Rating Rationale
November 18, 2020 | Mumbai
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited
Ratings reaffirmed at 'CRISIL AA+ / Stable / CRISIL A1+ '; rated amount enhanced for Bank Debt
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities RatedRs.600 Crore (Enhanced from Rs.350 Crore)
Long Term RatingCRISIL AA+/Stable (Reaffirmed)
 
Rs.300 Crore Non Convertible DebenturesCRISIL AA+/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.300 Crore Non Convertible DebenturesCRISIL AA+/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.200 Crore Non Convertible DebenturesCRISIL AA+/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.750 Crore Commercial PaperCRISIL A1+ (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to Annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL AA+/Stable' rating on the long term bank facilities and non-convertible debenture programme of Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd (Alembic).  CRISIL has also reaffirmed its 'CRISIL A1+' rating on the commercial paper programme of Alembic.
 
The ratings continue to reflect the company's strong position in the domestic formulations market, growing presence in the international generics segment, and healthy financial risk profile. These strengths are partially offset by moderate profitability due to sizeable research and development (R&D) expenditure, high share of the acute therapeutic segment in domestic formulations and exposure to intensifying pricing pressure and regulatory risks.
 
Revenue rose 17% year-on-year in fiscal 2020, driven by 53% growth in regulated markets and 3% growth in the domestic formulations. Additionally, operating margin was healthy at 27% in fiscal 2020 against 22% the previous fiscal. Steady demand for current products and new product launches in the international and domestic segments should support the growth momentum over the medium term. Operating margin should sustain above 25%, given the price correction in the regulated markets and elevated R&D requirement (about 13% of sales), driven by focus on building abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs), particularly for specialised generics.
 
Working capital requirement was high in fiscal 2020 due to delayed payments on account of nationwide lockdown; however, it is expected to normalise over the medium term owing to Alembic's increasing presence in the US. Gross current assets are expected at 160-170 days over the medium term (192 days as on March 31, 2020). The company continues to incur sizeable debt-funded capital expenditure (capex) annually, primarily towards specialised generics. Capex of Rs 850 crore was incurred in fiscal 2020, to be followed by planned capex of Rs 650 crore in fiscal 2021. Nonetheless, capital structure is expected to remain healthy with recent equity infusion of Rs. 750 crores through qualified institutional placement (QIP), which are used for capex funding and debt reduction. Consequently, the company's gearing reduced to 0.13 times as on September 30, 2020. (0.6 times as on March 31, 2020). Gearing is expected to remain at 0.2-0.4 times over the medium term.

Analytical Approach

For arriving at its ratings, CRISIL has fully consolidated the business and financial risk profiles of Alembic and its three subsidiaries and six stepdown subsidiaries, which are strategically important to, and have a significant degree of operational integration with, Alembic. CRISIL had applied a moderate consolidation approach for four associate companies and one joint venture (JV), for which the share of profit and any incremental investment required are factored in.
 

Please refer Annexure - List of entities consolidated, which captures the list of entities considered and their analytical treatment of consolidation.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths
* Strong position in the domestic formulations market
The company is among the top 20 players in the domestic formulations market; it generated revenue of Rs 1425 crore in fiscal 2020. It has a portfolio of over 185 formulation brands out of which three formulation brands are among the top 300 domestic formulation brands in India.   Growth in the branded formulations segment should help Alembic maintain pace with the industry, backed by increased contribution from the chronic therapeutic segment and regular product launches, leading to volume growth.
 
* Increasing presence in the regulated generics market
On account of greater focus on the US, the company has gradually stepped up its ANDA filings in the last few years: 25 in fiscal 2020 from eight in fiscal 2016. R&D expenditure should remain high, forming about 13% of the net sales. Revenue from the international market (including bulk drugs) was 69% of the total revenue in fiscal 2020 (59% in fiscal 2018). Revenues from regulated markets saw a sharp increase of 53% in fiscal 2020, because of the new product launches, increasing product approvals, long-term relationships with large clients and capitalizing upon several supply opportunities arising due to shortage of Sartan group of formulations in the US market. The revenues are expected to grow steadily in fiscal 2021 because of base effect with regular ANDA filings and entry into specialised generics. As on March 31, 2020, Alembic had filed for 183 Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDA) out of which 119 were approved. Recent capex includes setting up units for injectables (oncology and general), oncology oral solids, dermatology products, oral solids, ophthalmology and bulk drugs for regulated markets, primarily the US.
 
* Healthy financial risk profile
Financial risk profile is healthy, as reflected in gearing and networth of 0.6 time and Rs 2,891 crore, respectively, as on March 31, 2020. In fiscal 2020, the company incurred capex of Rs 850 crore for additional lines. Annual capex is expected at Rs 650 crore in fiscals 2021 and Rs 350 crore in fiscal 2022 and 2023. Nonetheless, capital structure is expected to remain healthy with recent equity infusion of Rs. 750 crores through qualified institutional placement (QIP), which are used for capex funding and debt reduction. Consequently, the company's gearing reduced to 0.13 times as on September 30, 2020 (0.6 times as on March 31, 2020). Gearing is expected to remain at 0.2-0.4 times over the medium term. Any larger-than-expected capex or acquisition remains a key rating sensitivity factor.
 
