e20vf
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
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o |
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REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
or
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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, 2009.
Or
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o |
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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 PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934. |
Date of event requiring this shell company report
Commission file number 000-27663
Sify Technologies Limited
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation at Registrants name into English)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Tidel Park, 2nd Floor
No. 4, Rajiv Gandhi Salai
Taramani, Chennai 600 113 India
(91) 44-2254-0770, Fax (91) 44 -2254 0771
(Address of principal executive offices)
M.P.Vijay Kumar, Chief Financial Officer,+ 91- 44 -2254 -0770; vijaykumar.mp@sifycorp.com
Tidel Park, 2nd Floor, No. 4, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Taramani, Chennai 600113 India
(Name,Telephone,Email and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
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 |
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American Depository Shares, each represented by
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Nasdaq Global Select Market |
one Equity Share, par value Rs.10 per share |
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Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act
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Title of Each class
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Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
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None
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Not Applicable |
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act
Not Applicable
(Title of class)
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.
42,820,082 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 o No þ
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 of 1934.
Yes o No þ
Note Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those
Sections.
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 has submitted electronically and posted on its
corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data file required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period
that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large
accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer þ
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Non-accelerated filer o
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Smaller reporting company o |
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
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Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial
statements included in this filing:
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US GAAP o
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IFRS as issued by the IASB þ
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Other o |
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 Exchange Act).:
Yes o No þ
Table of Contents
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189 |
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2
Currency of Presentation and Certain Defined Terms
Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this annual report to we, us, the
company, Sify or Satyam Infoway are to Sify Technologies Limited, a limited liability company
organized under the laws of the Republic of India. References to U.S. or the United States are
to the United States of America, its territories and its possessions. References to India are to
the Republic of India. In January 2003, we changed the name of our company from Satyam Infoway
Limited to Sify Limited. In October 2007, we gain changed our name from Sify Limited to Sify
Technologies Limited. Sify, SifyMax.in,, Sify e-ports and Sify online are trademarks used
by us for which we have already obtained registration certificates in India. All other trademarks
or trade names used in this Annual Report on Form 20F are the property of their respective owners.
In this Annual Report on Form 20F, references to $, Dollars or U.S. dollars are to the legal
currency of the United States, and references to Rs., rupees or Indian rupees are to the
legal currency of India . References to a particular fiscal year are to our fiscal year ended
March 31 of such year.
For your convenience, this Annual Report on Form 20-F contains translations of some Indian
rupee amounts into U.S. dollars which should not be construed as a representation that those Indian
rupee or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Indian
rupees, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rate stated below, or at all. Except as
otherwise stated in this Annual report on Form 20F, all translations from Indian rupees to U.S.
dollars contained in this Annual Report have been based on the reference rate in the City of Mumbai
on March 31,2009 for cable transfers in Indian rupees as published by the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) which was Rs.50.95 per $1.00.
Our financial statements are presented in Indian rupees and prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounts Standards
Board, or IFRS. In this Annual Report, any discrepancies in any table between totals and the sums
of the amounts listed are due to rounding.
Information contained in our websites, including our corporate website, www.sifycorp.com, is
not part of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
3
Forward-Looking Statements May Prove Inaccurate
This Annual Report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements, as defined in Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, that are based on our current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about
our Company, our industry, economic conditions in the markets in which we operate, and certain
other matters. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of
forward-looking terminology such as anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, intend,
will, project, seek, should and similar expressions. Those statements include, among other
things, the discussions of our business strategy and expectations concerning our market position,
future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity and capital resources. These statements are
subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results
or outcomes to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. Important
factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the Risk Factors
section in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should
not conclude that the results or outcomes referred to in any of the forward-looking statements will
be achieved. All forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F are based
on information available to us on the date hereof, and we do not undertake to update these
forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.
4
PART I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers.
Not applicable.
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
Item 3. Key Information
Selected Financial Data
Summary of Consolidated Financial Data
You should read the summary consolidated financial data below in conjunction with the
Companys consolidated financial statements and the related notes, as well as the section entitled
Operating and Financial Review and Prospects, all of which are included elsewhere in this Annual
Report on Form 20-F. The summary consolidated statements of income data for the three years ended
March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and the summary consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2009
and 2008, have been prepared and presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards (IFRS) as issued by International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) have been derived
from our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial
statements.
5
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Year ended |
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March 31, |
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2009 |
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Convenience |
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translation into |
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US$ in |
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thousands, |
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Year ended March 31, |
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except share and |
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Particulars |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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per share data |
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(Rupees in thousands, except share and |
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(see note 1 |
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per share data) |
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Rs |
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Rs |
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Rs |
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below) |
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Consolidated income statement |
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Revenues |
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6,162,161 |
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6,006,215 |
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5,447,347 |
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120,945 |
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Cost of goods sold and services rendered |
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(3,613,349 |
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(3,419,122 |
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(2,939,329 |
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(70,920 |
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Selling, general and administrative
expenses |
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(2,813,425 |
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(2,434,715 |
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(2,094,971 |
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(55,219 |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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(498,872 |
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(394,337 |
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(463,780 |
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(9,791 |
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Impairment loss on goodwill |
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(15,200 |
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(298 |
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Other income, net (4) |
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89,105 |
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46,152 |
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66,320 |
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1,749 |
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Total operating expenses |
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6,851,741 |
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6,202,022 |
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5,431,760 |
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134,479 |
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Operating (loss) / profit |
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(689,580 |
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(195,807 |
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15,587 |
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(13,534 |
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Net finance income/(expense) |
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(129,095 |
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104,101 |
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128,642 |
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(2,533 |
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Share of profit of equity accounted
investee (net of income tax) |
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64,091 |
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181,127 |
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61,030 |
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1,258 |
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Profit / (Loss) before income taxes and
minority interest |
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(754,584 |
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89,421 |
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205,259 |
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(14,809 |
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Income tax benefit / (expense) |
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(97,049 |
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(63,975 |
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66,113 |
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(1,905 |
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Profit / (Loss) before minority interest |
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(851,633 |
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25,446 |
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271,372 |
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(16,714 |
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Minority interest |
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48,941 |
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30,142 |
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30,531 |
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961 |
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Net (loss) / Profit for equity holders
of the Company |
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(900,574 |
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(4,696 |
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240,841 |
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(17,675 |
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Net (loss)/Profit per share (2) |
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Basic |
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(20.77 |
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(0.11 |
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5.64 |
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(0.41 |
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Diluted |
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(20.77 |
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(0.11 |
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5.63 |
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(0.41 |
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Weighted-average number of equity
shares used in computing earnings per
equity share |
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Basic |
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43,350,320 |
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42,877,726 |
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42,704,619 |
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Diluted |
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43,350,320 |
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42,877,726 |
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42,792,514 |
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6
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Convenience |
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translation into |
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US$ in |
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thousands, |
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except share and |
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per share data |
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(see note 2 |
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Particulars |
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March 31, |
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below) |
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(Rupees in thousands, except share |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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2007 |
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2009 |
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and per share data) |
|
Rs |
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Rs |
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Rs |
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Balance Sheet data: |
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Cash and cash equivalents including
restricted cash |
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1,710,798 |
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1,507,327 |
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3,071,157 |
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33,578 |
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Net current assets |
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(175,993 |
) |
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1,294,200 |
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2,435,290 |
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(3,454 |
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Total assets |
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9,145,555 |
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7,710,760 |
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7,321,891 |
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179,502 |
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Total equity attributable to equity
shareholders of the Company |
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3,851,693 |
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4,694,984 |
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4,538,906 |
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75,598 |
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Cash Flow Data |
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Net cash provided by (used in): |
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Operating activities |
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(371,556 |
) |
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(839,869 |
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116,262 |
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(7,292 |
) |
Investing activities |
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(1,174,156 |
) |
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(756,300 |
) |
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(708,316 |
) |
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(23,045 |
) |
Financing activities |
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968,797 |
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(585,200 |
) |
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847,939 |
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19,015 |
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Other Financial Data
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA
to net profit / (loss) |
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Adjusted EBITDA from operations (3) |
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(111,420 |
) |
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379,657 |
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540,397 |
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(2,187 |
) |
Add: Interest income |
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122,565 |
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161,783 |
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154,192 |
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2,406 |
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Less: Depreciation and amortization |
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498,872 |
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394,337 |
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463,780 |
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9,791 |
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Less: Impairment loss on goodwill |
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15,200 |
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298 |
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Less: Interest expense |
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251,660 |
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57,682 |
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25,550 |
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4,939 |
|
Less: Income tax expense / (benefit) |
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97,049 |
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63,975 |
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(66,113 |
) |
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1,905 |
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Net Profit / (loss) |
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(851,633 |
) |
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25,446 |
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271,372 |
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|
(16,714 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Notes |
|
1. |
|
The convenience translation to U.S. Dollars was performed at the reference rate in the City
of Mumbai for cable transfers as published by Reserve Bank of India on March 31, 2009 of
Rs.50.95 per $1.00, which should not be construed as a representation that those Indian rupee
or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Indian
rupees, as the case may be, at this rate or at all. |
|
2. |
|
Reference to shares and per share amounts refer to our equity shares. Our outstanding equity
shares include equity shares held by a depository underlying our ADSs. [Effective September
24, 2002, one ADS represented one equity share]. |
|
3. |
|
Adjusted EBITDA from operations represents earnings (loss) from operations before interest,
taxes, depreciation, amortization and impairment including the share of profit of equity
accounted investee (net of income tax). |
|
4. |
|
Refer to note 25 of the financial statements for the components of other income. |
7
Exchange Rates
Our functional currency is the Indian rupee. The exchange rate between the rupee and the U.S.
dollar has changed substantially in recent years and may fluctuate substantially in the future. Our
exchange rate risk primarily arises from our foreign currency revenues, receivables and payables
The following table sets forth the high and low exchange rates for the previous six months and is
based on the reference rate in the City of Mumbai on business days during the period for cable
transfers in Indian rupees as published by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
Month |
|
Rs. |
|
Rs. |
|
August 2009
|
|
|
48.98 |
|
|
|
47.54 |
|
July 2009
|
|
|
49.09 |
|
|
|
47.89 |
|
June 2009
|
|
|
48.60 |
|
|
|
46.96 |
|
May 2009
|
|
|
49.83 |
|
|
|
48.17 |
|
April 2009
|
|
|
50.53 |
|
|
|
49.49 |
|
March 2009
|
|
|
52.06 |
|
|
|
50.14 |
|
|
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 reference rate in the
City of Mumbai on business days during the period for cable transfers in Indian rupees as published
by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The column titled Average in the table below is the average
of the last business day of each month during the year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year Ended |
|
end |
|
Average |
|
High |
|
Low |
March 31 |
|
Rs. |
|
Rs. |
|
Rs. |
|
Rs. |
|
2009 |
|
|
50.95 |
|
|
|
45.91 |
|
|
|
52.06 |
|
|
|
39.89 |
|
2008 |
|
|
40.02 |
|
|
|
40.13 |
|
|
|
43.05 |
|
|
|
38.48 |
|
2007 |
|
|
43.10 |
|
|
|
45.12 |
|
|
|
46.83 |
|
|
|
42.78 |
|
|
On March 31, 2009, the reference rate in the City of Mumbai for cable transfers in Indian rupees as
published by RBI was Rs. 50.95.
Capitalization and indebtedness
Not applicable.
Reasons for the offer and use of proceeds
Not applicable.
8
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 on Form 20F.
Risks Related to our Company and Industry
We may incur losses in the future and we may not achieve or maintain profitability.
We have incurred net loss of Rs.851.63 million ($ 16.71 million) for the year ended March 31,
2009 with an accumulated deficit of Rs.13,104.39 million ($ 257.20million) as at March 31, 2009. We
may in the future incur additional net losses and suffer negative operating cash flows. We expect
to increase our expenditures as we continue to expand our services, promote our brand, and invest
in the expansion of our infrastructure. We have incurred and in the future may incur expenses in
connection with investments in data centers and infrastructure. Accordingly, we will need to
generate significant additional revenues in order to become profitable. We may not be able to do
so. Our business model is not yet proven in consumer space, and we cannot assure you that we will
improve our profitability or that we will not incur operating losses in the future. If we are
unable to improve profitability, we will be unable to build a sustainable business. In this event,
the price of our ADSs and the value of your investment would likely decline.
We may lose the incentive for exports availed under Serve from India Scheme on account of changes
in Government policy.
The Government of India has introduced the Served from India Scheme (the Scheme) in order
to accelerate growth in export of services so as to create a powerful and unique Served from India
brand, instantly recognized and respected world over.
Under the Scheme, all service providers (the exporter of various services) are entitled to a
customs duty credit called Duty credit scrip at 10% of the foreign exchange earned during the
financial year. A service provider will be eligible for such duty credit scrip only on satisfaction
of two conditions: (a) the service provider should export services; and (b) the service provider
should earn foreign exchange. This duty credit may be used for settling the customs duty payable to
the Government of India on the import of any capital goods including spares, office equipment and
professional equipment, office furniture and consumables, provided it is part of their main line of
business.
The new Foreign Trade (2009-2014) policy announced by The Commerce Ministry on August 27, 2009
has explicitly excluded Telecom Sector from the purview of Served From India Scheme (SFIS). As a
result of new policy document, we will not be eligible for 10% as export incentive on Foreign
Exchange earnings from all existing business streams other than E-learning and Infrastructure
management services prospectively.
The loss of credits from the above scheme may impact the financial condition and operating
results of the Company in the future.
The economic environment, pricing pressure and decreased utilization rates could negatively impact
our revenues and operating results.
Spending on technology products and services in most parts of the world has been rising for
the past few years. However, there was a decline in the growth rate of global IT purchases in the
latter half of 2008 due to the global economic slowdown. This downward trend is expected to
continue into 2009 with global IT purchases expected to decline due to the challenging global
economic environment
With regard to the domestic Indian economy, a slow down affects enterprise customers leading to
lower investments in IT infrastructure with a resultant slow down in the adoption of IT services
such as ours. Lead times for orders or contracts also becomes much longer, as do credit periods. On
the consumer side, sale of home PCs has dropped significantly in the last quarter of the fiscal
2009 and is likely to be depressed in 2009-10. This will have a bearing on the growth in demand for
broadband services. Online advertising on our portal has also seen a decline with the slow down.
Overseas economic performance also has a bearing on our Infrastructure and e-Learning businesses.
The NLD/ILD business and eLearning may likely be affected in terms of prices and growth. Currency
fluctuations will also lead to variations in revenue.
9
Reductions in IT spending and extended credit terms arising from or related to the economic
slowdown, and any resulting pricing pressures, reduction in billing rates, increased credit risk
may adversely impact our revenues, gross profits, operating margins and results of operations.
Currency fluctuations may affect the results or our operations or the value of our ADSs
The exchange rate between the rupee and the U.S. dollar has changed significantly in recent
years and may fluctuate substantially in the future.
We use derivative financial instruments such as foreign exchange forward and option contracts to
mitigate the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates on accounts receivable and payable and
forecast cash flows denominated in US dollar. As of March 31, 2009, we had outstanding option
contracts of $ 4.75 million. We may not purchase derivative instruments adequate to insulate
ourselves from foreign currency exchange risks, and over the past year, we have incurred
significant losses as a result of exchange rate fluctuations that have not been offset in full by
our hedging strategy.
For the year ended March 31, 2009, we recognized a gain of Rs.2.99 million ( $ 0.05 million) on our
forward and option contracts and Rs.25.96 million ($.0.51 million) on foreign exchange
translations. If foreign exchange currency markets continue to be volatile, such fluctuations in
foreign currency exchange rates could materially and adversely affect our results of operations in
future periods. Also, the volatility in the foreign currency markets may make it difficult to hedge
our foreign currency exposures effectively and make them expensive
Further, 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, a high-level committee
appointed by the Reserve Bank of India had recommended that India move to increased capital account
convertibility over the next few years, and proposed a framework for such increased convertibility.
Full or increased capital account convertibility, if introduced, could result in increased
volatility in the fluctuations of exchange rates between the rupee and US dollar. Our US customers
may leave us exposed to fluctuation in revenues based on currency fluctuations.
We may encounter legal confrontations as the Information Technology Act 2000 lacks specificity as
to issues on online processes and/or Internet
The Information Technology Act of 2000, an Indian regulation, still does not cover all areas of
online processes or the Internet comprehensively leaving many grey areas that could expose to legal
complications. The regulations regarding the operation of cyber cafes are not well defined, and
vary from state to state, often dependent upon the discretion of local law enforcement authorities
who may not have adequate knowledge on the service. Despite our constant efforts in educating the
franchisees not to have unlicensed software, some franchisees may use unlicensed software . Such
events may affect the companys reputation negatively.
Intense competition in our businesses could prevent us from improving our profitability and we may
be required to further modify the rates we charge for our services in response to new pricing
models introduced by new and existing competition which would significantly affect our revenues
Our corporate network/data services compete with well-established companies, including Bharti
Airtel, Tata Communications Limited or TCL, Reliance Infocomm, HCL Infinet, Tata Teleservices,
Tulip Telecom Limited and the government-owned telecom companies, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited or
BSNL, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited or MTNL.
A significant number of competitors have entered Indias Internet service provider industry. The
large players, especially the state run telecommunication companies, may enjoy significant
competitive advantages over our company, including greater financial resources, which could allow
them to charge prices that are lower than ours in order to attract subscribers. These factors have
resulted in periods of significant reduction in actual average selling prices for consumer Internet
Service Provider, or ISP, services. We expect the market for Internet access and other connectivity
services to remain extremely price competitive. Increased competition may result in operating
losses, loss of market share and diminished value in our services, as well as different pricing,
service or marketing decisions. Additionally, we believe that our ability to compete also depends
in part on factors outside our control, such as the availability of skilled employees in India, the
price at which our competitors offer comparable services, and the
10
extent of our competitors responsiveness to their clients needs. We cannot assure you that we
will be able to successfully compete against current and future competitors.
Margin squeeze may affect the results or our operations
Our margins have been shrinking in the recent past due to competition. Competition will continue to
increase with the entry of new competitors into the Enterprise service category such as British
Telecom (BT) and AT&T. However, these competitors generally will prefer to operate with a few
global customers wishing to do business in India. They may attract customers for managed hosting
services with their capability of superior network and competitive pricing. We expect the market
for such services to remain extremely price competitive. Increased competition may result in the
reduction of profit margin which would impact our results of operations
Procuring power at lower costs for data centers by the competitors may put us at a disadvantage in
terms of pricing for our data center operations
The single largest operating cost in data centers is electrical power, and if a competitor were to
have a source of power at a significantly lower cost, it could be a disadvantage to us. This raises
the question of data centre location. While all data centres are now located in proximity to, or at
the edge of major urban centers such as Mumbai, inexpensive land and labor allow companies to
locate new data centres in remote locations. We may neither be in a position to develop high cost
data centers at remote locations where power is cheap nor procure power at cheaper rates for our
data centres. If the competitors procure power at lower cost, they can have an advantage over
pricing. Our inability to offer competitive pricing may result in loss of customers and will impact
our result of operations.
We have added a number of new lines of business in the past years, including the operation and
licensing of public Internet cafés, as well as the provision of broadband services, security
services, e-learning software development services, managed network services and infrastructure
management services. It is therefore difficult to evaluate our company based on our historical
results of operations
The industry we operate in is still evolving and therefore comparable benchmarks are not
readily available. In India, the total number of broadband subscribers was 6.22 million as at March
31, 2009 as compared to 3.90 million as at March 31,2008 registering a growth of 59.48%.The total
number of internet wireline subscribers as at December 31, 2008, was 12.85 million as compared to
11.09 million as at March 31,2008 registering a growth of 15.87 %.The base of wireless internet
subscriber base was 101.10 million as at December 31, 2008 as compared to 65.50 million as at March
31,2008 registering a growth of 54.35% according to figures compiled from Telecom Regulatory
Authority of Indias, or TRAIs, Report on the Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicators
October December 2008. The risks we face in developing Internet service market include our
inability to:
|
|
|
continue to develop and upgrade our technology; |
|
|
|
|
maintain and develop strategic relationships with business partners; |
|
|
|
|
offer compelling online services and content; and |
We cannot assure you that we will successfully address the risks or difficulties described
above. Failure to do so could lead to an inability to attract and retain corporate customers for
our network/data services and subscribers for our Internet access services as well as the loss of
advertising revenues.
Despite the companys best efforts to optimize costs, our future operating results could fluctuate
in part because our expenses are relatively fixed in the short term while future revenues are
uncertain, and any adverse fluctuations could negatively impact the price of our ADSs
11
Our revenues, expenses and operating results have varied in the past and may fluctuate
significantly in the future due to a number of factors, many of which are outside our control. A
significant portion of our investment and cost base is relatively fixed in the short term. Our
revenues for the foreseeable future will depend on many factors, including the following:
|
|
|
the range of corporate network/data services provided by us and the usage thereof by
our customers; |
|
|
|
|
the number of subscribers to our ISP services and the prevailing prices charged. |
|
|
|
|
advertising revenue generated by our online portal services. |
|
|
|
|
the timing and nature of any agreements we enter into with strategic partners of our
corporate network/data services division; |
|
|
|
|
services, products or pricing policies introduced by our competitors; |
|
|
|
|
capital expenditure and other costs relating to our operations; |
|
|
|
|
the timing and nature of our marketing efforts; |
|
|
|
|
our ability to successfully integrate operations and technologies from any
acquisitions, joint ventures or other business combinations or investments; |
|
|
|
|
the introduction of alternative technologies; and |
|
|
|
|
technical difficulties or system failures affecting the telecommunication
infrastructure in India, the Internet generally or the operation of our websites. |
We plan to continue to expand and invest in network infrastructure. Many of our expenses are
relatively fixed in the short-term. We cannot assure you that our revenues will increase in
proportion to the increase in our expenses. We may be unable to adjust spending quickly enough to
offset any unexpected revenues shortfall. This could lead to a shortfall in revenues in relation to
our expenses and adversely affect our revenue and operating results.
You should not rely on yearly comparisons of our results of operations as indicators of future
performance. It is possible that in some future periods our operating results may be below the
expectations of public market analysts and investors. In this event, the price of our ADSs may
decline.
We lack full redundancy for our computer systems and a system failure could prevent us from
operating our business for a significant time, which could have an adverse effect on our business
and results of operations
We rely on the Internet and accordingly, depend upon the continuous, reliable and secure
operation of Internet servers, related hardware and software and network infrastructure such as
lines leased from telecom operators. We have a back-up data facility, but we do not have full
redundancy for all of our computer and telecommunications facilities. As a result, failure of key
primary or back-up systems to operate properly could lead to a loss of customers, damage to our
reputation and violations of our Internet service provider license and contracts with corporate
customers. A loss of customers or damage to our reputation would result in a decrease in the number
of our subscribers, which would cause a material decrease in revenues. A violation of our Internet
service provider license could result in the suspension or termination of that license, which would
prevent us from carrying on a significant portion of our operations and materially adversely affect
our operating results. Violations of our contracts with corporate customers could result in the
termination of these contracts, which would cause a decrease in the revenues generated by our
corporate data/network services division. Any of these failures could also lead to a decrease in
value of our ADSs, significant negative publicity and litigation.
We have at times suffered service outages. We guarantee to a number of our corporate customers
that our network will meet or exceed contractual reliability standards, and our Internet service
provider license requires that we provide an acceptable level of service quality and that we remedy
customer complaints within a specified time period. Our computer and communications hardware are
protected through physical and software safeguards. However, they are still vulnerable to fire,
storm, flood, power loss, telecommunications failures, physical or software break-ins and similar
events. We do not carry business interruption insurance to protect us in the event of a catastrophe
even though such an event could lead to a significant negative impact on our business.
12
Security breaches could damage our reputation or result in liability to us
Our facilities and infrastructure must remain secure, and be perceived by our corporate and
consumer customers to be secure, because we retain confidential customer information in our
database. Despite the implementation of security measures, our infrastructure may be vulnerable to
physical break-ins, computer hacking, computer viruses, programming errors or similar disruptive
problems beyond our control. If a person circumvents our security measures, he or she could
jeopardize the security of confidential information stored on our systems, misappropriate
proprietary information or cause interruptions to our operations. We may be required to make
significant additional investments and efforts to protect against or remedy security breaches. A
material security breach could damage our reputation or result in liability to us, and we do carry
insurance that protects us from this kind of loss.
The security services that we offer in connection with our business customers networks cannot
assure complete protection from computer viruses, break-ins and other disruptive problems. Although
we attempt to contractually limit our liability in such instances, the occurrence of these problems
could result in claims against us or liability on our part. These claims, regardless of their
ultimate outcome, could result in costly litigation and could damage our reputation and hinder our
ability to attract and retain customers for our service offerings.
We face a competitive labor market for skilled personnel and therefore are highly dependent on our
existing key personnel and on our ability to hire additional skilled employees
Our success depends upon the continued service of our key personnel including our senior
management team. Each of our employees may voluntarily terminate his or her employment with us. We
do not carry key person life insurance on any of our personnel. Our success also depends on our
ability to attract and retain additional highly qualified technical, marketing and sales personnel.
The labor market for skilled employees in India is extremely competitive, and the process of hiring
employees with the necessary skills is time consuming and requires the diversion of significant
resources. We may not be able to continue to retain or integrate existing personnel or identify and
hire additional personnel in the future. The loss of the services of key personnel or the inability
to attract additional qualified personnel, could disrupt the implementation of our business
strategy, upon which the success of our business depends.
The failure to keep our technical knowledge confidential could erode our competitive advantage
Our technical know-how is not protected by intellectual property rights such as patents, and
is principally protected by maintaining its confidentiality. As a result, we cannot be certain that
our know-how will remain confidential in the long run. Employment contracts with certain of our
employees who have special technical knowledge about our products or our business contain a general
obligation to keep all such knowledge confidential and such obligation extends for a period of two
years after the termination of employment. In addition to the confidentiality provisions, these
employment agreements typically contain non-competition clauses. If either the confidentiality
provisions or the non-competition clauses are unenforceable, we may not be able to maintain the
confidentiality of our know-how. In the event that confidential technical information or know-how
about our products or business becomes available to third parties or to the public, our competitive
advantage over other companies in the wireless based IP/VPN industry could be harmed which could
have a material adverse effect on our current business, future prospects, financial condition and
results of operations.
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 and Nasdaq Global
Select Market rules 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.
13
In particular, compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the related
regulations regarding our required assessment of our internal control over financial reporting
requires the commitment of significant financial and managerial resources and external auditors
independent assessment of the internal control over financial reporting.
It is also possible that laws in India may be made more stringent with respect to standards of
accounting, auditing, public disclosure and corporate governance. 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, it may become more expensive and/or 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 and our SEC reporting obligations. 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, our business and reputation
may be harmed
We may inadvertently fail to comply with local laws of other countries in connection with the
negotiation and execution of operational agreements
As part of our international business, we may negotiate with and enter into contracts with
strategic partners, clients, suppliers, employees and other third parties in various countries. We
may inadvertently fail to comply with their laws may result in lawsuits or penalties, which could
adversely affect our business or results of operations.
If there is an adverse outcome resulting in cash payout in excess of the insurance coverage in the
class action litigation that has been filed against us, it will impact our financial condition
A class action suit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of
New York by a purported class of purchasers of Sifys ADS against the Company, certain of its
officers and directors and several of the underwriters involved in the Companys initial public
offering of American Depository Receipts. The complaint alleges that the underwriters in the
Companys IPO solicited and received undisclosed commissions from, and entered into undisclosed
arrangements with, certain investors who purchased Sifys ADSs in the IPO and the aftermarket. The
complaint also alleges that Sify violated the United States Federal Securities laws by failing to
disclose in the IPO prospectus that the underwriters had engaged in these allegedly undisclosed
arrangements. This case is defended by SIFY and more than 300 issuers who went public between
1998 and 2000. The plaintiffs announced a proposed settlement between all parties, including the
Group and its former officers and directors. Any direct financial impact of the proposed settlement
is expected to be borne by the Companys insurers. On June 12, 2009, the Federal District Court
granted preliminary approval of the proposed settlement. On September 10, 2009, the Federal
District Court held the fairness hearing for final approval of the settlement. At the hearing it
was noted that out of the seven million people who were sent notices of the settlement, only 140
people objected. The objectors had five main arguments: (1) the class definition is overbroad and
does not exclude individuals who participated in the scheme; (2) the requested attorneys fees are
excessive; (3) the awards requested by the lead plaintiffs are excessive; (4) the settlement amount
is insufficient and thus the recovery to class members is too small; and (5) the notice is
insufficient, in part because it does not disclose the amounts requested by individual lead
plaintiffs. The Court did not rule on the motion for final approval at the hearing and did not
indicate when it planned to do so. The preliminarily approved settlement is subject to final
approval by the Federal District Court overseeing the IPO Litigation and, if final approval is
granted, it may potentially be subject to appellate review by United States Court of Appeals for
the Second Circuit. Any direct financial impact of the preliminary approved settlement is expected
to be borne by the Companys insurers. We believe that we have sufficient insurance coverage to
cover the maximum amount that we may be responsible for under the preliminary approved settlement
and believe that our maximum exposure under this settlement is approximately U.S.$ 338,983, an
amount which we believe is fully recoverable from the Groups insurer. If the settlement in an
outcome necessitating a larger award and our insurance does not cover such payment, it may affect
our results of operations.
Please see the section entitled Legal Proceedings in this annual report for more information
on the litigation.
Our financial results are impacted by the financial results of entities that we do not control
We have a significant, non-controlling minority interest in MF Global Sify Securities India
Private Limited (formerly known as Man Financial Sify Securities India Private Limited) that is
accounted for under IFRS using the equity method of accounting.
14
Under this method, we generally are
obligated to report as share of profit of equity accounted investee a pro rata portion of the net
income after tax of any such company in our statement of operations even though we do not control
the other company, subject to limitations in the case of losses that exceed our cost of investment.
Thus, our reported results of operations can be significantly
increased or decreased depending on the results of MF Global Sify Securities India Private
Limited or other companies in which we may make similar investments even though we may have only a
limited ability to influence these activities.
Our inter-city network is leased from other service providers and is dependent on their quality and
availability
We have provided inter-city connectivity for our wireless-based IP/VPN business through lease
arrangements rather than through capital investment in assets for connectivity business. Our
ability to offer high quality telecommunications services depends, to a large extent, on the
quality of the networks maintained by other operators, and their continued availability, neither of
which is under our control. However, the abundance of supply of inter-city connectivity provides
us with the ability of switching to companies offering better services. Although we always use
more than one service provider where required, there can be no assurance that this dependence on
external parties would not affect our network availability.
The legal system in India does not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the
legal system of the United States, and we may be unsuccessful in protecting our intellectual
property rights
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.
Our efforts to protect our intellectual property may not be adequate. We hold no patents, and
our competitors may independently develop similar technology or duplicate our services.
Unauthorized parties may infringe upon or misappropriate our services or proprietary information.
In addition, the laws of India do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as laws in the
United States, and the global nature of the Internet makes it difficult to control the ultimate
destination of our services. For example, the legal processes to protect service marks in India are
not as effective as those in place in the United States. The misappropriation or duplication of our
intellectual property could disrupt our ongoing business, distract our management and employees,
reduce our revenues and increase our expenses. In the future, litigation may be necessary 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.
We could be subject to intellectual property infringement claims as the number of our
competitors grows and the content and functionality of our websites or other service offerings
overlap with competitive offerings. Our defenses against these claims, even if not meritorious,
could be expensive and divert managements attention from operating our company. If we become
liable to third parties for infringing their intellectual property rights, we could be required to
pay a substantial damage award and forced to develop non-infringing technology, obtain a license or
cease selling the applications that contain the infringing technology. We may be unable to develop
non-infringing technology or obtain a license on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
Our current infrastructure and its scalability may not accommodate increased use while maintaining
acceptable overall performance.
Currently, only a relatively limited number of customers use our corporate network, our
Internet service provider services and our Internet portal. We must continue to add to our network
infrastructure to accommodate additional users, increasing transaction volumes and changing
customer requirements. We may not be able to project accurately the rate or timing of increases, if
any, in the use of our websites or upgrade our systems and infrastructure to accommodate such
increases. Our systems may not accommodate increased use while maintaining acceptable overall
performance. Service lapses could cause our users to use the online services of our competitors,
and numerous customer defections may adversely affect our results of operations.
We do not plan to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
We have not paid cash dividends to date because of the accumulated losses in the previous
years. We may not pay a cash dividend in the near future in anticipation of meeting the fund
requirements for facilitating future expansion plans of the company. Investors seeking cash
dividend should not purchase our ADS.
15
Risks Related to the ADSs and Our Trading Market
The interests of our significant shareholder, Infinity Capital Ventures, L.P.,USA (Infinity
Capital) may differ from your interests
We believe that Infinity Capital owns approximately 26.06 % of our outstanding equity capital
(post merger of Sify Communications Limited with Sify Technologies Limited). Mr. Raju Vegesna
controls Infinity Capital and serves as our Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. P.S. Raju
serves on our Board of Directors as a nominee of Infinity Capital. As a result, Infinity Capital
will be able to exercise significant influence over many matters requiring approval by our Board of
Directors and/or our shareholders, including the election of directors and approval of significant
corporate transactions, such as a sale of our Company. Under Indian law, a simple majority is
sufficient to control all shareholder action except for those items, which require approval by a
special resolution. If a special resolution is required, the number of votes cast in favor of the
resolution must not be less than three times the number of votes cast against it. Examples of
actions that require a special resolution include:
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altering our Articles of Association; |
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issuing additional shares of capital stock, except for pro rata issuances to existing
shareholders; |
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commencing any new line of business; and |
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commencing a liquidation. |
Circumstances may arise in which the interests of Infinity Capital, or a subsequent purchaser
of the shares owned by Infinity Capital, could conflict with the interests of our other
shareholders or holders of our ADSs. Infinity Capital could delay or prevent a change of control of
our company even if a transaction of that sort would be beneficial to our other shareholders,
including the holders of our ADSs.
An investor in our ADSs may not be able to exercise preemptive rights for additional shares and may
thereby suffer dilution of such investors equity interest in us
Under the Companies Act, 1956, or 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 of 1933, as amended, or the Securities
Act, is effective with respect to such rights or an exemption from the registration requirements of
the Securities Act is available. 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 Depository will mail to holders of our ADSs any notice of shareholders
meeting received from us together with information explaining how to instruct the Depository to
exercise the voting rights of the securities represented by ADSs. If the Depository receives
voting instructions from a holder of our ADSs in time , relating to matters that have been
forwarded to such holder, it will endeavor to vote the securities represented by such holders
ADSs in accordance with such voting instructions. However, the ability of the Depository 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 the holders of our ADSs will receive voting materials
in time to enable such holders to return voting instructions to the Depository . Securities for
which no voting instructions have been received will not be eligible to vote.
Under Indian law, subject to the presence in person at a shareholder meeting of persons
holding equity shares representing a quorum, all resolutions proposed to be approved at that
meeting are voted on by a show of hands unless a shareholder present in person and holding at least
10% of the total voting power or on which an aggregate sum of not less than Rs.50,000 has been
paid-up, at the meeting demands that a poll be taken. Equity shares not represented in person at
the meeting, including equity shares underlying ADSs for which a holder has provided voting
instructions to the Depository , are not counted in a vote by show of hands. As a result, only in
the event that a shareholder present at the meeting demands that a poll be taken will the votes of
ADS
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holders be counted. Securities for which no voting instructions have been received will not be
voted on a poll. Accordingly, you may not be able to participate in all offerings, transactions or
votes that are made available to holders of our equity shares.
As a foreign private issuer, we are not subject to the SECs proxy rules, which regulate the
form and content of solicitations by United States-based issuers of proxies from their
shareholders. To date, our practice has been to provide advance notice to our ADS holders of all
shareholder meetings and to solicit their vote on such matters through the Depository, and we
expect to continue this practice. The form of notice and proxy statement that we have been using
does not include all of the information that would be provided under the SECs proxy rules.
The market price of our ADSs has been and may continue to be highly volatile.
The market price of our ADSs has fluctuated widely and may continue to do so. Many factors
could cause the market price of our ADSs to rise and fall. Some of these factors include:
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perception of the level of political and economic stability in India; |
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actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results; |
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announcement of technological innovations; |
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conditions or trends in the corporate network/data services, Internet and electronic
commerce industries; |
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the competitive and pricing environment for corporate network/data services and Internet
access services in India and the related cost and availability of bandwidth; |
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the perceived attractiveness of investment in Indian companies; |
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acquisitions and alliances by us or others in the industry; |
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changes in estimates of our performance or recommendations by financial analysts; |
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market conditions in the industry and the economy as a whole; |
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introduction of new services by us or our competitors; |
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changes in the market valuations of other Internet service companies; |
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announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions, strategic
partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments; |
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our failure to integrate successfully our operations with those of any acquired
companies; |
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additions or departures of key personnel; and |
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other events or factors, many of which are beyond our control. |
The financial markets in the United States and other countries have experienced significant
price and volume fluctuations, and the market prices of technology companies, particularly
Internet-related companies, have been and continue to be extremely volatile with negative sentiment
prevailing. Volatility in the price of our ADSs may be caused by factors outside of our control and
may be unrelated or disproportionate to our operating results. In the past, following periods of
volatility in the market price of a public companys securities, securities class action litigation
has often been instituted against that company. Such litigation could result in substantial costs
and a diversion of our managements attention and resources.
We may not be able to maintain our Nasdaq Global Select Market listing.
Our shares traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market below $1.00 share for 40 trading days out
of which 34 days consecutively during the period from January 28, 2009 to March 31, 2009. As of
September 21, 2009, our shares were trading at $ 2.24 and had traded in excess of $1.00 for 120
days since April 1, 2009.
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Failure to comply with the Nasdaq minimum bid price requirement, or any other listing standard
applicable to issuers listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, subject to any exemptions or
waivers granted by Nasdaq, would result in our common stock being ineligible for quotation on the
Nasdaq Global Select Market. Nasdaq implemented a suspension of the minimum bid price rule
until July 31, 2009. Our shares have traded over $1.00 since April 1, 2009; however, we cannot
assure you that our trading price will exceed the minimum bid price requirements.
An active or liquid market for the ADSs is not assured
We cannot predict that an active, liquid public trading market for our ADSs will continue to
exist. Although ADS holders are entitled to withdraw the equity shares underlying the ADSs from the
Depository at any time, there is no public market for our equity shares in India or the United
States. The loss of liquidity could increase the price volatility of our ADSs.
The future sales of securities by our company or existing shareholders may reduce the price of our
ADSs
Any significant sales of our equity shares or ADSs or a perception that such sales may occur
might reduce the price of our ADSs and make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in
the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate. We may issue additional equity shares
to raise capital and to fund acquisitions and investments, and the parties to any such future
transactions could also decide to sell them.
The current capital and credit market conditions may adversely affect our access to capital, the
cost of capital, and ability to execute our business plan
Access to capital markets is critical to our ability to operate. Declines and uncertainties
in the global capital markets over the past year have severely restricted raising new capital and
have affected companies ability to continue to expand or fund new projects. If these economic
conditions continue or become worse, our future cost of equity or debt capital and access to the
capital markets could be adversely affected. In addition, an inability to access the capital
markets on favorable terms due to our low stock price, or upon our delisting from the Nasdaq Global
Select Market if we fail to satisfy a listing requirement, could affect our ability to execute our
business plan as scheduled.
Risks Related to Investments in Indian Companies
We are incorporated in India, and a significant majority of our assets and employees are
located in India. Consequently, our financial performance and the market price of our ADSs will be
affected by changes in exchange rates , interest rates, Government of India policies, including
taxation policies, as well as political, social and economic developments affecting India.
Changes in the policies of the Government of India could delay the further liberalization of the
Indian economy and adversely affect economic conditions in India generally, which could impact our
business 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
Central and State governments in the Indian economy as producers, consumers and regulators has
remained significant. The new government of India, formed in May 2009, has to spell out their
policies with regard to continuation of economic liberalization pursued by previous governments
and/or further economic reforms. The rate of economic liberalization could change, and specific
laws and policies affecting technology and Telecom Companies, foreign investment, exchange rate
regime 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.
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 months, Pakistan has been
experiencing significant instability and this has heightened the risks of conflict in South Asia.
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
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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 the market for our services.
Terrorist attacks or a war could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial
condition
Terrorist attacks, such as the attacks of July 25, 2008 in Bangalore, the attacks of November
26 to 29, 2008 in Mumbai and other acts of violence have the potential to affect us or our clients.
In addition, such attacks may destabilize the economic and political situation in India.
Furthermore, such attacks could cause a disruption in the delivery of our services to our clients,
and could have a negative impact on our business, personnel, assets and results of operations, and
could cause our clients or potential clients to choose other vendors for the services we provide.
Terrorist threats, attacks or war could make travel more difficult, may disrupt our ability to
provide services to our clients and could delay, postpone or cancel our clients decisions to use
our services.
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, in the event of a
natural disaster, 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. However, we have reasonable insurance coverage for
the loss or damage of the properties and business interruption.
We are subject to foreign investment restrictions under Indian law that limit our ability to
attract foreign investors which, together with the lack of a public market for our equity shares,
may adversely impact the value of our ADSs
Currently, there is no public trading market for our equity shares in India or elsewhere nor
can we assure you that we will take steps to develop one. Our equity securities are only traded on
Nasdaq through the ADSs as described in this report. Under prior Indian laws and regulations, our
Depository could not accept deposits of outstanding equity shares and issue ADRs evidencing ADSs
representing such equity shares without prior approval of the Government of India. The Reserve Bank
of India has announced fungibility regulations permitting, under limited circumstances, the
conversion of ADSs to equity shares and the reconversion of equity shares to ADSs provided that the
actual number of ADSs outstanding after such reconversion is not greater than the original number
of ADSs outstanding. If you elect to surrender your ADSs and receive equity shares, you will not be
able to trade those equity shares on any securities market and, under present law, likely will not
be permitted to reconvert those equity shares to ADSs.
If in the future a market for our equity shares is established in India or another market
outside of the United States, those shares may trade at a discount or premium to the ADSs. Under
current Indian regulations and practice, the approval of the Reserve Bank of India is not required
for the sale of equity shares underlying ADSs by a non-resident India to a resident India as well
as for renunciation of rights to a resident of India, unless the sale of equity shares underlying
the ADSs is through a recognized stock exchange or in connection with the offer made under the
regulations regarding takeovers. Since exchange controls still exist in India, the Reserve Bank of
India will approve the price at which the equity shares are transferred based on a specified
formula, and a higher price per share may not be permitted. Holders who seek to convert the rupee
proceeds from a sale of equity shares in India into foreign currency and repatriate that foreign
currency from India will have to obtain Reserve Bank of India approval for each transaction. We
cannot assure you that any required approval from the Reserve Bank of India or any other government
agency can be obtained.
The Government of India may change its regulation of our business or the terms of our license to
provide Internet access services, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and VPN services without our
consent, and any such change could decrease our revenues and/or increase our costs, which would
adversely affect our operating results.
Our business is highly regulated as per extant telecom policy of the Government of India. Our
ISP license issued in the year 1998 runs for a term of 15 years. If we are unable to renew the ISP
license for any reason, we will not be able to carry on the said business beyond license term,
which may adversely affect our business or results of operations.
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The GOI has right to revoke, terminate or suspend or take over entire operations for reasons
such as national security or similar reasons without compensation to us. In view of increasing
cyber threats and attacks, the GOI may require telecom licensees (including ISPs) at their costs to
provide monitoring facility across its network, and facilities for capture and retention of data in
terms of traffic flow, usage details, etc. This would result in significant increase in costs and
possible lesser usage due to perceived invasion of privacy by customers.
Certain government departments have been making queries whether use of Session Initiation
Protocol, or SIP, terminal to make calls to phones abroad is permissible within ISP license. We
believe that such overseas phone calls are permitted, since, SIP terminal is a computer as
defined in Information Technology Act, 2000. We may have to make a significant investment as
capital outlay in SIP terminals to make it a PC-equivalent, if the government authorities issue
regulations governing SIP usage contrary to our beliefs, which would have a material effect on our
results of operations.
In the event that the Government of India or the government of another country changes its tax
policies in a manner that is adverse to us, our tax expense may materially increase, reducing our
profitability.
The statutory corporate income tax rate in India was 30% during fiscal 2009 and was subject to
a 10% surcharge ,2% education cess and 1% secondary and higher education cess, resulting in an
effective tax rate of 33.99%. For fiscal year 2010, the statutory corporate income tax rate is
still 30% and subject to a 10% surcharge and 2% education cess and 1% secondary and higher
education cess resulting in an effective tax rate of 33.99%. We cannot assure you that the
surcharge will be in effect for a limited period of time or that additional surcharges will not be
implemented by the Government of India. Although currently there are no material pending or
threatened claims against us for taxes, such claims may be asserted against us in the future.
Defending these claims would be expensive, time consuming and may divert our managements attention
and resources from operating our company
Risks Related to the Internet Market in India
Our success will depend in large part on the increased use of the Internet by consumers and
businesses in India. However, our ability to exploit the Internet service provider and other data
service markets in India is inhibited by a number of factors. If Indias limited Internet usage
does not grow substantially, our business may not succeed.
The success of our business depends on the acceptance of the Internet in India, which may be slowed
or halted by high bandwidth costs and other technical obstacles in India.
Bandwidth, the measurement of the volume of data capable of being transported in a
communications system in a given amount of time, remains very expensive in India, especially when
compared to many countries where bandwidth penetration is quite high. Although prices for
international and domestic leased lines were substantially reduced recently, they are still high
due to, among other things, capacity constraints and lack of competition. If the cost of
bandwidth is not further reduced, or increases significantly, our business and results of
operations will be adversely affected.
We may fail to exploit the market for WiMax services because of lack of access to spectrum
The ability to provide fast and easy connectivity across cities will be a competitive
advantage in future as more companies look to provide connectivity to their offices. Wimax, or
wireless digital communications, therefore gains significance for ubiquitous connectivity in
cities, which will enable fast and easy connectivity in the last mile to the service providers
network. However, we are currently not able to participate in the spectrum auction for Wimax given
the high prices.
The Department of Telecommunications or DoT, has issued guidelines for auction and allocation of
spectrum for BWA(Broadband Wireless Access) services. The stated Guidelines seek to license only
four operators for BWA services per circle, creating monoliths that will dominate the entire BWA
market and will limit the competition and competitive advantage for the consumer. We will not be in
a position to bid or participate in the auction by paying the expectedly huge spectrum cost. (as
per 25% of the base price of 3G).This could put us at a disadvantage in future compared to other
service providers from the telecom sector who are able to obtain spectrum for Broadband Wireless
Access (BWA) services
We may be compelled to surrender the Spectrum that we now utilise for our operations
The Government of India has asked the Company to surrender 2.3GHz range of spectrum licensed
to us. The other range of spectrum 5.7 GHz is also close to capacity utilization and will need to
be augmented in future. Enterprise connectivity will need
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licensed bands of spectrum for assured
quality and security, so the non-availability of spectrum is a risk going forwards. In the event of
the surrender of the spectrum 2.3 GHz, we may lose some of our Enterprise clients.
Our connectivity business may stagnate with a declining contribution
In the connectivity business, as the volume scales, the unit price is continually reduced.
Every year when annual contracts come up for review, customers contract more bandwidth or more
links at a lower overall unit price. This is offset somewhat by
lower bandwidth costs which we negotiate with our service providers. This impacts us in two
ways: one, despite an increase in volumes, we do not see a commensurate rise in revenues; and two,
margins in this business are continually shrinking. Therefore, our revenue from connectivity
business may stagnate with declining contribution.
We may not be able to retain and acquire customers for our data centers
In the field of Internet data center services, competition from data center operators may
attract customers away from us or make it more difficult for us to attract new customers. Other
companies in the data center business such as Reliance ,IBM and AT&T may become strong competitors
of ours, and if they are successful in the market, it could be difficult for us to retain and/or
bring in customers. Furthermore, once they leave us and choose another service provider, it may be
difficult for us to reacquire them in future
In order to improve our competitiveness, we are developing data centers at NOIDA- Delhi. If we
are unable to attract adequate customers to these centers, we will not be able to achieve the
revenues initially anticipated, which could have an adverse effect on our future results of
operations and financial condition.
We may lose relevance and revenues if we do not position our business models in line with current
and future technology trends
Technology trends allow new business models that could replace current lines of business
unless we are aware of them and positioning ourselves to take advantage of the transition. Two
examples are Software as a Service and Cloud Computing. The former enables smaller companies to use
software from a service provider on a subscription basis rather than having to buy it for
themselves effectively moving this from a capital expenditure item to become an operating
expenditure. The second enables hosting on a widely distributed and shared model, which will
exclude the need for companies to contract data centre services. Unless we are able to adopt and
deploy these advances in technology and infrastructure, we may lose our competitive position in the
marketplace, which would adversely affect our revenues and may lead to increased customer
attrition, as our customers switch to providers that utilize such information technology
infrastructure.
We may fail to augment our skills and capability to best manage our services over Internet Protocol
and data networks
We have been able to build a reputation and maintain our lead because of our expertise and
capability with the delivery and management of services over Internet Protocol and data networks.
As the competition builds up their capability and experience, if we do not augment our skills and
capabilities to keep our qualitative lead over them, we are at the risk of losing market share.
Especially as infrastructure such as networks are a commodity today, and the only differential that
we offer is our ability to manage and monitor services over them in a superior manner.
It may not be possible for us to retain our brand equity if we do not resort to huge investments
for brand development
Our competitors offering similar services are all large telecom companies who make substantial
investments in building their brand image across their services. Sify, on the other hand, is a
company focused on IT infrastructure services over data telecom networks and as such enjoys the
reputation of a specialist in these services. However, if we do not build up awareness as well as
our brand and reputation over time, the sheer weight of investments in brand development by the
Telcos will dilute our brand equity.
We may not meet the selection criteria set for high value contracts by the Governments
As we participate in bidding for large Government of India contracts, as well as business from
large corporations, we increasingly come under scrutiny for the net assets value of our balance
sheet as well as lack of profitability. Unless we increase capacity quickly and become profitable,
we could be excluded from major government projects as not meeting their selection criteria.
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The success of our business depends on the development of our capability
As we offer our enterprise application services to an increasing base of large corporations,
we run the risk of not being able to meet their needs for scaling and sophistication in future if
we do not build the capacity to develop applications software to meet with future needs. We may not
have adequate resources to develop our capability as a result of emerging sophistication required
for such services.
We may fail to offer end-to-end managed services to sustain our position
We believe that we are very well positioned in terms of the range of services we offer versus
our competition across connectivity, hosting, security, applications, voice services and
infrastructure management. Most of the telcos offer primarily connectivity and hosting currently.
However, the market is evolving towards service providers who offer end-to-end managed services
that include managing everything down to desktops. If we are to continue to lead the market, we
need to extend our library of services to ensure that our portfolio of services helps graduate the
market to managed services where we can maintain leadership. It may be difficult for us to offer
end-to-end managed services to sustain our leadership in managed services without significant
expenditures which would adversely affect our results of operations.
We may not get repeat corporate orders to optimize the capacity utilisation
As we expand the network to small cities and towns, there is an operational cost involved in
both the establishment and operation of these nodes. While the expansion is facilitated by a
corporate order, we have to subsequently get additional business for capacity utilization in these
nodes to make them profitable. If we are not able to do this rapidly by scaling up the business
through these towns, we run the risk of overcapacity on the network in new areas, which results in
a higher cost structure and margins.
Absence of policy support will hamper Internet and Data Services
We have, and continue to be, subject to Indian regulations regarding the VPN license
requirements, including the percentage of foreign holdings to offer VPN services as well the need
for NLD/ILD licenses to offer VPN services and carrier voice services. The growth and development
data and internet sector is dependent on a policy support of Department of Telecommunications
Regulatory changes, as well the as continuing lack of policy initiatives to vitalize the data and
Internet sector continue to be a risk in future.
We can not influence enabling policies that facilitate the growth and development of data and
Internet connectivity in India . The absence of policy support for internet and data services may
hamper the growth of such services in future.
Constant improvement of technology standards/ skills and evolving tools & applications are
essential to sustain our position in Remote management of IT infrastructure
We are relatively unknown outside India, and in comparison to other established IT players
which have a large base of customers. If we are not able to constantly upgrade our technology
standards and skills, and if we are unable to scale for critical mass in the near term, we would
still be at the risk of being at a disadvantage.
Management of IT infrastructure is dependent on sophisticated tools and applications to
remotely monitor the IT infrastructure and assets of customers. If we are unable to retain our
competitive advantages in terms of the evolving tools & applications, or the maturity of our
processes, we will be at the risk of performing at a lower level to the competition.
The continued recession in the United States affects sales of our eLearning services
The continued economic recession and uncertainty in the United States may cause reduced demand
for our eLearning products, as our customers may reduce their training budgets and programming.
Additionally, we may not be able to acquire new customers due to the poor economy. A prolonged
period of reduced customer demand for our eLearning services may adversely affect our business and
results of operations.
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Emergence of Enterprise Software Suites may hamper our growth in eLearning stream
The emergence of competitors such as Oracle, IBM, SAP, SumTotal and SABA offering enterprise
software suites for eLearning for large organizations to develop their own learning programs could
be a threat to our business in future. We may lose our business to our competitors, and if we are
unable to acquire new customers or retain our existing customers, our revenues and results of
operations may suffer.
The success of our strategy depends on our ability to keep pace with technological changes
Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to use leading technologies effectively,
to continue to develop our technical expertise, to enhance our existing services and to develop or
otherwise acquire new services that meet changing customer
requirements. The markets for our service are characterized by rapidly changing technology,
evolving industry standards, emerging competition and frequent introduction of new services. We
may not successfully identify new opportunities, develop and bring new services to market in a
timely manner.
We may not be able to grow our business if online advertising in our markets does not expand
Our business strategy depends on the anticipated growth of online advertising in our markets
and the growth of our revenues depends on increased revenues generated by online advertising.
Online advertising is an evolving business and our ability to generate advertising revenues will
(among others) depend on:
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our ability to attract and retain advertisers at profitable rates in light of
intense competition; |
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our ability to generate and continue to grow a large community of users with
demographics attractive to advertisers; |
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advertisers acceptance of the Internet as an effective and sustainable medium; |
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the effectiveness of our advertising delivery, tracking and reporting systems; and |
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our ability to adapt, including technologically, to new forms of Internet
advertising |
Different pricing models are used to sell online advertising, and it is difficult to predict
which, if any, of the models will emerge as the industry standard. This makes it difficult to
project our future advertising rates and revenues. A reduction in traffic on our website may cause
new advertisers not to enter into contracts with us and could cause existing advertisers not to
renew their contractual arrangements with us, each of which, in turn, would reduce our potential
advertising revenues. Additionally, any development of Internet software that blocks advertisements
before they appear on a users screen may hinder the growth of online advertising and could
materially and adversely affect our ability to grow our online advertising revenues and our
business. Also, a slowdown in economic growth, and in particular a slowdown in the growth of
companies that advertise on the Internet, may result in a reduction in our advertising revenues.
Our contracts with advertising customers do not commit them to continue to provide us with a
specific volume of business and can typically be terminated by them with or without cause, with
little or no advance notice and without penalty. Additionally, our contracts with advertising
customers are usually limited to a specific project and/or for a specific time period and not any
future work. There are also a number of factors, other than our performance, which are not within
our control, that could cause the loss of advertising customers. Early termination of material
contracts or non-renewal of an expired material contract could have a material adverse effect on
our business and our future financial performance
Adequate user database is necessary to make our advertising business profitable
In order to increase advertising revenues, we need to continue to increase the number of
users of our sports, recipes and entertainment video contents through our websites. If we are
not able to attract and keep new users in a constantly evolving user base, we are likely to lose
page views, and advertisers may reduce or cease publishing advertisements in our websites. It is
important for us to provide necessary contents through our websites to attract more users. As a
result of increased competition, it will be difficult for us to attract new users if we do not
provide dynamic content to attract website visitors and attract new advertisers. If we are unable
to increase our website views and advertising revenues, our results of operations will be affected.
The viability of Cyber café services depends on the success of the franchisees to generate or
sustain adequate profitability
The cyber café chain is a franchised model whose success depends on the success of the
franchisees. In the last two years, operating costs have increased steeply, particularly rent for
retail premises, eroding the margins of franchisees and making the business unattractive. We may be
unable to modify or develop a business model that will provide additional revenues from these
cafés to ensure continued profitability of the cyber cafes.
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Our cybercafés may not fetch premium prices due to competition from unorganized sector
Users view cyber cafés for Internet access as an utility, and are unwilling to pay for a
premium service. Most of the competition is from the unorganized sector with low rates that have
become the industry norm. Our premium pricing of products/services offered through cybercafés is
viewed as being more expensive while some users acknowledge our superior services .Users therefore
come to our cafes for unique products/services and routinely use other cafes for ordinary
products/services. In view of the penetration pricing prevailing in the market, we may lose revenue
from cybercafés and our profitability will be impacted.
Heightened security concerns for cybercafés issued by the governments will discourage franchisees
to operate such cybercafés
The governments rules & regulations for operating cyber cafes have become more and more
stringent in the face of rising terrorism and the use of emails to threaten key government
officials and others. In addition, state level regulations differ in levels of compliance required
of both the café operator and users. This is discouraging franchisees from entering the business
and users for the risk of being harassed for using such facilities. This may lead to a decrease of
cybercafés and may impact our revenues and result of operations
The expected growth for broadband services to retail segment may come down
As the economy slows down and the consumer confidence erodes, the sale of PCs has dropped
significantly during the period under review. We believe that a reduction in consumer confidence
and the sale of consumer goods is likely to result in a drop in demand for broadband services until
the cycle is reversed, as consumers delay or reduce their discretionary spending and personal
computer usage. If this trend continues, reduced broadband usage may impact our revenue and result
of operations.
Our pricing for broadband services to retail segment may not be competitive
Service providers such as BSNL are frequently reducing rates so the Average Revenue Per User
(ARPU) is constantly coming down .We have to continually respond with promotions and value added
services to compete with such service providers. If we are unable to compete on pricing terms with
our competitors, we may lose customers and fail to attract new customers, which may adversely
impact our revenue and results of operations.
We may lose our broadband services to retail segment to competitors
Our broadband business depends upon Cable Television Operators (CTOs) for delivery of
services. This has proved difficult, leaving large areas uncovered and open to the competition
representing a significant opportunity loss. In future, as competitors roll out Wimax services,
they will have ubiquitous connectivity and will be able to offer broadband services everywhere
without constraints. This will severely curb our ability to compete.
The future of broadband services to home may revolve around Wimax wireless capability. Since
Wimax capability is to be brought under 3G spectrum in the near future, we may not be able to
afford the same unlike other big players in the Industry . Hence, we are likely to be at a
disadvantage. This may result in loss of business to competitors.
We do not have any control over service delivery of Broadband Services to Home
Our service delivery is dependent on the Cable Television Operator( CTO) for the last mile
over which we do not have direct control, so a customers direct service experience is only as good
as the quality of the CTOs last mile connectivity, and the level of interest it takes in servicing
customers. Our brands perception therefore, is directly impacted by an external party over whom we
have little or no control in the matter of service delivery, and our customers may attribute usage
problems to us rather than their CTOs.
The limited installed personal computer base in India limits our pool of potential customers and
restricts the amount of revenues that our Internet access services division may generate
The market penetration rates of personal computers and online access in India are far lower
than such rates in the United States. Alternate methods of obtaining access to the Internet, such
as satellite internet and wireless internet are steadily becoming popular in metro centers and
slowly replacing the wireline internet. There can be no assurance that the number or penetration
rate of personal computers in India will increase rapidly. This may impact our ability to increase
our revenue and may affect our results of operations.
24
The high cost of accessing the Internet in India limits our pool of potential customers and
restricts the amount of revenues that our Internet access services division might generate
The growth of our consumer services is limited by the cost to Indian consumers of obtaining
the hardware, software and communications links necessary to connect to the Internet in India. If
the costs required to access the Internet do not significantly decrease, most of Indias population
will not be able to afford to use our services. Any long term absence of affordability to access
internet at reasonable cost may adversely affect our business and results of operations.
The success of our business depends on the acceptance and growth of electronic commerce in India,
which is uncertain, and, to a large extent, beyond our control
Many of our existing and proposed services are designed to facilitate electronic commerce in
India. The e-commerce in India is at a very early stage as compared to western world. The market
potential for e-commerce is yet to be exploited. Demand and market acceptance for these services by
businesses and consumers, therefore, are still remain uncertain. Many Indian businesses have
deferred purchasing Internet access and deploying electronic commerce initiatives for the following
reasons:
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inconsistent quality of service; |
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the need to deal with multiple and frequently incompatible vendors; |
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inadequate legal infrastructure relating to electronic commerce in India; |
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a lack of security of commercial data, such as credit card numbers; and |
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very few Indian companies accepting credit card numbers over the Internet. |
If usage of the Internet in India does not increase substantially and the legal infrastructure and
network infrastructure in India are not developed further, we may not realize any benefits from our
investment in the development of electronic commerce services.
Risks Related to the Internet
We are now subject to quality of service (QOS) guidelines issued by TRAI. Failure to comply with
one or more guidelines may expose us into fines/penalties
TRAI has issued the following guidelines to the ISPs for improving the quality of service:
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All Internet service providers shall provide adequate information to subscribers
regarding Internet/broadband services being offered and marketed by them. |
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All Internet service providers shall provide information regarding contention ratios
or the number of users competing for the same bandwidth, adopted by them to provide
Internet/broadband service in their tariff plans submitted to TRAI, manual of practice,
call centers and on their websites |
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All Internet service providers shall quarterly publish contention ratio for
different Internet/broadband services on their website to facilitate subscribers to
take informed decision. |
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All Internet service providers must use the contention ratios better than specified
ratios for different services to ensure sufficient bandwidth for providing good
quality of service to their subscribers |
Fixing up a contention ratio, may put standalone ISPs, like ours, at a serious disadvantage as
cost of delivery of Internet bandwidth may increase. Telecom companies offering similar internet
services are tempted to offer significantly lower prices and incentives as they own the last mile
and at the same time by bundling telephony along with Internet enhance their otherwise idle last
mile. Under such circumstances, it will be very difficult for ISPs to compete with big telcos which
can offer broadband services by cross subsidising with voice/other services.
In the event of our failure to comply with one or more of the above guidelines, we may expose
ourselves to fines/penalties
25
We may be liable to third parties for information retrieved from the Internet
We could become liable if confidential information is disclosed inappropriately on or through
our websites. Others could also sue us for the content and services that are accessible from our
websites through links to other websites or through content and materials that may be posted by our
users in chat rooms or bulletin boards. The laws in India relating to the liability of companies
which provide Internet services, like ours, for activities of their users, are still relatively
unclear. Investigating and defending these claims is expensive, even if they do not result in
liability However, we have an insurance cover to protect us against some of these claims as per our
Professional Indemnity Policy. Further, our business is based on establishing our network as a
trustworthy and dependable provider of information and services and allegations of impropriety,
even if unfounded, could damage our reputation, disrupt our ongoing business, distract our
management and employees, reduce our revenues and increase our expenses.
Our business may not be compatible with delivery methods of Internet access services developed in
the future
We face the risk that fundamental changes may occur in the delivery of Internet access
services. Currently, Internet services are accessed primarily by computers and are delivered by
modems using telephone lines. As the Internet is becoming accessible by cellular telephones,
personal data assistants, television set-top boxes and other consumer electronic devices, and
becomes deliverable through other means involving digital subscriber lines, coaxial cable or
wireless transmission mediums, we will have to develop new technology or modify our existing
technology to accommodate these developments. Our pursuit of these technological advances, whether
directly through internal development or by third-party license, may require substantial time and
expense. We may be unable to adapt our Internet service business to alternate delivery means and
new technologies may not be available to us at all. We provide wireless connectivity on the 5.7 GHz
spectrum allotted to us by the Wireless Planning Commission. The spectrum allocation may be
inconsistent with industry standards. The current capacity may be insufficient to offer a breadth
of services. The Government may issue instructions to release the spectrum that we hold. High cost
of spectrum acquisition may be inconsistent with our revenue and cost models. We may not keep up
with the pace of change that takes place in wireless technologies. The launch of DTH (Direct to
Home) relay by service providers such as Tata Teleservices, Reliance, Dishnet and Sun TV may weaken
the presence of Cable TV Operators (CTOs) in providing connectivity to homes through cables. Due
to such competition, we may lose business from the CTOs for providing internet services through
cables.
Our service offerings may not be compatible with industry standards developed in the future
Our ability to compete successfully depends upon the continued compatibility and
inter-operability of our services with products and architectures offered by various vendors.
Although we intend to support emerging standards in the market for Internet access, industry
standards may not be established and, if they become established, we may not be able to conform to
these new standards in a timely fashion or maintain a competitive position in the market. The
announcement or introduction of new services by us or our competitors and any change in industry
standards could cause customers to deter or cancel purchases of existing services.
26
Item 4. Information on the Company
History and Development
We were incorporated on December 12, 1995 in Tamil Nadu, India as Satyam Infoway Limited ,a
private limited company under the Indian Companies Act,1956 to develop and offer connectivity-based
corporate services in India . Until December 2002, we were a majority-owned subsidiary of Satyam
Computer Services, an Indian information technology services company traded on the New York Stock
Exchange and the principal Indian stock exchanges. We changed our name from Satyam Infoway Limited
to Sify Limited in January 2003 and from Sify Limited to Sify Technology Limited in October 2007.
We completed our initial public offering of ADSs in the United States in October 1999. We listed
our ADS in Nasdaq market on October 19,1999. In February 2000, we completed our secondary offerings
of ADS in the United States.
Sify International Inc. and Sify Networks Private Limited are our wholly owned and controlled
subsidiaries.
The address of our principal executive office is Tidel Park, 2nd Floor, No. 4, Rajiv Gandhi
Salai, Taramani, Chennai 600113 India, and our telephone number is 91-44-2254-0770. Our Agent for
Investors Relations in the United States is Graling Global ,phone +1-646-284-9400 .Our website
address is sifycorp.com and the information contained in our website does not constitute a part of
this Annual Report.
From December 1995 through 1997, we focused on the development and testing of our private data
network. In 1997, we began forming strategic partnerships with a number of leading technology and
electronic commerce companies, including UUNet Technologies, in order to broaden our service
offerings to our corporate customers. In March 1998, we obtained network certification for
conformity with Indian and international network operating standards from the Technical Evaluation
Committee of India. In April 1998, we began offering private network services to businesses in
India. Our initial services included electronic data interchange, e-mail and other messaging
services, virtual private networks and related customer support.
