Rating Rationale
August 02, 2018 | Mumbai
B. N. Agritech Limited
Ratings upgraded to 'CRISIL BBB/Stable/CRISIL A3+'
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.206 Crore (Enhanced from Rs.100 Crore)
Long Term Rating CRISIL BBB/Stable (Upgraded from 'CRISIL BBB-/Stable')
Short Term Rating CRISIL A3+ (Upgraded from 'CRISIL A3')
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has upgraded its ratings on the bank facilities of B. N. Agritech Limited (BNA) to 'CRISIL BBB/Stable/CRISIL A3+' from 'CRISIL BBB-/Stable/CRISIL A3'.

The upgrade reflects significant improvement in BNA's business risk profile, reflected in annual growth of 100% to Rs 802 crore in fiscal 2018 with 130 basis point improvement in operating margin to 2.9% compare to previous year. This improvement is due to significant increase revenue in branded sale along with ramp up in in new packing facility (capacity of 800 tonne per day) in fiscal 18. The contribution of branded retail sale in fiscal 2018 rose to 56% compare to 35% in the previous fiscal because of geographical expansion and strong recall of the four in-house brands: Sakar (for blended oil), Shrestha (mustard oil), Simply Gold (palm oil) and Simple Fresh (soya oil). The company currently has above 250 distributors across 11 states of Northern and Western India. In fiscal 2019, till June 2018, revenue has been Rs 200 crore with operating margin at 2.9%; this trend should continue over the medium term.

Liquidity also improved owing to significant contribution of fresh funds (around Rs 30 crore) by promoters in fiscal 2018 through equity and unsecured loans (USL). Further cash accrual rose significantly in fiscal 2018 and bank lines has been enhanced. Liquidity should remain adequate over the medium term.

Further, financial risk profile is above average, though total outside liabilities to adjusted networth ratio as on March 31, 2018, increased to 2.8 times (treating USL of Rs 15 crore as debt) from 0.9 time as on March 31, 2017 owing to increase in working capital debt and also the term debt for new capacity. The ratio is expected at 2.3 times over the medium term, despite undergoing capex plans for setting up oil refinery due to steady accretion to reserve. Interest coverage and net cash accrual to adjusted debt ratios were 4.4 times and 16%, respectively, in fiscal 2018.

Analytical Approach

For arriving at the ratings, CRISIL has considered the standalone performance of BNR because business of other group company, BNR Overseas Pvt Ltd (BNO), has merged into BNR. 

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths
* Well-diversified marketing team in underpenetrated Tier II and III cities
BNR operates in Tier II and III cities. Although consumers prefer package oil over loose oil, the price gap between the two segments is steep; BNR targets this gap. Over the years, the company has established a healthy network of dealers across the nation. The company has an established clientele in Uttar Pradesh, where BNR's brands have healthy reputation.

* Above-average financial risk profile
financial risk profile is above average, though total outside liabilities to adjusted networth ratio as on March 31, 2018, increased to 2.8 times (treating USL of Rs 15 crore as debt) from 0.9 time as on March 31, 2017 owing to increase in working capital debt and also the term debt for new capacity. The ratio is expected at 2.3 times over the medium term, despite undergoing capex plans for setting up oil refinery due to steady accretion to reserve. Interest coverage and net cash accrual to adjusted debt ratios were 4.4 times and 16%, respectively, in fiscal 2018. 

Weaknesses
* Susceptibility to intense competition
The edible oil industry comprises few big players and many small unorganised players (who account for about 60% of the industry). These players primarily cater to regional demand, to save on transportation cost. Intense competition resulted in low profitability for all the industry players. Furthermore, prices of the edible oils are directly linked to the prices of crude palm oil (CPO), which has remained highly volatile in the past two years; domestic vegetable oil market depends on availability of CPO and vegetable oil substitutes in the international market. Conversely, the Government of India controls edible oil prices by imposing duties on imports and exports of refined and crude oil. The government also offers minimum support price for different oil seeds, resulting in significant volatility in CPO prices.

* Exposure to fragmented nature of industry and fluctuations in raw material prices
Operating margin improved to 2.9% in fiscal 2018 but remains highly exposed to the fragmented nature of the edible oil industry and fluctuations in raw material prices. The domestic edible oil prices are directly linked to the prices of imported palm and soybean oil because of heavy reliance on imports and substitutability among oil varieties. Given the high volatility in international edible oil prices, domestic participants are exposed to the risk of sudden pressure on margins because of price fluctuations in international crude oil prices.
Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes BNR will continue to benefit from the well-diversified marketing team in Tier II and III cities and an established relationship with customers. The outlook may be revised to 'Positive' if higher-than-expected cash accrual strengthens financial risk profile. Conversely, the outlook may be revised to 'Negative' if decline in profitability, stretched working capital cycle, or any larger-than-expected, debt-funded capital expenditure weakens financial risk profile and liquidity.

