form of consideration payable
upon such exercise. In addition, the committee has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the
stock plan provided that no such action may adversely affect the rights of any participant under
the plan. The Committee has the powers to interpret the terms of the plan and the ADS options
granted pursuant to the plan. The plan does not confer any right to the participant with respect
to participants status as an employee with the Company.
Our 2004 ADS unit plan does not allow for the transfer of units and only the participant may
exercise an option during his or her lifetime. The vesting period for the options under the plan
shall range from 12 months to not more than 84 months. A participant must exercise any vested
options prior to termination of service with us and within a specified
period post separation as per the Plan. The exercise price of options granted under our 2004
ADS unit plan will be determined by the committee.
Our 2004 ADS unit plan provides that in the event of our merger with or into another
corporation or a sale of substantially all of our assets, the successor corporation shall either
assume the outstanding units or grant equivalent units to the holders. If the successor
corporation neither assumes the outstanding units nor grants equivalent units, such outstanding
units shall vest immediately, and become exercisable in full.
Wipro Employee Restricted Stock Unit Plan 2004
Our Wipro Restricted Stock Unit Plan 2004, or 2004 unit plan, provides for the grant of
options to eligible employees and directors. The creation of our 2004 unit plan was approved by
our Board of Directors on April 16, 2004 and by our shareholders on June 11, 2004. Our 2004 unit
plan became effective on June 11, 2004, and unless terminated sooner, the plan will terminate
automatically on June 10, 2014. A total of 12,000,000 equity shares (as adjusted for corporate
actions from time to time) are currently reserved for issuance pursuant to the plan.
Our Board Governance and Compensation Committee appointed by our Board of Directors administer
the 2004 unit plan. The committee has the sole power to determine the terms of the units granted,
including the exercise price, selection of eligible employees, the number of equity shares to be
covered by each option, the vesting and exercise periods, and the form of consideration payable
upon such exercise. In addition, the committee has the authority to amend, suspend or terminate the
2004 stock plan with the approval of the shareholders, provided that no such action may adversely
affect the rights of any participant under the plan. The Committee has the powers to interpret the
terms of the Plan and options granted pursuant to the Plan. The plan does not confer any right to
the participant with respect to continuing the participants status as an employee with the
Company.
Our 2004 unit plan does not allow for the transfer of options and only the participant may
exercise an option during his or her lifetime. The vesting period for the options under the plan
shall range from 12 months to not more than 84 months. A participant must exercise any vested
options prior to termination of service with us and within a specified period post separation as
per the Plan. The exercise price of options granted under our 2004 unit plan will be determined by
the committee.
Our 2004 unit plan provides that in the event of our merger with or into another corporation
or a sale of substantially all of our assets, the successor corporation shall either assume the
outstanding units or grant equivalent units to the holders. If the successor corporation neither
assumes the outstanding units nor grants equivalent units, such outstanding units shall vest
immediately, and become exercisable in full.
2000 ADS Option Plan
Our 2000 ADS option plan provides for the grant of two types of options to our employees and
directors: incentive stock options, which may provide our employees with beneficial U.S. tax
treatment, and non-statutory stock options. Our 2000 ADS option plan was approved by our Board of
Directors in September 2000 and by our shareholders on April 26, 2000. Unless terminated sooner by
our Board, our 2000 ADS option plan will terminate automatically in September 2010. A total of
9,000,000 ADSs, representing 9,000,000 equity shares (as adjusted for corporate actions from time
to time), are currently reserved for issuance under our 2000 ADS option plan. All options under our
2000 ADS option plan will be exercisable for ADSs. Either our Board of Directors or a committee of
our Board of Directors administers our 2000 ADS option plan. The committee has the power to
determine the terms of the options granted, including the exercise prices, the number of ADSs
subject to each option, the exercisability thereof, and the form of consideration payable upon such
exercise. In addition, the committee has the authority to amend, suspend, or terminate
77
our 2000 ADS
option plan, provided that no such action may affect any ADS previously issued and sold or any
option previously granted under our 2000 ADS option plan.
Our 2000 ADS option plan generally does not allow for the transfer of options, and only the
optionee may exercise an option during his or her lifetime. An optionee generally must exercise an
option within three months of termination of service. If an optionees termination is due to death
or disability, his or her option will fully vest and become exercisable and the option must be
exercised within twelve months after such termination. The exercise price of incentive stock
options granted under our 2000 ADS option plan must at least equal the fair market value of the
ADSs on the date of grant. The exercise price of non-statutory stock options granted under our 2000
ADS option plan must at least equal 90% of the fair market value of the ADSs on the date of grant.
The term of options granted under our 2000 ADS option plan may not exceed ten years. Our 2000 ADS
option plan provides that in the event of our merger with or into another corporation or a sale of
substantially all of our assets, the successor corporation shall either assume the outstanding
options or grant equivalent options to the holders. If the successor corporation neither assumes
the
outstanding options nor grants equivalent options, such outstanding options shall vest
immediately, and become exercisable in full.
2000 Employee Stock Option Plan
Our 2000 stock plan provides for the grant of stock options to eligible employees and
directors. The creation of our 2000 stock plan was approved by our Board of Directors on April 26,
2000, and by our shareholders on July 27, 2000. Our 2000 stock plan became effective on September
15, 2000, and unless terminated sooner, our 2000 stock plan will terminate automatically on
September 15, 2010. A total of 150,000,000 equity shares (as adjusted for corporate actions from
time to time) are currently reserved for issuance pursuant to our 2000 stock plan. All options
under our 2000 stock plan will be exercisable for our equity shares.
Our Board Governance & Compensation Committee appointed by our Board of Directors administers
our 2000 stock plan. The committee has the power to determine the terms of the options granted,
including the exercise price, the number of shares subject to each option, the exercisability
thereof, and the form of consideration payable upon such exercise. In addition, the committee has
the authority to amend, suspend or terminate our 2000 stock plan, provided that no such action may
adversely affect the rights of any optionee under our 2000 stock plan.
Our 2000 stock plan generally does not allow for the transfer of options and only the optionee
may exercise an option during his or her lifetime. An optionee generally must exercise any vested
options within seven days of termination of service with us. If an optionees termination is due to
death, disability or retirement, his or her option will fully vest and become exercisable.
Generally, such options must be exercised within six months after termination. The exercise price
of stock options granted under our 2000 stock plan will be determined by the committee. Normally,
the term of options granted under our 2000 stock plan may not exceed six years.
Our 2000 stock plan provides that in the event of our merger with or into another corporation
or a sale of substantially all of our assets, each option shall be proportionately adjusted to give
effect to the merger or asset sale.
1999 Employee Stock Option Plan
Our 1999 stock plan provides for the grant of stock options to eligible employees and
directors. Our 1999 stock plan was approved by our Board of Directors on April 30, 1999 and by our
shareholders on July 29, 1999. Unless terminated sooner, our 1999 stock plan will terminate
automatically on July 28, 2009. A total of 30,000,000 equity shares (as adjusted for corporate
actions from time to time) are currently reserved for issuance pursuant to our 1999 stock plan. All
options under our 1999 stock plan will be exercisable for our equity shares.
Our Board Governance & Compensation Committee appointed by our Board of Directors administers
our 1999 stock plan. The committee has the power to determine the terms of the options granted,
including the exercise price, the number of shares subject to each option, the exercisability
thereof, and the form of consideration payable upon such exercise. In addition, the committee has
the authority to amend, suspend or terminate our 1999 stock plan, provided that no such action may
adversely affect the rights of any optionee under our 1999 stock plan.
Our 1999 stock plan generally does not allow for the transfer of options and only the optionee
may exercise an option during his or her lifetime. An optionee generally must exercise any vested
options within seven days of termination of service with us. If an optionees termination is due to
death, disability or retirement, his or her option will fully vest and become exercisable.
Generally, such options must be exercised within six months after termination. The
78
exercise price
of stock options granted under our 1999 stock plan will be determined by the committee. The term of
options granted under our 1999 stock plan may not exceed six years.
Our 1999 stock plan provides that in the event of our merger with or into another corporation
or a sale of substantially all of our assets, each option shall be proportionately adjusted to give
effect to the merger or asset sale.
Wipro Equity Reward Trust
We established the Wipro Equity Reward Trust, or WERT, in 1984 to allow our employees to
acquire a greater proprietary stake in our success and growth, and to encourage our employees to
continue their association with us. The WERT is designed to give eligible employees the right to
receive restricted shares and other compensation benefits at the times and on the conditions that
we specify. Such compensation benefits include voluntary contributions, loans, interest and
dividends on investments in the WERT and other similar benefits.
The WERT is administered by a board of trustees that generally consists of between two and six
members as appointed by us. We select eligible employees to receive grants of shares and other
compensation from the WERT and communicate this information to the WERT. We select employees based
upon various factors, including, without limitation, an employees performance, period of service
and status. The WERT awards the number of shares that each employee is entitled to receive out of
the shares we issued to the WERT at its formation. We also determine the time intervals that an
employee may elect to receive them. The shares issued under the WERT are generally not transferable
for a period of four years after the date of issuance to the employee. Shares from the WERT are
issued in the joint names of the WERT and the employee until such restrictions and obligations are
fulfilled by the employee. After the four-year period, complete ownership of the shares is
transferred to the employee.
If employment is terminated by death, disability or retirement, his or her restricted shares
are transferred to the employees legal heirs or continue to be held by the employee, as the case
may be, and such individuals may exercise any rights to those shares for up to ninety days after
employment has ceased.
The Trustees of the WERT have the authority to amend or terminate the WERT at any time and for
any reason. The WERT is subject to all applicable laws, rules, regulations and approvals by any
governmental agencies as may be required. As of March 31, 2006, the WERT holds 7,968,660 of our
outstanding equity shares in its own name and holds 106,354 of our outstanding equity shares
jointly in the names of the WERT and participating employees, including 83,400 shares not yet
jointly registered in the names of the WERT and participating employees.
Item 7. Major Shareholders And Related Party Transactions
Major Shareholders
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our
equity shares as of March 31, 2006, of each person or group known by us to own beneficially 5% or
more of our outstanding equity shares.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting
and investment power with respect to such shares. Shares subject to options that are currently
exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2006 are deemed to be outstanding or to be
beneficially owned by the person holding such options for the purpose of computing the percentage
ownership of such person, but are not deemed to be outstanding or to be beneficially owned for the
purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. All information with respect to
the beneficial ownership of any principal shareholder has been furnished by such shareholder and,
unless otherwise indicated below, we believe that persons named in the table have sole voting and
sole investment power with respect to all the shares shown as beneficially owned, subject to
community property laws, where applicable. The number of shares and percentage ownership are based
on 1,425,754,267 equity shares outstanding as of March 31, 2006.
79
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|
Number of Shares |
|
|
|
|
Class of |
|
beneficially held as of |
|
|
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
Security |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
% of Class |
Azim H. Premji (1) |
|
Equity |
|
|
1,161,136,260 |
|
|
|
81.44 |
|
|
Hasham Traders |
|
Equity |
|
|
326,259,000 |
|
|
|
22.88 |
|
|
Prazim Traders |
|
Equity |
|
|
325,017,000 |
|
|
|
22.80 |
|
|
Zash Traders |
|
Equity |
|
|
324,244,800 |
|
|
|
22.74 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes 326,259,000 shares held by Hasham Traders (a partnership), of which Mr. Premji is a
partner, 325,017,000 shares held by Prazim Traders (a partnership), of which Mr. Premji is a
partner, 324,244,800 shares held by Zash Traders (a partnership), of which Mr. Premji is a
partner, 38,263,000 shares held by Napean
Trading Investment Co. Pvt. Ltd., of which Mr. Premji is a director, 51,014,200 shares held
by Regal Investments Trading Co. Pvt. Ltd., of which Mr. Premji is a director, 38,860,600
shares held by Vidya Investment Trading Co. Pvt. Ltd., of which Mr. Premji is a director,
1,434,600 shares held jointly by Mr. Premji and members of his immediately family and
8,451,000 shares held by the Azim Premji Foundation (I) Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Premji disclaims
beneficial ownership of 8,451,000 shares held by the Azim Premji Foundation (I) Pvt. Ltd. |
Our American Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Each ADS represents
one equity share of par value Rs. 2 per share. Our ADSs are registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, as of March 31, 2006, are held by approximately 16,732
holders of record in the United States.
Our equity shares can be held by Foreign Institutional Investors, or FIIs, and Non-resident
Indians, or NRIs, who are registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India, or SEBI, and
the Reserve Bank of India, or RBI. Currently, 7.23% of the Companys equity shares are held by
these FIIs, and NRIs, some of which may be residents or corporate entities registered in the United
States of America and elsewhere. We are not aware of which FIIs, NRIs hold our equity shares as
residents or as corporate entities registered in the United States.
Our major shareholders do not have a differential voting right with respect to their equity
shares. To the best of our knowledge, we are not owned or controlled directly or indirectly by any
Government or by any other corporation. We are not aware of any arrangement, the operation of which
may at a subsequent date result in a change in control, of our Company.
Related Party Transactions
Terms of Employment Arrangements and Indemnification Agreements. We are a party to various
employment and indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers. See Terms of
Employment Arrangements and Indemnification Agreements under Item 6 of this Annual Report for a
description of the agreements that we have entered into with our directors and executive officers.
Item 8. Financial Information
Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
Please refer the following financial statements and the Auditors Report under item 18 in this
Annual Report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006:
|
|
|
Report of the independent registered public accounting firm; |
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|
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Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2005 and 2006; |
|
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|
|
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended March 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006; |
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity and comprehensive income for the
years ended March 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006; and |
|
|
|
|
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
80
Legal Proceedings
Please see the section tiled Legal Proceedings under Item 4 of this Annual Report for this
information.
Dividends
Although the amount varies, public companies in India typically pay cash dividends. Under
Indian law, a corporation pays dividends upon a recommendation by the Board of Directors and
approval by a majority of the shareholders, who have the right to decrease but not increase the
amount of the dividend recommended by the Board of Directors. Under the Indian Companies Act,
dividends may be paid out of profits of a company in the year in which the dividend is declared or
out of the undistributed profits of previous fiscal years.
For the years ended March 31, 2003, we paid cash dividend of Rs.0.17 per equity share. For
the year ended March 31, 2004, we paid a final dividend of Rs. 0.67 per equity share and a one time
dividend of Rs. 4.17 per equity
share. For the year ended March 31, 2005, we paid a final dividend of Rs. 2.50 per equity
share. Although we have no current intention to discontinue dividend payments, we cannot assure
you that any future dividends will be declared or paid or that the amount thereof will not be
decreased. Holders of ADSs will be entitled to receive dividends payable on equity shares
represented by such ADSs. Cash dividends on equity shares represented by ADSs are paid to the
Depositary in rupees and are generally converted by the Depositary into U.S. dollars and
distributed, net of depositary fees, taxes, if any, and expenses, to the holders of such ADSs.
The Board of Directors has, subject to the approval of the shareholders at the forthcoming
Annual General Meeting in July 2006, recommended a final dividend of Rs.5 ($0.11) per equity share
for the year ended March 31, 2006. This dividend will be payable to the shareholders who are on
the records of the Company as of the opening hours of July 1, 2006.
Significant Changes
None.
Item 9. The Offer and Listing
Price History
Our equity shares are traded on The Stock Exchange, Mumbai or BSE and The National Stock
Exchange of India Limited, or NSE. We have also applied for de-listing our equity shares from the
Kolkatta Stock Exchange Association Limited and await the approval. Our American Depository
Shares, as evidenced by American Depository Receipts, or ADRs, are traded in the U.S. on the New
York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the ticker symbol WIT. Each ADS represents one equity share.