We started development of www.sify.com, our online portal, and other related content sites for
news, travel, finance , health and shopping with the goal of offering a comprehensive suite of
websites offering content specifically tailored to Indian interests worldwide.
On November 6, 1998, the Indian government opened the Internet service provider (ISP) market
to private participation. Capitalizing on our existing private data network, we launched our
Internet service provider business, SifyOnline (formerly known as SatyamOnline), on November 22,
1998 and became the first private national Internet service provider in India. We began offering
SifyOnline Internet access and related services to Indias consumer market as a complement to the
network services offered to our business customers. Our SifyOnline service was the first in India
to offer ready-to-use CD-ROMs enabling online registration and immediate usage.
In March 2000, we launched our network of public Internet cafés called iways to cater to the
needs of Indians who do not have access to the Internet. In September 2000, we commenced our
hosting services from our Tier-I data center at Vashi, Mumbai to provide co-location and managed
services to our clients. In June 2001, we obtained permission to provide wireless connectivity on
the 5.7 GHz spectrum from the Wireless Planning Commission. This enabled us to convert all our
iways from Integrated Services Digital Network, or ISDN, connectivity on the last mile to wireless
connectivity. This technology also enabled us to commence our high-speed/broadband access to homes,
which began in March 2003. To enable quicker access to homes, we developed a model of partnering
with Cable Television Operators, or CTOs, who already interface with households for providing cable
television facilities to millions of households in India.
In April 2002, ISPs were permitted to provide restricted VoIP limited to outbound calls to
International destinations and personal computer to personal computer calls in India. We started
providing this service through our network of cybercafés, and later on through VoIP booths located
in large commercial areas and corporate office complexes across major cities in India.
From the time we launched our corporate services in 1997, we have continually upgraded our
technology to provide data services to corporate clients. We were the first Internet service
provider in India to make our entire network IP-based and subsequently Multi Protocol Label
Switching (MPLS)-enabled, which permitted us to continue to grow our corporate customer base. As of
March 31, 2009, we provide data connectivity services to more than 2,380 corporate clients in
industries ranging from information technology, manufacturing, banking and financial services
industry, pharmaceuticals, retail distribution and the government.
27
Initial Public Offering and Subsequent Financing Transactions
In October 1999, we completed our initial public offering on the Nasdaq National Market and
issued 4,801,250 ADSs at a price of $18.00 per ADS. We received proceeds of approximately $79.2
million, net of underwriting discounts, commissions and other offering costs. In connection with
our initial public offering, we received the benefit of exemptions from the Nasdaq corporate
governance rules relating to shareholder meeting quorum, solicitation of proxies and shareholder
approval for issue of shares other than in a public offering under Nasdaq Rules 4350(f), 4350(g)
and 4350(i)(1)(D), respectively. We will continue to avail of the exemptions from the Nasdaq
corporate governance rules.
In February 2000, we completed a secondary offering and issued 467,175 ADSs at a price of
$320.00 per ADS. We received proceeds of approximately $141.2 million, net of underwriting
discounts, commissions and other costs.
In October 2002, we agreed to sell an aggregate of 7,558,140 ADSs to SAIF for consideration of
$13.0 million and to sell an aggregate of 2,034,883 equity shares to VentureTech for consideration
of $3.5 million. This transaction was approved by our shareholders at our Extraordinary General
Meeting held on December 9, 2002. In December 2002, we completed the sale of the ADSs to SAIF and
the sale of 2,034,883 equity shares to VentureTech. In April 2003, we sold an additional 1,017,442
equity shares to VentureTech. In July 2003, we sold an additional 1,017,441 ADSs to an affiliate of
Venture Tech.
On November 10, 2005, Infinity Capital Ventures, LP (Infinity Capital) acquired 11,182,600
ADS of our Company from Satyam Computer Services Limited (Satyam) for US $5.60 per share in cash
through a Sponsored ADR Programme arranged by the Company. The total purchase price for the Satyam
shares was approximately US $62.6 million.
In a separate transaction, also on November 10, 2005, Infinity Capital entered into a
Subscription Agreement with us pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth therein, Infinity Capital agreed to purchase from us approximately 6.7 million newly-issued
equity shares or ADSs at a purchase price of US $5.60 per share in cash. The total purchase price
for the newly issued shares was approximately US $ 37.5 million. This transaction was approved
by our shareholders at our Extraordinary General Meeting held on December 23, 2005. In January
2006, we completed the transaction. Also on November 10, 2005, Sify, Infinity Capital and Mr. Raju
Vegesna entered into a Standstill Agreement pursuant to which, upon the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth therein, Infinity Capital agreed not to purchase more than 45% of our fully
diluted equity. The Board of Directors waived the above clause in the standstill agreement passed
through a Board resolution dated January 22, 2008.
In connection with the transactions, Mr. Raju Vegesna of Infinity Capital was appointed as the
Chairman of our Board of Directors. We also appointed Mr. P. S. Raju as the second nominee of
Infinity Capital to our Board of Directors.
On March 24, 2008, the Company entered into a Subscription Agreement with Infinity Satcom
Universal Private Limited (Infinity Satcom Universal), a private limited company in India which is
controlled by Ananda Raju Vegesna and brother of Raju Vegesna,Chairman and Managing Director, for
issuance of 12,817,000 Equity Shares of the Company with face value of Rs.10/- per share at a
premium of Rs.165/-. It was approved by the Companys shareholders at the Extra ordinary General
Meeting held on March 17, 2008.
On March 24, 2008, the Company received a sum of Rs 112.14 million (comprising of Rs 12.81
towards face value and Rs 99.33 million towards securities premium / share premium) .Subsequently,
Infinity Satcom Universal communicated to the Company that they would focus their attention on the
business of Sify Communication Limited (erstwhile subsidiary) and hence shall not contribute the
balance money towards the subscription of 12,817,000 Equity Shares on call. On August 29, 2008,
the Board of Directors, forfeited the shares allotted and the application monies collected (Rs.
112.14 million including sums towards capital and premium).
Acquisition of Minority Interest in Subsidiary
In January 2008, the Board of Directors of Sify approved the merger of its subsidiary, Sify
Communications Limited with the Company. The Boards of each of Sify and Sify Comm determined that
a merger would produce cost savings efficiencies and, as a combined entity, benefit all
shareholders. The Board then submitted the proposed merger to the shareholders and to the High
Court of Madras for approval. In August 2008, while approval for the merger was pending, the
Indian government proposed new regulations regarding the delivery of internet services and was
expected to announce changes to the policy governing the spectrum for the delivery of wireless
data. The Board reviewed these regulatory changes and determined that it would be in the best
interest
28
of each company to remain as separate entities, as opposed to combining the entities as
contemplated by the proposed merger. The Company submitted a petition to the High Court of Madras
to withdraw the merger, and such petition was approved.
In October 2008, the Company again evaluated the feasibility of a merger between Sify and Sify
Comm and the Board of Directors of the Company at their meeting held on November 24, 2008 approved
the merger of Sify Comm with retrospective effect from April 1, 2008, subject to approval by the
Shareholders, the Honourable High Court and other statutory authorities. The Board considered the
deterioration of the Indian and global economy, and its effect on the Companys performance during
the first half of fiscal 2009 as well as the impact of a prolonged economic downturn on the Company
during the third and fourth 2009 fiscal quarters. The Board evaluated these issues and determined
that a combined entity would provide cost savings and increased cash flow, and strengthen the
Companys ability to borrow additional funds, if necessary. Accordingly, the Board of Sify
determined that the merger should again proceed and sought shareholder approval, and submitted the
merger to the High Court of Madras for approval. The Honourable High Court approved the merger on
26th June, 2009. In connection with such merger the Company has issued 10.53 million equity shares
to Infinity Satcom Universal Private Limited, a 26 % stake holder in the erstwhile Sify
Communications Limited prior to merger.
On July 15,2009, Infinity Satcom Universal Private Limited has acquired 4,000,000 shares of
the Company from Infinity Capital LP, USA in a private transaction. Post merger, Infinity Capital
now owns approximately 26.06% and Infinity Satcom Universal Private Limited owns 27.24% of
outstanding shares.
Principal Capital Expenditures
In fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007, we spent Rs.1,153.91 million, Rs.849.09 million and Rs.686.32
million respectively, on capital expenditures. As of March 31, 2009, we had contractual commitments
of approximately Rs.322.61 million for capital expenditure towards the acquisition of property,
plant and equipment. These commitments included approximately Rs.273.92 million in domestic
purchases and Rs.48.69 million in imports and overseas commitments for products and spares. All our
capital expenditures were financed out of cash generated from operations and the funds raised from
banks. During the year, the Company has entered into a contract with Emirates Integrated Telecom in
relation to construction and maintenance of Europe India Gateway which is towards carriage of
communication traffic in the future.
Investment Strategy
In evaluating investment opportunities, we consider important factors, such as strategic fit,
competitive advantage and financial benefit, through a formal net present value evaluation.
Sify Networks Private Limited (formerly E Alcatraz Consulting Private Limited)
In March 2004, we acquired E Alcatraz Consulting Private Limited, a company engaged in the
business of providing security services to corporate customers, for a consideration of Rs.32.7
million.
Globe Travels, USA.
In April 2006, we acquired Globe Travels, USA engaged in the business of selling online
airline tickets in the U.S. with a special focus on the U.S.-India sector along with its Indian
outfit for a consideration of USD $2.50 million, apart from 125,000 stock options and some
conditional earn out payments. We believe this acquisition marks Sifys entry into the online
travel business, particularly e-ticketing. We also believe that the addition of a travel portal is
in line with the Companys strategy of providing end-to-end services to Sify users. Consequent to
impairment testing for goodwill, the Company has recorded Rs. 15,200 impairment charge towards
goodwill. This is primarily on account of the decline in business travels due to the global
economic environment.
India World Communication Limited
India World Communications Limited filed an application with the Registrar of Companies, Tamil
Nadu in 2008 for the winding up of its business under section 560 of the Indian Companies
Act,1956. The Registrar had struck off its name from the register. Hence, the Company ceased to
exist from the date of order of the ROC.
29
Sify International Inc
Sify International Inc incorporated in the United States of America (US) is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Sify. The Company does not have any operations during the last three years.
Business Overview
We are one of the largest integrated Internet, network and electronic commerce services
companies in India, offering end-to-end solutions with a comprehensive range of services delivered
over a common Internet backbone infrastructure. Our services enable our business and consumer
customers to communicate, transmit and share information, access online content and conduct
business remotely using our private data network or the Internet. Our Internet and network
services include the following:
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Corporate Network/Data Services. We offer end-to-end network, application and security
services that provide our corporate customers with comprehensive Internet and private network
access. Our services enable our corporate customers to offer a full range of
business-to-business and electronic commerce related services. We provide NLD (National Long
Distance) and ILD (International Long Distance) services through our network. We carry voice
traffic, both national and international, using the IP back-bone and deliver voice traffic to
Direct Inter-connect Operators. We also provide managed infrastructure services and managed
security services in all aspects of infrastructure services, network security and hosting,
with digital certificates based authentication service and VPN solutions. We are the first and
only service provider in India to be ISO 9001:2000 certified in network operations ,data
center operations and customer relationship management. |
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Internet Access Services. We offer dial-up Internet access, e-mail and web page hosting to
consumers in India through convenient online registration and user-friendly software. In
addition, we offer public Internet access to consumers through a retail chain of e-ports
(formerly iway) cybercafés (e-ports). We also have agreements with certain cable television
operators through which we offer Internet access through cable. As of March 31, 2009, we had
approximately 0.7 million retail Internet access subscribers. |
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Online Portal Services. We operate online portals, such as www.sify.com,
www.samachar.com and www.sifymax.in, that function as principal entry points
and gateway for accessing the Internet by providing useful web-related services and links. We
also offer related content sites specifically tailored to Indian interests worldwide. |
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Other. We facilitate web based learning for various organizations by digitizing and uploading
content to facilitate the same. We also provide remote infrastructure management services such
as Data center management, Network management, Security management and Desktop management to
support the clients from offshore command centers, on a 24 X 7 X 365 basis. |
We began providing corporate network/data services to businesses in April 1998, and as of
March 31, 2009 we had more than 2,380 corporate customers located principally in India. We launched
our Internet service provider business in November 1998, becoming the first private Internet
service provider to begin service after the Indian government opened the market to private
competition. We also operate online portals, www.sify.com, www.sifymax.in,
www.samachar.com, and related content sites specifically tailored for Indian interests worldwide.
Sify.com is one of Indias leading portals with services in areas such as news, travel, finance,
health and shopping in addition to e-mail, chat and search. SifyMax.in is a broadband portal
offering live streaming and on demand video and audio content, news clips, TV reality shows and
highlights of cricket matches.
We are providing NLD (National Long Distance) and ILD (International Long Distance) services
through our network from August 2008. We have made tie-ups with a few international and domestic
carriers to carry their traffic into India. We carry voice traffic, both national and
international, using the IP back-bone and deliver voice traffic to direct inter-connect operators.
Consequent to the merger of Sify Communications Limited with the Company, the Company has made
the application to the Department of Telecommunications for the transfer of NLD / ILD licences to
the Company and the approval of the Government is awaited.
We currently operate a large national private data network in India. Our network utilizes
Internet protocol, which is an Internet industry standard for tracking Internet addresses, routing
outgoing messages and recognizing incoming messages. In February 2002, we became the first Indian
company to be certified ISO 9001:2000 for network services, data center operations and customer
relationship management. The ISO 9001:2000 certification from Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Netherlands
under the RvA accreditation scheme provides recognition for self-defined benchmarks against
international companies with respect to facilities, metrices, processes and practices. In fiscal
year 2003, our Enterprise Solutions division was also certified ISO 9001:2000 for provisioning of
corporate VPNs, Internet bandwidth, VoIP, and integrated security solutions including pre-sales,
sales, order processing and project management.
30
As of March 31, 2009, we operated 547 points of presence serving more than 500 towns and
cities across India. Points of presence are telecommunications facilities located in a particular
market which allow our customers to connect to the Internet through a local telephone call.
Although our Internet service provider license permits us to establish and maintain our own direct
connection to the international Internet, we no longer maintain satellite gateways. We provide
international bandwidth by leasing capacity of multiple oceanic systems.
We continue to seek to be the premier integrated Internet, network and electronic commerce
solutions provider to businesses and consumers in India. We believe that demand for our services is
significant in India and growing rapidly as businesses and consumers seek alternatives to the
communications services offered by telecom providers that were formerly controlled by the
Government of India. We intend to continue to focus on providing superior network performance and
high levels of customer service and technical support to increase our customer base and maximize
customer satisfaction.
Industry Overview
Development of the Internet. We believe that the large and increasing number of home and
office computers linked to the Internet, advances in network design, increased availability of
Internet-based software and applications, the emergence of useful content and electronic commerce
technologies, and convenient, fast and inexpensive Internet access will continue to drive Internet
growth and usage in the near future.
Special Communications Needs of Businesses. As the Internet is now easily available and more
reliable, businesses are increasingly utilizing the Internet for functions critical to their core
business strategies, such as sales and marketing, customer service and project coordination. The
Internet presents a compelling profit opportunity for businesses by enabling them to reduce
operating costs, access valuable information and reach new markets. To maintain a significant
presence on the Internet, businesses typically purchase Internet access services and establish a
website. Internet access provides a company with its basic gateway to the Internet, allowing it to
transfer e-mail, access information and connect with employees, customers and suppliers. A website
provides a company with a tangible identity and an interactive presence on the Internet. Many
corporations are also converting their legacy information systems and databases to web-enabled
systems.
The Opportunity in India. The resulting service remains inferior to service in developed
countries. At the same time, however, the Indian economy continues to modernize and expand,
particularly in sectors such as software development that are dependent on a reliable
communications network. The growth of these industries is leading to an increasing base of personal
computers and wired and wireless homes and businesses in India with a resulting increased demand
for Internet services. We believe these trends, which mirror those in more mature economies, will
continue to develop in India.
The ability to exploit the Internet service provider and other data service markets in India
is currently inhibited by the government systematically extended controls on the provision of
Internet based services. Generally, bandwidth remains very expensive in India, despite falling
prices for International and Domestic leased lines and the emergence of private players in the last
couple of years and liberalization measures have brought an increase in supply and a consequent
downtrend in prices respectively. Ceilings for bandwidth prices are set by the DoT and the TRAI
plays the advisory role to the DoT.
Absence of policy support for Internet is hurting Indias strategic objectives. Most
government targets for Internet and broadband access remain unmet.ISPs face more restrictions than
they faced at inception. ISPs face considerably tougher licensing terms. The visionary decision to
make all ISP licenses free has now been changed to include hefty fees for virtual private networks
(VPN) and Internet telephony. IPTV services are being closed to ISPs.Spectrum charges and
procedures are more unfavourable now than before.
It is easier for foreign companies to provide Internet telephony than Indian ISPs who wish to
offer the service. Indian ISPs have to pay 10.3% Service Tax, and 6% of Annual Gross Revenues (AGR)
as licence fees to provide Internet Telephony. They must meet regulatory and security obligations.
Standalone ISPs are disallowed from offering un-restricted Internet Telephony and from terminating
calls on the Indian Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Interconnection between ISP & ISP
Offering Internet Telephony is not allowed. On the other hand foreign ISPs such as Skype, Yahoo,
and MSN offer services without any fees, obligations or security clearances.
We expect the growth in personal computers and Internet users to increase the demand for
Internet content directed towards domestic Indian consumers as well as the amount of electronic
commerce in India.
Private market participants historically have not been able to exploit the market
opportunities in India because the regulatory environment in India largely prevented any
competition with the national government-controlled telecom providers. Until November 1998, the
only Internet service provider permitted in India was Tata Teleservices, which began providing
Internet
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access on August 15, 1995. On November 6, 1998, the government opened the Indian Internet
service provider market to private competition and granted Internet service provider licenses. The
licensees include cable television operators and joint ventures between local companies and large
international telecom providers. Internet service provider licenses are granted for 15 years, with
only nominal license fees. Currently, pricing of Internet service is not regulated by the
Government of India, although it has the power to do so through policy directives. However, the
interconnection charges between service providers are regulated by the TRAI.
Sify Business Model
We believe that the growth of the Internet and other network services in India has been
inhibited by relatively high costs for certain market segments and poor user experiences caused by
an inadequate telecommunications infrastructure and slow network connection speeds. We are
committed to expanding and enhancing our private network backbone and to providing high quality
technical support to attract users to our services. We believe that our services provide our
customers with the ability to exchange information, communicate and transact business over the
Internet with speed, efficiency, reliability and security superior to other Internet service
providers.
Key advantages of the Sify business model include:
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End-to-end network solutions for business customers. We provide our business
customers with a comprehensive range of Internet, connectivity, security and
consulting, hosting and managed service solutions complemented by a broad base of
web-based business applications. Our corporate services range from dial-up and
dedicated Internet access, virtual private networks, security, web implementation,
electronic commerce solutions and web hosting. Our end-to-end solutions enable our
corporate customers to address their networking and data communication needs
efficiently without having to assemble products and services from different value-added
resellers, Internet service providers and information technology firms. |
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National private Internet protocol network backbone and Wireless delivery on
the last mile. We operate a large national Internet protocol data network in India. As
of March 31, 2009, we owned and operated 547 points of presence serving more than 500
towns and cities across India. Our network provides the platform to deliver Internet
access and the backbone to provide a full range of corporate network/data services to
consumers. A significant portion of our last mile delivery for corporates, and almost
the entire iway cybercafé network and hispeed / broadband delivery to homes, is on
the wireless mode, thereby enabling us to implement and deliver superior services
compared to the wireline medium. |
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Internet content and electronic commerce websites customized for the Indian
market. We view the Indian market as a series of specific market segments with unique
cultural and topical interests, rather than an extension of a homogeneous, worldwide
Internet market. We have assembled a team of India-based employees familiar with the
local culture, language and business environments in our markets to develop Internet
content and electronic commerce websites tailored for the Indian market. We regularly
incorporate new and original third-party content suited to our local and regional
audiences to enhance our customers online experience and to attract new users both
within India and abroad. As a result of our local market knowledge, we are able to
place contents in our websites which will attract more users to our websites and to
create brand awareness for our SifyOnline access service. |
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Managed Infrastructure services and Managed Security Services. We have customer
engagements in all aspects of infrastructure services, networks security and hosting,
with digital certificates based authentication service. We have experience in providing
information assurance and compliance certification in accordance with frameworks such
as Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) / Control
Objectives for Information and related Technology (COBIT). We believe that our managed
infrastructure and security services utilise our experience and skill sets to provide
constant value to our customers, better service levels and reduced costs. We constantly
look at ways to efficiently manage customer assets remotely thus providing focused
superior service at lower cost. |
Strategy
Our goal is to become the premier integrated Internet, network and electronic commerce
solutions provider to businesses and consumers in India. Our principal business strategies to
accomplish this objective are discussed below:
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Invest in the continued enhancement and expansion of our network infrastructure
to support customer growth, enter into new markets and accommodate increased customer
usage. We intend to continue to increase the capacity and geographic reach of our
network in order to support subscriber growth, enter new markets and accommodate
increased customer usage. We are committed to using proven technologies and equipment
and to providing superior network performance. We have deployed asynchronous transfer
mode, or ATM, switches on nine points of presence along our network. The rest of our
network is based on Internet Protocol, or IP, and we are the first Indian service
provider to have made our network Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) compliant. As
of March 31, 2009, we have acquired adequate capacity of bandwidth lines, all from
major telecommunications companies, which ensures that there is an assured supply of
bandwidth service being provided to Sifys customers without any disruptions . We have
also leased intercity links from multiple suppliers including BSNL, Bharti, Reliance
and Power Grid corporation, such that each one of our nodes is accessible from at
least two other nodes, if not by two long distance operators. We believe that as the
size and capacity of our network infrastructure grows, its structure and national
coverage will create economies of scale. Being vendor neutral, we are able to procure
bandwidth in a cost effective manner. Over the past 5 years we have designed and built
4 Data Centers at Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Airoli. We intend to invest in
additional data centers, including the one at Gurgaon in Delhi which is under
construction currently. |
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Increase penetration in our existing markets by expanding awareness of the
Sify brand name to capitalize on our first mover advantage in India. We intend to
capitalize on our first-to-market advantage in India to establish national service and
a brand name in advance of other private competitors. As of March 31, 2009, we had
approximately 0.7 million retail Internet subscribers and 1,651 operative cybercafés,
of which 6 were owned by us and 1,645 were franchised. Approximately 99% of these iways
are on broadband, which provides the user with significantly faster access speeds. Our
marketing strategy includes print, television and radio advertising, direct mailing
campaigns targeting personal computer owners and operating cybercafés. We are also
actively promoting our broadband services to homes through cable television operators.
As of March 31, 2009, we have more than 2,014 cable television operators across 201
cities in India. We believe that increased focus by GOI on delivery of broadband
services , availability of broadband content, reduced cost of personal computers
coupled with increased purchasing capacity of the middle class in India will drive this
business forward in the future. We are also continuously working on better alternative
technologies to overcome the last mile challenges and to offer superior connectivity to
homes. |
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Expand our services with new technologies to enable our customers to use the
Internet more effectively. We continually seek to expand the breadth of our service
offerings with new technologies. Our cybercafés prominently display the Sify and
SifyOnline brands and offer a full range of our Internet connectivity services. We have
previously introduced a number of other services, including VoIP, video conferencing,
e-mail designed for regional Indian dialects, a user customized portal site and
micro-payments |
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Provide more value added services by leveraging on the rapid growth of wireless
Internet and mobile services in India and strengthen our Internet portal with more
content tailored to Indian interests worldwide. Our portals www.sify.com and
www.samachar.com, function as initial gateways to the Internet, the users starting
point for web browsing and other Internet services, for our consumer Internet service
provider subscribers and cybercafé users. We believe that our portals are media rich
and user friendly, and the portals are interactive websites offering hyperlinks to a
wide variety of websites and services, including our own websites. Our websites cater
to a variety of Indian interests within and outside of India. To achieve our goal of
developing the premier Internet portal focused on the Indian market, we intend to
continue to expand and improve the quality of www.sify.com, and are developing
additional content oriented towards topical and cultural interests of Indians worldwide |
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In 2004-05, we also developed a broadband channel, Sify Max, that provides audio visual
content to Sify subscribers including city live visuals relating to Mumbai, Delhi,
Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. We also created a short code 54545 for downloading
ring tones and sending SMS to tap the growing mobile user market. To expand our short
code product offering, we are also forming business alliances with copyright owners and
mobile service providers. In addition, we are forming strategic alliances with several
offline media partners to deliver content to our users. As the availability of Internet
access expands in India, we believe that increasing numbers of Internet users will be
attracted to our high quality websites and online content designed specifically for the
Indian consumer. We will seek to attract advertisers, electronic commerce merchants and
third-party content providers trying to reach our users in order to generate additional
revenues for sify.com. |
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Expand our customer distribution channels through strategic alliances to take
advantage of the sales and marketing capabilities of our strategic partners. We intend
to continue to expand our customer acquisition channels, for both our consumer Internet
access and corporate network/data services. We have arrangements with leading personal
computer manufacturers to bundle our SifyOnline Internet access service with the sale
of their personal computers in India. |
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Pursue selective strategic investments, alliances and acquisitions to expand
our customer base, increase utilization of our network and add new technologies to our
service mix. We believe that our growth can be supplemented by selective acquisitions
of complementary businesses. We may seek to expand our market presence in our
corporate network business through the acquisition of web hosting, data center, web
implementation and/or systems integration companies serving India, the United States or
other markets. We will also consider acquisitions of Internet service providers that
have a significant or growing customer base in our current or targeted markets. |
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Expand into international markets for providing managed network services. Our
network and application level support can be provided remotely with a minimum of
on-site presence. We are seeking to provide these services to international markets.
The tools utilized to provide these services were developed in-house on Linux/open
source platforms, and we plan to upgrade these tools in the future to meet customer
requirements. We expect our expertise in network management, to enable us to perform
these services to international customers at lower costs. We also intend to provide
managed security solutions, including monitoring and vulnerability assessment, in
addition to managed firewall and intrusion detection services. |
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Superior end-user performance and customer support. We believe that we provide a
high level of customer service, network performance and technical support to maximize
customer satisfaction. A significant number of our employees are engaged in our
customer service or technical support departments, which operate 24-hours-a-day,
seven-days-a-week. Our network engineers continually monitor network traffic and
congestion points to deliver high quality consistent network performance. Our backend
processes are ISO 9001:2000 compliant for network operations, data center operations and
customer care. Our strategy of providing superior network performance and customer
service is designed to result in significant customer growth from referrals and industry
recognition. |
Service Offerings
Corporate network/data services. Our corporate network/data services division addresses the
network, security and application services needs of Indian enterprises by leveraging our national
Tier 1 IP network infrastructure. The services include a comprehensive range of Internet protocol
based Virtual Private Network, or IPVPN, offerings, including intranets, extranets and remote
access applications to both small and large corporate customers. There is a strong focus on
industry verticals such as IT/ITES (IT enabled services), banking and financial services industry
(BFSI), government, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and FMCG. We were the first service provider in
India to provide MPLS-enabled IPVPNs on its entire network. We have entered into a strategic
partnership with the Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL) to provide enterprise network services
to end customers across the country. Our entire network is MPLS enabled with built in redundancy
with world class design and service standards.
SecureConnect (TM) is our comprehensive offering of secure, reliable and scalable IPVPN
solutions that meet both mission- critical data networking and converged voice, video and data
connectivity needs. It offers a variety of intranet and extranet configurations for connecting
offices, remote sites, traveling employees and business partners, whether in India or abroad. Our
platform of services includes:
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SiteConnect (TM) which offers site-to-site managed MPLS-enabled IPVPN solutions for securely
connecting regional and large branch offices within India to the corporate Intranet. |
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GlobalSite Connect, an international site-to-site managed MPLS-enabled IPVPN solution, is
used for securely connecting international branch offices to the corporate offices. It
provides connectivity anywhere in the world through Sifys alliances and partnerships with
global overseas service providers such as Global Crossing (GC), Asia Net.Com (ANC), and PCCW
Global to name a few. |
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ExpressConnect, which offers a premium range of high-performance Internet bandwidth solutions
for connecting regional offices, branch offices and remote locations to the corporate network.
These solutions complement our SiteConnect range of |
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MPLS enabled IPVPN solutions, provide high-speed bandwidth in those situations where basic
connectivity and cost are the top concerns. |
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RoamConnect, is our national and international remote access VPN, which is used for securely
connecting employees, while they are traveling, to the corporate intranet. RoamConnect
features single number access to SifyNet from anywhere in the country and provides access
from anywhere in the world through Sifys alliances with overseas service providers such as
Verizon, IPASS and Fiberlink. |
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PartnerConnect is our remote access VPN offering, for providing secure and restricted dial-up
access to business partners such as dealers, distributors and suppliers to the corporate
extranet. |
In February 2002, we became the first Indian company to be certified ISO 9001:2000 for network
services, data center operations and customer relationship management. The ISO 9001:2000
certification from Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Netherlands under the RvA accreditation scheme
provides recognition for self-defined benchmarks against international companies with respect to
facilities, metrices, processes and practices. Our corporate network/data services were also
certified 9000:2001 compliant for pre-sales, sales, project management and backend operations in
September 2003.
We also offer a suite of security solutions, including security design, audit, procurement and
integration. Our enterprise solutions portfolio includes a range of application services, such as
enterprise class e-mail platforms, audio and video conferencing solutions and business web
services. Contracts for these services are negotiated on an individual basis to provide
specifically tailored network/data services to each customer.
Application Services. We offer value-added services to organisations such as website design,
development, content management, search engine optimisation, hosting and management services,
including domain name management, secure socket layer (SSL) certificate for websites, and server
space in required operating system and database. We provide state of the art messaging and
collaboration services and solutions such as e-mail servers, LAN mail solutions, anti-spam
appliances, bulk mail services, instant messaging, and also offer solutions and services to enable
data & access security over the Internet. We also offer web-applications such as online
merchandising with on-line payment gateways, sales force automation, supply chain management,
intranet and extranets, workflow engine and knowledge management systems. We also provide
infrastructure-based services on demand, including on-line testing engine and network management.
On-line testing services include test management software, required servers and proctored
examination facilities at Sifys e-port cybercafés. On-line exam engine offered allows a secure and
flexible way of conducting examinations involving a wide range of question patterns.
Security and Assurance Services. We offer a comprehensive suite of security solutions
including security design, procurement and integration services for infrastructure security,
vulnerability assessment and penetration testing. Implementation services include implementation of
security products, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, content security, authentication
tools and VPN services. We also provide assurance services covering Information systems(IS) Audit,
Risk Assessment, and Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Planning.
Data Centers. We operate Indias first level 4 Internet Data Centers (IDC) two in Mumbai
(Bombay), one each at Chennai (Madras) and Bangalore, which are designed to act as reliable, secure
and scalable facilities to host mission-critical applications. We offer co-location services which
allow customers to bring in their own rack-mountable servers and house them in shared racks, or
they could hire complete racks, and even rent secure cages at the hosting facility as per their
application requirements. We also offer a wide variety of managed hosting services, such as
storage, back-up and restoration, performance monitoring and reporting hardware and software
procurement and configuration, network configuration as well as spares and replacement. Our Fort
Knox platform for security management of hosted servers offers Service Level Agreement (SLA)-based
security services to protect servers. Our Infrastructure Data Management Services (IDMS) service
provides specific services related to building data centers, leveraging on our proven expertise to
build world-class infrastructure.
Digital Certification. In technical collaboration with Verisign, a leading provider of
Internet trust services, we formed a subsidiary, Sify Communications Limited, to provide managed
digital certificate-based authentication services in India. Sify Communications Limited was the
principal affiliate of Verisign in India and was a member of Verisigns Global Affiliate Network.
Sify Communications Limited was accredited as the first Certifying Authority for issuance of
Certificate for Digital Signature by the Ministry of Information Technology, Government of India.
Sify Communications Limited has merged with Sify Technologies Limited during the period under
review. Consequent upon the merger,Sify Technologies Limited now provides digital certificate-
based authentication services which were provided by its erstwhile subsidiary,Sify Communications
Limited.
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Remote Management Services. This service provides continuous proactive management and support
of customer operating systems, applications and database layers through deploying specialized
monitoring tools and infrastructure experts to ensure that our customers infrastructure is
performing optimally.
Our corporate network/data services division accounted for approximately 58.09%, 66.48% and
69.86% of our revenues in fiscal years 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively. We believe that corporate
services will continue to be the largest part of our business for the immediate future.
VOIP Services. We offer a comprehensive VoIP services covering Managed Voice for Enterprises
particularly in IT/ITES segment to meet their international business communications. As part of the
service, our Hosted dialer platform is also provided to enable BPOs to use this infrastructure as a
service.
Internet access services.
Our Internet access services for retail consumers include high-speed/broadband access to homes
over cable, public Internet access from our network of e-ports(formerly iway cybercafés), VoIP and
dial-up access to homes.
Public Internet Access. We provide public Internet access to the large segment of the Indian
population that does not own a personal computer through our network of iway cybercafés. Sify
operates these iway cybercafés on a franchisee model. As of March 31, 2009, we had 1,651
operational e-ports(formerly iways) in 253 towns and cities.
In connection with our franchised e-ports(formerly iways), we grant each franchisee a
non-exclusive license to operate the cybercafé using our logo, brand and trade names. We enter into
an agreement with the franchisee establishing the rights and obligations of each party. In
connection with the establishment of a franchised e-port (formerly iway), we receive an initial
franchise fee that covers the following upfront services rendered by our company:
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conducting a market survey and deciding on the best location for the cybercafé; |
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installing the broadband receiver equipment on the roof of the cybercafé and linking it to
one of our broadcasting towers; |
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obtaining the regulatory approvals for wireless transmission at the allotted frequency range; |
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installing the wiring from the receiver unit to the individual personal computers; |
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assistance in obtaining facilities, including computers and furnishings; and |
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providing an operations manual with instructions and guidelines for running the cybercafé. |
The cybercafés are owned and operated by the franchisees. The franchisee procures the retail
space, invests in furniture, interior decor, personal computers, point of sale signage and
employs/trains the staff. The franchisee is responsible for the maintenance of the premises and
interface with customers. We provide the complete back-end support, including bandwidth, the
authentication/usage engine and the billing/collection system. The prices to be charged to the
customers and the services that can be rendered are controlled by Sify. On average, these e-ports
(formerly iways) have about seven personal computers and operate in an area of about 250 square
feet. All e-ports operate on a prepaid subscription model, and the end customer has the ability to
browse from any of the e-ports using the roaming facility that Sify provides. The billing system
allows us the option of charging different prices based on the services used, time of usage and the
place of use. More than 99% of these cafés are connected through the wireless mode, on the 5.7 GHz
or the 2.4 GHz spectrum, with a subscriber unit placed on the top of the building and connected to
an access point in a tower that is within a 5 kilometre radius from this location. We believe the
e-ports offer a superior browsing experience compared to other internet cafés that operate on
either a leased line or an ISDN facility. Today, e-ports are being used for a multitude of services
including VoIP, video conferencing, online examination centres, online games , e-distribution
points and value added services such as IRCTC ( an online passenger reservation site) and utility
payments.
Sify e-port. The iways cyber café chain is re-branded as sify e-port.Sify e-port is today
the largest chain of branded retail outlets in the country, empowering every user to reap the
benefit of internet and its applications . As of March 31,2009, we had approximately 1,651
operational e-ports. We have launched a model of e-port Xpress with a single PC with value added
services as a kiosk chain offering services like travel ticket booking, bill payment, mobile
recharge and e-commerce transactions in addition to internet browsing, chat, email and gaming.
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Voice Over Internet Protocol. VoIP can be used in India for making International calls. We
have leveraged on our extensive network of e-ports to offer VoIP. As of March 31, 2009, more than
1,651 of the e-ports had the capability to provide VoIP. We provide these services through
standalone VoIP booths at various strategic locations in major cities. We use MPLS enabled
technology that ensures voice clarity.
VoIP for home: In addition to offering VoIP services through e-ports and VoIP booths, we
provide VoIP services for all home users. This product is called Sifytalk and is a PC 2 Phone
prepaid product. By using the prepaid pack, the user will be able to make international calls from
his PC to any international destinations. The user can use sifytalk by connecting to any broadband
connection.
Broadband/High Speed Internet to Home: We believe that the Sify Broadband Business Model,
over the past few years, has emerged as the most unique and cost-efficient model for scaling up
broadband across the country. It leverages the brand, marketing and technical abilities of Sify as
an ISP and the strengths of cable operators in having right of way and the network required to
connect customers at a marginal cost. We have also launched an internet pack called Nights
unlimited for internet access, which provides unlimited download during the night time, i.e, from
10.00 P.M to 08.00 A.M to the user.
We believe that the combination of wireless to cable operator and cable to home services
will enable us to successful operate as a broadband operator. We believe that our current biggest
strength as a broadband operator lies in our marketing. We have built our reputation through our
focused and targeted investment and business development strategy. Due to our relations with cable
operators, we can utilize our substantial network available to provide our service on cable
networks.
Innovation at Sify is a continuous process and coupled with customer focus, we have dedicated
the entire power and control to our valued subscribers by introducing Direct Renewal Facility,
which allows a Sify broadband subscriber to renew his connection at anytime of the day or night
from the comfort of his home. Users whose validity has expired or pack amount is not available can
login and re-charge their account. The subscriber gets full freedom to recharge according to the
needs, convenience and at any time of the day-the recharge amount can be paid conveniently within
three days from the time of recharge.. Based on Voice over Internet Protocol, this facility will be
available to Sify Broadband subscribers as a Closed User Group service.
Our Internet access services division accounted for approximately 33.89 %, 25.72 % and 18.30 %
of our revenues in fiscal years 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively.
Online Portal Services
We operate online portals, including Indias first broadband content portal,
www.sifymax.in, and a group of websites under www.sify.com and an NRI portal,
www.samachar.com, that function as principal entry points and gateways for accessing the Internet
by providing useful web-related services and links. We also offer related content sites
specifically tailored to Indian interests worldwide in five local Indian languages. Our portal
sites, www.sifmax.in and sify.com, are designed to be the initial launch screen for
all of our SifyOnline customers and e-port users.
Sify.com provides a gateway to the Internet by offering communication and search tools such as
email in 11 languages, messaging, chat, blogs, e-greetings and search engine to classifieds, jobs,
travel, online portfolio management and channels for personal finance, astrology, lifestyle,
shopping, movies, sports and news. It has been designed to address a wide audience, incorporating
world class design and usability. The finance portal www.walletwatch.com covers the entire
spectrum of equity markets, business news, insurance, mutual funds, loans and a host of paid and
free financial services. The sports channel www.khel.com covers the entire gamut of Indian and
international sports with special focus on cricket. The food channel
www.bawarchi.com focuses on
Indian recipes and cooking and is especially popular among Non-resident Indians (NRIs) audiences
with over 90% of its content being user generated. The community tools in Sify.com include
discussion boards, blogs and groups.
SifyMax.in provides live streaming and on demand video and audio content in 12 categories,
including films and music, general entertainment, lifestyle, TV reality shows, podcasts, video
blogs, business, sports and national news. Sify Max streams video content live (24 X 7) from TV
channels like CNN-IBN & CNBC and hosts 3 radio stations offering Bollywood hits, latest
chart-busters, Indipop and international in multiple languages. Sify Max has also been the official
Internet partner of Indias most popular reality shows. Sify Max is a pioneer in live video
streaming, having webcast the Indian budget 2007, Mumbai Marathon, Lakme Fashion Week, the India
Today Conclave and cricket matches. We now also have city specific
entertainment focused websites
www.mumbailive.in, www.bangalorelive.in, www.hyderabadlive.in, www.delhilive.in and
www.chennailive.in that focus on rich video content of interest to the residents of that
particular city including shopping, best buys, cinema and entertainment, and popular restaurants in
the city.
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We believe that NRIs, or non-resident Indians, have greater ease of access to the internet
than Indians residing domestically. Our NRI news portal, www.samachar.com, focuses on
Indian news and allows NRIs to stay connected to India by aggregating news from across all popular
newspapers and other news portals. This portal provides a range of news in English and five Indian
languages, entertainment and services, including money transfer and gifting, that help millions of
NRIs. We also launched our NRI Finance site to cater to increasing financial needs of the NRI
community.
Sifymall.in, the online shopping mall, stocks products from Indias leading brands and
products. We believe that it offers competitive prices and a secure and convenient method of
payment. Users can buy using their credit or debit card, pay cash on delivery or send a check.
Sify Mobile was launched during the year 2004 with 54545 as its short code. Its focus has been
on providing relevant regional content to cater to the burgeoning number of mobile users in India.
The range of services includes downloadable ring tones, wallpapers, news, cricket scores and a
variety of other interactive services. Sify mobile has also tied up with mobile operators to tailor
specific applications and content of interest to mobile consumers.
Our online portal services division accounted for approximately 4.82%, 3.51%, and 2.86 %
respectively, of our revenues in fiscal years 2007,2008 and 2009 respectively. The decrease in
revenue from portal services is on account of drop in corporate orders and mobile business
operations due to lower margin as well as high operational costs.
Corporate Customers
We have established a diversified base of corporate customers in a variety of data intensive
industries, including information technology enabled services (ITES), banking financial services
and Insurance (BFSI), publishing, retail, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. Our corporate customer
base has grown to over 2,380 customers. The increased scope of the services we offer, particularly
the provision of broadband services to our existing customers and International IPVPN services
along with the increased reach of our network, has increased our market base.
Customer Service and Technical Support
We believe that excellent customer support is critical to our success in attracting and
retaining subscribers. We currently provide customer service and technical support via a local
telephone call in most of the cities in which we have a point of presence. Our web-based help desk
and MIS system provide online information to our clients. Subscribers can also e-mail their
questions directly to a customer service and technical support address at our company. Our customer
service and technical support staff handles all questions regarding a subscribers account and the
provision of our services and is available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.
Sales and Marketing
Corporate Offerings. The principal focus of our sales and marketing staff is to acquire new
customers and maintain cordial relationship with the existing corporate customers. We seek to
penetrate this market through trade publication ads, industry trade shows and seminars for the
benefit of industry associations and potential customers. As of March 31, 2009, we had 505
employees dedicated to sales and marketing exclusively for our corporate offerings.
Consumer Offerings. A key element of our business strategy is to increase our brand awareness
and market penetration among consumers through a number of means including an expanded advertising
campaign focused primarily on print advertising, direct mail and free software to consumers who
become subscribers.
To increase Internet access and use of our websites by personal computer buyers, we have
entered into arrangements with leading personal computer manufacturers to have our Internet access
software bundled with their computers sold in India.
Technology and Network Infrastructure
We operate a national internet protocol private data network with 547 points of presence
serving more than 500 cities and towns across India. We operate our network facilities and
customer service operations, which gives us greater control over the utilization and quality of our
network. We have designed and built our network using advanced technologies and equipment which
will enable us to continue to expand the geographic range of our network, integrate improved data
processing technologies and enhance speed and capacity with little or no disruption to our
customers.
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Geographic Coverage. Through our national network of points of presence, our business and
consumer Internet access customers are able to access the Internet markets in India via local
leased lines or a local phone call on dial-up or through our cybercafé chain or wireless. We have
547 points of presence, or POPs. These points of presence, or primary nodes, reside at the core of
a larger Internet protocol network with a partially meshed topology architecture. We have
additional points of presence, or secondary nodes/base stations, in other towns and cities. Each
point of presence contains data communications equipment housed in a secure facility owned, leased
or operated on an infrastructure co-location basis by our company located near a Bharat Sanchar
Nigam Limited (BSNL), Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) or private basic service operator
(BSO) telephone switching station. Most points of presence contain a modem bank which receives and
aggregates incoming calls from customers who access our system by modem connection through a local
call on the public telephone system, and then switches and routers aggregating broadband
subscribers on wireless and fiber. The last mile of the Internet could be a leased line, ISDN or
point-to-multipoint radio link in the 5.7, 2.5 or 3.3 gigahertz range which we have licensed from
the Wireless Planning Commission. We also use 2.4 ghz radios, which do not require an operating
license, in some locations. Our larger corporate customers access the point of presence directly
through leased lines or wireless links.
Network Architecture. We ensure network reliability through several methods and have invested
in proven technologies. We use Cisco routers to route traffic between nodes interconnected using a
high speed interface. Most of our applications and network verification servers are manufactured by
IBM, Sun and Hewlett-Packard.
The primary nodes on the backbone network are connected by multiple high-speed fiber optic
lines that we lease from long distance operators. The secondary nodes are connected by lower speed
leased lines. A number of nodes are accessible from at least two other nodes, if not, by two long
distance operators, allowing us to reroute traffic in the event of failure on one route. We reduce
our exposure to failures on the local loop by usually locating our points of presence within range
of service providers switching equipment and purchasing connectivity from multiple providers. To
further maximize our network uptime, we are almost completely connected on fiber optic cables to
the switching points of our service providers from our POPs.
In addition to a fundamental emphasis on reliability and security, our network design
philosophy has focused on compatibility, interoperability, scalability and quality of service. We
use Internet protocol with Multi Protocol Label Switching, or MPLS, to transmit data, thus ensuring
that our network is completely interoperable with other networks and systems and that we may port
any application onto our network. The modular design of our network is fully scalable, allowing us
to expand without changing the network design or architecture, thus ensuring little or no service
disruption.
Network Operations Center. We maintain a network operation center located in Chennai (Madras)
and a backup secondary facility in Mumbai (Bombay). The Chennai facility houses our central network
servers as well as our network staff which monitors network traffic, service quality and equipment
at all our points of presence to ensure a reliable Internet service. These operation centers are
staffed 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. We have backup power generators and software and
hardware systems designed to prevent network downtime in the event of system failures. In the
future, we may add additional facilities to supplement or add redundancy to our current network
monitoring capability.
Data Centre Infrastructure. We operate three level 4 Internet Data Centres, two in Mumbai,
one each at Chennai and Bangalore. Sify offers managed hosting, security and infrastructure
management services from these facilities.
Competition
General. We face competition in each of our markets and expect that this competition will
intensify as the markets in India for corporate network/data services, Internet access services and
online content develop and expand. We compete primarily on the basis of service, reliability and
customer support. Price and ease of use are also competitive factors.
Corporate Network/Data Services. Our competitors for many private network services include
government services companies that have built and operate their own private data networks. For
Internet access, our main competitors are Bharti Televentures, Reliance Infocomm and Tata
Teleservices, and our main competitors for domestic VPN includes terrestrial network providers,
such as Bharti, Reliance and Tata Indicom, and satellite communications agencies, such as Bharti BT
(which recently bought Comsat Max) and HCL Comnet. For international MPLS VPN, our main
competition is from MCI, AT&T and Bharti BT.
Internet Access Services. During the last few years, BSNL and MTNL, the leading government
owned telecom providers, have grown their dial-up businesses significantly by bundling their
Internet services with basic telephony services. While the dial-up segment will grow, we expect the
market for broadband Internet services to grow more rapidly in the future due to additional
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telecom providers emerging as competitors. We expect the market for consumer Internet access
to remain extremely price competitive as late market entrants attempt to acquire customers.
There is no single significant competitor in the cybercafé space. Reliance Infocomm, a member
of the Reliance group, has more than 225 webworlds, Currently, the market is highly fragmented
and dominated by individual entrepreneurs who own Internet cafés, with a few personal computers
connected to the Internet through a leased line or ISDN line. With considerably lower overheads,
these individuals are able to offer Internet access at lower rates. We compete by offering faster
browsing speeds, improved overall ambience at our e-ports, convenient billing systems and roaming
facilities.
Online Portal Services. There are several other companies in India that have developed
websites, including rediff.com which completed its initial public offering in the United States in
June 2000. The market is dominated by Sify.com, Rediff.com, Indiatimes.com, Yahoo.co.in, MSN.co.in
and Google.com. Most of the services offered on these portals are similar with very little
differentiation. Google established an office in India and began operations in 2005.
All the above mentioned portals are competing for a share of the online services market in
India, which is dominated by online advertising, mobile telephone short code revenues and
e-commerce. In terms of the share of the online advertising market, we are one of the leading
companies. However, we lag behind our competitors in mobile telephony short code and e-commerce
services.
Most of our online portal competitors enjoy the following advantages compared to our company:
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larger production and technical staff; |
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greater name recognition and larger marketing budgets and resources; and |
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substantially greater financial, technical and other resources. |
To be competitive, we must constantly innovate and introduce new services to the market
quickly. We also need to keep pace with rapidly changing technology in this area. Increased
competition could result in loss of market share, reduced prices or reduced margins, any of which
could adversely affect our business.
Intellectual Property
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. We have filed a number of trademark and service mark
applications in India for registering our product and service offerings.
Our efforts to protect our intellectual property may not be adequate. We hold no patents, and
our competitors may independently develop similar technology or duplicate our services.
Unauthorized parties may infringe upon or misappropriate our services or proprietary information.
In addition, the laws of India do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as laws in the
United States, and the global nature of the Internet makes it difficult to control the ultimate
destination of our services. For example, the legal processes to protect service marks in India are
not as effective as those in place in the United States. The misappropriation or duplication of our
intellectual property could disrupt our ongoing business, distract our management and employees,
reduce our revenues and increase our expenses. In the future, litigation may be necessary 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.
We could be subject to intellectual property infringement claims as the number of our
competitors grows and the content and functionality of our websites or other service offerings
overlap with competitive offerings. Defending against these claims, even if not meritorious, could
be expensive and divert managements attention from operating our company. If we become liable to
third parties for infringing their intellectual property rights, we could be required to pay a
substantial damage award and forced to develop non-infringing technology, obtain a license or cease
selling the applications that contain the infringing technology. We may be unable to develop
non-infringing technology or obtain a license on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
We also rely on a variety of technologies that are licensed from third parties. We use
software developed by these and other companies to perform key functions. These third-party
licenses may not be available to us on commercially reasonable terms in the future. The loss of any
of these licenses could delay the introduction of software enhancements, interactive tools and
other features until equivalent technology could be licensed or developed. Any such delays could
materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
40
Government Regulation
Our business is subject to comprehensive regulation by the Ministry of Communications through
the Telecom Commission and the DoT, pursuant to the provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885,
or Telegraph Act, the India Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, or Wireless Act, the Information
Technology Act, 2000 or IT Act and the terms of our Internet service provider license issued by the
DoT under which we operate. Pursuant to the Telegraph Act, the provision of any telecommunications
services in India requires a license from the Government of India, obtained through the DoT. While
the Telegraph Act sets the legal framework for regulation of the telecommunications sector and the
Wireless Act regulates the possession of wireless telegraphy equipment, much of the supervision and
regulation of our company is implemented more informally through the general administrative powers
of the DoT, including those reserved to the DoT and other governmental agencies under our license.
In March 1997, the Government of India established the TRAI, an independent regulatory
authority, under the provisions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act. The TRAI is an
autonomous body consisting of a chairperson and at least two and not more than four members.
Under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, the functions of the TRAI are to:
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make recommendations on (i) the need and timing for the introduction of new
service providers, (ii) the terms and conditions of licenses granted to service
providers, (iii) the revocation of licenses for non-compliance, (iv) measures to
facilitate competition and promote efficiency in the operation of telecommunications
services so as to facilitate growth in such services, (v) technological improvements in
the services provided by service providers, (vi) the type of equipment to be used by
service providers, (vii) measures for the development of telecommunications technology
and the telecommunications industry and (viii) the efficient management of the
available spectrum; |
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discharge the following functions: (i) ensure compliance of the terms and
conditions of licenses, (ii) fix the terms and conditions of interconnectivity between
service providers, (iii) ensure technical compatibility and effective interconnection
between service providers, (iv) regulate revenue sharing arrangements between service
providers, (v) establish standards of quality of service, (vi) establish time periods
for providing local and long distance telecommunications circuits between service
providers, (vii) maintain and keep for public inspection a register of interconnect
agreements and (viii) ensure effective compliance of universal service obligations; |
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levy fees and other charges at such rates and in respect of such services as
may be determined by regulation; and |
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perform such other functions as may be entrusted to it by the Government of
India or as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India Act. |
The TRAI also has the authority to, from time to time, set the rates at which domestic and
international telecommunications services are provided in India. The TRAI does not have authority
to grant licenses to service providers or renew licenses, functions that remain with the DOT. The
TRAI, however, has the following powers:
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to call on service providers to furnish information relating to their
operations; |
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to appoint persons to make official inquiries; |
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to inspect the books of service providers; and |
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to issue directives to service providers to ensure their proper functioning. |
Failure to follow TRAI directives may lead to the imposition of fines. Decisions of the TRAI may be
appealed to the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal.
In December 2004, the Government of India through DOT imposed new requirements on Internet
Service Providers wishing to offer Internet Protocol Virtual Private Network (IP-VPN) services.
Consequently, we applied for permission to offer IP-VPN services, and the DOT, Government of India
issued a letter of intent to us on December 30, 2004 regarding amendment of our existing ISP
license to include provision of IP-VPN services. In January 2005, we paid a Rs.100 million onetime
entry fee and submitted a financial bank guarantee of Rs.10 million as required by the letter of
intent.
41
On November 10, 2005, the GOI issued guidelines for obtaining National Long Distance (NLD)
and International Long Distance (ILD) licenses including the terms and conditions for the
licenses. These guidelines eliminated the IP-VPN license, entitling the Company to a full refund of
the Rs.100 million entry fee, and permitting existing IP-VPN license holders to migrate to the NLD
and ILD service licenses effective January 1, 2006.
As the NLD and ILD licenses were under the regime of Department of Telecommunications, the
notification of the GOI dated 7 November 2005 was required to be complied with to obtain NLD and
ILD licenses. The primary condition set out in the notification among other conditions was that,
the total composite foreign holding by the applicant should not exceed 74 %. Given that the foreign
shareholding in Sify was higher than the aforesaid threshold limit, Sify Communications Limited
(erstwhile subsidiary) decided to obtain the NLD and ILD licenses in its name and made necessary
applications in this regard. To facilitate this, Sify divested its stake in Sify Communications
Limited (erstwhile subsidiary) to the extent of 26% of its holding in Sify Communications Limited
(erstwhile subsidiary), or 4.680 million shares, to Infinity Satcom Universal, a related party, for
a sale consideration of Rs.139,810 during the quarter ended December 31, 2005. Infinity Satcom
Universal, a company incorporated under the laws of India, is owned by Ananda Raju Vegesna, who is
the brother of Raju Vegesna, Chairman of Sifys Board of Directors and the principal of Infinity
Capital Ventures, LP (Infinity Capital).
On November 21, 2006, Sify Communications Limited(erstwhile subsidiary) executed two License
Agreements with GOI, for NLD and ILD services respectively, which enabled Sify Communications
Limited (erstwhile subsidiary) to provide IP-VPN services. Accordingly, the Company transferred
its IP VPN business to Sify Communications Limited (erstwhile subsidiary) effective November 22,
2006 and the latter commenced the said services on the same day. Sify Communications
Limited(erstwhile subsidiary) also furnished bank guarantees for Rs.200,000 each for NLD and ILD
licenses to GOI. These licenses are valid for an initial period of 20 years and can be renewed for
another 10 years at one time, upon request of the licensee made during the 19th year of license.
Pursuant to the Shareholders approval at the meeting held on 12th February, 2009 which was
convened as per the Orders of the Honorable High Court of Judicature at Madras (Court) and its
Order in Company Petition Nos.30 and 31 of 2009 on 26th June 2009 sanctioning the Amalgamation
Scheme, the assets and liabilities of Sify Communications Limited, whose principal business was
providing digital certificate based authentication services for web sites, Corporates / individuals
and consultancy services to Companies / Firms intending to set-up security systems for e-commerce
transactions, were transferred to and vested in the Company with effect from the appointed date
viz. 1st April 2008 in accordance with the Amalgamation Scheme so sanctioned. Effective upon the
merger,NLD and ILD licenses of Sify Communications Limited (erstwhile subsidiary) have been
transferred to the Company to provide IP-VPN services. Consequent to merger Infinity Capital and
Infinity Satcom Universal Private Limited hold 26.06% and 27.24% of outstanding equity shares
respectively. This has resulted in resident share holding of 27.24% post merger.
Organizational Structure
We are not part of any group. A list of subsidiaries and relevant information about them is
provided in Exhibit 8.1 to this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
Property, Plant and Equipment
We own approximately 100,000 square feet corporate headquarters located in Chennai (Madras),
India and an approximately 20,000 square feet regional office in Mumbai (Bombay). We have taken on
lease approximately 3,500 square feet network operations center in Chennai, a 20,000 square feet
data center in Vashi, Mumbai, 31,750 square feet data center in Airoli and a 6,000 square feet
office space in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. Our Chennai facility houses our central network servers as well
as our network staff which monitors network traffic, service quality and equipment at all our
points of presence, or POPs, to ensure a reliable Internet service. We have POPs in 500
towns/cities across India. Most of our POPs are staffed 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. Our POPs
average approximately 750 square feet at each location. We have backup power generators and
software and hardware systems designed to prevent network downtime in the event of system failures.
In the future, we may add additional facilities to supplement or add redundancy to our current
network monitoring capability. Our property, plant and equipment is pledged towards obtaining loans
/ working capital facilities from banks.
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
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Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
The financial statements of the Company included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F have been
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by International
Accounting Standards Board. The information set forth in Operating and Financial Review and
Prospects is also for the Companys three recent fiscal years. The discussion, analysis and
information presented in this section should be read in conjunction with our financial statements
included herein and the notes thereto.
Operating Results
This information is set forth under the caption entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations below and is incorporated herein by reference.
Further, information relating to any governmental, economic policies or other factors which have
materially affected, or could materially affect, directly or indirectly, the companies operations
is set forth under the caption entitled Risk Factors above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
This information is set forth under the caption entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations below and is incorporated herein by reference.
Research and Development
This information is set forth under the caption entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations below and is incorporated herein by reference.
Trend Information
This information is set forth under the caption entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations below and is incorporated herein by reference.
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
We are a leading Internet service provider engaged in Internet, Networking and e-Commerce
services. We provide integrated end-to-end solutions for both corporates and consumers, with a
range of products and services delivered over a common Internet backbone infrastructure, such as,
Internet, connectivity, security and consulting, hosting and managed service solutions; Internet
access services to homes and through cyber cafés; Online portal services and content offerings; web
services , mass market products , e-learning software and infrastructure management services. Our
clients rely on our solutions/products to enhance their business performance and/or secure their
information systems.
Our professionals deliver high quality solutions by leveraging our delivery model through
which we divide projects into components that we execute simultaneously at client sites and at our
development centers in India . We seek to optimize our cost structure by maintaining the
flexibility to execute project components where it is most cost effective. Our sales, marketing and
business development teams are organized to focus on specific regions and market segments and this
helps us to customize our service offerings to our clients needs. Our primary markets are India
and to a limited extent in US. We serve clients in financial services, manufacturing,
telecommunications, retail, utilities, logistics and other industries.
43
Corporate network/data services
The demand for services / products of our corporate network/data services division has reduced
during the second half of fiscal 2009 due to the economic slow down and the same trend is likely to
continue during the current fiscal unless the recession is reversed. The bandwidth cost has reduced
substantially during the period under review and the same trend is expected for current fiscal. We
have launched our NLD/ILD voice services in August 2008 and this stream has the potential to
provide a sizable momentum to our business. The opening of our new data centre in Mumbai (Airoli)
has facilitated us to enhance our position in the market. The reduction in bandwidth prices in
India has led us to revise bandwidth rates to our connectivity clients during the period under
review and this trend is likely to continue in future . The reduced IT spending by our Corporate
clients for connectivity business has impacted our revenue stream of hardware/software sales during
the period under review. We may encounter excessive pressure from our Corporate clients for price
reduction in the current fiscal . Certain of our Hosting services clients may opt out for
outsourcing arrangements to reduce their costs and if this happens, our business may be affected.
Internet access services
Broadband business has been impacted due to severe competition from the existing operators.
The customer base is coming down. We have reduced our prices for our products and will continue to
reduce further to reflect the prevailing prices.
There are changes in the regulatory environment. The Government is introducing stringent
KYC(Know Your Customer) norms on cybercafé users. The overall number of Cybercafes has declined in
India due to regulatory norms, higher rental costs for the cybercafés run by the franchisees and
the migration of cybercafe users to Home Broadband.
Online portal services and content offerings
The last quarter of the fiscal 2009 has been a lean period for subscription based products
such as mobile and domain registration and this trend is likely to continue during the current
fiscal. The business is shrinking due to high competition and economic slowdown. Clicks to
Matrimony, Job and real estate websites have come down during the period under review and this
trend may be repeated unless the slowdown is reversed.
Other services-Infrastructure Management Services
Market opportunity for remote infrastructure management services is growing. We wish to
capitalize this trend by evaluating our pricing and engagement models
Other services-eLearning Services
As the business environment continues to be challenging in the International markets, there
will be pricing pressures on pricing from customers and this will also be driven by competition. On
going Research & Development efforts are underway to develop new learning products. We have
introduced a learning infrastructure proposition on a Services model .While the underlying need for
eLearning products and services remains strong, there will be cutbacks and pressure on Customer
learning budgets. Our large customers such as Microsoft, GE, NetApps and DELL have experienced
contraction in their business due to global economic slowdown during the period under review and
this trend is likely to continue further. To compensate the business loss from such customers, we
are adopting a new strategy of expanding our client base through new verticals, segments and
geographies, while improving cost efficiency with Business Process Knowledge Management .
There are numerous risks and challenges affecting the business. These risks and challenges are
discussed in detail in the section entitled Risk Factors and elsewhere in this Annual Report on
Form 20-F.
As of March 31, 2009, we had 2,279 employees, as compared to approximately 2,397 employees as
at March 31, 2008.
Revenues
Corporate network/data services
Our corporate network/data services revenues primarily include revenue from sale of hardware
and software purchased from third party vendors, connectivity services revenue and, to a lesser
extent, revenues from the installation of the connectivity link and other ancillary services, such
as e-mail, document management and domain registration. Generally, these elements are
44
sold as a package consisting of all or some of the elements. We sell hardware and software
purchased from third party vendors to our high value corporate clients. Our connectivity services
include IPVPN services, Internet connectivity, last mile connectivity (predominantly through
wireless), messaging services, security services and web hosting for businesses. We provide these
services for a fixed period of time at a fixed rate regardless of usage, with the rate for the
services determined based on the type of service provided, scope of the engagement and the Service
Level Agreement, or SLA. Our web hosting service revenues are primarily generated from co-location
services and connectivity services. Our security services revenues include revenue from consulting
services, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing. We provide NLD (National Long Distance)
and ILD (International Long Distance) services and carry voice traffic for Inter-connect Operators.
Revenue is recognized based upon metered call units of voice traffic terminated on the Companys
network.
Internet access services
Internet access services revenues are generated from the Internet connectivity we provide to
our retail customers through public access and home access services. Home access services are
provided through dial-up packs and broadband connectivity, which is provided through arrangements
with CTOs. Our public access services are provided through franchised and company-owned cybercafés.
Additionally, we generate revenue by providing Internet telephony services, allowing customers to
make international telephone calls over the Internet.
Online portal services and content offerings
Online portal services revenues include advertising revenues from the various channels of our
Internet portal, www.sify.com. We enter into contracts with customers to serve advertisements in
the portal, and we are paid on the basis of impressions, click-throughs or leads. Revenues also
accrue from commissions earned on products and services rendered through www.sifymall.com, and also
from value-added services that are rendered using our mobile telephone short code, 54545.
Other services
Other services include revenue from e-learning. We develop and upload content for e-learning
to facilitate web-based learning in various organizations. We provide e-learning services on
time-and-materials or on a fixed-price basis.
In Note 34 to our Consolidated Financial Statements in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, we provide
supplemental segment data, which provides separate revenue and operating income (loss) information
for each of these business segments. This information is available in Item 18 Financial
Statements of this Annual Report on Form 20-F and is incorporated herein by reference.
Expenses
Cost of goods sold and services rendered
Corporate network/data services
Cost of goods sold and services rendered for the corporate network/data services division
consists of telecommunications costs necessary to provide services, customer support costs, cost of
goods in respect of communication hardware and security services sold,the cost of providing network
operations, the cost of voice termination for NLD/ILD voice services, the cost of voice termination
for VoIP services and other costs. Telecommunications costs include the costs of international
bandwidth procured from Tata Teleservices and satellite gateway providers and are required for
access to the Internet, providing local telephone lines to our points of presence, the costs of
using third-party networks pursuant to service agreements, leased line costs and costs towards
spectrum fees payable to Wireless Planning Commission, or WPC, for provision of spectrum in the 5.7
GHz range to enable connectivity to be provided on the wireless mode for the last mile. Other costs
include cost incurred towards Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC), cost of installation in
connectivity business, cost incurred in providing Hosting services, and Document Management
Services (DMS) cost for application services. In addition, the Government of India had imposed an
annual license fee of 6% of the adjusted gross revenue generated from the provision of IPVPN
services under our ISP license for the period January 11, 2005 to December 31, 2005 and 6% of the
adjusted gross revenue for the period from January 1, 2006 for incomes generated from IPVPN
business.
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Internet access services
Cost of goods sold and services rendered for the Internet access services division consists
primarily of recurring telecommunications costs necessary to provide service to subscribers, direct
costs paid to franchisees for running the e-ports and to cable television operators for providing
Internet services through cable to customers, the cost of goods sold and services rendered share
paid to franchisees and cable television operators, voice termination charges for VoIP services.
The Government of India also has imposed an annual license fee of 6% of the adjusted gross revenue
from the provision of VoIP services for the period January 11, 2005 to December 31, 2005 and 6% of
the adjusted gross revenue of the VoIP from January 1, 2006 onwards. Another recurring cost
included in cost of goods sold and services rendered is the personnel and related operating
expenses associated with customer support and network operations.
Online portal services and content offerings
Cost of goods sold and services rendered for the online portal services and content offerings
division includes the cost of procuring and managing content for the websites and cost of ringtones
downloaded by using our mobile telephone short code 54545 and the cost of bandwidth used for online
portal services.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses consists of salaries and commissions for sales
and marketing personnel, salaries and related costs for executive, financial and administrative
personnel, sales, marketing, advertising and other brand building costs, travel costs, and
occupancy and overhead costs.
