Rating Rationale
June 11, 2018 | Mumbai
Avantel Limited
Rated amount enhanced
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.38 Crore (Enhanced from Rs.28 Crore)
Long Term Rating CRISIL BBB-/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Short Term Rating CRISIL A3 (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL's ratings on the bank facilities of Avantel Limited (Avantel) continue to reflect its established position in the satellite communication systems and radio frequency (RF) products market, supported by promoters' extensive experience and established client relationship; strong research and development (R&D) base; and robust financial risk profile because of healthy capital structure and debt protection metrics. These strengths are partially offset by modest scale of operations, large working capital requirement, and exposure to risks related to tender-based business.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths
* Established market position backed by promoters' extensive experience and healthy client relationship
Avantel provides customised solutions through process-oriented design and development, and manufactures wireless and satellite communication products. Established track record of over two decades in the electronics and telecom equipment business has enabled it to offer a unique combination of embedded systems and related software that have application in the defence sector; as well as RF systems that find application in the civilian telecom segment.
 
* Experienced and qualified management and strong R&D facility
Founder and managing director, Dr A Vidyasagar, has experience of around two decades in the same line of activity. The company derives core business strength from its in-house R&D capabilities.
 
* Healthy financial risk profile
Gearing was nil and networth moderate at Rs 36.96 crore, as on March 31, 2018. Debt protection metrics were healthy, with interest coverage ratio of 13 times in fiscal 2018.
 
Weakness
* Working capital-intensive operations
Gross current assets were 214 days as on March 31, 2018, because of moderate inventory (mainly work-in-progress) and receivables of 60 days and 63 days, respectively.
 
* Small scale of operations
Despite the revenue growth of over 50% in fiscal 2018, operating income was modest at Rs 51.8 crore in fiscal 2018. However the company operates in the niche defence supplies segment leading to limited competition. However, modest scale and moderate networth limits ability to bid for projects beyond a certain size.
 
* Exposure to risk related to tender-based business
The defence segment accounts for over 80% of total revenue, thereby exposing the company to revenue concentration risk. Also since majority of the business is tender-driven, revenue and profitability depend on the ability to bid successfully.
Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes Avantel will continue to benefit over the medium term from its established presence in the satellite communication systems and RF products segment, and longstanding relationship with defence and allied entities. The outlook may be revised to 'Positive' if there is a substantial and sustained increase in scale of operations, while operating margin is maintained, and if improvement in working capital cycle is sustained. The outlook may be revised to 'Negative' in case of a steep decline in revenue and profitability, or if capital structure weakens due to large debt funded capital expenditure or significant stretch in working capital cycle.

About the Company

Set up in 1990 in Hyderabad as a private limited company by Dr A Vidyasagar and his family members, and reconstituted as a public limited company in 1994, Avantel specialises in RF/microwave subsystems, digital radios, and satellite communication systems; besides offering related software solutions and services. The company supplies mainly to defence establishments and allied departments in the public and private sectors. The company is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Key Financial Indicators
Particulars Unit 2018 2017
Revenue Rs. Cr. 51.8 33.6
Profit After Tax Rs. Cr. 17.3 0.98
Profit Margin % 33.4 2.9
Adjusted Debt/Adjusted Net worth Times 0 0.59
Interest coverage Times 13.0 2.6

Any other information: Not applicable

Note on complexity levels of the rated instrument:
CRISIL complexity levels are assigned to various types of financial instruments. The CRISIL complexity levels are available on www.crisil.com/complexity-levels. Users are advised to refer to the CRISIL 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) Rating Assigned with Outlook
NA Inland/Import Letter of Credit NA NA NA 6 CRISIL A3
NA Bank Guarantee NA NA NA 20 CRISIL A3
NA Cash Credit NA NA NA 12 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Annexure - Rating History for last 3 Years
  Current 2018 (History) 2017  2016  2015  Start of 2015
Instrument Type Outstanding Amount Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Rating
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  12.00  CRISIL BBB-/Stable  05-06-18  CRISIL BBB-/Stable  22-09-17  CRISIL BBB-/Stable  22-08-16  CRISIL BBB-/Stable  20-07-15  CRISIL BBB-/Stable  CRISIL BBB-/Stable 
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  26.00  CRISIL A3  05-06-18  CRISIL A3  22-09-17  CRISIL A3  22-08-16  CRISIL A3  20-07-15  CRISIL A3  CRISIL A3 
All amounts are in Rs.Cr.
Annexure - Details of various bank facilities
Current facilities Previous facilities
Facility Amount (Rs.Crore) Rating Facility Amount (Rs.Crore) Rating
Bank Guarantee 20 CRISIL A3 Bank Guarantee 10 CRISIL A3
Cash Credit 12 CRISIL BBB-/Stable Cash Credit 12 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Inland/Import Letter of Credit 6 CRISIL A3 Inland/Import Letter of Credit 6 CRISIL A3
Total 38 -- Total 28 --
Links to related criteria
CRISILs Approach to Financial Ratios
CRISILs Bank Loan Ratings - process, scale and default recognition
Rating criteria for manufaturing and service sector companies
CRISILs Bank Loan Ratings

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