Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (DRRD IN) Q3FY25 Result Update

Param Desai

Dr. Reddy’s (DRRD) Q3FY25 EBITDA was below our estimate. The base business margins and US sales ex of gRevlimid and one offs continued to remain weak. We have scale up base business margins from current level of 16% to 19-20% in FY27E. Our FY26E EPS stands cut by 6% as we factor in lower gRevlimid sales however FY27E EPS broadly remain unchanged. DRRD have been investing cash flow from gRevlimid to build pipeline across peptides, biosimilars and GLP products; benefits of that may take some time. Further thin US pipeline in near term and competition in certain key products remains a key risk. At CMP, DRRD is trading at valuations of 24x P/E on FY27E and factors in recovery in base business margins. We maintain our ‘Reduce’ rating with TP of Rs1,335/share; valuing at 25x FY27E EPS. Any big ticket ANDA approvals and sharp recovery in base business margins are key risks to our call. 

  • Revenue growth aided by consolidation of NRT portfolio: DRRD’s sales grew by 16% YoY at Rs 83.6bn. This was largely aided by consolidation of NRT business which registered Rs 6bn of revenues. Further there was Rs1.25bn of license income. Adj for NRT portfolio and licensing income, revenues grew by 6% YoY; below our estimate. US revenue came in at $401mn.  ($445mn in Q2FY25) vs our est of $450mn. Domestic business increased by 14% YoY to Rs 13.5bn aided by consolidation of Sanofi vaccine brands. Adj for this growth was moderate 6%. PSAI sales grew by 5% YoY aided by new launches and increase in volumes partially offset by price movement. Russia sales increased by 19% YoY. RoW sales grew by 7% YoY while EU sales adj for NRT portfolio grew by 22% YoY.
  • Ex Revlimid and license income; margins continue to remain weak: DRRD reported EBIDTA of Rs 23bn, adj for NRT business (Rs 1.5n) & licensing income; EBITDA stood at Rs 20.3bn against our est of Rs 22bn. OPM came in at 27.5%. We believe ex gRevlimid, license income & PLI grant, margins stood at 16%. Segment wise PSAI margins came at 28.6% (30% in Q2FY25) whereas generic margins were at 61.3% (63.1% in Q2FY25). Other expenses adj for one offs in Q2 were up by 5% QoQ. R&D expenses came in at Rs 6.6bn (8% of revenues), up 20% YoY. Amortisation expenses came in higher given NRT business consolidation. EPS adj for gRevlimid and license came in at Rs 8/share.
  • Key concall takeaways: US business: Launched four new products with a total 11 products in 9MFY25. The QoQ decline was on account of lower sales from gRevlimid and market share loss in certain key products. Received CRL on the API side of Iron sucrose product which it intends to launch in coming quarter. Semaglutide: Generic opportunities will open from 2026 in markets like Canada, Brazil and India. Company expects to enter these markets from day one and believes they are fully integrated with API capabilities Consolidated acquired portfolio of NRT. Launched 9 products across markets during the quarterIndia: Launched 6 new products including Toripalimab and Elobixibat. Mgmt cited Nestle JV is performing well. Biosimilars: Secured the marketing authorization for Rituximab in the UK and Denosumab has been filed in both US and EuropeRussia: Benefited from increased sales volumes, price hikes, and new launches YoY, partly offset by currency fluctuations. EM’s: Launched 20 new products. R&D: Expects the investments to be in the range of 8.5-9% for FY25 with emphasis on complex generics and biosimilars. Others: Capex for the quarter was at Rs 7.1bn. Net interest expense for the quarter is ~Rs 20mn, due to unfavorable forex impact and reduced interest income after the NRT acquisition payout. SGA expense to remain at current 28% levels. Net cash stood at Rs 16bn.
AIOS Appeals for Tax Relief on Vision Equipment

Hyderabad, January 28, 2025: The All-India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), the largest professional organization of ophthalmologists in the World just petitioned the Honourable Finance Minister to Exempt Customs Duty and GST on Sight-Saving Ophthalmic Equipment in the Budget 2025-26.