Depreciation and amortization
We depreciate our tangible assets on a straight-line basis over the useful life of assets,
ranging from two to eight years and, in the case of buildings, 28 years.
Impairment
The carrying amounts of the Groups non-financial assets, other than inventories and deferred
tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of
impairment. If any such indication exists, then the assets recoverable amount is estimated. For
goodwill, the recoverable amount is estimated each year at 31 December.
The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and
its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are
discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For the purpose of
impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the
smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely
independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets (the cash-generating unit).
The goodwill acquired in a business combination, for the purpose of impairment testing, is
allocated to cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the
combination. Corporate assets for the purpose of impairment testing are allocated to the cash
generating units on a reasonable and consistent basis.
An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit
exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss.
Impairment losses recognized in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the
carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units and then to reduce the carrying amount of
the other assets in the unit or group of units on a pro rata basis.
Inventories comprising traded hardware and software are measured at the lower of cost
(determined using first-in first-out principle) and net realizable value. Net realizable value is
the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated costs of
completion and selling expenses.
Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet method, providing for temporary differences
between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the
amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognised for the following temporary
differences: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a
business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss, and
differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and associates to the extent that it is
probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future. In addition, deferred tax is not
recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill, as the
same is not deductible for tax purposes. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are
expected to be applied to temporary differences when they
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reverse, based on the laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting
date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to
offset current tax liabilities and assets, and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax
authority on the same taxable entity, or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle
current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and liabilities will be
realized simultaneously.
A deferred tax asset is recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits
will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are
reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that
the related tax benefit will be realized.
Stock compensation expense
A total of 5.73 million equity shares are reserved for issuance under our Associate Stock
Option Plans (ASOPs). As of March 31, 2009, we had outstanding an aggregate of 1,211,900, options
(net of 160,167 options forfeited by employees) under our ASOP with a weighted average exercise
price equal to approximately Rs.152.51 ($2.99) per equity share. The unamortized stock
compensation expense related to these grants amounted to Rs.55.84 million as of March 31, 2009.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth certain financial information as a percentage of revenues:
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Fiscal |
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Revenues |
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100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
Cost of goods sold and services rendered |
|
|
58.64 |
|
|
|
56.92 |
|
|
|
53.95 |
|
Other income/(expense) |
|
|
1.44 |
|
|
|
0.76 |
|
|
|
1.22 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
45.65 |
|
|
|
40.53 |
|
|
|
38.46 |
|
Depreciation and amortization expenses |
|
|
8.34 |
|
|
|
6.57 |
|
|
|
8.51 |
|
Operating profit/(Loss) |
|
|
(11.19 |
) |
|
|
(3.25 |
) |
|
|
0.28 |
|
Finance Income / (expense) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance income |
|
|
1.99 |
|
|
|
2.69 |
|
|
|
2.83 |
|
Finance expenses |
|
|
(4.08 |
) |
|
|
(0.96 |
) |
|
|
0.47 |
|
Net finance income/(Loss) |
|
|
(2.09 |
) |
|
|
1.73 |
|
|
|
2.36 |
|
Share of profit of equity accounted investee |
|
|
1.04 |
|
|
|
3.01 |
|
|
|
1.12 |
|
Profit before tax |
|
|
(12.24 |
) |
|
|
1.49 |
|
|
|
3.76 |
|
Income tax (expense)/ benefit |
|
|
(1.57 |
) |
|
|
1.06 |
|
|
|
1.21 |
|
Net profit/(loss) |
|
|
(13.81 |
) |
|
|
0.42 |
|
|
|
4.98 |
|
|
Results of year ended March 31, 2009 compared to year ended March 31, 2008
Revenues. We recognized Rs.6,162.16 million ($120.94 million) in revenues for the year ended
March 31, 2009, as compared to Rs.6,006.22 million for the year ended March 31, 2008, representing
an increase of Rs.155.94 million ($3.06 million), or 2.59 %.
The revenues generated by our corporate network/data services businesses increased by
Rs.483.10 million ($9.48 million), or 12.64 %, from Rs.3,822.11 million for the year ended March
31, 2008 to Rs.4,305.21 million for the year ended March 31,2009. The increase is attributable to
increases in (i) Voice services revenues of Rs.247.26 million ($4.85 million) due to new business,
(ii) Hosting services revenues of Rs.137.50 million ($2.69 million) as a result of acquisition of
new contracts and capacities sold from new data center, (iii) connectivity revenues of Rs.119.53
million ($2.34 million) due to increase in the sales from new and existing customers, including, (iv) Application services revenues of Rs.41.13 million ($ 0.80 million) primarily due to increased
focus in DMS business ,(v) Digital certification services revenues of Rs.14.33 million ($ 0.28
million) due to addition of new clients and renewal of repeat orders from the existing clients and
(vi) other services revenues of Rs.3.06 million ($0.06 million). The above increase is offset by a
decrease in revenues from Hardware/Software sales of Rs.79.71 million ($1.56 million) caused by
absence of bundled contract orders during the year under review.
Revenue from Consumer One services comprising of Internet Access services and Online Portal
services, has decreased by Rs 450.48 million ($8.84 million) or 25.62 % from Rs 1,755.99 million
for the year ended March 31, 2008 to Rs 1,305.51
47
`
million for the year ended March 31, 2009. This is caused by a drop of Rs 417.04 million
($8.18 million) or 26.99 % in the revenue from our Internet Access services and by Rs.33.44 million
($0.65 million) or 15.87 % in revenue from Portal services.
Our Internet Access services accounted for Rs.1,128.18 million ($22.14 million) of revenues
for the year ended March 31, 2009, as compared to Rs.1,545.23 million for the year ended March 31,
2008, representing a decrease of Rs.417.04 million ($8.18 million), or 26.99% Such decrease is
primarily on account of (i) decrease of Rs.163.25 million ($3.20 million) in broadband services
revenues due to decrease in subscribers (ii) decrease of Rs.190.48 million ($3.73 million) in
cybercafe revenues due to closure of active cybercafés caused by unexpected rent increases in the
current year incurred by the franchisees for cybercafe premises and economic slow down ,(iii)
decrease of Rs.49.70 million ($0.97 million) in voice revenues due to price reductions offered to
our customers to retain the existing customers and/or attract new customers to combat competition
and (iv) decrease of Rs.13.61million ($ 0.26 million) from Internet Access other services .
During the course of the year, the number of active cybercafés decreased from 2,165 to 1,791
as of March 31, 2009. The subscribers of the high speed Internet access to homes decreased by 24.65
% during the year, from 218,000 as of March 31, 2008 to 165,000 as of March 31, 2009. The
cybercafés are owned and operated by the franchisees. The franchisee procures the retail space,
invests in furniture, interior decor, personal computers, point of sale signage and employs/trains
the staff. The franchisee is responsible for the maintenance of the premises and interface with
customers. Sify provides the complete back-end support, including bandwidth, the authentication /
usage engine and the billing / collection system. Sify has discretion in establishing prices and
determines the service specifications. Sify also reserves the right to make any change, alteration,
modification in the services, business exploitation model, revenue generation, models, charges,
policies, specifications etc at its sole discretion and the same is binding on the franchisee.
Under the terms of the agreement, Sify is required to pay a commission at approximately 70% of the
revenue generated by the franchisees from internet usage at cybercafés. The revenue earned from
internet usage at cybercafés is recognized based on usage by the customer on a gross basis with the
corresponding commission being recorded as an expense. The aforesaid revenue recognition policy is
based on the principles set out in IAS 18 Revenue.
Our Online portal and content offerings division accounted for Rs.177.33 million ($3.48
million) of revenues for the year ended March 31, 2009, as compared to Rs.210.77 million for the
year ended March 31, 2008, representing a decrease of Rs.33.44 million ($0.65 million), or 15.87%.
This decrease was on account of (i) a drop by Rs.26.44 million ($0.51 million) caused by
reduction in corporate orders and (ii) a decrease of
Rs.7.00 million ($0.14 million) in revenues from travel
services caused by depressed aviation market for air traffic between US and India as well as on
account of increased competition from the existing operators.
Corporate orders operate with small profit margins and large number of orders are required.
Due to the slowdown in the economic environment, the margins on some of the orders were becoming
unattractive. Management opted out of such orders resulting in lower volumes. The revenue from
corporate orders decreased by Rs 26.44 million as compared to the previous year and did not have a
material effect on the Companys revenues.
Revenues from our other businesses increased by Rs.123.33 million ($2.42 million) from Rs
428.12 million for the year ended March 31, 2008 to Rs 551.45 million ($10.82 million), or 28.81 %
for the year ended March 31, 2009. This is driven by Rs 74.14 million ($1.45 million) or 43.34 %
increase in the revenue from our IMS services and Rs.49.19 million ($ 0.96 million) or 19.14 %
increase in the revenue from our E-learning services. These increases are attributed to new
projects and high volume of the business from the existing customers.
Other income. Other income was Rs.89.10 million ($1.74 million) for the year ended March 31,
2009, compared to Rs.46.15 million for the year ended March 31,2008, representing an increase of
Rs.42.95 million ($0.84 million), or 93.06%. Other income primarily comprises of income derived
from duty credit entitlements under the Served from India Scheme (issued by the Government of
India) in respect of the foreign exchange earnings from export of services. Increase in duty
credit entitlement is primarily on account of increase in export revenues during the current year
as compared to the previous year ended March 31, 2008.
Cost of goods sold and services rendered. Cost of goods sold and services rendered was
Rs.3,613.35 million ($70.91 million) for the year ended March 31, 2009, compared to Rs. 3,419.12
million for the year ended March 31, 2008, representing an increase of Rs.194.23 million ($3.81
million), or 5.68%. This increase was due to (i) a Rs.156.78 million ($3.07 million) increase in
bandwidth costs, (ii) a Rs.180.66 million ($3.54 million) increase in directly attributable
personnel costs to the technology , (iii) a Rs.11.06 million ($0.21 million) increase in revenue
share paid to TRAI .These increases have been partly offset by a decrease of Rs.154.27 million ($
3.02 million) in other costs.
The cost of goods sold and services rendered by our corporate network / data services
increased by Rs.258.91 million ($5.08 million) from Rs.2,062.92 million for the year ended March
31,2008 to Rs.2,321.83 million ($45.57 million) for the year
48
ended March 31, 2009, representing an increase of 12.55 %, on account of (i) increase of
Rs.156.92 million ($3.07 million) in carrier cost and interconnect charges due to increase in
volume of business (ii) increase of Rs. 75.50 million($1.48 million) in bandwidth costs due to
increase in usage, (iii) increase of Rs.126.22 million($2.47 million) in the employee cost due to
increase in the number of employees deployed for domestic projects,(iv) increase of Rs.16.55
million ($0.32 million) in the revenue share paid to TRAI,(v) increase of Rs.44.12 million($0.86
million) in the cost of software due to proportional increase in the sales of Sify secure, (vi)
increase of Rs.11.01 million ($0.21 million) in the cost of hardware due to proportional increase
in the sales of application services , (vii) increase of Rs.10.65 million($0.20 million) in the
royalty amount paid to Verisign due to increase in business and (viii) increase of Rs.2.75
million($0.05 million) in the cost of site development . These increases have been offset by a
decrease of (a) Rs. 119.42 million ($2.34 million) in the cost of hardware purchased for
connectivity business due to slump in the business, (b) Rs.32.07 million($0.62 million) in the cost
of safedox ( a tool to secure data) purchased due to reduced market requirements, (c) Rs.18.51
million($0.36 million) in the revenue share paid to Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL)
due to reduction in the business (d) Rs.2.72 million($0.05 million) in the cost of hardware
incurred towards hosting business and (e) Rs. 12.09 million($0.23 million) from others.
The cost of goods sold and services rendered for our corporate Internet Access services
decreased from Rs.1,038.10 million for the year ended March 31,2008 to Rs.969.64 million ($19.03
million) for the year ended March 31, 2009, representing a decrease of Rs.68.46 million($1.34
million) or 6.59 %, due to a decrease of (i) Rs.162.93 million($3.19 million) in the cost of
revenue share paid to CTOs due to reduction in business from Cable Television Operators (CTOs)
,(ii) Rs.3.16 million($0.06 million) in the cost of revenue share paid to TRAI on account of
reduction in the volume of business , (iii) Rs.15.22 million($0.29 million) in the line
maintenance charges due to reduction in tele-centers for whom Line Maintenance Charges are paid for
the connection and maintenance of last mile, (iv) Rs.12.74 million($0.25 million) in the Voice
termination costs due to a drop in the Voice revenues, and (v) Rs.7.24 million($0.14 million) in
the revenue share paid to Games business due to drop in Gaming revenue. These decreases have been
offset by an increase of (a) Rs.57.43 million ($1.12 million) in the technology man power resources
,(b) Rs.72.31 million($1.41 million) in bandwidth cost and (c) Rs.3.09 million (0.06 million) in
other costs.
The cost of goods sold and services rendered for our portal business decreased by Rs.47.84
million($0.93 million) from Rs.121.00 million for the year ended March 31, 2008 to Rs.73.16 million
($1.43 million) for the year ended March 31, 2009, representing a decrease 39.53 %, due to a
decrease of (i) Rs.18.45 million($0.36 million) in cost of vouchers sold on account of a drop in
corporate orders, (ii) Rs.25.04 million($0.49 million) in the content costs due to contents sourced
at lower costs from various sources (iii) Rs.0.68 million ($0.01 million) in the cost of payment
gateways due to processing of lesser number of transactions caused by business reduction , (iv)
Rs.0.68 million(0.01 million) in bandwidth cost due to reduction in business and (v) Rs.2.99
million ($0.05 million)in man power resources.
The cost of goods sold and services rendered for other services increased by Rs.51.62
million($1.01 million) from Rs.197.10 million for the year ended March 31,2008 to Rs.248.72
million($4.88 million) for the year ended March 31, 2009, representing an increase 26.16 %, due to
increase of (i) Rs.42.39 million($0.83 million) in cost of direct associates due to additional
employees deployed for project in IMS revenue stream,(ii) Rs.12.31 million($0.24 million) in cost
of direct associates due to additional employees deployed for e-learning projects. This increase
has been impacted by a decrease of Rs.3.08 million ($0.06 million) in other costs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses
were Rs.2,813.42 million ($55.21 million) for the year ended March 31, 2009, compared to
Rs.2,434.72 million for the year ended March 31, 2008, representing an increase of Rs. 378.70
million($7.43 million) or 15.55%. The increase is primarily on account of increase in (a) manpower
costs by Rs. 178.26 million($3.49 million) due to annual wage increases given to the employees (b)
facilities and other indirect expenses by Rs. 131.06 million($2.57 million) due to increase in
number of offices and increase in rent and maintenance charges for the existing offices, (c)
Operating costs by Rs. 124.43 million($2.44 million) on account of an increase in the size of
operations in Network and DC services (d) marketing expenses by Rs 76.49 million($1.50 million) on
account of enlarged marketing efforts undertaken in connection with brand logo change and (e)
Rs.28.74 million($0.56 million) in other costs. This increase is partially offset by a reduction
of (i) Rs.36.00 million($0.70 million) in legal expenses , (ii) Rs.5.67 million($0.11 million) in
selling expenses, (iii) Rs.23.62 million($0.46 million) in contracts payments ,(iv) Rs.54.33
million($1.06 million) foreign exchange loss on account of covering of forward contracts caused by
significant rupee depreciation,(v) Rs.40.65 million($0.80 million) in provision for doubtful debts.
Depreciation and Amortization expenses: Depreciation and amortization expenses were Rs.498.87
million($9.79 million) for the year ended March 31,2009, compared to Rs.394.34 million for the year
ended March 31,2008, representing an increase of Rs.104.53 million ($2.05 million), or (26.50%).
The increase is attributable to an increase of Rs.97.00 million ($1.90 million) in depreciation due
to addition of fixed assets as well as an increase of Rs.7.53 million ($0.15 million) in
amortization expense due to addition of system software.
49
Impairment loss: The Company has performed impairment test with respect to goodwill relating
to Globe Travels business consequent to which, a Rs. 15.20 million ($0.3 million) impairment charge
was recorded during the year.
Net finance income. The net finance loss was Rs.129.09 million ($2.53 million)for the year
ended March 31, 2009, compared to an income of Rs.104.10 million for the year ended March 31,
2008, representing a decrease of Rs.233.19 million ($4.57 million), or (224.00 %). The finance
income was Rs.122.57 million($2.40 million) for the year ended March 31, 2009, compared to
Rs.161.78 million for the year ended March 31,2008, representing a decrease of Rs.39.21
million($0.76 million) caused by a decrease in the interest income on bank deposits on account of
closure for such deposits. The finance expense was Rs.251.66 million ($4.93 million) for the year
ended March 31, 2009, compared to Rs.57.68 million for the year ended March 31, 2008, representing
an increase of Rs.193.98 million ($3.80 million) caused by an increase Rs.193.56 million ($3.79
million) in bank charges on account of increased borrowings, including demand loans against the
deposits, fund based working capital facilities and non-fund based limits and a decrease of Rs.0.42
million in interest paid towards finance leases.
Share of profit of investment in associate. The share of profit of investment in associate was
Rs.64.09 million($1.26 million) for the year ended March 31, 2009, compared to Rs.181.12 million
for the year ended March 31,2008, representing a decrease of Rs. 117.03 million ($2.30 million), or
64.61%. The decrease was due to poor financial performance of MF Global Sify Securities India
Private Limited caused by sluggish stock market conditions.
Income tax expense. The income tax expense was Rs.97.05 million($1.90 million) for the year
ended March 31, 2009, compared to Rs. 63.97 million for the year ended March 31, 2008. The income
tax expense represents the current tax and utilization of deferred tax assets created in respect of
the carry forward business loss of Sify Communications Limited (erstwhile subsidiary) relating to
previous years. This utilization was due to the taxable profits earned by the erstwhile
subsidiary.
Profit. The net loss for fiscal 2009 is Rs.851.63 million($16.71 million) compared to a net
profit of Rs.25.44 million for fiscal 2008 and is attributable to (i) an increase of Rs.378.70
million($7.43 million) in selling, general and administrative expenses, (ii) an increase of Rs.
119.83 million($2.35 million) in depreciation/amortization/impairment expenses, (iii) a decrease of
Rs.233.19 million($4.57 million) from net finance income , (iv) a decrease of Rs.117.04
million($2.30 million) from the share of profit of equity accounted investee and (v) an increase
of Rs.33.08 million ($0.64 million) in income tax expense.
Results of year ended March 31, 2008 compared to year ended March 31, 2007
Revenues. We recognized Rs.6,006.22 million ($150.08 million) in revenues for the year ended
March 31, 2008, as compared to Rs.5,447.35 million for the year ended March 31, 2007, representing
an increase of Rs.558.87 million, or 10.26 %.
The revenues generated by our corporate network/data services businesses increased by
Rs.799.83 million, or 26.46 %, from Rs.3,022.28 million for the year ended March 31, 2007 to
Rs.3,822.11 million for the year ended March 31,2008. The increase is attributable to increases in
(i) connectivity revenues of Rs.258.77 million due to increase in the sales from new and existing
customers, including Oriental Insurance Corporation Limited (OICL), ICICI, and Bajaj Allianz; (ii)
hardware and software sales of Rs.279.96 million owing to high value orders from corporate clients,
including from OICL; (iii) Hosting services revenues of Rs.106.37 million as a result of
acquisition of high value contracts including from AT&T and Futura Groups; (iv) Voice services
revenues of Rs.100.85 million due to high value contracts including from Sutherland and Cognizant
Technology Solutions (CTS); (v) Application services revenues of Rs.77.20 due to increased focus in
DMS business as well as a large order secured in Forum and (vi) other services revenues of Rs.11.20
million, which offset a decrease in revenues from assurance services of Rs.34.52 million caused
by loss of projects executed by Sify Assure. We currently have more than 2,380 corporate customers
of our connectivity services.
Revenue from Consumer One services comprising of Internet Access services and Online Portal
services, has decreased by Rs 353.33 million or 16.75 % from Rs 2,109.32 million for the year ended
March 31, 2007 to Rs 1,755.99 million for the year ended March 31, 2008. The revenues from
Internet access services decreased from Rs.1,846.42 million for the year ended March 31, 2007 to
Rs.1,545.23 million for the year ended March 31, 2008. The decrease was Rs.301.19 million, or
16.31%, over the previous year. The decrease was as a result of decreases in (i) dial-up revenues
of Rs.76.40 million due to change over of most of the customers from dial-up facilities to
broadband services, (ii) cyber cafe revenues of Rs.135.57 million, due to unexpected rent increases
on the cybercafe premises, (iii) voice revenues of Rs.126.39 million due to reduction in prices
effected to meet the competitors who offer competitive prices to attract the customers and (iv)
other services of Rs.14.90 million. These decreases have been offset by an increase of Rs.49.99
million from broadband services due to increased utilisation of services and Rs.2.08 million from
other services.
50
During the course of the year, the number of cybercafés increased from 3,638 to 3,887 as of
March 31, 2008. The subscribers of the high speed Internet access to homes increased by more than
6.84% during the year, from approximately 215,000 as of March 31, 2007 to more than 218,000 as of
March 31, 2008.
Our online portal and content offerings division accounted for Rs.210.76 million of revenues
for the year ended March 31, 2008, as compared to Rs.262.90 million for the year ended March 31,
2007, representing a decrease of Rs.52.14 million, or 19.83%. This decrease was on account of
revenues from Corporate orders decreasing by Rs.35.50 million due to (i) a drop in corporate
orders on account of the management decision to slow down the business for a reason of stress on
operations and (ii) a decrease of Rs.12.72 million in revenues from travel services due to
increased competition from the existing operators and (iii) a decrease in the revenue from other
e-commerce activities amounting to Rs.3.92 million.
Revenues from our other businesses increased by Rs.112.38 million from Rs 315.74 million for
the year ended March 31,2007 to Rs 428.12 million, or 35.59 % for the year ended March 31,2008 on
account of an increase of increase in the E-learning revenues due to new projects and high volume
of the business from the existing customers.
Other income. Other income was Rs.46.15 million for the year ended March 31, 2008, compared to
Rs.66.32 million for the year ended March 31,2007, representing a decrease of Rs.20.17 million, or
30.41%. Other income primarily comprises of income derived from duty credit entitlements under the
Served from India Scheme (issued by the Government of India) in respect of the foreign exchange
earnings from export of services. Decrease in duty credit entitlement is primarily on account of
reduction of export revenues during the current year as compared to the previous year ended March
31, 2007.
Cost of goods sold and services rendered. Cost of goods sold and services rendered was
Rs.3,419.12 million for the year ended March 31, 2008, compared to Rs. 2,939.33 million for the
year ended March 31, 2007, representing an increase of Rs.479.79 million, or 16.56%. This increase
was due to (i) a Rs.278.62 million increase in hardware and software costs, (ii) a Rs.154.86
million increase in bandwidth costs, (iii) a Rs.122.35 million increase in directly attributable
personnel costs to the technology and e-learning departments, (iv) a Rs.16.07 million increase in
content cost, (v) a Rs.31.79 million increase in site development expenses, (vi) a Rs.10.54
million increase in revenue share paid to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and (vii) a
Rs. 7.23 million increase in other costs. These increases have been partly offset by a decrease of
(a) Rs 17.68 million in termination costs for VoIP services, (b) Rs.78.40 million in revenue share
paid to franchisees and cable television operators, (c) Rs 25.65 million in the cost of vouchers
sold through the online portals and (d) Rs.16.28 million in software purchased.
The cost of goods sold and services rendered for our corporate network / data services
increased by Rs.645.56 million from Rs.1,417.36 million for the year ended March 31,2007 to
Rs.2,062.92 million for the year ended March 31, 2008, representing an increase of 46.70%, on
account of (i) increase of Rs.251.90 million in cost of hardware to support the increased
connectivity business, (ii) increase of Rs. 215.30 in bandwidth costs due to increase in capacity
utilisation, (iii) increase of Rs.62.56 million in voice termination costs (costs incurred in
providing voice services to customers) due to increased volume of business, (iv) increase of
Rs.46.20 million in other costs such as cost of AMC, cost of installation for connectivity
business, cost of Hosting services provided to customers and the cost of DMS for Application
services due to increased volume of business, (v) increase of Rs.24.40 million in the cost of
software due to proportional increase in the sales of Sify secure, (vi) increase of Rs.21.70
million in the cost of hardware due to proportional increase in the sales of application services, (vii) increase of Rs.52.53 million in the domestic employee cost due to increase in the number of
employees deployed and (viii) increase of Rs.25.40 million in direct employees cost on account of
additional employees deployed for IMS projects. These increases have been offset by a decrease of
(a) Rs. 14.10 million in the cost of safedoxx (a tool to ensure security of data) due to a reduced
market requirements, (b) Rs.11.70 million in Broadband installation charges due to inclusion of
this into the overall installation charges, (c) Rs.10.70 million in the direct cost of Sify Assure
due to an exit of a large number of employees and (d) Rs. 14.27 million from others.
The cost of goods sold and services rendered for our corporate Internet Access services decreased
by Rs.209.31 million from Rs.1,247.41 million for the year ended March 31,2007 to Rs.1,038.10 for
the year ended March 31, 2008, representing a decrease of Rs.209.31 million, or 16.78%, due to a
decrease of (i) Rs.18.90 million in cost of equipment sold on account of a drop in equipment sales,
(ii) Rs.77.30 million in the cost of goods sold and services rendered share paid to franchisees due
to a drop in the cybercafe revenue, (iii) Rs.61.50 million in the Voice termination costs due to a
drop in the Voice revenue, (iv) Rs.62.90 million in the bandwidth due to better management of
bandwidth, (v) Rs.9.70 million in other iway costs primarily due to reduction in cost of iway
cards. These decreases have been offset by an increase of (a) Rs.11.10 million in the cost of
goods sold and services rendered share paid to broadband business associates due to increase in
broadband revenue and (b) Rs.5.80 million in line maintenance charges due to increase Line
Maintenance Charges (LMC) revenues and Rs 4.09 million from other costs.
The cost of goods sold and services rendered for our portal business decreased by Rs.2.02 million
from Rs.123.02 million for the year ended March 31, 2007 to Rs.121.00 million for the year ended
March 31, 2008, representing a decrease 1.64 %, due to a decrease of Rs.25.70 million in cost of
vouchers sold on account of a drop in corporate orders. This decrease has been impacted by
51
an increase of (i) Rs.17.00 million in the content costs due to an increase in the number of City
Live program, (ii) Rs.2.70 million in the cost of payment gateways due to an increase in the
revenue of sify mall, (iii) Rs.2.60 million in bandwidth cost iv) Rs 1.38 million from others.
The cost of goods sold and services rendered for other services increased by Rs.45.56 million from
Rs.151.54 million for the year ended March 31,2007 to Rs.197.10 million for the year ended March
31, 2008, representing an increase 30.06 %, due to (i) Rs.40.96 million increase in cost of direct
associates due to additional employees deployed for project in E-Learning revenue stream and (ii)
Rs.4.60 million increase in other costs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses
were Rs.2,434.72 million for the year ended March 31, 2008, compared to Rs.2,094.91 million for the
year ended March 31, 2007, representing an increase of Rs. 339.75 million or 16.22%. The increase
is primarily on account of increase in (a) manpower costs by Rs. 91.45 million due to addition of
manpower resources (b) legal expenses by Rs 130.20 million due to one time payment in connection
with the pending litigation with Yahoo, (c) facilities and other indirect expenses by Rs. 108.23
million due to increase in number of offices and increase in rent and maintenance charges for the
existing offices, (d) Operating costs by Rs. 44.24 million on account of an increase in the
operations and (e) travel expenses by Rs 29 million. This increase is partially offset by a
reduction in selling and marketing expenses by Rs. 63.54 million.
Depreciation and Amortization expenses. Depreciation and amortization expenses were Rs.394.34
million for the year ended March 31,2008, compared to Rs.463.78 million for the year ended March
31,2007, representing a decrease of Rs.69.44 million, or (14.97%). The decrease is attributable to
a reduction of Rs.56.69 million in depreciation as well as a decrease of Rs.13.16 million in
amortization expense. The depreciation expense decreased by Rs.110.31 million due the changes made
to the estimated economic life of certain assets and the decrease has been impacted by an increase
of Rs.67.14 million on account of addition of new assets. The reduction in the amortization
expense is due to the carrying amount of intangibles in respect of technical know-how and portals
and web content reached the residual value requiring no further amortization.
Net finance income. The net finance income was Rs.104.10 million for the year ended March 31,
2008, compared to Rs.128.64 million for the year ended March 31, 2007, representing a decrease of
Rs.24.54 million, or (19.08 %). The finance income was Rs.161.78 million for the year ended March
31,2008,compared to Rs.154.19 million for the year ended March 31,2007, representing an increase of
Rs.7.59 million caused by a rise in the interest income on bank deposits on account of increase in
the rates of interest for such deposits. The finance expense was Rs. 57.68 million for the year
ended March 31, 2008,compared to Rs.25.55 million for the year ended March 31, 2007, representing
an increase of Rs.32.13 million caused by an increase of Rs.31.70 million in bank charges on
account increase in borrowings, including demand loans against the deposits, fund based working
capital facilities and non-fund based limits and Rs.0.43 million in interest paid towards finance
leases.
Share of profit of investment in associate. The share of profit of investment in associate was
Rs.181.13 million for the year ended March 31,2008,compared to Rs.61.03 million for the year ended
March 31,2007, representing an increase of Rs. 120.1 million, or 196.78%. The increase was due to
improved financial performance of MF Global Sify Securities India Private Limited.
Income tax expense. The income tax expense was Rs.63.98 million for the year ended March
31,2008,compared to a benefit of Rs. 66.11 million for the year ended March 31, 2007. The income
tax expense represents the current tax and utilization of deferred tax assets created in respect of
the carry forward business loss of its subsidiary, Sify Communications Limited. This utilization
was due to the taxable profits earned by the subsidiary.
Foreign Exchange Fluctuations and Forwards
We enter into forward exchange forward contracts to mitigate the risk of changes in foreign
exchange rates on cash flows denominated in U.S.dollars. We enter into forward contracts where the
counter party is a bank. These contracts generally mature between one to six months. These
contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting under IFRS. Foreign exchange contracts are marked to
market as at the balance sheet date and recognized in the consolidated income statement.
52
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table summarizes our statements of cash flows for the periods presented:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
Rs. in 000 |
|
|
Rs. in 000 |
|
|
Rs. in 000 |
|
|
US $ in 000 |
|
|
|
|
Profit / (loss) before tax |
|
|
(754,584 |
) |
|
|
89,421 |
|
|
|
205,259 |
|
|
|
(14,810 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other adjustments for non-cash items |
|
|
749,761 |
|
|
|
298,076 |
|
|
|
503,978 |
|
|
|
14,716 |
|
|
|
|
Income taxes paid |
|
|
(108,560 |
) |
|
|
(168,426 |
) |
|
|
(56,697 |
) |
|
|
(2131 |
) |
|
|
|
Net decrease (increase) in working capital |
|
|
(258,173 |
) |
|
|
(1,058,940 |
) |
|
|
(536,278 |
) |
|
|
(5,067 |
) |
|
|
|
Net cash from / (used in) operating activities |
|
|
(371,556 |
) |
|
|
(839,869 |
) |
|
|
116,262 |
|
|
|
(7,293 |
) |
|
|
|
Net cash from / (used in) investing activities |
|
|
(1,174,156 |
) |
|
|
(756,300 |
) |
|
|
(708,316 |
) |
|
|
(23,045 |
) |
|
|
|
Net cash from / (used in) financing activities |
|
|
968,797 |
|
|
|
(585,200 |
) |
|
|
847,939 |
|
|
|
19,015 |
|
|
|
|
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
945 |
|
|
|
(98 |
) |
|
|
(8,229 |
) |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(576,920 |
) |
|
|
(2,181,369 |
) |
|
|
255,885 |
|
|
|
(11,323 |
) |
|
|
|
Our growth has been financed largely by cash generated from operations and bank borrowings
and, to a lesser extent, from the proceeds from the issuance of equity. In 1999, we raised
approximately $79.2 million in aggregate proceeds from our initial public offering of ADS in the
United States. In 2000, we raised an additional $ 141.2 million in aggregate proceeds from our
secondary public offering of ADSs in the United States.
As of March 31, 2009, we had a cash and cash equivalents of Rs.312.71 million ($6.13 million),
including a negative working capital of Rs.175.99 million ($3.45 million), cash and bank balances
of Rs.1,710.79 million ($33.57 million), and bank borrowings of Rs.1,384.16 million ($27.16
million). We intend to augment our current working capital through additional bank borrowings and
effective working capital management to meet our requirements for the next 12 months.
Our principal sources of liquidity are our borrowings from banks. Our cash and cash
equivalents comprise of cash and bank deposits. The restricted cash balance was Rs.1,330.75 million
primarily represents fixed deposits pledged for availing bank borrowings ($26.11 million),
Rs.878.58 and Rs.939.83 million as at March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 respectively
Our external sources of credit include facilities sanctioned to us by Indian banks. We have
working capital facilities in the form of short term loans, cash credit and overdraft facilities of
Rs. 750 million which has been fully utilized as at March 31, 2009. Further, we were provided
non-funded limits of Rs.1350.00 million (primarily in the form of bank guarantees and letters of
credit) out of which Rs.213.00 million remained unutilized as of the reporting date. Our ongoing
working capital requirements are significantly affected by the profitability of our operations and
we continue to periodically evaluate existing and new sources of liquidity and financing.
We are taking all steps to improve the cash position to meet our currently known requirements
at least over the next twelve months. In light of the highly dynamic nature of our business,
however, we cannot assure you that our capital requirements and sources will not change
significantly in the future
Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended March 31, 2009 was Rs.371.55 million
($7.29 million).This is mainly attributable to Increase in trade and other receivables by Rs.314.35
million ($6.16 million), increase in inventories by Rs.1.33 million ($0.02 million) , decrease in
other assets by Rs.224.62 million ($4.40 million) , decrease in trade and other payables by
Rs.171.26 million ($3.36 million) , increase in employee benefits by Rs.17.70 million ($0.34
million) and decrease in deferred revenue by Rs13.55 million ($0.26 million) .
Cash used in operating activities during fiscal year 2008 was Rs.839.87 million. This is
primarily attributable to increase in trade and other receivables by Rs.678.05 million on account
of increase in corporate taxes paid by Rs. 168.43 million, deposit of Rs.550.00 million paid
towards Special Economic Zone (SEZ) land and increase in trade and other payables by Rs. 460.21
millions.
53
Cash provided by operating activities during fiscal year 2007 was Rs.116.26 million. This is
primarily attributable to cash profits made from operating activities amounting to Rs. 709.23
million, partly offset by an increase in trade and other receivables by Rs. 651.65 millions and
increase in other assets by Rs. 21.90 million.
Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended March 31, 2009 was Rs.1,174.16
million ($23.05 million) primarily on account of purchase of routers, modems, ports, servers and
other capital equipments for 2009 was Rs.1,170.8 million ($22.98 million).
Cash used in investing activities during fiscal year 2008 was Rs. 756.30 million, primarily as
a result of expenditure on network equipment, servers, base stations and wireless equipments in
connection with the expansion of our network of Rs.849.09 million and purchase of intangible assets
of software licenses of Rs 30.24 million, partly offset on account of finance income of Rs. 121.16
million.
Cash used in investing activities during fiscal year 2007 was Rs. 708.32 million, principally
as a result of expenditure on purchase of routers, modems, ports, servers and other capital
equipment in connection with the expansion of our network of Rs.686.32 million and purchase of
intangible assets of software licenses of Rs.65.47 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities for fiscal year 2009 was Rs.968.80 million ($19.01
million) on account of increase in borrowings from banks. The Company has not met certain financial
covenants relating to the term loan as of 31 March 2009. Subsequent to the balance sheet date, the
bank has neither called the loan nor demanded the loan for not meeting the financial covenants. As
per the terms of the loan agreement, no financial penalty is leviable.
Cash used in financing activities for fiscal year 2008 was Rs.585.2 million, which consisted
of net proceeds from issuance of common stock of Rs.116.81 million, and were offset by net
repayment of borrowings from bank by Rs. 643.58 million.
Cash provided by financing activities for fiscal year 2007 was Rs. 847.94 million, which
consisted of net proceeds from issuance of common stock of Rs. 72.65 million, and borrowings from
bank Rs. 800 million.
Capital expenditure
We incurred Rs.1460 million towards capital expenditure for the year ended March 31, 2009.
During the current fiscal, we have already incurred Rs. 293.6 million. We also anticipate incurring
further expenditure in the 3rd and 4th quarter of the current fiscal for
about Rs. 660 million mainly on Airoli and Bangalore data centers, network assets and wireless
equipments. This will be funded out of limits sanctioned by State Bank of India and through lease
financing by strategic vendors.
Research and development
The Company does not have research and development activities and has also not undertaken any
sponsored research and development activities.
Trends
The information is set forth under the caption Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations included under Item 5 Operating and Financial
review and Prospects.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
None.
54
Contractual obligations
Set forth below are our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments due by period (Rs 000s) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contractual Obligations |
|
Total |
|
than 1 year |
|
1-3 years |
|
3-5 years |
|
More than 5 years |
|
|
Long Term Debt Obligations |
|
|
201,389 |
|
|
|
13,333 |
|
|
|
188,056 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short Term Borrowings |
|
|
2,579,853 |
|
|
|
2,579,853 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance Lease Obligations |
|
|
155,325 |
|
|
|
32,944 |
|
|
|
72,112 |
|
|
|
50,269 |
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cancellable Operating Lease obligations |
|
|
1,801,298 |
|
|
|
135,165 |
|
|
|
375,079 |
|
|
|
210,306 |
|
|
|
1,080,748 |
|
Proposed Lease Obligations |
|
|
2,423,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
279,950 |
|
|
|
269,588 |
|
|
|
1,874,016 |
|
Europe India Gateway Obligations |
|
|
390,208 |
|
|
|
289,484 |
|
|
|
100,724 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase Obligations |
|
|
322,607 |
|
|
|
322,607 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
7,874,234 |
|
|
|
3,373,386 |
|
|
|
1,015,921 |
|
|
|
530,163 |
|
|
|
2,954,764 |
|
|
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
|
i. |
|
Standards early adopted by the Company |
|
|
1. |
|
IFRS 8 Operating Segments introduces the management approach to segment reporting,
whereby segment reporting is based on internal management reporting and replaces IAS 14.
IFRS 8 aligns segment reporting with the requirements of the US standard SFAS 131,
Disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information. The standard is
applicable for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009. Sify early adopted IFRS 8 for
the year ending March 31, 2009 and has made disclosure of segment information based on the
internal reports regularly reviewed by the Groups Chief Operating Decision Maker in order
to assess each segments performance and to allocate resources to them. |
|
|
2. |
|
In April 2009, the IASB issued Improvements to IFRS as part of its program of annual
improvements to its standards. As part of the Improvements to IFRS, IFRS 8 Operating
Segments was amended. The amendment requires disclosure of segment assets for each
reportable segment only if such measure is regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating
Decision Maker (CODM). The said amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or
after 01 January, 2010, with earlier adoption being permitted. Sify has early adopted the
said amendment to IFRS 8 and has not provided disclosures relating to segment assets of
reportable segments as these are not regularly reviewed by the CODM. |
|
|
ii. |
|
New standards and interpretations not yet adopted |
|
|
|
|
A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are not yet effective
for the year ended 31 March 2009, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated
financial statements: |
|
|
1. |
|
Revised IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements (2007) introduces the term total
comprehensive income, which represents changes in equity during a period other than those
changes resulting from transactions with owners in their capacity as owners. Total
comprehensive income may be presented in either a single statement of comprehensive income
(effectively combining both the income statement and all non-owner changes in equity in a
single statement), or in an income statement and a separate statement of comprehensive
income. Revised IAS 1, which becomes mandatory for our March 31, 2010 consolidated financial
statements, is expected to have a significant impact on the presentation of the consolidated
financial statements. The Group plans to provide an income statement and a separate
statement comprehensive income for reporting periods commencing on and after April 1, 2009. |
|
|
2. |
|
Revised IAS 23, Borrowing Costs removes the option to expense borrowing costs and
requires that an entity capitalize borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition,
construction or production of a qualifying asset as part of the cost of that asset. The
revised IAS 23 will become mandatory for reporting periods commencing on and after April 1,
2009. As the Group currently follows a policy of capitalizing borrowing costs, this new
standard will not have any material impact on the Groups consolidated financial statements. |
55
|
3. |
|
Amendments to IAS 32, Financial Instruments: Presentation and IAS 1, Presentation of
Financial Statements Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on
Liquidation require puttable instruments, and instruments that impose on the entity an
obligation to deliver to another party a pro rata share of the net assets of the entity only
on liquidation, to be classified as equity if certain conditions are met. The amendments,
which become mandatory for the Groups consolidated financial statements prepared for
reporting periods commencing on or after April 1, 2009, with retrospective application
required, are not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated financial
statements. |
|
|
4. |
|
IFRS 3 (Revised), Business Combinations, as amended, is applicable for annual periods
beginning on or after July 1, 2009. Early adoption is permitted. However, this Standard
can be applied only at the beginning of an annual reporting period that begins on or after
June 30, 2007. The Group would adopt this Standard with effect from April 1, 2009. IFRS 3
(Revised) primarily requires the acquisition-related costs to be recognized as period
expenses in accordance with the relevant IFRS. Costs incurred to issue debt or equity
securities are required to be recognized in accordance with IAS 39. Consideration, after
this amendment, would include fair values of all interests previously held by the acquirer.
Re-measurement of such interests to fair value would be required to be carried out through
the income statement. Contingent consideration is required to be recognized at fair value
even if not deemed probable of payment at the date of acquisition. |
|
|
|
|
IFRS 3 (Revised) provides an explicit option on a transaction-by-transaction basis, to
measure any Non-controlling interest (NCI) in the entity acquired at fair value of their
proportion of identifiable assets and liabilities or at full fair value. The first method
would result in a marginal difference in the measurement of goodwill from the existing IFRS
3; however the second approach would require recording goodwill on NCI as well as on the
acquired controlling interest.
Business combinations consummated after April 1, 2009 would be impacted by the revised
standard. |
|
|
5. |
|
IAS 27, Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements, as amended, is applicable for
annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009. Earlier adoption is permitted provided
IFRS 3 (Revised) is also early adopted. This Standard would be adopted by the company
effective April 1, 2009. It requires a mandatory adoption of economic entity model which
treats all providers of equity capital as shareholders of the entity. Consequently, a
partial disposal of interest in a subsidiary in which the parent company retains control
does not result in a gain or loss but an increase or decrease in equity. Additionally,
purchase of some or all of the NCI is treated as equity transaction and accounted for in
equity and a partial disposal of interest in subsidiary in which the parent company loses
control triggers recognition of gain or loss on the entire interest. A gain or loss is
recognized on the portion that has been disposed of and a further holding gain or loss is
recognized on the interest retained, being the difference between the fair value and
carrying value of the interest retained. This Standard requires an entity to attribute
proportionate share of net income and reserves to the NCI even if this results in the NCI
having a deficit balance. |
|
|
6. |
|
IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes addresses the accounting by entities that operate,
or otherwise participate in, customer loyalty programs for their customers. It relates to
customer loyalty programs under which the customer can redeem credits for awards such as
free or discounted goods or services. IFRIC 13, which becomes mandatory for the Groups
financial statements for reporting periods commencing on or after April 1, 2009, is not
expected to have a significant impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
|
|
7. |
|
IFRIC 18- Transfer of assets from customers defines the treatment for property, plant and
equipment transferred by customers to companies or for cash received to be invested in
property, plant and equipment that must be used to either connect the customer to a network
or to provide the customer with ongoing access to a supply of goods or services or to both.
The item of property, plant and equipment is to be initially recognized by the Company at
fair value with a corresponding credit to revenue. If an ongoing service is identified as a
part of the agreement, the period over which revenue will be recognized for that service
would be determined by the terms of the agreement with the customer. If the period is not
clearly defined, then revenue should be recognized over a period no longer than the usual
life of the transferred asset used to provide the ongoing service. This interpretation is to
be applied prospectively to transfers of assets from customers received on or after July 1,
2009. Earlier application is permitted provided the valuation and other information needed
to apply the information to past transfers were obtained at the time the transfers occurred.
The Company would prospectively adopt this interpretation for all assets transferred after
July 1, 2009. The amendment does not have any significant impact on Sifys statement of
operations. |
|
|
8. |
|
Amendments to IFRS 2, Share-based Payment Vesting Conditions and Cancellations
clarify the definition of vesting conditions, introduce the concept of non-vesting
conditions, require non-vesting conditions to be reflected in grant-date fair value and
provide the accounting treatment for non-vesting conditions and cancellations. These
amendments to IFRS |
56
|
|
|
2 will become mandatory for the Groups financial statements for reporting periods commencing
on or after April 1, 2009, with retrospective application. The amendment does not have any
material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Group. |
|
|
9. |
|
Amendments to IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement: Eligible
Hedged Items deal with two situations where diversity in practice exists on the designation
of inflation as a hedged risk and the treatment of one-sided risks on hedged items. These
amendments are effective for accounting periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009. The
amendment is not expected to have any impact on the consolidated financial statements of the
Group. |
|
|
10. |
|
Improvements to IFRS- In April 2009, the IASB issued Improvements to IFRSs a
collection of amendments to twelve International Financial Reporting Standards as part of
its program of annual improvements to its standards, which is intended to make necessary,
but non-urgent, amendments to standards that will not be included as part of another major
project. The latest amendments were included in exposure drafts of proposed amendments to
IFRS published in October 2007, August 2008, and January 2009. The amendments resulting from
this standard mainly have effective dates for annual periods beginning on or after January
1, 2010, although entities are permitted to adopt them earlier. The Company is evaluating
the impact, these amendments (except as discussed in note 3 s (i) above) will have on the
Companys consolidated financial statements. |
Critical Accounting Policies
Our accounting policies affecting our financial condition and results of operations are more fully
described in Note 3 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 18 of this Annual
Report on Form 20-F. Certain of Sifys accounting policies require the application of judgment by
management in selecting appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates, which
inherently contain some degree of uncertainty. Management bases its estimates on historical
experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the reported carrying
values of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses that may not be
readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different
assumptions or conditions.
Sify believes the following are the critical accounting policies and related judgments and
estimates used in the preparation of its Consolidated Financial Statements. Management has
discussed the application of these critical accounting estimates with our Board of Directors and
Audit Committee.
Revenue Recognition
Various streams of revenue are described below:
|
|
|
Corporate network/data services, which provides Internet, connectivity, security and
consulting, hosting, voice and managed service solutions; |
|
|
|
|
Internet access services, from homes and through cybercafes; |
|
|
|
|
Online portal services and content offerings; and |
|
|
|
|
Other services such as development of e-learning software |
Revenue from the sale of goods is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or
receivable, net of returns, trade discounts and volume rebates. Revenue is recognized when the
significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of the
consideration is probable, the associated costs and possible return of goods can be estimated
reliably, there is no continuing management involvement with the goods, and the amount of revenue
can be measured reliably. Transfers of risks and rewards vary depending on the individual terms of
the contract of sale.
Revenue from services rendered is recognized in the Income statement in proportion to the stage of
completion of the transaction at the reporting date.
The revenue recognition in respect of the various streams of revenue is described below:
(i) Corporate network/data services
Corporate network service revenues primarily include connectivity services and sale of hardware and
software (purchased from third party vendors), and to a lesser extent, installation of a link, and
other ancillary services such as e-mail and domain
57
registration. Generally these elements are sold as a package consisting all or some of the
elements. In these cases the Group applies the recognition criteria to the separately identifiable
components of a single transaction in order to reflect the substance of the transaction with
different revenue allocations for each component. These multiple element arrangements are
recognized as separable elements because each element constitutes a separate earnings process, each
element has a fair value that is reliable, verifiable and objectively determinable, and the
undelivered element is not essential to functionality of the delivered elements. In this
arrangement involving delivery of multiple elements, the units of accounting are determined based
on whether the delivered items have a value to the customer on a stand alone basis, whether there
is objective and reliable evidence of fair value of the undelivered elements and if the arrangement
includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item, whether delivery or performance
of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially in the control of the Group.
The arrangement consideration is allocated to the units of accounting based on their relative fair
values. Revenue on delivered items is recognized when the revenue recognition criteria applicable
to that unit of accounting are met.
The Group provides connectivity for a fixed period of time at a fixed rate regardless of usage.
Connectivity is the last element that is provided in the case of a bundled contract. The
connectivity charges are the same when sold alone or as part of a package. The revenue
attributable to connectivity services is recognized ratably over the period of the contract. The
hardware and software are standard products that are freely traded in and purchased from the
market, have standard specifications and are not otherwise customized for the specific needs of a
customer. The software sold by the Group is off-the-shelf software, such as antivirus utilities and
firewalls. The fair value for the hardware and software is available from the market. The revenue
attributable to hardware/software is recognized on delivery. Installation consists of
commissioning of the last mile connectivity to the customer premises either through the Groups
wireless mode of broadband delivery or through the carrier exchange. However, once commissioned
this last mile connectivity can be used by the customer to access any other service provider. When
the customer has such last mile connectivity, the Group does not charge any installation fee. Due
to the short duration, the revenue attributable to the installation of the link is recognized on
completion of the installation work. Revenue from ancillary services such as e-mail and domain
registration are recognized over the period such facilities are provided. All revenues are shown
exclusive of sales tax and service tax.
Web hosting service revenues primarily include co-location services and connectivity services. On
occasions, the Group also sells related hardware/software to its web hosting customers. At all
times, such hardware and software belongs to the customer. This hardware as well as software are
purchased from outside vendors and are freely traded in the market. The Group treats each element
as a separate component of the arrangement which have separate earnings process. The value of the
hosting service is determined based on fair value from similar services provided separately by the
Group. When hardware and/or software is also included with hosting services and sold as a package,
the revenue is allocated to the respective element based on their relative fair values. Revenue
from hosting services is recognized over the period during which the service is provided.
The Group remotely manages the Information Technology infrastructure of global enterprises from
India. The contracts are on time and material basis. Revenue in relation to time is measured as
the agreed rate per unit of time multiplied by the units of time expended. The element of revenue
related to materials is measured in accordance with the terms of the contract.
The Company provides NLD (National Long Distance) and ILD (International Long Distance) services
through companys network. The Company carries voice traffic, both national and international,
using the IP back-bone and delivers voice traffic to Direct Inter-connect Operators. Revenue is
recognized based upon metered call units of voice traffic terminated on the Companys network.
(ii) Internet access services
Internet access services include Internet access at homes and businesses through dial-up or cable
operator and internet access through a network of cybercafés. It also includes revenues from Voice
over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or Internet telephony.
Dial-up Internet access is sold to customers either for a specified number of hours or for an
unlimited usage within a specified period of time. Customers purchase user accounts or top-ups
that enable them to access the Internet for a specified quantum of usage or for a specified period
of time all within a contracted period. The amount received from customers on the sale of these
user accounts or top-ups are not refundable. The revenue from sale of user accounts or top-ups is
measured based on usage (where access is for a specified quantum of usage) or based on the time of
usage (where access is for a specified period of time) by the customer. Any unused hours at the end
of the contracted period are recognized as revenue.
VoIP services are mainly provided through Internet Telephony Booths at e-ports cybercafés and to a
smaller extent through Cable TV operators, (CTOs). The user purchases the packs that enable them to
use the Internet telephone facility through CTOs and
58
revenue is recognized on the basis of usage by the customer. The customers use Internet telephony
facilities at the iway cybercafés and make the payment to the extent of usage of the facility.
Internet access at homes and businesses through cable networks is provided through a franchised
network of cable operators in India. Customers buy user accounts for a specified usage or volume
of data transfer or for a specified period of time all within a contracted period. Revenues are
recognized on actual usage by customer (where access is for a specified quantum of usage) and based
on time (where access is for a specified period of time). Any unused hours at the end of the
contracted period are recognized as revenue.
In the case of franchised cybercafé operators, the Group enters into an agreement with the
franchisee that establishes the rights and obligations of each party and grants each franchisee a
non-exclusive license to operate the cybercafé using the Groups logo, brand and trade names. The
cybercafés are owned and operated by the franchisees. The franchisee procures the retail space,
invests in furniture, interior decor, PCs, and point of sale signage and employs and trains the
franchisee staff. The franchisee is responsible for the maintenance of the premises and interface
with customers. The Group provides the complete backend support, including bandwidth, the
authentication/usage engine and the billing and collection system.
In the case of franchised cable network operators and franchised cybercafé operators, the Group
enters into a standard arrangement with franchisees that provides for the payment to the Company,
of an initial non-refundable franchisee fee in consideration for establishing the franchisee
relationship and providing certain initial services. The fee covers the following upfront services
rendered by the Group:
|
o |
|
conducting a market survey and deciding on the best location for the cybercafé or cable head
end; |
|
|
o |
|
installing the broadband receiver equipment on the roof top of the cybercafé or the cable
head end and connecting it to one of Sifys broadcasting towers; |
|
|
o |
|
obtaining the regulatory approvals for clearance of the site for wireless transmission at the
allotted frequency range; |
|
|
o |
|
installing the wiring from the receiver unit to the individual PCs in the cybercafé or the
transmitting equipment in the cable head end; |
|
|
o |
|
assisting in obtaining facilities, including computers and interiors for the cybercafés; and |
|
|
o |
|
providing the operations manual with instructions and guidelines for running the cybercafé
or distributing Internet access through cable network. |
The initial franchisee fee revenue is recognized as revenue when all of the obligations required of
the Group has been substantially accomplished or provided. Internet access revenue and Internet
telephony revenues are recognized based on usage by the customer.
(iii) Online portal services
The Group enters into contracts with customers to serve advertisements in its portal and the Group
is paid on the basis of impressions, click-throughs or leads and in each case the revenue is
recognized based on actual impressions/click-throughs/leads delivered. Revenue from advertisements
displayed on portals is recognized ratably over the period of contract
In the case of electronic commerce transactions, there are no performance obligations or minimum
guarantees. The Group acts in the capacity of an agent rather than as the principal for these
transactions, and the revenue recognized on a net basis is the amount of the commission earned by
the Group.
In the case of value-added services that are rendered using Sifys mobile telephone short code
54545, are recognized upon delivery of the content/ring tones to the end subscriber and
confirmation by the mobile phone service provider.
(iv) Other services
The Group provides e-learning software development services to facilitate web-based learning in
various organizations. These customized services vary in size from customer to customer and relate
to computer based and web based training in accordance with the customer specification. These
services include information presentation, structured content delivery, content digitization and
simulation based training. These services are generally provided on a fixed price basis. Revenue
under such contracts is recognized when the outcome of the transaction can be estimated reliably by
reference to the stage of completion of transaction at the reporting date. The stage of completion
being determined based on the actual time spent to the total estimated time.
59
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.
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. Management believes that the estimates used in the
preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements are prudent and reasonable. The actual results
could differ from these estimates.
Allowance for accounts receivable
The receivables primarily constitute dues from corporate connectivity and portals related
customers. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts receivable for estimated losses resulting
from the inability of our customers to make contractually agreed payments. We also make allowances
for a specific account receivables if the facts and circumstances indicate that such account
receivable is unlikely to be collected.
We estimate the amount of uncollectible receivables each period and establish an allowance for
uncollectible amounts. The amount of the allowance is based on the age of unpaid amounts,
information about the creditworthiness of customers, current economic trends and other relevant
information. The assessments reflect managements best assumptions and estimates. Significant
management judgment is involved in estimating these factors, and they include inherent
uncertainties. Management periodically evaluates and updates the estimates based on the conditions
that influence these factors. The variability of these factors depends on a number of conditions,
including uncertainty about future events, and thus our accounting estimates may change from period
to period. Estimates of uncollectible amounts are revised each period, and changes are recorded in
the period they become known.
Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets
We account for business combinations in accordance with IFRS 3, Business Combinations. Cash
and fair value of other purchase consideration given plus costs directly attributable to
acquisition is included in determining the cost of acquisition. A liability for contingent
consideration is recognized as soon as payment becomes probable and the amount can be reliably
measured. The assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed generally are
recognized at fair value.
Goodwill represents the cost of business acquisition in excess of the Groups interest in the
net fair value of identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree. We
generally seek the assistance of independent valuation experts in determining the fair value of the
identifiable tangible and intangible net assets of the acquired business.
When the acquirers interest in the net fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities and
contingent liabilities assumed exceeds the cost of acquisition (negative goodwill), any excess is
recognized in profit or loss immediately after reassessing the identification and measurement of
the assets acquired.
We amortize intangible assets on straight line basis over their respective individual
estimated useful lives. Our estimates of the useful lives of identified intangible assets are based
on a number of factors including the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition, and other
economic factors (such as the stability of the industry, and known technological advances), and the
level of maintenance expenditures required to obtain the expected future cash flows from the asset.
Estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant And Equipment
In accordance with IAS 16, Property, Plant and Equipment, we estimate the useful lives of
plant and equipment in order to determine the amount of depreciation expense to be recorded during
any reporting period. If technological changes were to occur more rapidly than anticipated or in a
different form than anticipated, the useful lives assigned to these assets may need to be
shortened, resulting in the recognition of increased depreciation expense in future periods.
Likewise, if the anticipated technological or other changes occur more slowly than expected, the
useful lives could be extended. This could result in a reduction of depreciation expense in future
periods.
60
Impairment
Financial assets:
A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective
evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset is
considered to be impaired and impairment losses are recognized if objective evidence indicates that
one or more events such as a loss event, the significant financial difficulty of the issuer, a
breach of contract, the disappearance of an active market, which have had a negative effect on the
estimated future cash flows of that asset. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively
in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.
Financial assets measured at amortized cost
An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the
difference between its carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows
discounted at the original effective interest rate.
Available-for-sale financial assets
Significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost and the
disappearance of an active trading market for the security are objective evidence that the security
is impaired. An impairment loss in respect of an available-for-sale financial asset is calculated
by reference to its fair value. The cumulative loss that was recognized in the equity is
transferred to the income statement upon impairment.
Loans and receivables
Impairment loss in respect of loans and receivables measured at amortized cost are calculated as
the difference between their carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash
flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. Such impairment loss is recognized in the
income statement.
Reversal of impairment loss
An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring
after the impairment loss was recognized. For financial assets measured at amortised cost and
available-for-sale financial assets that are debt securities, the reversal is recognized in profit
or loss. For available-for-sale financial assets that are equity securities, the reversal is
recognized directly in equity.
Non-financial assets:
The carrying amounts of the Groups non-financial assets, other than inventories and deferred tax
assets are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of
impairment. If any such indication exists, then the assets recoverable amount is estimated. For
goodwill, the recoverable amount is estimated each year at 31 December.
The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and
its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are
discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For the purpose of
impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the
smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely
independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets (the cash-generating unit).
The goodwill acquired in a business combination, for the purpose of impairment testing, is
allocated to cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the
combination.
An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit
exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss.
Impairment losses recognized in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the
carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units and then to reduce the carrying amount of
the other assets in the unit or group of units on a pro rata basis.
Reversal of impairment loss
An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets, impairment
losses recognized in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the
loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change
in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to
the extent that the assets carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have
been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized.
61
Income taxes
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognized in profit
or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which case
it is recognized in equity.
Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted
or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of
previous years.
Deferred tax is recognized using the balance sheet method, providing for temporary differences
between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the
amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognized for the following temporary
differences: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a
business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss, and
differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and associates to the extent that it is
probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future. In addition, deferred tax is not
recognized for taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill, as the
same is not deductible for tax purposes. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are
expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been
enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets, and
they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, or on
different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis
or their tax assets and liabilities will be realized simultaneously.
A deferred tax asset is recognized to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits
will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are
reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that
the related tax benefit will be realized.
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the name, age and position of each director and senior
management executive officer of our company as of March 31, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Designation |
|
Raju Vegesna
|
|
49
|
|
Chairman and Managing Director |
Ananda Raju Vegesna
|
|
49
|
|
Executive Director |
C.B.Mouli (1)
|
|
62
|
|
Director, Chairman & Financial Expert of Audit Committee |
S.K.Rao (1) (2) (3)
|
|
65
|
|
Director |
T.H. Chowdary (2) (3)
|
|
77
|
|
Director & Chairman of Compensation & Nominating Committees |
P.S.Raju (2)
|
|
55
|
|
Director |
S R Sukumara (1) (2) (3)
|
|
64
|
|
Director |
M P Vijay Kumar
|
|
39
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
C V S Suri
|
|
49
|
|
Chief Operating Officer |
Pijush Kanti Das
|
|
55
|
|
President Corporate Affairs |
P J Nath
|
|
47
|
|
Executive President Enterprise Solutions |
Baskar R Sayyaparaju
|
|
42
|
|
Chief Technology Officer |
Aravind Mathur
|
|
45
|
|
Chief Architect Global Infrastructure Services |
Naresh Ajwani (4)
|
|
46
|
|
President Government Relations and Potential Business |
David Appasamy
|
|
51
|
|
Chief Communications Officer |
Venkata Rao Mallineni
|
|
41
|
|
Head Portals and Consumer Marketing |
Ajith K N
|
|
40
|
|
Head HR |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Member of the Audit Committee. |
|
(2) |
|
Member of the Compensation Committee. |
|
(3) |
|
Member of the Nominating Committee. |
|
(4) |
|
Since resigned as of June 30, 2009. |
62
Raju Vegesna, Chairman and Managing Director, has been served as a Director of our company
since November 2005. He was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the
company effective July 18, 2006. Mr. Vegesna is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who founded several
leading edge technology companies, including Server Works Corporation, acquired by Broadcom in
2001. After that acquisition, and a brief stint with Broadcom, Mr. Vegesna founded and currently
serves as CEO and Chairman of Server Engines, LLC, company engaged in the development of innovative
enterprise computing products. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of
Bangalore and holds an MS in Computer Engineering from Wayne State University, USA, and holds
several patents in Microprocessor and Multiprocessor technology. He is also a Director of Server
Engines LLC, Nulife Corp, USA., Raju Vegesna Infotech & Industries Private Limited and Server
Engines (India) Private Limited.
Mr Ananda Raju Vegesna, brother of Mr Raju Vegesna, Chairman and Managing Director, has served
as an Executive Director of our company since June 2007. He is the Managing Director of M/s
Infinity Satcom Universal Private Limited and a Director of M/s Raju Vegesna Infotech & Industries
Limited and Server Engines India (Private) Limited.
C.B. Mouli has served as a Director of our company since July 2005. Mr. Mouli is a member of
the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and also holds a Bachelor of Law Degree. Mr Mouli,
a partner of C.B. Mouli & Associates, a Chartered Accountants firm and he is currently the Chairman
of the Audit Committee of GVK Jaipur Kishangarh Expressway Limited, an infrastructure company. He
is a Director of Taj GVK Hotels & Resorts Limited, GVK Jaipur Kishangarh Expressway Limited, Ammana
Bio Pharma Limited, Ammana Equity Fund Private Limited and ATC Beverages Private Limited.
S.K. Rao has served as a Director of our company since July 2005. Mr Rao, currently is the
Director General, Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad. Mr Rao previously worked at the
Commonwealth Secretariat in London in various diplomatic capacities. He also acted as the
Consultant for the United Nations and represented the Commonwealth Secretariat as an Observer at
the meetings of the UN General Assembly. Mr. Rao holds a MA and a Ph.D in Economics from Trinity
College, Cambridge, U.K.
T.H. Chowdary has served as a Director of our company since February 1996. Dr. Chowdary
retired as the Chief Executive Officer of Tata Teleservices. He has held key positions in the ITU,
Intelsat and other international telecommunications organizations during the course of his career,
and was involved in the establishment of the Centre for Telecommunications Management Studies
(CTMS) at Hyderabad. Dr. Chowdary is also a director in Softsol India Limited and Tera Software
Limited.
P. S. Raju has served as a Director of our company since February 2006. Mr P S Raju is a
member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Mr Raju is an independent practicing
accountant. He is also a Director of Server Engines (India) Private Limited, Surya Shakti Agro Tech
Private Limited and Moven Minerals & Metals Private Limited.
Mr S R Sukumara has served as a Director of our company since January 2007. Prior to joining
the Company, Mr. Sukumara was the Director General of Police with the Indian Police Service and
served 36 years in the Police Department. Presently, he is practicing as a consultant.
M P Vijay Kumar has served as Chief Financial Officer since October 2007 and has over 15
years of experience in corporate audits, financial/management consulting, legal advisory services,
management audit and investment banking. He is Chartered Accountant and a Fellow Member of the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Fellow Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries
of India, Associate member of the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India and the
Bharathidasan Institute of Management.
C V S Suri has served as Chief Operating Officer since August 2006 and has over 23 years of
experience in marketing, operations, commercial and regulatory matters. Suri is a graduate of
Delhi University with an Honors Degree in Economics, and has a Masters in Human Resource Management
from XLRI, Jamshedpur.
Pijush Kanti Das has served as President Corporate Affairs since May 2006. Pijush started
his career with the State Bank of India, rising to hold various senior level positions including
Chief Dealer of State Bank of India Singapore and Head of Debt at SBI Mutual Fund before leaving
them to work as Head of Treasury with Fina Bank, Nairobi, between 2003 and 2005
63
P J Nath has served as Executive President Enterprise Solutions since April 2007. He has
over 22 years of experience in Information Technology, ISP and Telecommunications Services. His
experience includes roles in Sales, Product and Project Management, Customer Support. He holds a
Masters in Management Studies degree from BITS Pilani.
Baskar R Sayyaparaju has served as Chief Technology Officer since August 2006. He handles
broad experience across infrastructure operations, network management, process development,
application development/deployment, database management, website operations, desktop support
operations and data center management. Mr. Bhaskar has an M.S in Computer Science from Alabama A&M
University.
Aravind Mathur joined Sify in April 2007 as Chief Architect-Global Infrastructure Services. He
has 17 years of experience in telecommunications and networking. He is a Masters Degree in
Electrical Communication Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and a Masters
Degree in Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi specializing in Optical
Communication and Optoelectronics.
Naresh Ajwani has served as President Government Relations and Potential Business since May
1999. He holds a degree in Marketing Management.
David Appasamy has served as the Chief Communications Officer of Sify Technologies Limited
since January 2000,, and is responsible for the all aspects of Corporate Communications of the
company, as well as the Sify brand in terms of identity and image. He has over 20 years of
experience in business management and service and consumer brand marketing.