Our ADSs began trading on the NYSE on October 19, 2000.
As of March 31, 2006, we had 1,425,754,267 issued and outstanding equity shares. As of March
31, 2006, there were approximately 16,732 record holders of ADRs evidencing 21,484,797 ADSs
(equivalent to 21,484,797 equity shares). As of March 31, 2006, there were approximately 155,832
record holders of our equity shares listed and traded on the Indian Stock Exchanges.
The following tables set forth for the periods indicated the price history of our equity
shares and ADSs on the BSE, NSE and the NYSE. The stock prices for the periods prior to July 2005
are re-stated to reflect the stock dividend issued by the Company in July 2005 in the ratio of 1:1.
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|
BSE |
|
NSE |
|
NYSE |
|
|
Price per equity share |
|
Price per equity share |
|
Price per ADS |
|
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|
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|
High (Rs.) |
|
Low (Rs.) |
|
High ($) |
|
Low ($) |
|
High (Rs.) |
|
Low (Rs.) |
|
High ($) |
|
Low ($) |
|
High ($) |
|
Low ($) |
Fiscal Year
ended March 31, |
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|
|
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|
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|
2006 |
|
|
573.00 |
|
|
|
285.55 |
|
|
|
12.88 |
|
|
|
6.41 |
|
|
|
585.90 |
|
|
|
272.00 |
|
|
|
13.17 |
|
|
|
8.65 |
|
|
|
22.38 |
|
|
|
9.62 |
|
2005 |
|
|
389.00 |
|
|
|
200.00 |
|
|
|
8.91 |
|
|
|
4.59 |
|
|
|
387.50 |
|
|
|
198.00 |
|
|
|
8.88 |
|
|
|
4.54 |
|
|
|
12.85 |
|
|
|
5.81 |
|
2004 |
|
|
310.17 |
|
|
|
131.88 |
|
|
|
7.15 |
|
|
|
3.04 |
|
|
|
311.67 |
|
|
|
132.90 |
|
|
|
7.18 |
|
|
|
3.06 |
|
|
|
9.90 |
|
|
|
3.05 |
|
2003 |
|
|
312.50 |
|
|
|
177.17 |
|
|
|
6.58 |
|
|
|
3.73 |
|
|
|
312.50 |
|
|
|
177.17 |
|
|
|
6.58 |
|
|
|
3.73 |
|
|
|
6.72 |
|
|
|
3.71 |
|
2002 |
|
|
327.50 |
|
|
|
127.50 |
|
|
|
6.89 |
|
|
|
2.69 |
|
|
|
329.00 |
|
|
|
126.50 |
|
|
|
6.92 |
|
|
|
2.66 |
|
|
|
7.34 |
|
|
|
2.83 |
|
81
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BSE |
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NSE |
|
NYSE |
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|
Price per equity share |
|
Price per equity share |
|
Price per ADS |
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|
High (Rs.) |
|
Low (Rs.) |
|
High ($) |
|
Low ($) |
|
High (Rs.) |
|
Low (Rs.) |
|
High ($) |
|
Low ($) |
|
High ($) |
|
Low ($) |
Quarter Ended |
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|
March 31, 2006 |
|
|
573.00 |
|
|
|
440.20 |
|
|
|
12.88 |
|
|
|
9.89 |
|
|
|
585.90 |
|
|
|
385.00 |
|
|
|
13.17 |
|
|
|
8.66 |
|
|
|
15.49 |
|
|
|
11.90 |
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
470.00 |
|
|
|
355.00 |
|
|
|
10.57 |
|
|
|
7.98 |
|
|
|
470.00 |
|
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|
355.75 |
|
|
|
10.57 |
|
|
|
8.00 |
|
|
|
12.75 |
|
|
|
9.62 |
|
September 30, 2005 |
|
|
385.80 |
|
|
|
350.05 |
|
|
|
8.67 |
|
|
|
7.87 |
|
|
|
384.80 |
|
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|
345.20 |
|
|
|
8.65 |
|
|
|
7.76 |
|
|
|
21.60 |
|
|
|
9.59 |
|
June 30, 2005 |
|
|
388.00 |
|
|
|
285.55 |
|
|
|
8.72 |
|
|
|
6.42 |
|
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|
384.90 |
|
|
|
272.00 |
|
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|
8.65 |
|
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|
6.12 |
|
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|
22.38 |
|
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|
17.59 |
|
March 31, 2005 |
|
|
382.50 |
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|
312.50 |
|
|
|
8.77 |
|
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|
7.17 |
|
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|
380.00 |
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305.18 |
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|
8.71 |
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7.00 |
|
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12.55 |
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9.81 |
|
Six Months Ended |
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(monthly for last
six months) |
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May 31, 2006 |
|
|
469.00 |
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|
|
436.10 |
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|
10.54 |
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|
|
9.80 |
|
|
|
544.85 |
|
|
|
441.80 |
|
|
|
12.25 |
|
|
|
9.93 |
|
|
|
12.18 |
|
|
|
11.74 |
|
April 30, 2006 |
|
|
598.90 |
|
|
|
495.00 |
|
|
|
13.46 |
|
|
|
11.13 |
|
|
|
568.70 |
|
|
|
524.00 |
|
|
|
12.78 |
|
|
|
11.78 |
|
|
|
15.50 |
|
|
|
13.30 |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
|
573.00 |
|
|
|
498.00 |
|
|
|
12.88 |
|
|
|
11.20 |
|
|
|
585.90 |
|
|
|
483.65 |
|
|
|
13.17 |
|
|
|
10.87 |
|
|
|
15.00 |
|
|
|
13.23 |
|
February 28, 2006 |
|
|
544.70 |
|
|
|
488.00 |
|
|
|
12.25 |
|
|
|
10.97 |
|
|
|
545.40 |
|
|
|
488.25 |
|
|
|
12.26 |
|
|
|
10.98 |
|
|
|
15.28 |
|
|
|
13.11 |
|
January 31, 2006 |
|
|
532.50 |
|
|
|
440.20 |
|
|
|
11.97 |
|
|
|
9.90 |
|
|
|
548.00 |
|
|
|
385.00 |
|
|
|
12.32 |
|
|
|
8.22 |
|
|
|
15.49 |
|
|
|
11.90 |
|
December 31, 2005 |
|
|
470.00 |
|
|
|
420.00 |
|
|
|
10.57 |
|
|
|
9.44 |
|
|
|
470.00 |
|
|
|
385.00 |
|
|
|
10.57 |
|
|
|
8.66 |
|
|
|
12.75 |
|
|
|
11.10 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Source: BSE data obtained from www.bseindia.com and NSE data obtained from
www.nseindia.com. NYSE data obtained from www.finance.yahoo.com. |
Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
Markets
Trading Practices and Procedures on the Indian Stock Exchanges
BSE and NSE (Exchanges) together account for more than 80% of the total trading volume on the
Indian Stock Exchanges. Trading on both of these exchanges is accomplished on electronic trading
platforms. Trading is done on a two-day fixed settlement basis on all of the exchanges. Any
outstanding amount at the end of the settlement period is settled by delivery and payment.
However, institutional investors are not permitted to net out their transactions and must trade
on a delivery basis.
Orders can be entered with a specified term of validity that may last until the end of the
session, day or settlement period. Dealers must specify whether orders are for a proprietary
account or for a client. Exchanges specify certain margin requirements for trades executed on the
exchange, including margins based on the volume or quantity of exposure that the broker has on the
market, as well as market-to-market margins payable on a daily basis for all outstanding trades.
Trading on Exchanges normally takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on all weekdays, except
holidays. Exchanges do not permit carry forward trades. They have separate margin requirements
based on the net exposure of the broker on the exchange. Exchanges also have separate online
trading systems and separate clearing houses.
BSE was closed from January 11 through January 13, 1993 due to a riot in Mumbai. It was also
closed on March 12, 1993 due to a bomb explosion within its premises. From December 14 through
December 23, 1993 the BSE was closed due to a brokers strike, and from March 20 through March 22,
1995, the governing board of the BSE closed the market due to a default of one of the broker
members and due to which the trading of equity shares on the BSE has been suspended. There have
been no closures of the Indian Stock Exchanges in response to panic trading or large
fluctuations. On May 17, 2004, Exchanges have observed that there were wide fluctuations in the
prices of various securities / SENSEX/Nifty, thereby resulting in a halt in the trading activity at
the exchanges on two occasions, as per the Securities and Exchange Board of India or SEBI
prescribed guidelines on Circuit Breakers. BSE and NSE were closed on July 28, 2005 due to rain in
Mumbai.
The stock exchanges in India now operate on a trading day plus two, or T+2 rolling settlement
systems. At the end of the T+2 period, obligations are settled with buyers of securities paying
for and receiving securities, while sellers transfer and receive payment for securities. The SEBI
has moved to a T+2 settlement system, and is subsequently planning to move to a T+1 settlement
system.
In order to contain the risk arising out of the transactions entered into by the members in
various securities either on their own account or on behalf of their clients, the largest exchanges
have designed risk management
82
procedures, which include compulsory prescribed margins on the
individual broker members, based on their outstanding exposure in the market, as well as stock
specific margins from the members. There are generally no restrictions on price movements of any
security on any given day. In order to restrict abnormal price volatility, the SEBI has instructed
the stock exchanges to apply the following price bands, calculated at the previous days closing
price as follows:
Market Wide Circuit Breakers: Market wide circuit breakers are applied to the market for
movements by 10%, 15% and 20% for two prescribed market indices; the Sensex for the BSE and the
Nifty for the NSE. If any of these circuit breaker thresholds are reached, trading on all equity
and equity derivates markets nationwide is halted.
Price Bands: Price Bands are circuit filters of 20% movements either up or down and are
applied to most securities traded in the markets, excluding securities included in the BSE Sensex
and the NSE Nifty indices and derivatives products.
Amendments to SEBI (DIP) Guidelines, 2000;
In the event of book built issues in an Initial Public Offering, or IPO, it has been decided
to increase the allocation to Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) from the existing 25% to 35%, and
to correspondingly reduce the allocation to Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs) from the existing
25% to 15%. Further, if the book built issues are made
pursuant to the requirement of mandatory allocation of 60% to QIBs in terms of Rule 19(2)(b)
of the Securities Contract Regulations Rules, 1956, the respective figures shall be 30% of the
RIIs and 10% for NIIs.
The RII at present is defined in value terms as one who can apply for shares up to a maximum
amount of Rs.1,00,000.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India or SEBI has introduced the regime of private
placements of securities by Indian listed companies called Qualified Institutions Placements or
QIP. The new regime has been introduced in the form of Chapter XIIIA of the SEBI (Disclosures and
Investor Protection) Guidelines, 2000, or DIP Guidelines, on May 8, 2006 or the Amendment.
QIPs are basically the issue of specified securities by Indian companies to Qualified
Institutional Buyers, QIBs. The Amendment defines the specified securities as equity shares, fully
convertible debentures, partly convertible debentures or any securities other than warrants, which
are convertible into or exchangeable with equity shares at a later date.
Reduction in the bidding period
To effect a change in the existing bidding period, which may not exceed 10 business days
subject to a three day extension in case of a revision in price bands, SEBI has decided to reduce
the bidding period from the current 5-10 business day period (including holidays) to a 3-7 business
day period.
Disclosure of Price Band/Floor Price in case of listed companies
The existing DIP guidelines requires all issuers (whether listed or unlisted) making a public
issue through the book building process to disclose the price band/floor price in the Red Herring
Prospectus/application form. SEBI has also decided to give an option to listed issuers to either
disclose the price band in the red herring prospectus or application form or to disclose the price
band/floor price at least one day before the bid opens.
Listing
The SEBI has promulgated regulations creating an independent self-regulatory authority called
the Central Listing Authority, or the CLA. No stock exchange can consider a listing application
unless it is accompanied by a letter of recommendation from the CLA. However, currently the CLA is
not fully operational.
The National Stock Exchange of India Limited
The market capitalization of the capital markets (equities) segment of the NSE as of March 31,
2006 was approximately Rs. 28.13 trillion or approximately $632 billion. The clearing and
settlement operations of the NSE are managed by its wholly-owned subsidiary, the National
Securities Clearing Corporation Limited. Funds settlement takes place through designated clearing
banks. The National Securities Clearing Corporation Limited interfaces with the
83
depositaries on the
one hand and the clearing banks on the other to provide delivery versus payment settlement for
depositary-enabled trades.
As of April 30, 2006, the NSE had 944 members comprised of 29 individual members, 659
corporate or institutions, 32 firms and 6 subsidiaries of regional stock exchanges.
Bombay Stock Exchange Limited
The estimated aggregate market capitalization of stocks trading on the BSE as of March 31,
2006 was approximately Rs. 30.22 trillion or approximately $679 billion. The BSE began allowing
online trading in May 1995. As of March 31, 2006, the BSE had 874 members, comprised of 180
individual members, 675 Indian companies and 19 foreign institutional investors. Only a member of
the stock exchange has the right to trade in the stocks listed on the stock exchange.
Derivatives
Trading in derivatives in India takes place either on separate and independent derivatives
exchanges or on a separate segment of an existing stock exchange. The derivative exchange or
derivative segment of a stock exchange functions as a self-regulatory organization under the
supervision of the SEBI.
Depositories
The National Securities Depository Limited and Central Depositary Services (India) Limited are
the two depositories that provide electronic depositary facilities for trading in equity and debt
securities in India. The SEBI mandates a company making a public or rights issue or an offer for
sale to enter into an agreement with a depository for dematerialization of securities already
issued or proposed to be issued to the public or existing shareholders; The SEBI has also provided
that the issue and allotment of shares in initial public offerings and/or the trading of shares
shall only be in electronic form.
Securities Transaction Tax
A brief description of the securities transaction tax and capital gains treatment under India
law is provided under the section Taxation.
Item 10. Additional Information
Share Capital
Our authorized share capital is Rs. 3,550,000,000 divided into 1650,000,000 equity shares of
Rs.2/- each and 25,000,000 preference shares of Rs.10/- each. As of March 31, 2006, 1,425,754,267
equity shares, par value Rs. 2 per share were issued, outstanding and fully paid. We currently
have no convertible debentures or warrants outstanding.
Memorandum and Articles Of Association
Set forth below is a brief summary of the material provisions of our Articles of Association
and the Indian Companies Act, 1956 all as currently in effect. Wipro Limited is registered under
the Companies Act, with the Registrar of Companies, Karnataka, Bangalore, India, with Company No.
20800. The following description of our Articles of Association does not purport to be complete and
is qualified in its entirety by the Articles of Association, and Memorandum of Association, of
Wipro Limited that are included as exhibits to our registration statement on Form F-1 filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 26, 2000.
Our Articles of Association provide that the minimum number of directors shall be four and the
maximum number of directors shall be twelve. As of March 31, 2006, we have six directors. Our
Articles of Association provide that at least two-thirds of our directors shall be subject to
retirement by rotation. One third of these directors must retire from office at each annual general
meeting of the shareholders. A retiring director is eligible for re-election. Up to one-third of
our directors can be appointed as permanent directors. Currently, Azim H. Premji is a non-retiring
director. Our Articles of Association do not mandate the retirement of our directors under an age
limit requirement. Our Articles of Association do not require our Board members to be shareholders
in our company.
Our Articles of Association provide that any director who has a personal interest in a
transaction must disclose such interest, must abstain from voting on such transaction and may not
be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the meeting.
84
The remuneration payable to our directors may be fixed by our Board of Directors in accordance
with provisions of the Companies Act, and the rules and regulations prescribed by the Government of
India.