Dr. Samar K Basak, President;Dr. Santosh G Honavar, Honorary Secretary; Dr Manoj C Mathur, Treasurer petitioned to the Honourable Union Finance Minister Ms Nirmala Seetharaman and a copy of the same was shared to Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Honourable Prime Minister of India; Shri JP Nadda Ji, Honourable Minister of Health and Family Welfare; Shri Pankaj Chaudhary Ji, Honorable MOS, Finance; Shri PK Mishra Ji, Principal Secretary to PM and Shri M Nagaraju Ji, Finance Secretary, GOI

We have petitioned on behalf of AIOS Office-bearers Dr Partha Biswas, President-Elect; Prof. Jeevan S Titiyal, Vice President; Dr. Harbansh Lal, Immediate Past President; Prof. Namrata Sharma, Chair, Scientific Committee; Dr. Prashant K Bawankule, Chair, Academic and Research Committee; Prof. M Vanathi, Editor, Indian Journal of Ophthalmology; Dr Krishna Prasad Kudlu, Editor, Proceedings; Dr. CV Gopala Raju, Joint Secretary; Dr. P Elankumaran, Joint Treasurer said Hyderabad based Dr Santosh G Honavar, Honorary Secretary, in a press note issued in the city today.

We appeal to the Honourable Finance Minister to exempt sight-saving ophthalmic equipment conforming to the HS Code 901850 from customs duty and GST said the Petition.

The members of AIOS spearhead and work extensively towards achieving the goals of the Government of India, the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in alleviating blindness and visual impairment. Typically, Indian Ophthalmologists directly touch and positively impact the lives of about 5 lakh patients every day.

India has one of the highest numbers of the visually impaired and blind globally. Currently, there are an estimated 5 million blind and 70 million visually impaired in India, out of which about a quarter of a million are blind children – it implies that one in every 50 Indians suffers from blindness or visual impairment. The sheer scale of this malady necessitates immediate and substantive intervention to mitigate the widespread impact on individuals and society.

While cataracts and related pathologies remain the major cause of blindness in adults, corneal opacity, glaucoma and retinal diseases contribute to about 20%. Uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of visual impairment.

WHO has estimated that over 80% of blindness and visual impairment can be alleviated by appropriate intervention.

Historic measures to alleviate blindness and visual impairment in India, its impact, and the role of Indian ophthalmologists:

India was the first country in the world to launch the National Programme for Control of Blindness in 1976. The WHO and IAPB propelled the Vision 2020 – Right to Sight initiative in 1999 to eliminate avoidable blindness. India was one of 183 countries that signed the global initiative in 2004 and is committed to reducing the burden of preventable blindness by the year 2030.

Indian ophthalmologists have worked with the Government of India to alleviate the burden of preventable blindness and visual impairment. Thus, they have helped reduce the prevalence of blindness from 1% in 1996 to 0.36% now and visual impairment by 50% in a decade between 2010 and 2020.

Indian ophthalmologists perform over 9 million cataract surgeries a year currently, of which about 60-70% are free of charge to the patient, the petition added

Further, the economic burden of blindness and visual impairment in India is profound. Direct costs include medical expenses for treatment, surgeries, and ongoing care. Indirect costs are even more substantial, encompassing lost productivity, reduced quality of life, and the need for caregivers. Visual impairment significantly affects individuals’ ability to work, resulting in decreased income and increased dependency.

The overall economic loss due to blindness in India is estimated at INR 845 billion annually. Additionally, the potential annual productivity loss due to vision impairment is INR 646 billion, encompassing lost earnings, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare costs.

The total annual economic impact of blindness and visual impairment in India is INR 1500 billion (INR 1,50,000 Crores).

The cumulative loss of Gross National Income (GNI) from avoidable blindness stands at INR 11,778.6 billion.

Incentives to support the national mission to alleviate blindness and visual impairment:

Recognizing the need to tackle the causes of avoidable blindness and visual impairment, the Government of India vide notification 69/93- CE fully exempted 58 specified sight-saving equipment (HS Code 901850) from Customs Duty. This specific reform helped usher in a revolution in the quality and reach of eye care in India.