Venkata Rao Mallineni has served as Head, Portals and Consumer services Marketing since
September 2006. He has more than 15 years of experience in IT and Communications He is a Graduate
in Engineering in Industrial Products and also a Post Graduate in Technology.
Ajith K N has served as Head HR and has over 14 years of experience across various functions
in Human Resources, Industrial Relations and Total Quality Management. Mr. Ajith has a Masters
degree in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations, and a diploma in Training & Development.
We believe Infinity Capital Ventures, LP beneficially owned 41.81 % of our equity shares as of
March 31, 2009. This shareholder is a party to the Subscription Agreement dated November 10, 2005
with our company. The Subscription Agreement provides that, among other things, the company shall
appoint Mr Raju Vegesna as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Infinity Capital shall also
nominate another person to the Board of Directors and for so long as Infinity Capital continues to
own at least 10% of the Companys outstanding Equity Shares, the Company shall not enter into any
agreement pursuant to which it would provide a third party with registration rights for Company
securities, without the consent of Infinity Capital. In November 2005, Mr Raju Vegesna, a nominee
of Infinity Capital Ventures, LP, was appointed as Chairman of our Board of Directors. In February
2006, the company also appointed Mr. P.S.Raju as the second nominee of Infinity Capital to the
Board of Directors.
Director Compensation
Our Articles of Association provide that each of our directors may receive a sitting fee not
exceeding the maximum limits prescribed under the provisions of the Indian Companies Act, 1956.
Accordingly, our Directors, other than the Chairman and the Managing Director have been receiving
Rs.20,000 for each Board and Committee meeting attended by them, effective October 2005. Mr Raju
Vegesna, who is our Chairman and Managing Director, does not receive any compensation for his
service on our Board of Directors. Similarly, Mr Ananda Raju Vegesna, who is employed as our
Executive Director, also does not receive any compensation for his service on our Board of
Directors. Directors are reimbursed for travel and out-of-pocket expenses in connection with their
attendance at Board and Committee meetings. T. H. Chowdary, a Director of our company, has been
receiving Rs.20,000 per month effective February 1, 2004 for the technical services rendered by him
to us, after obtaining requisite Governmental permission for the same.
Officer Compensation
The following table sets forth all compensation paid by us during the fiscal year ended March
31, 2009 to our executive officers:
64
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summary Compensation Table |
|
|
|
(Rs. Million) |
|
Name |
|
Salary |
|
|
Bonus |
|
C V S Suri |
|
|
4.66 |
|
|
|
0.88 |
|
Bhaskar R Sayyaparaju |
|
|
5.97 |
|
|
|
0.79 |
|
M P Vijay Kumar |
|
|
6.21 |
|
|
|
|
|
P J Nath |
|
|
6.42 |
|
|
|
1.50 |
|
Aravind Mathur |
|
|
5.57 |
|
|
|
1.00 |
|
David Appasamy |
|
|
2.95 |
|
|
|
0.15 |
|
Naresh Ajwani |
|
|
3.92 |
|
|
|
0.56 |
|
Pijush Kanti Das |
|
|
3.23 |
|
|
|
0.38 |
|
Venkat Rao Mallineni |
|
|
3.35 |
|
|
|
0.13 |
|
K N Ajith |
|
|
2.76 |
|
|
|
0.18 |
|
|
During the fiscal year ended 31 March 2009, no stock options were granted to any of the executive
officers.
As per the service contracts entered into with the employees (including executive officers),
the Company provides the following retirement benefits: (a) Provident fund contributions and (b)
Gratuity.
Provident fund contribution is a defined contribution plan governed by a statute in India.
Under this, both employer and employee make monthly contributions (determined in relation to the
basic salary of the respective employees) to a fund administered by the Government of India.
Gratuity is a defined benefit retirement plan covering all employees and provides for lump sum
payment to employees at retirement or termination (computed based on the respective employees last
drawn basic salary and years of employment with the Company). Liability for gratuity is accrued
based on an actuarial valuation on an overall Company basis.
The Directors (who are not executive officers) are not entitled for any remuneration including
any pension, retirement or similar benefit schemes.
The details of our contribution to provident fund in respect of the executive officers are set out
below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rs. in |
|
Name |
|
million |
|
C V S Suri |
|
|
0.25 |
|
Bhaskar R Sayyaparaju |
|
|
0.30 |
|
M P Vijay Kumar |
|
|
0.33 |
|
P J Nath |
|
|
0.33 |
|
Aravind Mathur |
|
|
0.30 |
|
David Appasamy |
|
|
0.14 |
|
Naresh Ajwani |
|
|
0.17 |
|
Pijush Kanti Das |
|
|
0.17 |
|
Venkat Rao Mallineni |
|
|
0.17 |
|
K N Ajith |
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
Gratuity expense is determined at an overall Company level based on an actuarial valuation
performed by an independent actuary. Thus, the cost for the year ended March 31, 2009 in respect
of gratuity and compensated absences towards executive officers of the Company was not separately
determined. Gratuity cost relating to such executive officers is not estimated to be material.
We make bonus payments to employees including executive officers upon satisfactory achievement
of the following two performance criteria.
65
(i) Performance of the Company: Represents bonus payable on achievement of overall revenue
and net profit targets for the Company. These performance targets were not achieved for the year
ended March 31, 2009 and no bonus was paid under this category.
(ii) Performance of the individual: Represents bonus payable on achievement of the
individuals Key Responsibility Areas (KRA) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI). These KRAs and
KPIs vary in relation to each employee including executive officers and include both financial and
non-financial parameters.
We have provided for Rs. 26 million towards bonus payable for the year ended March 31, 2009 to
employees including executive officers who have achieved the KRAs and KPIs.
Board Composition
Our Articles of Association set the minimum number of directors at three and the maximum
number of directors at twelve. We currently have six directors. The Indian Companies Act and our
Articles of Association require the following:
|
|
|
at least two-thirds of our directors shall be subject to re-election by our
shareholders; and |
|
|
|
|
at least one-third of our directors who are subject to re-election shall be up
for re-election at each annual meeting of our shareholders. |
On July 15, 2005, we appointed Messrs. S.K. Rao and C.B. Mouli as independent Directors of the
Board to comply with the applicable Nasdaq rules.
Mr S R Sukumara was appointed as an independent Director effective January 22, 2007. Dr T H
Chowdary is also an independent director of the Board.
These Directors continue to remain independent as on date as per Nasdaq Rule 5605.
Infinity Capital Ventures, LP, acquired the entire holding from Satyam Computer Services. In
addition, in terms of the Subscription Agreement dated November 10, 2005 executed by the company
with them, they have acquired an additional 6,720,260 shares of the company on a private
transaction. At the conclusion of this transaction, their ownership in the company was at 42%.
Messrs. Raju Vegesna and P.S. Raju are the nominees of Infinity Capital Ventures, LP. However; the
above share holding of 42% has been reduced to 26.06% consequent to transfer of shares of 4.00
million shares on a private transaction to Infinity Satcom Universal Limited as well as allotment
of 10.53 million shares to Infinity Satcom Universal Private Limited as purchase consideration on
the merger of Sify with erstwhile Sify Communication Limited in which Infinity Satcom Private
Limited was a minority share holder.
The terms of Messrs. Raju Vegesna and S K Rao expires at our ensuing Annual General Meeting to be
held in September 2009 and being eligible, they offer themselves for reappointment. The terms of
Messrs. T H Chowdary and S R Sukumara will expire at our Annual General Meeting to be held in
September 2009 and they are eligible for reelection.
Mr. C B Mouli and Mr. Ananda Raju Vegesna are subject to retirement by rotation and are
eligible for re-election by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting to be held in September
2010. The Company has service contracts with Mr. Raju Vegesna, Chief Executive Officer and
Managing Director and Mr. Ananda Raju Vegesna, Executive Director. The Company does not have any
service contract with any other Director of the Board of Directors. The service contracts with Mr.
Raju Vegesna and Mr. Ananda Raju Vegesna do not provide for any benefits either during or upon
termination of employment
Board Committees
Details relating to Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees of our board are provided below:
Audit Committee
Our Audit Committee is comprised of three independent directors, as determined under applicable
Nasdaq rules. They are:
66
Dr.S.K.Rao;
Mr. C.B.Mouli; and
Mr.S.R.Sukumara
The primary objective of the 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 the internal
auditors and the independent auditor 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. The audit committee recommends to our shareholders the
appointment of our independent auditors and approves the scope of both audit and non-audit
services. All members of the Audit Committee meet the independence and financial literacy
requirements as defined by applicable Nasdaq and SEC rules. The Audit Committee held five meetings
in person during fiscal 2009. The Audit Committee has adopted a charter.
See Item 18 for the report of the Audit Committee.
Compensation Committee
Our Compensation Committee consists entirely of non-executive, independent directors as determined
under applicable Nasdaq rules, and consists of:
Dr.S.K.Rao;
Mr.T.H.Chowdary;
Mr.S.R.Sukumara; and
Mr. P.S.Raju
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors determines the salaries, benefits and stock
option grants for our employees, consultants, directors and other individuals compensated by our
company. The Compensation Committee also administers our compensation plans.
The Compensation Committee held four meetings in person during fiscal 2009.
The Compensation Committee has adopted a charter.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee of the board consists exclusively of the following non-executive,
independent directors as determined under applicable Nasdaq rules:
Dr.S.K.Rao;
Mr.T.H.Chowdary; and
Mr.S.R.Sukumara
The purpose of our Nominations Committee is to oversee our nomination process for our top level
management and specifically to identify, screen and review individuals qualified to serve as our
Executive Directors, Non Executive Directors and Independent Directors consistent with criteria
approved by our board and to recommend, for approval by our board, nominees for election at our
annual meeting of shareholders.
No meetings were held during the year 2008- 2009 as there was no requirement to any new Director.
The Nominations Committee has adopted a charter
Employees
As of March 31, 2009, we had 2,279 employees, compared with 2,397 as of March 31, 2008. Of
our current employees, 116 are administrative, 505 form our sales and marketing staffs, 283 are in
product and content development, 1269 are dedicated to
67
technology and technical support, and 106 are in business process and customer care. None of our
employees are represented by a union. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good.
Stock Ownership
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our
equity shares as of September 21, 2009 by each director and our senior management executives.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting and
investment power with respect to equity shares. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons named in
the table have sole voting and sole investment control with respect to all equity shares
beneficially owned.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Shares |
|
|
Beneficially Owned |
Beneficial Owner |
|
Number |
|
Percent |
|
Raju Vegesna * |
|
|
13,902,860 |
|
|
|
26.06 |
% |
T. H. Chowdary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
C B Mouli |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P S Raju |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S K Rao |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
S R Sukumara |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ananda Raju Vegesna |
|
|
14,530,000 |
|
|
|
27.24 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
In addition to the above, Mr Raju Vegesna beneficially owns 578,191 shares through his Family
Trust, as a Co Trustee and has voting power. Including this, Raju Vegesna beneficially holds 27.14%
of the issued capital of the Company. M/s T H Chowdary, C B Mouli, P S Raju, S K Rao and S R
Sukumara do not hold any shares in the Company. |
Other than the above, none of the executive officers of the Company hold any shares in the
company.
Employee Stock Option Plan
We have an Associate Stock Option Plan, or ASOP, which provides for the grant of options to
employees of our company. The ASOP 2007 was approved by our Board of Directors and our shareholders
in September 2007 and 2,000,000 shares were reserved for issuance under the plan. This was in
addition to the earlier ASOP Plans of 2000, 2002 and 2005. A total of 5.73 million equity shares
are currently reserved for issuance under our ASOP Plans. As of March 31, 2009, we had outstanding
an aggregate of 1,211,900 options (net of 160,167 options forfeited by employees ) under our ASOP
Plans with a weighted average exercise price equal to approximately Rs.152.51 ($2.99) per equity
share.
The ASOP Plans are administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. On
the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, we issue option letters to identified employees,
with the right to convert the issued options into our equity shares at the rates indicated in the
options. The consideration for transfer of the options is Rs.1 per option to be paid by the
employee before transfer of the options.
An employee holding options may apply for exercise of the options on a date specified therein
which is referred to as the conversion date. The options are not transferable by an employee. The
options lapse in the event of cessation of employment due to reasons of non-performance or
otherwise. The equity shares transferred to the employee after conversion from options is the
absolute property of the employee and will be held by the employee.
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
Principal Shareholders
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our
equity shares as of September 05, 2009 by each person or group of affiliated persons who is known
by us based on our review of public filings to beneficially own 5% or more of our equity shares.
The table gives effect to equity shares issuable within September 30, 2009 upon the exercise of all
options and other rights beneficially owned by the indicated shareholders on that date. Beneficial
ownership is determined in
68
accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting and investment power with respect to
equity shares. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons named in the table have sole voting and sole
investment control with respect to all equity shares beneficially owned. The information below is
based on a review of filings made by such persons with the SEC.
Mr Raju Vegesna, the Co-Trustee of the Vegesna Family Trust, which is the owner of Infinity
Capital Venture Management LLC, which is the general partner of Infinity Capital Ventures, LP,
exercise voting control and dispositive power over the equity shares owned by Infinity Capital
Ventures, LP. Mr Raju Vegesna, CEO and MD of our company, is affiliated with Infinity Capital
Ventures, LP.
Infinity Satcom Universal P.Ltd is owned and controlled by Mr. Ananda Raju Vegesna, Executive
Director of the Company and the brother of Mr.Raju Vegesna ,Chairman and Managing Director of the
Company. Mr. Ananda Raju Vegesna is the Managing Director of the Infinity Satcom Universal (P).Ltd.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Shares |
|
|
Beneficially owned |
Beneficial Owner |
|
Number |
|
Percent |
Infinity Capital Ventures, LP, 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1900, Los Angeles, CA 90025 |
|
|
13,902,860 |
|
|
|
26.06 |
|
Vegesna Family Trust, LP, 11601 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1900, Los Angeles, CA 90025 |
|
|
578,191 |
|
|
|
1.08 |
|
Infinity Satcom Universal Private Limited, Vishakapatinam |
|
|
14,530,652 |
|
|
|
27.24 |
|
Details of significant change in the percentage ownership held by the major shareholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of the shareholder |
|
2006-07 |
|
2007-08 |
|
2008-09 |
|
|
No. of shares |
|
% |
|
No. of shares |
|
% |
|
No. of shares |
|
% |
Infinity Capital Ventures, LP, USA |
|
|
17,902,860 |
|
|
|
41.81 |
|
|
|
17,902,860 |
|
|
|
41.81 |
|
|
|
17,902,860 |
|
|
|
41.81 |
|
Vegesna Family Trust, USA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
578,191 |
|
|
|
1.35 |
|
|
|
578,191 |
|
|
|
1.35 |
|
Infinity Satcom Universal Private Limited * |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Subsequent to the merger with Sify Communication Limited, Infinity Capital now owns
approximately 26.06% and Infinity Satcom Universal Private Limited owns 27.24% of outstanding
shares. |
The Company has not issued any shares having differential voting rights and hence the companys
major shareholders do not have differential voting rights.
United States Shareholders
As of March 31, 2009, 38,819,430 of our ADSs were held in the United States and we had
approximately 19,126 shareholders in the United States. Each ADS represents one equity share.
Host country Shareholders
As on March 31, 2009, 14,530,652 of our equity shares were held in India and we had 18
shareholders of record in India. Each equity share has a par value of Rs.10/- each.
Control of Registrant
Based on our review of filings made with the SEC, we believe Infinity Capital Ventures, LP
beneficially owned 41.81 % of our equity shares as of March 31, 2009. This shareholder is a party
to the Subscription Agreement dated November 10, 2005 with our company. The Subscription Agreement
provides that, among other things, the company shall appoint Mr Raju Vegesna as the Chairman of the
Board of Directors, Infinity Capital shall also nominate another person to the Board of Directors
and for so long as Infinity Capital continues to own at least 10% of the Companys outstanding
Equity Shares, the Company shall not enter into any agreement pursuant to which it would provide a
third party with registration rights for Company securities, without the consent of Infinity
Capital. In November 2005, Mr Raju Vegesna, a nominee of Infinity Capital Ventures, LP, was
appointed as Chairman of our Board of Directors. In February 2006, the company also appointed Mr.
P.S.Raju as the second nominee of Infinity Capital to the Board of Directors.
69
These shareholders are presently able to exercise significant influence over many matters
requiring approval by our shareholders, including the election of directors and approval of
significant corporate transactions. Under Indian law, a simple majority is sufficient to control
all shareholder actions except for those items, which require approval by a special resolution. If
a special resolution is required, the number of votes cast in favor of the resolution must be not
less than three times the number of votes cast against it. Examples of actions that require a
special resolution include:
|
|
|
altering our Articles of Association; |
|
|
|
|
issuing additional shares of capital stock, except for pro rata issuances to existing
shareholders; |
|
|
|
|
commencing any new line of business; and |
|
|
|
|
commencing a liquidation. |
Circumstances may arise in which the interests of Infinity Capital Ventures, LP or a
subsequent purchaser of their shares could conflict with the interest of our other shareholders or
holders of our ADSs. These shareholders could prevent or delay a change in control of our company
even if a transaction of that sort would be beneficial to our other shareholders, including the
holders of our ADSs.
Forfeiture of equity shares issued in a private placement
During the year ended March 31, 2008, Sify proposed a scheme of amalgamation to merge Sify
Communications Limited (erstwhile subsidiary) with the Company and made applications to the
appropriate authorities in India for approval of the proposed scheme of amalgamation with a to
take over the IP-VPN services from Sify Communications Limited ( erstwhile subsidiary) upon the
consummation of the merger. Under the provisions of the local telecom regulations, a company
engaged in the business of providing IP-VPN services was required to maintain Indian shareholding
at atleast 26% of the total paid up share capital of the Company. In order to maintain the Indian
shareholding at 26% in Sify consequent to the approval of the proposed scheme of amalgamation, Sify
and Infinity Satcom Universal, an Indian entity (the Purchaser) entered into a Subscription
Agreement (effective March 24, 2008), whereby the Company agreed to sell, and Infinity agreed to
purchase, 12,817,000 equity shares of the Company (herein after referred to as the Share
Purchase), at a per share purchase price of USD $4.46/ per share (referred to as the Purchased
Shares), equivalent to Rs. 175/- per share in Indian Rupees.
In connection with the private placement of shares to Infinity Satcom Universal, the
independent directors of the Board of the Directors waived the provision of the Standstill
Agreement dated November 10, 2005 prohibiting Infinity Capital Ventures, Raju Vegesna and any
Affiliate from acquiring additional shares of the Company. Each of Messrs. Raju Vegesna and
Ananda Raju Vegesna abstained from voting on the waiver.
The Company received a sum of Rs.112,149 (comprising of Rs.12,817 towards face value and
Rs.99,332 towards securities premium) and called up a sum of Rs.448,595 (comprising of Rs.25,634
towards face value and Rs.422,961 towards securities premium). Subsequent to fiscal 2008, the
Company withdrew its applications made to appropriate authorities for the approval of the proposed
scheme of amalgamation with Sify Communications Limited (erstwhile subsidiary). Consequent upon the
withdrawal of the merger, Infinity Satcom Universal communicated to Sify that they would not
contribute to calls already made and any balance monies which would become payable under the
Subscription Agreement. Hence, the Board of Directors forfeited the shares allotted and the
monies collected (Rs. 112,149 including sums towards capital and premium) at the meeting held on
August 29, 2008.
Sale of shares in a private transaction
Pursuant to a Share Purchase Agreement dated May 31, 2009 between Infinity Capital Venture
Management and Infinity Satcom Universal Private Limited, a company owned and controlled by Ananda
Raju Vegesna, Executive Director of the Company and brother of Raju Vegesna, CEO & MD of the
Company, Raju Vegesna has sold 4,000,000 Equity Shares of Rs.10/- each of the Company to Infinity
Satcom for a consideration of USD 3,000,000 in a private transaction.
Merger of Sify Communications Limited with Sify Technologies Limited
In November 2008, the Board of Directors of Sify Technologies Limited and Sify Communications
limited decided to merge Sify Communications with Sify Technologies in view of the benefits
accruing due to synergy of combined operations, availing of tax benefits, maximising the
utilisation of the infrastructural facilities, human, financial and other resources etc. Based on
a petition for the Scheme of Amalgamation filed with the High Court of Madras, India, the Court has
approved the Scheme vide its order
70
dated 26th June, 2009. Consequent upon the consummation of merger, the Company has
taken over the assets and liabilities of Sify Communications (erstwhile subsidiary) and Sify
Communications ceased to exist and got dissolved without winding up.
As per the Scheme, Sify Technologies has issued and allotted 10,530,000 Equity Shares of Rs.10/-
each to Infinity Satcom, the only outside shareholder, towards the consideration for the assets and
liabilities taken over by the Company.
Related Party Transactions
The related parties where control / significant influence exists are subsidiaries and
associates. Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for
planning, directing and controlling the activities of the entity, directly or indirectly, including
any director whether executive or otherwise.
In addition to the transactions described above regarding Mr. Raju Vegesna and Mr. Ananda Raju
Vegesna, we engaged in the following transaction with an entity affiliated with Mr. Raju Vegesna.
VALS Developers Private Limited (VALS).VALS is owned and controlled by Raju Vegesna Infotech
& Industries Private Limited , in which Mr. Raju Vegesna , our principal share holder and Chief
Executive Officer, is holding 94.66% equity in his personal capacity. During the year ended March
31, 2009, Sify entered into a memorandum of understanding with VALS Developers Private Limited to
obtain land and building which is in the process of being constructed on a long term lease. The
lease agreement, when final and executed, is expected to have an initial non-cancellable term of 5
years, with a further option for Sify to renew or cancel the lease for two five year terms. In
connection with this memorandum of understanding, Sify has paid a security deposit of Rs.125,700
and advance rental of Rs.157,125 to VALS. The security deposit will be refunded at the end of lease
term and the advance rental would be adjusted over 15 months from the commencement of lease term.
It is customary in India that whenever a premises is taken up on lease for commercial purpose, a
rental advance is paid in multiple months of rent (e.g.) 10 months of rent, which shall be refunded
at the time of vacating the premises without any interest.
Loans to employees
We provide salary advances to our employees in India who are not executive officers or
directors.
The annual rate of interest for these loans is 0 %. Loans aggregating Rs.5.4 million were
outstanding as of March 31, 2009.
Item 8. Financial Information
Financial Statements
We have elected to provide financial statements pursuant to Item 18 of Form 20-F. No
significant change has occurred since the date of our annual financial statements for fiscal 2008.
Legal Proceedings
(i) The Group and certain of its officers and directors are named as defendants in securities
class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New
York. This action, which is captioned In re Satyam Infoway Ltd. Initial Public Offering Securities
Litigation, also names several of the underwriters involved in Sifys initial public offering of
American Depositary Shares as defendants. This class action is brought on behalf of a purported
class of purchasers of Sifys ADSs from the time of Sifys Initial Public Offering (IPO) in
October 1999 through December 2000. The central allegation in this action is that the underwriters
in Sifys IPO solicited and received undisclosed commissions from, and entered into undisclosed
arrangements with, certain investors who purchased Sifys ADSs in the IPO and the aftermarket. The
complaint also alleges that Sify violated the United States Federal Securities laws by failing to
disclose in the IPO prospectus that the underwriters had engaged in these allegedly undisclosed
arrangements. More than 300 issuers have been named in similar lawsuits.
In July 2002, an omnibus motion to dismiss all complaints against issuers and individual defendants
affiliated with issuers was filed by the entire group of issuer defendants in these similar
actions. In October 2002, the cases against the Groups executive officers who were named as
defendants in this action were dismissed without prejudice. In February 2003, the court in this
action issued its decision on defendants omnibus motion to dismiss. This decision denied the
motion to dismiss the Section 11 claim as to the Group and virtually all of the other issuer
defendants. The decision also denied the motion to dismiss the Section 10(b) claim as to numerous
issuer defendants, including the Group. On June 26, 2003, the plaintiffs in the consolidated IPO
class action lawsuits currently pending against Sify and over 300 other issuers who went public
between 1998 and 2000, announced a proposed
71
settlement with Sify and the other issuer defendants. The proposed settlement provided that the
insurers of all settling issuers would guarantee that the plaintiffs recover $1 billion from
non-settling defendants, including the investment banks who acted as underwriters in those
offerings. In the event that the plaintiffs did not recover $1 billion, the insurers for the
settling issuers would make up the difference. This proposed settlement was terminated on June 25,
2007, following the ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on December
5, 2006, reversing the District Courts granting of class certification.
On August 14, 2007, the plaintiffs filed Amended Master Allegations. On September 27, 2007, the
Plaintiffs filed a Motion for Class Certification. Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the focus
cases on November 9, 2007. On March 26, 2008, the Court ruled on the Motion to Dismiss, holding
that the plaintiffs had adequately pleaded their Section 10(b) claims against the Issuer Defendants
and the Underwriter Defendants in the focus cases. As to the Section 11 claim, the Court dismissed
the claims brought by those plaintiffs who sold their securities for a price in excess of the
initial offering price, on the grounds that they could not show cognizable damages, and by those
who purchased outside the previously certified class period, on the grounds that those claims were
time barred. This ruling, while not binding on the Groups case, provides guidance to all of the
parties involved in this litigation. On October 2, 2008, plaintiffs requested that the class
certification motion in the focus cases be withdrawn without prejudice. On October 10, 2008, the
Court signed an order granting that request.
On April 2, 2009, the parties lodged with the Court a motion for preliminary approval of a proposed
settlement between all parties, including the Company and its former officers and directors. The
proposed settlement provides the plaintiffs with $586 million in recoveries from all defendants.
Under the proposed settlement, the Issuer Defendants collectively would be responsible for $100
million, which would be paid by the Issuers insurers, on behalf of the Issuer Defendants and their
officers and directors. Accordingly, any direct financial impact of the proposed settlement is
expected to be borne by the Companys insurers. On June 12, 2009, the Federal District Court
granted preliminary approval of the proposed settlement. On September 10, 2009, the Federal
District Court held the fairness hearing for final approval of the settlement. At the hearing it
was noted that out of the seven million people who were sent notices of the settlement, only 140
people objected. The objectors had five main arguments: (1) the class definition is overbroad and
does not exclude individuals who participated in the scheme; (2) the requested attorneys fees are
excessive; (3) the awards requested by the lead plaintiffs are excessive; (4) the settlement amount
is insufficient and thus the recovery to class members is too small; and (5) the notice is
insufficient, in part because it does not disclose the amounts requested by individual lead
plaintiffs. The Court did not rule on the motion for final approval at the hearing and did not
indicate when it planned to do so. The preliminarily approved settlement is subject to final
approval by the Federal District Court overseeing the IPO Litigation and, if final approval is
granted, it may potentially be subject to appellate review by United States Court of Appeals for
the Second Circuit. Any direct financial impact of the preliminary approved settlement is expected
to be borne by the Companys insurers. The Group believes, the maximum exposure under this
settlement is approximately U.S.$ 338,983.05, an amount which the Group believes is fully
recoverable from the Groups insurer.
(ii) The Group is a party to other legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Based
on the available information, as of March 31, 2009, the Group believes that it has adequate legal
defenses for these actions and that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not have a material
adverse effect on it.
Dividends
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our equity shares since inception and do
not expect to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain
future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of our business. Investors seeking cash dividends
should not purchase our ADSs.
Under Indian law, a corporation may pay dividends upon a recommendation by its Board of
Directors and approval by a majority of its shareholders. Any future cash dividends on our equity
shares represented by ADSs will be paid to the depository in rupees and will generally be converted
into dollars by the depository and distributed to holders of ADSs, net of the depositorys fees and
expenses.
Item 9. The Offer and Listing
Trading Markets
There is no public market for our equity shares in India, the United States or any other
market. Our ADSs evidenced by American Depository Receipts, or ADRs, are traded in the United
States only on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Each ADS represents one equity share. The ADRs
evidencing ADSs were issued by our depository, Citibank, N.A., pursuant to a Deposit Agreement.
72
Price History
Our ADSs commenced trading on the Nasdaq Market on October 19, 1999. The tables below set
forth, for the periods indicated, high and low trading prices for our ADSs in United States
dollars:
Prior Fiscal Years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
Fiscal year ended |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
5.30 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
10.47 |
|
|
|
4.00 |
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
14.78 |
|
|
|
7.43 |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
|
14.58 |
|
|
|
3.81 |
|
March 31, 2005 |
|
|
8.62 |
|
|
|
3.82 |
|
|
Quarters of Prior Fiscal Years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
First Quarter |
|
|
9.50 |
|
|
|
8.06 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
10.47 |
|
|
|
6.75 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
9.21 |
|
|
|
5.15 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
5.25 |
|
|
|
4.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
First Quarter |
|
|
5.41 |
|
|
|
3.73 |
|
Second Quarter |
|
|
3.89 |
|
|
|
1.60 |
|
Third Quarter |
|
|
2.05 |
|
|
|
0.42 |
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
|
1.82 |
|
|
|
0.48 |
|
|
Most recent six months
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
Month |
|
Rs. |
|
Rs. |
|
August 2009 |
|
|
48.98 |
|
|
|
47.54 |
|
July 2009 |
|
|
49.09 |
|
|
|
47.89 |
|
June 2009 |
|
|
48.60 |
|
|
|
46.96 |
|
May 2009 |
|
|
49.83 |
|
|
|
48.17 |
|
April 2009 |
|
|
50.53 |
|
|
|
49.49 |
|
March 2009 |
|
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52.06 |
|
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50.14 |
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The initial public offering of our ADSs was priced on October 18, 1999 at a price of $18.00 per
ADS.
Item 10. Additional Information
Our authorized share capital is Rs. 610,000,000 shares, divided into 61,000,000 Equity Shares,
having a par value Rs.10 per share. As of March 31,2009, 42,820,082 Equity Shares were issued,
outstanding and fully paid, compared to 55,637,082 Equity Shares as of March 31,2008. During the
fiscal year ended March 31, 2009, the Company had issued 142,500 equity shares, par value Rs.10 per
share to the employees in respect of the exercise of the grants under Associate Stock Option Plan .
The equity shares are our only class of share capital. Some of the share capital is
represented by American Depository Shares issued by our company in accordance with applicable laws
and regulations. Our Articles of Association and the Indian Companies Act permit us to issue
classes of securities in addition to the equity shares. For the purposes of this annual report,
shareholder means a shareholder who is registered as a member in the register of members of our
company. The term shareholders and ADSs holders have the same meaning in this annual report since
the Indian Companies Act only defines a shareholder.
73
A total of 5.73 million equity shares are reserved for issuance under our Associate Stock
Option Plan, or ASOP. As of March 31, 2009, we had outstanding an aggregate of 1,211,900 options
(net of options forfeited by employees ) under our ASOP with a weighted average exercise price
equal to approximately Rs.152.51 ($ 2.99) per equity share. The unamortized stock compensation
expense related to these grants amounted to Rs.55.84 million as of March 31, 2009.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, Venture Tech, who had subscribed for the shares
of our company in terms of an Investor Rights Agreement, sold 2,017,641 shares reducing their
holding from 15.9% to 10.1% and SAIF sold 4,750,000 shares reducing their holding from 21.6% to 8%.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005, Venture Tech sold an additional 783,326 shares
reducing their holding from 10.1% to 7.7% and SAIF sold an additional 800,000 shares reducing their
holding from 8% to 5.68%.
At the Extraordinary General Meeting of our shareholders held on December 23, 2005, the
shareholders had approved by a Special Resolution the issue and allotment of 4.97 million equity
shares of the par value of Rs.10/- per share at such price as may be determined to the public in
India as the initial public offer to comply with the statutory requirement of domestic listing of
the shares of our company, as and when announced by the Government of India.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006, Venture Tech sold the remaining 2,750,000 shares
of our company and SAIF sold the remaining 2,008,140 shares of our company. Satyam Computer
Services had divested their entire holding of 11,182,600 shares in the company to Infinity Capital
Ventures, LP through a sponsored ADS programme arranged by us. Further, Infinity Capital, pursuant
to the Subscription Agreement dated November 10, 2005 acquired another 6,720,260 shares of the
company in a private transaction. On conclusion of this transaction, the issued and outstanding
share capital of our company was 42,389,514 equity shares, with a par value of Rs.10/- per share.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, Infinity Satcom Universal Private Limited has
entered into a Subscription Agreement for the subscription of 12,817,000 additional equity shares
of the Company with par value of Rs.10/- per share at a premium of Rs 165/- per share.
On March 24,2008 , the Company received a sum of Rs 112.14 million (comprising of Rs 12.81
towards face value and Rs 99.33 million towards securities premium / share premium) .Subsequently,
Infinity Satcom Universal communicated to the Company vide their letter dated August 27, 2008 that
consequent to the merger petition of Sify Communications Limited amalgamating with Sify
Technologies Limited has been withdrawn from the High Court of Madras, that they would focus their
attention on the business of Sify Communication Limited and hence shall not contribute the balance
money towards the subscription of 12,817,000 Equity Shares on call. On August 29,2008 , the Board
of Directors, forfeited the shares allotted and the application monies collected (Rs. 112.14
million including sums towards capital and premium) .
Pursuant to a Share Purchase Agreement dated May 31, 2009 between Raju Vegesna and Infinity Satcom
Universal Private Limited, a company owned and controlled by Ananda Raju Vegesna, Executive
Director of the Company and brother of Raju Vegesna, CEO & MD of the Company, Raju Vegesna has
sold 4,000,000 Equity Shares of Rs.10/- each of the Company to Infinity Satcom for a consideration
of USD 3,000,000 in a private transaction.
In November 2008, the Board of Directors of Sify Technologies Limited and Sify Communications
limited decided to merge Sify Communications with Sify Technologies. Based on a petition for the
Scheme of Amalgamation filed with the High Court of Madras, India, the Court has approved the
Scheme vide its order dated June 26, 2009. Consequent upon the consummation of merger, the Company
has taken over the assets and liabilities of Sify Communications (erstwhile subsidiary) and has
issued and allotted 10,530,000 Equity Shares of Rs.10/- each to Infinity Satcom, the only outside
shareholder, towards the consideration for the assets and liabilities taken over by the Company.
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Set forth below is the material information concerning our share capital and a brief summary
of the material provisions of our Articles of Association, Memorandum of Association and the Indian
Companies Act, all as currently in effect. The following description of our equity shares and the
material provisions of our Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association does not purport
to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by our Articles of Association and Memorandum of
Association that are incorporated by reference to this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
Our Articles of Association provide that the minimum number of directors shall be 3 and the
maximum number of directors shall be 12. Currently, we have 7 directors. Our Articles of
Association provide that at least two-thirds of our directors shall be
74
subject to re-election by our shareholders; and. atleast one-third of our directors who are
subject to re-election shall be up for re-election at each Annual General Meeting of the
shareholders.
Our Articles of Association do not require that our directors have to hold shares of our
company in order to serve on our board of directors.
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 a transaction and may not
be counted for the purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the meeting. Such
directors interest in any such transaction shall be reported at the next meeting of shareholders.
The remuneration payable to our directors may be fixed by the board of directors in accordance with
provisions prescribed by the Government of India. Our Articles of Association provide that our
board of directors may generally borrow or secure the payment of any sum of money for our business
purposes, provided, however, where any amounts are to be borrowed, that when combined with any
already outstanding debt, exceed the aggregate of our paid-up capital and free reserves, we cannot
borrow such amounts without the consent of our shareholders.
Objectives of Memorandum of Association
The following is a summary of our Objects as set forth in Section 3 of our Memorandum of
Association:
1. |
|
To develop and provide Internet service, Internet Telephony, Infrastructure based
services, Virtual Private Network and other related data, voice and video services, wide area
communication network, value added services on the network, lease or other transfers of
network, software, peripherals and related products, and to provide marketing services. |
2. |
|
To provide security products for corporate, carry on the business of consulting,
software and hardware, integrated platform(s) for the e-commerce solutions, applications,
information technology, security and all other kinds of technology solutions or services,
and to acquire, maintain, operate, manage and undertake technology and infrastructure for this
purpose. |
3 |
|
To develop, service & sell/lease data based through direct or electronic media, to
develop a wide area communication network of sell / lease the network or provide value added
services on the network to develop, service, buy / sell computers, software, peripherals and
related products to provide marketing services rising direct as well as electronic media; |
4 |
|
To undertake the designing and development of systems and applications software either for
its own use or for sale in India or for export outside India and to design and develop such
systems and application software for or on behalf of manufacturers, owners and users of
computer systems and digital / electronic equipments in India or elsewhere in the world; |
5 |
|
To set up and run electronic data processing centres and to carry on the business of data
processing, word processing, software consultancy, system studies, management consultancy,
techno-economic feasibility studies of projects, design and development of management
information systems, share / debenture issues management and / or registration and
share/debenture transfer agency; |
6. |
|
To undertake and execute feasibility studies for Computerisation, setting up of all
kind of computer systems and digital/electronic equipments and the selection, acquisition and
installation thereof whether for the company or its customers or other users; |
7 |
|
To conduct, sponsor or otherwise participate in training programmes, courses, seminar
conferences in respect of any of the objects of the company and for
spreading or imparting
the knowledge and use of computers and computer programming languages including the
publication of books, journals, bulletins, study / course materials, circulars and
news-letters; and to undertake the business as agents, stockist, distributors, franchise
holders or otherwise for trading or dealing in computer systems, peripherals, accessories,
parts and computer consumables, continuous and non-continuous stationery, ribbons and other
allied products and things and standard software packages. |
8 |
|
To conduct e-commerce for sale of all kinds of products and services through direct or
electronic media as well as on and off line e-commerce including travel related services,
buying and selling of products and services / merchandise, software, data information etc., in
India and abroad. |
75
Board of Directors
In terms of the provisions of the Articles of Association of the Company and the Indian
Companies Act, 1956:
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(a) |
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no director of the company can vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in
which he is materially interested; |
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(b) |
|
the directors of the company can not vote on a proposal in the absence of an
independent quorum for compensation to themselves or their body; |
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(c) |
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each of our directors is entitled to receive a sitting fee not exceeding
Rs.20,000 for every meeting of the Board of Directors and each meeting of a Committee of
the Board of Directors, as well as all traveling and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
attending such meetings; |
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(d) |
|
the directors are empowered to borrow moneys through board meetings up to the
prescribed limit and beyond that with the approval of the shareholders through a General
Meeting; |
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(e) |
|
retirement of directors are determined by rotation and not based on age limit;
and |
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(f) |
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no director is required to hold any qualification shares. |
For additional information, please see Item 6. Director, Senior Management and Employees -
Board Composition, -Board Committees and -Director Compensation, and -Officer Compensation
of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.
Dividends
Under the Indian Companies Act, unless our Board of Directors recommends the payment of a dividend
which is then declared by our shareholders in a general meeting, we may not declare a dividend.
However, the board is not obliged to recommend a dividend Similarly, under our Articles of
Association and the Indian Companies Act, although the shareholders may, at the 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 of
Directors, and thereafter declared by the shareholders in general meeting and subject to the
limitations described above, is required to be distributed and paid to shareholders in proportion
to the paid up value of their shares within 30 days of the declaration by the shareholders at the
annual general meeting. Pursuant to our Articles, our Board of Directors has the discretion to
declare and pay interim dividends without shareholder approval. Under the Indian Companies Act,
dividends can only be paid in cash to the registered shareholder, the shareholders order or the
shareholders bankers order, at a record date fixed on or prior to the date of the Annual General
Meeting. We must inform the stock exchanges on which our equity shares and ADSs are listed of the
record date for determining the shareholders who are entitled to receive dividends.
The Indian Companies Act provides that any dividends that remain unpaid or unclaimed after the
30-day period from the date of declaration of a dividend are to be transferred to a special bank
account opened by the company at an approved bank. We have to transfer any dividends that remain
unclaimed for seven years from the date of the transfer to an Investor Education and Protection
Fund established by the Government of India under the provisions of the Indian Companies Act. After
the transfer to this fund, such unclaimed dividends may not be claimed.
With respect to equity shares issued during a particular fiscal year (including any equity
shares underlying ADSs issued to the depository), cash dividends declared and paid for such fiscal
year generally will be prorated from the date of issuance to the end of such fiscal year.
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
after providing for depreciation. Before declaring a dividend greater than 10% of the par value of
its equity shares, a company is required under the Indian 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 Indian 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 that has been transferred to its reserves, subject to the following conditions:
76
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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; |
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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 |
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the balance of reserves after withdrawals shall not fall below 15% of its paid up
capital. |
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 Chairperson has a
casting vote in the case of any tie.
Any shareholder of the Company entitled to attend and vote at a meeting of the Company may
appoint a proxy. The instrument appointing a proxy must be delivered to us at least 48 hours prior
to the meeting. Unless the articles of association otherwise provide, 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. An authorized representative is also
entitled to appoint a proxy.
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, specified resolutions such
as amendments to our Articles and 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 on a
poll) are not less than three times the number of votes, if any, cast against the resolution by
members so entitled and voting As per the Indian Companies Act, unless the articles of association
of a company provide for all directors to retire at every annual general meeting, not less than
two-third of the directors of a public company must retire by rotation, while the remaining
one-third may remain on the board until they resign or are removed. Our Articles of Association
require two thirds of our Directors to retire by rotation. One-third of the directors who are
subject to retirement by rotation must retire at each Annual General Meeting. Further, the Indian
Companies Act requires certain resolutions such as those listed below to be voted on only by a
postal ballot:
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amendments of the memorandum of association to alter the objects of the company and
to change the registered office of the company under section 146 of the Indian Companies
Act; |
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the issuance of shares with differential rights with respect to voting, dividend or
other provisions of the Indian Companies Act; |
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the sale of the whole or substantially the whole of an undertaking or facilities of
the company; |
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providing loans, extending guarantees or providing a security in excess of the limits
allowed under Section 372A of the Indian Companies Act; |
|
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varying the rights of the holders of any class of shares or debentures; |
|
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the election of a director by minority shareholders; and |
|
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the buy back of shares. |
Bonus Shares
In addition to permitting dividends to be paid out of current or retained earnings as
described above, the Indian Companies Act permits us to distribute an amount transferred from the
reserve or surplus in our profit and loss account to our shareholders in the form of bonus shares,
which are similar to a stock dividend. The Indian 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. Shareholders of record on a fixed record date are entitled to receive
such bonus shares.
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.
77
Preemptive Rights and Issue of Additional Shares
The Indian 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 Indian 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 and thereafter the board of directors is authorized under the Indian 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.
Annual General Meetings of Shareholders
We must convene an annual general meeting of shareholders each year within 15 months of the
previous annual general meeting or within six months of the end of previous fiscal year, whichever
is earlier 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. In certain circumstances a three month extension may be granted by the Registrar of
Companies to hold the Annual General Meeting. The Annual General Meeting of the shareholders is
generally convened by our Secretary pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors. In
addition, the Board 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. Written notice setting out the agenda of any meeting must be given at least
21 days prior to the date of the General Meeting to the shareholders of record, excluding the days
of mailing and date of the meeting. Shareholders who are registered as shareholders on the date of
the General Meeting are entitled 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, and meetings other than the Annual General Meeting may be held at
any other place if so determined by the board of directors.
Our Articles provide that a quorum for a general meeting is the presence of at least five
shareholders in person.
2009 Annual General Meeting
Our Annual General Meeting for the fiscal year 2009 will be held on September 30, 2009 at the
registered office of our company, 2nd Floor, Tidel Park, 4 Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Taramani, Chennai
600 113, India.
Limitations on the Rights to Own Securities
The limitations on the rights to own securities of Indian companies, including the rights of
non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold securities, are discussed in the section entitled
Risk Factors Risks Related to the ADSs and Our Trading Market in this Annual Report on Form
20-F.
Register of Shareholders; Record Dates; Transfer of Shares
We maintain a register of shareholders as required under the Indian Companies Act, 1956. 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 such as dividend,
we may close the register of shareholders. The Indian 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.
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 Indian Companies Act and the
listing agreement entered into between the Company and relevant stock exchange on which the shares
of the Company are listed. Since we are a public company under Indian law, the provisions of
Section 111A will apply to us. Our Articles currently contain provisions, that give our directors
discretion to refuse to register a transfer of shares in some circumstances. According to our
Articles, our directors are required to exercise this right in the best interests of our company.
While our directors are not required to provide a reason for any such refusal in writing, they must
give notice of the refusal to the transferee within two months after receipt of the application for
registration of transfer by our company. In accordance with the provisions of Section 111A(2) of the
78
Indian Companies Act, our directors may exercise this discretion 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
CLB/Tribunal.
Pursuant to Section 111A(3), if a transfer of shares contravenes any of the provisions of the
Indian Companies Act and Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 or the regulations issued
there under or the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985 or any other Indian
laws, the CLB/Tribunal may, on application made by the relevant company, a depository incorporated
in India, an investor, a participant, or the Securities and Exchange Board of India or other
parties, direct the rectification of the register,record of members and/or beneficial owners.
Pursuant to Section 111A(4),the CLB/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 Indian 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
Indian Companies Act and the rules there under together with delivery of the share certificates.
Our transfer agent is Citibank, N.A. Mumbai branch.
Disclosure of Ownership Interest
Section 187C of the Indian Companies Act requires holders of record who do not hold beneficial
interests in shares of Indian companies to declare to the company certain details, including the
nature of the holders interest and 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 charge, promissory note or other collateral agreement created,
executed or entered into with respect to any share by the ostensible owner thereof, or any
hypothecation by the ostensible 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 pursuant to which such declaration has not been
made.
Audit and Annual Report
Under the Indian Companies Act, a company must file its annual report with the Registrar of
Companies within 7 months from the close of the accounting year or within 30 days from the date of
the Annual General Meeting, whichever is earlier. At least 21 days before the annual general
meeting of shareholders excluding the days of mailing and receipt, we must distribute to our
shareholders a detailed version of our audited balance sheet, profit and loss account and cash flow
statement and the related reports of the Board and the auditors, together with a notice convening
the annual general meeting. These materials are also generally made available at our corporate
website, www.sifycorp.com. Under the Indian Companies Act, we 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 in Tamil Nadu, India, which is the state
in which our registered office is located. We must also file an annual return containing a list of
our shareholders and other information within 60 days of the conclusion of the meeting.
Company Acquisition of Equity Shares
A company may, under some circumstances, acquire its own equity shares without seeking the
approval of the High Court. However, a company would have to extinguish the shares it has so
acquired within the prescribed time period. Generally, a company is not permitted to acquire its
own shares for treasury operations. An acquisition by a company of its own shares (without having
to obtain the approval of the High Court) must comply with prescribed rules, regulations and
conditions as laid down in the Indian Companies Act and the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Buy-back of Securities) Regulations, 1998, or Buy-back Regulations.
Any ADS holder may participate in a companys purchase of its own shares by withdrawing his or her
ADSs from the depository facility, acquiring equity shares upon the withdrawal and then selling
those shares back to the company.
There can be no assurance that equity shares offered by an ADS investor in any buyback of shares by
us will be accepted by us. The regulatory approvals required for ADS holders to participate in a
buyback are not entirely clear. ADS investors are advised to consult their legal advisors for
advice prior to participating in any buyback by us, including advice related to any related
regulatory approvals and tax issues.
Liquidation Rights
79
Subject to the rights of creditors, employees and the holders of any shares entitled by their
terms to preferential repayment over the equity shares and taxes, if any, as may be prescribed
under the Indian Companies Act, 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 due 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.
Redemption of Equity Shares
Under the Indian Companies Act, equity shares are not redeemable.
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 Indian Companies Act, and subject to the provisions of the articles of association
of a company, the rights of any class of shareholders can be altered or varied (i) with the consent
in writing of the holders of not less than three-fourths of the issued shares of that class; or
(ii) by special resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the issued shares of that
class. In the absence of any such provision in the articles, such alteration or variation is
permitted as long as it is not prohibited by the agreement governing the issuance of the shares of
that class.
Under the Indian Companies Act, the articles of association may be altered by a special
resolution of the shareholders
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. 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.
Material Contracts
See the agreements listed in Item 7, Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions
regarding our material contracts involving certain of our officers and directors.
Exchange Controls
General
The Subscription, Purchase and Sale of shares of an Indian company by Person Resident outside
India (non-residents) are governed by various Indian laws regulating the Transfer or Issue of
Securities by the Company to non-residents. These regulations have been progressively relaxed in
recent years. Set forth below is a summary of various forms of investment, and the regulations
applicable to each, including the requirements under Indian law applicable to the issuance of ADSs.
Foreign Direct Investment
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India is governed by the FDI Policy announced by the
Government of India and the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. Reserve
Bank has issued Notification No. FEMA 20 /2000-RB dated May 3, 2000 which contains the Regulations
in this regard. This Notification has been amended from time to time. The various amendments are
compiled every year in Master Circulars. In terms of Master Circular issued in July 1, 2009, FDI is
freely permitted in almost all sectors. Under the FDI Scheme, investments can be made by
non-residents in the shares / convertible debentures / preference shares of an Indian company,
through two routes; the Automatic Route and the Government Route. Under the Automatic Route, the
foreign investor or the Indian company does not require any approval from the Reserve Bank or
Government of India (RBI) for the investment. Under the Government Route, prior approval of the
Government of India, Ministry
80
of Finance, Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) is required.
The details of FDI are contained in the policy and procedures in respect of FDI in India are
available in the Manual on Investing in India Foreign Direct Investment, Policy & Procedures.
In terms of Master Circular issued in July 2009, in most manufacturing / service sectors do
not require prior approval of the FIPB, or the RBI, if the activity of the investee-Company fulfill
the conditions prescribed for Automatic Route. These conditions include certain eligibility norms,
pricing requirements, subscription in foreign exchange, compliance with the Takeover Code (as described below), and ownership restrictions based on the nature of the foreign investor (as
described below). 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 74 % of our
share capital is currently permitted in our industry (telecom industry).
Subsequent Transfers
Restrictions for subsequent transfers of shares of Indian companies between residents and
non-residents were relaxed significantly as of October 2004. As a result, for a transfer between a
resident and a non-resident of securities of an Indian company in the Telecom sector, such as ours,
no prior approval of either the RBI or the Government of India is required, as long as the terms
and conditions set out in A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 16 of October 4, 2004 is complied with.
These conditions / procedure include compliance with pricing guidelines, Consent letters from the
Transaction Parties, applicability of regulatory requirements such as FDI and the Takeover Code,
filing Form FC TRS with Authorised Dealers (authorized bankers) with relevant enclosures and so on.
Transfers of shares or convertible debenture, by way of sale or gift, between two
non-residents are not subject to RBI approvals or pricing restrictions, provided the buying
non-residents do not have investment in similar business / collaboration / commercial arrangements
in India. If the buying non-residents have similar investment / collaboration / commercial
arrangements in India, prior Government Approval is required for such transaction.
Portfolio Investment by Non-Resident Indians
(i) Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) registered with SEBI and Non-resident Indians
(NRIs) are eligible to purchase shares and convertible debentures issued by Indian companies under
the Portfolio Investment Scheme (PIS). (ii) The FIIs, which have been granted registration by SEBI,
should approach their designated AD Category I bank (known as Custodian bank), for opening a
foreign currency account and / or a Non Resident Special Rupee Account. (iii) NRIs can approach the
designated branch of any AD Category I bank authorised by the Reserve Bank to administer the
Portfolio Investment Scheme for permission to open a NRE/NRO account under the Scheme for routing
investments. In addition to this, detailed information is contained in the Master Circular of July
2009 issued by RBI regarding Portfolio Investment Scheme.
Investment by Foreign Institutional Investors under PIS
Reserve Bank has given general permission to SEBI registered FIIs/sub-accounts to invest under the
PIS. (i) Shareholding (a) Total shareholding of each FII/sub-account under this Scheme shall not
exceed 10 per cent of the total paid-up capital or 10 per cent of the paid-up value of each series
of convertible debentures issued by the Indian company. (b) Total holdings of all FIIs
/sub-accounts put together shall not exceed 24 per cent of the paid-up capital or paid-up value of
each series of convertible debentures. This limit of 24 per cent can be increased to the sectoral
cap / statutory limit, as applicable to the Indian company concerned, by passing a resolution of
its Board of Directors followed by a special resolution to that effect by its General Body.
Overseas corporate bodies controlled by NRIs, or OCBs, were previously permitted to invest on
favorable terms under the Portfolio Investment Scheme. The RBI no longer recognizes OCBs as an
eligible class of investment vehicle under various routes and schemes under the foreign exchange
regulations (c) A domestic asset management company or portfolio manager, who is registered with
SEBI as an FII for managing the fund of a sub-account can make investments under the Scheme on
behalf of: i. a person resident outside India who is a citizen of a foreign state, or ii. a body
corporate registered outside India; provided, such investment is made out of funds raised or
collected or brought from outside through normal banking channel. Investments by such entities
shall not exceed 5 per cent of the total paid-up equity capital or 5 per cent of the paid-up value
of each series of convertible debentures issued by an Indian company, and shall also not exceed the
overall ceiling specified for FIIs.
Issue of shares by Indian companies under ADR / GDR
i) Depository Receipts (DRs) are negotiable securities issued outside India by a Depository bank,
on behalf of an Indian company, which represent the local Rupee denominated equity shares of the
company held as deposit by a Custodian bank in India. DRs are traded on Stock Exchanges in the US,
Singapore, Luxembourg, etc. DRs listed and traded in the US markets are known as
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American Depository Receipts (ADRs) and those listed and traded elsewhere are known as Global Depository
Receipts (GDRs). In the Indian context, DRs are treated as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
ii) Indian companies can raise foreign currency resources abroad through the issue of ADRs/GDRs, in
accordance with the Scheme for issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares
(Through Depository Receipt Mechanism) Scheme, 1993 and guidelines issued by the Government of
India thereunder from time to time.
iii) A company can issue ADRs / GDRs if it is eligible to issue shares to persons resident outside
India (non-resident) under the FDI Scheme. However, an Indian listed 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 ADRs/GDRs.
iv) Unlisted companies, which have not yet accessed the ADR/GDR route for raising capital in the
international market, would require prior or simultaneous listing in the domestic market, while
seeking to issue such overseas instruments. Unlisted companies, which have already issued ADRs/GDRs
in the international market, have to list in the domestic market on making profit or within three
years of such issue of ADRs/GDRs, whichever is earlier. Further, they are prohibited to issue
further ADRs/GDRs till the listing in the domestic market is completed.
Takeover Code
Upon conversion of ADSs into equity shares, a holder of ADSs will be subject to the Takeover
Code as prescribed by the Security Exchange Commission of India
Fungibility of ADSs
A limited two-way Fungibility scheme has been put in place by the Government of India for ADRs /
GDRs. Under this Scheme, a stock broker in India, registered with SEBI, can purchase shares of an
Indian company from the market for conversion into ADRs/GDRs based on instructions received from
overseas investors. Re-issuance of ADRs / GDRs would be permitted to the extent of ADRs / GDRs
which have been redeemed into underlying shares and sold in the Indian market.
Currently, there is no public trading market for our equity shares in India or elsewhere nor
can we assure you that we will take steps to develop one. Our equity securities are only traded on
Nasdaq through the ADSs as described in this report. Under prior Indian laws and regulations, our
Depository could not accept deposits of outstanding equity shares and issue ADRs evidencing ADSs
representing such equity shares without prior approval of the Government of India. The Reserve Bank
of India has announced fungibility regulations permitting, under limited circumstances, the
conversion of ADSs to equity shares and the reconversion of equity shares to ADSs provided that the
actual number of ADSs outstanding after such reconversion is not greater than the original number
of ADSs outstanding. If you elect to surrender your ADSs and receive equity shares, you will not be
able to trade those equity shares on any securities market and, under present law, likely will not
be permitted to reconvert those equity shares to ADSs.
If in the future a market for our equity shares is established in India or another market
outside of the United States, those shares may trade at a discount or premium to the ADSs. Under
current Indian regulations and practice, the approval of the Reserve Bank of India is not required
for the sale of equity shares underlying ADSs by a non-resident India to a resident India as well
as for renunciation of rights to a resident of India, unless the sale of equity shares underlying
the ADSs is through a recognized stock exchange or in connection with the offer made under the
regulations regarding takeovers. The shareholders who intend transferring their equity shares shall
comply with the procedural requirements set out under the head subsequent transfers above.
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. 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
Depository for ADSs may not be permitted.
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Government of India Approvals
Pursuant to the RBIs regulations relating to sponsored ADS offerings, an issuer in India can
sponsor the issue of ADSs through an overseas depository against underlying equity shares accepted
from holders of its equity shares in India. The guidelines specify, among other conditions, that:
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the proceeds must be repatriated to India within one month of the closure of the
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Ownership Restrictions
The Securities and Exchange Board of India and Reserve Bank of India regulate Portfolio
Investments in Indian Companies by Foreign Institutional Investors and Non-Resident Indians, both
of which we refer to as foreign portfolio investors. The Reserve Bank of India issued a circular in
August 1998 stating that foreign institutional investors in aggregate may hold no more than 30% of
the equity shares of an Indian company and non-resident Indians and overseas corporate bodies in
aggregate may hold no more than 10% of the shares of an Indian company through portfolio
investments. Under current Indian Law, the aggregate of the investment by the Foreign Institutional
Investors cant be more than 24% of the equity share capital of an Indian company, and the
aggregate of the investment by the Non-Resident Indians cant be more than 10% of the equity share
capital of an Indian Company through Portfolio Investments. The 24% and 10% limit referred above
may be increased to 49% and 24% respectively on passing of a Special Resolution by the Shareholders
to that effect. Moreover, no single Foreign Institutional Investor may hold more than 10% of the
shares of an Indian company and no single Non-Resident Indian may hold more than 5% of the shares
of an Indian company.
Foreign institutional investors are urged to consult with their Indian legal and tax advisers
about the relationship between the foreign institutional investor regulations and the ADSs and any
equity shares withdrawn upon surrender of ADSs.
Under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and
Takeovers) Regulations, 1997, Every purchaser who acquires (directly or indirectly) of more than 5%
of the equity share capital at any point of time (the aggregate of the existing shares and the
newly acquired shares) of a Listed Public Indian Company, is required to notify the Company with in
four days of such acquisition or receipt of allotment information and the Company in turn is
required to notify all the stock exchanges on which the shares of the company are listed with seven
days.
Any purchaser whose proposed acquisition entitled him to hold 15% (the aggregate of the
existing shares and the newly acquired shares) or more of such shares or a change in control of
the company, either by himself or with others acting in concert is required to make annual
disclosures of the purchasers holdings in the company and to make an Open Offer to the other
Shareholders offering to purchase at least 20% of all the outstanding shares of the company at a
minimum offer price as determined pursuant to the provisions of the regulations. A purchaser who
holds between 15 % and 75 % of a companys shares cannot acquire additional shares or voting rights
that would entitle the purchaser to exercise an additional 5.% of the voting rights in any 12 month
period unless such purchaser makes a public announcement offering to acquire an additional 20% of
the companys shares. Upon conversion of ADSs into equity shares, an ADS holder will be subject to
the Takeover Code. The Takeover Code does not apply to purchases involving the acquisition of
shares (i) by allotment in a public and rights issue, (ii) pursuant to an underwriting agreement,
(iii) by registered stockbrokers in the ordinary course of business on behalf of customers, (iv) in
unlisted companies, (v) pursuant to a scheme of reconstruction or amalgamation or (vi) pursuant to
a scheme under Section 18 of the Sick Industrial Companies (Special Provisions) Act, 1985. The
Takeover Code does not apply to purchases in the ordinary course of business by public financial
institutions either on their own account or as a pledgee. In addition, the Takeover Code does not
apply to the purchase of ADSs so long as they are not converted into equity shares. However, since
we are an unlisted company, the provisions of the new regulations will not apply to us. If our
shares are listed on an Indian stock exchange in the future, the new regulations will apply to the
holders of our ADSs.
Open market purchases of securities of Indian companies in India by foreign direct investors
or investments by non-resident Indians and foreign institutional investors above the ownership
levels set forth above require Government of India approval on a case-by-case basis.
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Voting Rights of Deposited Equity Shares Represented by ADSs
Holders of ADSs generally have the right under the deposit agreement to instruct the
depository bank to exercise the voting rights for the equity shares represented by the related
ADSs. At our request, the depository bank will mail to the holders of ADSs any notice of
shareholders meeting received from us together with information explaining how to instruct the
depository bank to exercise the voting rights of the securities represented by ADSs.
If the depository bank timely receives voting instructions from a holder of ADSs, it will
endeavor to vote the securities represented by the holders ADSs in accordance with such voting
instructions. In the event that voting takes place by a show of hands, the depository bank will cause the custodian to vote all deposited securities in
accordance with the instructions received by holders of a majority of the ADSs for which the
depository bank receives voting instructions.
Please note that the ability of the depository bank to carry out voting instructions may be
limited by practical and legal limitations and the terms of the securities on deposit. We cannot
assure you that ADS holders will receive voting materials in time to enable them to return voting
instructions to the depository bank in a timely manner. Securities for which no voting instructions
have been received will not be voted except as discussed above.
As a foreign private issuer, we are not subject to the SECs proxy rules, which regulate the
form and content of solicitations by United States-based issuers of proxies from their
shareholders. To date, our practice has been to provide advance notice to our ADS holders of all
shareholder meetings and to solicit their vote on such matters, through the depository, and we
expect to continue this practice. The form of notice and proxy statement that we have been using
does not include all of the information that would be provided under the SECs proxy rules.
Under Indian law, the ADS holders have the right to vote on any general meetings either by
show of hands or by poll only on becoming the Shareholder of the Company by converting the ADS into
equity shares of the Company.
Taxation
Indian Taxation
General. The following relates to the principal Indian tax consequences for holders of ADSs
and equity shares received upon withdrawal of such equity shares who are not resident in India,
whether of Indian origin or not. We refer to these persons as non-resident holders. The following
summary is based on the law and practices of the Income-tax Act,1961, or Income-tax Act including
the special tax regime contained in Sections 115AC and 115 ACA of the Income-tax Act read with the
Issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares (through Depository Receipt
Mechanism) Scheme, 1993 or the Scheme, as amended. 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
This section is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of the individual tax
consequences to non-resident holders under Indian law for the acquisition, ownership and sale of
ADSs and equity shares. Personal tax consequences of an investment may vary for non-resident
holders in various circumstances, and potential investors should therefore consult their own tax
advisers on the tax consequences of such acquisition, ownership and sale, including specifically
the tax consequences under the law of the jurisdiction of their residence and any tax treaty
between India and their country of residence.
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 a period or periods amounting to at least
182 days; or at least 60 days and, within the four preceding years has been in India for a period
or periods amounting to at least 365 days.
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 previous year for the purposes of employment outside of India or (ii) in the
case of a citizen of India or a person of Indian origin living abroad who visits India.
Taxation of Distributions. The Finance Act, 2003 has inserted with effect from April 1, 2004,
dividend income from domestic company will be exempt from tax in the hands of shareholders as the
domestic companies will be liable to pay a dividend distribution tax at the rate of 16.99%
inclusive of applicable surcharge and education cess. The Finance Act , 2008 introduced Section 115 O
(1A) effective April 1, 2008 under which a domestic company, subject to certain conditions, can set
off the dividend income received from its subsidiary from the amount of dividend income declared by
it to its shareholders and would therefore be
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liable to dividend distribution tax only on the balance dividend after such set-off. Any distributions of additional ADSs or equity shares to
resident or non-resident holders will not be subject to Indian tax. Similarly, the acquisition by a
non-resident holder of equity shares upon redemption of ADSs will not constitute a taxable event
for Indian income tax purposes as it is not regarded as transfer under sec 47(xa) of the Indian
Income tax laws . Such acquisition will, however, give rise to a stamp duty as described below
under Stamp Duty and Transfer Tax.
Minimum Alternate Tax . The Indian Government had introduced Section 115JA to the Income Tax
Act which came into effect in April 1, 1997, to bring certain zero tax companies under the ambit of
a Minimum Alternative Tax, or MAT. If the taxable income of a company computed under this Act, in
respect of a previous year was less than 30% of its book profits, the total income of such company chargeable to tax for the relevant previous year shall be deemed to be an
amount equal to 30% of such book profits. Effective April 1, 2001, Finance Act, 2000 introduced
Section 115JB, pursuant to which the income of companies eligible for tax holiday under sections
10A or 10AA of the Act was exempted from MAT. The amount of income to which any of the provisions
of section 10A or section 10AA apply, was reduced from the book profit for the purposes of
calculation of income tax payable under the aforesaid section. The Finance Act, 2007 included
income eligible for deductions under sections 10A and 10AA of the Act in the computation of book
profits for the levy of MAT. The rate of MAT for domestic companies, effective April 1, 2007, is
11.33% (inclusive of applicable surcharge and education cess) and levied on its book profits. The
Income tax Act provides that the MAT paid by the companies can be adjusted against its tax
liability under the normal provisions of the India Income tax laws but limited to the extent that
is over and above the tax computed under MAT provisions over the next seven years which is being
increased to 10 years by the Finance (No 2) Act 2009. The Finance Act (No 2) 2009 has increased the
rate of MAT to 16.995%(inclusive of applicable surcharge and education cess) and increased the
number of years to 10 year to carry forward the MAT credit
Fringe Benefits Tax . The Finance Act, 2007 imposed a Fringe Benefits Tax, or FBT in respect
of any specified security or sweat equity shares allotted or transferred, directly or indirectly,
by a company free of cost or at concessional rate to its current or former employees. The FBT is
applicable for all options granted under a companys stock option plan, where such option is
exercised on or after April 1, 2007. The value of fringe benefit is the fair market value, or FMV,
of the specified security or share as on the date of vesting of the option with the employee as
reduced by the amount actually paid by, or recovered from the employee in respect of such security
or share. The value of the fringe benefit is subject to FBT at the rate of 33.99%, inclusive of
applicable surcharge and education cess. The Finance Act, 2007 introduced a new section 115WKA in
the Income Tax Act enabling an employer to recover FBT payable in respect of specified securities
or sweat equity shares from its employees. The Finance Act, 2008 introduced a new section 115WKB,
effective April 1, 2008, which provides that FBT paid by the employer and subsequently recovered
from the employee shall be deemed to be tax paid by the employee in relation to the value of fringe
benefits provided to him. However, the employee is not entitled to any refund of such deemed
payment of tax and shall not be entitled to any claim of credit against any other tax liability.