Objects and Purposes of Our Memorandum of Association
The following is a summary of our existing Objects as set forth in Section 3 of our Memorandum
of Association:
|
|
|
To purchase or otherwise acquire and take over any lands. |
|
|
|
|
To carry on the business of extracting vegetable oil. |
|
|
|
|
To manufacture and deal in hydrogenated vegetable oil. |
|
|
|
|
To carry on business as manufacturers, sellers, buyers, exporters, importers, and
dealers of fluid power products. |
|
|
|
|
To carry on business as mechanical engineers, tool makers, brass and metal
founders, mill-makers, mill-wrighters, machinists and metallurgists. |
|
|
|
|
To carry on the trade or business of manufacturing and distributing chemical,
synthetic and organic products. |
|
|
|
|
To carry on business as manufacturers, exporters, sellers, dealers and buyers in
all types and kinds of goods, articles and things. |
|
|
|
|
To carry on business in India and elsewhere as manufacturer, assembler, designer,
builder, seller, buyer, exporter, importer, factors, agents, hirers and dealers of
computer hardware and software and any related aspects thereof. |
|
|
|
|
To carry on research and development activities on all aspects related to products
business and objects of our company. |
|
|
|
|
To construct, equip and maintain mills, factories, warehouses, godowns, jetties and
wharves, and any other conveniences or erection suitable for any of the purpose of our
company. |
|
|
|
|
To carry on all or any of the business of soap and candle makers, tallow merchants,
chemists, druggists, dry salters, oil-merchants, manufacturers of dyes, paints,
chemicals and explosives and manufacturers of and dealers in pharmaceutical, chemical,
medicinal and other preparations or compounds, perfumery and proprietary articles and
photographic materials and derivatives and other similar articles of every description. |
|
|
|
|
To carry on any other trade or business whatsoever as can in the opinion of us be
advantageously or conveniently carried on by us. |
|
|
|
|
To carry on the business of metal working and manufacturing. |
|
|
|
|
To acquire and take over the whole or any part of the business, property and
liabilities of any person or persons, firm or corporation carrying on any business
which we are authorized to carry on or possessed of any property or rights suitable for
our purposes. |
|
|
|
|
To manufacture or otherwise acquire and deal in containers and packing materials of
any kind. |
|
|
|
|
To apply for, purchase or otherwise acquire any patents, inventions, licenses,
concessions and the like conferring an exclusive or non-exclusive or limited right to
use, any secret or other information as to any invention. |
|
|
|
|
To purchase or otherwise acquire, manufacture, and deal in all raw materials,
stores, stock-in-trade, goods, chattels and effects. |
85
|
|
|
To enter into any partnership or any arrangement for sharing profits, union of
interests, joint ventures, reciprocal concession or otherwise. |
|
|
|
|
To purchase or otherwise acquire all or any part of the business, property and
liabilities of any person, company, society, for all or any of the purposes within the
objects of our company. |
|
|
|
|
To enter into any arrangement with any Governments or authorities. |
|
|
|
|
To provide for the welfare of persons in the employment of our company, or formerly
engaged in any business acquired by our company, and the wives, widows, families or
dependants of such persons. |
|
|
|
|
To undertake, carry out, promote and sponsor rural development, including any
program for promoting the social and economic welfare or uplift of the public in any
rural area. |
|
|
|
|
To undertake, carry out, promote and sponsor or assist in any activity for the
promotion and growth of the national economy and for discharging what the directors may
consider to be the social and moral responsibilities of our company to the public or
any section of the public. |
|
|
|
|
To undertake and carry on the business of providing all kinds of information
technology based and enabled services in India and internationally, electronic remote
processing services, eServices, including all types of Internet-based/ Web enabled
services, transaction processing, fulfillment services, business support services
including but not limited to providing financial and related services of all kinds and
description including billing services, processing services, database services, data
entry business-marketing services, business information and management services,
training and consultancy services to businesses, organizations, concerns, firms,
corporations, trusts, local bodies, states, governments and other entities; to
establish and operate service processing centers for providing services for back office
and processing requirements, marketing, sales, credit collection services for companies
engaged in the business of remote processing and IT enabled services from a place of
business in India or elsewhere, contacting and communicating to and on behalf of
overseas customers by voice, data image, letters using dedicated international private
lines; and to handle business process management, remote help desk management; remote
management; remote customer interaction, customer relationship management and customer
servicing through call centers, email based activities and letter/fax based
communication, knowledge storage and management, data management, warehousing, search,
integration and analysis for financial and non financial data. |
|
|
|
|
To act as information technology consultants and to operate a high technology data
processing center for providing information processing, analysis, development,
accounting and business information and data to customers in India and internationally;
to carry on the business of gathering, collating, compiling, processing, analyzing,
distributing, selling, publishing data and information and including conduct of studies
and research, and marketing of information and services and providing access to
information regarding financial operations and management, financial services,
investment services business and commercial operations, financial status,
creditworthiness and rating, consumer responses and management of businesses of all
kinds and descriptions by whatever name called. |
|
|
|
|
To carry on the business as Internet service provider and undertake any and all
kinds of Internet/web based activities and transactions; to design, develop, sell,
provide, maintain, market, buy, import, export, sell and license computer software,
hardware, computer systems and programs products, services and to give out computer
machine time and to carry on the business of collecting, collating, storing, devising
other systems including software programs and systems. |
|
|
|
|
From time to time, to subscribe or contribute to any charitable, benevolent or
useful object of a public nature. |
Description of Equity Shares
Dividends
Under the Indian Companies Act, 1956, unless our Board of Directors recommends the payment of
a dividend, we may not declare a dividend. Similarly, under our Articles of Association, although
the shareholders may, at the
86
annual general meeting, approve a dividend in an amount less than that
recommended by the Board of Directors, they cannot increase the amount of the dividend. In India,
dividends generally are declared as a percentage of the par value of a companys equity shares. The
dividend recommended by the Board, if any, and subject to the limitations described above, is
distributed and paid to shareholders in proportion to the paid up value of their shares within 30
days of the approval by the shareholders at the annual general meeting. Pursuant to our Articles of
Association, our Board of Directors has discretion to declare and pay interim dividends without
shareholder approval. Under the Indian Companies Act, 1956 read with the listing agreements entered
into with Indian stock exchanges, dividends can only be paid in cash to the registered shareholder
at a record date fixed on or prior to the annual general meeting or to his order or his bankers
order.
The Companies Act provides that any dividends that remain unpaid or unclaimed after the 30-day
period are to be transferred to a special bank account. We transfer any dividends that remain
unclaimed for seven years from the date of the transfer to the Investor Education and Protection
Fund created by the Indian Government. After the transfer to this fund, such unclaimed dividends
can not be claimed.
Under the Companies Act, dividends may be paid out of profits of a company in the year in
which the dividend is declared or out of the undistributed profits of previous fiscal years. Before
declaring a dividend greater than 10% of the par value of its equity shares, a company is required
under the Companies Act to transfer to its reserves a minimum
percentage of its profits for that year, ranging from 2.5% to 10%, depending upon the dividend
percentage to be declared in such year.
The Companies Act further provides that, in the event of an inadequacy or absence of profits
in any year, a dividend may be declared for such year out of the companys accumulated profits,
subject to the following conditions:
|
|
|
the rate of dividend to be declared may not exceed 10% of its paid up capital or the
average of the rate at which dividends were declared by the company in the prior five
years, whichever is less; |
|
|
|
|
the total amount to be drawn from the accumulated profits earned in the previous
years and transferred to the reserves may not exceed an amount equivalent to 10% of its
paid up capital and free reserves, and the amount so drawn is to be used first to set
off the losses incurred in the fiscal year before any dividends in respect of
preference or equity shares are declared; and |
|
|
|
|
the balance of reserves after withdrawals shall not fall below 15% of its paid up
capital. |
We are subject to taxation for each dividend declared, distributed or paid for a relevant
period by our company.
Bonus Shares
In addition to permitting dividends to be paid out of current or retained earnings as
described above, the Companies Act permits a company to distribute an amount transferred from the
general reserve or other permitted reserves, including surplus in the companys profit and loss
account, to its shareholders in the form of bonus shares (similar to a stock dividend). The
Companies Act also permits the issuance of bonus shares from a share premium account. Bonus shares
are distributed to shareholders in the proportion recommended by the Board of Directors.
Shareholders on record on a fixed record date are entitled to receive such bonus shares.
Audit and Annual Report
At least 21 days before the Annual General Meeting of shareholders (excluding the day of
mailing), we must distribute to our shareholders a detailed version of our audited balance sheet
and profit and loss account and the related reports of our Board of Directors and the Auditors,
together with a notice convening the general meeting. Under the Companies Act, a company must file
the balance sheet and annual profit and loss account presented to the shareholders within 30 days
of the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting with the Registrar of Companies.
A company must also file an annual return containing a list of the companys shareholders and
other company information within 60 days of the conclusion of the meeting.
87
Consolidation and Subdivision of Shares
The Indian Companies Act permits a company to split or combine the par value of
its shares, provided such split or combination is not made in fractions. Shareholders of record on
a fixed record date are entitled to receive the split or combination.
Preemptive Rights, Issue of Additional Shares and Distribution of Rights
The Companies Act gives shareholders the right to subscribe for new shares in proportion to
their respective existing shareholdings unless otherwise determined by a special resolution passed
by a General Meeting of the shareholders. Under the Companies Act, in the event of an issuance of
securities, subject to the limitations set forth above, a company must first offer the new shares
to the shareholders on a fixed record date. The offer must include: (i) the right, exercisable by
the shareholders of record, to renounce the shares offered in favor of any other person; and (ii)
the number of shares offered and the period of the offer, which may not be less than 15 days from
the date of offer. If the offer is not accepted, it is deemed to have been declined. The Board of
Directors is authorized under the Companies Act to distribute any new shares not purchased by the
preemptive rights holders in the manner that it deems most beneficial to the company. Holders of
ADSs may not be permitted to participate in any such offer.
If we ever plan to distribute additional rights to purchase our equity shares, we will give
prior written notice to the depositary bank and we will assist the depositary bank in determining
whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to distribute rights to purchase additional ADSs to
holders.
The depositary bank will establish procedures to distribute rights to purchase additional ADSs
to holders and to enable such holders to exercise such rights if it is lawful and reasonably
practicable to make the rights available to holders of ADSs, subject to all of the documentation
contemplated in the deposit agreement (such as opinions to address the lawfulness of the
transaction). You may have to pay fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges to
subscribe for the new ADSs upon the exercise of your rights. The depositary bank is not obligated
to establish procedures to facilitate the distribution and exercise by holders of rights to
purchase new equity shares directly, rather than new ADSs.
The depositary bank will not distribute the rights to you if:
|
|
|
we do not timely request that the rights be distributed to you or we request that
the rights not be distributed to you; |
|
|
|
|
we fail to deliver satisfactory documents to the depositary bank; or |
|
|
|
|
it is not reasonably practicable to distribute the rights. |
The depositary bank will sell the rights that are not exercised or not distributed if such
sale is lawful and reasonably practicable. The proceeds of such sale will be distributed to
holders as in the case of a cash distribution. If the depositary bank is unable to sell the
rights, it will allow the rights to lapse.
Voting Rights
At any General Meeting, voting is by show of hands unless a poll is demanded by a shareholder
or shareholders present in person or by proxy holding at least 10% of the total shares entitled to
vote on the resolution or by those holding shares with an aggregate paid up capital of at least Rs.
50,000. Upon a show of hands, every shareholder entitled to vote and present in person has one vote
and, on a poll, every shareholder entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy has voting
rights in proportion to the paid up capital held by such shareholders. The Chairman of the Board
has a deciding vote in the case of any tie. Any shareholder of the company may appoint a proxy. The
instrument appointing a proxy must be delivered to the company at least 48 hours prior to the
meeting. A proxy may not vote except on a poll. A corporate shareholder may appoint an authorized
representative who can vote on behalf of the shareholder, both upon a show of hands and upon a
poll.
Ordinary resolutions may be passed by simple majority of those present and voting at any
General Meeting for which the required period of notice has been given. However, certain
resolutions such as amendments of the Articles and changes in certain clauses in the Memorandum of
Association, commencement of a new line of business, the waiver of preemptive rights for the
issuance of any new shares and a reduction of share capital, require that votes cast in favor of
the resolution (whether by show of hands or poll) are not less than three times the number of
votes, if any, cast against
88
the resolution. As per the Companies Act, not less than two-third of
the directors of a public company shall retire by rotation and be appointed by the shareholders in
the general meeting.
Liquidation Rights
Subject to the rights of creditors, employees and the holders of any shares entitled by their
terms to preferential repayment over the equity shares, if any, in the event of our winding-up, the
holders of the equity shares are entitled to be repaid the amounts of paid up capital or credited
as paid up on those equity shares. All surplus assets after payments to the holders of any
preference shares at the commencement of the winding-up shall be paid to holders of equity shares
in proportion to their shareholdings.
Preference Shares
Preference shares have preferential dividend and liquidation rights. Preference shares may be
redeemed if they are fully paid, and only out of our profits, or out of the proceeds of the sale of
shares issued for purposes of such redemption. Holders of preference shares do not have the right
to vote at shareholder meetings, except on resolutions which directly affect the rights of their
preference shares. However, holders of cumulative preference shares have the right to vote on every
resolution at any meeting of the shareholders if the dividends due on the preference shares have
not been paid, in whole or in part, for a period of at least two years prior to the date of the
meeting. Currently, there are no preference shares issued and outstanding.
Redemption of Equity Shares
Under the Companies Act, unlike preference shares, equity shares are not redeemable.
Liability on Calls
Not applicable.
Discriminatory Provisions in Articles
There are no provisions in our Articles of Association discriminating against any existing or
prospective holder of such securities as a result of such shareholder owning a substantial number
of shares.
Alteration of Shareholder Rights
Under the Companies Act, the rights of any class of shareholders can be altered or varied with
the consent in writing of the holder of not less than three-fourths of the issued shares of that
class or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of
the issued shares of that class if the provisions with respect to such variation is contained in
the memorandum or articles of the company, or in the absence of any such provision in the
memorandum or articles, if such variation is not prohibited by the terms of issue of the shares of
that class.
Under the Companies Act, the Articles may be altered only by way of a special resolution.
Meetings of Shareholders
We must convene an annual general meeting of shareholders within six months after the end of
each fiscal year and may convene an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders when necessary or
at the request of a shareholder or shareholders holding at least 10% of our paid up capital
carrying voting rights. The annual general meeting of the shareholders is generally convened by our
Secretary pursuant to a resolution of our Board of Directors. Written notice setting out the agenda
of the meeting must be given at least 21 days, excluding the days of mailing and date of the
meeting, prior to the date of the general meeting to the shareholders of record. Shareholders who
are registered as shareholders on a pre-determined date are entitled to such notice or their
proxies and have a right to attend or vote at such meeting. The annual general meeting of
shareholders must be held at our registered office or at such other place within the city in which
the registered office is located. Meetings other than the annual general meeting may be held at
any other place if so determined by our Board of Directors. Our Articles of Association provide
that a quorum for a general meeting is the presence of at least five shareholders in person.
Additionally, shareholder consent for certain items or special business is required to be
obtained by a postal ballot. In order to obtain the shareholders consent, our Board of Directors
appoint a scrutinizer, who is not in our
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employment, who, in the opinion of the Board, can conduct
the postal ballot voting process in a fair and transparent manner in accordance with the provisions
of Companies (Passing of the Resolution by Postal Ballot) Rules, 2001.
Limitations on the Rights to Own Securities
The limitations on the rights to own securities, including the rights of non-resident or
foreign shareholders to hold the securities, imposed by Indian law are discussed in Item 10 of this
Annual Report, under the section titled Currency Exchange Controls and is incorporated herein by
reference.