About the Company

BNR, incorporated in 2011, imports CPO, packages and sells it in the local market under its own brand. BNO is also into the same line of business. Mr Anubhav Aggarwal and his father, Mr Ajay Kumar Aggarwal, are the promoters.

Key Financial Indicators
Particulars Unit 2018 2017
Revenue Rs.Crore 802.41 404.49
Profit After Tax (PAT) Rs.Crore 10.38 3.26
PAT Margin % 1.3 0.8
Adjusted debt/adjusted networth Times 1.18 0.32
Interest coverage Times 4.4 5.1

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 Cash Credit NA NA NA 45 CRISIL BBB/Stable
NA Letter of Credit NA NA NA 68 CRISIL A3+
NA Long Term Loan NA 9.70% 31-Mar-25 40 CRISIL BBB/Stable
NA Proposed Short Term Bank Loan Facility NA NA NA 53 CRISIL A3+
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  138.00  CRISIL BBB/Stable/ CRISIL A3+      06-06-17  CRISIL BBB-/Stable/ CRISIL A3  28-12-16  CRISIL BBB-/Stable/ CRISIL A3    --  -- 
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  68.00  CRISIL A3+      06-06-17  CRISIL A3  28-12-16  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
Cash Credit 45 CRISIL BBB/Stable Cash Credit 13 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Letter of Credit 68 CRISIL A3+ Inland/Import Letter of Credit 10 CRISIL A3
Long Term Loan 40 CRISIL BBB/Stable Letter of Credit 7.5 CRISIL A3
Proposed Short Term Bank Loan Facility 53 CRISIL A3+ Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility 10 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
-- 0 -- Proposed Short Term Bank Loan Facility 59.5 CRISIL A3
Total 206 -- Total 100 --
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
Rating Criteria for Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry
CRISILs Bank Loan Ratings
CRISILs Criteria for rating short term debt
The Rating Process
Understanding CRISILs Ratings and Rating Scales

For further information contact:
Media Relations
Analytical Contacts
Customer Service Helpdesk
Saman Khan
Media Relations
CRISIL Limited
D: +91 22 3342 3895
B: +91 22 3342 3000
saman.khan@crisil.com

Naireen Ahmed
Media Relations
CRISIL Limited
D: +91 22 3342 1818
B: +91 22 3342 3000
naireen.ahmed@crisil.com

Aditya Sarda
Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
B:+91 124 672 2000
aditya.sarda@crisil.com


Jaya Mirpuri
Associate Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 20 4018 1926
jaya.mirpuri@crisil.com


Pankaj Jain
Rating Analyst - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 124 672 2125
Pankaj.Jain2@crisil.com
Timings: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
Toll free Number:1800 267 1301

For a copy of Rationales / Rating Reports:
CRISILratingdesk@crisil.com
 
For Analytical queries:
ratingsinvestordesk@crisil.com


 

Note for Media:
This rating rationale is transmitted to you for the sole purpose of dissemination through your newspaper / magazine / agency. The rating rationale may be used by you in full or in part without changing the meaning or context thereof but with due credit to CRISIL. However, CRISIL alone has the sole right of distribution (whether directly or indirectly) of its rationales for consideration or otherwise through any media including websites, portals etc.


About CRISIL Limited

CRISIL is a leading agile and innovative, global analytics company driven by its mission of making markets function better. We are India’s foremost provider of ratings, data, research, analytics and solutions. A strong track record of growth, culture of innovation and global footprint sets us apart. We have delivered independent opinions, actionable insights, and efficient solutions to over 1,00,000 customers.
 
We are majority owned by S&P Global Inc., a leading provider of transparent and independent ratings, benchmarks, analytics and data to the capital and commodity markets worldwide.
 
For more information, visit www.crisil.com 


Connect with us: TWITTER | LINKEDIN | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK

About CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Ratings is part of CRISIL Limited (“CRISIL”). We pioneered the concept of credit rating in India in 1987. CRISIL is registered in India as a credit rating agency with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). With a tradition of independence, analytical rigour and innovation, CRISIL sets the standards in the credit rating business. We rate the entire range of debt instruments, such as, bank loans, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, non-convertible / convertible / partially convertible bonds and debentures, perpetual bonds, bank hybrid capital instruments, asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, partial guarantees and other structured debt instruments. We have rated over 24,500 large and mid-scale corporates and financial institutions. CRISIL has also instituted several innovations in India in the rating business, including rating municipal bonds, partially guaranteed instruments and microfinance institutions. We also pioneered a globally unique rating service for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and significantly extended the accessibility to rating services to a wider market. Over 1,10,000 MSMEs have been rated by us.