The Ministry of Finance has decided to abolish the levy of FBT at the hands of the employers from
fiscal 2009- 2010 onwards.
Taxation of Capital Gains. Any gain realized on the sale of ADSs by a non-resident holder to
any non-resident outside India is not subject to Indian capital gains tax as it is not regarded as
transfer by virtue of section 47(viia) of Indian Income tax laws which is prerequisite for taxing
as capital gains.
Since our ADS offerings were approved by the Government of India under the Issue of Foreign
Currency Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares Scheme, non-resident holders of the ADSs have the
benefit of tax concessions available under Section 115AC. As a result, gains realized on the sale
of ADSs will not be subject to Indian taxation. The effect of the Scheme in the context of Section
115AC is unclear as to whether such tax treatment is available 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 surrender of the ADSs. If concessional tax treatment is not available, gains realized
on the sale of such equity shares will be subject to customary Indian taxation on capital gains as
discussed below. 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 such concessional tax treatment.
Subject to any relief provided pursuant to an applicable tax treaty, any gain realized on the
sale of equity shares to an Indian resident or inside India generally will be subject to Indian
capital gains tax. However, the acquisition by non-resident holders of equity shares in exchange
for ADSs will not be subject to Indian capital gains tax. .When the sale of equity shares is liable
to capital gain tax the cost of acquisition for computing the tax is taken as the original cost of
acquisition of the ADSs by virtue of the section 49(2A) of the Indian Income tax laws. Therefore,
the original cost of acquisition of the ADSs may be treated as the cost of acquisition for the
purposes of determining the capital gains tax. According to the Issue of Foreign Currency
Convertible Bonds and Ordinary Shares Scheme, a non-resident holders holding period for purposes
of determining the applicable Indian capital
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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. The India-U.S. Treaty does not provide an exemption from the imposition of Indian
capital gains tax.
Under Section 115AC, taxable gain realized in respect of equity shares held for more than 12
months, or long-term gain, is subject to tax at the rate of 10%. Taxable gain realized in respect
of equity shares held for 12 months or less, or short-term gain, is subject to tax at variable
rates with a maximum rate of 40%. The actual rate of tax on short-term gain depends on a number of
factors, including the country of residence of the non-resident holder and the type of income
chargeable in India.
Withholding Tax on Capital Gains. Any taxable gain realized by a non-resident on the sale of
ADSs or equity shares 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 from any income 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. We 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, we are
required to pay a stamp duty of 0.1% of the aggregate value of the shares issued, provided that the
issue of dematerialized shares is not subject to Indian stamp duty. 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 equity shares on the redemption date. Similarly upon a sale of
shares in physical form, stamp duty at the rate of 0.25% of the market value of the equity shares
on the trade date is payable, although customarily such duty is borne by the purchaser. Our equity
shares, if and when issued and traded in dematerialized form, are not subject to Indian stamp duty.
Wealth Tax. The holding of the ADSs in the hands of non-resident holders and the holding of
the underlying equity shares by the depository as a fiduciary will be exempt from Indian wealth
tax. Non-resident holders are advised to consult their own tax advisers in this context.
Gift Tax and Estate Duty. Indian gift tax was abolished in October 1998. In India, there is no
estate duty law. As a result, no estate duty would be applicable in India. Non-resident holders are
advised to consult their own tax advisors in this context.
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 10%, 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
Income Tax Matters
The statutory corporate income tax rate and the surcharge thereon are subject to change in
line with the changes announced in the Union Budget each year. For fiscal year 2009, the corporate
income tax rate was 30%, subject to a surcharge of 10% and education cess of 2% and 1% secondary
and higher education cess, resulting in an effective tax rate of 33.99%. For fiscal year 2010 also,
the corporate income tax rate is 30%, subject to a surcharge of 10% and education cess of 2 % and
1% secondary and higher education cess, resulting in an effective tax rate of 33.99%. We cannot
assure you that the current income tax rate will remain unchanged in the future. We also cannot
assure you that the surcharge will be in effect for a limited period of time or that additional
surcharges will not be levied by the Government of India. Until April 1, 2002, dividends declared,
distributed or paid by an Indian corporation were subject to a dividend tax of 10.2%, including the
applicable surcharge for fiscal 2002, of the total amount of the dividend declared, distributed or
paid. This tax is not paid by shareholders nor is it a withholding requirement, but rather it is a
direct tax payable by the corporation before distribution of a dividend. Effective April 1, 2002,
Indian companies were no longer to be taxed on declared dividends. The Finance Act, 2003 proposed
that after April 1, 2003, dividend income will be exempt from tax for shareholders and that
domestic companies will be liable to pay a dividend distribution tax at the rate of 12.5% plus a
surcharge and education cess at the time of the distribution. The Finance Act 2007 has increased
the rate of dividend distribution tax to 15% plus applicable surcharge and education cess resulting
in an effective rate of 16.95%
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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. holders. U.S. holders are beneficial holders of equity
shares or ADSs who are citizens or residents of the United States, or corporations (or other
entities treated as corporations for U.S. federal 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 or that has a valid election under applicable U.S. Treasury regulation to be treated as a
U.S. person. This summary is limited to U.S. holders who will hold equity shares or ADSs as capital
assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes generally, for investment. In addition, this summary is
limited to U.S. holders who are not resident 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 Taxation
and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion With Respect to Taxes on Income. If a partnership, including
any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, holds the equity shares
or ADSs, the tax treatment 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 or 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 Annual Report on Form 20-F and on United States
Treasury Regulations in effect or, in some cases, proposed, as of the date of this Annual Report on
Form 20-F, 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 are
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 NON-U.S. 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 holders of equity shares represented by such ADSs
Dividends. The gross amount of any distributions of cash or property with respect to ADSs or
equity shares (before reduction for any Indian withholding taxes) generally will 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 capital to the extent of the U.S. holders tax
basis in the equity shares or ADSs, and thereafter as capital gain.
Subject to certain 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 NASDAQ Global Select Market. Due to the absence of
specific statutory provisions addressing ADSs, however, there can be no assurance that we are a
qualified foreign corporation solely as a result of our listing on NASDAQ Global Select Market.
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 a reduced rate of
taxation.
Subject to certain conditions and limitations, any Indian withholding tax imposed upon
distributions paid to a U.S. holder with respect to ADSs or equity shares 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
87
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 ADSs or ordinary shares generally will 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
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 U.S. dollar
value of the amount realized and the U.S. holders tax basis, determined in U.S. dollars, in the equity shares or ADSs. Subject to special rules described
below governing passive foreign investment companies, 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 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 gain or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes. The deductibility of capital
losses may be subject to limitation.
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 owned 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.
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:
|
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75% or more of its gross income for the taxable year is passive income; or |
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on a quarterly average for the taxable year by value (or, if it is not a publicly
traded corporation and so elects, by adjusted basis) 50% or more of its assets produce or
are held for the production of passive income. |
For the purposes of this test, such non-U.S. corporation will be treated as owning its
proportionate share of the assets and earning its proportionate share of the income of any other
corporation in which it owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more (by value) of the stock.
We do not believe that we satisfy either of the tests for passive foreign investment company
status. 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:
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pay an interest charge together with tax calculated at maximum ordinary income rates on
excess distributions (as that term is defined in relevant provisions of the U.S. tax
laws), and on any gain on a sale or other disposition of equity shares or ADSs; |
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if a qualified electing fund election is made (as that 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 |
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|
if the equity shares are marketable (as that term is defined in relevant provisions
of the U.S. tax laws), 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 a U.S. holder holds equity shares or ADSs in any year in which we are a passive foreign
investment company, that U.S. holder will be required to file Internal Revenue Service Form 8621
(or similar such form) regarding distributions received on equity shares or ADSs and any gain
realized on the disposition of equity shares or ADSs.
Backup Withholding Tax and Information Reporting Requirements. Dividends paid, if any, on
equity shares of ADSs to a holder who is not an exempt recipient, may be subject to information
reporting and, unless a U.S. holder either furnishes its taxpayer identification number or
otherwise establishes an exemption, may also be subject to U.S. backup withholding tax. In
addition, information reporting will apply to payments of proceeds from the sale, exchange,
redemption or other disposition of
88
equity shares or ADSs by a paying agent, including a broker, within the United States to a U.S. holder, other than an exempt recipient. An exempt recipient
includes a corporation. In addition, a paying agent within the United States will be required to
backup withhold 28% of any payments of the proceeds from the sale or redemption of equity shares or
ADSs within the United States to a holder, other than an exempt recipient, if such holder fails
to furnish its correct taxpayer identification number or otherwise fails to comply with such backup
withholding requirements. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and may be refunded (or
credited against the U.S. holders U.S. federal income tax liability, if any), provided that
certain required information is furnished to the IRS. The information reporting requirements may
apply regardless of whether withholding is required.
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.
Documents on Display
This report and other information filed or to be filed by us can be inspected and copied at
the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C.
20549. Copies of these materials can also be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
SEC, 100 F Street, NE., Washington, DC 20549, at prescribed rates. Additionally, all of our
publicly filed SEC reports are available at the SECs website, www.sec.gov, which
contains all the public filings 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 Tidel Park. No, 4, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Taramani, Chennai, 600 113
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
investments, foreign currency receivables, payables and 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.
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.
Refer to note 37 of the notes to consolidated financial statements to this Annual Report on Form
20-F for further analysis and exposure arising out of credit risk, liquidity risk and currency
risk.
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
None
89
Item 15. Controls and procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 20-F, our management, with
the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has carried out an
evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. The term disclosure
controls and procedures means controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported,
within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Disclosure controls and
procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is
accumulated and communicated to management, including our chief executive officer and chief
financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding our required disclosure. In
designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can
only provide reasonable assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are
met.
Based on their evaluation as of March 31, 2009, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act,
are effective to provide reasonable assurance 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 disclosure.
Managements annual report on internal control over financial reporting
1) |
|
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our
internal control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, as
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Our internal control over financial
reporting includes those policies and procedures that: |
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pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly
reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; |
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provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting principles,
and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with
authorizations of our management and directors; and |
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|
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements. |
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
2) |
|
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of
March 31, 2009. In conducting its assessment of internal control over financial reporting,
management based its evaluation on the framework in Internal Control Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based
on our assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting
was effective as of March 31, 2009. |
3) |
|
Our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG, has audited the consolidated
financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, and as part of their audit,
has issued their report, included herein, on the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting as of March 31, 2009. |
90
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Sify Technologies Limited:
We have audited Sify Technologies Limited and subsidiaries (the Company) internal control over
financial reporting as of March 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission
(COSO). The Companys management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over
financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting, included in the accompanying Managements Annual Report on Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Companys internal control
over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing
and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed
risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the
circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A
companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that
(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect
the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance
that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material
effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over
financial reporting as of March 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of March 31, 2009 and
2008, and the related consolidated income statements, statements of recognized income and expense,
and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2009, and our report
dated September 28, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial
statements.
KPMG
Chennai, India,
September 28, 2009
91
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
During the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 20-F, 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 16A. Audit Committee financial expert
Mr. C. B. Mouli, a member of our audit committee, has been deemed independent per the
applicable SEC and NASDAQ rules. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Mouli qualifies as
an Audit Committee Financial Expert as defined by the applicable rules of the SEC and satisfies
the requirements for audit committee financial expert.
Item 16B. Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy that is applicable
to all employees. The text of the policy was filed as an Exhibit under Item 19 to the Annual
Report for the year ended March 31, 2005. This policy is available on our corporate website
www.sifycorp.com.
We have also 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, tax, legal, purchase, investor relations
functions, disclosure committee members, and senior management, as well as members of the audit
committee and the board of directors. This policy is available in our www.sifycorp.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 a Whistleblower 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 Sify 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 Sify to our management (on an anonymous basis, if employees so desire). 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.
We have also adopted a Code of Conduct, applicable to all officers, directors and employees.
The Code of Conduct is available on our website, www.sifycorp.com.
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The following table sets forth for the fiscal years indicated the fees paid to our principal
accountant and its associated entities for various services provided us in these periods.
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Fiscal year ended |
Type of Service |
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march 31, 2008 |
|
march 31, 2009 |
|
(a) Audit Fees
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Rs.12.92 million
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Rs.12.72 million |
(b) Audit Related Fees
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Nil
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Nil |
(c) Tax Fees
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Nil
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Nil |
(d) All Other Fees
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Nil
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Nil |
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Fees include out of pocket expenses and applicable taxes.
Our Audit Committee requires pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services to
be performed for the company by its independent auditors, subject to the de-minimus exception for
non-audit services described in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Securities Exchange act of 1934.
92
Item 16D. 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 16E. Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
None.
Item 16F : Change in Registrants Certifying Accountant
Not Applicable.
Item 16 G. Corporate Governance
Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5615(a)(3) provides that a foreign private issuer may follow its home
country practice in lieu of the requirements of Rule 5600 series, provided such foreign private
issuer shall disclose in its annual reports filed with SEC or on its website each requirement that
it does not follow and describe the home country practice followed by the issuer in lieu of such
requirements.
Under the Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5620 (c), companies, other than limited partnerships, that
maintain a listing on NASDAQ are required to provide for a quorum as specified in its by-laws for
any meeting of its stockholders, and in no case shall the quorum be less than 33-1/3% of the
outstanding shares of a companys common voting stock. In India, the requirement for a quorum is
the presence of at least five shareholders in person. Our Articles of Association provide that a
quorum for a General Meeting of our shareholders is constituted by the presence of at least five
shareholders in person. Hence, we do not meet the quorum requirements under Rule 5620 (c), and
instead we follow our home country practice. Under the Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5620 (b), companies,
other than limited partnerships, that maintain a listing on Nasdaq are required to solicit proxies
and provide proxy statements for all meetings of shareholders and also provide copies of such proxy
solicitation to Nasdaq. However, the SEC proxy rules are not applicable to us, since we are a
foreign private issuer, and Section 176 of the Indian Companies Act prohibits a company
incorporated under that Act from soliciting proxies. Because we are prohibited from soliciting
proxies under Indian law, we will not meet the proxy solicitation requirement of Rule 5620 (b).
However, as described above, we give written notices of all our shareholder meetings to all the
shareholders and we also file such notices with the SEC. With regard to issuance of securities, we
also comply with the home country regulations.
PART III
Item 17. Financial Statements
See Item No 18
Item 18. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements and other Financial Information
93
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Sify Technologies Limited
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sify Technologies Limited and
subsidiaries (the Company) as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements
of income, consolidated statements of recognized income and expense , and consolidated statements
of cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2009. 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 did not audit the consolidated financial statements of MF Global Sify Securities
Private Limited (MF Global), (a 29.85% percent owned Investee Company). The Companys investment
in MF Global at March 31, 2009 and 2008, was Rs. 542,901 (in thousands) and Rs.478,514 (in
thousands), respectively, and its equity in earnings of MF Global was Rs.64,091 (in thousands),
Rs.181,127 (in thousands) and Rs.61,030 (in thousands) for the years 2009, 2008 and 2007,
respectively. The financial statements of MF Global were audited by other auditors whose report
has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for MF
Global Company, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.
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 audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit of financial statements 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 and the report of the other auditors
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of the other auditors, the consolidated financial
statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Sify Technologies Limited and subsidiaries as of March 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31,
2009, in conformity with the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), the Companys internal control over financial reporting as of March 31,
2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated
September 28, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal
control over financial reporting.
KPMG
Chennai, India
September 28, 2009
94
Sify Technologies Limited
Consolidated Balance Sheets
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|
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|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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As at March 31, |
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convenience |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
translation |
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As at March 31, |
|
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into US$ |
|
(In thousands of Rupees, except share data and as |
|
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|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
otherwise stated) |
|
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Note |
|
|
Rs |
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|
Rs |
|
|
Note 2(c) |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Property, plant and equipment |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
3,260,914 |
|
|
|
2,181,785 |
|
|
|
64,002 |
|
Intangible assets |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
177,872 |
|
|
|
182,307 |
|
|
|
3,491 |
|
Investment in equity accounted investee |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
542,901 |
|
|
|
478,514 |
|
|
|
10,656 |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
Lease prepayments |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
311,185 |
|
|
|
568,909 |
|
|
|
6,108 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
496,325 |
|
|
|
341,822 |
|
|
|
9,741 |
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
8,524 |
|
|
|
15,570 |
|
|
|
167 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,798,721 |
|
|
|
3,769,907 |
|
|
|
94,185 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Inventories |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
39,088 |
|
|
|
37,751 |
|
|
|
767 |
|
Trade and other receivables, net |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
2,455,526 |
|
|
|
2,220,726 |
|
|
|
48,197 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,743 |
|
|
|
|
|
Prepayments for current assets |
|
|
14 |
|
|
|
128,548 |
|
|
|
150,627 |
|
|
|
2,523 |
|
Restricted cash |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
1,329,756 |
|
|
|
877,582 |
|
|
|
26,099 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
380,042 |
|
|
|
628,745 |
|
|
|
7,459 |
|
Other investments |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
13,874 |
|
|
|
18,679 |
|
|
|
272 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,346,834 |
|
|
|
3,940,853 |
|
|
|
85,317 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,145,555 |
|
|
|
7,710,760 |
|
|
|
179,502 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share capital |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
441,018 |
|
|
|
441,018 |
|
|
|
8,656 |
|
Share premium |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
16,375,217 |
|
|
|
16,368,647 |
|
|
|
321,398 |
|
Share based payment reserve |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
149,535 |
|
|
|
149,398 |
|
|
|
2,935 |
|
Other components of equity |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
(9,691 |
) |
|
|
976 |
|
|
|
(190 |
) |
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
(13,104,386 |
) |
|
|
(12,265,055 |
) |
|
|
(257,201 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity attributable to equity
holders of the Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,851,693 |
|
|
|
4,694,984 |
|
|
|
75,598 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interest |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
248,848 |
|
|
|
199,907 |
|
|
|
4,884 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,100,541 |
|
|
|
4,894,891 |
|
|
|
80,482 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
95
Sify Technologies Limited
Consolidated Balance Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convenience |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
translation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
into US$ |
|
(In thousands of Rupees, except share data and as |
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
otherwise stated) |
|
|
Note |
|
|
Rs |
|
|
Rs |
|
|
Note 2(c) |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease obligations,
other than current
installments |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
122,382 |
|
|
|
2,493 |
|
|
|
2,402 |
|
Borrowings from banks |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
201,389 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,953 |
|
Employee benefits |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
64,300 |
|
|
|
42,250 |
|
|
|
1,262 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
134,116 |
|
|
|
124,472 |
|
|
|
2,632 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
522,187 |
|
|
|
169,215 |
|
|
|
10,249 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease obligations,
current installments |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
32,943 |
|
|
|
2,899 |
|
|
|
647 |
|
Borrowings from banks |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
1,182,770 |
|
|
|
156,426 |
|
|
|
23,214 |
|
Bank overdraft |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
1,397,083 |
|
|
|
617,637 |
|
|
|
27,421 |
|
Trade and other payables |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
1,555,230 |
|
|
|
1,501,336 |
|
|
|
30,525 |
|
Deferred income |
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
354,801 |
|
|
|
368,356 |
|
|
|
6,964 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,522,827 |
|
|
|
2,646,654 |
|
|
|
88,771 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,045,014 |
|
|
|
2,815,869 |
|
|
|
99,020 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity and liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,145,555 |
|
|
|
7,710,760 |
|
|
|
179,502 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
96
Sify Technologies Limited
Consolidated Income Statements
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convenience |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
translation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
into US$ |
|
(In thousands of Rupees, except share data and as |
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
otherwise stated) |
|
|
Note |
|
|
Rs |
|
|
Rs |
|
|
Rs |
|
|
Note2(c) |
|
Revenue |
|
|
23 |
|
|
|
6,162,161 |
|
|
|
6,006,215 |
|
|
|
5,447,347 |
|
|
|
120,945 |
|
Cost of goods sold and services rendered |
|
|
24 |
|
|
|
(3,613,349 |
) |
|
|
(3,419,122 |
) |
|
|
(2,939,329 |
) |
|
|
(70,920 |
) |
Other income |
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
89,105 |
|
|
|
46,152 |
|
|
|
66,320 |
|
|
|
1,749 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
(2,813,425 |
) |
|
|
(2,434,715 |
) |
|
|
(2,094,971 |
) |
|
|
(55,219 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
5 & 6 |
|
|
|
(498,872 |
) |
|
|
(394,337 |
) |
|
|
(463,780 |
) |
|
|
(9,791 |
) |
Impairment loss on goodwill |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
(15,200 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(298 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income / (loss) from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(689,580 |
) |
|
|
(195,807 |
) |
|
|
15,587 |
|
|
|
(13,534 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance income |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
122,565 |
|
|
|
161,783 |
|
|
|
154,192 |
|
|
|
2,406 |
|
Finance expenses |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
(251,660 |
) |
|
|
(57,682 |
) |
|
|
(25,550 |
) |
|
|
(4,939 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net finance income / (expense) |
|
|
29 |
|
|
|
(129,095 |
) |
|
|
104,101 |
|
|
|
128,642 |
|
|
|
(2,533 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of profit of equity accounted
investee (net of income tax) |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
64,091 |
|
|
|
181,127 |
|
|
|
61,030 |
|
|
|
1,258 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit / (loss) before tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(754,584 |
) |
|
|
89,421 |
|
|
|
205,259 |
|
|
|
(14,809 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax (expense) / benefit |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
(97,049 |
) |
|
|
(63,975 |
) |
|
|
66,113 |
|
|
|
(1,905 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit / (loss) for the year
Attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(851,633 |
) |
|
|
25,446 |
|
|
|
271,372 |
|
|
|
(16,714 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity holders of the Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(900,574 |
) |
|
|
(4,696 |
) |
|
|
240,841 |
|
|
|
(17,675 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,941 |
|
|
|
30,142 |
|
|
|
30,531 |
|
|
|
961 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(851,633 |
) |
|
|
25,446 |
|
|
|
271,372 |
|
|
|
(16,714 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings / (loss) per share |
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic earnings /(loss) per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20.77 |
) |
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
5.64 |
|
|
|
(0.41 |
) |
Diluted earnings/(loss) per share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20.77 |
) |
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
5.63 |
|
|
|
(0.41 |
) |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
97
Sify Technologies Limited
Consolidated Statements of Recognised Income and
Expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convenience |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
translation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
into US$ |
|
(In thousands of Rupees, except share data and as |
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
Note 2(c) |
|
otherwise stated) |
|
|
Note |
|
|
Rs |
|
|
Rs |
|
|
Rs |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
Foreign currency translation
differences for foreign
operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,256 |
) |
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
(316 |
) |
|
|
(25 |
) |
Defined benefit plan
actuarial gains / (losses) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,346 |
) |
|
|
(1,859 |
) |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
(85 |
) |
Change in fair value of
available for sale
investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,361 |
) |
|
|
(1,080 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(105 |
) |
Share of gains and (losses)
from equity accounted
investees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
(9,669 |
) |
|
|
10,793 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income and (expense)
recognised directly in
equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,667 |
) |
|
|
(12,445 |
) |
|
|
10,495 |
|
|
|
(209 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit / (loss) for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(851,633 |
) |
|
|
25,446 |
|
|
|
271,372 |
|
|
|
(16,714 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total recognised income and
(expense) for the year |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
(862,300 |
) |
|
|
13,001 |
|
|
|
281,867 |
|
|
|
(16,923 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Attributable to: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity holders of the Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(911,241 |
) |
|
|
(17,141 |
) |
|
|
251,336 |
|
|
|
(17,884 |
) |
Minority interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,941 |
|
|
|
30,142 |
|
|
|
30,531 |
|
|
|
961 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total recognised income and
(expense) for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(862,300 |
) |
|
|
13,001 |
|
|
|
281,867 |
|
|
|
(16,923 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
98
Sify Technologies Limited
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convenience |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
translation |
|
For the fiscal years ended March 31, |
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
into US$ |
|
(In thousands of Rupees, except share data and as |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
otherwise stated) |
|
Rs |
|
|
Rs |
|
|
Rs |
|
|
Note 2(c) |
|
Profit/(loss) for the year |
|
|
(851,633 |
) |
|
|
25,446 |
|
|
|
271,372 |
|
|
|
(16,714 |
) |
Adjustments for: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
498,872 |
|
|
|
394,337 |
|
|
|
463,780 |
|
|
|
9,791 |
|
Impairment loss on goodwill |
|
|
15,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
298 |
|
Share of profit of equity accounted investee |
|
|
(64,091 |
) |
|
|
(181,127 |
) |
|
|
(61,030 |
) |
|
|
(1,258 |
) |
(Gain) / loss on sale of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
(828 |
) |
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
(487 |
) |
|
|
(16 |
) |
Provision for doubtful receivables |
|
|
84,346 |
|
|
|
131,954 |
|
|
|
153,638 |
|
|
|
1,655 |
|
Provision for finance lease receivables |
|
|
6,929 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
136 |
|
Stock compensation expense |
|
|
61,380 |
|
|
|
56,410 |
|
|
|
60,933 |
|
|
|
1,205 |
|
Gain on disposal of subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(226 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net finance (income) / expenditure |
|
|
129,095 |
|
|
|
(104,101 |
) |
|
|
(128,642 |
) |
|
|
2,534 |
|
Income tax expense/(benefit) |
|
|
97,049 |
|
|
|
63,975 |
|
|
|
(66,113 |
) |
|
|
1,905 |
|
Unrealized (gain)/ loss on account of exchange differences |
|
|
455 |
|
|
|
496 |
|
|
|
16,012 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
Amortisation of Leasehold Prepayments |
|
|
8,403 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
165 |
|
Provison for infrastructure costs |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
196 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,823 |
) |
|
|
387,497 |
|
|
|
709,237 |
|
|
|
(94 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in trade and other receivables |
|
|
(314,349 |
) |
|
|
(678,051 |
) |
|
|
(651,650 |
) |
|
|
(6,170 |
) |
Change in inventories |
|
|
(1,337 |
) |
|
|
(9,066 |
) |
|
|
1,777 |
|
|
|
(26 |
) |
Change in other assets |
|
|
224,625 |
|
|
|
(757,472 |
) |
|
|
(21,898 |
) |
|
|
4,409 |
|
Change in trade and other payables |
|
|
(171,261 |
) |
|
|
460,211 |
|
|
|
142,879 |
|
|
|
(3,361 |
) |
Change in employee benefits |
|
|
17,704 |
|
|
|
7,111 |
|
|
|
(13,083 |
) |
|
|
347 |
|
Change in deferred income |
|
|
(13,555 |
) |
|
|
(81,673 |
) |
|
|
5,697 |
|
|
|
(266 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(262,996 |
) |
|
|
(671,443 |
) |
|
|
172,959 |
|
|
|
(5,161 |
) |
Income taxes paid |
|
|
(108,560 |
) |
|
|
(168,426 |
) |
|
|
(56,697 |
) |
|
|
(2,131 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash from / (used in) operating activities |
|
|
(371,556 |
) |
|
|
(839,869 |
) |
|
|
116,262 |
|
|
|
(7,292 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
99
Sify Technologies Limited
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convenience |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
translation into |
|
For the fiscal years ended March 31, |
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
US$ |
|
(In thousands of Rupees, except share data and as |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
otherwise stated) |
|
|
Rs |
|
|
Rs |
|
|
Rs |
|
|
Note 2(c) |
|
Cash flows from / (used in) investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
(1,170,905 |
) |
|
|
(849,091 |
) |
|
|
(686,320 |
) |
|
|
(22,981 |
) |
Expenditure on intangible assets |
|
|
(165,247 |
) |
|
|
(30,238 |
) |
|
|
(65,474 |
) |
|
|
(3,243 |
) |
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
2,393 |
|
|
|
5,630 |
|
|
|
5,465 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
Net investment in leases |
|
|
5,111 |
|
|
|
16,552 |
|
|
|
(6,974 |
) |
|
|
100 |
|
Finance income received |
|
|
154,492 |
|
|
|
121,162 |
|
|
|
138,762 |
|
|
|
3,032 |
|
Short term investments (net) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20,315 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Business acquisition (net of cash) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(93,775 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash from / (used in) investing activities |
|
|
(1,174,156 |
) |
|
|
(756,300 |
) |
|
|
(708,316 |
) |
|
|
(23,045 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from / (used in) financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issue of share capital (including
share premium) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
116,809 |
|
|
|
72,645 |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from / (repayment) of borrowings (net) |
|
|
1,227,733 |
|
|
|
(643,574 |
) |
|
|
800,000 |
|
|
|
24,097 |
|
Finance expenses paid |
|
|
(249,908 |
) |
|
|
(57,679 |
) |
|
|
(25,548 |
) |
|
|
(4,905 |
) |
Proceeds from / (repayment) of finance lease liabilities |
|
|
(9,028 |
) |
|
|
(756 |
) |
|
|
842 |
|
|
|
(177 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash from / (used in) financing activities |
|
|
968,797 |
|
|
|
(585,200 |
) |
|
|
847,939 |
|
|
|
19,015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents |
|
|
(576,920 |
) |
|
|
(2,181,369 |
) |
|
|
255,885 |
|
|
|
(11,322 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents at April 1 |
|
|
888,690 |
|
|
|
3,070,157 |
|
|
|
2,822,501 |
|
|
|
17,442 |
|
Effect of exchange fluctuations on cash held |
|
|
945 |
|
|
|
(98 |
) |
|
|
(8,229 |
) |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at March 31 |
|
|
312,715 |
|
|
|
888,690 |
|
|
|
3,070,157 |
|
|
|
6,139 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Refer note 3 (c) and note 8 for the composition of cash and cash equivalents. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplementary Information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property, plant and equipment |
|
|
158,962 |
|
|
|
8,166 |
|
|
|
4,448 |
|
|
|
3,120 |
|
represented by finance lease obligations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
100
SIFY TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of Rupees, except share data and as stated otherwise)
1. Reporting entity
Sify Technologies Limited, (Sify or the Company) formerly known as Sify Limited, is a leading
internet services provider headquartered in Chennai, India. These Consolidated Financial Statements
comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (Sify Networks Private Limited, and Sify International
Inc, ) (together referred to as the Group and individually as Group entities) and the Groups
interest in associate company. The Group is primarily involved in providing services, such as
Corporate Network and Data Services, Internet Access Services, Online Portal and Content offerings
and in selling hardware and software related to such services. Sify is listed on the NASDAQ Global
Market in the United States.
2. Basis of preparation
a. Statement of compliance
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and its interpretations as issued by the
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
These Consolidated Financial Statements have been approved for issue by the Board of Directors
on September 28, 2009.
b. Basis of measurement
These Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for
the following:
|
|
Available for sale financial assets are measured at fair value |
|
|
Derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value |
|
|
the defined benefit asset is recognised as the net total of the plan assets, plus
unrecognised past service cost and unrecognised actuarial losses, less unrecognised actuarial
gains and the present value of the defined benefit obligation. |
|
|
In relation to lease prepayments, the initial fair value of the security deposit, is
estimated as the present value of the refundable amount, discounted using the market interest
rates for similar instruments. The difference between the initial fair value and the
refundable amount of the deposit is recognized as a lease prepayment. |
The above items have been measured at fair value and the methods used to measure fair values are
discussed further in Note 4.
c. Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each Group entity are measured using the currency of
the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). Indian
rupee is the functional currency of Sify, its domestic subsidiaries and affiliates. The U.S. dollar
is the functional currency of Sifys foreign subsidiary located in the United States.
The Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in Indian Rupees which is the Groups
presentation currency. All financial information presented in Indian Rupees has been rounded up to
the nearest thousand except where otherwise indicated.
Convenience translation (unaudited): Solely for the convenience of the reader, the financial
statements as of and for the year ended March 31, 2009 have been translated into United States
dollars (neither the presentation currency nor the functional currency of the Group) based on the
reference rate in the City of Mumbai on March 31, 2009, for cable transfers in Indian rupees as
published by the Reserve Bank of India which was Rs.50.95 per $1.00. No representation is made that
the Indian rupee amounts have been, could have been or could be converted into United States dollar
at such a rate or at any other rate on March 31, 2009 or at any other date.
101
d. Use of estimates and judgements
The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to
make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and
the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from
these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions
to accounting estimates are recognised in the period of change and future periods, if the change
affects both.
In particular, areas of estimation uncertainty and critical judgements in applying accounting
policies that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial
statements include the following:
|
|
|
Measurement of the recoverable amounts of cash-generating units containing goodwill
(Note 6) |
|
|
|
|
Useful lives of Property, plant and equipment (Note 3 e and Note 5) |
|
|
|
|
Useful lives of intangible assets (Note 3 f and Note 6) |
|
|
|
|
Lease classification (Note 3 g, 10, 17 and 31) |
|
|
|
|
Utilization of tax losses (Note 11) |
|
|
|
|
Measurement of defined employee benefit obligations (Note 18) |
|
|
|
|
Measurement of share-based payments (Note 3 k and Note 28) |
|
|
|
|
Valuation of financial instruments (Note 3 c, 4, 36 and 37) |
|
|
|
|
Provisions and contingencies (Note 33 and 34) |
3. Significant accounting policies
The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented
in these Consolidated Financial Statements
a. Basis of consolidation
(i) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Company. Control exists when the Company has the power
directly/indirectly to govern the financial and operating policies of an entity so as to obtain
benefits from its activities. In assessing control, potential voting rights that currently are
exercisable are taken into account. The financial statements of subsidiaries are consolidated from
the date that control commences and de-consolidated from the date that control ceases. The
accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to align them with the
policies adopted by the Group.
(ii) Associates (equity accounted investees)
Associates are those entities where the Group has significant influence, but not control, over the
financial and operating policies. Significant influence is presumed to exist when the Group holds
between 20 and 50 percent of the voting power of another entity. Associates are accounted for using
the equity method (equity accounted investees) and are initially recognised at cost. The Groups
investment includes goodwill identified on acquisition, net of any accumulated impairment losses.
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the Groups share of the income and expenses and
equity movements of equity accounted investees from the date that significant influence commences
until the date that significant influence ceases. When the Groups share of losses exceeds its
interest in an equity accounted investee, the carrying amount of that interest (including any
long-term investments) is reduced to nil and the recognition of further losses is discontinued
except to the extent that the Group has an obligation or has made payments on behalf of the
investee.
(iii) Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealized income and expenses arising from
intra-group transactions, are eliminated in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Unrealized gains arising from transactions with equity accounted investees are eliminated against
the investment to the extent of the Groups interest in the investee. Unrealized losses are
eliminated in the same way as unrealized gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence of
impairment.
102
b. Foreign currency
(i) Foreign currency transactions
Transactions in foreign currencies on initial recognition are translated to the respective
functional currencies of Group entities at exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the
transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting
date are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rates at that date. The foreign
currency gain or loss on monetary items is the difference between amortised cost in the functional
currency at the beginning of the period, adjusted for effective interest and payments during the
period, and the amortised cost in foreign currency translated at the exchange rate at the end of
the reporting period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies that
are measured at fair value are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rate at the
date that the fair value was determined. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a
foreign currency and measured at historical cost are translated at the exchange rate prevalent at
the date of transaction. Foreign currency differences arising on retranslation are recognised in
profit or loss, except for differences arising on the retranslation of available-for-sale financial
assets that are not monetary items, are recognised directly in the statement of recognised income
and expenses.
(ii) Foreign operations
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments
arising on acquisition, are translated to Indian Rupees at exchange rates at the reporting date.
The income and expenses of foreign operations are translated to Indian rupees using average
exchange rates during the period. Foreign currency differences are recognised directly in the
statement of recognised income and expense. Such differences are captured in the foreign currency
translation reserve FCTR within other components of equity. When a foreign operation is disposed
of, in part or in full, the relevant amount in the FCTR is transferred to profit or loss.
c. Financial Instruments
(i) Non-derivative financial instruments
Non-derivative financial instruments comprise investments in equity and debt securities, trade and
other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, loans and borrowings, and trade and other payables.
Non-derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value plus any directly
attributable transaction costs. However if the instrument is recognized as at fair value through
profit or loss then any directly attributable transaction costs are recognised in profit or loss as
incurred. Subsequent to initial recognition non-derivative financial instruments are measured as
described below:
a) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and demand deposits. Bank overdrafts that are
repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Groups cash management are included as a
component of cash and cash equivalents for the purpose of the statement of cash flows.
b) Available-for-sale financial assets
Available-for-sale (AFS) financial assets are those non-derivative financial assets that are
designated as available for sale or are not classified as (a) loans and receivables, (b)
held-to-maturity investments or (c) financial assets at fair value through profit or loss in
accordance with IAS 39.
Investments in equity and certain debt securities are initially recognised at fair value and
classified as available-for-sale financial assets. Subsequent to initial recognition, they are
measured at fair value and changes therein, other than impairment losses and foreign exchange gains
and losses on available-for-sale monetary items are recognised directly in the statement of
recognised income and expense. When an investment is de-recognised, the cumulative gain or loss in
equity is transferred to profit or loss. These are presented as current assets unless the
management intends to dispose off the current assets after 12 months from the balance sheet date.
103
c) Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that
are not quoted in an active market. These are presented as current assets, except for those
maturing later than 12 months after the balance sheet date which are presented as non-current
assets. Loans and receivables are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs and
subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment
loss. Loans and receivables are represented by trade receivables, unbilled revenue, cash and cash
equivalents.
d) Others
Other non-derivative financial instruments are measured at amortised cost using the effective
interest method, less any impairment losses.
(ii) Derivative financial instruments
Foreign exchange forward contracts and options are purchased to mitigate the risk of changes in
foreign exchange rates associated with certain payables, receivables and forecasted transactions
denominated in certain foreign currencies.
These derivative contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting under IAS 39, and are initially
recognised at fair value on the date the contract is entered into and subsequently remeasured at
their fair value. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of the derivative
contracts are recognised immediately in profit or loss. Embedded derivatives are separated from
the host contract and accounted for separately if the economic characteristics and risks of the
host contract and the embedded derivative are not closely related, a separate instrument with the
same terms as the embedded derivative would meet the definition of a derivative, and the combined
instrument is not measured at fair value through profit or loss.
d. Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of
new ordinary shares or share options are recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any tax
effects.
e. Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and where applicable
accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the
acquisition of the asset. The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of materials,
direct labour and any other costs directly attributable to bringing the asset to a working
condition for its intended use, and the costs of dismantling and removing the items and restoring
the site on which they are located. Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the
acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalized as part of the cost
of that asset. Purchased software that is integral to the functionality of the related equipment is
capitalized as part of that equipment.
When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are
accounted for as separate items (major components) of property, plant and equipment.
Gains and losses on disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment are determined by
comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment and
are recognised net within other income in profit or loss.
(i) Subsequent costs
The cost of replacing part of an item of property, plant and equipment is recognised in the
carrying amount of the item if it is probable that the future economic benefits embodied within the
part will flow to the Group and its cost can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of the
replaced part is de-recognised. The costs of the day-to-day servicing of property, plant and
equipment are recognised in profit or loss as incurred.
104
(ii) Depreciation
Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of
an item of property, plant and equipment. Leased assets are depreciated over the shorter of the
lease term and their useful lives unless it is reasonably certain that the Group will obtain
ownership by the end of the lease term. Managements estimated useful lives for the years ended
March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimate of useful life in years |
|
|
|
2009/2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Buildings |
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
Plant and machinery comprising computers, servers etc. |
|
|
2 5 |
* |
|
|
5 |
|
Plant and machinery comprising other items |
|
|
8 |
* |
|
|
5 |
|
Furniture and fittings |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Office equipment |
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
Motor vehicles |
|
|
3 5 |
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Revised during the year ended March 31, 2008. Also refer note 5. |
Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reassessed at the reporting date.
f. Intangible assets
(i) Goodwill
Goodwill represents the cost of a business acquisition in excess of the Groups interest in the net
fair value of identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquiree.
Acquisitions prior to April 1, 2006
In respect of acquisitions prior to 1 April 2006, goodwill, if any, represents the amount
recognised under the Groups previous accounting framework, US GAAP.
Acquisitions on or after April 1, 2006
For acquisitions on or after 1 April 2006, goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the
acquisition over the Groups interest in the net fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities
and contingent liabilities of the acquiree. When the excess is negative (negative goodwill), the
Group reassesses the identification and measurement of identifiable assets, liabilities and
contingent liabilities, and the measurement of the cost of acquisition, and recognizes any
remaining excess in profit or loss immediately on acquisition.
Acquisition of minority interests
Acquisition of minority interests are accounted for as transactions with equity holders in their
capacity as equity holders and therefore no goodwill is recognised as a result of such
transactions.
Subsequent measurement
Goodwill is measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. In respect of equity accounted
investees, the carrying amount of goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the investment,
and an impairment loss on such an investment is not allocated to any asset, including goodwill,
that forms part of the carrying amount of the investee.
(ii) Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets that are acquired by the Group, which have finite useful lives, are
measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes
expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the intangible asset. Borrowing
costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of qualifying intangible asset are
capitalized as part of the cost of that asset.
105
(iii) Subsequent expenditure
Subsequent expenditure is capitalized only when it increases the future economic benefits embodied
in the specific asset to which it relates. All other expenditure, including expenditure on
internally generated goodwill and brands, are recognised in profit or loss as incurred.
(iv) Amortisation of intangible assets with finite useful lives
Amortisation is recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful
lives of intangible assets, other than goodwill, from the date that they are available for use. The
estimated useful lives for the current and previous year are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimate of useful life in years |
Software |
|
Not exceeding 3 Years |
Technical Know-how |
|
5 years |
License fees |
|
20 years |
Portals and web development cost |
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5 years |
Customer related intangibles |
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5 years |
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g. Leases
At the inception of a lease, the lease arrangement is classified as either a finance lease or an
operating lease, based on the substance of the lease arrangement.
Assets taken on finance lease:
A finance lease is recognised as an asset and a liability at the commencement of lease, at lower of
the fair value of leased asset or the present value of the minimum lease payments. Initial direct
costs, if any, are also capitalized and subsequent to initial recognition, the asset is accounted
for in accordance with the accounting policy applicable to that asset. Minimum lease payments made
under finance leases are apportioned between the finance expense and the reduction of the
outstanding liability. The finance expense is allocated to each period during the lease term so as
to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
Assets taken on operating lease:
Other leases are operating leases and the leased assets are not recognised on the Groups balance
sheet. Payments made under operating leases are recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line
basis over the term of the lease.
Assets given on finance lease:
The Group is a dealer lessor for leasing various types of products sold to its customers. Profit or
loss on sale of such products is recognised in accordance with the policy on outright sales.
Finance income i.e., excess of gross minimum lease payments and normal selling price is recognised
over the lease period.
Deposits provided to lessors
The Group is generally required to pay refundable security deposits in order to obtain property
leases from various lessors. Such security deposits are financial assets and are recorded at fair
value on initial recognition. The difference between the initial fair value and the refundable
amount of the deposit is recognized as a lease prepayment. The initial fair value is estimated as
the present value of the refundable amount of security deposit, discounted using the market
interest rates for similar instruments.
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Subsequent to initial recognition, the security deposit is measured at amortised cost using the
effective interest method with the carrying amount increased over the lease period up to the
refundable amount. The amount of increase in the carrying amount of deposit is recognised as
interest income. The lease prepayment is amortised on a straight line basis over the lease term as
a lease rental expense.
h. Inventories
Inventories comprising traded hardware and software are measured at the lower of cost (determined
using first-in first-out principle) and net realizable value. Cost comprises cost of purchase and
all directly attributable costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and
condition. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business,
less the estimated costs of completion and selling expenses.
i. Impairment
Financial assets
A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective
evidence that a financial asset or group of financial assets is impaired. A financial asset is
considered to be impaired and impairment losses are recognized, if objective evidence indicates
that one or more events such as a loss event, the significant financial difficulty of the issuer, a
breach of contract, the disappearance of an active market, which have had a negative effect on the
estimated future cash flows of that asset. The remaining financial assets are assessed collectively
in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.
Financial assets measured at amortized cost
An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the
difference between its carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash flows
discounted at the original effective interest rate.
Available-for-sale financial assets
Significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost and the
disappearance of an active trading market for the security are objective evidence that the security
is impaired. An impairment loss in respect of an available-for-sale financial asset is calculated
by reference to its fair value. The cumulative loss that was recognized in the equity is
transferred to the income statement upon impairment.
Loans and receivables
Impairment loss in respect of loans and receivables measured at amortized cost are calculated as
the difference between their carrying amount, and the present value of the estimated future cash
flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. Such impairment loss is recognized in the
income statement.
Reversal of impairment loss
An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring
after the impairment loss was recognised. For financial assets measured at amortised cost and
available-for-sale financial assets that are debt securities, the reversal is recognised in profit
or loss. For available-for-sale financial assets that are equity securities, the reversal is
recognised directly in equity.
Non-financial assets
The carrying amounts of the Groups non-financial assets, other than inventories and deferred tax
assets are reviewed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of
impairment. If any such indication exists, then the assets recoverable amount is estimated. For
goodwill, the recoverable amount is estimated each year at 31 December.
The recoverable amount of an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of its value in use and
its fair value less costs to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are
discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. For the purpose of
impairment testing, assets that cannot be tested individually are grouped together into the
smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows from continuing use that are largely
independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets (the cash-generating unit).
107
The goodwill acquired in a business combination, for the purpose of impairment testing, is
allocated to cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the
combination. Corporate assets for the purpose of impairment testing are allocated to the cash
generating units on a reasonable and consistent basis.
An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying amount of an asset or its cash-generating unit
exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss.
Impairment losses recognised in respect of cash-generating units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the units and then to
reduce the carrying amount of the other assets in the unit or group of units on a pro rata basis.
Reversal of impairment loss
An impairment loss in respect of goodwill is not reversed. In respect of other assets, impairment
losses recognised in prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the
loss has decreased or no longer exists. An impairment loss is reversed if there has been a change
in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount. An impairment loss is reversed only to
the extent that the assets carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have
been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, if no impairment loss had been recognised.
j. Employee benefits
Employee benefits are accrued in the period in which the associated services are rendered by
employees of the Group, as detailed below:
(a) Defined contribution plan (Provident Fund)
In accordance with Indian law, all employees receive benefits from a provident fund, which is a
defined contribution plan. Both the employee and employer make monthly contributions to the plan,
each equal to a specified percentage of employees basic salary. The Group has no further
obligations under the plan beyond its monthly contributions. The Group does not have any legal or
constructive obligation to pay further contributions if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to
pay all employee benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods. Obligation
for contributions to the plan is recognised as an employee benefit expense in profit or loss when
incurred.
(b) Defined Benefit Plans (Gratuity)
In accordance with applicable Indian laws, the Group provides for gratuity, a defined benefit
retirement plan (the Gratuity Plan) covering all employees. The Gratuity Plan provides a lump sum
payment to vested employees, at retirement or termination of employment, an amount based on the
respective employees last drawn salary and the years of employment with the Group. The Companys
net obligation in respect of the gratuity plan is calculated by estimating the amount of future
benefits that the employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior
periods; that benefit is discounted to determine its present value. Any unrecognized past service
cost and the fair value of plan assets are deducted. The discount rate is the yield at the
reporting date on risk free government bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of
the Companys obligations. The Calculation is performed annually by a qualified actuary using the
projected unit credit method. When the calculation results in a benefit to the Group, the
recognised asset is limited to the total of any unrecognized past service costs and the present
value of economic benefits available in the form of any future refunds from the plan or reductions
in future contributions to the plan.
The Group recognizes all actuarial gains and losses arising from defined benefit plans directly in
equity immediately. The Company has an employees gratuity fund managed by the Life Insurance
Corporation of India (LIC).
(c) Short term benefits
Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are expensed as
the related service is provided. A liability is recognised for the amount expected to be paid under
short-term cash bonus or profit-sharing plans if the Group has a present legal or constructive
obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the
obligation can be estimated reliably.
108
(d) Compensated leave of absence
The employees of the Group are entitled to compensated absence. The employees can carry forward a
portion of the unutilized accrued absence and utilize it in future periods or receive cash
compensation at retirement or termination of employment for the unutilized accrued compensated
absence. The Group recognizes an obligation for compensated absences in the period in which the
employee renders the services. The Group provides for the expected cost of compensated absence as
the additional amount that the Group expects to pay as a result of the unused entitlement that has accumulated based on actuarial
valuations at the balance sheet date, carried out by an independent actuary.
k. Share-based payment transactions
The grant date fair value of options granted to employees is recognised as an employee expense,
with a corresponding increase in equity, over the period that the employees become unconditionally
entitled to the options. The expense is recorded for each separately vesting portion of the award
as if the award was, in substance, multiple awards. The increase in equity recognised in connection
with a share based payment transaction is presented as a separate component in equity. The amount
recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual number of share options that vest. In
respect of options whose terms and conditions are modified, the Group includes the incremental fair
value of the options in the measurement of the amounts recognised for services received from the
employees. The incremental fair value is the difference between the fair value of the modified
option and that of the original option both estimated as at the date of the modification. If the
modification occurs during the vesting period, the incremental fair value granted is included in
the measurement of the amount recognised for services received over the period from the
modification date until the date when the modified equity instruments vest, in addition to the
amount based on the grant date fair value of the original equity instruments, which is recognised
over the remainder of the original vesting period. If the modification occurs after vesting date,
the incremental fair value granted is recognised immediately, or over the vesting period if the
employee is required to complete an additional period of service before becoming unconditionally
entitled to those modified equity instruments.
Indian tax regulations require the Group to pay Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) upon the exercise of
employee stock options. The amount of FBT arising on exercise of employee stock options is
calculated by reference to the difference between the fair value of the underlying share at the
date of vesting and the exercise price payable by the employee, i.e. the intrinsic value of the
option at the vesting date. The Group recognizes the liability for the amount of FBT over the
vesting period. The Groups obligation to pay FBT arises only upon the exercise of options by the
employees. The amount of FBT payable by the Group is recovered from the employees upon the exercise
of their stock options. .The Group recognizes a FBT recoverable from its employees when it is
virtually certain that the reimbursement will be received if the Group settles the obligation. The
amounts of FBT payable and recoverable are disclosed separately in the balance sheet and are not
offset with each other.
See Note 28 for further information on share-based payment transactions.
l. Provisions
Provisions are recognised if, as a result of a past event, the Group has a present legal or
constructive obligation that can be estimated reliably, and it is probable that an outflow of
economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation. If the effect of the time value of
money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre tax rate that reflects, where
appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the
provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
A provision for onerous contracts is recognised when the expected benefits to be derived by the
Group from a contract are lower than the unavoidable cost of meeting its obligations under the
contract. The provision is measured at the present value of the lower of the expected cost of
terminating the contract and the expected net cost of continuing with the contract. Before a
provision is established, the Group recognizes any impairment loss on the assets associated with
that contract.
m. Revenue
Revenue from the sale of goods is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or
receivable, net of returns, trade discounts and volume rebates. Revenue is recognised when the
significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, recovery of the
consideration is probable, the associated costs and possible return of goods can be estimated
reliably, there is no continuing management involvement with the goods, and the amount of revenue
can be measured reliably. Transfers of risks and rewards vary depending on the individual terms of
the contract of sale.
109
Revenue from services rendered is recognized in the consolidated income statement in proportion to
the stage of completion of the transaction at the reporting date.
The revenue recognition in respect of the various streams of revenue is described below:
(i) Corporate network/data services
Corporate network service revenues primarily include connectivity services and sale of hardware and
software (purchased from third party vendors), and to a lesser extent, installation of a
connectivity link, and other ancillary services such as e-mail and domain registration. Generally
these elements are sold as a package consisting all or some of the elements. In these cases the
Group applies the recognition criteria to the separately identifiable components of a single
transaction in order to reflect the substance of the transaction with different revenue allocations
for each component. These multiple element arrangements are recognised as separable elements
because each element constitutes a separate earnings process, each element has a fair value that is
reliable, verifiable and objectively determinable, and the undelivered element is not essential to
functionality of the delivered elements. In this arrangement involving delivery of multiple
elements, the units of accounting are determined based on whether the delivered items have a value
to the customer on a stand alone basis, whether there is objective and reliable evidence of fair
value of the undelivered elements and if the arrangement includes a general right of return
relative to the delivered item, whether delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is
considered probable and substantially in the control of the Group. The arrangement consideration is
allocated to the units of accounting based on their relative fair values. Revenue on delivered
items is recognised when the revenue recognition criteria applicable to that unit of accounting are
met.
The Group provides connectivity for a fixed period of time at a fixed rate regardless of usage.
Connectivity is the last element that is provided in the case of a bundled contract. The
connectivity charges are the same when sold alone or as part of a package. The revenue
attributable to connectivity services is recognised ratably over the period of the contract. The
hardware and software are standard products that are freely traded in and purchased from the
market, have standard specifications and are not otherwise customized for the specific needs of a
customer. The software sold by the Group is off-the-shelf software, such as antivirus utilities and
firewalls. The fair value for the hardware and software is available from the market. The revenue
attributable to hardware/software is recognised on delivery. In circumstances where there is
multielement arrangement that includes both hardware/software sales and last mile connectivity
services,, revenue from sale of hardware/software is recognised only upon completion of the
services relating to last mile connectivity. Installation consists of commissioning of the last
mile connectivity to the customer premises either through the Groups wireless mode of broadband
delivery or through the carrier exchange. However, once commissioned this last mile connectivity
can be used by the customer to access any other service provider. When the customer has such last
mile connectivity, the Group does not charge any installation fee. Due to the short duration, the
revenue attributable to the installation of the link is recognised on completion of the
installation work. Revenue from ancillary services such as e-mail and domain registration are
recognised over the period such facilities are provided. All revenues are shown exclusive of sales
tax and service tax.
Web hosting service revenues primarily include co-location services and connectivity services. On
occasions, the Group also sells related hardware/software to its web hosting customers. At all
times, such hardware and software belongs to the customer. This hardware as well as software are
purchased from outside vendors and are freely traded in the market. The Group treats each element
as a separate component of the arrangement which have separate earnings process. The value of the
hosting service is determined based on fair value from similar services provided separately by the
Group. When hardware and/or software is also included with hosting services and sold as a package,
the revenue is allocated to the respective element based on their relative fair values. Revenue
from hosting services is recognised over the period during which the service is provided.
The Group remotely manages the Information Technology infrastructure of global enterprises from
India. The contracts are on time and material basis. Revenue in relation to time is measured as
the agreed rate per unit of time multiplied by the units of time expended. The element of revenue
related to materials is measured in accordance with the terms of the contract.
The Company provides NLD (National Long Distance) and ILD (International Long Distance) services
through companys network. The Company carries voice traffic, both national and international,
using the IP back-bone and delivers voice traffic to Direct Inter-connect Operators. Revenue is
recognised based upon metered call units of voice traffic terminated on the Companys network.
(ii) Internet access services
Internet access services include Internet access at homes and businesses through dial-up or cable
operator and internet access through a network of cybercafés. It also includes revenues from Voice
over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or Internet telephony.
110
Dial-up Internet access is sold to customers either for a specified number of hours or for an
unlimited usage within a specified period of time. Customers purchase user accounts or top-ups
that enable them to access the Internet for a specified quantum of usage or for a specified period
of time all within a contracted period. The amount received from customers on the sale of these
user accounts or top-ups are not refundable. The revenue from sale of user accounts or top-ups is
measured based on usage (where access is for a specified quantum of usage) or based on the time of
usage (where access is for a specified period of time) by the customer. Any unused hours at the end
of the contracted period are recognised as revenue.
VoIP services are mainly provided through Internet Telephony Booths at e-ports (formerly iways)
cybercafés and to a smaller extent through Cable TV operators, (CTOs). The user purchases the packs
that enable them to use the Internet telephone facility through CTOs and revenue is recognised on
the basis of usage by the customer. The customers use Internet telephony facilities at the iway
cybercafés and make the payment to the extent of usage of the facility.
Internet access at homes and businesses through cable networks is provided through a franchised
network of cable operators in India. Customers buy user accounts for a specified usage or volume
of data transfer or for a specified period of time all within a contracted period. Revenues are
recognised on actual usage by customer (where access is for a specified quantum of usage) and based
on time (where access is for a specified period of time). Any unused hours at the end of the
contracted period are recognised as revenue.
In the case of franchised cybercafé operators, the Group enters into an agreement with the
franchisee that establishes the rights and obligations of each party and grants each franchisee a
non-exclusive license to operate the cybercafé using the Groups logo, brand and trade names. The
cybercafés are owned and operated by the franchisees. The franchisee procures the retail space,
invests in furniture, interior decor, PCs, and point of sale signage and employs and trains the
franchisee staff. The franchisee is responsible for the maintenance of the premises and interface
with customers. The Group provides the complete backend support, including bandwidth, the
authentication/usage engine and the billing and collection system.
In the case of franchised cable network operators and franchised cybercafé operators, the Group
enters into a standard arrangement with franchisees that provides for the payment to the Company,
of an initial non-refundable franchisee fee in consideration for establishing the franchisee
relationship and providing certain initial services. The fee covers the following upfront services
rendered by the Group:
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o |
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conducting a market survey and deciding on the best location for the cybercafé or cable head
end; |
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o |
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installing the broadband receiver equipment on the roof top of the cybercafé or the cable
head end and connecting it to one of Sifys broadcasting towers; |
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obtaining the regulatory approvals for clearance of the site for wireless transmission at the
allotted frequency range; |
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o |
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installing the wiring from the receiver unit to the individual PCs in the cybercafé or the
transmitting equipment in the cable head end; |
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assisting in obtaining facilities, including computers and interiors for the cybercafés; and |
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o |
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providing the operations manual with instructions and guidelines for running the cybercafé
or distributing Internet access through cable network. |
The initial franchisee fee revenue is recognised as revenue when all of the obligations required of
the Group has been substantially accomplished or provided. Internet access revenue and Internet
telephony revenues are recognised based on usage by the customer.
(iii) Online portal services
The Group enters into contracts with customers to serve advertisements in its portal and the Group
is paid on the basis of impressions, click-throughs or leads and in each case the revenue is
recognised based on actual impressions/click-throughs/leads delivered. Revenue from advertisements
displayed on portals is recognised ratably over the period of contract
In the case of electronic commerce transactions, there are no performance obligations or minimum
guarantees. The Group acts in the capacity of an agent rather than as the principal for these
transactions, and the revenue recognised on a net basis is the amount of the commission earned by
the Group.
In the case of value-added services that are rendered using Sifys mobile telephone short code
54545, are recognised upon delivery of the content/ring tones to the end subscriber and
confirmation by the mobile phone service provider.
111
(iv) Other services
The Group provides e-learning software development services to facilitate web-based learning in
various organizations. These customized services vary in size from customer to customer and relate
to computer based and web based training in accordance with the customer specification. These
services include information presentation, structured content delivery, content digitization and
simulation based training. These services are generally provided on a fixed price basis. Revenue
under such contracts is recognised when the outcome of the transaction can be estimated reliably by
reference to the stage of completion of transaction at the reporting date. The stage of completion
being determined based on the actual time spent to the total estimated time.
(v) Deferred income
Deferred income represent billing in excess of revenue recognized.
n. Export entitlements
Income in respect of import duty credit entitlement arising from export of services under the
Served from India Scheme of the Government of India is recognised in the year of exports,
provided there is no significant uncertainty as to the amount of entitlement and availment of the
credit.
o. Finance income and expense
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested (including available-for-sale financial
assets), dividend income, gains on the disposal of available-for-sale financial assets, changes in
the fair value of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss . Interest income is
recognized as it accrues in profit or loss, using the effective interest method. Dividend income is
recognised in profit or loss on the date that the Groups right to receive payment is established,
which in the case of quoted securities is the ex-dividend date.
Finance expense comprises interest expense on loans and borrowings and bank charges.
p. Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a
qualifying asset are capitalized as part of the cost of that asset. Other borrowing costs are
recognized as expenses in the period in which they are incurred.
q. Income taxes
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognised in profit
or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case
it is recognised in equity. Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the
year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax is recognised using the balance sheet method, providing for temporary differences
between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the
amounts used for taxation purposes. Deferred tax is not recognised for the following temporary
differences: the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a
business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss, and
differences relating to investments in subsidiaries and associates to the extent that it is
probable that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future. In addition, deferred tax is not
recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on the initial recognition of goodwill, as the
same is not deductible for tax purposes. Deferred tax is measured at the tax rates that are
expected to be applied to temporary differences when they reverse, based on the laws that have been
enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and assets, and
they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, or on
different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis
or their tax assets and liabilities will be realized simultaneously.
112
A deferred tax asset is recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits
will be available against which the temporary difference can be utilized. Deferred tax assets are
reviewed at each reporting date and are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that
the related tax benefit will be realized.
r. Earnings / (loss) per share
The Group presents basic and diluted earnings / (loss) per share (EPS) data for its ordinary
shares. Basic EPS is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary
shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Where
ordinary shares are issued but not fully paid, they are treated in the calculation of basic
earnings per share as a fraction of an ordinary share to the extent that they were entitled to
participate in dividends during the period relative to a fully paid ordinary share. Diluted EPS is
determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted
average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary
shares, which includes share options granted to employees. To the extent that partly paid shares are not entitled to
participate in dividends during the period they are treated as the equivalent of warrants or
options in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
s. Recent accounting pronouncements
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Standards early adopted by the Company |
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IFRS 8 Operating Segments introduces the management approach to segment reporting,
whereby segment reporting is based on internal management reporting and replaces IAS 14.
IFRS 8 aligns segment reporting with the requirements of the US standard SFAS 131,
Disclosures about segments of an enterprise and related information. The standard is
applicable for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2009. Sify early adopted IFRS 8 for
the year ending March 31, 2009 and has made disclosure of segment information based on the
internal reports regularly reviewed by the Groups Chief Operating Decision Maker in order
to assess each segments performance and to allocate resources to them. |
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In April 2009, the IASB issued Improvements to IFRS as part of its program of annual
improvements to its standards. As part of the Improvements to IFRS, IFRS 8 Operating
Segments was amended. The amendment requires disclosure of segment assets for each
reportable segment only if such measure is regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating
Decision Maker (CODM). The said amendment is effective for annual periods beginning on or
after 01 January, 2010, with earlier adoption being permitted. Sify has early adopted the
said amendment to IFRS 8 and has not provided disclosures relating to segment assets of
reportable segments as these are not regularly reviewed by the CODM. |
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New standards and interpretations not yet adopted |
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A number of new standards, amendments to standards and interpretations are not yet effective
for the year ended 31 March 2009, and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated
financial statements: |
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Revised IAS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements (2007) introduces the term total
comprehensive income, which represents changes in equity during a period other than those
changes resulting from transactions with owners in their capacity as owners. Total
comprehensive income may be presented in either a single statement of comprehensive income
(effectively combining both the income statement and all non-owner changes in equity in a
single statement), or in an income statement and a separate statement of comprehensive
income. Revised IAS 1, which becomes mandatory for our March 31, 2010 consolidated financial
statements, is expected to have a significant impact on the presentation of the consolidated
financial statements. The Group plans to provide an income statement and a separate
statement comprehensive income for reporting periods commencing on and after April 1, 2009. |
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Revised IAS 23, Borrowing Costs removes the option to expense borrowing costs and
requires that an entity capitalize borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition,
construction or production of a qualifying asset as part of the cost of that asset. The
revised IAS 23 will become mandatory for reporting periods commencing on and after April 1,
2009. As the Group currently follows a policy of capitalizing borrowing costs, this new
standard will not have any material impact on the Groups consolidated financial statements. |
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Amendments to IAS 32, Financial Instruments: Presentation and IAS 1, Presentation of
Financial Statements Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on
Liquidation require puttable instruments, and instruments that impose on the entity an
obligation to deliver to another party a pro rata share of the net assets of the entity only
on |
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liquidation, to be classified as equity if certain conditions are met. The amendments,
which become mandatory for the Groups consolidated financial statements prepared for
reporting periods commencing on or after April 1, 2009, with retrospective application
required, are not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated financial
statements. |
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IFRS 3 (Revised), Business Combinations, as amended, is applicable for annual periods
beginning on or after July 1, 2009. Early adoption is permitted. However, this Standard
can be applied only at the beginning of an annual reporting period that begins on or after
June 30, 2007. The Group would adopt this Standard with effect from April 1, 2009. IFRS 3
(Revised) primarily requires the acquisition-related costs to be recognized as period
expenses in accordance with the relevant IFRS. Costs incurred to issue debt or equity
securities are required to be recognized in accordance with IAS 39. Consideration, after
this amendment, would include fair values of all interests previously held by the acquirer.
Re-measurement of such interests to fair value would be required to be carried out through
the income statement. Contingent consideration is required to be recognized at fair value
even if not deemed probable of payment at the date of acquisition. |
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IFRS 3 (Revised) provides an explicit option on a transaction-by-transaction basis, to
measure any Non-controlling interest (NCI) in the entity acquired at fair value of their
proportion of identifiable assets and liabilities or at full fair value. The first method
would result in a marginal difference in the measurement of goodwill from the existing IFRS
3; however the second approach would require recording goodwill on NCI as well as on the
acquired controlling interest. Business combinations consummated after April 1, 2009 would be impacted by the revised
standard. |
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IAS 27, Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements, as amended, is applicable for
annual periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009. Earlier adoption is permitted provided
IFRS 3 (Revised) is also early adopted. This Standard would be adopted by the company
effective April 1, 2009. It requires a mandatory adoption of economic entity model which
treats all providers of equity capital as shareholders of the entity. Consequently, a
partial disposal of interest in a subsidiary in which the parent company retains control
does not result in a gain or loss but an increase or decrease in equity. Additionally,
purchase of some or all of the NCI is treated as equity transaction and accounted for in
equity and a partial disposal of interest in subsidiary in which the parent company loses
control triggers recognition of gain or loss on the entire interest. A gain or loss is
recognized on the portion that has been disposed of and a further holding gain or loss is
recognized on the interest retained, being the difference between the fair value and
carrying value of the interest retained. This Standard requires an entity to attribute
proportionate share of net income and reserves to the NCI even if this results in the NCI
having a deficit balance. The amendment is expected to have a significant impact on the
Groups consolidated financial statements. |
|
|
6. |
|
IFRIC 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes addresses the accounting by entities that operate,
or otherwise participate in, customer loyalty programs for their customers. It relates to
customer loyalty programs under which the customer can redeem credits for awards such as
free or discounted goods or services. IFRIC 13, which becomes mandatory for the Groups
financial statements for reporting periods commencing on or after April 1, 2009, is not
expected to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. |
|
|
7. |
|
IFRIC 18- Transfer of assets from customers defines the treatment for property, plant and
equipment transferred by customers to companies or for cash received to be invested in
property, plant and equipment that must be used to either connect the customer to a network
or to provide the customer with ongoing access to a supply of goods or services or to both.