Voting Rights of Deposited Equity Shares Represented by ADSs
Under Indian law, voting of the equity shares is by show of hands unless a poll is demanded by
a member or members present in person or by proxy holding at least 10% of the total shares entitled
to vote on the resolution or by those holding an aggregate paid up capital of at least Rs. 50,000.
A proxy may not vote except on a poll.
As soon as practicable after receipt of notice of any meetings or solicitation of consents or
proxies of holders of shares or other deposited securities, our Depositary shall fix a record date
for determining the holders entitled to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights. The
Depositary shall then mail to the holders of ADSs a notice stating (a) such information as is
contained in such notice of meeting and any solicitation materials, (b) that each holder on the
record date set by the Depositary therefore will be entitled to instruct the Depositary as to the
exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the deposited securities represented by the
ADSs evidenced by such holders of ADRs, and (c) the manner in which such instruction may be given,
including instructions to give discretionary proxy to a person designated by us.
On receipt of the aforesaid notice from the Depositary, our ADS holders may instruct the
Depositary on how to exercise the voting rights for the shares that underlie their ADSs. For such
instructions to be valid, the Depositary must receive them on or before a specified date.
The Depositary will try, as far as is practical, and subject to the provisions of Indian law
and our Memorandum of Association and our Articles of Association, to vote or to have its agents
vote the shares or other deposited securities as per our ADS holders instructions. The Depositary
will only vote or attempt to vote as per an ADS holders instructions. The Depositary will not
itself exercise any voting discretion.
Neither the Depositary nor its agents are responsible for any failure to carry out any voting
instructions, for the manner in which any vote is cast, or for the effect of any vote. There is no
guarantee that our shareholders will receive voting materials in time to instruct the Depositary to
vote and it is possible that ADS holders, or persons who hold their ADSs through brokers, dealers
or other third parties, will not have the opportunity to exercise a right to vote.
Register of Shareholders; Record Dates; Transfer of Shares
We maintain a register of shareholders. The register of shareholders in electronic form is
maintained through the National Securities Depository Limited and the Central Depository Services
(India) Ltd. For the purpose of determining the shares entitled to annual dividends, the register
is closed for a specified period prior to the annual general meeting. The date on which this period
begins is the record date. To determine which shareholders are entitled to specified shareholder
rights, we may close the register of shareholders. The Companies Act requires us to give at least
seven days prior notice to the public before such closure. We may not close the register of
shareholders for more than thirty consecutive days, and in no event for more than forty-five days
in a year. Trading of our equity shares, however, may continue while the register of shareholders
is closed.
Shares held through depositaries are transferred in the form of book entries or in electronic
form in accordance with the regulations laid down by SEBI. Transfers of beneficial ownership of
shares held through a depository are exempt from stamp duty. Transfers of equity shares in
book-entry form require both the seller and the purchaser of the equity shares to establish
accounts with depository participants appointed by depositories established under the Depositories
Act, 1996. Upon delivery, the equity shares shall be registered in the name of the relevant
depository on our books and this depository shall enter the name of the investor in its records as
the beneficial owner. The transfer of beneficial ownership shall be effected through the records
of the depository. The beneficial owner shall be entitled to all rights and benefits and subject
to all liabilities in respect of his securities held by a depository.
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The requirement to hold the equity shares in book-entry form will apply to the ADS holders
when the equity shares are withdrawn from the depository facility upon surrender of the ADSs. In
order to trade the equity shares in the Indian market, the withdrawing ADS holder will be required
to comply with the procedures described above.
Following the introduction of the Depositories Act, 1996, and the repeal of Section 22A of the
Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, which enabled companies to refuse to register
transfers of shares in some circumstances, the equity shares of a public company are freely
transferable, subject only to the provisions of Section 111A of the Companies Act. Since we are a
public company, the provisions of Section 111A will apply to us. Our Articles of Association
currently contain provisions which give our directors discretion to refuse to register a transfer
of shares in some circumstances. Furthermore, in accordance with the provisions of Section 111A(2)
of the Companies Act, our directors may refuse to register a transfer of shares if they have
sufficient cause to do so. If our directors refuse to register a transfer of shares, the
shareholder wishing to transfer his, her or its shares may file a civil suit or an appeal with the
Company Law Board or National Company Law Tribunal.
Pursuant to Section 111A(3), if a transfer of shares contravenes any of the provisions of the
Indian Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, or the regulations issued thereunder, or
the Indian Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985, or any other Indian laws, the
Company Law Board or National Company Law Tribunal may, on application made by the company, a
depositary incorporated in India, an investor, the Securities and Exchange Board of India or other
parties, direct the rectification of the register of records. The Company Law Board or National
Company Law Tribunal may, in its discretion, issue an interim order suspending the voting rights
attached to the relevant shares before making or completing its investigation into the alleged
contravention. Notwithstanding such investigation, the rights of a shareholder to transfer the
shares will not be restricted.
Under the Companies Act, unless the shares of a company are held in a dematerialized form, a
transfer of shares is effected by an instrument of transfer in the form prescribed by the Companies
Act and the rules thereunder together with delivery of the share certificates. Our transfer agent
for our equity shares is Karvy Computershare Pvt. Limited located in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Company Acquisition of Equity Shares
Under the Companies Act, approval of at least 75% of a companys shareholders voting on the
matter and approval of the High Court or National Company Law Tribunal of the state in which the
registered office of the company is situated is required to reduce a companys share capital. A
company may, under some circumstances, acquire its own equity shares without seeking the approval
of the High Court or National Company Law Tribunal. However, a company would have to extinguish the
shares it has so acquired within the prescribed time period. A company is not permitted to acquire
its own shares for treasury operations.
An acquisition by a company of its own shares that does not rely on an approval of the High
Court/National Company Law Tribunal must comply with prescribed rules, regulations and conditions
of the Companies Act. In addition, public companies which are listed on a recognized stock exchange
in India must comply with the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Buy-back of
Securities) Regulations, 1998, or Buy-back Regulations. Since we are a public company listed on two
recognized stock exchanges in India, we would have to comply with the relevant provisions of the
Companies Act and the provisions of the Buy-back Regulations.
Disclosure of Ownership Interest
Section 187C of the Indian Companies Act requires beneficial owners of shares of Indian
companies who are not holders of record to declare to the company details of the beneficial owner.
Any person who fails to make the required declaration within 30 days may be liable for a fine of up
to Rs. 1,000 for each day the declaration is not made. Any lien, promissory note or other
collateral agreement created, executed or entered into with respect to any share by the registered
owner thereof, or any hypothecation by the registered owner of any share, pursuant to which a
declaration is required to be made under Section 187C, shall not be enforceable by the beneficial
owner or any person claiming through the beneficial owner if such declaration is not made. Failure
to comply with Section 187C will not affect the obligation of the company to register a transfer of
shares or to pay any dividends to the registered holder of any shares. While it is unclear under
Indian law whether Section 187C applies to holders of ADSs of the company, investors who exchange
ADSs for the underlying Equity Shares of the Company will be subject to the restrictions of Section
187C. Additionally, holders of ADSs may be required to comply with such notification and disclosure
obligations pursuant to the provisions of the Depositary Agreement to be entered into by such
holders, the company and a depositary.
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Provisions on Changes in Capital
Our authorized capital can be altered by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders in a
General Meeting. The additional issue of shares is subject to the preemptive rights of the
shareholders and provisions governing the issue of
additional shares are discussed in Item 10 of this Annual Report. In addition, a company may
increase its share capital, consolidate its share capital into shares of larger face value than
its existing shares or sub-divide its shares by reducing their par value, subject to an ordinary
resolution of the shareholders in a General Meeting.
Takeover Code and Listing Agreements
Under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and
Takeovers) Regulations, 1997, or Takeover Code, upon the acquisition of more than 5%,10%,14%,54% or
74% of the outstanding shares or voting rights of a publicly-listed Indian company, a purchaser is
required to notify the company and the company and the purchaser are required to notify all the
stock exchanges on which the shares of such company are listed. An ADS holder would be subject to
these notification requirements.
Upon the acquisition of 15% or more of such shares or voting rights, or a change in control of
the company, the purchaser is required to make an open offer to the other shareholders, offering to
purchase 20% of all the outstanding shares of the company or such number of shares that will result
in the public shareholding not falling below the minimum public holding requirement, whichever is
lower. Since we are a listed company in India, the provisions of the Takeover Code will apply to
us. If an acquirer holding more than 15% but less than 55% of shares acquires 5% or more shares
during a fiscal year, the acquirer is required to make a public announcement offering to purchase
from the other shareholders at least 20% of all the outstanding shares of the company at a minimum
offer price determined pursuant to the Takeover Code. Any further acquisition of outstanding shares
or voting rights of a publicly listed company by an acquirer who holds more than 55% but less than
75% of shares or voting rights also requires the making of an open offer to acquire such number of
shares as would not result in the public shareholding being reduced to below the minimum specified
in the listing agreement. As per the amendment effective May 26, 2006, if a Company has made a
public issue offering 10% capital to public in India or has obtained relaxation from SEBI, the
above limits of 75% shall be read as 90% in such cases. Where the public shareholding in a target
company may be reduced to a level below the limit specified in the listing agreement the acquirer
may acquire such shares or voting rights only in accordance with
guidelines or regulations regarding delisting of securities specified by the Securities and
Exchange Board of India. In addition, no acquirer may acquire more than 55% of the outstanding
shares or voting rights of a publicly listed company through market purchases or preferential
allotments. Any such acquisition beyond 55% is required to be divested in a manner specified in the
Takeover Code. Since we are a listed company in India, the provisions of the Takeover Code will
apply to us and to any person acquiring our equity shares or voting rights in our company. However,
the Takeover Code provides for a specific exemption from this provision to an ADS holder and states
that this provision will apply to an ADS holder only once he or she converts the ADSs into the
underlying equity shares.
An acquirer is required to disclose the aggregate of the pre and post acquisition of
shareholding and voting rights of the acquirer to the target company when such acquisition
aggregates to 5%, 10%,14%,54% and 74% of the voting rights. The creeping acquisition limits
provided under SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997, have been
changed to 5% with effect from October 1, 2002 in any fiscal year.
Although the provisions of the listing agreements entered into between us and the Indian Stock
Exchanges on which our equity shares are listed will not apply to equity shares represented by
ADSs, holders of ADSs may be required to comply with such notification and disclosure obligations
pursuant to the provisions of the Depository Agreement to be entered into by such holders, our
company and a depositary.
The Takeover Code permits conditional offers as well as the acquisition and subsequent
delisting of all shares of a company, and provides specific guidelines for the gradual acquisition
of shares or voting rights. Specific obligations of the acquirer and the Board of Directors of a
target company in the offer process have also been set out. Acquirers making a public offer are
also required to deposit into an escrow account a percentage of the total consideration, which
amount will be forfeited if the acquire does not fulfill his obligations. In addition, the
Takeover Code introduces the chain principle by which the acquisition of a holding company will
obligate the acquirer to make a public offer to the shareholders of each listed subsidiary
companies.
The general requirements to make such a public announcement do not, however, apply entirely to
bail-out takeovers when a promoter is taking over a financial weak company, but not to a sick
industrial company pursuant to a rehabilitation scheme approved by a public financial institution
or a scheduled bank. A financial weak company is a company which has at the end of the previous
financial year accumulated losses, which have resulted in the erosion of
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more than 50% but less than 100% of the total sum of its paid up capital and free reserves at the end of the previous financial year. A sick industrial company is a company registered for more than five years which has at the end of any financial year accumulated losses equal to or exceeding its entire net worth.
The Takeover Code does not apply to acquisitions involving the acquisition of shares, as follows;
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by allotment in a public/rights issue (subject to compliance with certain terms and conditions); |
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pursuant to an underwriting agreement; |
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by registered stockbrokers in the ordinary course of business on behalf of customers; |
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in unlisted companies provided it does not result in an indirect acquisition of a listed entity; |
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pursuant to a scheme of reconstruction or amalgamation; |
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pursuant to a scheme under Section 18 of the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985; or |
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in terms of the guidelines or regulations regarding delisting of securities specified or framed by SEBI. |
The Takeover Code does not apply to acquisitions in the ordinary course of business by public financial institutions either on their own account or as a pledge. The tender offer requirements under the Takeover Code do not apply to the acquisition of ADSs so long as such ADSs are not converted into equity shares. However, the acquisition of ADSs (irrespective of conversion into underlying equity shares)
is subject to disclosure and reporting requirements under the Takeover Code.
A listed company can be delisted under the provisions of the SEBI (Delisting of Securities) Guidelines, 2003, which govern voluntary and compulsory delisting of shares of Indian companies from the stock exchanges.
Amendment to the SEBI (Delisting of Securities) Guidelines, 2003
In order to simplify the existing framework with respect to Compulsory Delisting and make it possible for stock exchanges to delist the Companies which are noncompliant with the provisions of Listing Agreement, it has been decided to amend the SEBI (Delisting Of Securities) Guidelines, 2003. The amendment seeks to ensure adequate and wide public notice of the fact of delisting and disclosure of the fair
value through newspapers and notice boards/trading systems of the stock exchange upon delisting of a security. The amendment also seeks to determine the fair value of securities by persons appointed by the stock exchange out of a panel of experts, which shall also be selected by the stock exchange.
Minimum Level of public shareholding
In order to ensure availability of floating stock on a continuous basis and to bring about greater transparency in respect of disclosure of shareholding pattern of companies, SEBI vide its circular dated April 13, 2006, (as amended), has decided to bring in the following policy changes to the continuous listing requirements:
All listed companies , other than those mentioned hereunder, will be required to ensure minimum level of public shareholding at 25% of the total number of issued shares of a class or kind for the purpose of
continuous listing:
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Companies which, at the time of initial listing, had offered less than 25% but not less than 10% of the total number of issued shares of a class or kind, in terms of Rule 19(2)(b) of Securities Contract (Regulation) Rules 1957 (SCRR) or companies desiring to list their shares by making an Initial Public Offering (IPO) of at least 10% in terms of Rule 19(2)(b) of SCRR. |
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Companies which have, irrespective of the percentage of their shares with public at the time of initial listing, reached a size of 20 million or more in terms of number of listed shares and Rs. 10 billion or more in terms of market capitalization. |
The companies at (a) and (b) above will be required to maintain the minimum level of public shareholding at 10% of the total number of issued shares of a class or kind for the purpose of continuous listing.
The aforesaid
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requirement of maintaining minimum level of public shareholding on a continuous basis will not
be applicable to government companies (as defined under Section 617 of the Companies Act, 1956),
infrastructure companies (as defined under clause 1.2.1(xv) of the SEBI (DIP) Guidelines, 2000) and
companies referred to the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction.
The public shareholding for the purpose of continuous listing, will continue to comprise of
shares held by entities other than promoters and promoter group. It shall not include the shares
held by custodians against which depository receipts are issued overseas. The terms Promoter and
Promoter group shall have the same meaning as is assigned to them under the SEBI (Disclosure &
Investor Protection) Guidelines, 2000.
Increasing the public shareholding to the minimum level
As of the date of this circular coming into force, there may be two categories of companies,
viz., those which are non-compliant and those which may subsequently become non-compliant on
account of factors such as compliance with directions of a court, tribunal, regulatory or statutory
authority, compliance with SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations,
1997, re-organization of capital by way of a scheme of arrangement, etc.
SEBI decided to provide a transparent mechanism to such noncompliant companies for enabling
them to graduate to the level of compliant companies. The mechanism for increasing the public
shareholding to the minimum level will inter alia provide for various modes of issuing shares in
domestic market and reasonable time period, as approved by Specified Stock Exchange. This
disclosure requirement applies to Wipro and we are complaint with this regulation.