CRISIL PRIVACY
 
CRISIL respects your privacy. We may use your contact information, such as your name, address, and email id to fulfil your request and service your account and to provide you with additional information from CRISIL.For further information on CRISIL’s privacy policy please visit www.crisil.com.


DISCLAIMER

This disclaimer forms part of and applies to each credit rating report and/or credit rating rationale that we provide (each a “Report”). For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Report” includes the information, ratings and other content forming part of the Report. The Report is intended for the jurisdiction of India only. This Report does not constitute an offer of services. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, nothing in the Report is to be construed as CRISIL providing or intending to provide any services in jurisdictions where CRISIL does not have the necessary licenses and/or registration to carry out its business activities referred to above. Access or use of this Report does not create a client relationship between CRISIL and the user.

We are not aware that any user intends to rely on the Report or of the manner in which a user intends to use the Report. In preparing our Report we have not taken into consideration the objectives or particular needs of any particular user. It is made abundantly clear that the Report is not intended to and does not constitute an investment advice. The Report is not an offer to sell or an offer to purchase or subscribe for any investment in any securities, instruments, facilities or solicitation of any kind or otherwise enter into any deal or transaction with the entity to which the Report pertains. The Report should not be the sole or primary basis for any investment decision within the meaning of any law or regulation (including the laws and regulations applicable in the US).

Ratings from CRISIL Rating are statements of opinion as of the date they are expressed and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, hold, or sell any securities / instruments or to make any investment decisions. Any opinions expressed here are in good faith, are subject to change without notice, and are only current as of the stated date of their issue. CRISIL assumes no obligation to update its opinions following publication in any form or format although CRISIL may disseminate its opinions and analysis. CRISIL rating contained in the Report is not a substitute for the skill, judgment and experience of the user, its management, employees, advisors and/or clients when making investment or other business decisions. The recipients of the Report should rely on their own judgment and take their own professional advice before acting on the Report in any way.

Neither CRISIL nor its affiliates, third party providers, as well as their directors, officers, shareholders, employees or agents (collectively, “CRISIL Parties”) guarantee the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the Report, and no CRISIL Party shall have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions therein, regardless of the cause, or for the results obtained from the use of any part of the Report. EACH CRISIL PARTY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, SUITABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE. In no event shall any CRISIL Party be liable to any party for any direct, indirect, incidental, exemplary, compensatory, punitive, special or consequential damages, costs, expenses, legal fees, or losses (including, without limitation, lost income or lost profits and opportunity costs) in connection with any use of any part of the Report even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

CRISIL Ratings may receive compensation for its ratings and certain credit-related analyses, normally from issuers or underwriters of the instruments, facilities, securities or from obligors. CRISIL’s public ratings and analysis as are required to be disclosed under the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (and other applicable regulations, if any) are made available on its web sites, www.crisil.com (free of charge). Reports with more detail and additional information may be available for subscription at a fee – more details about CRISIL ratings are available here: www.crisilratings.com.

CRISIL and its affiliates do not act as a fiduciary. While CRISIL has obtained information from sources it believes to be reliable, CRISIL does not perform an audit and undertakes no duty of due diligence or independent verification of any information it receives and / or relies in its Reports. CRISIL keeps certain activities of its business units separate from each other in order to preserve the independence and objectivity of the respective activity. As a result, certain business units of CRISIL may have information that is not available to other CRISIL business units. CRISIL has established policies and procedures to maintain the confidentiality of certain non-public information received in connection with each analytical process. CRISIL has in place a ratings code of conduct and policies for analytical firewalls and for managing conflict of interest. For details please refer to: https://www.crisil.com/en/home/our-businesses/ratings/regulatory-disclosures/highlighted-policies.html

CRISIL’s rating criteria are generally available without charge to the public on the CRISIL public web site, www.crisil.com. For latest rating information on any instrument of any company rated by CRISIL you may contact CRISIL RATING DESK at CRISILratingdesk@crisil.com, or at (0091) 1800 267 1301.

This Report should not be reproduced or redistributed to any other person or in any form without a prior written consent of CRISIL.

All rights reserved @ CRISIL