However, over the years, the basic Customs Duty has been re-imposed to the extent of 7.5% to 10% + IGST of 12% + cess, thus immensely impacting the CapEx and OpEx of eye hospitals and consequently the cost of care. This has also severely dis-incentivised and made it economically challenging to provide subsidized/free eye care.

Because the economic impact of blindness and visual impairment is INR 1500 billion (INR 1,50,000 Crores) a year, and 80% of blindness and visual impairment can be alleviated (thus resulting in a potential gain of INR 1,20,000 to GNI annually) it seems prudent to reinstate exemption of customs duty and GST for ophthalmic sight saving equipment – HS 901850.

Exempting customs duty on sight-saving equipment will make these essential requirements for eye care more affordable and accessible to millions of Indians in need. This policy change can significantly reduce the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment, enhance the quality of life for affected individuals, and mitigate the economic burden on society.

We earnestly appeal to your esteemed office to consider this request favourably and take decisive action to promote eye health in India, the AIOS office bearers emphasised in the petition

Rohit Agarwal Co-Founder, Urban Space

I am reaching out to introduce Urban Space, a home furnishing brand revolutionising the decor industry with high-quality, and innovative designs. As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, we would like to share a quote from Rohit Agarwal, Co-Founder of Urban Space, for Republic Day story:

This Republic Day, let us celebrate the warmth and comfort that make a house truly a home. Just as India is built on the foundations of diversity and unity, our homes are a reflection of who we are—deeply rooted in tradition yet embracing modernity.

As we envision a self-reliant India, it’s time to champion homegrown brands that bring our culture to life through thoughtful design and innovation. By supporting local craftsmanship and creativity, we not only build beautiful homes but also strengthen the foundation of our nation’s growth.

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Fosters Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Goa with New Initiatives

Panjim, 28th January, 2025: Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, whose Start-Up India vision has inspired countless entrepreneurial journeys across the nation, and with the steadfast commitment of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant to foster innovation and self-reliance in Goa, the state continues to champion entrepreneurship.

With the support of the Government of Goa, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Goa Centre, is organizing a transformative three-day Entrepreneurship Development Program from 28th – 30th January 2025, at Nalanda Hall, EDC House, Panaji. This initiative is a part of Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, designed to nurture entrepreneurial talent and accelerate economic growth across the state. This initiative, aligned with the Chief Minister’s Rojgar Yojana (CMRY) and the Goa Tribal Employment Generation Program (GTEGP), is subsidized under EDC Goa’s CSR initiative to promote entrepreneurship across the state.

The comprehensive program is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape. The curriculum covers a range of critical topics, including the essence of entrepreneurship, where participants will learn about the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs, identifying business opportunities, and crafting a robust business plan. Additionally, the program will delve into marketing strategies, including branding, social media marketing, e-commerce, customer relationship management, sales strategies, and business pitching. Furthermore, participants will gain insights into financial and legal management, covering the fundamentals of financial management, business accounting, legal structures, operational efficiency, scaling, and diversification, providing a holistic understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a thriving business.

The subsidization of program fees under the EDC Goa CSR initiative ensures that the workshop is accessible to a wide range of participants, fostering inclusivity and economic empowerment. This initiative seeks to further bolster innovation, create job opportunities, and drive Goa’s journey toward becoming a hub for startups and self-reliant businesses.

IBIS Styles Mysuru Bolsters Leadership Team to Boost Guest Experience

Mysuru, 28.01. 2025– Ibis Styles Mysuru,is proud to announce the appointment of three key leaders to its management team. These seasoned professionals bring extensive expertise and a unified vision to enhance guest experiences and optimize operational efficiency.

The new appointments include Suresh Kumar as Food and Beverage Manager, Nadeem Z. Desai and Shiva Prasad as Front Office Manager and Housekeeping Manager respectively. Together, they bring a collective vision and diverse skill sets to enhance the hotel’s reputation for excellence.