Material Contracts
We are a party to various employment arrangements and indemnification agreements with our
directors and executive officers. See Terms of Employment Arrangements and Indemnification
Agreements under Item 6 of this Annual Report for a further description of the employment
arrangements and indemnification agreements that we have entered into with our directors and
executive officers.
Currency Exchange Controls
Foreign Investments in India are governed by the provisions of Section 6 of the Foreign
Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999 and are subject to the Regulations issued by the Reserve Bank
of India under FEMA 1999. The Regulations have been published pursuant to Notification No. FEMA
20/2000-RB dated May 3, 2000. The Foreign Direct Investment Scheme under the Reserve Banks
Automatic Route enables Indian Companies (other than those specifically excluded in the scheme) to
issue shares to persons resident outside India without prior permission from the RBI, subject to
certain conditions. General permission has been granted for the transfer of shares and convertible
debentures by a person resident outside India as follows: (i) for transfers of shares or
convertible debentures held by a person resident outside India other than NRI, to any person
resident outside India and (ii) NRIs are permitted to transfer shares or convertible debentures of
Indian company to other NRIs.
A person resident outside India may transfer securities of an Indian company to a person
resident in India by way of gift. However, where such transfer is not by way of gift, prior
approval of the RBI is necessary only if certain prescribed conditions are not met. . For transfer
of existing shares or convertible debentures of an Indian company by a person resident in India to
a person resident outside India by way of sale, the transferor shall make an application to
Authorized Dealer for permission subject to certain conditions being met. In cases where such
conditions are not met, approval of the Central Government and the Reserve Bank of India may be
also required.
General
Shares of Indian companies represented by ADSs may be approved for issuance to foreign
investors by the Government of India under the Issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds and
Equity Shares (through Depositary Receipt Mechanism) Scheme, 1993, or the 1993 Regulation, as
modified from time to time, promulgated by the Government of India. The 1993 Regulation is distinct
from other policies or facilities, as described below, relating to investments in Indian companies
by foreign investors. The issuance of ADSs pursuant to the 1993 Regulation also affords to holders
of the ADSs the benefits of Section 115AC of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961 for purposes of the
application of Indian tax law.
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The Reserve Bank of India, or RBI, has issued a notification directing that Indian companies
may utilize up-to 100 percent of proceeds realized from the sale of ADSs for overseas investments.
In February 2002, the RBI issued a circular stating that the terms of Regulation 4A of the
Reserve Bank of India Notification No. FEMA 20/2000-RB dated May 3, 2000, as amended by
Notification No. FEMA 41/2001-RB dated March 2, 2001, allow a registered broker to purchase shares
of an Indian company on behalf of a person resident outside of India for the purpose of converting
those shares into ADSs/GDSs. However, such conversion is subject to compliance with the
provisions of the Issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares (Through
Depository Receipt Mechanism) Scheme 1993 and the periodic guidelines issued by the Central
Government. This would mean that ADSs converted into Indian shares may be converted back into ADSs,
subject to the limits of sectoral caps.
The Operative Guidelines for the limited two-way fungibility under the Issue of Foreign
Currency Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares (Through Depository Receipt Mechanism) Scheme 1993
has also been approved by the Government of India.
These guidelines provide that a re-issuance of ADSs/GDSs is permitted to the extent of
ADSs/GDSs, have been redeemed for underlying shares and sold in the domestic market. The
re-issuance must be within the specified limits. The conditions to be satisfied in this regard are:
(i) the shares are purchased on a recognized stock exchange; (ii) the Indian company has issued
ADS/GDS, (iii) the shares are purchased with the permission of the custodian of the ADSs/GDSs of
the Indian company and are deposited with the custodian; and (iv) the number of shares so purchased
shall not exceed the number of ADSs/GDSs converted into underlying shares.
The procedure for conversion of shares into ADSs/GDSs is as follows: (i) on request by the
overseas investor for the acquisition of shares for re-issuance of ADSs/GDSs, the SEBI registered
broker will purchase shares from a stock exchange after verifying with the custodian as to the
availability of Head Room (i.e., the number of ADSs/GDSs originally issued minus number of
ADSs/GDSs outstanding further adjusted for ADSs/GDSs redeemed into underlying shares and registered
in the name of the non-resident investor(s)); (ii) an Indian broker purchases the shares in the
name of the overseas depository; (iii) after the purchase, the Indian broker places the domestic
shares with the custodian; (iv) the custodian advises the overseas depository on the custody of
domestic shares and to issue corresponding ADSs/GDSs to the investor; and (v) the overseas
depository issues ADSs/GDSs to the investor.
Transfer of ADSs and Surrender of ADSs
A person resident outside India may transfer the ADSs held in Indian companies to another
person resident outside India without any permission. A person resident in India is not permitted
to hold ADSs of an Indian company, except in connection with the exercise of stock options. An ADS
holder is permitted to surrender the ADSs held by him in an Indian company and to receive the
underlying equity shares under the terms of the Deposit Agreement. Under Indian regulations, the
re-deposit of these equity shares with the depositary to ADSs may not be permitted.
Sponsored ADS
The amendment to the FEMA regulations permit an issuer in India to sponsor the issue of ADSs
through an overseas depositary against underlying equity shares accepted from holders of its equity
shares in India for offering outside of India. The sponsored issue of ADSs was possible only if the
following conditions are satisfied: There have been amendments to the Issue of Foreign Currency
Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares (through Depository Receipt Mechanism), Scheme 1993 and
primarily the amendments were on the Eligibility of Issuer, Eligibility of Subscriber, Pricing of
the offerings, and Voting Rights.
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the price of the offering is determined by the managing underwriters of the offering; |
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the ADS offering is approved by the FIPB; |
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the ADS offering is approved by a special resolution of the shareholders of the
issuer in a general meeting; |
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the facility is made available to all the equity shareholders of the issuer; |
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the proceeds of the offering are repatriated into India within one month of the closing of the offering; |
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the sales of the existing equity shares are made in compliance with the Foreign
Direct Investment Policy (as described above) in India; |
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the number of shares offered by selling shareholders are subject to limits in
proportion to the existing holdings of the selling shareholders when the offer is
oversubscribed; and |
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the offering expenses do not exceed 7% of the offering proceeds and are paid by
shareholders on a pro-rata basis. |
The issuer is also required to furnish a report to the RBI specifying the details of the
offering, including the amount raised through the offering, the number of ADSs issued, the
underlying shares offered and the percentage of equity in the issuer represented by the ADSs.
Conditions for issuance of ADS/GDS outside India by Indian Companies
Eligibility of issuer: An Indian Company, which is not eligible to raise funds from the
Indian Capital Market including a company which has been restrained from accessing the securities
market by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) will not be eligible to issue ADS/GDS
apart from Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds.
Eligibility of subscriber: Erstwhile Overseas Corporate Bodies (OCBs) who are not eligible to
invest in India through the portfolio route and entities prohibited to buy, sell or deal in
securities by SEBI will not be eligible to subscribe to (i) Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds and
(ii) ADS/GDS
Pricing: The pricing of ADS/GDS and Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds should be made at a
price not less than the higher of the following two averages:
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The average of the weekly high and low of the closing prices of the related shares quoted on the stock exchange in India during the six months preceding the
relevant date; and |
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The average of the weekly high and low of the closing prices of the related shares quoted on a stock exchange in India during the two weeks preceding the relevant
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The relevant date means the date thirty days prior to the date on which the meeting of the
general body of shareholders is held, in terms of section 81 (IA) of the Companies Act, 1956, to
consider the proposed issue.
Foreign Direct Investment
In July 1991, the Government of India raised the limit on foreign equity holdings in Indian
companies from 40% to 51% in certain high priority industries. The RBI gives automatic approval for
such foreign equity holdings. The Foreign Investment Promotion Board, or FIPB, currently under the
Ministry of Finance, was thereafter formed to facilitate companies to make long-term investments in
India. Foreign equity participation in excess of 51% in such high priority industries or in any
other industries up to Rs. 6 billion is currently allowed only with the approval of the FIPB.
Proposals in excess of Rs. 6 billion require the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Foreign
Investment. Proposals involving the public sector and other sensitive areas require the approval of
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. These facilities are designed for direct foreign investments
by persons who are not residents of India who are not NRIs, or FIIs (as each term is defined
below), or foreign direct investors. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, a part of
the Ministry of Industry, issued detailed guidelines in January 1998 for consideration of foreign
direct investment proposals by the FIPB, or the Guidelines. Under the Guidelines, sector specific
guidelines for foreign direct investment and the levels of permitted equity participation have been
established. In March 2000, the RBI issued a notification that foreign ownership of up to 49%, 50%,
51%, 74% or 100%, depending on the category of industry, would be allowed without prior permission
of the RBI. The issues to be considered by the FIPB, and the FIPBs areas of priority in granting
approvals are also set out in the Guidelines. The basic objective of the Guidelines is to improve
the transparency and objectivity of the FIPBs consideration of proposals. However, because the
Guidelines are administrative guidelines and have not been codified as either law or regulations,
they are not legally binding with respect to any recommendation made by the FIPB or with respect to
any decision taken by the Government of India in cases involving foreign direct investment.
In May 1994, the Government of India announced that purchases by foreign investors of ADSs as
evidenced by ADRs and foreign currency convertible bonds of Indian companies will be treated as
direct foreign investment in the equity issued by Indian companies for such offerings. Therefore,
offerings that involve the issuance of equity that results in Foreign Direct Investors holding more
than the stipulated percentage of direct foreign investments (which depends on the category of
industry) would require approval from the FIPB. In addition, in connection with offerings of any
such securities to foreign investors, approval of the FIPB is required for Indian companies whether
or not the stipulated percentage limit would be reached, if the proceeds therefrom are to be used
for investment in non-high priority industries.
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In July 1998, the Government of India issued guidelines to the effect that foreign investment
in preferred shares will be considered as part of the share capital of a company and will be
processed through the automatic RBI route or will require the approval of the FIPB, as the case may
be. Investments in preferred shares are included as foreign direct investment for the purposes of
sectoral caps on foreign equity, if such preferred shares carry a conversion option. If the
preferred shares are structured without a conversion option, they would fall outside the foreign
direct investment limit but would be treated as debt and would be subject to special Government of
India guidelines and approvals.
Over a period of time, the Government of India has relaxed the restrictions on foreign
investment. Subject to certain conditions, under current regulations, foreign direct investment in
most industry sectors does not require prior approval of the FIPB or RBI, if the percentage of
equity holding by all foreign investors does not exceed specified industry specific thresholds.
Purchases by foreign investors of ADSs are treated as direct foreign investment in the equity
issued by Indian companies for such offerings. Foreign investment up to 100% of companys share
capital is currently permitted in the IT industry.
Subsequent Transfers
Restrictions for subsequent transfers of shares of Indian companies between residents and
non-residents were relaxed significantly as of October 2004 in sectors other than the financial
services sector. As a result, for a transfer between a resident and a non-resident of securities
of an Indian in the IT sector, no prior approval of either the RBI or the Government of India is
required, as long as certain conditions are met. These conditions include compliance, as
applicable, with pricing guidelines and the ownership restrictions based on the nature of the
foreign investor. Transfers of shares from residents to non-residents which trigger the provision
of the Takeover Code require prior approval of the Government of India or the RBI. If a sale or
purchase is conducted on a stock exchange at prevailing market prices, the pricing guidelines will
be deemed satisfied. For off-market, negotiated transactions, the guidelines require a transaction
price based on the prevailing market price.
Transfers between two non-residents are not subject to RBI approvals or compliance with
pricing guidelines. However, for industries other than the IT sector, approval of the Government
of India would be required if the transferee of shares have an existing venture in India in the
same field, unless the existing venture is sick or defunct or the investment of the parties in the
existing venture is less than 3%.
Investment by Non-Resident Indians
A variety of facilities for making investments in shares of Indian companies is available to
individuals of Indian nationality or origin residing outside India, or NRIs. These facilities
permit NRIs to make portfolio investments in shares and other securities of Indian companies on a
basis that is not generally available to other foreign investors. A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) or a
Person of Indian Origin (PIO) resident outside India may invest by way of contribution to the
capital of a firm or a proprietary concern in India on a non-repatriation basis. These facilities
are different and distinct from investments by Foreign Direct Investors described above. Indian
companies are now allowed, without prior Government of India approval, to invest in joint ventures
or wholly-owned subsidiaries outside India. The amount invested may not exceed two times the net
worth of the company or its equivalent in a financial year. RBI no longer recognizes Overseas
Corporate Bodies, or OCBs as an eligible class of investment vehicle under various routes and
schemes under the foreign exchange regulations.
NRIs are permitted to make investments through a stock exchange, or Portfolio Investments on
favorable tax and other terms under Indias Portfolio Investment Scheme. Under the scheme, an NRI
can purchase up to 5% of the paid up value of the shares issued by a company, subject to the
condition that the aggregate paid up value of shares purchased by all NRIs does not exceed 10% of
the paid up capital of the company. The 10% ceiling may be exceeded if a special resolution is
passed in a general meeting of the shareholders of a company, subject to the overall ceiling of
Foreign Direct Investment limit.
Investment By Foreign Institutional Investors
In September 1992, the Government of India issued guidelines which enable foreign
institutional investors or FIIs, including institutions such as pension funds, investment trusts,
asset management companies, nominee companies and incorporated/institutional portfolio managers, to
invest in all the securities traded on the primary and secondary markets in India. Under the
guidelines, FIIs are required to obtain an initial registration from the SEBI and a general
permission from the RBI to engage in transactions regulated under FEMA. FIIs must also comply with
the provisions of the SEBI Foreign Institutional Investors Regulations, 1995. When it receives the
initial registration, the FII also obtains general permission from the RBI to engage in
transactions regulated under FEMA. Together, the initial registration and the RBIs general
permission enable the registered FII to buy (subject to the ownership restrictions discussed below)
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sell freely tradable securities issued by Indian companies; realize capital gains on
investments made through the initial amount invested in India; subscribe or renounce rights
offerings for shares; appoint a domestic custodian for custody of investments held; and repatriate
the capital, capital gains, dividends, income received by way of interest and any other
compensation received towards the sale or renunciation of rights offerings of shares. As of
December 2003, the RBI vide A.P. circulars No. 53 and 54 have permitted such registered FIIs or
sub- accounts of FIIs as well as unincorporated entities abroad to buy or sell equity shares and
debentures of Indian companies (excluding those in the print media sector), units of domestic
mutual funds, dated Government Securities and Treasury Bills through stock exchanges in India at
the ruling market price, invest or trade in exchange traded derivative contracts, and also to buy
or sell shares and debentures etc. of listed and unlisted companies otherwise than on stock
exchanges at a price approved by SEBI/ RBI as per the terms and conditions prescribed.
Ownership Restrictions
SEBI and RBI regulations restrict investments in Indian companies by FIIs and NRIs or
collectively, Foreign Direct Investors. Under current SEBI regulations applicable to Wipro Limited,
subject to the requisite approvals of the shareholders in a General Meeting, Foreign Direct
Investors in aggregate may hold no more than 49% of a companys equity shares, excluding the equity
shares underlying the ADSs. However, under Vide Notification No. FEMA.45/2001-RB dated September
20, 2001 under Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Security by a person resident
outside India) Regulations, 2001, the limit of FII investment in a company has been linked to
sectoral caps/statutory ceiling as applicable to the concerned industry subject to obtaining the
approval of the shareholders by a special resolution. NRIs in aggregate may hold no more than 24%
of a companys equity shares, (subject to obtaining the approval of the shareholders by a special
resolution) excluding the equity shares underlying the ADSs. Furthermore, SEBI regulations provide
that no single FII may hold more than 10% of a companys total equity shares and no single NRI may
hold more than 5% of a companys total equity shares. There is uncertainty under Indian law about
the tax regime applicable to FIIs which hold and trade ADSs. FIIs are urged to consult with their
Indian legal and tax advisers about the relationship between the FII guidelines and the ADSs and
any equity shares withdrawn upon surrender of ADSs.