The item of property, plant and equipment is to be initially recognized by the Company at
fair value with a corresponding credit to revenue. If an ongoing service is identified as a
part of the agreement, the period over which revenue will be recognized for that service
would be determined by the terms of the agreement with the customer. If the period is not
clearly defined, then revenue should be recognized over a period no longer than the usual
life of the transferred asset used to provide the ongoing service. This interpretation is to
be applied prospectively to transfers of assets from customers received on or after July 1,
2009. Earlier application is permitted provided the valuation and other information needed
to apply the information to past transfers were obtained at the time the transfers occurred.
The Company would prospectively adopt this interpretation for all assets transferred after
July 1, 2009. The amendment does not have any significant impact on Sifys statement of
operations. |
|
|
8. |
|
Amendments to IFRS 2, Share-based Payment Vesting Conditions and Cancellations
clarify the definition of vesting conditions, introduce the concept of non-vesting
conditions, require non-vesting conditions to be reflected in grant-date fair value and
provide the accounting treatment for non-vesting conditions and cancellations. These
amendments to IFRS 2 will become mandatory for the Groups financial statements for
reporting periods commencing on or after April 1, 2009, with retrospective application. The
amendment does not have any material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the
Group. |
114
|
9. |
|
Amendments to IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement: Eligible
Hedged Items deal with two situations where diversity in practice exists on the designation
of inflation as a hedged risk and the treatment of one-sided risks on hedged items. These
amendments are effective for accounting periods beginning on or after July 1, 2009. The
amendment is not expected to have any impact on the consolidated financial statements of the
Group. |
|
|
10. |
|
Improvements to IFRS- In April 2009, the IASB issued Improvements to IFRSs a
collection of amendments to twelve International Financial Reporting Standards as part of
its program of annual improvements to its standards, which is intended to make necessary,
but non-urgent, amendments to standards that will not be included as part of another major
project. The latest amendments were included in exposure drafts of proposed amendments to
IFRS published in October 2007, August 2008, and January 2009. The amendments resulting from
this standard mainly have effective dates for annual periods beginning on or after January
1, 2010, although entities are permitted to adopt them earlier. The Group is evaluating the impact, these amendments (except as discussed in note 3 s (i) above) will
have on the Groups consolidated financial statements. |
4. Determination of fair values
A number of the Groups accounting policies and disclosures require the determination of fair
value, for both financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. Fair values have been
determined for measurement and / or disclosure purposes based on the following methods. When
applicable, further information about the assumptions made in determining fair values is disclosed
in the notes specific to that asset or liability.
(i) Property, plant and equipment
The fair value of property, plant and equipment recognised as a result of a business combination is
based on market values. The market value is the estimated amount for which a property could be
exchanged on the date of valuation between a willing buyer and a willing seller in an arms length
transaction wherein the parties had each acted knowledgeably, prudently and without compulsion. The
market value of items of plant, equipment, fixtures and fittings etc. is based on the market prices
for similar items.
(ii) Inventories
The fair value of inventories acquired in a business combination is determined based on the
estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion
and sale, and a reasonable profit margin based on the effort required to complete and sell the
inventories.
(iii) Intangible assets
The fair value of intangible assets acquired in the business combinations is based on discounted
cash flows expected to be derived from the use and eventual sale of assets (terminal value).
(iv) Investments in equity and debt securities
The fair value of available-for-sale financial assets is determined by reference to their quoted
price at the reporting date.
(v) Trade and other receivables
The fair value of trade and other receivables is estimated as the present value of future cash
flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the reporting date. However in respect of such
financial instruments, fair value generally approximates the carrying amount due to the short term
nature of such assets.
115
(vi) Derivatives
The fair value of forward exchange contracts is estimated by discounting the difference between the
contractual forward price and the current forward price for the residual maturity of the contract
using a risk free interest rate (based on government bonds). The fair value of foreign currency
option contracts is determined based on the appropriate valuation techniques, considering the terms
of the contract.
(vii) Non Derivative financial liabilities
Fair value, which is determined for disclosure purposes, is calculated based on the present value
of future principal and interest cash flows, discounted at the market rate of interest at the
reporting date. For finance leases, the market rate of interest is determined by reference to
similar lease agreements.
(viii) Share-based payment transactions
The fair value of employee stock options is measured using the Black-Scholes method. Measurement
inputs include share price on grant date, exercise price of the instrument, expected volatility
(based on weighted average historic volatility adjusted for changes expected due to publicly
available information), weighted average expected life of the instrument (based on historical
experience and general option holder behavior), expected dividends, and the risk free interest rate
(based on government bonds).
116
5. Property, plant and equipment
The following table presents the changes in property, plant and equipment during the year ended
March 31, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost |
|
|
Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
|
As at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at |
|
|
As at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at |
|
|
amount as |
|
|
|
April 01, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
April 1, |
|
|
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
March |
|
|
at March |
|
Particulars |
|
2008 |
|
|
Additions |
|
|
Disposals |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
for the year |
|
|
Deletions |
|
|
31, 2009 |
|
|
31, 2009 |
|
Building |
|
|
769,663 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
769,663 |
|
|
|
120,924 |
|
|
|
27,477 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
148,401 |
|
|
|
621,262 |
|
Plant and machinery |
|
|
3,683,632 |
|
|
|
1,097,317 |
|
|
|
47,827 |
|
|
|
4,733,122 |
|
|
|
2,526,445 |
|
|
|
286,805 |
|
|
|
47,330 |
|
|
|
2,765,920 |
|
|
|
1,967,202 |
|
Computer equipments |
|
|
438,597 |
|
|
|
58,824 |
|
|
|
198 |
|
|
|
497,223 |
|
|
|
297,049 |
|
|
|
71,001 |
|
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
367,972 |
|
|
|
129,251 |
|
Office equipment |
|
|
116,691 |
|
|
|
47,090 |
|
|
|
1,649 |
|
|
|
162,132 |
|
|
|
83,928 |
|
|
|
14,673 |
|
|
|
1,646 |
|
|
|
96,955 |
|
|
|
65,177 |
|
Furniture
and fittings |
|
|
422,939 |
|
|
|
208,486 |
|
|
|
3,146 |
|
|
|
628,279 |
|
|
|
339,750 |
|
|
|
52,720 |
|
|
|
2,699 |
|
|
|
389,771 |
|
|
|
238,508 |
|
Vehicles |
|
|
9,174 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
905 |
|
|
|
8,269 |
|
|
|
3,846 |
|
|
|
2,981 |
|
|
|
407 |
|
|
|
6,420 |
|
|
|
1,849 |
|
Total |
|
|
5,440,696 |
|
|
|
1,411,717 |
|
|
|
53,725 |
|
|
|
6,798,688 |
|
|
|
3,371,942 |
|
|
|
455,657 |
|
|
|
52,160 |
|
|
|
3,775,439 |
|
|
|
3,023,249 |
|
|
Add: Construction
in Progress |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
237,665 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
5,440,696 |
|
|
|
1,411,717 |
|
|
|
53,725 |
|
|
|
6,798,688 |
|
|
|
3,371,942 |
|
|
|
455,657 |
|
|
|
52,160 |
|
|
|
3,775,439 |
|
|
|
3,260,914 |
|
|
The following table presents the changes in property, plant and equipment during the year ended
March 31, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
|
Cost |
|
|
Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
amount |
|
|
|
As at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at |
|
|
As at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at |
|
|
as at |
|
|
|
April 01, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
April 1, |
|
|
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
March |
|
Particulars |
|
2007 |
|
|
Additions |
|
|
Disposals |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
for the year |
|
|
Deletions |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
31, 2008 |
|
Building |
|
|
634,230 |
|
|
|
135,433 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
769,663 |
|
|
|
94,656 |
|
|
|
26,268 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,924 |
|
|
|
648,739 |
|
Plant and machinery |
|
|
3,180,761 |
|
|
|
508,820 |
|
|
|
5,949 |
|
|
|
3,683,632 |
|
|
|
2,341,233 |
|
|
|
187,414 |
|
|
|
2,202 |
|
|
|
2,526,445 |
|
|
|
1,157,187 |
|
Computer equipments |
|
|
353,874 |
|
|
|
84,857 |
|
|
|
134 |
|
|
|
438,597 |
|
|
|
204,953 |
|
|
|
92,230 |
|
|
|
134 |
|
|
|
297,049 |
|
|
|
141,548 |
|
Office equipment |
|
|
103,935 |
|
|
|
12,803 |
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
116,691 |
|
|
|
71,989 |
|
|
|
11,982 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
83,928 |
|
|
|
32,763 |
|
Furniture
and fittings |
|
|
386,994 |
|
|
|
37,209 |
|
|
|
1,264 |
|
|
|
422,939 |
|
|
|
303,712 |
|
|
|
36,975 |
|
|
|
937 |
|
|
|
339,750 |
|
|
|
83,189 |
|
Vehicles |
|
|
8,766 |
|
|
|
4,448 |
|
|
|
4,040 |
|
|
|
9,174 |
|
|
|
2,439 |
|
|
|
3,788 |
|
|
|
2,381 |
|
|
|
3,846 |
|
|
|
5,328 |
|
Total |
|
|
4,668,560 |
|
|
|
783,570 |
|
|
|
11,434 |
|
|
|
5,440,696 |
|
|
|
3,018,982 |
|
|
|
358,657 |
|
|
|
5,697 |
|
|
|
3,371,942 |
|
|
|
2,068,754 |
|
|
Add: Construction
in Progress |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
113,031 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
4,668,560 |
|
|
|
783,570 |
|
|
|
11,434 |
|
|
|
5,440,696 |
|
|
|
3,018,982 |
|
|
|
358,657 |
|
|
|
5,697 |
|
|
|
3,371,942 |
|
|
|
2,181,785 |
|
|
117
Change in estimated useful life
On the basis of a comprehensive evaluation during the year ended March 31, 2008, the Group had
revised the estimated useful lives of its networking equipment (included under plant and machinery)
and computers. As a result, the expected useful life of its networking equipment has been increased
from 5 to 8 years and the expected useful life of computers has been decreased from 5 to 3 years.
The effects of such changes on the depreciation expense for the years ended March 31, 2008, 2009,
2010 and 2011 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
2011 |
|
Decrease / (increase) in depreciation expense |
|
|
110,315 |
|
|
|
98,650 |
|
|
|
61,498 |
|
|
|
(17,674 |
) |
The following table presents the changes in property, plant and equipment during the year ended
March 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost |
|
|
Accumulated depreciation |
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
|
As at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at |
|
|
As at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at |
|
|
amount as |
|
|
|
April 1, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
April 1, |
|
|
Depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
at March |
|
Particulars |
|
2006 |
|
|
Additions |
|
|
Disposals |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
for the year |
|
|
Deletions |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
31, 2007 |
|
Building |
|
|
485,156 |
|
|
|
149,074 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
634,230 |
|
|
|
72,901 |
|
|
|
21,755 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
94,656 |
|
|
|
539,574 |
|
Plant and machinery |
|
|
2,828,970 |
|
|
|
372,645 |
|
|
|
20,854 |
|
|
|
3,180,761 |
|
|
|
2,069,145 |
|
|
|
292,653 |
|
|
|
20,565 |
|
|
|
2,341,233 |
|
|
|
839,528 |
|
Computer equipments |
|
|
286,502 |
|
|
|
70,240 |
|
|
|
2,868 |
|
|
|
353,874 |
|
|
|
164,036 |
|
|
|
43,677 |
|
|
|
2,760 |
|
|
|
204,953 |
|
|
|
148,921 |
|
Office equipment |
|
|
95,104 |
|
|
|
9,120 |
|
|
|
289 |
|
|
|
103,935 |
|
|
|
60,452 |
|
|
|
11,816 |
|
|
|
279 |
|
|
|
71,989 |
|
|
|
31,946 |
|
Furniture and
fittings |
|
|
349,243 |
|
|
|
39,222 |
|
|
|
1,471 |
|
|
|
386,994 |
|
|
|
263,141 |
|
|
|
41,921 |
|
|
|
1,350 |
|
|
|
303,712 |
|
|
|
83,282 |
|
Vehicles |
|
|
13,764 |
|
|
|
8,166 |
|
|
|
13,164 |
|
|
|
8,766 |
|
|
|
8,029 |
|
|
|
3,124 |
|
|
|
8,714 |
|
|
|
2,439 |
|
|
|
6,327 |
|
Total |
|
|
4,058,739 |
|
|
|
648,467 |
|
|
|
38,646 |
|
|
|
4,668,560 |
|
|
|
2,637,704 |
|
|
|
414,946 |
|
|
|
33,668 |
|
|
|
3,018,982 |
|
|
|
1,649,578 |
|
|
Add: Construction
in Progress |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,409 |
|
|
Total |
|
|
4,058,739 |
|
|
|
648,467 |
|
|
|
38,646 |
|
|
|
4,668,560 |
|
|
|
2,637,704 |
|
|
|
414,946 |
|
|
|
33,668 |
|
|
|
3,018,982 |
|
|
|
1,672,987 |
|
|
Leased assets
The Groups leased assets include certain buildings, plant and machinery and motor vehicles
acquired under finance leases. As at March 31, 2009 the net carrying amount of buildings, plant and
machinery and vehicles acquired under finance leases is Rs.260,968 (March 31, 2008: Rs.271,125),
145,304 (March 31, 2008 : Nil) and Rs.2,159 (March 31, 2008: Rs.5,638) respectively.
Capital Commitments
As of March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, the Company was committed to spend approximately
Rs.322,607 (net of advances Rs.177,183) and Rs.618,541 (net of advances Rs.507,157) respectively,
under agreements to purchase property, plant and equipment.
Construction in progress
Amounts paid towards acquisition of property, plant and equipment outstanding at each balance sheet
date and the cost of property, plant and equipment that are not ready to be put into use are
disclosed under construction-in-progress.
Security
As at March 31,2009 properties with a carrying amount of Rs.2,481,174 (March 31, 2008 : Nil) are
subject to a registered charge to secure bank borrowings.
6. Intangible assets
Intangible assets comprise the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Goodwill |
|
|
40,461 |
|
|
|
50,796 |
|
Other intangible assets |
|
|
137,411 |
|
|
|
131,511 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
177,872 |
|
|
|
182,307 |
|
|
|
|
118
(i) Goodwill
The following table presents the changes in goodwill during the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Balance at the beginning of the year |
|
|
50,796 |
|
|
|
50,796 |
|
Effect of movement in exchange rates |
|
|
4,865 |
|
|
|
|
|
Impairment loss recognised during the year |
|
|
(15,200 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net carrying amount of goodwill |
|
|
40,461 |
|
|
|
50,796 |
|
|
|
|
The amount of Goodwill as at March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 has been allocated to the online
portals segment.
Impairment testing for cash-generating units containing goodwill
For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the Groups strategic business unit
which represents the lowest level within the Group at which the goodwill is monitored for internal
management purposes. The recoverable amount of the globe travels cash generating unit (which is
part of online portals segment) was based on its value in use. The carrying amount of the unit was
determined to be higher than its recoverable amount and an impairment loss of Rs.15,200 (March
2008: Nil) was recognized. The impairment loss was fully allocated to goodwill.
Value in use was determined by discounting the future cash flows generated from the continuing use
of the unit and was based on the following key assumptions:
|
|
Cash flows were projected based on actual operating results and the 5 year business plan.
Cash flows were arrived at as an excess of revenue over the related costs for the same period. |
|
|
Management believes that this forecast period is justified due to the long term nature of
the travel business. |
|
|
The projected quarterly average revenue growth included in the cash flow projections was 8%
during the period 2010 2014. Management believes that this growth percentage was reasonable
and is in line with the average trend of the industry. |
|
|
The projected quarterly increase in average cost was 6% during the same period. |
|
|
A pre-tax discount rate of 26% was applied in determining the recoverable amount of the
cash generating unit. The discount rate was estimated based on an industry average weighted
average cost of capital, which was based on a possible range of debt leveraging of 0% at a
market interest rate of 7%. |
The values assigned to the key assumptions represent managements assessment of future trends in
the industry and are based on both external sources and internal sources.
119
(ii) Other Intangibles
The following table presents the changes in intangible assets during the years ended March 31,
2009, 2008 and 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technical |
|
Portals |
|
Customer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
know- |
|
and web |
|
related |
|
|
|
|
|
License |
|
|
|
|
how |
|
content |
|
intangibles |
|
Software |
|
fees |
|
Total |
|
(A) Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as at April 1, 2006 |
|
|
82,753 |
|
|
|
52,730 |
|
|
|
126,871 |
|
|
|
219,315 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
481,669 |
|
Acquisitions through business combination |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72,683 |
|
|
|
6,089 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
78,772 |
|
Other acquisitions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,474 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
65,474 |
|
Balance as at March 31, 2007 |
|
|
82,753 |
|
|
|
52,730 |
|
|
|
199,554 |
|
|
|
240,878 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
625,915 |
|
Acquisitions during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,238 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,238 |
|
Balance as at March 31, 2008 |
|
|
82,753 |
|
|
|
52,730 |
|
|
|
199,554 |
|
|
|
271,116 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
656,153 |
|
Acquisitions during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,016 |
|
|
|
48,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,115 |
|
Balance as at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
82,753 |
|
|
|
52,730 |
|
|
|
200,570 |
|
|
|
319,215 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
705,268 |
|
|
(B) Amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as at April 1, 2006 |
|
|
79,240 |
|
|
|
50,065 |
|
|
|
117,433 |
|
|
|
193,350 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
440,128 |
|
Amortization for the year |
|
|
3,513 |
|
|
|
2,645 |
|
|
|
18,796 |
|
|
|
22,974 |
|
|
|
906 |
|
|
|
48,834 |
|
Balance as at March 31, 2007 |
|
|
82,753 |
|
|
|
52,710 |
|
|
|
136,269 |
|
|
|
216,324 |
|
|
|
906 |
|
|
|
488,962 |
|
Amortization for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
13,657 |
|
|
|
19,503 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
35,680 |
|
Balance as at March 31, 2008 |
|
|
82,753 |
|
|
|
52,730 |
|
|
|
149,926 |
|
|
|
235,827 |
|
|
|
3,406 |
|
|
|
524,642 |
|
Amortization for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,921 |
|
|
|
20,794 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
43,215 |
|
Balance as at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
82,753 |
|
|
|
52,730 |
|
|
|
169,847 |
|
|
|
256,621 |
|
|
|
5,906 |
|
|
|
567,857 |
|
|
(C) Carrying amounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
63,285 |
|
|
|
24,554 |
|
|
|
49,094 |
|
|
|
136,953 |
|
As at March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,628 |
|
|
|
35,289 |
|
|
|
46,594 |
|
|
|
131,511 |
|
As at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,723 |
|
|
|
62,594 |
|
|
|
44,094 |
|
|
|
137,411 |
|
|
Capital Commitments
As of March 31, 2009, the Company was committed to spend approximately Rs.390,208 (net of advances
Rs.119,454) (March 31, 2008 : Rs. Nil) respectively, under agreements to purchase intangible
assets.
Interest Capitalization
During the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company capitalized interest cost of Rs.5,620
and Rs. Nil respectively. The rate of capitalization of interest cost was approximately 11.67%.
7. Investment in equity accounted investees
In March 2006, MF Global Overseas Limited (MFG), a group incorporated in United Kingdom acquired
70.15% of equity share capital of MF Global Sify Securities Private Limited (MF Global), formerly
Man Financial-Sify Securities India Private Limited (MF Global) from Refco Group Inc., USA
(Refco). As at March 31, 2009, 29.85% of MF Global equity shares is held by the Company. The
remaining 70.15% is owned by MFG, an unrelated third party. MFG is a subsidiary of MF Global
Limited, Bermuda. A summary of key financial information of MF Global and its subsidiaries which is
not adjusted for the percentage ownership held by the Group is presented below:
120
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance sheet |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
3,435,921 |
|
|
|
7,893,663 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
1,617,159 |
|
|
|
6,290,602 |
|
Shareholders equity |
|
|
1,818,762 |
|
|
|
1,603,061 |
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and shareholders equity |
|
|
3,435,921 |
|
|
|
7,893,663 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ended |
|
Statement of operations |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Revenues |
|
|
1,413,643 |
|
|
|
2,503,520 |
|
|
|
1,293,383 |
|
Net profit |
|
|
216,917 |
|
|
|
606,255 |
|
|
|
204,426 |
|
|
|
|
8. Cash and Cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents as per consolidated balance sheets, as at March 31, 2009 amounted to
Rs.380,042 (Rs.628,745 as at March 31, 2008). This excludes cash-restricted of Rs.1,330,756
(Rs.878,582 as at March 31, 2008), representing deposits held under lien against working capital
facilities availed and bank guarantees given by the Group towards future performance obligations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
(a) Restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Against future performance obligation |
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank deposits held under lien against borrowings from banks |
|
|
1,329,756 |
|
|
|
877,582 |
|
|
|
938,833 |
|
|
|
|
Total restricted cash |
|
|
1,330,756 |
|
|
|
878,582 |
|
|
|
939,833 |
|
|
|
|
(b) Non restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and bank balances |
|
|
380,042 |
|
|
|
628,745 |
|
|
|
2,131,324 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash (a+b) |
|
|
1,710,798 |
|
|
|
1,507,327 |
|
|
|
3,071,157 |
|
|
|
|
Bank overdraft used for cash management purposes |
|
|
(1,397,083 |
) |
|
|
(617,637 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Less: Non current restricted cash |
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents for the statement of cash flows |
|
|
312,715 |
|
|
|
888,690 |
|
|
|
3,070,157 |
|
|
|
|
9. Lease prepayments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Towards land** |
|
|
|
|
|
|
553,051 |
|
Towards buildings* |
|
|
311,185 |
|
|
|
15,858 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
311,185 |
|
|
|
568,909 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Includes Rs.256,050 paid to VALS Developers Private Limited. Also refer note 35. |
|
** |
|
Also refer note 13 (ii) (b) |
In respect of buildings, prepayments made towards buildings accounted for as operating leases are
amortised over the lease term on a straight line basis. In case prepayments are made towards
buildings accounted for as finance leases, such prepayments are capitalized as Leasehold
Buildings (included in buildings) on the commencement of the lease term under the head Property,
plant and equipment and depreciated in accordance with the depreciation policy for similar owned
assets.
121
10. Other assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Non current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Withholding taxes (see note (a) below) |
|
|
174,234 |
|
|
|
194,328 |
|
Other deposits ( see note (b) and (c) below) |
|
|
322,091 |
|
|
|
142,197 |
|
Net investment in leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,297 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
496,325 |
|
|
|
341,822 |
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment in leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,743 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,743 |
|
|
|
|
Financial assets included in other assets |
|
|
227,468 |
|
|
|
154,237 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Withholding taxes represent taxes deducted at source by the customers and paid to the
Government, which is adjustable against tax liability of the Company. |
|
(b) |
|
Includes Rs.26,775 paid to VALS Developers Private Limited. Also refer note 35. |
|
(c) |
|
Includes Rs. 111,333 paid to Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC in relation
to supply of capacity from the Europe India Gateway. |
Net investment in leases
The Company, which is a dealer lessor, has leasing arrangements for leasing various types of
routers, modems and other equipment for setting up virtual private and bandwidth to its customers
in its corporate connectivity business. The Company recognizes the sale transaction in the profit
and loss statements in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreements and initial direct
cost are expensed as incurred. Gross investment in such leases as at March 31, 2009 and March 31,
2008 and minimum lease payments are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
Minimum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net |
|
|
Minimum lease |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net |
|
|
|
lease |
|
|
Unearned |
|
|
investment |
|
|
payments |
|
|
Unearned |
|
|
investment |
|
|
|
payments |
|
|
income |
|
|
in leases |
|
|
receivable |
|
|
income |
|
|
in leases |
|
|
|
|
Less than one year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,275 |
|
|
|
532 |
|
|
|
6,743 |
|
Between one and five years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,431 |
|
|
|
134 |
|
|
|
5,297 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,706 |
|
|
|
666 |
|
|
|
12,040 |
|
|
|
|
During the year ended March 31, 2009, due to issues associated with collectibility, the Company has
written off the lease installments due from the customer.
11. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
The tax effects of significant temporary differences that resulted in deferred tax assets and a
description of the items that created these differences is given below
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets / (liabilities) |
|
Recognised deferred tax assets / (liabilities) |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, Plant and Equipment |
|
|
1,796 |
|
|
|
1,733 |
|
Intangible assets |
|
|
2,212 |
|
|
|
3,155 |
|
Allowance for doubtful trade and other receivables |
|
|
4,516 |
|
|
|
10,644 |
|
Carry forward capital losses |
|
|
67,735 |
|
|
|
56,859 |
|
|
|
|
76,259 |
|
|
|
72,391 |
|
|
122
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets / (liabilities) |
|
Recognised deferred tax assets / (liabilities) |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment in equity accounted investees |
|
|
(67,735 |
) |
|
|
(56,821 |
) |
|
|
|
(67,735 |
) |
|
|
(56,821 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax asset recognized in balance sheet |
|
|
8,524 |
|
|
|
15,570 |
|
|
|
|
In assessing the realisabiliy of the deferred income tax assets, management considers whether some
portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of
the deferred income tax assets and tax loss carry forwards is dependent upon the generation of
future taxable income during the periods in which the temporary differences become deductible.
Management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable
income and tax planning strategy in making this assessment. Based on the level of historical
taxable income and projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax
assets are deductible, management believes that the Company will realize the benefits of those
recognized deductible differences. The amount of deferred tax assets considered realizable,
however, could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable income are reduced. Also
refer note 38 relating to subsequent events.
Movement in temporary differences during the year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance |
|
|
Recognised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance |
|
|
Recognised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance |
|
|
|
as at |
|
|
in |
|
|
Recognised |
|
|
as at |
|
|
in |
|
|
Recognised |
|
|
as at |
|
|
|
April 1, |
|
|
income |
|
|
in |
|
|
March |
|
|
income |
|
|
in |
|
|
March |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
statement |
|
|
Equity |
|
|
31, 2008 |
|
|
statement |
|
|
Equity |
|
|
31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
Property, Plant and Equipment |
|
|
1,671 |
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,733 |
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,796 |
|
Intangible assets |
|
|
2,975 |
|
|
|
180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,155 |
|
|
|
(943 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,212 |
|
Allowance for doubtful trade and other receivables |
|
|
6,040 |
|
|
|
4,604 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,644 |
|
|
|
(6,128 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,516 |
|
Tax loss carry forwards |
|
|
79,344 |
|
|
|
(20,493 |
) |
|
|
(1,992 |
) |
|
|
56,859 |
|
|
|
10,816 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
67,735 |
|
Investment
in equity accounted investees |
|
|
(23,926 |
) |
|
|
(34,887 |
) |
|
|
1,992 |
|
|
|
(56,821 |
) |
|
|
(10,854 |
) |
|
|
(60 |
) |
|
|
(67,735 |
) |
Actuarial gains/losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(957 |
) |
|
|
957 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Others |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(471 |
) |
|
|
471 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,104 |
|
|
|
(51,962 |
) |
|
|
1,428 |
|
|
|
15,570 |
|
|
|
(7,046 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,524 |
|
|
|
|
Unrecognized deferred tax assets / (liabilities)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
As at March 31, 2008 |
|
|
Deductible temporary differences |
|
|
82,062 |
|
|
|
63,090 |
|
Unrecognized tax losses |
|
|
3,440,680 |
|
|
|
1,395,042 |
|
|
|
|
3,522,742 |
|
|
|
1,458,132 |
|
|
Considering the probability of availability of future taxable profits in the period in which tax
losses expire, deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of tax losses carried
forward by the Group. The above tax losses expire at various dates ranging from 2015 to 2024.
Deferred tax liabilities of Rs 44,627 and Rs Nil as at March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 have not
been recognised on undistributed profits of its subsidiaries since the group expects to realize the
same in a tax free manner.
Income Tax expense recognized in profit or loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Current tax expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current period |
|
|
90,003 |
|
|
|
12,013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,003 |
|
|
|
12,013 |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Origination and reversal of temporary differences |
|
|
17,862 |
|
|
|
31,469 |
|
|
|
13,231 |
|
123
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Recognition of previously unrecognized tax losses |
|
|
(10,854 |
) |
|
|
(34,887 |
) |
|
|
(79,344 |
) |
Reversal of previously recognized tax losses |
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
55,380 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,046 |
|
|
|
51,962 |
|
|
|
(66,113 |
) |
|
|
|
Total income tax expense / (benefit) |
|
|
97,049 |
|
|
|
63,975 |
|
|
|
(66,113 |
) |
|
|
|
Income tax directly recognised in equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Actuarial (gains) or losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
957 |
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
Tax effect of changes in the fair value of other investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
556 |
|
|
|
|
|
Tax effect on foreign currency translation differences |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(85 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax benefit / (expense) recognized directly in equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,428 |
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
|
Reconciliation of effective tax rate
A reconciliation of the income tax provision to the amount computed by applying the statutory
income tax rate to the income before taxes is summarized below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
Profit / (loss) before income taxes |
|
|
(754,584 |
) |
|
|
89,421 |
|
|
|
205,259 |
|
Enacted tax rates in India |
|
|
33.99 |
% |
|
|
33.99 |
% |
|
|
33.99 |
% |
Computed expected tax expense / (benefit) |
|
|
(256,483 |
) |
|
|
30,394 |
|
|
|
69,768 |
|
Effect of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share based payment expense not deductible for tax purposes |
|
|
16,149 |
|
|
|
14,234 |
|
|
|
17,348 |
|
Unrecognized deferred tax assets on losses incurred during the year (net of temporary differences, if any) |
|
|
359,669 |
|
|
|
65,714 |
|
|
|
1,824 |
|
Unrecognized deferred tax asset on temporary differences |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,634 |
|
|
|
|
|
Share of profit of equity accounted investeee taxed at a lower rate |
|
|
(8,582 |
) |
|
|
(24,253 |
) |
|
|
(8,172 |
) |
Recognition of previously unrecognized tax losses |
|
|
(13,203 |
) |
|
|
(37,312 |
) |
|
|
(87,516 |
) |
Utilization of previously unrecognized tax losses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(58,047 |
) |
Others |
|
|
(501 |
) |
|
|
2,564 |
|
|
|
(1,318 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
97,049 |
|
|
|
63,975 |
|
|
|
(66,113 |
) |
|
|
|
12. Inventories
Inventories comprise:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Communication hardware |
|
|
30,832 |
|
|
|
28,700 |
|
Application software |
|
|
4,264 |
|
|
|
2,079 |
|
Others |
|
|
3,992 |
|
|
|
6,972 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,088 |
|
|
|
37,751 |
|
|
|
|
The entire carrying amount of inventories as at March 31, 2009 (March 31, 2008 : Nil) is secured in
connection with bank borrowings.
124
13. Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables comprise:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
(i) Trade receivables, net |
|
|
1,504,927 |
|
|
|
1,694,542 |
|
(ii) Other receivables including deposits |
|
|
950,599 |
|
|
|
526,184 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,455,526 |
|
|
|
2,220,726 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i) |
|
Trade receivable as of March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 are stated net of allowance for
doubtful receivables. The Group maintains an allowance for doubtful receivables based on its
age and collectability. Trade receivables are not collateralized except to the extent of
refundable deposits received from cybercafé franchisees and from cable television operators.
Trade receivables consist of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Trade receivables from related parties |
|
|
698 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other trade receivables |
|
|
1,620,524 |
|
|
|
1,777,858 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,621,222 |
|
|
|
1,777,858 |
|
Less: Allowance for doubtful receivables |
|
|
(116,295 |
) |
|
|
(83,316 |
) |
|
|
|
Balance at the end of the year |
|
|
1,504,927 |
|
|
|
1,694,542 |
|
|
|
|
The activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable is given below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the year ending |
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Balance at the beginning of the year |
|
|
83,316 |
|
|
|
101,624 |
|
Add : Additional provision, net |
|
|
84,346 |
|
|
|
131,954 |
|
Less : Bad debts written off |
|
|
(51,367 |
) |
|
|
(150,262 |
) |
|
|
|
Balance at the end of the year |
|
|
116,295 |
|
|
|
83,316 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(ii) |
|
Other receivables comprises of the following items: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Advances and other deposits (Refer Note (a) and (b) below) |
|
|
745,876 |
|
|
|
443,275 |
|
Deposits with Department of Income tax / Withholding taxes (Refer Note (c) below) |
|
|
191,457 |
|
|
|
77,724 |
|
Employee advances |
|
|
13,266 |
|
|
|
5,185 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
950,599 |
|
|
|
526,184 |
|
|
|
|
Financial assets included in other receivables |
|
|
405,989 |
|
|
|
298,862 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes: |
|
a) |
|
Advances and other deposits primarily comprises of receivables in the form of Custom duty
credit entitlement and other advances given in the ordinary course of business. |
|
b) |
|
In the year ending 31 March 2008, the Group entered into a lease for 16.97 acres of land
from Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) for a period of 90 years. The Group had
paid a sum of Rs.555,616 as refundable security deposit towards such land. In 2009, the Group
returned 11.42 acres of land to ELCOT. Consequently, ELCOT has refunded to the |
126
|
|
|
|
|
Group a sum of
Rs.374,576 representing the proportionate sum of refundable security deposit. Further in
March 2009, the
Group has made a application for refund of the security deposit relating to the balance 5.55
acres of land also. The Group believes that the same will be received within the next 12
months and accordingly, the receivable has been classified as a current asset. |
|
c) |
|
Deposit with Department of Income Tax represents tax demands paid amounting to Rs. Nil as
on March 31, 2009 (March, 31 2008 : Rs.77,724) to the authorities under protest. Also refer
note 33 (a). Also includes withholding taxes recoverable from the Department of Income Tax
for which the Company has filed tax returns for refund. The Company expects to realize such
refund of withholding taxes within the next 12 months. |
14. Prepayments for current assets
Prepayments for current assets comprise of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Prepayments for purchase of bandwidth |
|
|
63,961 |
|
|
|
90,129 |
|
Prepayments related to insurance |
|
|
12,682 |
|
|
|
15,798 |
|
Prepayments-others |
|
|
47,066 |
|
|
|
34,485 |
|
Lease prepayments |
|
|
4,839 |
|
|
|
10,215 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
128,548 |
|
|
|
150,627 |
|
|
|
|
15. Other Investments
Other Investments comprise of available for sale investments in units of mutual funds. The details
of such investments are given below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains/ (Loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gains/ (Loss) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
|
recognized in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
|
recognized in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
amount |
|
|
equity |
|
|
Fair value |
|
|
amount |
|
|
equity |
|
|
Fair value |
|
|
|
|
Investment in mutual funds |
|
|
20,315 |
|
|
|
(6,441 |
) |
|
|
13,874 |
|
|
|
20,315 |
|
|
|
(1,636 |
) |
|
|
18,679 |
|
|
|
|
127
16. Capital and reserves
Reconciliation of movement in capital and reserves
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
gains and |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(losses) |
|
|
|
|
|
attributable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
from |
|
|
|
|
|
to the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign |
|
|
|
|
|
investments |
|
|
|
|
|
equity |
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share based |
|
Currency |
|
Recognised |
|
in equity |
|
|
|
|
|
holders of |
|
attributable |
|
|
|
|
Share |
|
Share |
|
Payment |
|
Translation |
|
actuarial |
|
accounted |
|
Accumulated |
|
the |
|
to Minority |
|
|
Particulars |
|
Capital |
|
Premium |
|
Reserve |
|
Reserve |
|
gain / (loss) |
|
investee |
|
Deficit |
|
Company |
|
Interest |
|
Total Equity |
|
Balance at April 1, 2006 |
|
|
423,895 |
|
|
|
16,177,821 |
|
|
|
60,860 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,926 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,511,510 |
) |
|
|
4,153,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,153,992 |
|
Minority interest recognized due to divestment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
139,234 |
|
|
|
139,234 |
|
Total recognised income and expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(316 |
) |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
10,793 |
|
|
|
240,841 |
|
|
|
251,336 |
|
|
|
30,531 |
|
|
|
281,867 |
|
Share-based payments recognized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,933 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,933 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,933 |
|
Stock options exercised |
|
|
4,108 |
|
|
|
84,275 |
|
|
|
(15,738 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72,645 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
72,645 |
|
Stock options lapsed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,515 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,515 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2007 |
|
|
428,003 |
|
|
|
16,262,096 |
|
|
|
101,540 |
|
|
|
(316 |
) |
|
|
2,944 |
|
|
|
10,793 |
|
|
|
(12,266,154 |
) |
|
|
4,538,906 |
|
|
|
169,765 |
|
|
|
4,708,671 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
gains and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(losses) |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
from |
|
|
|
|
|
attributable |
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share |
|
Foreign |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
investments |
|
|
|
|
|
to the equity |
|
attributable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
based |
|
Currency |
|
Recognised |
|
|
|
|
|
in equity |
|
|
|
|
|
holders of |
|
to |
|
|
|
|
Share |
|
Share |
|
Payment |
|
Translation |
|
actuarial |
|
Fair Value |
|
accounted |
|
Accumulated |
|
the |
|
Minority |
|
|
Particulars |
|
Capital |
|
Premium |
|
Reserve |
|
Reserve |
|
gain / (loss) |
|
Reserve |
|
investee |
|
Deficit |
|
Company |
|
Interest |
|
Total Equity |
|
Balance at April 1, 2007 |
|
|
428,003 |
|
|
|
16,262,096 |
|
|
|
101,540 |
|
|
|
(316 |
) |
|
|
2,944 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,793 |
|
|
|
(12,266,154 |
) |
|
|
4,538,906 |
|
|
|
169,765 |
|
|
|
4,708,671 |
|
Total recognised income and expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
(1,859 |
) |
|
|
(1,080 |
) |
|
|
(9,669 |
) |
|
|
(4,696 |
) |
|
|
(17,141 |
) |
|
|
30,142 |
|
|
|
13,001 |
|
Share-based payments recognized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,410 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,410 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,410 |
|
Stock options exercised |
|
|
198 |
|
|
|
7,219 |
|
|
|
(2,757 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,660 |
|
Stock options lapsed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,795 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,795 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issue of share capital |
|
|
12,817 |
|
|
|
99,332 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
112,149 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
112,149 |
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2008 |
|
|
441,018 |
|
|
|
16,368,647 |
|
|
|
149,398 |
|
|
|
(153 |
) |
|
|
1,085 |
|
|
|
(1,080 |
) |
|
|
1,124 |
|
|
|
(12,265,055 |
) |
|
|
4,694,984 |
|
|
|
199,907 |
|
|
|
4,894,891 |
|
|
128
16. Capital and reserves (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
gains and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(losses) from |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
Amount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share |
|
Foreign |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
investments |
|
|
|
|
|
attributable |
|
Attributable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
based |
|
Currency |
|
Recognised |
|
|
|
|
|
in equity |
|
|
|
|
|
to the equity |
|
to |
|
|
|
|
Share |
|
Share |
|
Payment |
|
Translation |
|
actuarial |
|
Fair Value |
|
accounted |
|
Accumulated |
|
holders of the |
|
Minority |
|
|
Particulars |
|
Capital |
|
Premium |
|
Reserve |
|
Reserve |
|
gain / (loss) |
|
Reserve |
|
investee |
|
Deficit |
|
Company |
|
Interest |
|
Total Equity |
|
Balance at April 1, 2008 |
|
|
441,018 |
|
|
|
16,368,647 |
|
|
|
149,398 |
|
|
|
(153 |
) |
|
|
1,085 |
|
|
|
(1,080 |
) |
|
|
1,124 |
|
|
|
(12,265,055 |
) |
|
|
4,694,984 |
|
|
|
199,907 |
|
|
|
4,894,891 |
|
Total recognised income and expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,256 |
) |
|
|
(4,346 |
) |
|
|
(5,361 |
) |
|
|
296 |
|
|
|
(900,574 |
) |
|
|
(911,241 |
) |
|
|
48,941 |
|
|
|
(862,300 |
) |
Share-based payments recognized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,380 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,380 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,380 |
|
Stock options lapsed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(61,243 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,243 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Others |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,570 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,570 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,570 |
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
441,018 |
|
|
|
16,375,217 |
|
|
|
149,535 |
|
|
|
(1,409 |
) |
|
|
(3,261 |
) |
|
|
(6,441 |
) |
|
|
1,420 |
|
|
|
(13,104,386 |
) |
|
|
3,851,693 |
|
|
|
248,848 |
|
|
|
4,100,541 |
|
|
129
Share Capital and Share Premium
No of shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Issued as at April 01 |
|
|
55,637,082 |
|
|
|
42,800,265 |
|
|
|
42,389,514 |
|
Issued for cash* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,817,000 |
* |
|
|
|
|
Exercise of share options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,817 |
|
|
|
410,751 |
|
Shares forfeited* |
|
|
(12,817,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued as at March 31 |
|
|
42,820,082 |
|
|
|
55,637,082 |
|
|
|
42,800,625 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Paid up Rs.1/- per share |
As at March 31, 2009 the authorized share capital comprises 61,000,000 ordinary shares (as of March
31, 2008, the number of authorized shares was 61,000,000) of Rs.10 each. The holders of ordinary
shares are entitled to receive dividends from time to time and are entitled to vote at meetings of
the Group. All shares rank equally with regard to Groups residual assets.
The Company had entered into a Subscription Agreement with Infinity Satcom Universal Private
Limited (Infinity Satcom Universal) during the year ended March 31, 2008 for issuance of
12,817,000 Equity Shares of the Company with face value of Rs.10/- per share at a premium of
Rs.165/-. It was approved by the Companys shareholders at the Extra ordinary General Meeting held
on March 17, 2008. Infinity Satcom Universal is controlled by Ananda Raju Vegesna, Executive
Director, and brother of Shri Raju Vegesna, Chairman and Managing Director.
The Company had received a sum of Rs.112,149 (comprising of Rs.12,817 towards face value and
Rs.99,332 towards securities premium / share premium). Subsequently on August 28, 2008, Infinity
Satcom Universal have communicated to the Company that they would focus their attention on the
business of Sify Communication Limited(erstwhile subsidiary) and hence shall not contribute the
balance money towards the subscription of 12,817,000 Equity Shares, as and when it is called.
Accordingly, at the meeting of the Board of Directors, the shares allotted and monies already
collected (Rs.112,149 including sums towards capital and premium) have been forfeited.
Translation reserve
The translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of
the financial statements of foreign operations.
Share based payment reserve
Share based payment reserve represents the stock compensation expense recognised in a separate
component of the equity.
Fair value reserve
The fair value reserve comprises the cumulative net change in the fair value of available-for-sale
securities until the investments are derecognized or impaired.
Recognised actuarial gain / loss
Recognised actuarial gain / loss represents the cumulative actuarial gain / loss recognised
directly in equity.
130
17. Finance lease obligations
The Group leases routers and other equipments under finance lease arrangements. The following
is a schedule of future minimum finance lease commitments as at March 31, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Present |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Present |
|
|
|
Future |
|
|
|
|
|
|
value |
|
|
Future |
|
|
|
|
|
|
value |
|
|
|
minimum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
minimum |
|
|
minimum |
|
|
|
|
|
|
minimum |
|
|
|
lease |
|
|
|
|
|
|
lease |
|
|
lease |
|
|
|
|
|
|
lease |
|
|
|
payments |
|
|
Interest |
|
|
payments |
|
|
payments |
|
|
Interest |
|
|
payments |
|
|
|
|
Less than one year |
|
|
42,743 |
|
|
|
(9,800 |
) |
|
|
32,943 |
|
|
|
3,344 |
|
|
|
(445 |
) |
|
|
2,899 |
|
Between one and five years |
|
|
138,246 |
|
|
|
(15,864 |
) |
|
|
122,382 |
|
|
|
2,656 |
|
|
|
(163 |
) |
|
|
2,493 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
180,989 |
|
|
|
(25,664 |
) |
|
|
155,325 |
|
|
|
6,000 |
|
|
|
(608 |
) |
|
|
5,392 |
|
|
|
|
18. Employee benefits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Gratuity payable |
|
|
15,082 |
|
|
|
8,592 |
|
Compensated absences |
|
|
49,218 |
|
|
|
33,658 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,300 |
|
|
|
42,250 |
|
|
|
|
Gratuity cost
The components of gratuity costs recognised in the income statement for the years ending March 31,
2009, March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Service cost |
|
|
12,067 |
|
|
|
8,533 |
|
|
|
8,149 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
3,038 |
|
|
|
1,639 |
|
|
|
1,662 |
|
Expected return on plan asset |
|
|
(1,672 |
) |
|
|
(957 |
) |
|
|
(163 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,433 |
|
|
|
9,215 |
|
|
|
9,648 |
|
|
|
|
Details of employee benefit obligation and plan asset are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Present value of projected benefit obligation at the end of the year |
|
|
43,389 |
|
|
|
27,332 |
|
Funded status of the plans |
|
|
28,307 |
|
|
|
18,740 |
|
|
|
|
Recognised (asset) / liability |
|
|
15,082 |
|
|
|
8,592 |
|
|
|
|
The following table set out the status of the gratuity plan:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in defined benefit obligation |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year |
|
|
27,332 |
|
|
|
20,785 |
|
|
|
22,959 |
|
Service cost |
|
|
12,067 |
|
|
|
8,533 |
|
|
|
8,149 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
3,038 |
|
|
|
1,639 |
|
|
|
1,662 |
|
Actuarial (gain) / loss |
|
|
3,662 |
|
|
|
2,393 |
|
|
|
604 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(2,710 |
) |
|
|
(6,018 |
) |
|
|
(12,589 |
) |
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation at the end of the year |
|
|
43,389 |
|
|
|
27,332 |
|
|
|
20,785 |
|
|
|
|
131
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plan assets |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at the beginning of the year |
|
|
18,740 |
|
|
|
8,422 |
|
|
|
1,717 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
1,672 |
|
|
|
957 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
Actuarial gain / (loss) |
|
|
(684 |
) |
|
|
(423 |
) |
|
|
631 |
|
Employer contributions |
|
|
11,290 |
|
|
|
15,801 |
|
|
|
18,500 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(2,711 |
) |
|
|
(6,017 |
) |
|
|
(12,589 |
) |
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at the end of the year |
|
|
28,307 |
|
|
|
18,740 |
|
|
|
8,422 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual return on plan assets |
|
|
988 |
|
|
|
534 |
|
|
|
794 |
|
Actuarial Assumptions at Balance Sheet date:
The principal actuarial assumptions as on March 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Discount rate |
|
|
7.95% P.a |
|
|
|
7.85% P.a |
|
|
|
8.15% P.a |
|
Long-term rate of compensation increase |
|
|
8.00% P.a |
|
|
|
6.00% P.a |
|
|
|
6.00% P.a |
|
Expected long term rate of return on plan assets |
|
|
8.00% P.a |
|
|
|
7.50% P.a |
|
|
|
7.50% P.a |
|
Average future working life time |
|
10.99 years |
|
|
10.23 years |
|
|
9.97 years |
|
|
|
|
Discount rate: The discount rate is based on prevailing market yields of Indian Government
securities as at the balance sheet date for the estimated term of the obligations.
Long term rate of compensation increase: The estimates of future salary increases considered take
into account inflation, seniority, promotion and other factors.
Expected long term rate of return on plan assets: This is based on the average long term rate of
return expected on investments of the fund during the estimated term of the obligations.
Assumptions regarding future mortality are based on published statistics and mortality tables.
The Group assesses these assumptions with the projected long-term plans of growth and prevalent
industry standards.
Historical Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Experience adjustment on plan liabilities |
|
|
1,574 |
|
|
|
1,489 |
|
Experience adjustment on plan assets |
|
|
(684 |
) |
|
|
(423 |
) |
|
|
|
Contributions: The Group expects to contribute Rs.20,000 to its gratuity fund during the year
ending March 31, 2010.
Plan assets: The Gratuity plans weighted-average asset allocation at March 31, 2009 and March 31,
2008, by asset category is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Funds managed by insurers |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
Actuarial gains and losses recognised in equity
The amount of actuarial gains and losses recognised directly in equity for the years ending March
31, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Actuarial gain / (loss) |
|
|
(4,346 |
) |
|
|
(2,816 |
) |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,346 |
) |
|
|
(2,816 |
) |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
132
Contributions to defined contribution plans
In accordance with Indian law, all employees receive benefits from a provident fund, which is a
defined contribution plan. Both the employee and employer make monthly contributions to the plan,
each equal to a specified percentage of employees basic salary. The Group has no further
obligations under the plan beyond its monthly contributions. The Group contributed Rs.70,354,
Rs.52,244 and Rs.40,838 for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.
19. Other liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Franchisee and other deposits |
|
|
134,116 |
|
|
|
124,472 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
134,116 |
|
|
|
124,472 |
|
|
|
|
Internet access services at home and through a network of cybercafés is provided through a
franchised network of cable operators in India and cybercafé operators. The Group enters into an
agreement with the franchisee that establishes the rights and obligations of each party and grants
each franchisee a non-exclusive license to operate the cybercafé using the Groups logo, brand and
trade names. The agreement provides for payment to the Company, of an initial security deposit in
consideration for establishing the franchisee relationship and providing certain initial services.
20. Borrowings from banks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loan secured against fixed deposits (Refer note 1 below) |
|
|
310,000 |
|
|
|
85,000 |
|
Term Bank Loans (Refer note 2 below) |
|
|
331,944 |
|
|
|
-71,426 |
|
Other working capital facilities (Refer note 3 below) |
|
|
540,826 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,182,770 |
|
|
|
156,426 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non current |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Term Bank loans |
|
|
201,389 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
201,389 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Group has short term borrowings which include: |
|
1. |
|
Loan secured against fixed deposits of Rs. 310,000 as at March 31, 2009 (Rs. 85,000 as at
March 31, 2008) represent Bank loans for working capital requirements. These borrowings bear
interest ranging from 10%-11.90% p.a and are repayable within one year from the balance sheet
date. |
|
2. |
|
Term bank loans are secured by fixed deposits and moveable fixed assets of the Group. These
loans bear interest ranging from 9.50% to 12.50% p.a. Term loan includes a balance of Rs
283,333 outstanding as at 31 March 2009 which is subject to put/call option every six
months. The Company has not met certain financial covenants relating to the said loan as of
31 March 2009. Subsequent to the balance sheet date, the bank has neither called the loan nor
demanded the loan for not meeting the financial covenants. As per the terms of the loan
agreement, no financial penalty is leviable. |
|
3. |
|
Other working capital facilities are secured by a certain current assets, fixed deposits
and trade receivables of the Company. These borrowings bear interest ranging from 11% to
13% p.a. Such facilities are renewable every year. |
133
21. Trade and other payables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Trade payables |
|
|
690,388 |
|
|
|
613,422 |
|
Advance from customers |
|
|
52,224 |
|
|
|
124,921 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
|
668,769 |
|
|
|
656,402 |
|
Other payables |
|
|
143,849 |
|
|
|
106,591 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,555,230 |
|
|
|
1,501,336 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial liabilities included in trade and other payables |
|
|
1,411,358 |
|
|
|
1,467,288 |
|
|
|
|
22. Deferred Income
Deferred revenue includes the following amounts of unearned income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Corporate network/data services |
|
|
308,521 |
|
|
|
276,844 |
|
Internet access services |
|
|
28,065 |
|
|
|
57,270 |
|
Other services |
|
|
18,215 |
|
|
|
34,242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
354,801 |
|
|
|
368,356 |
|
|
|
|
23. Revenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Rendering of Services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service revenue |
|
|
5,253,535 |
|
|
|
4,868,673 |
|
|
|
4,587,873 |
|
Initial franchise fee |
|
|
30,489 |
|
|
|
43,503 |
|
|
|
67,269 |
|
Installation service revenue |
|
|
235,116 |
|
|
|
318,466 |
|
|
|
256,040 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,519,140 |
|
|
|
5,230,642 |
|
|
|
4,911,182 |
|
|
|
|
Sale of products |
|
|
643,021 |
|
|
|
775,573 |
|
|
|
536,165 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,162,161 |
|
|
|
6,006,215 |
|
|
|
5,447,347 |
|
|
|
|
24. Cost of goods sold and services rendered
Cost of goods sold and services rendered information is presented before any depreciation or
amortization that is direct and attributable to revenue sources. The Groups asset base deployed in
the business is not easily split into a component that is directly attributable to a business and a
component that is common / indirect to all the businesses. Since a gross profit number without
depreciation and amortisation does not necessarily meet the objective of such a disclosure, the
Group has not disclosed gross profit numbers but disclosed all expenses, direct and indirect, in a
homogenous group leading directly from revenue to operating income.
134
25. Other income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Duty credit entitlement |
|
|
79,278 |
|
|
|
46,152 |
|
|
|
66,094 |
|
Others |
|
|
9,827 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
89,105 |
|
|
|
46,152 |
|
|
|
66,320 |
|
|
|
|
26. Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Personnel expenses |
|
|
987,585 |
|
|
|
715,365 |
|
|
|
637,293 |
|
Marketing and promotion expenses |
|
|
608,318 |
|
|
|
558,573 |
|
|
|
240,317 |
|
Administrative and other expenses* |
|
|
1,217,522 |
|
|
|
1,160,777 |
|
|
|
1,217,361 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,813,425 |
|
|
|
2,434,715 |
|
|
|
2,094,971 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Includes foreign exchange gain / (loss) of Rs.21,320, Rs.(22,587) and Rs.8,332 for the years
ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 respectively. |
Under the provisions of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961, employers are required to pay fringe
benefits tax (FBT) on the taxable value of the fringe benefits or privileges or that are provided
or deemed to be provided to employees. FBT under the provisions of the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961
is Rs.19,880 ,Rs.16,910, Rs.17,500 for the year ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 respectively.
27. Personnel expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Salaries and wages |
|
|
1,532,378 |
|
|
|
1,115,369 |
|
|
|
940,942 |
|
Contribution to provident fund and other funds |
|
|
70,354 |
|
|
|
52,244 |
|
|
|
40,838 |
|
Staff welfare expenses |
|
|
38,225 |
|
|
|
40,081 |
|
|
|
26,168 |
|
Employee stock compensation expense |
|
|
61,380 |
|
|
|
56,410 |
|
|
|
60,933 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,702,337 |
|
|
|
1,264,104 |
|
|
|
1,068,881 |
|
|
|
|
Attributable to cost of goods sold and services rendered |
|
|
714,752 |
|
|
|
548,739 |
|
|
|
431,588 |
|
Attributable to selling, general and administration
expenses |
|
|
987,585 |
|
|
|
715,365 |
|
|
|
637,293 |
|
28. Share-based payments
Share based payments are designed as equity-settled plans. Under the equity settled plans, the
Group had issued stock options under Associate Stock Option Plan (ASOP) 1999, ASOP 2000, ASOP 2002,
ASOP 2005 and ASOP 2007. Each option entitles the holder to purchase one American Depository Share
(ADS) at an exercise price determined by the Compensation committee on the date of the grant. There
are no options outstanding in respect of ASOP 1999 and ASOP 2000 plan as at April 1, 2008. Our
stock option plans are detailed as under:
135
(i) Associate Stock Option Plan 2000
In fiscal year 2000, the Group established the Associate Stock Option Plan 2000 (the ASOP 2000
Plan) which provided for issuing stock options to eligible employees. The stock options were issued
to Employees Welfare Trust on May 22, 2000 which in turn transferred these options to the eligible
employees at Re. 1 each for purchasing one ADS at an exercise price determined by the Compensation
committee.
The options vest over a period of 3 years as follows:
|
|
|
One sixth of the options:
|
|
At the end of one year from the date of the grant |
|
|
|
Two sixth of the options
|
|
At the end of two years from the date of the grant |
|
|
|
Three sixth of the options:
|
|
At the end of three years from the date of the grant. |
Upon vesting, employees have 30 days to exercise these options.
As the number of stock options and the price of those options were made known to each allottee, the
Plan has been considered as a fixed price grant. Stock option activity under the ASOP 2000 Plan is
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of options |
|
|
Weighted average exercise price in Rs. |
|
No. of options granted, exercised and forfeited |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at beginning
of the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,040 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
182.47 |
|
Granted during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expired during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,040 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
182.47 |
|
Exercised during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at the end
of the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at the end
of the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(ii) Associate Stock Option Plan 2002
In fiscal year 2002, the Group established the Associate Stock Option Plan 2002 (the ASOP 2002
Plan) which provided for issuing stock options to eligible employees. On December 9, 2002, the
Group issued options to the eligible employees at Re. 1 each for purchasing one ADS at an exercise
price determined by the Compensation Committee.
The options vest over a period of 3 years as follows:
|
|
|
One sixth of the options:
|
|
At the end of one year from the date of the grant |
|
|
|
Five sixth of the options:
|
|
At the end of each quarter during the second and third year from the date of the grant in eight
equal installments. |
Upon vesting, employees have 30 days to exercise these options.
136
As the number of stock options and the price of those options were made known to each allottee, the
Plan has been considered as a fixed price grant. Stock option activity under the ASOP 2002 Plan is
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of options |
|
|
Weighted average exercise price in Rs. |
|
No. of options granted, exercised and forfeited |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at beginning
of the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
|
|
378,657 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
228.74 |
|
|
|
172.83 |
|
Granted during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
521 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
265.35 |
|
Expired during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
|
|
31,323 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
228.74 |
|
|
|
188.45 |
|
Exercised during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
338,763 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
172.18 |
|
Outstanding at the end
of the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
228.74 |
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at the end
of the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,906 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
228.74 |
|
|
|
|
(iii) Associate Stock Option Plan 2005
In October 2005, the Group established the Associate Stock Option Plan 2005 (the ASOP 2005 Plan)
which provided for issuing 1,900,000 stock options to eligible employees. The Group cancelled on
22nd September, 2005, all the unissued stock options pertaining to previous plans and /
or the stock options surrendered or lapsed.
The options vest over a period of 3 years as follows:
|
|
|
One sixth of the options:
|
|
At the end of one year from the date of the grant |
|
|
|
Five sixth of the options:
|
|
At the end of each quarter during the second and third year from the date of the grant in eight
equal installments. |
The stock options can be exercised only after they vest but before the expiry date of forty months
from the date of the grant.
As the number of stock options and the price of those options were made known to each allottee, the
Plan has been considered as a fixed price grant. Stock option activity under the ASOP 2005 Plan is
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of options |
|
|
Weighted average exercise price in Rs. |
|
No. of options granted, exercised and forfeited |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at the beginning of the year |
|
|
326,093 |
|
|
|
868,195 |
|
|
|
1,676,400 |
|
|
|
328.84 |
|
|
|
238.32 |
|
|
|
286.20 |
|
Granted during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
119,400 |
|
|
|
547,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
340.82 |
|
|
|
451.15 |
|
Forfeited during the year |
|
|
(29,167 |
) |
|
|
(122,442 |
) |
|
|
(1,268,293 |
) |
|
|
449.16 |
|
|
|
376.64 |
|
|
|
290.32 |
|
Expired during the year |
|
|
(296,926 |
) |
|
|
(28,293 |
) |
|
|
(15,524 |
) |
|
|
317.02 |
|
|
|
461.51 |
|
|
|
254.01 |
|
Exercised during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,567 |
) |
|
|
(71,988 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
238.32 |
|
|
|
238.32 |
|
Replaced during the year (Refer to
notes below) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(497,200 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
422.91 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at the end of the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
326,093 |
|
|
|
868,195 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
328.84 |
|
|
|
391.59 |
|
|
|
|
Vested and exercisable at the end of
the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
235,010 |
|
|
|
54,914 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
328.84 |
|
|
|
338.66 |
|
|
|
|
Weighted average grant date fair value
of grants during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120.00 |
|
|
|
224.86 |
|
|
|
|
137
(iv) Associate Stock Option Plan 2007
In September 2007, the Shareholders of the Group approved a new scheme for allotment of stock
options to employees, the Associate Stock Option Plan 2007. Consequent upon the introduction of
ASOP 2007 plan, 797,600 unissued stock options pertaining to Associate Stock Option Plan 2005 are
no longer available for issuance.
The options vest over a period of 4 years as follows:
|
|
|
One sixth of the option quantity:
|
|
At the end of one year from the date of the grant. |
|
|
|
Five sixth of the option quantity:
|
|
At the end of each quarter during the second, third and fourth year from the date of the
grant in twelve equal installments. |
The stock options can be exercised within a period of twelve months from the date of last vesting.
As the number of stock options and the price of those options were made known to each allottee,
the Plan has been considered as a fixed price grant. Stock option activity under the ASOP 2007
Plan is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
average |
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
exercise price |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
exercise price |
|
|
|
options |
|
|
in Rs. |
|
|
options |
|
|
in Rs. |
|
No. of options granted, exercised and forfeited |
|
2009 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at the beginning of the year |
|
|
1,200,400 |
|
|
|
157.35 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted during the year |
|
|
142,500 |
|
|
|
117.46 |
|
|
|
708,200 |
|
|
|
184.84 |
|
Replaced (Refer to notes below) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(123,900 |
) |
|
|
184.84 |
|
Replacement options granted (Refer to notes
below) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
621,100 |
|
|
|
157.35 |
|
Forfeited during the year |
|
|
(131,000 |
) |
|
|
158.77 |
|
|
|
(5,000 |
) |
|
|
308.42 |
|
Expired during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at the end of the year |
|
|
1,211,900 |
|
|
|
152.51 |
|
|
|
1,200,400 |
|
|
|
157.35 |
|
|
|
|
Vested and Exercisable at the end of the year |
|
|
185,167 |
|
|
|
157.35 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average grant date fair value of
grants during the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
71.82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80.78 |
|
|
|
|
The fair value of stock options granted has been measured using the Black Scholes model at the date
of the grant. The Black Scholes model includes assumptions regarding dividend yields, expected
volatility, expected term (or option life) and risk free interest rates. In respect of the
options granted, the expected term is estimated based on the vesting term, contractual term as well
as expected exercise behavior of the employees receiving the option. Expected volatility of the
option is based on historical volatility, during a period equivalent to the option life, of the
observed market prices of the Companys publicly traded equity shares. Dividend yield of the
options is based on the recent dividend activity. Risk-free interest rates are based on the
government securities yield of in effect at the time of the grant. These assumptions reflect
managements best estimates, but these assumptions involve inherent market uncertainties based on
market conditions generally outside the Companys control. As a result, if other assumptions had
been used in the current period, stock-based compensation expense could have been materially
impacted. Further, if management uses different assumptions in the future periods, stock
compensation expense could be materially impacted in future years.
The estimated fair value of stock options is charged to income on a straight-line basis over the
requisite service period for each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in
substance, multiple awards.
138
The fair value of services received in return for share options granted under ASOP 2007 is based on
the fair value of share options granted measured using Black Scholes model, with the following
inputs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
Year ended |
|
No. of options granted, exercised and forfeited |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
Weighted average share price |
|
|
130.41 |
|
|
|
174.83 |
|
Weighted average exercise price |
|
|
117.46 |
|
|
|
157.35 |
|
Expected volatility |
|
|
53.5% - 120.0 |
% |
|
|
53.83% - 77.82 |
% |
Option life |
|
3 - 4.5 years |
|
|
3 - 4.5 years |
|
Expected dividends |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
1.64% - 3.45 |
% |
|
|
2.50% - 7.50 |
% |
|
A summary of information about fixed price stock options outstanding as at March 31, 2009 is
furnished below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Weighted |
|
average |
|
Number |
|
Weighted |
|
|
Range of |
|
outstanding at |
|
average |
|
remaining |
|
exercisable at |
|
average |
|
|
exercise price |
|
March 31, |
|
exercise price |
|
contractual |
|
March 31, |
|
exercise price |
|
|
in Rs. |
|
2009 |
|
in Rs. |
|
life |
|
2008 |
|
in Rs. |
|
|
|
ASOP 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASOP 2007 |
|
|
50.20-188.32 |
|
|
|
12,11,900 |
|
|
|
152.51 |
|
|
|
3.87 |
|
|
|
185,167 |
|
|
|
157.35 |
|
|
|
|
Modification
During the year ended March 31, 2008, the stock options issued under ASOP 2005 and ASOP 2007 had
been out of money for most time of the vesting period, as a result the Groups compensation
committee allowed certain employees in their approval dated January 22, 2008 to surrender their (a)
unvested (b) vested and (c) unexercised stock options and obtain fresh options at a discount of 10%
of the market price under ASOP 2007 prevalent at the date of modification in lieu of the
surrendered stock options. This modification resulted in the revision in the exercise price as well
as the service period over which the stock options vest. Consequent upon modification, 497,200
stock options of ASOP 2005 plan and 123,900 stock options of ASOP 2007 plan were replaced with an
allotment of equal number of fresh options to those who surrendered
The incremental fair value of the stock options replaced was determined by reference to the
difference between the fair value of the replaced stock options and the fair value of the cancelled
stock options at the date of grant of new stock options. The incremental fair value as a result of
such modification in respect of modified options amounted to Rs.20,959 during the year ended March
31, 2008. In respect of modification that has occurred during the vesting period, the incremental
fair value granted is included in the measurement of the amount recognised, for services received
over the period from the modification date until the date when the modified equity instruments
vest, in addition to the amount based on the grant date fair value of the original equity
instruments, which is recognised over the remainder of the original vesting period. In respect of
the modification that has occurred after vesting date, the incremental fair value granted is
recognised immediately or over the vesting period if the employee is required to complete an
additional period of service before becoming unconditionally entitled to those modified equity
instruments. The incremental cost recognised in respect of such modified options amounted to
Rs.8,838 and Rs.2,120 for the years ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
139
The assumptions that were used in arriving at the incremental fair value are as summarized below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumptions |
|
Pre modification |
|
|
Post modification |
|
|
Current market price |
|
|
174.83 |
|
|
|
174.83 |
|
Exercise price |
|
|
308.34-578.38 |
|
|
|
157.35 |
|
|
Expected term |
|
3 - 4.5 years |
|
|
3 - 4.5 years |
|
Volatility |
|
|
53.83% - 77.82 |
% |
|
|
53.01% - 77.82 |
% |
Dividend yield |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
Discount rate |
|
|
2.5 |
% |
|
|
2.5 |
% |
|
29. Financial income and expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Interest income on bank deposits |
|
|
116,495 |
|
|
|
160,262 |
|
|
|
153,028 |
|
Interest income from leases |
|
|
435 |
|
|
|
1,232 |
|
|
|
1,164 |
|
Others |
|
|
5,635 |
|
|
|
289 |
|
|
|
|
|
Finance income |
|
|
122,565 |
|
|
|
161,783 |
|
|
|
154,192 |
|
Interest expense on lease obligations |
|
|
2,243 |
|
|
|
1,826 |
|
|
|
389 |
|
Bank charges |
|
|
86,216 |
|
|
|
46,484 |
|
|
|
17,428 |
|
Interest expense on borrowings from banks |
|
|
163,201 |
|
|
|
9,372 |
|
|
|
7,733 |
|
Finance expense |
|
|
(251,660 |
) |
|
|
(57,682 |
) |
|
|
(25,550 |
) |
|
|
|
Net finance income / (expense)
recognised in profit or loss |
|
|
(129,095 |
) |
|
|
104,101 |
|
|
|
128,642 |
|
|
|
|
30. Earnings / (loss) per share
The calculation of basic earnings / (loss) per share for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and
2007 is based on the earnings / (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders of Rs.(900,574),
Rs.(4,696) and Rs.240,841 respectively and a weighted average number of shares outstanding of
43,350,320, 42,877,726 and 42,704,619 respectively, calculated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Net profit / (loss ) as reported |
|
|
(900,574 |
) |
|
|
(4,696 |
) |
|
|
240,841 |
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares basic |
|
|
43,350,320 |
|
|
|
42,877,726 |
|
|
|
42,704,619 |
|
Basic earnings / (loss) per share |
|
|
(20.77 |
) |
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
5.64 |
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares diluted |
|
|
43,350,320 |
|
|
|
42,877,726 |
|
|
|
42,792,514 |
|
Diluted earnings / (loss) per share |
|
|
(20.77 |
) |
|
|
(0.11 |
) |
|
|
5.63 |
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of ordinary shares basic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Issued fully paid ordinary shares at 01 April |
|
|
42,820,082 |
|
|
|
42,800,265 |
|
|
|
42,389,514 |
|
Effect of shares issued on exercise of stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,562 |
|
|
|
315,105 |
|
Effect of partly paid shares |
|
|
530,238 |
|
|
|
62,899 |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of equity shares and
equivalent shares outstanding |
|
|
43,350,320 |
|
|
|
42,877,726 |
|
|
|
42,704,619 |
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of ordinary shares diluted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (basic) |
|
|
43,350,320 |
|
|
|
42,877,726 |
|
|
|
42,704,619 |
|
Effect of stock options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
87,895 |
|
Weighted average number of equity shares outstanding (diluted) |
|
|
43,350,320 |
|
|
|
42,877,726 |
|
|
|
42,792,514 |
|
|
|
|
140
As the Company incurred a net loss attributable to ordinary shareholders for the years ended March
31, 2009 and 2008, 11,535,300 partly paid shares as at March 31, 2008, 1,211,900 and 1,526,493
ordinary shares arising out of potential exercise of outstanding stock options as at March 31, 2009
and 2008 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share, as their effect was
anti-dilutive.