Weaknesses
* Modest profitability because of high R&D expenditure
While share of the high-margin international segment has been increasing over the past few fiscals, operating profitability stood at 27.7% because of high R&D expenditure. Spends on R&D have been stepped up, particularly in the past three fiscals, to capitalise on differentiated generics opportunities in the US. Ramp-up of new facilities in differentiated generics will be critical for maintaining profitability.
 
* Exposure to intensifying pricing pressure and regulatory risks
The company is exposed to regulatory changes in the Indian and global markets, as reflected in increasing scrutiny and inspections by authorities, including the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), European Medicines Agency and TGA Australia. However, the company's track record has been relatively clear so far, particularly with the USFDA. In October 2018, the formulations facility in Panelav, Gujarat, received four procedural observations under form 483. These observations were subsequently cleared with no action indicated.
 
In the domestic market, the regulatory impact of Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) and ban on some fixed dose combinations adversely affected revenue and profit in the past and may continue to do so over the medium term. In March 2020, the Formulation OSD facility (F-1) in Panelav was audited by USFDA with four procedural observations, which are largely for improvement in the standard operating procedure. The company had received an establishment inspection report (EIR) from USFDA for the inspection carried out by them. Aleor Dermaceuticals, a 60:40 joint venture between Alembic and Orbicular Pharmaceutical Technologies Pvt Ltd, has received an EIR from the USFDA for the inspection carried out by them at Aleor Dermaceuticals' formulation facility in Karakhadi, Gujarat. It was audited by USFDA without any observations. The company has received an EIR from USFDA for the inspection carried out by them on the API facility in Karakhadi in January 2020.
 
* High share of acute therapeutic segment in the domestic formulations market
Therapeutic coverage in the domestic formulations market is dominated by the acute therapy and the anti-infective segments. The portfolio remains significant in the acute segment (54% of the domestic formulation sales in fiscal 2020), with the top five brands accounting for nearly 48% of the domestic revenue. Significant share of revenue from this slow-growing segment exposes Alembic to pricing pressure, as several players compete in a mature segment. With a quarter of the domestic revenue under DPCO, turnover and profitability remain susceptible to regulatory changes.
Liquidity Strong

Liquid surplus was Rs 73 crore as on March 31, 2020, and net cash accrual was healthy at Rs 630 crore in fiscal 2020. Low gearing and large networth provide strong financial flexibility. Bank limit utilisation averaged 49% over the nine months through May 2020. Cash accrual, expected at Rs 600 crore per fiscal, should sufficiently cover maturing debt of around Rs 100 crore in fiscals 2021 and 2022 each, along with funding the incremental working capital requirement. The company will fund its Rs 650 crore capex in fiscal 2021, through a mix of funds from liquid surplus, cash accrual and recent equity infusion.

Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes Alembic will sustain its business risk profile over the medium term, as increasing contribution from the global market and the domestic chronic therapeutic segment should lead to steady increase in the scale of operations and profitability.

Rating Sensitivity factors
Upward factors
* Sustained, healthy revenue growth of 20%, led by the regulated markets, and sustained improvement in operating profitability above 30%
* Prudent working capital management and healthy capital structure
* Sustained decline in gearing and ratio of gross debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to below 0.1 time and to below 0.3 time, respectively 
 
Downward factors
* Lower-than-expected revenue growth and sharp reduction in operating profitability below 20%
* Higher-than-expected funding requirement for the working capital, capex or acquisitions, leading to gearing and ratio of gross debt to EBITDA remaining above 1.3 times and 1.5 times, respectively
About the Company

The pharmaceuticals business of Alembic Ltd (AL), consisting of domestic formulations, international generics and active pharmaceutical ingredients, was transferred to Alembic following the latter's demerger from AL effective from April 1, 2010. Vadodara-based Alembic manufactures a range of formulations and bulk drugs for the domestic and international markets.
 
Alembic is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange. As on March 30, 2020, the promoter and the group entities held about a 73% stake, with foreign portfolio investors and the general public holding the remaining.

Key Financial Indicators
As on/For the period ended March 31 2020 2019
Revenue Rs crore 4607 3937
Adjusted profit after tax (PAT) Rs crore 800 583
Adjusted PAT margin % 17.4 14.8
Adjusted debt/adjusted networth Times 0.6 0.46
Interest coverage Times 47.17 47.46