More detailed provisions relating to FII investment have been introduced by the SEBI and RBI
with the introduction of the SEBI Foreign Institutional Investors Regulations, 1995 and the RBI
circulars in this regard. These provisions relate to the registration of FIIs, their general
obligations and responsibilities, and certain investment conditions and restrictions. The SEBI
registered FII shall restrict allocation of its total investment between equities and debt in the
Indian capital market in the ratio of 70:30. The FII may form a 100% debt fund and get such fund
registered with SEBI.
Registered FIIs may trade in all exchange traded derivative contracts on the stock exchanges
in India subject to the position limits as prescribed by SEBI from time to time. The SEBI has also
permitted private placements of shares by listed companies with FIIs, subject to the prior approval
of the RBI under FEMA. Such private placement must be made at the average of the weekly highs and
lows of the closing price over the preceding six months or the preceding two weeks, whichever is
higher.
Open market purchases of securities of Indian companies in India by Foreign Direct Investors
or investments by NRIs and FIIs above the ownership levels set forth above require Government of
India approval on a case-by-case basis.
The Reserve Bank of India in circular No. 44 dated December 8, 2003 has imposed certain
restrictions on OCBs in making any new investments as well as on the sale or transfer of shares
held by them.
Government of India Approvals
Approval of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board, or FIPB, for foreign direct investment by
ADS holders is required. Specific approval of the Reserve Bank of India, or RBI, will have to be
obtained for:
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any renunciation of rights in the underlying equity shares in favor of a person
resident in India; and |
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the sale of the underlying equity shares by a person resident outside India to a
person resident in India and vice versa if the prescribed conditions for such
sale/purchase are not met. |
In such cases, the foreign investor would have to apply to the Reserve Bank of India by
submitting Form TS1, which requires information as to the transferor, the transferee, the
shareholding structure of the company whose shares are to be sold, the proposed price and other
information. The Reserve Bank of India is not required to respond to a Form
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TS1 application within any specific time period and may grant or deny the application at its
discretion. Exceptions to this requirement of Reserve Bank of India approval include sales made in
the stock market through a registered Indian broker, through a recognized stock exchange in India
at the prevailing market rates, or if the shares are offered in accordance with the terms of an
offer under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and
Takeovers) Regulations, 1997. The proceeds from any sale of the underlying equity shares by a
person resident outside India to a person resident in India may be transferred outside India after
receipt of Reserve Bank of India approval (if required), and the payment of applicable taxes and
stamp duties.
No approval is required for transfers of ADSs outside India between two non-residents. Any
person resident outside India who desires to sell equity shares received upon surrender of ADSs or
otherwise transfer such equity shares within India should seek the advice of Indian counsel as to
the requirements applicable at that time.
Overseas investment Liberalisation
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Regulation 6 of the Notification No.FEMA.120/RB-2004 dated July 7, 2004 to read with
Circular No. 42 dated May 12, 2005 in terms of which an Indian entity is permitted to
invest upto 200 per cent of their net worth in overseas Joint Ventures and/or Wholly
Owned Subsidiaries (JV/WOS) in any bonafide business activity under automatic route.
Accordingly, under the automatic route for overseas investment, eligible Indian
companies are permitted to invest in overseas in JV/WOS upto 200 per cent of their net
worth. It was further clarified by the Reserve Bank of India that the ceiling is not
applicable to the investments made out of balances held in EEFC accounts and out of the
proceeds of ADR / GDR issue, as hitherto. This enables Authorized Dealers to allow
remittances under automatic route upto 200 per cent of the net worth as on the date of
the last audited balance sheet of the investing companies, after considering the
proposals received in form ODA. |
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With a view to grant more operational flexibility to the corporates in India it has
been decided to further liberalise the various Regulations as under: |
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Presently, only promoter corporates are permitted to offer guarantees on behalf of
their Wholly Owned Subsidiaries (WOSs) or Joint Ventures (JVs), under the Automatic
Route and issue of personal, collateral and third party guarantees requires prior
approval of Reserve Bank (RBI) and is considered by them, on a case by case basis. |
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With a view to simplify the procedure, RBI has decided to enlarge the scope of
guarantees covered under the Automatic Route. Accordingly, Indian entities may offer
any forms of guarantee corporate or personal, primary or collateral, guarantee by the
promoter company, guarantee by group company, sister concern or associate company in
India, provided that : |
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All financial commitments including all forms of guarantees are
within the overall prescribed ceiling for overseas investment of the Indian party,
for example, currently within 200% of the net worth of the investing company
(Indian party), |
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No guarantee is open ended, for example, the amount of the guarantee
should be specified upfront; and |
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As in the case of corporate guarantees, all guarantees are required to
be reported to RBI, in Form ODR. |
General Permission for disinvestment
Currently, in terms of Regulation 16 of Notification No.FEMA 120/RB-2004 dated July 7,
2004, all disinvestments that involve a write off i.e. where the amount repatriated on
disinvestment is less than the amount of the original investment, can be made by the Company.
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in cases where the JV / WOS is listed in the overseas stock exchange. |
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in cases where the Indian promoter company is listed on a stock exchange in India
and has a networth of not less than Rs.1,000 million; or |
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where the Indian promoter is an unlisted company and the investment in overseas
venture does not exceed USD 10 million. |
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Taxation
The following summary is based on the law and practice of the Indian Income-tax Act, 1961, or
Income-Tax Act, including the special tax regime contained in Sections 115AC and 115ACA of the
Income-tax Act read with the Issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares
(through Depositary Receipt Mechanism) Scheme, 1993, as amended on, January 19, 2000, or the Issue
of Foreign Currency Convertible bonds and Ordinary Shares Scheme. The Income-tax Act is amended
every year by the Finance Act of the relevant year. Some or all of the tax consequences of
Sections 115AC and 115ACA may be amended or changed by future amendments to the Income-tax Act.
We believe this information is materially complete as of the date hereof, however, this
summary is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of the individual tax consequences to
non-resident holders or employees under Indian law for the acquisition, ownership and sale of ADSs
and equity shares.
Residence. For purposes of the Income-tax Act, an individual is considered to be a resident
of India during any fiscal year if he or she is in India in that year for:
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a period or periods amounting to 182 days or more; or |
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60 days or more and, within the four preceding years has been in India for a period
or periods amounting to 365 days or more. |
The period of 60 days referred to above shall be read as 182 days (i) in case of a citizen of
India who leaves India in a fiscal year for the purposes of employment outside of India or (ii) in
case of a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin living abroad who visits India and within
the four preceding years has been in India for a period or periods amounting to 365 days or more.
A company is a resident of India if it is incorporated in India or the control and the
management of its affairs is situated wholly in India. Companies that are not residents of India
would be treated as non-residents for purposes of the Income-tax Act.
Taxation of Distributions. As per Section 10(34) of the Income Tax Act, dividends paid by
Indian Companies on or after April 1, 2003 to its shareholders (whether resident in India or not)
are not subject to tax. However, the Company paying the dividend is subject to a dividend
distribution tax of 12.50% on the total amount it distributes, declares or pays as a dividend, in
addition to the normal corporate tax. Additionally, the Finance Act, 2006 levies a surcharge of 10%
on such tax and an additional surcharge namely education cess of 2% on such tax and surcharge,
after which the dividend distribution tax payable would be 14.03%.
Any distributions of additional ADSs or equity shares to resident or non- resident holders
will not be subject to Indian tax.
Taxation of Capital Gains. The following is a brief summary of capital gains taxation of
non-resident holders and resident employees in respect of the sale of ADSs and equity shares
received upon redemption of ADSs. The relevant provisions are contained mainly in sections 45,
47(vii)(a), 115AC and 115ACA, of the Income Tax Act, in conjunction with the Issue of Foreign
Currency Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares Scheme.
Gains realized upon the sale of ADSs or shares that have been held for a period of more than
thirty-six months and twelve months, respectively, are considered long term capital gains. Gains
realized upon the sale of ADSs or shares that have been held for a period of thirty six months or
less and twelve months or less, respectively, are considered short term capital gains. Capital
gains are taxed as follows:
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Gains from a sale of ADSs outside India, by a non-resident to another non-resident
are not taxable in India. |
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Long term capital gains realized by a resident employee from the transfer of the
ADSs will be subject to tax at the rate of 10%. Short-term capital gains on such a
transfer will be taxed at graduated rates with a maximum of 30%. |
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Long-term capital gains realized by non-resident upon the sale of equity shares
obtained through the redemption of ADSs, settlement of such sale being made off a
recognized stock exchange, are subject to tax
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at a rate of 10%. Short-term capital gains on such transfer will be taxed at graduated
rates with a maximum of 30%. |
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Long-term capital gains realized by a non-resident upon the sale of equity shares
obtained through the redemption of ADSs, settlement of such sale being made on a
recognized stock exchange, is exempt from tax and the Short-term capital gains on such
sale will be taxed at 10%. An additional tax called Securities Transaction Tax, or
STT (described in detail below will be levied at the time of settlement. |
In addition to the above rates, the Finance Act 2006 levies a surcharge of 10% on the above
taxes, in the case of resident employees or the non-resident individuals, in case their aggregate
taxable income exceed Rs. 10,00,000 during the relevant financial year and an additional surcharge
called education cess of 2% on the above tax and surcharge.
The above rates may be reduced by the applicable tax treaty in case of non-residents. The
capital gains tax is computed by applying the appropriate tax rates to the difference between the
sale price and the purchase price of the equity shares or ADSs. Under the Issue of Foreign
Currency Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares Scheme, the purchase price of equity shares in an
Indian listed company received in exchange for ADSs will be the market price of the underlying
shares on the date that the depository gives notice to the custodian of the delivery of the equity
shares in exchange for the corresponding ADSs or the stepped up basis purchase price. The
market price will be the price of the equity shares prevailing on The Stock Exchange, Mumbai or the
National Stock Exchange. There is no corresponding provision under the Income Tax Act in relation
to the stepped up basis for the purchase price of equity shares. However the tax department in
India has not denied this benefit. In the event that the tax department denies this benefit, the
original purchase price of ADSs would be considered the purchase price for computing the capital
gains tax.
According to the Issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares Scheme, a
non-resident holders holding period for the purposes of determining the applicable Indian capital
gains tax rate in respect of equity shares received in exchange for ADSs commences on the date of
the notice of the redemption by the depository to the custodian. However, the Issue of Foreign
Currency Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares Scheme does not address this issue in the case of
resident employees, and it is therefore unclear as to when the holding period for the purposes of
determining capital gains tax commences for such a resident employee.
The Issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares Scheme provides that if
the equity shares are sold on a recognized stock exchange in India against payment in Indian
rupees, they will no longer be eligible for the preferential tax treatment.
It is unclear as to whether section 115AC and the Issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds
and Ordinary Shares Scheme are applicable to a non-resident who acquires equity shares outside
India from a non-resident holder of equity shares after receipt of the equity shares upon
redemption of the ADSs.
It is unclear as to whether capital gains derived from the sale of subscription rights or
other rights by a non-resident holder not entitled to an exemption under a tax treaty will be
subject to Indian capital gains tax. If such subscription rights or other rights are deemed by the
Indian tax authorities to be situated within India, the gains realized on the sale of such
subscription rights or other rights will be subject to Indian taxation. The capital gains realized
on the sale of such subscription rights or other rights, which will generally be in the nature of
short term capital gains, will be subject to tax at variable rates with a maximum rate of 40% in
case of a foreign company and at graduated rate with a maximum of 30%, in case of resident
employees and non-resident individuals. In addition to this, there will be a surcharge of 10% in
the case of all corporate holders and in the case of non-corporate holders with an aggregate
taxable income exceeding Rs. 10,00,000 and an additional surcharge called education cess of 2% on
the above tax and surcharge.
As per Section 55(2) of the Income Tax Act, the cost of any share (commonly called a bonus
share) allotted to any shareholder without any payment and on the basis of such shareholders
share holdings, shall be nil. The holding period of bonus shares for the purpose of determining the
nature of capital gains shall commence on the date of allotment of such shares by the company.
Securities Transaction Tax: The Finance Act, 2004 has introduced certain new provisions with
regard to taxes on the sale and purchase of securities, including equity shares. On and after
October 1, 2004, in respect of a sale and purchase of equity shares entered into on a recognized
stock exchange, (i) both the buyer and seller are required to pay each a Securities Transaction
Tax, or STT at the rate of 0.075% of the transaction value of the securities, if a transaction is a
delivery based transaction i.e. the transaction involves actual delivery or transfer of shares;
(ii) the seller of the shares is required to pay a STT at the rate of 0.015% of the transaction
value of the securities, if the transaction is a non-
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delivery based transaction, i.e. a transaction settled without taking delivery of the shares.
The Finance Act, 2005 has increased the rate STT, with effect from April 1, 2005, in respect of a
sale and purchase of equity shares entered into on a recognized stock exchange, to 0.1% for
delivery based transactions and 0.02% for non-delivery based transactions.
Withholding Tax on Capital Gains. Any gain realized by a non-resident or resident employee on
the sale of equity shares is subject to Indian capital gains tax, which, in the case of a
non-resident is to be withheld at the source by the buyer. However, as per the provisions of
Section 196D(2) of the Income Tax Act, no withholding tax is required to be deducted by way of
capital gains arising to Foreign Institutional Investors as defined in Section 115AD of the Income
Tax Act on the transfer of securities defined in Section 115AD of the Income Tax Act.
Buy-back of Securities. Indian companies are not subject to any tax on the buy-back of their
shares. However, the shareholders will be taxed on any resulting gains. Our company would be
required to deduct tax at source according to the capital gains tax liability of a non-resident
shareholder.
Stamp Duty and Transfer Tax. Upon issuance of the equity shares underlying our ADSs,
companies will be required to pay a stamp duty of 0.1% per share of the issue price of the
underlying equity shares. A transfer of ADSs is not subject to Indian stamp duty. However, upon
the acquisition of equity shares from the depository in exchange for ADSs, the non-resident holder
will be liable for Indian stamp duty at the rate of 0.25% of the market value of the ADSs or equity
shares exchanged. A sale of equity shares by a non-resident holder will also be subject to Indian
stamp duty at the rate of 0.25% of the market value of the equity shares on the trade date,
although customarily such tax is borne by the transferee. Shares must be traded in dematerialized
form. The transfer of shares in dematerialized form is currently not subject to stamp duty.
Wealth Tax. The holding of the ADSs and the holding of underlying equity shares by resident
and non-resident holders will be exempt from Indian wealth tax. Non-resident holders are advised
to consult their own tax advisors regarding this issue.
Gift Tax and Estate Duty. Indian gift tax was abolished as of October 1998. Indian Estate
Duty was abolished as of March 1985. On and after September 1, 2004, a sum of money exceeding Rs.
25,000 (approx $570), received by a individual without consideration will be subject to tax at
graduated rates with a maximum of 30% (excluding applicable surcharge and education cess), unless
the same was received from a relative as defined in Explanation under Section 56(v), or on the
occasion of the marriage of the Individual or under a will or by way of inheritance or in
contemplation of death of the payer. The Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2005 introduced in the
Parliament on May 12, 2005 proposes to levy the above tax in case the sum of money exceeds in
aggregate Rs.50,000 in a fiscal year. We cannot assure that these provisions will not be amended
further in future. Non-resident holders are advised to consult their own tax advisors regarding
this issue.