31. Operating leases
The Group lease office buildings and other equipments under operating lease arrangements that are
renewable on a periodic basis at the option of both the lessor and the lessee. Some of the leases
include rent escalation clauses. Rental expenses under these leases were Rs.336,899, Rs.173,951 and
Rs.147,510 for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The schedule of future
minimum rental payments in respect of operating leases is set out below:
As at March 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less |
|
|
|
|
|
|
More than 5 |
|
Lease obligations |
|
Total |
|
|
than 1 year |
|
|
1-5 years |
|
|
years |
|
|
Non-cancellable operating lease obligations |
|
|
1,801,477 |
|
|
|
135,165 |
|
|
|
585,564 |
|
|
|
1,080,748 |
|
Non-cancellable obligations towards
proposed lease * |
|
|
2,423,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
549,538 |
|
|
|
1,874,016 |
|
|
As at March 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less |
|
|
|
|
|
|
More than 5 |
|
Lease obligations |
|
Total |
|
|
than 1 year |
|
|
1-5 years |
|
|
years |
|
|
Non-cancellable operating lease obligations |
|
|
380,642 |
|
|
|
73,200 |
|
|
|
307,262 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
For details on proposed lease, refer Note 35 on related parties.
|
32. Segment reporting
The primary operating segments of the Group are:
|
|
Corporate network/data services, which provides Internet, connectivity, security and
consulting, hosting and managed service solutions; |
|
|
Internet access services, from homes and through cybercafés, |
|
|
Online portal services and content offerings; and |
|
|
Other services, such as development of e-learning software. |
The Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) evaluates the Groups performance and allocates
resources to various strategic business units that are identified based on the products and
services that they offer and on the basis of the market served. The measure of profit / loss
reviewed by the CODM is Earnings/loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation also
referred to as segment operating income / loss. Revenue in relation to segments is categorized
based on items that are individually identifiable to that segment. Bandwidth costs, which form a
significant part of the total expenses, are allocated primarily between the corporate network/data
services and Internet access services businesses as described below:
International bandwidth refers to bandwidth that is required for access to sites and offices
outside the country. For all these businesses, bandwidth is allocated based on actual utilization
captured by monitoring traffic per IP pool assigned at the egress points. The Group has packet
shapers in the main locations to monitor bandwidth use by each of the above categories of users.
This information is used to determine parameters such as bandwidth per port and bandwidth per PC.
The actual utilization is cross validated against assumptions / norms for each business.
National bandwidth refers to the inter-city link bandwidth implemented within the country.
Inter-city link bandwidth was allocated based on the number of subscribers or iway cybercafés at
non gateway points and the bandwidth sold to and used by business enterprises (determined using
packet shapers). However, in order to strengthen its corporate business, the Group enhanced its
national backbone to carry Internet traffic to the international fibre gateways,
141
shifting from hybrid satellite and fibre gateways to fibre only gateways for international
bandwidth. National bandwidth costs are now allocated based on international bandwidth allocation
ratios because most of the traffic carried on the national backbone is directed towards the
international gateways.
International and national bandwidth is allocated based on actual usage at an agreed methodology
between corporate and retail businesses. The bandwidth costs, bandwidth management costs viz
infrastructure and manpower costs are absorbed by corporate business. The costs for retail are
routed through agreed transfer price. The Group believes that the resulting allocations are
reasonable.
Last mile costs related to dial-up access that can be directly identified to businesses are
allocated directly. Spectrum charges paid for the license to operate on the 5.7 ghz wireless
spectrum are allocated based on the bandwidth used by the various businesses that use this
spectrum. Certain expenses, such as depreciation, technology and administrative overheads, which
form a significant component of total expenses, are not allocable to specific segments as the
underlying services are used interchangeably. Management believes that it is not practical to
provide segment disclosure of these expenses and, accordingly, they are separately disclosed as
unallocated and adjusted only against the total income of the Group.
A significant part of the fixed assets used in the Groups business are not identifiable to any of
the reportable segments and can be used interchangeably between segments. As a result the measures
of segment assets and liabilities are not regularly reviewed by the CODM and hence disclosures
relating to segment assets and liabilities have not been provided. Also refer to Note 3(s).
142
The Groups operating segment information for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, are presented below:
Year ended March 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Network / |
|
|
Internet |
|
|
Online |
|
|
Consumer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Data |
|
|
access |
|
|
portal |
|
|
One |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Services |
|
|
services |
|
|
services |
|
|
(sub-total) |
|
|
Services |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A |
|
|
B |
|
|
A+B |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment revenue |
|
|
4,305,235 |
|
|
|
1,128,182 |
|
|
|
177,324 |
|
|
|
1,305,506 |
|
|
|
551,420 |
|
|
|
6,162,161 |
|
Allocated segment expenses |
|
|
(2,842,889 |
) |
|
|
(1,295,332 |
) |
|
|
(220,967 |
) |
|
|
(1,516,299 |
) |
|
|
(473,008 |
) |
|
|
(4,832,196 |
) |
|
|
|
Segment operating income / (loss) |
|
|
1,462,346 |
|
|
|
(167,150 |
) |
|
|
(43,643 |
) |
|
|
(210,793 |
) |
|
|
78,412 |
|
|
|
1,329,965 |
|
Unallocated expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of goods sold |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(484,478 |
) |
Selling, general and
administrative expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,130,221 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(498,872 |
) |
Impairment loss on goodwill |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15,200 |
) |
Other income / (expense), net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
89,105 |
|
Finance income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
122,565 |
|
Finance expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(231,539 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of profit of equity
accounted investee |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,091 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit or (loss) before tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(754,584 |
) |
Income tax (expense) / benefit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(97,049 |
) |
|
|
|
Profit / (loss) for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(851,633 |
) |
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Network / |
|
|
Internet |
|
|
Online |
|
|
Consumer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Data |
|
|
Access |
|
|
Portal |
|
|
One |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Services |
|
|
Services |
|
|
Services |
|
|
(sub-total) |
|
|
Services |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A |
|
|
B |
|
|
A+B |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment revenue |
|
|
3,822,108 |
|
|
|
1,545,226 |
|
|
|
210,766 |
|
|
|
1,755,992 |
|
|
|
428,115 |
|
|
|
6,006,215 |
|
Allocated segment expenses |
|
|
(2,434,316 |
) |
|
|
(1,432,982 |
) |
|
|
(298,031 |
) |
|
|
(1,731,013 |
) |
|
|
(366,851 |
) |
|
|
(4,532,180 |
) |
|
|
|
Segment operating income / (loss) |
|
|
1,387,792 |
|
|
|
112,244 |
|
|
|
(87,265 |
) |
|
|
24,979 |
|
|
|
61,264 |
|
|
|
1,474,035 |
|
Unallocated expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of goods sold |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(333,681 |
) |
Selling, general and
administrative expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,014,382 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(394,337 |
) |
Other income / (expense), net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,152 |
|
Finance income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
161,783 |
|
Finance expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(31,276 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of profit of equity
accounted investee |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
181,127 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit / (loss) before tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
89,421 |
|
Income tax (expense) / benefit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(63,975 |
) |
|
|
|
Profit / (loss) for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,446 |
|
|
|
|
143
Year ended March 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Network / |
|
|
Internet |
|
|
Online |
|
|
Consumer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Data |
|
|
access |
|
|
portal |
|
|
One |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Services |
|
|
services |
|
|
services |
|
|
(sub-total) |
|
|
Services |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A |
|
|
B |
|
|
A+B |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment revenue |
|
|
3,022,285 |
|
|
|
1,846,416 |
|
|
|
262,904 |
|
|
|
2,109,320 |
|
|
|
315,742 |
|
|
|
5,447,347 |
|
Allocated segment expenses |
|
|
(1,833,432 |
) |
|
|
(1,760,624 |
) |
|
|
(261,949 |
) |
|
|
(2,022,573 |
) |
|
|
(258,749 |
) |
|
|
(4,114,754 |
) |
|
|
|
Segment operating income / (loss) |
|
|
1,188,854 |
|
|
|
85,792 |
|
|
|
955 |
|
|
|
86,747 |
|
|
|
56,993 |
|
|
|
1,332,593 |
|
Unallocated expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of goods sold |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(283,433 |
) |
Selling, general and
administrative expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(646,894 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(463,780 |
) |
Other income / (expense), net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,320 |
|
Finance Income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
154,192 |
|
Finance expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,769 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of profit in equity
accounted investee |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,030 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit / (loss) before tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
205,259 |
|
Income tax (expense) / benefit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,113 |
|
|
|
|
Profit / (loss) for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
271,372 |
|
|
|
|
Reconciliations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
administrative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of goods sold |
|
|
expenses |
|
|
Finance expenses |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allocated segment expenses |
|
|
3,128,871 |
|
|
|
1,683,204 |
|
|
|
20,121 |
|
|
|
4,832,196 |
|
Unallocated segment expenses |
|
|
484,478 |
|
|
|
1,130,221 |
|
|
|
231,539 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total as per income statement |
|
|
3,613,349 |
|
|
|
2,813,425 |
|
|
|
251,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allocated segment expenses |
|
|
3,085,441 |
|
|
|
1,420,333 |
|
|
|
26,406 |
|
|
|
4,532,180 |
|
Unallocated segment expenses |
|
|
333,681 |
|
|
|
1,014,382 |
|
|
|
31,276 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total as per income statement |
|
|
3,419,122 |
|
|
|
2,434,715 |
|
|
|
57,682 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allocated segment expenses |
|
|
2,655,896 |
|
|
|
1,448,077 |
|
|
|
10,781 |
|
|
|
4,114,754 |
|
Unallocated segment expenses |
|
|
283,433 |
|
|
|
646,894 |
|
|
|
14,769 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total as per income statement |
|
|
2,939,329 |
|
|
|
2,094,971 |
|
|
|
25,550 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
144
Geographic segments
The Group has two geographic segments India and rest of the world. Revenues from the geographic
segments based on domicile of the customer are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rest of the |
|
|
Description |
|
India |
|
world |
|
Total |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, 2009 |
|
|
5,071,137 |
|
|
|
1,091,024 |
|
|
|
6,162,161 |
|
Year ended March 31, 2008 |
|
|
5,342,248 |
|
|
|
663,967 |
|
|
|
6,006,215 |
|
Year ended March 31, 2007 |
|
|
4,797,543 |
|
|
|
649,804 |
|
|
|
5,447,347 |
|
|
The Group does not disclose information relating to non-current assets located in India and rest of
the world as the necessary information is not available and the cost to develop it would be
excessive.
33. Contingencies
a) During the year ended March 31, 2006, the Group had received a notice from the Income-Tax
Department of India for the financial years 2002 and 2003 for a sum of Rs.103,000 on a plea that no
withholding tax was deducted in respect of international bandwidth and leased line payments made
by the Group to international bandwidth / lease line service providers. Subsequently in 2007, the
demand was revised to Rs. 77,724 by the income tax authorities and the Group was directed to pay
the amount of demand in 12 installments. Accordingly, the Group paid a sum of Rs.77,724 during the
year ended March 31, 2008. The Group considered that the likelihood of the loss contingency was
remote and no provision for the loss contingency was necessary as at March 31, 2008. Subsequently
during the year ended March 31, 2009 the Group has received an order in its favour from the Income
Tax Authorities and refund for the same has been received during the year ended March 31, 2009.
b) Additionally, the Group is also involved as a party to lawsuits, claims and proceedings, which
arise in the ordinary course of business. The Group does not foresee any material contingency out
of the pending issues.
c) The Group during the year ended March 31, 2009 entered into a contract with Emirates Integrated
Telecom for the construction and supply of capacity from the Europe India Gateway. As per the
contract with Emirates, the Group is required to pay its share of decommissioning costs if any that
may arise in the future. No provision has been made by the Group for such decommissioning costs as
the amount of provision cannot be measured reliably as at March 31, 2009.
d) In respect of contingencies arising on legal proceedings, refer Note 34.
34. Legal proceedings
(i) The Group and certain of its officers and directors are named as defendants in securities class
action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
This action, which is captioned In re Satyam Infoway Ltd. Initial Public Offering Securities
Litigation, also names several of the underwriters involved in Sifys initial public offering of
American Depositary Shares as defendants. This class action is brought on behalf of a purported
class of purchasers of Sifys ADSs from the time of Sifys Initial Public Offering (IPO) in
October 1999 through December 2000. The central allegation in this action is that the underwriters
in Sifys IPO solicited and received undisclosed commissions from, and entered into undisclosed
arrangements with, certain investors who purchased Sifys ADSs in the IPO and the aftermarket. The
complaint also alleges that Sify violated the United States Federal Securities laws by failing to
disclose in the IPO prospectus that the underwriters had engaged in these allegedly undisclosed
arrangements. More than 300 issuers have been named in similar lawsuits.
In July 2002, an omnibus motion to dismiss all complaints against issuers and individual defendants
affiliated with issuers was filed by the entire group of issuer defendants in these similar
actions. In October 2002, the cases against the Groups executive officers who were named as
defendants in this action were dismissed without prejudice. In February 2003, the court in this
action issued its decision on defendants omnibus motion to dismiss. This decision denied the
motion to dismiss the Section 11 claim as to the Group and virtually all of the other issuer
defendants. The decision also denied the motion to dismiss the Section 10(b) claim as to numerous
issuer defendants, including
145
the Group. On June 26, 2003, the plaintiffs in the consolidated IPO class action lawsuits currently
pending against Sify and over 300 other issuers who went public between 1998 and 2000, announced a
proposed settlement with Sify and the other issuer defendants. The proposed settlement provided
that the insurers of all settling issuers would guarantee that the plaintiffs recover $1 billion
from non-settling defendants, including the investment banks who acted as underwriters in those
offerings. In the event that the plaintiffs did not recover $1 billion, the insurers for the
settling issuers would make up the difference. This proposed settlement was terminated on June 25,
2007, following the ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on December
5, 2006, reversing the District Courts granting of class certification.
On August 14, 2007, the plaintiffs filed Amended Master Allegations. On September 27, 2007, the
Plaintiffs filed a Motion for Class Certification. Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss the focus
cases on November 9, 2007. On March 26, 2008, the Court ruled on the Motion to Dismiss, holding
that the plaintiffs had adequately pleaded their Section 10(b) claims against the Issuer Defendants
and the Underwriter Defendants in the focus cases. As to the Section 11 claim, the Court dismissed
the claims brought by those plaintiffs who sold their securities for a price in excess of the
initial offering price, on the grounds that they could not show cognizable damages, and by those
who purchased outside the previously certified class period, on the grounds that those claims were
time barred. This ruling, while not binding on the Groups case, provides guidance to all of the
parties involved in this litigation. On October 2, 2008, plaintiffs requested that the class
certification motion in the focus cases be withdrawn without prejudice. On October 10, 2008, the
Court signed an order granting that request.
On April 2, 2009, the parties lodged with the Court a motion for preliminary approval of a proposed
settlement between all parties, including the Company and its former officers and directors. The
proposed settlement provides the plaintiffs with $586 million in recoveries from all defendants.
Under the proposed settlement, the Issuer Defendants collectively would be responsible for $100
million, which would be paid by the Issuers insurers, on behalf of the Issuer Defendants and their
officers and directors. Accordingly, any direct financial impact of the proposed settlement is
expected to be borne by the Companys insurers. On June 12, 2009, the Federal District Court
granted preliminary approval of the proposed settlement. On September 10, 2009, the Federal
District Court held the fairness hearing for final approval of the settlement. At the hearing it
was noted that out of the seven million people who were sent notices of the settlement, only 140
people objected. The objectors had five main arguments: (1) the class definition is overbroad and
does not exclude individuals who participated in the scheme; (2) the requested attorneys fees are
excessive; (3) the awards requested by the lead plaintiffs are excessive; (4) the settlement amount
is insufficient and thus the recovery to class members is too small; and (5) the notice is
insufficient, in part because it does not disclose the amounts requested by individual lead
plaintiffs. The Court did not rule on the motion for final approval at the hearing and did not
indicate when it planned to do so. The preliminarily approved settlement is subject to final
approval by the Federal District Court overseeing the IPO Litigation and, if final approval is
granted, it may potentially be subject to appellate review by United States Court of Appeals for
the Second Circuit. Any direct financial impact of the preliminary approved settlement is expected
to be borne by the Companys insurers. The Group believes, the maximum exposure under this
settlement is approximately U.S.$ 338,983.05, an amount which the Group believes is fully
recoverable from the Groups insurer.
(ii) The Group is a party to other legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Based
on the available information, as of March 31, 2009, the Group believes that it has adequate legal
defenses for these actions and that the ultimate outcome of these actions will not have a material
adverse effect on it.
146
35. Related parties
The related parties where control / significant influence exists are subsidiaries and associates.
Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning,
directing and controlling the activities of the entity, directly or indirectly, including any
director whether executive or otherwise. Key management personnel includes the board of directors
and other senior management executives. The other related parties are those with whom the Group has
had transaction during the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of Ownership |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
interest |
|
|
|
Country |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Particulars |
|
of incorporation |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
Subsidiaries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sify Communications (till March 31, 2008 also
refer Note 38) |
|
India |
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
Sify International Inc |
|
US |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
Sify Networks Private Limited |
|
India |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
India World Communications Limited (wound up
during the year) |
|
India |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
|
Globe Travels Inc (wound up on April 17, 2008) |
|
US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
|
Sify Americas Inc. (wound up on April 04, 2008) |
|
US |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
|
Associates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MF Global-Sify securities India Private Limited |
|
India |
|
|
|
29.85 |
|
|
|
29.85 |
|
Others (Entities in which the Key Management
Personnel have controlling
interest/significant influence) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Server Engines LLC |
|
USA |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Server Engines India Private Limited |
|
India |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VALS Developers Private Limited |
|
India |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Infinity Satcom Universal Private Limited |
|
India |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following is a summary of the related party transaction for the year ended March 31, 2009:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Key |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management |
|
Transactions |
|
Associates |
|
|
Others |
|
|
Personnel** |
|
|
|
|
Sale of good / services |
|
|
6,600 |
|
|
|
734 |
|
|
|
|
|
Advance lease rentals and refundable deposits made* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
282,825 |
|
|
|
|
|
Consultancy services received |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
240 |
|
Sitting fees paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,220 |
|
Salaries and other short term benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,672 |
|
Contributions to defined contribution plans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,389 |
|
Share based payments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,579 |
|
Amount of outstanding balances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debtors |
|
|
524 |
|
|
|
174 |
|
|
|
|
|
Advance lease rentals and refundable deposits made |
|
|
|
|
|
|
282,825 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Represents deposits made to VALS Developers Private Limited (VALS).VALS is owned and controlled
by Raju Vegesna Infotech & Industries Private Limited , in which Mr. Raju Vegesna , our principal
share holder and Chief Executive Officer, is holding 94.66% equity in his personal capacity. During
the year ended March 31, 2009, Sify entered into a memorandum of understanding with VALS Developers
Private Limited to obtain land and building which is in the process of being constructed on a long
term lease. The lease agreement, when final and executed, is expected to have an initial
non-cancellable term of 5 years, with a further option for Sify to renew or cancel the lease |
147
|
|
|
|
|
for two five year terms. In connection with this memorandum of understanding, Sify has paid a
security deposit of Rs.125,700 and advance rental of Rs.157,125 to VALS. The security deposit will
be refunded at the end of lease term and the advance rental would be adjusted over a period of 15
months from the commencement of the lease. |
The following is a summary of the related party transactions for the year ended March 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Key |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management |
Transactions |
|
Associates |
|
Others |
|
Personnel** |
|
|
|
Purchase of goods / services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,796 |
|
|
|
|
|
Issue of shares for cash* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
112,149 |
|
|
|
|
|
Consultancy services received |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
240 |
|
Sitting fees paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,320 |
|
Salaries and other short term benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,298 |
|
Contribution to defined contribution plans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,516 |
|
Share based payments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,169 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Also refer note 16 in relation to transactions relating to issue of equity shares to Infinity
Satcom Universal Private Limited. |
The following is a summary of the related party transactions for the year ended March 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Key |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management |
Transactions |
|
Associates |
|
Others |
|
Personnel** |
|
|
|
Sale of goods / services |
|
|
2,494 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consultancy services received |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
240 |
|
Sitting fees paid |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
980 |
|
Gain on divestment of 26% holding in Sify
Communications Limited |
|
|
|
|
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries and other short term benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,446 |
|
Contribution to defined contribution plans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,314 |
|
Share based payments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,147 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
** |
|
Some of the key management personnel of the Group are also covered under the Groups gratuity
plan along with other employees of the Group. Proportionate amounts of gratuity accrued under the
gratuity plan have not been separately computed or included in the above disclosure. |
36. Financial instruments
Financial instruments by category
The carrying value and fair value of financial instruments by each category as at March 31, 2009
were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial
assets / |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
at fair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
through |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans and |
|
profit and |
|
Available |
|
financial |
|
Carrying |
|
Total fair |
Assets |
|
Note |
|
receivables |
|
loss |
|
for sale |
|
liabilities |
|
value |
|
value |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
1,710,798 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,710,798 |
|
|
|
1,710,798 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
227,468 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
227,468 |
|
|
|
227,468 |
|
Trade receivables |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
1,504,927 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,504,927 |
|
|
|
1,504,927 |
|
Other receivables |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
402,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
402,992 |
|
|
|
402,992 |
|
Derivative financial instruments |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,997 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,997 |
|
|
|
2,997 |
|
Other investments |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,874 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,874 |
|
|
|
13,874 |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank overdraft |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,397,083 |
|
|
|
1,397,083 |
|
|
|
1,397,083 |
|
Finance lease liabilities |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
155,325 |
|
|
|
155,325 |
|
|
|
155,325 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
134,116 |
|
|
|
134,116 |
|
|
|
134,116 |
|
Borrowings from banks |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,384,519 |
|
|
|
1,384,519 |
|
|
|
1,384,519 |
|
Trade and other payables |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,411,358 |
|
|
|
1,411,358 |
|
|
|
1,411,358 |
|
|
148
The carrying value and fair value of financial instruments by each category as at March 31, 2008
were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
assets / |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
at fair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans |
|
through |
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and |
|
profit and |
|
Available |
|
Financial |
|
Carrying |
|
Total fair |
Assets |
|
Note |
|
receivables |
|
loss |
|
for sale |
|
liabilities |
|
value |
|
value |
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
1,507,327 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,507,327 |
|
|
|
1,507,327 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
154,237 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
154,237 |
|
|
|
154,237 |
|
Trade receivables |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
1,694,542 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,694,542 |
|
|
|
1,694,542 |
|
Other receivables |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
298,862 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
298,862 |
|
|
|
298,862 |
|
Other investments |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,679 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,679 |
|
|
|
18,679 |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank overdraft |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
617,637 |
|
|
|
617,637 |
|
|
|
617,637 |
|
Finance lease liabilities |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,392 |
|
|
|
5,392 |
|
|
|
5,392 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
124,472 |
|
|
|
124,472 |
|
|
|
124,472 |
|
Borrowings from banks |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
156,426 |
|
|
|
156,426 |
|
|
|
156,426 |
|
Trade and other payables |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,463,976 |
|
|
|
1,463,976 |
|
|
|
1,463,976 |
|
Derivative financial instruments |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,312 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,312 |
|
|
|
3,312 |
|
|
Details of financial assets pledged as collaterals
The carrying amount of financial assets as March 31, 2009 and 2008 that the Group has provided as
collaterals for obtaining borrowings and other facilities from its bankers are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31 Mar 2009 |
|
|
31 Mar 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
1,710,798 |
|
|
|
1,507,327 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
227,468 |
|
|
|
154,237 |
|
Trade receivables |
|
|
1,504,927 |
|
|
|
1,694,542 |
|
Other receivables |
|
|
402,992 |
|
|
|
298,862 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,846,185 |
|
|
|
3,654,968 |
|
|
|
|
Derivative financial instruments
The Group uses derivative financial instruments such as foreign exchange forward and option
contracts to mitigate the risk of changes in foreign exchange rates on trade receivables, payables
and forecasted cash flows denominated in certain foreign currencies. The counterparties for these
contracts are generally banks or financial institutions. The following table gives details in
respect of the notional amount of outstanding foreign exchange and option contracts as on 31 March
2009 and 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
Forward contracts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In U.S. Dollars (Sell) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
190,075 |
|
In U.S Dollars (Buy) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Contracts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In U.S Dollars (Sell) |
|
|
216,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
In U.S Dollars (Buy) |
|
|
25,475 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company recognized a net gain on derivative financial instruments of Rs.2,997 for the year
ended March 31, 2009 and a net loss of Rs.2,513 during the year ended March 31, 2008 and Rs. Nil
during the year ended March 31, 2007.
149
The forward exchange contracts and option contracts mature between one and twelve months. The table
below summarizes the notional amounts of derivative financial instruments into relevant maturity
groupings based on the remaining period as at the balance sheet date:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Sell: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Not later than one month |
|
|
25,525 |
|
|
|
40,020 |
|
Later than one month and not later than three months |
|
|
50,950 |
|
|
|
64,032 |
|
Later than three months and not later than six months |
|
|
76,425 |
|
|
|
38,019 |
|
Later than six months and not later than one year |
|
|
63,638 |
|
|
|
48,024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
216,538 |
|
|
|
190,095 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Buy: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Not later than one month |
|
|
25,475 |
|
|
|
|
|
Later than one month and not later than three months |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Later than three months and not later than six months |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Later than six months and not later than one year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,475 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest, (expenses), gains and (losses) recognized on financial assets and liabilities
Recognised in profit or loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
Loans and receivables |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income on bank deposits |
|
|
116,495 |
|
|
|
160,262 |
|
|
|
153,028 |
|
Interest income from leases |
|
|
435 |
|
|
|
1,232 |
|
|
|
1,164 |
|
Interest income from other loans and receivables |
|
|
5,635 |
|
|
|
289 |
|
|
|
|
|
Impairment loss of trade receivables |
|
|
(84,346 |
) |
|
|
(131,954 |
) |
|
|
(153,638 |
) |
Impairment loss on finance lease receivables |
|
|
(6,929 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in fair value of derivative financial
instruments |
|
|
2,997 |
|
|
|
(3,312 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expenses on lease obligations |
|
|
(2,243 |
) |
|
|
(1,826 |
) |
|
|
(389 |
) |
Interest expenses on borrowings from banks and
overdrafts |
|
|
(163,201 |
) |
|
|
(9,372 |
) |
|
|
(7,733 |
) |
Recognised directly in equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended |
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
March 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
Net change in fair
value of
available-for-sale
financial assets |
|
|
(5,361 |
) |
|
|
(1,080 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
150
37. Financial risk management
The Groups financial risk management objectives and policies are with respect to financial
instruments are as follows.
The Group has following risks from its use of financial instruments:
The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the
Groups risk management framework. The Board of Directors have established a risk management policy
to identify and analyze the risks faced by the Group, to set risk limits and controls, and to
monitor risks and adherence to limits. Risk management systems are reviewed periodically to reflect
changes in market conditions and the Groups activities. The Group Audit Committee oversees how
management monitors compliance with the Groups risk management policies and procedures, and
reviews the risk management framework. The Group Audit Committee is assisted in its oversight role
by Internal Audit. Internal Audit undertakes reviews of risk management controls and procedures,
the results of which are reported to the Audit Committee.
Credit Risk: Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a customer or counterparty
to a financial instrument fails to meet its obligations under a contract and arises principally
from the Groups trade receivables, treasury operations and other activities that are in the nature
of leases.
Trade and other receivables
The Groups exposure to credit risk is mainly influenced by the individual characteristics of each
customer. The demographics of the Groups customer base, including the default risk of the industry
and country in which customers operate, has less of an influence on credit risk. The group is not
exposed to concentration of credit risk to any one single customer since the services are provided
to and products are sold to customers who are spread over a vast spectrum. Credit risk is managed
through credit approvals, establishing credit limits and continuously monitoring the credit
worthiness of the customers to which the Company grants credit in the normal course of the
business.
Cash and cash equivalents and other investments
In the area of treasury operations, the Group is presently exposed to counter-party risks relating
to short term and medium term deposits placed with public-sector banks, as also to investments made
in mutual funds. The credit exposure in mutual fund investments, which amounted to Rs.20.30 million
as at the reporting date (previous year Rs.20.30 million), is inevitably subject to changes in fair
values subject to market risks.
The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for monitoring the counterparty credit risk, and has
been vested with the authority to seek Boards approval to hedge such risks in case of need.
Exposure to credit risk
The gross carrying amount of financial assets, net of any impairment losses recognized represents
the maximum credit exposure. The maximum exposure to credit risk as at March 31, 2009 and March 31,
2008 was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
1,710,798 |
|
|
|
1,507,327 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
227,468 |
|
|
|
154,237 |
|
Trade receivables |
|
|
1,504,927 |
|
|
|
1,694,542 |
|
Other receivables |
|
|
402,992 |
|
|
|
298,862 |
|
Derivative financial instruments |
|
|
2,997 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other investments |
|
|
20,315 |
|
|
|
20,315 |
|
|
|
|
151
Financial assets that are past due but not impaired
There is no other class of financial assets that is past due but not impaired other than trade
receivables. The age analysis of trade receivables have been considered from the date of invoice.
The ageing of trade receivables, net of allowances that are past due, is given below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period (in days) |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Past due 181 - 270 days |
|
|
120,662 |
|
|
|
121,339 |
|
Past due 271 - 365 days |
|
|
59,534 |
|
|
|
55,703 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180,196 |
|
|
|
177,042 |
|
|
|
|
See note 13 for the activity in the allowance for impairment of trade account receivables.
Financial assets that are neither past due nor impaired
Cash and cash equivalents, other assets, other receivables and finance lease receivables are
neither past due nor impaired. Of the total trade receivables, Rs.1,324,731 as at March 31, 2009
and Rs.1,517,500 are neither past due nor impaired.
Details of collaterals and other credit enhancements held
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
Security deposits received for internet access services |
|
|
32,918 |
|
|
|
36,413 |
|
|
|
|
Liquidity Risks: Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial
obligations as they fall due. The Groups approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as
possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities, without incurring
unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Groups reputation. Typically the Group ensures that
it has sufficient cash on demand to meet expected operational expenses, servicing of financial
obligations. In addition, the Group has concluded arrangements with well reputed Banks, and has
unused lines of credit that could be drawn upon should there be a need. The Company is also in the
process of negotiating additional facilities with Banks for funding its requirements.
The following are the contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest
payments and excluding the impact of netting agreements:
As at March 31, 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
Contractual |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
amount |
|
|
cash flows |
|
|
0-12 months |
|
|
1-2 years |
|
|
2-5 years |
|
|
|
|
Non-derivative financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank overdrafts |
|
|
1,397,083 |
|
|
|
1,397,083 |
|
|
|
1,397,083 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease liabilities |
|
|
155,325 |
|
|
|
180,989 |
|
|
|
42,743 |
|
|
|
84,746 |
|
|
|
53,500 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
134,116 |
|
|
|
134,116 |
|
|
|
134,116 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowing from banks |
|
|
1,384,159 |
|
|
|
1,498,236 |
|
|
|
1,261,604 |
|
|
|
200,694 |
|
|
|
35,938 |
|
Trade and other payables |
|
|
1,411,358 |
|
|
|
1,411,358 |
|
|
|
1,411,358 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,482,041 |
|
|
|
4,621,782 |
|
|
|
4,246,904 |
|
|
|
285,440 |
|
|
|
89,438 |
|
|
|
|
152
As at March 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
Contractual |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
amount |
|
|
cash flows |
|
|
0-12 months |
|
|
1-2 years |
|
|
2-5 years |
|
|
|
|
Non-derivative financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank overdrafts |
|
|
617,637 |
|
|
|
617,637 |
|
|
|
617,637 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance lease liabilities |
|
|
5,392 |
|
|
|
6,600 |
|
|
|
3,344 |
|
|
|
2,656 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
124,472 |
|
|
|
124,472 |
|
|
|
124,472 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Borrowings from banks |
|
|
156,426 |
|
|
|
156,426 |
|
|
|
156,426 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade and other payables |
|
|
1,463,976 |
|
|
|
1,463,976 |
|
|
|
1,463,976 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,367,903 |
|
|
|
2,369,111 |
|
|
|
2,365,855 |
|
|
|
2,656 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market Risk: Market risk is the risk of loss of future earnings or fair values or 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 exchange rates and
other market changes that affect market risk sensitive instruments. Market risk is attributable all
market risk sensitive financial instruments including foreign currency receivables and payables.
The Group is exposed to market risk primarily related to foreign exchange rate risk (currency
risk), interest rate risk and the market value of its investments. Thus the Groups exposure to
market risk is a function of investing and borrowing activities and revenue generating and
operating activities in foreign currencies.
Currency Risk: The Groups exposure in USD, Euro and other foreign currency denominated
transactions gives rise to Exchange Rate fluctuation risk. Groups policy in this regard
incorporates:
|
|
|
Forecasting inflows and outflows denominated in US$ for a twelve-month period |
|
|
|
|
Estimating the net-exposure in foreign currency, in terms of timing and amount |
|
|
|
|
Determining the extent to which exposure should be protected through one or more
risk-mitigating instruments to maintain the permissible limits of uncovered exposures. |
|
|
|
|
Carrying out a variance analysis between estimate and actual on an ongoing basis, and
taking stop-loss action when the adverse movements breaches the 5% barrier of deviation,
subject to review by Audit Committee. |
The Groups exposure to foreign currency risk as at March 31, 2009 was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All amounts in respective currencies as mentioned (in thousands) |
|
|
USD |
|
|
CAD |
|
|
CHF |
|
|
Euro |
|
|
GBP |
|
|
SGD |
|
|
HKD |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
1,347 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade receivables |
|
|
5,770 |
|
|
|
301 |
|
|
|
161 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
91 |
|
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
Trade payables |
|
|
(3,390 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
Gross balance sheet exposure |
|
|
3,727 |
|
|
|
301 |
|
|
|
161 |
|
|
|
(13 |
) |
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
Forward exchange / option
contracts |
|
|
(3,750 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net exposure |
|
|
(23 |
) |
|
|
301 |
|
|
|
161 |
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
The Groups exposure to foreign currency risk as at March 31, 2008 was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All amounts in respective currencies as mentioned (in thousands) |
|
|
USD |
|
|
CAD |
|
|
CHF |
|
|
Euro |
|
|
GBP |
|
|
SGD |
|
|
DHS |
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
267 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade receivables |
|
|
6,608 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade payables |
|
|
(2,383 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(68 |
) |
Gross balance sheet exposure |
|
|
4,492 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(68 |
) |
Forward exchange / option
contracts |
|
|
(4,750 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net exposure |
|
|
(258 |
) |
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(68 |
) |
|
153
Sensitivity analysis
A 10% strengthening of the rupee against the respective currencies as at 31 March 2009 and 2008
would have increased / (decreased) equity and profit or loss by the amounts shown below. This
analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest rates, remain constant. The
analysis is performed on the same basis for 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
Profit or loss |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,253 |
) |
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
658 |
|
|
A 10% weakening of the rupee against the above currencies as at March 31, 2009 and 2008 would have
had the equal but opposite effect on the above currencies to the amounts shown above, on the basis
that all other variables remain constant.
Interest Rate Risk: Interest rate risk is the risk that an upward movement in interest rates would
adversely affect the borrowing costs of the group.
Profile
At the reporting date the interest rate profile of the Groups interest bearing financial
instruments were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying amount |
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
Fixed rate instruments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Fixed deposits with banks |
|
|
1,401,224 |
|
|
|
1,309,219 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Borrowings from banks |
|
|
850,826 |
|
|
|
156,426 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable rate instruments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- Borrowings from banks |
|
|
533,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
- Bank overdrafts |
|
|
1,397,083 |
|
|
|
617,637 |
|
|
|
|
Fair value sensitivity for fixed rate instruments
The Group does not account for any fixed rate financial assets and liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss, and the Group does not designate derivatives (interest rate swaps) as
hedging instruments under a fair value hedge accounting model. Therefore a change in interest rates
at the reporting date would not affect profit or loss.
Cash flow sensitivity for variable rate instruments
An increase of 100 basis points in interest rates at the reporting date would have increased /
(decreased) equity and profit or loss by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all
other variables, in particular foreign currency rates, remain constant. The analysis has been
performed on the same basis as 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
Profit or loss |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(19,304 |
) |
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,176 |
) |
|
A decrease of 100 basis points in the interest rates at the reporting date would have had equal but
opposite effect on the amounts shown above, on the basis that all other variable remain constant.
154
38. Subsequent events
Acquisition of minority interest in subsidiary
The Board of Directors and shareholders of the Company at their meeting held on November 24, 2008
approved the merger of Sifys subsidiary Sify Communications Limited with retrospective effect from
April 1, 2008, subject to approval by the Honourable High Court of Madras and other statutory
authorities. Subsequent to the balance sheet date, the Company has obtained the approval of
Honourable High Court on June 26, 2009. As a part of the merger, the Company has issued 10,530,000
equity shares to Infinity Satcom Universal Pvt. Limited (on July 16, 2009) and acquired the
remaining 26% equity interest of Sify Communications. The adjustments arising out of such merger
would be given effect to in the period in which such approval is received. The adjustments would
relate to the following
|
|
reversal of current tax provision established by Sify Communications Limited for the period
subsequent to April 1, 2008 amounting to Rs.90,003. |
|
|
write off of deferred tax assets established in the books of Sify Communications Limited
amounting to Rs.8,524. |
|
|
recognition of the difference between the fair value of the consideration paid and the
carrying amount of minority interests as an adjustment in equity. |
The above adjustments would be given effect in the first quarter of the year ending 31 March 2010.
155
MF Global Sify Securities India Private Limited
IFRS Consolidated Financial Statements
As at March 31, 2009 and 2008 and for the years ended March 31, 2009, 2008, 2007
156
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of MF Global Sify Securities India Private Limited
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related consolidated income
statement, statement of changes in equity and cash flow statement present fairly, in all material
respects, the consolidated financial positions of MF Global Sify Securities India Private Limited
and its subsidiaries (collectively the company) at March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years ended
March 31, 2009 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the
International Accounting Standard Board. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements
based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these financial statements 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, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the management, and evaluating the
overall financial statements presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
Price Waterhouse
Mumbai, India
September 25, 2009
156
MF Global Sify Securities India Private Limited
(All amounts in Indian Rupees thousands, except as otherwise stated)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
|
Note |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and bank balance |
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
181,616 |
|
|
|
287,465 |
|
Cash-restricted |
|
|
12 |
|
|
|
2,347,862 |
|
|
|
5,414,723 |
|
Interest bearing deposits with bank |
|
|
|
|
|
|
107,495 |
|
|
|
16,500 |
|
Receivable from broker-dealers and clearing organizations |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
42,228 |
|
|
|
354,441 |
|
Receivable from customers (net of provision of Rs.80,000
and Rs.77,075 respectively) |
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
171,993 |
|
|
|
930,671 |
|
Available-for-sale securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable, at market value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
161,280 |
|
Not readily marketable (at estimated fair value) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,920 |
|
|
|
20,393 |
|
Deposits with clearing organizations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,865 |
|
|
|
151,515 |
|
Interest accrued but not due |
|
|
|
|
|
|
102,170 |
|
|
|
234,126 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
189,581 |
|
|
|
170,896 |
|
Intangible assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Computer software |
|
|
5.1 |
|
|
|
16,074 |
|
|
|
15,680 |
|
Memberships in exchanges |
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
9,495 |
|
|
|
8,409 |
|
Furniture and equipment |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
80,540 |
|
|
|
72,882 |
|
Deferred tax asset |
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
56,082 |
|
|
|
54,682 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,435,921 |
|
|
|
7,893,663 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital and reserves attributable to the Equity holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary shares |
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
518,942 |
|
|
|
518,942 |
|
Additional paid in capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,968 |
|
|
|
28,968 |
|
Retained earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,256,688 |
|
|
|
1,039,771 |
|
Other components of equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,164 |
|
|
|
15,380 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,818,762 |
|
|
|
1,603,061 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable to broker dealers and clearing organizations |
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
227,786 |
|
|
|
2,984,232 |
|
Payable to customers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
985,075 |
|
|
|
2,494,634 |
|
Borrowings |
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
4,645 |
|
|
|
105,059 |
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities |
|
|
17 |
|
|
|
351,958 |
|
|
|
682,289 |
|
Employee benefit obligation |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
47,695 |
|
|
|
24,388 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,617,159 |
|
|
|
6,290,602 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,435,921 |
|
|
|
7,893,663 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements
These financial statements have been approved by the Board of Directors
on September 25, 2009
For and on behalf of the Board
Vineet Bhatnagar
Managing Director
157
MF Global Sify Securities India Private Limited
(All amounts in Indian Rupees thousands, except as otherwise stated)
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
|
Note |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commissions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
914,969 |
|
|
|
1,761,848 |
|
|
|
1,025,505 |
|
Depository and clearing fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,456 |
|
|
|
78,324 |
|
|
|
44,352 |
|
Interest on fixed deposits with banks |
|
|
|
|
|
|
325,547 |
|
|
|
497,683 |
|
|
|
141,681 |
|
Other Income |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
138,671 |
|
|
|
165,665 |
|
|
|
81,845 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,413,643 |
|
|
|
2,503,520 |
|
|
|
1,293,383 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee compensation and benefits |
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
515,234 |
|
|
|
745,773 |
|
|
|
453,488 |
|
Exchange expenses and clearance fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
130,904 |
|
|
|
253,658 |
|
|
|
104,065 |
|
Brokerage to other broker-dealers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
95,859 |
|
|
|
177,795 |
|
|
|
109,319 |
|
Communications and data processing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,585 |
|
|
|
24,707 |
|
|
|
14,611 |
|
Bank Interest and guarantee commission |
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,883 |
|
|
|
42,522 |
|
|
|
19,896 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
|
|
|
|
38,348 |
|
|
|
36,086 |
|
|
|
33,698 |
|
Occupancy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
69,933 |
|
|
|
37,990 |
|
|
|
30,839 |
|
Provision for receivable from customers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,925 |
|
|
|
675 |
|
|
|
73,300 |
|
Advertisement and business promotion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,987 |
|
|
|
72,426 |
|
|
|
45,418 |
|
Other expenses |
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
125,693 |
|
|
|
151,964 |
|
|
|
100,493 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,070,351 |
|
|
|
1,543,596 |
|
|
|
985,127 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit before income tax |
|
|
|
|
|
|
343,292 |
|
|
|
959,924 |
|
|
|
308,256 |
|
Income tax expense |
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
126,375 |
|
|
|
353,669 |
|
|
|
103,830 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for the year attributable to
the Equity holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
216,917 |
|
|
|
606,255 |
|
|
|
204,426 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
These financial statements have been approved by the Board of Directors on September 25, 2009
For and on behalf of the Board
Vineet Bhatnagar
Managing Director
158
MF Global Sify Securities India Private Limited
(All amounts in Indian Rupees thousands, except as otherwise stated)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
ordinary |
|
|
Par |
|
|
Share |
|
|
paid-in |
|
|
Retained |
|
|
components |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
shares |
|
|
value |
|
|
capital |
|
|
capital |
|
|
earnings |
|
|
of equity |
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
Balance at April 01, 2006 |
|
|
51,894,182 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
518,942 |
|
|
|
28,968 |
|
|
|
229,090 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
777,000 |
|
Currency translation differences |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,061 |
) |
|
|
(1,061 |
) |
Fair value gains on available-for-sale securities (net of tax) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,299 |
|
|
|
48,299 |
|
|
|
|
Net income directly recognised in equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47,238 |
|
|
|
47,238 |
|
Profit for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
204,426 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
204,426 |
|
|
|
|
Total recognised income and expense for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
204,426 |
|
|
|
47,238 |
|
|
|
251,664 |
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2007 |
|
|
51,894,182 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
518,942 |
|
|
|
28,968 |
|
|
|
433,516 |
|
|
|
47,238 |
|
|
|
1,028,664 |
|
|
|
|
Currency translation differences |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,586 |
) |
|
|
(1,586 |
) |
Transfer to income statement on sale of available-for-sale
securities, net of taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22,387 |
) |
|
|
(22,387 |
) |
Fair value loss on available-for-sale securities (net of tax) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,885 |
) |
|
|
(7,885 |
) |
|
|
|
Net income directly recognised in equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(31,858 |
) |
|
|
(31,858 |
) |
Profit for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
606,255 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
606,255 |
|
|
|
|
Total recognised income and expense for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
606,255 |
|
|
|
(31,858 |
) |
|
|
574,397 |
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2008 |
|
|
51,894,182 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
518,942 |
|
|
|
28,968 |
|
|
|
1,039,771 |
|
|
|
15,380 |
|
|
|
1,603,061 |
|
|
|
|
Currency translation differences |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,257 |
|
|
|
9,257 |
|
Fair value loss on available-for-sale securities (net of tax) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,473 |
) |
|
|
(10,473 |
) |
|
|
|
Net loss directly recognised in equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,216 |
) |
|
|
(1,216 |
) |
Profit for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
216,917 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
216,917 |
|
|
|
|
Total recognised income and expense for the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
216,917 |
|
|
|
(1,216 |
) |
|
|
215,701 |
|
|
|
|
Balance at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
51,894,182 |
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
518,942 |
|
|
|
28,968 |
|
|
|
1,256,688 |
|
|
|
14,164 |
|
|
|
1,818,762 |
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
These financial statements have been approved by the Board of Directors on September 25,
2009
159
MF Global Sify Securities India Private Limited
(All amounts in Indian Rupees thousands, except as otherwise stated)
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit before income tax |
|
|
343,292 |
|
|
|
959,924 |
|
|
|
308,256 |
|
Adjustments for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
38,348 |
|
|
|
35,980 |
|
|
|
33,635 |
|
Profit on sale of Available-for-sale securities |
|
|
(6,724 |
) |
|
|
(51,816 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Provision on receivable from customers |
|
|
2,925 |
|
|
|
675 |
|
|
|
73,300 |
|
Stock appreciation rights |
|
|
23,973 |
|
|
|
15,218 |
|
|
|
7,455 |
|
Others |
|
|
(2,617 |
) |
|
|
(33 |
) |
|
|
996 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Movements in working capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash-restricted |
|
|
3,066,861 |
|
|
|
(2,852,691 |
) |
|
|
(1,522,917 |
) |
Interest bearing deposits with banks |
|
|
(90,995 |
) |
|
|
113,924 |
|
|
|
(28,174 |
) |
Deposits with clearing organizations |
|
|
30,650 |
|
|
|
(31,467 |
) |
|
|
300,342 |
|
Receivable from broker-dealers and clearing organizations |
|
|
312,213 |
|
|
|
(293,525 |
) |
|
|
77,385 |
|
Receivable from customers |
|
|
755,753 |
|
|
|
(314,554 |
) |
|
|
(68,859 |
) |
Interest accrued but not due |
|
|
131,956 |
|
|
|
(172,401 |
) |
|
|
(34,690 |
) |
Other assets |
|
|
5,237 |
|
|
|
(19,620 |
) |
|
|
(22,562 |
) |
Payable to broker dealers and clearing organizations |
|
|
(2,756,446 |
) |
|
|
1,788,638 |
|
|
|
829,384 |
|
Payable to customers |
|
|
(1,509,559 |
) |
|
|
697,534 |
|
|
|
525,279 |
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities |
|
|
(330,331 |
) |
|
|
321,549 |
|
|
|
161,307 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash provided by/(used in) operations |
|
|
14,536 |
|
|
|
197,335 |
|
|
|
640,137 |
|
Income taxes paid |
|
|
(151,697 |
) |
|
|
(389,865 |
) |
|
|
(157,945 |
) |
|
|
|
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities |
|
|
(137,161 |
) |
|
|
(192,530 |
) |
|
|
482,192 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available for Sale Securities: Marketable, At Market Value |
|
|
168,004 |
|
|
|
72,325 |
|
|
|
(191,571 |
) |
Available for Sale Securities: Not readily marketable (at estimated fair value) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,722 |
|
|
|
|
|
Expenditure on furniture and equipment |
|
|
(35,695 |
) |
|
|
(36,840 |
) |
|
|
(39,676 |
) |
Expenditure on computer software |
|
|
(12,118 |
) |
|
|
(7,265 |
) |
|
|
(19,248 |
) |
Sale of furniture and equipment |
|
|
2,278 |
|
|
|
205 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities |
|
|
122,469 |
|
|
|
52,147 |
|
|
|
(250,495 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from borrowings |
|
|
(100,414 |
) |
|
|
105,059 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities |
|
|
(100,414 |
) |
|
|
105,059 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of foreign exchange fluctuation |
|
|
9,257 |
|
|
|
(1,586 |
) |
|
|
(1,061 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and bank balance |
|
|
(105,849 |
) |
|
|
(36,910 |
) |
|
|
230,636 |
|
Cash and bank balance at beginning of the year |
|
|
287,465 |
|
|
|
324,375 |
|
|
|
93,739 |
|
|
|
|
Cash and bank balance at end of the year |
|
|
181,616 |
|
|
|
287,465 |
|
|
|
324,375 |
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
These financial statements have been approved by the Board of Directors on September 25, 2009
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
VINEET BHATNAGAR
MANAGING DIRECTOR
160
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. |
|
General information |
|
|
|
MF Global Sify Securities India Private Limited (formerly known as Man Financial-Sify
Securities India Private Limited) and its consolidated subsidiaries (hereinafter referred to
as MF or the group) are engaged as a stock and commodity broker for foreign institutional
investors (FIIs), mutual funds, domestic financial institutions and retail investors. The
group also acts as a depository participant and provides depository services to FIIs, mutual
funds, domestic financial institutions and retail investors. |
|
|
|
MF Global Sify Securities India Private Limited (MF Global Sify) was incorporated on
December 29, 1999 in India as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 1956. The
address of its registered office is 2nd Floor, C block, Modern Centre, 101 K. K.
Marg, Jacob Circle, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400 011. MF Global Sify has two wholly owned
subsidiaries, MF Global Commodities India Private Ltd. and MF Global Capital India Private
Limited, incorporated in India. MF Global Commodities India Private Limited has one wholly
owned subsidiary, MF Global Middle East Limited DMCC incorporated in Dubai. |
|
|
|
MF Global Overseas Limited (MFG) (formerly Man Financial Holdings Limited UK), a company
incorporated in United Kingdom holds 70.15% of MF Global Sify and Sify Technologies Limited
(Sify) holds the balance, 29.85% of MF Global Sifys equity shares. The ultimate holding
company of MF Global Sify is MF Global Limited, Bermuda. |
|
|
|
These consolidated financial statements have been approved for issue by the Board of
Directors on September 25, 2009. |
|
2. |
|
Summary of significant accounting policies |
|
2.1. |
|
Basis of preparation |
|
|
|
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as issued by the International
Accounting Standards Board (IASB). They have been prepared under the historical cost
convention, on accrual basis as modified for certain financial instruments which are measured
at fair value. |
|
|
|
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial
statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years
presented, unless otherwise stated. |
|
|
|
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires the use of certain
critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in the
process of applying the groups accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of
judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the
consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 4. |
|
2.1.1. |
|
Interpretations effective as at 31 March 2009 |
|
|
|
IFRIC 14, IAS 19 The limit on a defined benefit asset, minimum funding
requirements and their interaction; IFRIC 14 provides guidance on assessing the limit in
IAS 19 on the amount of the surplus that can be recognized as an asset. It also explains
how the pension asset or liability may be affected by a statutory or contractual
minimum-funding requirement. |
|
|
|
|
IAS 18 (Amendment), Revenue, which is issued as part of the IASBs annual
improvements project published in April 2009. The amendment relates to non-mandatory
guidance on determining whether an entity is acting as a principal or as an agent. |
2.1.2. |
|
Amendments and interpretations effective as at 31 March 2009 but not relevant |
|
|
|
The following standards, amendments and interpretations to published standards are effective
as at 31 March 2009 but are not relevant to the groups operations: |
|
|
|
IAS 39 (Amendment), Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement, and IFRS 7,
Financial instruments: Disclosure, which permit the reclassification of some financial
assets. |
|
|
|
|
IFRIC 12, Service concession arrangements, applies to contractual arrangements
whereby a private sector operator participates in the development, financing, operation
and maintenance of infrastructure for public sector services. |
161
2.1.3. |
|
Standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards that are not yet effective
and have not been early adopted by the group |
|
|
|
The following standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards have been
published and are mandatory for the groups financial year beginning on 1 April 2009 or later
periods, but the group has not early adopted them: |
|
|
|
IAS 1 (Revised), and Amendments to IAS 1(Revised) Presentation of financial
statements. The new standard prohibits the presentation of items of income and expenses
(that is, non-owner changes in equity) in the statement of changes in equity,
requiring owner changes in equity to be presented separately from non-owner changes in
equity. In addition, entities making restatements or reclassifications of comparative
information will be required to present a restated balance sheet as at the beginning of
the comparative period. The group will apply the revised standard from April 1, 2009. |
|
|
|
|
IAS 23 (Amendment), Borrowing costs. It requires an entity to capitalise borrowing
costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a
qualifying asset (one that takes a substantial period of time to get ready for use or
sale) as part of the cost of that asset. The option of immediately expensing those
borrowing costs will be removed. The group will apply the revised standard from April 1,
2009. The group does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material effect
as there are no qualifying assets. |
|
|
|
|
IAS 27 (Revised), Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements. It requires a
mandatory adoption of the economic entity model which treats all providers of equity
capital as shareholders of the entity. Consequently, a partial disposal of interest in a
subsidiary in which the parent company retains control does not result in a gain or loss
but in an increase or decrease in equity. Purchase of some or all of the non-controlling
interests (also known as minority interests) (NCI) is treated as a treasury
transaction and accounted for in equity. A partial disposal of interest in a subsidiary
in which the parent company loses control triggers recognition of gain or loss on the
entire interest. A gain or loss is recognised on the portion that has been disposed of;
a further holding gain is recognised on the interest retained, being the difference
between the fair value of the interest and book value of the interest. |
|
|
|
|
The revised standard requires an entity to attribute their share of net income and
reserves to the NCI even if this results in the NCI having a deficit balance. |
|
|
|
|
The group will apply IAS 27 (Revised) from 1 April 2010. The group does not expect the
adoption of this standard to have a material effect on the consolidated financial
statements. |
|
|
|
|
IFRS 2 (Amendment), Share-based payment. It clarifies that only service conditions
and performance conditions are vesting conditions. All other features need to be
included in the grant date fair value and do not impact the number of awards expected to
vest or the valuation subsequent to grant date. The amendment also specifies that all
cancellations, whether by the entity or by other parties, should receive the same
accounting treatment. The group will apply the amendment from 1 April 2009. The Group is
in the process of evaluating the impact this amendment will have on its consolidated
financial statements.. |
|
|
|
|
IFRS 3 (Revised), Business Combinations. It has expanded the scope to include
combinations by contract alone and combination of mutual entities and slightly amended
the definition of business as capable of being conducted rather than are conducted
and managed. All the acquisition-related costs are to be recognised as period expenses
in accordance with the appropriate IFRS. Costs incurred to issue debt or equity
securities will be recognised in accordance with IAS 39. |
|
|
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|
Consideration would include fair value of all interests previously held by the acquirer.
Remeasurement of such interests to fair value would be through the income statement.
Contingent consideration is required to be recognised at fair value even if not deemed
probable of payment at the date of acquisition. All subsequent changes in debt contingent
consideration are recognised in income statement and not in goodwill as required in the
existing standard. |
|
|
|
|
IFRS 3 (Revised) provides an explicit option, available on a transaction-by-transaction
basis, to measure any NCI in the entity acquired at fair value of their proportion of
identifiable assets and liabilities or full fair value. The first will result in
measurement of goodwill little different from existing IFRS 3; the second approach will
record goodwill on the NCI as well as on the acquired controlling interest. |
|
|
|
|
The group will apply IFRS 3 (Revised) from 1 April 2010. The effect of the standard on
future periods will depend on the nature and significance of any acquisitions that are
subject to this standard. |
|
|
|
|
IFRS 8, Operating segments. IFRS 8 replaces IAS 14 and aligns segment reporting with
the requirements of the US standard SFAS 131, Disclosures about segments of an
enterprise and related information. The new standard requires a management approach,
under which segment information is presented on the same basis as that used for internal
reporting purposes. This standard is not applicable to the group as the groups debt or
equity instruments are not traded |
162
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in a public market or the group is not in the process of filing, the consolidated
financial statements with a securities commission or other regulatory organisation for
the purpose of issuing any class of instruments in a public market.. |
|
|
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|
IFRS 5 (Amendment), Non-current assets held-for-sale and discontinued operations (and
consequential amendment to IFRS 1, First-time adoption). The amendment clarifies that
all of a subsidiarys assets and liabilities are classified as held for sale if a
partial disposal sale plan results in loss of control. The group will apply the IFRS 5
(Amendment) prospectively to all partial disposals of subsidiaries from 1 April 2010. |
|
|
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IAS 23 (Amendment), Borrowing costs. The definition of borrowing costs has been
amended so that interest expense is calculated using the effective interest method
defined in IAS 39, Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement. The group will
apply the IAS 23 (Amendment) prospectively to the capitalisation of borrowing costs on
qualifying assets from 1 April 2009. |
|
|
|
|
IAS 36 (Amendment), Impairment of assets. Where fair value less costs to sell is
calculated on the basis of discounted cash flows, disclosures equivalent to those for
value-in-use calculation should be made. The group will apply the IAS 36 (Amendment) and
provide the required disclosure where applicable for impairment tests from 1 April 2009. |
|
|
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|
IAS 19 (Amendment), Employee benefits. The amendment clarifies the meaning of
curtailment, amends the definition of return on plan assets, clarifies that the
distinction between short term and long term employee benefits will be based on whether
benefits are due to be settled within or after 12 months of employee service being
rendered. The group will apply the IAS 19 (Amendment) from 1 April 2009. |
|
|
|
|
IFRIC 17, Distributions of non-cash assets to owners. IFRIC 17 clarifies how an
entity should measure distributions of assets, other than cash, when it pays dividends
to its owners. The group will apply IFRIC 17 from 1 April 2010. |
|
|
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|
IFRIC 18, Transfers of assets from customers. IFRIC 18 clarifies the accounting for
arrangements where an item of property, plant and equipment, which is provided by the
customer, is used to provide an ongoing service. The interpretation applies
prospectively to transfers of assets from customers received on or after 1 July 2009,
although some limited retrospective application is permitted. |
|
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|
IAS 1 (Amendment), Presentation of financial statements. The amendment clarifies that
classification of a liability, that can at the option of the counterparty be settled by
the issue of the entitys equity instruments, on the basis of the requirements to
transfer cash or other assets rather than on settlement better reflects the liquidity
and solvency position of an entity. The group will apply the IAS 1 (Amendment) from 1
April 2010. It is not expected to have an impact on the groups financial statements. |
|
|
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|
IAS 17 (Amendment), Leases. The amendment modified the criteria for classification of
lease that includes both land and buildings elements requiring an entity to assess the
classification of each element as a finance or an operating lease separately in the same
way as leases of other assets. The group will apply the IAS 17 (Amendment) from April
1, 2010. The impact, if any, will be known after assessing the companys lease
arrangements that include both land and building elements. |
2.1.4. |
|
Amendments and interpretations to existing standards that are not yet effective and not
relevant for the groups operations |
|
|
|
The following interpretations to existing standards have been published and are mandatory for
the groups accounting period beginning on 1 April 2009 or later periods but are not relevant
for the groups operations: |
|
|
|
IFRIC 13, Customer loyalty programmes, clarifies that where goods or services are
sold together with a customer loyalty incentive, the arrangement is a multipleelement
arrangement and the consideration receivable from the customer is allocated between the
components of the arrangement using fair values. |
|
|
|
|
IFRIC 15, Agreements for construction of real estates, clarifies whether IAS 18,
Revenue, or IAS 11, Construction contracts, should be applied to particular
transactions. |
|
|
|
|
IFRIC 16, Hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation, clarifies the accounting
treatment in respect of net investment hedging. This includes the fact that net
investment hedging relates to differences in functional currency not presentation
currency, and hedging instruments may be held anywhere in the group. The requirements of
IAS 21, The effects of changes in foreign exchange rates, do apply to the hedged item. |
163
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IAS 38 (Amendment), Intangible assets. The amendment deletes the wording that states
that there is rarely, if ever support for use of a method that results in a lower rate
of amortisation than the straight-line method. The amendment will not have an impact on
the groups operations, as all intangible assets are amortised using the straight-line
method. |
|
|
|
|
IAS 20 (Amendment), Accounting for government grants and disclosure of government
assistance (effective from 1 January 2009). The benefit of a below-market rate
government loan is measured as the difference between the carrying amount in accordance
with IAS 39, Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement, and the proceeds
received with the benefit accounted for in accordance with IAS 20. IAS 39 (Amendment),
Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement. The amendment makes an exemption
from separation in respect of embedded prepayment penalties the exercise prices of which
compensate the lender for the loss of interest by reducing the economic loss from
reinvestment risk. |
|
|
|
|
There are a number of minor amendments to existing standards and interpretations
including IAS 39 (Amendment), Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement , IFRS
7, Financial instruments: Disclosures, IAS 8, Accounting policies, changes in accounting
estimates and errors, IAS 10, Events after the reporting period, IAS 18, Revenue and IAS
34, Interim financial reporting, IFRS 2 (Amendment), Share-based payment, IAS 7
(Amendment), Statement of cash flows IAS 36 (Amendment), Impairment of assets, IAS 38
(Amendment), Intangible assets, which are part of the IASBs annual improvements project
published in May 2008 and April 2009 (not addressed above). These amendments are
unlikely to have an impact on the groups accounts and have therefore not been analysed
in detail. |
2.2. |
|
Consolidation |
|
|
|
Domestic and foreign subsidiaries considered for consolidation are as follows: |
|
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Percentage of |
|
|
Percentage of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
holding as at |
|
|
holding as at |
|
|
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Country of |
|
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March 31, |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
incorporation |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
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|
Direct subsidiaries |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1) MF Global Commodities India Private
Limited |
|
India |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
2) MF Global Capital India Private Limited |
|
India |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
Indirect Subsidiary |
|
|
|
|
|
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1) MF Global Middle East Limited DMCC |
|
Dubai |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
|
The reporting date for all the above companies is March 31. |
|
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|
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the group has the power to govern the financial and
operating policies so as to obtain economic benefits from its activities, generally
accompanying a shareholding of more than one half of the voting rights. Subsidiaries are
fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the group. |
|
|
|
All significant intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions
between group companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated but considered
an impairment indicator of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have
been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the group. |
|
|
|
During the year ended March 31, 2008 MF Global Sify transferred its entire stake in wholly
owned subsidiary MF Global Middle East Limited DMCC to its wholly owned subsidiary MF Global
Commodities India Private limited; a transaction under common control, as defined in IFRS 3,
Business Combinations at carrying value. The group accounts for common control transaction by
pooling of interest method. Under that method of accounting, the carrying amount of the
assets and liabilities affected by the common control transaction are unchanged in the group
financial statement. |
164
2.3. |
|
Foreign currency translation |
|
a) |
|
Functional and presentation currency |
|
|
Items included in the financial statements in each of the groups entities are measured using
the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the
functional currency). Indian rupee is the functional currency of MF Global Sify and its
domestic subsidiaries. US dollar is the functional currency of MF Global Middle East Limited
DMCC located in Dubai. These consolidated financial statements are presented in Indian Rupee
(INR), which is the groups presentation currency. The results and financial position are
translated into presentation currency as follows: |
|
|
|
assets and liabilities for each balance sheet presented are translated at the closing
rate at that balance sheet date; |
|
|
|
|
income and expenses for each income statement are translated at average exchange
rate; and |
|
|
|
|
all resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of equity. |
|
b) |
|
Transactions and balances |
|
|
|
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange
rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses
resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at yearend
exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are
recognized in the income statement. |
|
|
2.4. |
|
Furniture and equipment |
|
|
|
|
Furniture and equipment are stated at actual cost less accumulated depreciation and any
accumulated impairment losses. The cost of an item of premises and equipment comprises its
purchase price and any costs directly attributable to bringing the asset into use, while
maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred. Depreciation is provided over
the estimated useful lives of the assets on the reducing balance method. |
|
|
|
|
The estimated rates of depreciation are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
|
18.10 |
% |
|
Computer systems |
|
|
40.00 |
% |
|
Office equipments |
|
|
13.91 |
% |
|
Vehicles |
|
|
25.89 |
% |
|
|
The residual values and useful economic lives of premises and equipment are reviewed annually. |
|
|
|
Depreciation on leasehold improvements is provided using the straightline method over the
shorter of the lease term or the useful life of the asset. |
|
2.5. |
|
Intangible assets |
|
|
|
All intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and any accumulated
impairment losses. |
165
|
|
Capitalised costs of computer software obtained for internal use represents costs incurred to
purchase computer software from third parties. These capitalised costs are amortised over the
estimated useful life of the software on a straightline basis, if the estimated useful
lives are beyond one year. However, if the estimated useful life of an asset is short i.e.
less than a year, it is charged to the income statement. They are reviewed for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be
recoverable. |
|
b) |
|
Trading rights in Stock Exchange |
|
|
BSE membership |
|
|
|
MF Global Sify acquired The Stock Exchange, Mumbai (the BSE) membership card on December 6,
2000. During the year 2005-06, a scheme, The Bombay Stock Exchange (Corporatisation and
Demutualization) Scheme 2005 (the Scheme) was approved by the Securities Exchange Board of
India with effect from August 19, 2005 (the due date) which converted the BSE from an
Association of Person to a corporate body in the name of Bombay Stock Exchange Limited
(BSEL). |
|
|
|
In accordance with the scheme, the members of the erstwhile BSE, in exchange of their
erstwhile BSE membership cards (rights) received membership rights of BSEL (i.e. right to
trade on BSEL without placement of cash deposit) as well as equity shares of BSEL. (refer to
note 5.2 Membership in Exchanges) |
|
|
|
DGCX membership |
|
|
|
MF Global Middle East Limited DMCC (DMCC) is registered with and has been granted a trading
license by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre on February 7, 2006. The United Arab Emirates
Securities and Commodities Authority (ESCA) issued the DMCC a license on June 18, 2006 to
operate as a broker on the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX). DMCC has been
admitted as a member of the DGCX on September 1, 2006. DMCC has paid and capitalized US$ 100
thousand towards the license of DGCX, which is assessed for impairment. |
|
|
|
Trading rights in stock exchanges have indefinite useful life and are carried at cost less
any accumulated impairment. They are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. |
|
2.6. |
|
Impairment of nonfinancial assets |
|
|
|
Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested for
impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount may not be recoverable. Assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may
not be recoverable. Both external as well as internal indicators are considered by the group
for impairment testing. An impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the assets
carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an
assets fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing
impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately
identifiable cash flows (cashgenerating units). Nonfinancial assets that suffered
impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date. |
|
2.7. |
|
Financial instruments |
|
|
|
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised in the consolidated balance sheet,
when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of an instrument, at fair value
adjusted for transaction costs, except for financial assets classified at fair value through
profit or loss where transaction costs are immediately recognised in the consolidated income
statement. Financial assets are de-recognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the
investments have expired or where they have been transferred and the Group has also
transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. Financial liabilities are
de-recognised when the obligation under the liability has been discharged or cancelled. |
|
|
|
Financial assets principally comprise investments, receivable from broker dealers, clearing
organisations, customers and other receivables, bank deposits and cash and bank balance.