Any other information: Not applicable

Note on complexity levels of the rated instrument:
CRISIL Ratings' complexity levels are assigned to various types of financial instruments. The CRISIL Ratings' complexity levels are available on www.crisil.com/complexity-levels. Users are advised to refer to the CRISIL Ratings' complexity levels for instruments that they consider for investment. Users may also call the Customer Service Helpdesk with queries on specific instruments.
Annexure - Details of Instrument(s)
ISIN Name of instrument Date of allotment Coupon rate (%) Maturity date Issue size (Rs crore) Complexity level Rating assigned with outlook
NA Cash credit and working capital demand loan ** NA NA NA 600.00 NA CRISIL AA+/Stable
NA Commercial paper NA NA 7-365 days 500.00 Simple CRISIL A1+
NA Commercial paper NA NA 7-365 days 250.00 Simple CRISIL A1+
INE901L08013 Non-convertible debentures 14-Dec-18 9.00 26-Nov-21 150.00 Simple CRISIL AA+/Stable
INE901L08021 Non-convertible debentures 14-Dec-18 9.00 25-Apr-22 200.00 Simple CRISIL AA+/Stable
INE901L08039 Non-convertible debentures 19-Mar-19 8.37 18-Mar-22 150.00 Simple CRISIL AA+/Stable
NA Non-convertible debentures@ NA NA NA 300.00 Simple CRISIL AA+/Stable
**100% interchangeability between funded and non-funded
@Not yet placed
 
Annexure - List of entities consolidated
Names of entities consolidated Extent of consolidation Rationale for consolidation
Alembic Global Holding SA (AGH) 100% Subsidiary
Aleor Dermaceuticals Ltd 60% Subsidiary
Alembic Pharmaceutical Inc(API) 100% Subsidiary
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd 100% Stepdown subsidiary
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Europe Ltd 100% Stepdown subsidiary
Alnova Pharmaceuticals SA 100% Stepdown subsidiary
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Canada Ltd 100% Stepdown subsidiary
Genius LLC 100% Stepdown subsidiary
Orit Laboratories LLC 100% Stepdown subsidiary
Okner Realty LLC 100% Stepdown subsidiary
Incozen Therapeutics Pvt Ltd 50% Associate of APL
Rhizen Pharmaceuticals SA (RPSA) 50% Associate of AGH
Rhizen Pharmaceuticals Inc 100%  Subsidiary of RPSA
Dahlia Therapeutics SA 100% Subsidiary of RPSA
Annexure - Rating History for last 3 Years
  Current 2020 (History) 2019  2018  2017  Start of 2017
Instrument Type Outstanding Amount Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Rating
Commercial Paper  ST  750.00  CRISIL A1+  02-07-20  CRISIL A1+  22-07-19  CRISIL A1+  06-12-18  CRISIL A1+    --  -- 
            11-06-19  CRISIL A1+  17-10-18  CRISIL A1+       
                04-09-18  CRISIL A1+       
                25-06-18  CRISIL A1+       
                03-05-18  CRISIL A1+       
                10-01-18  CRISIL A1+       
Non Convertible Debentures  LT  500.00
18-11-20 
CRISIL AA+/Stable  02-07-20  CRISIL AA+/Stable  22-07-19  CRISIL AA+/Stable  06-12-18  CRISIL AA+/Stable    --  -- 
            11-06-19  CRISIL AA+/Stable  17-10-18  CRISIL AA+/Stable       
                04-09-18  CRISIL AA+/Stable       
Short Term Debt (Including Commercial Paper)  ST                  30-10-17  CRISIL A1+  CRISIL A1+ 
                    01-08-17  CRISIL A1+   
                    14-07-17  CRISIL A1+   
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  600.00  CRISIL AA+/Stable  02-07-20  CRISIL AA+/Stable  22-07-19  CRISIL AA+/Stable  06-12-18  CRISIL AA+/Stable  30-10-17  CRISIL AA+/Stable  CRISIL AA/Positive 
            11-06-19  CRISIL AA+/Stable  17-10-18  CRISIL AA+/Stable  01-08-17  CRISIL AA+/Stable   
                04-09-18  CRISIL AA+/Stable  14-07-17  CRISIL AA+/Stable   
                25-06-18  CRISIL AA+/Stable       
                03-05-18  CRISIL AA+/Stable       
                10-01-18  CRISIL AA+/Stable       
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST    --    --    --    --    --  CRISIL A1+ 
All amounts are in Rs.Cr.
 
Annexure - Details of Bank Lenders & Facilities
Facility Name of Lender Amount (Rs.Crore) Rating
Cash Credit & Working Capital Demand Loan** Axis Bank Limited 100 CRISIL AA+/Stable
Cash Credit & Working Capital Demand Loan** Citibank N. A. 100 CRISIL AA+/Stable
Cash Credit & Working Capital Demand Loan** HDFC Bank Limited 200 CRISIL AA+/Stable
Cash Credit & Working Capital Demand Loan** Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited 50 CRISIL AA+/Stable
Cash Credit & Working Capital Demand Loan** Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited 50 CRISIL AA+/Stable
Cash Credit & Working Capital Demand Loan** The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited 100 CRISIL AA+/Stable

This Annexure has been updated on 2-Sep-2021 in line with the lender-wise facility details as on 20-Aug-2021 received from the rated entity.

**100% interchangeability between funded and non-funded

Criteria Details
Links to related criteria
CRISILs Approach to Financial Ratios
Rating criteria for manufaturing and service sector companies
CRISILs Bank Loan Ratings - process, scale and default recognition
Rating Criteria for the Pharmaceutical Industry
CRISILs Criteria for rating short term debt
CRISILs Criteria for Consolidation
Understanding CRISILs Ratings and Rating Scales
CRISILs Bank Loan Ratings

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