Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd, a global pharmaceutical leader, has reported its highest ever revenues and profits for the fiscal year 2024. With revenues surpassing $3.3 billion and EBITDA at the highest levels, the company has achieved a milestone in its 40-year history of serving patients and other stakeholders worldwide.
Strong Financial Performance
Dr. Reddy’s consolidated revenues for the fiscal year 2024 reached a historic high of $3.3 billion, marking a significant 14% increase from the previous year. This impressive growth was fueled by robust performance across all segments, particularly in global generics in North America, Europe and Emerging Markets. Adjusted for income from non-core brands in India divested in the previous year, on a re-based comparator, YoY growth was 17%. The company’s profit after tax (PAT) reflected a remarkable 24% year-over-year increase, underscoring the company’s strong financial health and operational efficiency. The fourth quarter saw revenues of ₹70,830 million ($850 million), up 12% from the same period last year, demonstrating the company’s sustained growth momentum. Despite a 2% quarter-over-quarter decline, the underlying growth story remains compelling.
Achieving and Surpassing Goals
The company recorded double-digit growth in revenues, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), and profit after tax (PAT). The EBITDA margin for the year stood at 29.7%, surpassing the company’s aspiration of 25%. Similarly, the return on capital employed (RoCE) was 25.7%, also exceeding the 25% aspiration, highlighting the efficiency of the company’s capital utilization.
India Growth Recovery and Market Position
In India, Dr. Reddy’s experienced a significant recovery in growth, particularly in the fourth quarter. Excluding the impact of brand divestments from the previous year, the underlying growth for Q4 was in the double digits. The company’s rank in the Indian Pharmaceutical Market (IPM) improved to #10 from the previous rank of #11, reflecting its strengthened market position and competitive edge.
Strategic Investments for Future Growth
Dr. Reddy’s continues to invest strategically in research and development (R&D) and selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses to support future business growth. R&D expenses for the year totaled ₹22,873 million ($274 million), representing 8.2% of revenues. This investment is crucial for advancing the company’s pipeline of generics, biosimilars, and novel oncology assets. SG&A expenses also saw a 13% increase year-over-year, reaching ₹77,201 million ($926 million), driven by efforts to bolster sales, marketing, digitalization initiatives, and new business ventures.
Strong Financial Position to Support Inorganic Opportunities
The company ended the fiscal year with a net cash surplus of $775 million, reflecting a robust financial position and strong cash flow generation. This surplus provides a solid foundation for continued investment in growth opportunities and shareholder returns. Dr. Reddy’s strong cash position also makes it an attractive partner of choice for strategic collaborations and inorganic growth opportunities. The company has consistently expressed a desire to complement organic assets with strategic inorganic opportunities. Notable partnerships include recent collaborations with Sanofi to promote and distribute vaccine brands in India, with Bayer for the distribution of the heart failure management drug, vericiguat, and with Nestle for nutritional products.
The Board has recommended a dividend of ₹40 per equity share, underscoring the company’s commitment to delivering value to its shareholders.
Consistent ESG Leadership
Dr. Reddy’s has consistently demonstrated industry-leading performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics. The company was included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024 for the fourth consecutive year, making it to the top 10% score category for the first time. Additionally, Dr. Reddy’s received an ‘A’ rating in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) Supplier Engagement, reflecting its leadership in sustainability and corporate governance.
As Dr. Reddy’s celebrates its 40th anniversary, its strong financial position strengthens its dedication to improving patient access to affordable and innovative medicines. Founded in 1984, Dr. Reddy’s has grown from a modest beginning into a global pharmaceutical powerhouse, serving major markets including the USA, India, Russia & CIS countries, China, Brazil, and Europe.
Looking ahead, Dr. Reddy’s seems well-positioned to sustain its growth trajectory and continue delivering value to patients and stakeholders. The company’s strategic focus on expanding its product portfolio, enhancing operational efficiencies, and investing in future growth drivers sets the stage for continued success. With a strong financial foundation, robust R&D pipeline, its position as partner of choice for strategic collaborations, and a commitment to sustainability, Dr. Reddy’s is poised to navigate the dynamic pharmaceutical landscape and seize emerging opportunities.
Read our previous Update on Dr. Reddy’s from November 2023: “Dr. Reddy's Shows Strategic Growth and Innovation in Q2 FY24”
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