Financial liabilities principally comprise bank overdraft, and payables to broker dealers,
clearing organisations, customers, other payables and accrued expenses. |
166
|
|
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet
if, and only if, there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and
there is an intention to settle on a net basis, or to realise an asset and settle the
liability simultaneously. In many cases, even though there is a legal right to set off is in
place, the lack of an intention to settle on a net basis results in the related assets and
liabilities being presented gross in the balance sheet. |
|
2.8. |
|
Financial assets |
|
|
|
The financial assets of the group are classified into following categories: loans and
receivables and available for sale. The classification of financial assets depends on the
purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. Management determines the
classification of its financial assets at initial recognition. |
|
|
Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments
that are not quoted in an active market. The entitys loans and receivables comprise
receivable from broker dealers, clearing organisations, customers and other receivables,
investments in bank deposits and cash and bank balance and loans to staff classified under
other assets in balance sheet (Notes 2.10, 2.11 and 2.12). |
|
|
Available for sale financial assets are non-derivatives that are either designated in this
category or not classified in any other categories. Available for sale consists of marketable
securities, which are investments in units of mutual funds and are reported at fair values.
Securities not readily marketable represent investments in equity shares of Bombay Stock
Exchange Limited (BSEL), obtained by MF Global Sify pursuant to the exchange transaction
under the Bombay Stock Exchange (Corporatisation and Demutualization) scheme 2005. |
|
|
|
After initial recognition, investments, which are classified as available-for-sale, are
measured at fair value. Gains or losses, on available-for-sale investments are recognised as
a separate component of equity until the investment is sold, collected or otherwise disposed
of, or until the investment is determined to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain
or loss previously reported in equity is transferred to the consolidated income statement.
For investments that are actively traded in organised financial markets, fair value is
determined by reference to quoted market price at the close of business on the balance sheet
date. For investments where there is no quoted market price, fair value is determined by
using valuation techniques. |
|
|
|
MF assesses at each balance sheet date whether there is objective evidence that a financial
asset or a group of financial assets is impaired. In the case of securities classified as
available for sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security
below its cost is considered as an indicator that the equity securities are impaired. If any
such evidence exists for available-for-sale financial assets, the cumulative loss measured
as the difference between the cost and the current fair value, less any impairment loss on
that financial asset previously recognised in profit or loss is removed from equity and
recognised in the income statement. Impairment losses recognised in the income statement on
equity instruments are not reversed through the income statement. Impairment testing of trade
receivables is described in Note 2.10. |
|
2.9. |
|
Derivatives and Trading |
|
|
|
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are financial assets held for trading
or upon initial recognition are designated by the group as at fair value through profit or
loss. A financial asset is primarily classified as held for trading in this category if
acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the short-term. Derivatives are also
categorised as held for trading unless they are designated as hedges. Assets in this category
are classified as current assets. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of
the financial assets at fair value through profit or loss category are presented in the
income statement within other (losses)/gains net in the period in which they arise.
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is
entered into and are subsequently remeasured at their fair value at each reporting date. |
|
2.10. |
|
Receivables |
|
|
|
Receivables are recognized initially at fair value. They are subsequently measured at
amortised cost using the effective interest method, net of provision for impairment, if the
effect of discounting is considered material. The carrying amounts, net of provision for
impairment, reported in the balance sheet approximate the fair value due to their short
realisation period. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when there
is objective evidence that Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the
original terms of receivables. The provision is established at amounts considered to |
167
|
|
be appropriate, based primarily upon Groups past credit loss experience and an evaluation of
potential losses on the receivables. The amount of the provision is recognized in the income
statement. Receivables include receivables from broker-dealers and clearing organizations and
receivables from customers, whereas the securities owned by customers are held as collateral
for receivables. |
|
2.11. |
|
Interest bearing deposits with banks |
|
|
|
Interest bearing deposits with bank represent fixed term deposits placed with banks earning
fixed rate of interest. At the balance sheet date, these deposits are measured at amortised
cost using effective interest method. |
|
2.12. |
|
Cash and bank balance |
|
|
|
Cash and bank balance include cash in hand and at bank, and shortterm deposits with an
original maturity period of three months or less. The Groups exposure to credit risk is
represented by the carrying value of the assets. Bank overdrafts that are an integral part of
cash management and where there is a legal right of setoff against positive cash balances
are included in cash and bank balance. Otherwise bank overdrafts are classified as
borrowings. |
|
2.13. |
|
Restricted Cash |
|
|
|
Individual entities within the group are members of exchange, where cash or securities are
deposited or bank guarantees are issued to conduct day-to-day trading and clearance
activities. As required by the respective exchange, margin obligations towards clearing
organizations are determined based on open positions by clearing organizations of the
exchanges. |
|
|
|
The group classifies bank fixed deposits as restricted cash on the balance sheet, when they
are either placed with banks as margin for bank guarantees issued to clearing organisation or
specifically earmarked as liens to clearing organizations towards margin. |
|
2.14. |
|
Payables |
|
|
|
Payables include payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations and payable to
customers. The payable to broker-dealers and clearing organizations are at fair values
because of their nature of short-term maturity. Amount payable to customers include amounts
due on cash and margin transactions. These are recognized initially at fair value and
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. |
|
2.15. |
|
Borrowings Bank overdraft |
|
|
|
Borrowings are recognized initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred.
Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds
(net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognized in the income statement
over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. |
|
2.16. |
|
Provisions |
|
|
|
Provisions are recognised when the group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as
a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic
benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of
the amount of the obligation. In the event that the time value of money is material,
provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate
that reflects a current market assessment of the time value of money and, where appropriate,
the risks specific to the liability. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision
due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost. |
|
2.17. |
|
Current and deferred income tax |
|
|
|
The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws in the countries
where the group operates and generates taxable income. The tax rate of MF Global Sify and its
Indian Subsidiaries is 33.99%. MF Global Middle East |
168
|
|
DMCC, the Dubai based subsidiary operates in a tax free jurisdiction. Management periodically
evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax
regulations are subject to interpretation and establishes provisions, where appropriate, on
the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities. |
|
|
|
Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences
arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the
consolidated financial statements. However, the deferred income tax is not accounted for if
it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a
business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor
taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have
been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply
when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability
is settled. |
|
|
|
Deferred income tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future
taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised. |
|
|
|
Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences, if any, arising on investments in
subsidiaries, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is
controlled by the group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in
the foreseeable future. |
|
|
|
Current and deferred income tax are recognized in the income statement, except when the tax
relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the tax is also dealt
with directly in equity. |
|
2.18. |
|
Employee benefits |
|
|
|
Employee benefits are accrued in the period in which the associated services are rendered by
employees of the group. The group provides employees with retirement benefits through both
defined benefit and defined contribution schemes. Contributions to the defined contribution
scheme are charged to the consolidated income statement as they become payable in accordance
with the rules of the scheme. |
|
|
In accordance with Indian law, all employees receive benefits from a provident fund, which is
a defined contribution plan. Both the employee and employer make monthly contributions to
the plan, each equal to a specified percentage of employees basic salary. The group has no
further obligations under the plan beyond its monthly contributions. |
|
|
The Gratuity Plan is a defined benefit plan that, at retirement or termination of employment,
provides all employees with a lump sum payment, which is a function of the respective
employees salary and completed years of service with the group. The group provides the
gratuity benefit through annual contributions to a fund managed by the Life Insurance
Corporation of India (LIC). Under this scheme, the settlement obligation remains with the
group, although the LIC administers the scheme and determines the contribution premium
required to be paid by the group. The liability recognised in the balance sheet in respect of
gratuity plan is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet
date less the fair value of plan assets, if any, together with adjustments for unrecognised
pastservice costs. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent
actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit
obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest
rates of Government of India securities (representing risk-free interest rates) and that have
terms to maturity approximating to the terms of the related gratuity liability. |
|
|
|
Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial
assumptions are charged or credited to income statement in the period in which they arise. |
|
|
The groups employees participate in share-based payment plans; that is stock appreciation
rights plan sponsored by MF and co-investment plan sponsored by Man Group plc. The group
follows IFRS 2, Share Based Payment (IFRS 2). |
|
|
|
For Equity settled share based payments; the fair value of the employee services received in
exchange for the share awards and options granted is recognised as an expense. Equity-settled
share-based payments are measured at the fair value of the |
169
|
|
equity instruments at the grant date and expensed, together with a corresponding increase in
equity, on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Groups estimate of
shares that will eventually vest. |
|
|
For cash settled share based payments; the fair value of the employee services received in
exchange for the stock appreciation rights is recognised as an expense. The cost of
cash-settled transactions is measured initially at fair value at the grant date. The fair
value of each tranche of rights issued under the plan is expensed over the period until
vesting, with recognition of a corresponding liability. The liability is remeasured at each
balance sheet date up to and including the settlement date, with changes in fair value
recognised in the consolidated income statement. |
|
|
|
The impact of non-market vesting conditions is included in assumptions about the number of
options that are expected to vest. At each balance sheet date, the group revises its
estimates of the number of options that are expected to become exercisable. It recognises the
impact of the revision of original estimates, if any, in the income statement. |
|
2.19. |
|
Revenue Recognition |
|
a) |
|
Commission, clearing fees, depository fee income |
|
|
Commission, clearing fees and related expenses are recorded on a trade-date basis as
securities transactions occur. Depository fee income earned from customer is recognized in
the period in which services are rendered. |
|
b) |
|
Dividend and Interest Income |
|
|
Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive the payment is established. Interest
income is recognised on accrual basis using the effective interest rate method. |
|
2.20. |
|
Leases |
|
|
Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained
by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net
of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the income statement on a
straight-line basis over the period of the lease. All leases are classified as operating
leases. |
|
|
|
Under these arrangements, interest free deposits have been given to the lessor and are
refundable at the end of lease term. The group recognises the security deposit at fair value
using the market rate of interest for a deposit of similar term. The difference between the
amount of security deposit and fair value is considered as prepaid lease rental, which is a
non-financial asset. |
|
|
|
The security deposit initially recognised at fair value will accrete to the amount of
security deposit received through accruals as interest income over the term of security
deposit and prepaid lease rental will be charged to income statement as lease rental over the
lease term. |
3. |
|
Financial risk management objectives and policies |
|
3.1. |
|
Financial risk factors |
|
|
|
The group is exposed to a variety of financial risks. The principal risks are business risk,
interest rate risk, price risk, foreign currency risk, credit risk and cash liquidity risk.
Each of these risks is discussed in detail below. The Group monitors financial risks on a
consolidated basis. The groups overall risk management programme focuses on the
unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on the
financial performance. The group has a comprehensive risk management structure and processes
to monitor, evaluate and manage the principal risks in conducting business. |
|
|
|
Business Risk |
|
|
|
The groups results of operations will be affected by many factors including economic,
political and market conditions, broad trends in the brokerage and finance industry, changes
in level of trading activity in the broader market place, price levels and price volatility
in the derivative, equity and commodity markets, legislative and regulatory changes and
competition, among other factors. In particular, the revenues of the group are substantially
dependent on the volume of client transactions that it executes and clears, the volatility in
the principal markets in which it operates and the prevailing interest rates. |
170
|
|
Interest rate Risk |
|
|
|
The group is exposed to interest rate risk primarily due to changes in interest rates on bank
fixed deposits that impact the amount of interest income the Group earns. Interest income is
earned on fixed deposit placed with banks out of the Groups funds and margin monies placed
by clients. The Group monitors the movement of interest rates to determine whether deposits
need to be placed at fixed or floating interest rates. Investment in fixed deposits placed
with banks earn fixed rate of interest. As at March 31, 2009 the carrying value of bank
deposits approximates fair value of these deposits as having original maturity of less than a
year. The weighted average rate of interest earned on bank fixed deposits amounted to 10.77%
p.a. and 9.23% p.a. during year ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, respectively. |
|
|
|
The Group rolls-over fixed deposit on maturity based on the market condition and business
needs; weighted average remaining term of fixed deposits as at the balance sheet date is
approximately 6.3 months and 5.5 months as at March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 respectively. |
|
|
|
Price Risk |
|
|
|
The group is subject to price risk in respect of investments held by the Group in BSE shares
and investment in money market mutual funds, which are held as available for sale securities.
The impact of price risk on carrying value of BSE shares is not material compared to the size
and operations of the group. Investments in money market funds are subject to minimum price
risk due to their investment in call money market instruments. |
|
|
|
Foreign Exchange Risk |
|
|
|
The group has minimal transactional currency exposure arising from operations in currencies
other than its functional currency. |
|
|
|
Credit Risk |
|
|
|
Credit risk is the possibility that the Group may suffer a loss from the failure of clients
or counterparties to meet their financial obligations at all or in a timely manner. The
group acts as an agent in providing execution and clearing services for exchange-traded
products. The groups clients security activities are transacted on either cash or margin
basis. In the event that a client fails to satisfy its obligations for cash transactions,
the group may be required to purchase or sell financial instruments at the prevailing market
price to fulfill the clients obligations. The clients are required to maintain margin
accounts with collateral sufficient to support their open trading positions. Initially, the
group establishes each clients margin requirements to levels it believes are sufficient to
cover their open positions. However, later if the clients subsequent trading activity or
adverse market conditions may cause the clients previous margin payments to be inadequate to
support their trading obligations, the group then serves as the exchange clearing member for
the trade and thus the group would cover any shortfall and thereby expose itself to potential
losses. |
|
|
|
The Credit exposure also arises in relation to fixed deposits placed with Banks. The Group
places fixed deposits with highly rated banks and which is reviewed on an on-going basis. |
|
|
|
The groups policy is to place fixed deposits with credit worthy banks. The following table
depicts that the majority of the groups fixed deposits are placed in highly rated banks |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of fixed deposits |
|
Investment grade |
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
Highest safety |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
74 |
|
High safety |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
Adequate safety |
|
|
|
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Highest Safety represents a credit rating equivalent of AAA, A1+, P1+; High Safety represents
a credit rating equivalent of AA; and Adequate Safety represents a credit rating of A. |
171
|
|
Risk Management Process and Mitigation |
|
|
|
The Group has a separate risk management department, which monitors, evaluates and manages
the risks. Client-wise position limits are set by the risk department based on the
collateral placed by the respective clients. The risk department is responsible for making
daily risk reports based on day-end positions of clients. Client orders are directed to the
exchange only if the risk parameters set by the risk department are met. The risk department
monitors client activity levels to ensure exposures are within the risk parameters of the
group. Intra-day margin calls are made on the clients to reflect market movements on the
client positions and may result in clients being asked to reduce positions. Generally, the
group reserves the right to liquidate any client position immediately in the event of a
failure to meet a margin call. For the year ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, groups
bad debts as a percentage of broking income were 0.49% and 0.22%, respectively. For clearing
business, the group generally mandates that initial margin be paid by the clients as deposit
before they commence trading. The clients are required to provide collateral as margin to
secure the performance of their obligations. |
|
|
|
The group employs following techniques to monitor the market environment and clients risk of
default based upon the exposure created by their open positions: - |
|
|
|
establishing risk parameters based on analysis of current and historical prices and
price volatility; |
|
|
|
|
intra-day and end of day risk limit monitoring, including intra-day position and
trade monitoring to identify any accounts trading beyond pre-set limits and parameters; |
|
|
|
|
market risk analysis and evaluation of adequacy of margin requirements for traded
products; |
|
|
|
|
intra-day stress analysis for material market moves or accounts with material
position taking; |
|
|
|
|
approval of margin requirements, limits and risk control of new instruments |
|
|
Cash Liquidity Risk |
|
|
|
In normal conditions, the groups core business of providing execution and clearing brokerage
services is self-financing because the operations generate sufficient revenues to pay
expenses as they become due. As a result, the group generally does not face a substantial
cash liquidity risk that is a risk that the group will be unable to raise quickly enough
to meet payment obligations as they arise. The group has sufficient readily available liquid
assets and credit facilities to ensure that the group can meet financial obligations as they
become due under both normal and distressed market conditions. The group also has committed
credit lines from banks to support the business in respect of settlement and intra day
requirements. The group evaluates liquidity needs by analysing the impact of liquidity
stress scenarios. The following table analyses the Groups financials assets, liabilities and
commitments. The amounts disclosed are the contractual undiscounted cash flows. |
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Within 6 |
|
|
6 months |
|
|
2 to 3 |
|
|
After 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
months |
|
|
to 1 Year |
|
|
years |
|
|
years |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
Financial Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable to broker dealers and clearing organizations |
|
|
227,786 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
227,786 |
|
Payable to customers |
|
|
985,075 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
985,075 |
|
Borrowings |
|
|
781 |
|
|
|
781 |
|
|
|
3,070 |
|
|
|
895 |
|
|
|
5,527 |
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other
liabilities |
|
|
351,958 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
351,958 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,565,600 |
|
|
|
781 |
|
|
|
3,070 |
|
|
|
895 |
|
|
|
1,570,346 |
|
|
|
|
172
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Within 6 |
|
|
6 months |
|
|
2 to 3 |
|
|
After 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
months |
|
|
to 1 Year |
|
|
years |
|
|
years |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
The group has at its disposal following financial
assets in addition to unused lines of credit. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Bank balance |
|
|
181,616 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
181,616 |
|
Cash-restricted |
|
|
1,081,574 |
|
|
|
1,266,288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,347,862 |
|
Interest bearing deposits with bank |
|
|
87,495 |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
107,495 |
|
Deposits with clearing organizations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,865 |
|
|
|
120,865 |
|
Receivable from broker-dealers and clearing
organizations |
|
|
42,228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,228 |
|
Receivable from customers |
|
|
171,993 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
171,993 |
|
Available-for-sale securities Marketable, at market
value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest accrued but not due |
|
|
102,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,667,076 |
|
|
|
1,286,288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,865 |
|
|
|
3,074,229 |
|
|
|
|
Year ended March 31, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Within 6 |
|
|
6 months |
|
|
2 to 3 |
|
|
After 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
months |
|
|
to 1 Year |
|
|
years |
|
|
years |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
Financial Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable to broker dealers and clearing organizations |
|
|
2,984,232 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,984,232 |
|
Payable to customers |
|
|
2,494,634 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,494,634 |
|
Borrowings |
|
|
100,274 |
|
|
|
768 |
|
|
|
3,070 |
|
|
|
2,430 |
|
|
|
106,542 |
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other
liabilities |
|
|
682,289 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
682,289 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,261,429 |
|
|
|
768 |
|
|
|
3,070 |
|
|
|
2,430 |
|
|
|
6,267,697 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Within 6 |
|
|
6 months |
|
|
2 to 3 |
|
|
After 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
months |
|
|
to 1 Year |
|
|
years |
|
|
years |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
The group has at its disposal following financial
assets in addition to unused lines of credit. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Bank balance |
|
|
287,465 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
287,465 |
|
Cash-restricted |
|
|
2,640,245 |
|
|
|
2,774,478 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,414,723 |
|
Interest bearing deposits with bank |
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,500 |
|
Deposits with clearing organizations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
151,515 |
|
|
|
151,515 |
|
Receivable from broker-dealers and clearing
organizations |
|
|
354,441 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
354,441 |
|
Receivable from customers |
|
|
930,671 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
930,671 |
|
Available-for-sale securities Marketable, at market
value |
|
|
161,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
161,280 |
|
Interest accrued but not due |
|
|
234,126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
234,126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,608,228 |
|
|
|
2,790,978 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
151,515 |
|
|
|
7,550,721 |
|
|
|
|
Available credit facilities (undrawn) as at March 31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
Fund based facilities (working capital) |
|
|
350,950 |
|
|
|
2,260,000 |
|
Nonfund facilities |
|
|
402,148 |
|
|
|
1,000,075 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
753,098 |
|
|
|
3,260,075 |
|
|
|
|
173
3.2. |
|
Capital risk management |
|
|
|
The objectives of the Group when managing capital are to safeguard the groups ability to
continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and to maintain
minimal debt. Capital of the group is equity as shown in the consolidated balance sheet.
The exchange in which the group is a member has stipulated minimum net worth that must be
maintained. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the group may adjust the
amount of dividends to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt. The
group has embedded in its regulatory compliance framework the necessary test to ensure the
continuous and full compliance with the net worth criteria set by the Exchange at each entity
level. The group has complied with the net worth requirement at each entity level during the
year and as at March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008. |
|
3.3. |
|
Fair value estimation |
|
|
|
The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as available-for-sale
securities) is based on quoted market prices at the balance sheet date. The quoted market
price used for financial assets held by the group is the closing market price. The fair value
of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, the BSE
Shares) is determined by using valuation techniques. |
|
|
|
The group uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market conditions
and comparable market transactions existing at each balance sheet date. Other techniques,
such as estimated discounted cash flows, are used to determine fair value for the remaining
financial instruments. |
|
|
|
The carrying values less impairment provision, of trade receivables are assumed to
approximate their fair values. |
|
4. |
|
Critical accounting estimates and judgements |
|
|
|
In the process of applying the groups accounting policies, management has made estimates and
judgements in preparing the financial statements. |
|
|
|
Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and
other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable
under the circumstances. |
|
|
|
MF makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates
will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions
that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below. |
|
|
|
Valuation of financial assets where there is no quoted price This determination requires
significant judgement particularly in determining changes in fair value since the last formal
valuation. |
|
|
|
Impairment of non-financial assets The recoverable amount of an asset or a cash-generating
unit is determined based on value-in-use calculations prepared on the basis of managements
assumptions and estimates. |
|
|
|
Income taxes There are transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax
determination is uncertain and would get finalized on completion of assessment by tax
authorities. Where the final tax outcome is different from the amounts that were initially
recorded, such differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the
period in which such determination is made. |
|
|
|
Defined benefit schemes Gratuity Liability The costs of and period-end obligations under
defined benefit schemes are determined using an actuarial valuation. The actuarial valuation
involves making assumptions about discount rates, expected rates of return on assets, future
salary increases, mortality rates and future pension increases. Due to the long-term nature
of these schemes, such estimates are subject to significant uncertainty. The group reviews
its assumptions annually in conjunction with its independent actuary and considers this
adjustment appropriate given the geographical and demographic profile of the scheme. |
|
|
|
Share-based payment transactions Share-based payments are measured at fair value by an
independent valuer using the Black-Scholes model and expensed over the vesting period based
on the groups estimate of shares that will eventually vest. |
|
174
5. |
|
Intangible assets |
|
5.1. |
|
Software |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Web |
|
|
|
|
Computer |
|
Development |
|
|
|
|
Software |
|
Costs |
|
Total |
|
|
|
Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2007 |
|
|
44,196 |
|
|
|
207,452 |
|
|
|
251,648 |
|
Additions |
|
|
7,265 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,265 |
|
Exchange difference |
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2008 |
|
|
51,446 |
|
|
|
207,452 |
|
|
|
258,898 |
|
Additions |
|
|
12,118 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,118 |
|
Exchange difference |
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
63,614 |
|
|
|
207452 |
|
|
|
271,066 |
|
|
|
|
Accumulated amortisation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2007 |
|
|
24,843 |
|
|
|
207,452 |
|
|
|
232,295 |
|
Charge for the year |
|
|
10,931 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,931 |
|
Exchange difference |
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8 |
) |
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2008 |
|
|
35,766 |
|
|
|
207,452 |
|
|
|
243,218 |
|
Charge for the year |
|
|
11,733 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,733 |
|
Exchange difference |
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
47,540 |
|
|
|
207,452 |
|
|
|
254,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book amount as at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
16,074 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,074 |
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
15,680 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,680 |
|
5.2. |
|
Membership in Exchanges |
|
|
|
Membership in exchanges consists of: |
|
a) |
|
BSE membership of Rs 4,387 as at March 31, 2009 and 2008, and |
|
|
b) |
|
DGCX membership of Rs.5,108 and Rs.4,022 as at March 31, 2009 and 2008,
respectively. DGCX membership value underwent a change due to foreign currency
translation. |
|
|
BSE membership |
|
|
|
MF Global Sify acquired The Stock Exchange, Mumbai (the BSE) membership card on December 6,
2000. During the year 2005-06, a scheme, The Bombay Stock Exchange (Corporatisation and
Demutualization) Scheme 2005 (the Scheme) was approved by Securities Exchange Board of
India with effect from August 19, 2005 (the due date) which converted the BSE from an
Association of Person to a corporate body in the name of Bombay Stock Exchange Limited
(BSEL). |
|
|
|
In accordance with the scheme, the members of the erstwhile BSE, in exchange of their
erstwhile BSE membership cards (rights) received membership rights of BSEL (i.e. right to
trade on BSEL without placement of cash deposit) as well as equity shares of BSEL. |
|
|
|
The carrying value of the erstwhile BSE membership card on the due date in the books of MF
Global Sify was Rs.13,570 thousand. Consequent to the corporatisation of the BSE, MF Global
Sify computed the fair value of the membership rights of BSEL and shares of BSEL as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
Membership rights of BSEL:
|
|
On the basis of the benefits which
MF Global Sify would get over the
current deposit based membership
right of BSEL |
175
|
|
|
|
|
Equity shares of BSEL:
|
|
On the basis of the fair value of
the equity shares of BSEL
determined by the management |
|
|
The difference between the aggregate of the fair values of the membership right being BSEL
and the equity shares of BSEL and the carrying value of the initial BSE membership right of
Rs. 5,980 thousand was written off to the consolidated income statement during the year ended
March 31, 2006. |
|
6. |
|
Furniture and equipment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Furniture |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and |
|
|
Computers |
|
|
Office |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixtures |
|
|
Systems |
|
|
equipments |
|
|
Vehicles |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
Cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2007 |
|
|
3,144 |
|
|
|
130,579 |
|
|
|
15,361 |
|
|
|
8,303 |
|
|
|
157,387 |
|
Additions |
|
|
3,317 |
|
|
|
16,901 |
|
|
|
5,464 |
|
|
|
11,158 |
|
|
|
36,840 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(351 |
) |
|
|
(351 |
) |
Exchange difference |
|
|
(78 |
) |
|
|
(39 |
) |
|
|
(44 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(161 |
) |
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2008 |
|
|
6,383 |
|
|
|
147,441 |
|
|
|
20,781 |
|
|
|
19,110 |
|
|
|
193,715 |
|
Additions |
|
|
1,537 |
|
|
|
18,243 |
|
|
|
15,915 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,695 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(813 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,108 |
) |
|
|
(6,921 |
) |
Exchange difference |
|
|
262 |
|
|
|
190 |
|
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
213 |
|
|
|
830 |
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
8,182 |
|
|
|
165,061 |
|
|
|
36,861 |
|
|
|
13,215 |
|
|
|
223,319 |
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
depreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2007 |
|
|
964 |
|
|
|
85,492 |
|
|
|
5,330 |
|
|
|
4,140 |
|
|
|
95,926 |
|
Charge for the year |
|
|
550 |
|
|
|
20,678 |
|
|
|
1,717 |
|
|
|
2,104 |
|
|
|
25,049 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(91 |
) |
|
|
(91 |
) |
Exchange difference |
|
|
(22 |
) |
|
|
(20 |
) |
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(51 |
) |
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2008 |
|
|
1,492 |
|
|
|
106,150 |
|
|
|
7,038 |
|
|
|
6,153 |
|
|
|
120,833 |
|
Charge for the year |
|
|
1,571 |
|
|
|
19,780 |
|
|
|
2,401 |
|
|
|
2,864 |
|
|
|
26,616 |
|
Disposals |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(647 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,304 |
) |
|
|
(4,951 |
) |
Exchange difference |
|
|
107 |
|
|
|
108 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
281 |
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
3,170 |
|
|
|
125,391 |
|
|
|
9,485 |
|
|
|
4,733 |
|
|
|
142,779 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net book amount as at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
5,012 |
|
|
|
39,670 |
|
|
|
27,376 |
|
|
|
8,482 |
|
|
|
80,540 |
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
|
4,891 |
|
|
|
41,291 |
|
|
|
13,743 |
|
|
|
12,957 |
|
|
|
72,882 |
|
7. |
|
Deferred income tax |
|
|
|
The movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the respective years, is as
follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
At April 1 |
|
|
54,682 |
|
|
|
47,725 |
|
Furniture and equipment |
|
|
(867 |
) |
|
|
(1,677 |
) |
Provision on receivable from customers |
|
|
994 |
|
|
|
229 |
|
Stock appreciation rights |
|
|
8,200 |
|
|
|
4,899 |
|
Bonus payable |
|
|
(6,528 |
) |
|
|
3,442 |
|
Others |
|
|
(399 |
) |
|
|
64 |
|
|
|
|
At March 31 |
|
|
56,082 |
|
|
|
54,682 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprised Of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets |
|
|
56,486 |
|
|
|
55,229 |
|
Deferred tax liabilities |
|
|
(404 |
) |
|
|
(547 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,082 |
|
|
|
54,682 |
|
|
|
|
176
|
|
An analysis of the gross deferred tax asset and liability balances is as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Furniture and equipment |
|
|
4,282 |
|
|
|
5,159 |
|
Provision on receivable from customers |
|
|
27,147 |
|
|
|
26,153 |
|
Stock appreciation rights |
|
|
15,537 |
|
|
|
7,337 |
|
Bonus payable |
|
|
9,520 |
|
|
|
16,048 |
|
Others |
|
|
|
|
|
|
532 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56,486 |
|
|
|
55,229 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Furniture and equipment |
|
|
(31 |
) |
|
|
(41 |
) |
Others |
|
|
(373 |
) |
|
|
(506 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(404 |
) |
|
|
(547 |
) |
|
|
|
8. |
|
Receivables from customers |
|
|
|
Receivables from customers that are due for less than six months are generally not considered
impaired. In respect of receivables that are neither past due nor impaired, as at the
reporting date, there are no indications that the customers will not meet their payment
obligations. |
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2009, receivables of Rs.9,725 (March 31, 2008: Rs.39,831) were past due but
not impaired. There are no indications that these customers will not meet their payment
obligations. The ageing analysis of receivables, which are not impaired, is as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
Up to 6 months |
|
|
162,268 |
|
|
|
890,840 |
|
more than 6 months |
|
|
9,725 |
|
|
|
39,831 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
171,993 |
|
|
|
930,671 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2009, receivables of Rs.80,000 (March 31, 2008: Rs.77,055) were impaired and
provided for. The amount of the provision was Rs.80,000 as at March 31, 2009 (March 31, 2008:
Rs.77,075). Receivables are tested individually for impairment. |
|
|
|
The ageing of these receivables is as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
Up to 6 months |
|
|
13,020 |
|
|
|
13,061 |
|
more than 6 months |
|
|
66,980 |
|
|
|
63,994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
|
|
77,055 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The carrying amounts of the groups receivables are denominated in the following currencies: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
US dollar |
|
|
|
|
|
|
332,834 |
|
INR |
|
|
171,993 |
|
|
|
597,837 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
171,993 |
|
|
|
930,671 |
|
|
|
|
177
|
|
Movements on the groups provision for impairment of trade receivables are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
As at the beginning of the year |
|
|
77,075 |
|
|
|
76,400 |
|
|
|
3,100 |
|
Provision for impairment |
|
|
2,925 |
|
|
|
675 |
|
|
|
73,300 |
|
|
|
|
As at the closing of the year |
|
|
80,000 |
|
|
|
77,075 |
|
|
|
76,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the fair value of each class of
receivable mentioned above. |
|
9. |
|
Receivable from and payable to broker-dealer and clearing organisations |
|
|
|
Amounts receivable from and payable to broker-dealers and clearing organizations
(non-interest bearing) within six months from the balance sheet date consist of the
following: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
2008 |
|
|
Receivable |
|
|
Payable |
|
|
Receivable |
|
|
Payable |
|
|
|
|
Clearing organizations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unsettled trade |
|
|
27,760 |
|
|
|
29,614 |
|
|
|
223,496 |
|
|
|
|
|
Broker-Dealer |
|
|
14,468 |
|
|
|
198,172 |
|
|
|
130,945 |
|
|
|
2,984,232 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,228 |
|
|
|
227,786 |
|
|
|
354,441 |
|
|
|
2,984,232 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
|
28,983 |
|
|
|
21,806 |
|
Advance tax (net of provisions) |
|
|
97,281 |
|
|
|
75,479 |
|
Deposits |
|
|
29,015 |
|
|
|
34,462 |
|
Loans and advances (to staff) |
|
|
10,579 |
|
|
|
16,693 |
|
Gratuity Trust |
|
|
2,343 |
|
|
|
|
|
Others* |
|
|
21,380 |
|
|
|
22,456 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
189,581 |
|
|
|
170,896 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Includes Advances to vendors towards expenses, delayed payment charges from clients,
withholding tax recoverable, etc |
178
11. |
|
Cash and bank balance |
|
|
|
Cash and bank balance consist of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Cash in hand |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
21 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Cash at bank |
|
|
181,596 |
|
|
|
287,444 |
|
|
|
324,374 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
181,616 |
|
|
|
287,465 |
|
|
|
324,375 |
|
|
|
|
12. |
|
Cash restricted |
|
|
|
Restricted cash as of March 31, 2009 includes fixed deposits of Rs.351,762 (Rs.1,082,523 as
of March 31, 2008) placed with banks as margins for bank guarantees issued to clearing
organizations and fixed deposits of Rs.1,996,100 (Rs.4,332,200 as of March 31, 2008)
specifically earmarked as liens to clearing organizations towards margins. |
|
|
|
Excess margin placed in the form of fixed deposits or bank guarantees can be withdrawn by
giving one-day notice to the clearing organizations of the exchange. |
|
|
|
Bank guarantees outstanding are Rs.797,602 as at March 31, 2009 (2008: Rs.1,938,489). Bank
guarantees are generally provided to the Exchanges for the purposes of Margins. An exchange
may revoke these guarantees if they suffer any losses or damage through the breach of any of
the covenants contained in the agreements. |
|
13. |
|
Share capital and Dividend distribution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
Authorised capital
65,000,000 ordinary shares of Rs.10/- per share |
|
|
650,000 |
|
|
|
650,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2009, 51,894,182 ordinary shares (March 31, 2008: 51,894,182 ordinary shares)
of Rs.10/- each, issued and fully paidup. |
|
|
|
Dividend distribution |
|
|
|
Dividends payable to equity shareholders are based on the net income available for
distribution as reported in the standalone financial statements of MF Global Sify prepared
in accordance with Indian GAAP. As such, dividends are declared and paid in Indian Rupees.
The net income in accordance with IFRS may, in certain years, either not be fully available
or will be additionally available for distribution to equity shareholders. |
|
|
|
Under the Companies Act, 1956 of India dividends may be paid out of the 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 to transfer to its reserves a minimum percentage of its
profits for that year, ranging from 2.5% to 10%, depending on the dividend percentage to be
declared in such year. Dividends declared are subject to a dividend distribution tax of
16.99%. |
179
|
|
Employees Stock Appreciation Scheme |
|
|
|
The group had introduced the Stock Appreciation Rights Plan 2006 (SARs Plan 2006),
Stock Appreciation Rights Plan 2007 (SARS Plan 2007) and and Stock Appreciation Rights
Plan 2008 (SARS Plan 2008) during the years ended March 31, 2007, March 31, 2008 and March
31, 2009, respectively, and granted stock appreciation rights to eligible employees. The
group believes that such awards better align the interests of its employees with those of its
shareholders. The stock appreciation rights vest with the employee and are settled in cash on
the day following the fourth anniversary of the grant date. The exercise price for the grant
is Rs. Nil. SARs are accounted as cash settled share-based payments. |
|
|
|
The group has granted a total of 711,247 SARs under the SARs Plan 2006, 809,500 SARs
under the SARs Plan 2007 and 1,386,000 SARs under the SARs Plan 2008 to the employees. The
weighted-average grant date fair value of SARs was Rs.34, Rs.82 and Rs.66 for SARs Plan 2006,
SARs plan 2007 and SARs plan 2008, respectively. The forfeited SARs are reissued to the other
eligible employees, where the vesting period is from the date of reissue to the vesting date
as per the initial grant of SARs. |
|
|
|
The Company has carried out an independent fair valuation of the stock appreciation
rights as of March 31, 2009. The total unrecognized compensation costs relating to SARs to be
recognized in future over the remaining vesting period is estimated to be Rs.144,440,
Rs.101,449 and Rs.22,425 as of March 31, 2009, March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007,
respectively. |
|
|
|
The fair value of each SARs is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes
valuation model that uses the following variables: |
|
|
|
Stock Price: Current value of the underlying asset is derived through a valuation
exercise, wherein the profit earning capacity has been considered as an appropriate method of
valuation. |
|
|
|
Exercise price: As per the plan grant price of the SARs is Rs.NIL |
|
|
|
The Company has no past track record for dividend payments. Hence, a zero percent
dividend yield has been assumed for the purpose of the valuation. |
|
|
|
Changes in number of SARs representing stock options outstanding were as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
As at the beginning of the year |
|
|
1,512,747 |
|
|
|
711,247 |
|
|
|
|
|
Granted during the year |
|
|
1,386,000 |
|
|
|
809,500 |
|
|
|
711,247 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(111,500 |
) |
|
|
(62,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Reissued |
|
|
111,500 |
|
|
|
54,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Lapsed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at the end of the year |
|
|
2,898,747 |
|
|
|
1,512,747 |
|
|
|
711,247 |
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at the end of the year |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Approximate remaining vesting period in years |
|
|
2.98 |
|
|
|
3.92 |
|
|
|
3.00 |
|
180
|
|
Co-investment plan |
|
|
|
The co-investment plan allows selected senior employees of Man Group Plc, including
those of MF, to use a portion of their cash bonus to purchase shares of Man Group Plc for
investment within the plan. Shares held as investment within the plan for at least three
years are matched by four shares of Man Group Plc. The plan limits the total value that can
be received by a participant at 100% of their cash bonus, including both of their original
investment in the plan and matching shares of Man Group Plc. |
|
|
|
MF requested Man Group Plc for application to co-investment plan for certain senior
employees. Man Group Plc consented and framed an India sub-plan (Plan) of the co-investment
scheme, which was approved by the board of Man Group on May 31, 2006. |
|
|
|
During the year ended March 31, 2007, 4476 shares of Man Group Plc were purchased by MF
for its senior employees as a part of the Plan by contributing an amount of USD 200,000
(Rs.8,833 thousand) to ED & F Man Group (No.2) Employees Trust, which in turn issued 27,300
matching shares with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $ 6.84 to be held in
trust. There was no forfeiture, vesting or exercise of the grant during the year. The total
unrecognized compensation to be expensed is Rs.2,208. MF is no longer a part of Man Group
plc. and has not participated in the co-investment plan during the year ended March 31, 2009
and March 31, 2008. |
|
15. |
|
Borrowings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective |
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
interest rate |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bank overdraft (Unsecured) |
|
|
15 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
99,507 |
|
Car Loan (Secured) |
|
|
10 |
% |
|
|
4,645 |
|
|
|
5,552 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,645 |
|
|
|
105,059 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate maturities of the borrowings are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
On demand or within one year |
|
|
1,156 |
|
|
|
100,441 |
|
In one to three years |
|
|
2,622 |
|
|
|
2,376 |
|
In three to five years |
|
|
867 |
|
|
|
2,242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,645 |
|
|
|
105,059 |
|
|
|
|
16. |
|
Employee benefit obligation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Gratuity |
|
|
844 |
|
|
|
1,772 |
|
|
|
2,260 |
|
Stock appreciation rights |
|
|
46,851 |
|
|
|
22,616 |
|
|
|
7,451 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47,695 |
|
|
|
24,388 |
|
|
|
9,711 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The movement in the defined benefit obligation of gratuity over the period is as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Opening defined benefit obligation |
|
|
9,458 |
|
|
|
6,287 |
|
|
|
4,131 |
|
Current service cost |
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
3,110 |
|
|
|
2,214 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
755 |
|
|
|
505 |
|
|
|
296 |
|
Actuarial losses/ (gains) |
|
|
(3,471 |
) |
|
|
(444 |
) |
|
|
(354 |
) |
Benefits paid |
|
|
(42 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Closing defined benefit obligation |
|
|
9,700 |
|
|
|
9,458 |
|
|
|
6,287 |
|
|
|
|
181
|
|
The movement in the fair value of plan assets of the year is as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Beginning of year |
|
|
7,686 |
|
|
|
4,027 |
|
|
|
2,264 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
832 |
|
|
|
321 |
|
|
|
210 |
|
Actuarial (losses)/gains |
|
|
(129 |
) |
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
Employer contributions |
|
|
2,853 |
|
|
|
3,306 |
|
|
|
1,553 |
|
Benefits paid |
|
|
(42 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Closing fair value of plan assets |
|
|
11,200 |
|
|
|
7,686 |
|
|
|
4,027 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The amounts recognised in the income statement in respect of gratuity are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Current service cost |
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
3,153 |
|
|
|
2,214 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
755 |
|
|
|
505 |
|
|
|
296 |
|
Actuarial loss |
|
|
(3,342 |
) |
|
|
(537 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Expected return on plan asset |
|
|
(832 |
) |
|
|
(321 |
) |
|
|
(170 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(419 |
) |
|
|
2,800 |
|
|
|
2,340 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The principal actuarial assumptions used were as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Discount rate |
|
|
8 |
% |
|
|
8 |
% |
|
|
8 |
% |
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
9.15 |
% |
|
|
8 |
% |
|
|
8 |
% |
Long term rate of compensation increase |
|
|
6 |
% |
|
|
6 |
% |
|
|
6 |
% |
|
|
Mortality rates at various age groups are taken as per 1994-96 Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) Ultimate table. |
182
17. |
|
Accounts payables, accrued expenses and other liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Accruals |
|
|
35,541 |
|
|
|
42,205 |
|
|
|
62,425 |
|
Withholding tax payable |
|
|
52,060 |
|
|
|
147,729 |
|
|
|
63,925 |
|
Bonus Payable |
|
|
126,350 |
|
|
|
307,076 |
|
|
|
152,164 |
|
Other payables |
|
|
138,007 |
|
|
|
185,279 |
|
|
|
82,226 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
351,958 |
|
|
|
682,289 |
|
|
|
360,740 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Professional Fees |
|
|
10,590 |
|
|
|
17,562 |
|
|
|
14,465 |
|
Travelling and conveyance |
|
|
15,872 |
|
|
|
18,844 |
|
|
|
15,388 |
|
Books & Periodicals, Postage, printing and stationary |
|
|
33,466 |
|
|
|
46,284 |
|
|
|
33,958 |
|
Loss on account of error trades (net) |
|
|
12,452 |
|
|
|
30,818 |
|
|
|
21,988 |
|
Repairs & maintenance |
|
|
2,717 |
|
|
|
708 |
|
|
|
1,687 |
|
Service fee expenses |
|
|
15,735 |
|
|
|
22,222 |
|
|
|
1,713 |
|
Insurance Premium |
|
|
19,801 |
|
|
|
3,632 |
|
|
|
1,354 |
|
Others |
|
|
15,060 |
|
|
|
11,894 |
|
|
|
9,940 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
125,693 |
|
|
|
151,964 |
|
|
|
100,493 |
|
|
|
|
19. |
|
Employee benefit expense |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Salaries and bonus |
|
|
483,382 |
|
|
|
720,070 |
|
|
|
437,135 |
|
Defined contribution plans |
|
|
3,968 |
|
|
|
3,828 |
|
|
|
3,617 |
|
Defined benefit plans |
|
|
285 |
|
|
|
2,800 |
|
|
|
2,340 |
|
Staff welfare expenses |
|
|
2,896 |
|
|
|
3,688 |
|
|
|
2,787 |
|
Sharebased compensation expense |
|
|
23,973 |
|
|
|
15,218 |
|
|
|
7,455 |
|
Fringe benefit tax |
|
|
730 |
|
|
|
169 |
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
515,234 |
|
|
|
745,773 |
|
|
|
453,488 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Profit on sale of available-for-sale securities |
|
|
6,724 |
|
|
|
51,816 |
|
|
|
|
|
Delayed payment charges |
|
|
39,215 |
|
|
|
52,622 |
|
|
|
28,719 |
|
Research fees |
|
|
2,824 |
|
|
|
7,861 |
|
|
|
1,587 |
|
Referral fees |
|
|
51,990 |
|
|
|
20,527 |
|
|
|
9,741 |
|
Interest and dividend |
|
|
5,341 |
|
|
|
11,708 |
|
|
|
19,917 |
|
Miscellaneous income |
|
|
32,577 |
|
|
|
21,131 |
|
|
|
21,881 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
138,671 |
|
|
|
165,665 |
|
|
|
81,845 |
|
|
|
|
183
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Current tax |
|
|
127,269 |
|
|
|
360,626 |
|
|
|
138,650 |
|
Deferred tax |
|
|
(894 |
) |
|
|
(6,957 |
) |
|
|
(34,820 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
126,375 |
|
|
|
353,669 |
|
|
|
103,830 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The tax on MFs profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using
the weighted average tax rate applicable to profits of the consolidated entities as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Net income before taxes |
|
|
343,292 |
|
|
|
959,924 |
|
|
|
308,256 |
|
Enacted tax rates in India |
|
|
33.99 |
% |
|
|
33.99 |
% |
|
|
33.66 |
% |
|
|
|
Computed tax expense |
|
|
116,685 |
|
|
|
326,278 |
|
|
|
103,759 |
|
|
|
|
Income exempt from tax: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend |
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
(198 |
) |
|
|
(3174 |
) |
Non-deductible expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contribution to co-investment plan |
|
|
751 |
|
|
|
751 |
|
|
|
2,973 |
|
Security transaction tax not allowable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,022 |
|
|
|
|
|
Others including donations, FBT, etc. |
|
|
1,275 |
|
|
|
1,335 |
|
|
|
935 |
|
Recharges by parent and affiliate companies |
|
|
8,498 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for disallowance of previous year expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,675 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income charged at lower rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,536 |
) |
|
|
|
|
(Gain) / Loss in Subsidiaries |
|
|
(1,123 |
) |
|
|
491 |
|
|
|
352 |
|
Others |
|
|
346 |
|
|
|
(2,149 |
) |
|
|
(1,015 |
) |
|
|
|
Income taxes recognized in the statement of income |
|
|
126,375 |
|
|
|
353,669 |
|
|
|
103,830 |
|
|
|
|
22. |
|
Financial instruments by category |
|
|
|
The accounting policies for financial instruments have been applied to the line items below: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans and |
|
|
Available |
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
receivables |
|
|
for sale |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
Assets as per balance sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Bank balance |
|
|
181,616 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
181,616 |
|
Cash-restricted |
|
|
2,347,862 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,347,862 |
|
Interest bearing deposits with bank |
|
|
107,495 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
107,495 |
|
Deposits with clearing organizations and others |
|
|
120,865 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,865 |
|
Receivable from broker-dealers and clearing organizations |
|
|
42,228 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,228 |
|
Receivable from customers |
|
|
171,993 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
171,993 |
|
Available-for-sale securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable, at market value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Not readily marketable (at estimated fair value) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,920 |
|
|
|
9,920 |
|
Interest accrued but not due |
|
|
102,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102,170 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
189,581 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
189,581 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,263,810 |
|
|
|
9,920 |
|
|
|
3,273,730 |
|
|
|
|
184
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
financial |
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
liabilities |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
Liabilities as per balance sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable to broker dealers and clearing organizations |
|
|
227,786 |
|
|
|
227,786 |
|
Payable to customers |
|
|
985,075 |
|
|
|
985,075 |
|
Borrowings |
|
|
4,645 |
|
|
|
4,645 |
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities |
|
|
351,958 |
|
|
|
351,958 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,569,464 |
|
|
|
1,569,464 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans and |
|
|
Available |
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
receivables |
|
|
for sale |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
Assets as per balance sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Bank balance |
|
|
287,465 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
287,465 |
|
Cash-restricted |
|
|
5,414,723 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,414,723 |
|
Interest bearing deposits with bank |
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,500 |
|
Deposits with clearing organizations and others |
|
|
151,515 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
151,515 |
|
Receivable from broker-dealers and clearing organizations |
|
|
354,441 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
354,441 |
|
Receivable from customers |
|
|
930,671 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
930,671 |
|
Available-for-sale securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketable, at market value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
161,280 |
|
|
|
161,280 |
|
Not readily marketable (at estimated fair value) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,393 |
|
|
|
20,393 |
|
Interest accrued but not due |
|
|
234,126 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
234,126 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
170,896 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
170,896 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,560,337 |
|
|
|
181,673 |
|
|
|
7,742,010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
financial |
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2008 |
|
liabilities |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
Liabilities as per balance sheet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payable to broker dealers and clearing organizations |
|
|
2,984,232 |
|
|
|
2,984,232 |
|
Payable to customers |
|
|
2,494,634 |
|
|
|
2,494,634 |
|
Borrowings |
|
|
105,059 |
|
|
|
105,059 |
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities |
|
|
682,289 |
|
|
|
682,289 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,266,214 |
|
|
|
6,266,214 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents,
receivables, amounts due to or from related parties, accounts payable and other liabilities
approximate their respective fair values due to their short maturity. |
23. |
|
Commitments and contingencies |
|
a) |
|
Operating lease commitments MF as lessee |
185
|
|
|
The group has obligations under long term operating leases with initial non-cancelable terms
in excess of one year. Aggregate annual rentals for office space as of March 31, 2009, are
approximately as listed below: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, 2009 |
|
Not later than 1 year |
|
|
61,067 |
|
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years |
|
|
71,636 |
|
Later than 5 years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total minimum lease commitments |
|
|
132,703 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rent expense for the current year aggregated to Rs.56,174 (2008: Rs27,982) and is included in
the occupancy expense line item on the consolidated statements of income. |
|
|
The group is a member of various exchanges that trade and clear securities, commodities
and/or futures contracts. Associated with its membership, the group may be required to pay a
proportionate share of the financial obligations of another member who may default on its
obligations to the exchange. While the rules governing different exchange memberships vary,
in general the groups obligation would be restricted only to the extent of amounts
due/receivable from the exchange and would arise only if the exchange had previously
exhausted its resources. The group has not recorded any contingent liability in the
consolidated financial statements for these agreements and believes that any potential
requirement to make payments under these agreements is remote. |
|
24. |
|
Related party transactions |
|
|
|
The share capital of MF is held jointly by MF Global Overseas Ltd. (UK) and Sify Technologies
Ltd. The ultimate holding company of MF Global Sify is MF Global Ltd. (Bermuda). |
|
a) |
|
Transactions involving services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Services provided by MF to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Holding companies & Parties having substantial interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reimbursement of Expenses |
|
|
3,205 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fellow Subsidiary Companies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Referral Fees |
|
|
51,992 |
|
|
|
20,527 |
|
|
|
9,741 |
|
Reimbursement of Expenses |
|
|
5,185 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service Fees (included in miscellaneous income) |
|
|
8,715 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
69,097 |
|
|
|
20,527 |
|
|
|
9,741 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Services received by MF from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Holding companies & Parties having substantial interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reimbursement of Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,303 |
|
Service Fees |
|
|
9,349 |
|
|
|
8,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
Bank Guarantee Commission |
|
|
1,692 |
|
|
|
14,616 |
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance Premium |
|
|
17,842 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase / AMC of Computer Hardware |
|
|
6,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fellow Subsidiary Companies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reimbursement of Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,780 |
|
|
|
870 |
|
Service Fees |
|
|
6,386 |
|
|
|
13,998 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Membership & Subscription |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,447 |
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance Premium |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,809 |
|
|
|
|
|
Lease Line Charges |
|
|
1,675 |
|
|
|
1,346 |
|
|
|
|
|
IB Commission Expense |
|
|
1,454 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Expense |
|
|
1,039 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Others |
|
|
247 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,284 |
|
|
|
46,259 |
|
|
|
3,173 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loan taken and repaid |
|
|
270,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
186
|
b) |
|
Key management compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
Salaries and other short-term employee benefits |
|
|
63,112 |
|
|
|
170,488 |
|
|
|
70,734 |
|
Other long-term benefits (Co-Investment Plan) |
|
|
2,208 |
|
|
|
2,208 |
|
|
|
2,208 |
|
Share-based payments |
|
|
5,420 |
|
|
|
6,824 |
|
|
|
1.901 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,740 |
|
|
|
179,520 |
|
|
|
74,843 |
|
|
|
|
|
c) |
|
Year-end balances arising from transactions involving services |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
Due To Related Parties |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MF Global Ltd. (Bermuda) |
|
|
58,139 |
|
|
|
23,038 |
|
|
MF Global UK Ltd. |
|
|
37,859 |
|
|
|
13,755 |
|
|
MF Global Inc. DE |
|
|
577 |
|
|
|
454 |
|
|
MF Global Holdings USA Inc. |
|
|
2,298 |
|
|
|
1,809 |
|
|
MF Global Singapore Pte Ltd. |
|
|
1,582 |
|
|
|
3,313 |
|
|
MF Global Holdings HK Ltd. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,346 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,455 |
|
|
|
43,715 |
|
|
|
|
187
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As at March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
Due from Related Parties |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MF Global Inc. DE |
|
|
2,497 |
|
|
|
7,344 |
|
MF Global Mauritius Pvt. Ltd. |
|
|
408 |
|
|
|
43 |
|
MF Global Singapore Pte Ltd. |
|
|
1,427 |
|
|
|
107 |
|
MF Global Holdings HK Ltd. |
|
|
155 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
MF Global UK Ltd. |
|
|
1,172 |
|
|
|
465 |
|
MF Global Overseas Ltd. |
|
|
3,204 |
|
|
|
|
|
MF Global Capital Services India Pvt. Ltd. |
|
|
2,592 |
|
|
|
2,592 |
|
MF Global India Pvt. Ltd. |
|
|
947 |
|
|
|
|
|
MF Global Centralised Services India Pvt. Ltd. |
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,468 |
|
|
|
10,558 |
|
|
|
|
|
d) |
|
Loans and advances to key management personnel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years ended March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
At the beginning of the year |
|
|
259 |
|
|
|
1,150 |
|
Advances during the year |
|
|
989 |
|
|
|
1,999 |
|
Repayments during the year |
|
|
(971 |
) |
|
|
(2,890 |
) |
|
|
|
At the end of the year |
|
|
277 |
|
|
|
259 |
|
|
|
|
Advances to the key management personnel are interest free advances. No provision has
been required for such loans.
For and on behalf of the Board
Vineet Bhatnagar
Managing Director
188
Item 19. Exhibits
|
|
|
Number |
|
Description |
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
Amended Articles of Association of Sify Technologies Limited. (1) |
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
Memorandum of Association of Sify Technologies Limited. (2) |
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
Amendment of Memorandum of Association. (3) |
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
Deposit Agreement, dated as of October 18, 1999, among Sify Technologies Limited, Citibank, N.A. and holders from time to time of American
Depository Shares evidenced by American Depository Receipts issued thereunder (including, as an exhibit, the form of American Depository
Receipt). (4) |
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
Amendment No. 1 to Deposit Agreement among Sify Technologies Limited, Citibank, N.A. and holders from time to time of American Depository
Shares evidenced by American Depository Receipts issued thereunder (including, as an exhibit, the form of American Depository Receipt). (4) |
|
|
|
2.3
|
|
Amendment No. 2 to Deposit Agreement among Sify Technologies Limited, Citibank, N.A. and holders from time to time of American Depository
Shares evidenced by American Depository Receipts issued thereunder (including, as an exhibit, the form of American Depository Receipt). (5) |
|
|
|
2.4
|
|
Subscription Agreement dated November 10, 2005 between Sify Technologies Limited and Infinity Capital Ventures, LP. (9) |
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
Standstill Agreement dated November 10, 2005 by and among Sify Technologies Limited, Infinity Capital Ventures, LP and Mr Raju Vegesna. (9) |
|
|
|
2.6
|
|
Shareholders Agreement dated December 20, 2005 between Sify Technologies Limited, Infinity Satcom Universal (P) Limited, and Sify
Communications Limited(erstwhile subsidiary). (10) |
|
|
|
2.7
|
|
Shareholders Agreement dated November 25, 2005 between Sify Technologies Limited and Man Financial. (11) |
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Associate Stock Option Plan 2000 (6) |
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
Associate Stock Option Plan 2002 (6) |
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Associate Stock Option Plan 2005 (12) |
|
|
|
4.4
|
|
Associate Stock Option Plan 2007 (14) |
|
|
|
4.5
|
|
Form of Indemnification Agreement. (7) |
|
|
|
4.6
|
|
License Agreement for Provision of Internet Service, including Internet Telephony dated as of April 1, 2002 by and between Sify Technologies
Limited and the Government of India, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Department of Telecommunications, Telecom
Commission. (3) |
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
Bank Guarantee, dated as of November 4, 1998. (2) |
|
|
|
4.8
|
|
Agreement, dated November 10, 2004, between Sify Technologies Limited, Satyam Computer Services Limited, SAIF Investment Company Limited and
Venture Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (8) |
|
|
|
4.9
|
|
Subscription Agreement dated March 24, 2008 between Sify Technologies Limited and Infinity Satcom Universal Private Limited. (13) |
|
|
|
4.10
|
|
Scheme of Amalgamation between Sify Communications Limited with Sify Technologies Limited and their respective shareholders (15) |
|
|
|
8.1
|
|
List of Subsidiaries. |
|
|
|
11.1
|
|
Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy (6) |
|
|
|
12.1
|
|
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer |
189
|
|
|
Number |
|
Description |
|
|
|
12.2
|
|
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
13.1
|
|
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
13.2
|
|
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
15.1
|
|
Consent of KPMG in respect of the Sify Technologies Limited |
|
|
|
15.2
|
|
Consent of Price Waterhouse in respect of MF Global Sify Securities Private Limited |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on October
17, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(2) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form F-1
filed with the Commission on October 4, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(3) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on October
17, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(4) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form F-6 filed with
the Commission on January 5, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(5) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No.
333-101322) filed with Commission on November 20, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(6) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Commission on
June 29, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(7) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form F-2
filed with the Commission on October 13, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(8) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on
November 30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(9) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on
November 21, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(10) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on
December 7, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(11) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on
December 23, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(12) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Commission on
June 30, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(13) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on April
14, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
(14) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 20-F filed with the Commission on
October 11, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference |
|
(15) |
|
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on January
23, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference |
190
SIGNATURES
The company hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that
it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SIFY TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
Name:
|
|
/s/ Raju Vegesna
Raju Vegesna
|
|
|
|
|
Title:
|
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
Name:
|
|
/s/ M P Vijay Kumar
M P Vijay Kumar
|
|
|
Date: September 28, 2009
|
|
Title:
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
191
Item 19. Exhibits (continued)
|
|
|
Number |
|
Description |
|
|
|
1.1
|
|
Amended Articles of Association of Sify Technologies Limited. (1) |
|
|
|
1.2
|
|
Memorandum of Association of Sify Technologies Limited. (2) |
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
Amendment of Memorandum of Association. (3) |
|
|
|
2.1
|
|
Deposit Agreement, dated as of October 18, 1999, among Sify Technologies Limited, Citibank, N.A. and holders from time to time of American
Depository Shares evidenced by American Depository Receipts issued thereunder (including, as an exhibit, the form of American Depository
Receipt). (4) |
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
Amendment No. 1 to Deposit Agreement among Sify Technologies Limited, Citibank, N.A. and holders from time to time of American Depository
Shares evidenced by American Depository Receipts issued thereunder (including, as an exhibit, the form of American Depository Receipt). (4) |
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2.3
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Amendment No. 2 to Deposit Agreement among Sify Technologies Limited, Citibank, N.A. and holders from time to time of American Depository
Shares evidenced by American Depository Receipts issued thereunder (including, as an exhibit, the form of American Depository Receipt). (5) |
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2.4
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Subscription Agreement dated November 10, 2005 between Sify Technologies Limited and Infinity Capital Ventures, LP. (9) |
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2.5
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Standstill Agreement dated November 10, 2005 by and among Sify Technologies Limited, Infinity Capital Ventures, LP and Mr Raju Vegesna. (9) |
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2.6
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Shareholders Agreement dated December 20, 2005 between Sify Technologies Limited, Infinity Satcom Universal (P) Limited, and Sify
Communications Limited(erstwhile subsidiary). (10) |
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2.7
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Shareholders Agreement dated November 25, 2005 between Sify Technologies Limited and Man Financial. (11) |
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4.1
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Associate Stock Option Plan 2000 (6) |
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4.2
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Associate Stock Option Plan 2002 (6) |
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4.3
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Associate Stock Option Plan 2005 (12) |
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4.4
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Associate Stock Option Plan 2007 (14) |
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4.5
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Form of Indemnification Agreement. (7) |
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4.6
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License Agreement for Provision of Internet Service, including Internet Telephony dated as of April 1, 2002 by and between Sify Technologies
Limited and the Government of India, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Department of Telecommunications, Telecom
Commission. (3) |
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4.7
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Bank Guarantee, dated as of November 4, 1998. (2) |
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4.8
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Agreement, dated November 10, 2004, between Sify Technologies Limited, Satyam Computer Services Limited, SAIF Investment Company Limited and
Venture Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (8) |
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4.9
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Subscription Agreement dated March 24, 2008 between Sify Technologies Limited and Infinity Satcom Universal Private Limited. (13) |
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4.10
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Scheme of Amalgamation between Sify Communications Limited with Sify Technologies Limited and their respective shareholders (15) |
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8.1
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List of Subsidiaries. |
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11.1
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Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy (6) |
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12.1
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Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer |
192
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Number |
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Description |
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12.2
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Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer |
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13.1
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Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer |
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13.2
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Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer |
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15.1
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Consent of KPMG in respect of the Sify Technologies Limited |
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15.2
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Consent of Price Waterhouse in respect of MF Global Sify Securities Private Limited |
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(1) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on October
17, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(2) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form F-1
filed with the Commission on October 4, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(3) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on October
17, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(4) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form F-6 filed with
the Commission on January 5, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(5) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No.
333-101322) filed with Commission on November 20, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(6) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Commission on
June 29, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(7) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form F-2
filed with the Commission on October 13, 1999 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(8) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on
November 30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(9) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on
November 21, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(10) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on
December 7, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(11) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on
December 23, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(12) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Commission on
June 30, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(13) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on April
14, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference. |
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(14) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 20-F filed with the Commission on
October 11, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference |
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(15) |
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Previously filed as an exhibit to the Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on January
23, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference |
193