Service Tax. Brokerage or commission paid to stock brokers in connection with the sale or
purchase of shares is subject to a service tax of 12% excluding surcharges and education cess. The
stock broker is responsible for collecting the service tax from the shareholder and paying it to
the relevant authority.
PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE INDIAN AND
THEIR LOCAL TAX CONSEQUENCES OF ACQUIRING, OWNING OR DISPOSING OF EQUITY SHARES OR ADSs.
Material United States Federal Tax Consequences
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences
that may be relevant with respect to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of equity shares or
ADSs and is for general information only. This summary addresses the U.S. federal income and
estate tax considerations of holders that are U.S. persons. U.S. persons are citizens or residents
of the United States, or corporations (or other entities treated as corporations for United States
federal income tax purposes) created in or under the laws of the United States or any political
subdivision thereof or therein, estates, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income
taxation regardless of its source and trusts for which a U.S. court exercises primary supervision
and a U.S. person has the authority to control all substantial decisions. This summary is limited
to U.S. persons who will hold equity shares or ADSs as capital assets.
This summary is limited to U.S. persons who will hold equity shares or ADSs as capital assets.
In addition, this summary is limited to U.S. persons who are not residents in India for purposes of
the Convention between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the
Republic of India for the avoidance of Double
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Taxation and the prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income. If a
partnership holds the equity shares or ADSs, the tax treatement of a partner will generally depend
upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. A partner in a
partnership holding equity shares or ADSs should consult his/her/its own tax advisor.
This summary does not address tax considerations applicable to holders that may be subject to
special tax rules, such as banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, dealers in
securities or currencies, tax-exempt entities, persons that will hold equity shares or ADSs as a
position in a straddle or as part of a hedging or conversion transaction for tax purposes,
persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar or holders of 10% or more, by
voting power or value, of the shares of our company. This summary is based on the tax laws of the
United States as in effect on the date of this document and on United States Treasury Regulations
in effect or, in some cases, proposed, as of the date of this document , as well as judicial and
administrative interpretations thereof available on or before such date and is based in part on the
assumption that each obligation in the deposit agreement and any related agreement will be
performed in accordance with its terms. All of the foregoing is subject to change, which change
could apply retroactively and could affect the tax consequences described below.
Each prospective investor should consult his, her or its own tax advisor with respect to the
U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of acquiring, owning or disposing of equity
shares or ADSs.
Ownership of ADSs. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, holders of ADSs will be treated as
the owners of equity shares represented by such ADSs.
Dividends. Except for equity shares, if any, distributed pro rata to all shareholders of our
company, including holders of ADSs, the gross amount of any distributions of cash or property with
respect to equity shares or ADSs will generally be included in income by a U.S. holder as foreign
source dividend income at the time of receipt, which in the case of a U.S. holder of ADSs generally
should be the date of receipt by the depository, to the extent such distributions are made from the
current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax
principles) of our company. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received
deduction generally allowed to corporate U.S. holders. To the extent, if any, that the amount of
any distribution by our company exceeds our companys current and accumulated earnings and profits
as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, such excess will be treated first as a
tax-free return of the U.S. holders tax basis in the equity shares or ADSs and thereafter as
capital gain.
Subject to certain conditions and limitations, dividends paid to non-corporate U.S. holders,
including individuals, may be eligible for a reduced rate of taxation if we are deemed to be a
qualified foreign corporation for United States federal income tax purposes. A qualified foreign
corporation includes a foreign corporation if (1) its shares (or, according to legislative history,
its ADSs) are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States or (2) it
is eligible for the benefits under a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States. In
addition, a corporation is not a qualified foreign corporation if it is a passive foreign
investment company (as discussed below). The ADSs are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Due to
the absence of specific statutory provisions addressing ADSs, however, there can be no assurance
that we are qualified foreign corporation solely as a result of our listing on New York Stock
Exchange. Nonetheless, we may be eligible for benefits under the comprehensive income tax treaty
between India and the United States. The reduced rate of taxation will not apply to dividends
received in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010.Each U.S. holder should consult its own
tax advisor regarding the treatment of dividends and such holders eligibility for reduced rate of
taxation.
Subject to certain conditions and limitations, any Indian dividend withholding tax imposed
upon distributions paid to a U.S. holder should be eligible for credit against the U.S. holders
federal income tax liability. Alternatively, a U.S. holder may claim a deduction for such amount,
but only for a year in which a U.S. holder does not claim a credit with respect to any foreign
income taxes. The overall limitation on foreign taxes eligible for credit is calculated separately
with respect to specific classes of income. For this purpose, distributions on equity shares or
ADSs will be income from sources outside the United States, and, for tax years beginning before
January 1, 2007, will generally be passive income, or financial services income, and for tax
years beginning after December 31, 2006, will generally be passive category income or general
category income for purposes of computing the United States foreign tax credit allowable to a U.S.
holder.
If dividends are paid in Indian rupees, the amount of the dividend distribution included in
the income of a U.S. holder will be in the U.S. dollar value of the payments made in Indian rupees,
determined at a spot exchange rate between Indian rupees and U.S. dollars applicable to the date
such dividend is included in the income of the U.S. holder, regardless of whether the payment is in
fact converted into U.S. dollars. Generally, gain or loss, if any, resulting from currency
exchange fluctuations during the period from the date the dividend is paid to the date such payment
is converted into U.S. dollars will be treated as U.S. source ordinary income or loss.
103
Sale or Exchange of Equity Shares or ADSs. A U.S. holder generally will recognize gain or
loss on the sale or exchange of equity shares or ADSs equal to the difference between the amount
realized on such sale or exchange and the U.S. holders tax basis in the equity shares or ADSs, as
the case may be. Such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital
gain or loss if the equity shares or ADSs, as the case may be, were held for more than one year.
Gain or loss, if any, recognized by a U.S. holder generally will be treated as U.S. source passive
category income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Capital gains realized by a U.S.
holder upon sale of equity shares (but not ADSs) may be subject to certain tax in India. See
taxation Taxation of Distributions Taxation of Capital Gains. Due to limitations on foreign
tax credits, however, a U.S. holder may not be able to utilize any such taxes as a credit against
the U.S. holders federal income tax liability.
Estate Taxes. An individual shareholder who is a citizen or resident of the United States for
U.S. federal estate tax purposes will have the value of the equity shares or ADSs held by such
holder included in his or her gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes. An individual
holder who actually pays Indian estate tax with respect to the equity shares will, however, be
entitled to credit the amount of such tax against his or her U.S. federal estate tax liability,
subject to a number of conditions and limitations.
Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting. Any dividends paid, or proceeds on a sale
of, equity shares or ADSs to or by a U.S. holder may be subject to U.S. information reporting, and
a backup withholding tax (currently at a rate of 28%) may apply unless the holder is an exempt
recipient or provides a U.S. taxpayer identification number, certifies that such holder is not
subject to backup withholding and otherwise complies with any applicable backup withholding
requirements. Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund
or credit against the holders U.S. federal income tax, provided that the required information is
furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
Passive Foreign Investment Company. A non-U.S. corporation will be classified as a passive
foreign investment company for U.S. Federal income tax purposes if either:
|
|
|
75% or more of its gross income for the taxable year is passive income; or |
|
|
|
|
on average for the taxable year by value, or, if it is not a publicly traded
corporation and so elects, by adjusted basis, if 50% or more of its assets produce or
are held for the production of passive income. |
We do not believe that we satisfy either of the tests for passive foreign investment company
status for 2005. Since this determination is made on an annual basis, however, no assurance can be
given that we will not be considered a passive foreign investment company in future taxable years.
If we were to be a passive foreign investment company for any taxable year, U.S. holders would be
required to either:
|
|
|
pay an interest charge together with tax calculated at an ordinary income rates on
excess distributions, as the term is defined in relevant provisions of U.S. tax laws,
and on any gain on a sale or other disposition of equity shares; |
|
|
|
|
if an election is made, a qualified electing fund (as the term is defined in
relevant provisions of the U.S. tax laws), include in their taxable income their pro
rata share of undistributed amounts of our income; or |
|
|
|
|
if the equity shares are marketable and a mark-to-market election is made,
mark-to-market the equity shares each taxable year and recognize ordinary gain and, to
the extent of prior ordinary gain, ordinary loss for the increase or decrease in market
value for such taxable year. |
If we are treated as a passive foreign investment company, we do not plan to provide
information necessary for the qualified electing fund election.
The above summary is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax consequences
relating to ownership of equity shares or ADSs. You should consult your own tax advisor concerning
the tax consequences of your particular situation.
104
Documents on Display
This report and other information filed or to be filed by Wipro Limited can be inspected and
copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at:
|
|
|
Judiciary Plaza
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Room 1024
Washington, D.C. 20529, and |
|
|
|
|
Northwestern Atrium Center
500 West Madison Street
Suite 1400
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 |
Copies of these materials can also be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC,
450, 5th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20549, at prescribed rates.
The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information
statements, and other information regarding registrants that make electronic filings with the SEC
using its EDGAR system.
Additionally, documents referred to in this Form 20-F may be inspected at our corporate
offices which are located at Doddakannelli, Sarjapur Road, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560035, India.
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
General
Market risk is the risk of loss of future earnings, to fair values or to future cash flows
that may result from a change in the price of a financial instrument. The value of a financial
instrument may change as a result of changes in the interest rates, foreign currency exchange
rates, commodity prices, equity prices and other market changes that affect market risk sensitive
instruments. Market risk is attributable to all market risk sensitive financial instruments
including foreign currency receivables and payables and long-term debt.
Our exposure to market risk is a function of our investment and borrowing activities and our
revenue generating activities in foreign currency. The objective of market risk management is to
avoid excessive exposure of our earnings and equity to loss. Most of our exposure to market risk
arises out of our foreign currency account receivables.
Risk Management Procedures
We manage market risk through a corporate treasury department, which evaluates and exercises
independent control over the entire process of market risk management. Our corporate treasury
department recommends risk management objectives and policies which are approved by senior
management and our Audit Committee. The activities of this department include management of cash
resources, implementing hedging strategies for foreign currency exposures, borrowing strategies,
and ensuring compliance with market risk limits and policies on a daily basis.
Components of Market Risk
Our exposure to market risk arises principally from exchange rate risk. Interest rate risk is
the other component of our market risk.
Exchange rate risk. Our exchange rate risk primarily arises from our foreign exchange revenue,
receivables, forecasted cash flows, payables and foreign currency debt. A significant portion of
our revenue is in U.S. dollars while a significant portion of our costs are in Indian rupees. The
exchange rate between the rupee and dollar has fluctuated significantly in recent years and may
continue to fluctuate in the future. Appreciation of the rupee against the dollar can adversely
affect our results of operations.
We evaluate our exchange rate exposure arising from these transactions and enter into foreign
currency forward contracts to mitigate such exposure. We follow established risk management
policies, including the use of derivatives like forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge
forecasted cash flows denominated in foreign currency. As of March
105
31, 2005, we had forward contracts to sell amounting to $856 million and £11 million. As of
March 31, 2006, we had forward contracts to sell amounting to $592 million and £4 million.
In connection with cash flow hedges, the Company has recorded Rs. 114, and Rs. 202 of net
gains/(losses) as a component of accumulated and other comprehensive income within stockholders
equity as at March 31, 2005 and March 31, 2006.
Sensitivity analysis of exchange rate risk
As at March 31, 2006, a Rs.1 increase /decrease in the spot rate for exchange of Indian Rupee
with U.S. dollar would result in approximately Rs. 600 million decrease/increase in the fair value
of the companys forward contracts.
Interest rate risk. Our interest rate risk primarily arises from our investment securities.
Our investments are primarily in short-term investments, which do not expose us to significant
interest rate risk.
Fair value. The fair value of our market rate risk sensitive instruments, other than forward
contracts and option contracts, closely approximates their carrying value.
Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
Not applicable.
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
Not Applicable
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.
Based on their evaluation as of March 31, 2006, our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules
13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, are
effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or
submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time
periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and that material
information related to us and our consolidated subsidiaries is accumulated and communicated to
management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to
allow timely decisions about required disclosures.
Change in internal controls.
During the period covered by this Annual Report, there were no changes in our internal control
over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially
affect our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 16 A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing reports of our financial results, audits,
internal controls, and compliance with federal procurement laws and regulations. The committee
selects the independent registered public accounting firm and approves all related fees and
compensation and reviews their selection with the Board of Directors. The committee also reviews
the procedures of the independent registered public accounting firm to ensure their independence
with respect to the services performed for the Company.
106
Members of the committee are non-management directors who, in the opinion of the Board, are
independent as defined under the applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange. The Board has
determined that Mr. Narayan Vaghul qualifies as an Audit Committee Financial Expert as defined by
the applicable rules of the SEC.
Item 16 B. Code of Ethics
Our Audit Committee has adopted a written Code of Ethics, as defined in Item 406 of Regulation
S-K, applicable to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal
accounting officer and all officers working in our finance, accounting, treasury, internal audit,
tax, legal, purchase, financial analyst, investor relations functions, disclosure committee
members, and senior management, as well as members of the Audit Committee and the board of
directors. Our Code of Ethics is available under the investor relations section on our website at
www.wipro.com. We will post any amendments to, or waivers from, our Code of Ethics at that
location on our website.
Our Audit Committee has also adopted an Ombudsprocess policy wherein it has established
procedures for receiving, retaining and treating complaints received, and procedures for the
confidential, anonymous submission by employees of complaints regarding questionable accounting or
auditing matters, conduct which results in a violation of law by Wipro or in a substantial
mismanagement of company resources. Under this policy, our employees are encouraged to report
questionable accounting matters, any reporting of fraudulent financial information to our
shareholders, the government or the financial markets any conduct that results in a violation of
law by Wipro to our management (on an anonymous basis, if employees so desire). Likewise, under
this policy, we have prohibited discrimination, retaliation or harassment of any kind against any
employee who, based on the employees reasonable belief that such conduct or practices have
occurred or are occurring, reports that information or participates in an investigation. Our
Ombudsprocess policy is available under the investor relations section on our website at
www.wipro.com.
We have also adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, applicable to all officers,
directors and employees. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available under the investor
relations section on our website at www.wipro.com.
Item 16 C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Our Audit Committee charter requires us to obtain the prior approval of our audit committee on
every occasion that we engage our principal accountants or their associated entities and on every
occasion that they provide us with any non-audit services. At the beginning of each year, the Audit
Committee reviews the proposed services, including the nature, type and scope of services
contemplated and approves the related fees, to be rendered by these firms during the year. In
addition, Audit Committee pre-approval is also required for those engagements that may arise during
the course of the year that are outside the scope of the initial services and fees pre-approved by
the Audit Committee.
Set forth below are the fees paid by us to our principal accountant for the years ended March
31, 2005 and 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In millions |
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
Audit fees |
|
Rs. |
11.00 |
|
|
Rs. |
17.67 |
|
Audit related fees |
|
|
3.75 |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
Tax fees |
|
|
23.75 |
|
|
|
22.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
Rs. |
38.50 |
|
|
Rs. |
39.98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Description of Non-Audit Services
Audit related fees advice related to the Companys preparation for compliance with Section
404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Tax Feescomprise fees for tax compliance and tax planning services rendered by the
independent registered public accounting firm. These services include tax services for employees on
assignment and other corporate tax services like assistance with foreign income tax, value added
tax, transfer pricing study, Government sales tax and equivalent tax matters in local jurisdictions
and assistance with local tax authority reporting requirements for tax compliance purposes.