Suresh Kumar, Food and Beverage Manager

Suresh Kumar brings over two decades of expertise in food and beverage operations, having served in pivotal roles such as complex hotel Banquet Manager for Novotel & ibis Bengaluru Outer Ring Road and Restaurant Manager at Taj Hotels. His accomplishments include menu engineering, cost control, and business planning, all aimed at delivering world-class dining experiences. An awardee of the IHC London and IIHM International Hospitality Day Award 2023, Suresh’s dedication to employee development and service excellence aligns perfectly with the hotel’s ethos.

Nadeem Z. Desai, Front Office Manager

A seasoned professional with over a decade of experience, Nadeem Z. Desai has a proven track record with hotels such as ibis Bengaluru Hebbal, Grand Mercure Mysore, and Taj West End. With expertise in pre-opening planning, staff training, and guest service protocols, Nadeem is a graduate of the Global Leadership Program by Accor Academy. His strategic approach to technology integration and budget management will play a vital role in enhancing operational efficiencies and guest experience.

Shiva Prasad, Housekeeping Manager

With an illustrious career spanning renowned hotels such as Novotel Mumbai International Airport, Grand Hyatt Kochi, and Novotel Hyderabad Airport, Shiva Prasad is known for his exceptional leadership in pre-opening operations and upholding impeccable cleanliness and hygiene standards. A recipient of the prestigious Accor Emerging Leaders Program 2020 and the Best Pre-Opening Employee Award at Novotel Mumbai, Shiva is committed to fostering teamwork, ensuring operational excellence, and driving guest satisfaction.

Speaking on the new appointments, Ganeshram Iyer, the Hotel Manager of ibis Styles Mysuru said, “We are thrilled to welcome Shiva, Suresh, and Nadeem to the leadership team. Their vast experience, innovative approaches, and passion for excellence will undoubtedly strengthen our commitment to providing unforgettable guest experiences and operational brilliance.”

ibis Styles Mysuru continues to set new benchmarks in the hospitality industry, and the addition of these dynamic leaders underscores its dedication to delivering personalized services and memorable stays.

Data Privacy Day 2025: Experts Share Insights on Protecting Personal Information

Quotes 1. Zscaler, Suvabrata Sinha, CISO-in-Residence Data is no longer confined by traditional boundaries; it flows freely across an interconnected digital ecosystem fueled by cloud technologies, artificial intelligence, and IoT. This paradigm shift has fundamentally redefined how we create, share, and protect sensitive information, challenging us to rethink security for a borderless world. In this […]

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TVS Credit Reports Strong 28% PAT Growth, Reaches Rs. 541 Crore for Nine Months Ending Dec ’24

Chennai, 28 January 2025: TVS Credit Services Limited, one of India’s leading NBFCs, published its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended and nine months ended December 31, 2024, which reflect the Company’s robust growth and financial stability. The NBFC reported a net profit after tax of Rs. 541 Crore for the nine months ended […]

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Nirala World Acquires Rs. 175 Cr. Commercial Land Parcel from GNIDA, Plans Rs. 300 Cr. Investment

Gr. Noida, January 28, 2025: Located in Greater Noida West, Sector 12 (Plot no C-7), Nirala World, a prominent real estate company based in Delhi NCR, recently won an auction in the bidding of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) to purchase a 10,400 square meter (2.5 acre) commercial land parcel worth Rs. 175 […]

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Lunar New Year 2025: Travel and Safety Tips to Stay Protected Amid Rising Respiratory Virus Cases

28 January 2025: A record-breaking nine billion inbound and domestic trips are predicted to take place in China during the 40-day travel rush for the Chinese Lunar New Year[1] (Spring Festival) period. The official public holiday in China will run from 28 January to 4 February. Boosted by factors such as the recent expansion of […]

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Inspeq AI Launches Responsible AIOps Platform on Salesforce AppExchange for Smarter Operations

Bengaluru, January 28, 2025: Leading global AI Safety startup Inspeq AI today announced that its Responsible AI Operations (RAIOps) platform is now available on Salesforce AppExchange, enabling organizations to integrate cutting-edge AI Ops solutions seamlessly. Salesforce AppExchange is the world’s leading enterprise cloud marketplace, serving over 300,000 enterprise customers worldwide. Inspeq AI is the first […]

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