107
Our Audit Committee charter requires us to take the prior approval of our Audit Committee on
every occasion we engage our principal accountants or their associated entities to provide us any
non-audit services. We disclose to our Audit Committee the nature of services that are provided and
the fees to be paid for the services. All of the non-audit services provided by our principal
accountants or their associated entities in the previous two fiscal years have been pre-approved by
our Audit Committee.
Item 16 D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
We have not sought any exemption from the listing standards for Audit Committees applicable to
us as foreign private issuer, pursuant to Rule 10(A)-3(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Item 16 E. Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
None.
Part III
Item 17. Financial Statements
See Item 18.
Item 18. Financial Statements
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
108
REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Wipro Limited
In connection with the March 31, 2006 consolidated financial statements prepared under United
States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the Audit Committee: (1) reviewed and discussed
the consolidated financial statements with management; (2) discussed with the auditors the matters
required by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;
and (3) reviewed and discussed with the auditors the matters required by NYSE listing standards.
Based upon these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the board of directors
that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 20-F
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bangalore, India
|
|
N.Vaghul
|
|
P. M. Sinha
|
|
B. C. Prabhakar |
June 12, 2006
|
|
Chairman
|
|
Member
|
|
Member |
109
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT
Management of Wipro is responsible for the integrity and objectivity of the consolidated
financial statements and related notes. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and include amounts based
on judgments and estimates by management. Management is also responsible for the accuracy of the
related data in the annual report and its consistency with the financial statements.
Management maintains internal control systems designed to provide reasonable assurance that
assets are safeguarded, transactions are executed in accordance with managements authorization and
properly recorded, and accounting records are adequate for preparation of financial statements and
other financial information. These are reviewed at regular intervals to ascertain their adequacy
and effectiveness.
In addition to the system of internal controls, the Company has articulated its vision and
core values which permeate all its activities. It also has corporate policies to ensure highest
standards of integrity in all business transactions, eliminate possible conflicts of interest,
ensure compliance with laws, and protect confidentiality of proprietary information. These are
reviewed at periodic intervals.
The consolidated financial statements have been audited by the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm, KPMG. Their responsibility is to audit these statements in
accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and
express their opinion on the fairness of presentation of the statements.
The Audit Committee of the board comprising entirely of independent directors conducts an
ongoing appraisal of the independence and performance of the Companys internal and external
auditors and monitors the integrity of Companys financial statements. The Audit Committee meets
several times during the year with management, internal auditors and the independent registered
public accounting firm to discuss audit activities, internal controls and financial reporting
matters.
|
|
|
|
|
Azim H. Premji |
|
|
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
S.C. Senapaty |
|
|
Executive Vice President Finance |
Bangalore, India
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
June 12, 2006 |
|
|
110
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Wipro Limited
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Wipro Limited and subsidiaries
as of March 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders
equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended March 31, 2006. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Wipro Limited and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2006
and 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended March 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles.
KPMG
Bangalore, India
June 12, 2006
111
WIPRO LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, |
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convenience |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
translation into |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
US$ |
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 5) |
|
Rs. |
5,670.76 |
|
|
Rs. |
8,857.70 |
|
|
$ |
199.14 |
|
Investments in liquid and short-term mutual funds (Note 9) |
|
|
22,957.59 |
|
|
|
30,328.42 |
|
|
|
681.84 |
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowances (Note 6) |
|
|
14,806.36 |
|
|
|
20,593.11 |
|
|
|
462.97 |
|
Costs and earnings in excess of billings on contracts in progress |
|
|
2,739.65 |
|
|
|
4,336.06 |
|
|
|
97.48 |
|
Inventories (Note 7) |
|
|
1,769.16 |
|
|
|
2,064.61 |
|
|
|
46.42 |
|
Deferred income taxes (Note 22) |
|
|
242.17 |
|
|
|
168.28 |
|
|
|
3.78 |
|
Other current assets (Note 8) |
|
|
2,950.58 |
|
|
|
5,463.04 |
|
|
|
122.82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
51,136.27 |
|
|
|
71,811.22 |
|
|
|
1614.46 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 10) |
|
|
13,201.28 |
|
|
|
17,777.40 |
|
|
|
399.67 |
|
Investments in affiliates (Note 14) |
|
|
769.24 |
|
|
|
1,043.09 |
|
|
|
23.45 |
|
Deferred income taxes (Note 22) |
|
|
209.31 |
|
|
|
182.91 |
|
|
|
4.11 |
|
Intangible assets, net (Note 11) |
|
|
363.11 |
|
|
|
854.33 |
|
|
|
19.21 |
|
Goodwill (Note 3,4, 11) |
|
|
5,614.98 |
|
|
|
7,480.85 |
|
|
|
168.18 |
|
Other assets (Note 8) |
|
|
780.92 |
|
|
|
1,243.98 |
|
|
|
27.97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
Rs. |
72,075.11 |
|
|
Rs. |
100,393.78 |
|
|
$ |
2,257.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings from banks (Note 16) |
|
Rs. |
563.97 |
|
|
Rs. |
704.55 |
|
|
$ |
15.84 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
3,713.22 |
|
|
|
4,145.96 |
|
|
|
93.21 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
|
3,882.00 |
|
|
|
6,600.63 |
|
|
|
148.40 |
|
Accrued employee costs |
|
|
3,112.94 |
|
|
|
4,425.12 |
|
|
|
99.49 |
|
Advances from customers |
|
|
1,279.64 |
|
|
|
1,616.26 |
|
|
|
36.34 |
|
Other current liabilities (Note 12) |
|
|
2,135.16 |
|
|
|
3,614.42 |
|
|
|
81.26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
14,686.93 |
|
|
|
21,106.94 |
|
|
|
474.53 |
|
Deferred income taxes (Note 22) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
127.46 |
|
|
|
2.87 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
126.20 |
|
|
|
395.04 |
|
|
|
8.88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
14,813.13 |
|
|
|
21,629.44 |
|
|
|
486.27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interest |
|
|
533.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders equity: (Note 17,18) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity shares at Rs. 2 par value: 1,650,000,000 shares
authorized; Issued and outstanding: 1,407,141,044 and
1,425,754,267 and shares as of March 31, 2005 and 2006 |
|
|
1,407.14 |
|
|
|
2,851.51 |
|
|
|
64.11 |
|
Additional paid-in capital (Note 23) |
|
|
13,272.57 |
|
|
|
16,521.07 |
|
|
|
371.43 |
|
Deferred stock compensation (Note 23) |
|
|
(3,185.14 |
) |
|
|
(2,202.42 |
) |
|
|
(49.51 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
|
|
96.09 |
|
|
|
433.70 |
|
|
|
9.75 |
|
Retained earnings (Note 19) |
|
|
45,138.37 |
|
|
|
61,160.56 |
|
|
|
1,375.01 |
|
Equity shares held by a controlled Trust: 7,893,060 and 7,869,060
shares as of March 31, 2005 and 2006 (Note 23) |
|
|
(0.08 |
) |
|
|
(0.08 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholders equity |
|
|
56,728.95 |
|
|
|
78,764.34 |
|
|
|
1,770.78 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
|
Rs. |
72,075.11 |
|
|
Rs. |
100,393.78 |
|
|
$
|
2,257.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
112
WIPRO LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions, except share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convenience |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
translation into US$ |
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Global IT Services and Products |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IT Services |
|
Rs. |
39,102.00 |
|
|
Rs. |
54,280.19 |
|
|
Rs. |
73,061.33 |
|
|
$ |
1,642.57 |
|
BPO Services |
|
|
4,363.34 |
|
|
|
6,433.03 |
|
|
|
7,664.23 |
|
|
|
172.31 |
|
India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Services |
|
|
3,108.51 |
|
|
|
4,709.07 |
|
|
|
6,096.68 |
|
|
|
137.07 |
|
Products |
|
|
6,304.75 |
|
|
|
8,694.10 |
|
|
|
10,380.40 |
|
|
|
233.37 |
|
Consumer Care and Lighting |
|
|
3,567.44 |
|
|
|
4,555.38 |
|
|
|
5,625.04 |
|
|
|
126.46 |
|
Others |
|
|
1,987.32 |
|
|
|
2,680.73 |
|
|
|
3,279.20 |
|
|
|
73.72 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
58,433.36 |
|
|
|
81,352.50 |
|
|
|
106,106.88 |
|
|
|
2,385.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Global IT Services and Products |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IT Services |
|
|
25,047.34 |
|
|
|
33,780.07 |
|
|
|
46,986.13 |
|
|
|
1,056.34 |
|
BPO Services |
|
|
2,883.75 |
|
|
|
4,740.25 |
|
|
|
5,809.54 |
|
|
|
130.61 |
|
India and AsiaPac IT Services and Products |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Services |
|
|
1,661.00 |
|
|
|
2,679.35 |
|
|
|
3,548.82 |
|
|
|
79.78 |
|
Products |
|
|
5,642.53 |
|
|
|
7,814.82 |
|
|
|
9,285.88 |
|
|
|
208.77 |
|
Consumer Care and Lighting |
|
|
2,354.82 |
|
|
|
2,926.22 |
|
|
|
3,556.43 |
|
|
|
79.96 |
|
Others |
|
|
1,410.50 |
|
|
|
1,914.06 |
|
|
|
2,459.93 |
|
|
|
55.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
38,999.94 |
|
|
|
53,854.77 |
|
|
|
71,646.73 |
|
|
|
1,610.76 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
|
|
19,433.42 |
|
|
|
27,497.73 |
|
|
|
34,460.15 |
|
|
|
774.73 |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling and marketing expenses |
|
|
(5,278.39 |
) |
|
|
(5,466.26 |
) |
|
|
(6,764.35 |
) |
|
|
(152.08 |
) |
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
(3,171.68 |
) |
|
|
(3,743.60 |
) |
|
|
(5,238.97 |
) |
|
|
(117.78 |
) |
Research and development expenses |
|
|
(232.05 |
) |
|
|
(273.54 |
) |
|
|
(202.26 |
) |
|
|
(4.55 |
) |
Amortization of intangible assets (Note 11) |
|
|
(308.23 |
) |
|
|
(140.29 |
) |
|
|
(63.95 |
) |
|
|
(1.44 |
) |
Foreign exchange gains/(losses), net |
|
|
377.56 |
|
|
|
(92.12 |
) |
|
|
(288.49 |
) |
|
|
(6.49 |
) |
Others, net |
|
|
80.65 |
|
|
|
75.29 |
|
|
|
70.14 |
|
|
|
1.58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income |
|
|
10,901.28 |
|
|
|
17,857.21 |
|
|
|
21,972.27 |
|
|
|
493.98 |
|
Loss on direct issue of stock by subsidiary (Note 4) |
|
|
(206.00 |
) |
|
|
(206.58 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income, net (Note 20) |
|
|
868.21 |
|
|
|
798.82 |
|
|
|
1,275.86 |
|
|
|
28.68 |
|
Equity in earnings of affiliates (Note 14) |
|
|
95.99 |
|
|
|
158.08 |
|
|
|
287.97 |
|
|
|
6.47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes and minority interest |
|
|
11,659.48 |
|
|
|
18,607.53 |
|
|
|
23,536.10 |
|
|
|
529.14 |
|
Income taxes (Note 22) |
|
|
(1,611.39 |
) |
|
|
(2,693.57 |
) |
|
|
(3,264.73 |
) |
|
|
(73.40 |
) |
Minority interest |
|
|
(56.05 |
) |
|
|
(81.21 |
) |
|
|
(1.40 |
) |
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
Rs. |
9,992.04 |
|
|
Rs. |
15,832.75 |
|
|
Rs. |
20,269.97 |
|
|
$ |
455.71 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per equity share: (Note 24) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
7.20 |
|
|
|
11.38 |
|
|
|
14.41 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
7.20 |
|
|
|
11.29 |
|
|
|
14.24 |
|
|
|
0.32 |
|
Weighted-average number of equity shares used in
computing earnings per equity share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
1,387,740,780 |
|
|
|
1,391,554,372 |
|
|
|
1,406,505,974 |
|
|
|
1,406,505,974 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
1,389,090,642 |
|
|
|
1,399,846,782 |
|
|
|
1,423,679,230 |
|
|
|
1,423,679,230 |
|
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
113
WIPRO LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions, except share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Shares held by a |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
Equity Shares |
|
|
Paid in |
|
|
Deferred Stock |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Controlled Trust |
|
|
Stockholders |
|
|
|
No. of Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
Income |
|
|
Income/(loss) |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
No. of Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Equity |
|
Balance as of March 31, 2003 |
|
|
1,395,383,952 |
|
|
|
465.13 |
|
|
|
6,946.63 |
|
|
|
(64.01 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.69 |
|
|
|
28,083.19 |
|
|
|
(7,821,660 |
) |
|
|
(0.08 |
) |
|
|
35,431.55 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash dividends paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(262.36 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(262.36 |
) |
Issuance of equity shares on exercise of
options |
|
|
1,170,960 |
|
|
|
0.39 |
|
|
|
239.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
239.70 |
|
Equity shares forfeited, net of issuance
by Trust |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(65,400 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation related to employee stock
incentive plan, net of reversals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9.26 |
) |
|
|
1.11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8.15 |
) |
Amortization of compensation related to
employee stock incentive plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53.02 |
|
Comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rs. |
9,992.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,992.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,992.04 |
|
Other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Translation adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(150.43 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gain on investment
securities, net (net of tax effect of
Rs. 5.08) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.41 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedging
derivatives, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,058.97 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
917.95 |
|
|
|
917.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
917.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rs. |
10,909.99 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of March 31, 2004 |
|
|
1,396,554,912 |
|
|
|
465.52 |
|
|
|
7,176.68 |
|
|
|
(9.88 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
918.64 |
|
|
|
37,812.87 |
|
|
|
(7,887,060 |
) |
|
|
(0.08 |
) |
|
|
46,363.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash dividends paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,575.99 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,575.99 |
) |
Issuance of equity shares on exercise of
options |
|
|
10,586,132 |
|
|
|
10.36 |
|
|
|
2,566.77 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,577.13 |
|
Equity shares forfeited, net of issuance
by Trust |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock split effected in the form of
stock dividend (Note 17) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
931.26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(931.26 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation related to employee stock
incentive plan, net of reversals
(Note 23) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,529.12 |
|
|
|
(3,529.12 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of compensation related to
employee stock incentive plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
353.86 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
353.86 |
|
Comprehensive income
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rs. |
15,832.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,832.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,832.75 |
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
Translation adjustments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29.69 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized gain on investment
securities, net (net of tax effect of
Rs. 59.59) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92.92 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedging
derivatives, net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(945.16 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other comprehensive income/ (loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(822.55 |
) |
|
|
(822.55 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(822.55 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rs. |
15,010.20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of March 31, 2005 |
|
|
1,407,141,044 |
|
|
Rs. |
1,407.14 |
|
|
Rs. |
13,272.57 |
|
|
Rs. |
(3,185.14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Rs. |
96.09 |
|
|
Rs. |
45,138.37 |
|
|
|
(7,893,060 |
) |
|
Rs. |
(0.08 |
) |
|
Rs. |
56,728.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
114
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Shares held by a |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
Equity Shares |
|
|
Paid in |
|
|
Deferred Stock |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
Controlled Trust |
|
|
Stockholders |
|
|
|
No. of Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
Income |
|
|
Income/(loss) |
|
|
Earnings |
|
|
No. of Shares |
|
|
Amount |
|
|
Equity |
|
Cash dividends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,997.74 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,997.74 |
) |
Issuance of equity shares on exercise of
options |
|
|
18,613,223 |
|
|
|
32.58 |
|
|
|
4,671.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|