Rating Rationale
September 29, 2023 | Mumbai
Berger Paints India Limited
Ratings Reaffirmed
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities RatedRs.1750 Crore
Long Term RatingCRISIL AAA/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Short Term RatingCRISIL A1+ (Reaffirmed)
 
Rs.1300 Crore Commercial PaperCRISIL A1+ (Reaffirmed)
Note: None of the Directors on CRISIL Ratings Limited’s Board are members of rating committee and thus do not participate in discussion or assignment of any ratings. The Board of Directors also does not discuss any ratings at its meetings.
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to Annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities

Detailed Rationale

CRISIL Ratings has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL AAA/Stable/CRISIL A1+’ ratings on the bank facilities and commercial paper programme of Berger Paints India Limited (BPIL). The ratings continue to factor the well-established market position in the domestic paint industry and healthy financial risk profile. The company is the second largest domestic player in the decorative paint segment and the largest player in the non-auto industrial paint segment. These rating strengths are partially offset by moderate segmental diversity in revenue, vulnerability in raw material cost and limited pricing flexibility.

 

Operating income for fiscal 2023 grew by 21% to Rs 10,594 crores from Rs 8,786 crores driven by growth in both decorative and industrial segment enabling a double-digit volume growth. The decorative segment contributed to around 80% of the total overall sales while balance was contributed by the industrial segment. Revenue growth over the medium term to be supported by launch of new products and painting campaigns, increased sales from newly commissioned Sandila plant and up-trading towards higher value products. Operating margin witnessed moderation in FY23 to 14.3% from 15.8% in FY22 largely on account of increase in raw material prices which was not fully passed on. RM prices accounted for 63% of total revenues in FY23 and around 55-60% of RM prices is linked to crude derivatives. Going forward, operating margins to remain healthy at about 15-16% levels over medium term supported by improved product mix, healthy capacity utilizations, and recent softening of raw material prices.

 

The company’s financial risk profile continues to remain strong marked by high networth of Rs. 4,205 crores and sizeable liquid surplus of more than Rs 300 crores as on March 31, 2023. The debt protection metrics already strong are expected to improve in the medium term with low reliance on working capital debt. CRISIL Ratings expects the company to sustain its strong financial risk profile over the medium term.

Analytical Approach

CRISIL Ratings has combined the business and financial risk profiles of Berger Paints, its subsidiaries, and joint ventures (JVs), as these entities are in the same business.

 

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: 

Established position in the domestic paint industry: The Berger group has strong brands (Silk, Luxol, Weathercoat, Rangoli, Illusions and Jadoo), an extensive distribution network- (over 45,000 dealers) and a wide product portfolio, encompassing enamels, exterior emulsions, distempers, primers and cement paints. It is present across all segments, including decorative and general industrial, auto, protective and powder coating. It is also the second-largest player in the domestic decorative paints industry, and the market leader in the protective coating segment, with a small presence in the auto and powder coating segments. Sales have been increasing through the years led by increased penetration into newer cities and towns, rapid urbanization, and low per capita consumption of paints relative to global averages. The strong brand, extensive distribution network and wide product portfolio with innovative product launches is expected to support the company with expected increase in competitive intensity.

 

Strong financial risk profile: High networth of Rs 4,205 crore as on March 31, 2023, kept gearing low at 0.22 time. Liquidity was adequate, supported by cash and marketable securities of over Rs 300 crore as on same date. Return on capital employed (RoCE) was healthy at 25.8% in fiscal 2023. Strong cash accrual and continued focus on pruning the working capital cycle should help maintain the strong financial risk profile.

 

Weakness:

Limited, yet growing, presence in the non-decorative segment: Around 80% of revenue comes from the decorative segment, while the non-decorative segment accounted for the balance (including protective, powder and general industrial and auto coatings). Concentration in revenue constrains the ability to fully leverage demand in these segments. The conglomerates looking to disrupt the decorative paints market is another monitorable.

 

Vulnerability to volatility in raw material prices and limited pricing flexibility: Despite the oligopolistic nature of the organized paint industry, players face competition from regional players, especially in mass-market products. Consequently, while paint manufacturers have adequate flexibility to pass on the increase in cost, their ability to increase the margin is restricted. Hence, the operating margin was in the range of 14-17% for the past five fiscals.

Liquidity: Superior

Expected cash accrual of Rs 900-1100 crore per annum coupled with liquid surplus of around Rs. 300 crores will provide cover for capex spend and incremental working capital requirements. The fund-based limit of Rs 1300 crore was utilized at 44% in the last six months ended July 2023, which provides further comfort.

 

ESG Profile

CRISIL Ratings believes BPIL’s Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) profile supports its already strong credit risk profile.

 

The paint (chemical) sector has a significant impact on the environment owing to high water consumption, waste generation and Green House Gas (GHG) emission. The sector’s social impact is characterized by health hazards leading to higher focus on employee safety and well-being and the impact on local community given the nature of its operation.

 

BPIL has continuously focused on mitigating its environmental and social risks.

 

Key ESG highlights

  • The share of renewable energy has increased from 30% in 2022 to 39% in 2023.
  • The specific water consumption has decreased from 46.20 KL/revenue in fiscal 2022 to 38.26 KL/revenue in fiscal 2023. Hazardous waste generation has also reduced to 0.22 tonnes/revenue in fiscal 2023 from 0.32 tonnes/revenue in fiscal 2022.
  • Gender diversity at BPIL has decreased from 2.01% in 2022 to 1.88% in 2023, which is also lower than industry average.
  • Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate at 6.62 in 2023 is high due to an accidental fire that had broken out at the company’s Howrah Factory on 8th June 2022.
  • Berger Paint’s governance profile is marked by 50% of its board comprising independent directors, split in chairman and CEO position and presence of robust internal control systems and processes. It also has extensive disclosures.

 

There is a growing importance of ESG among investors and lenders. The commitment of BPIL to ESG principles will play a key role in enhancing stakeholder confidence and access to capital markets.

Outlook: Stable

The business risk profile of Berger Paints will remain healthy over the medium term, driven by its established market position, sustained revenue growth and broadly stable operating margin. The financial risk profile will remain strong, aided by healthy cash accrual and improvement in networth, led by steady accretion to reserve and moderate reliance on external debt.

Rating Sensitivity Factors

Downward factors

  • Sustained decline in revenues by over 15% in the medium term or steep increase in input prices affecting profitability, resulting in decline in operating margin to below 12%.
  • Increased competitive intensity also leading to sharp decline in market share in the domestic paints industry.
  • Large, debt-funded acquisition or capex that may impact financial risk profile.
  • Material reduction in liquid surplus.

About the Company

Berger Paints, incorporated in 1923, is one of the oldest paint companies in India. It manufactures paints and varnishes, and is present in all product segments, including decorative, general industrial, automotive, protective, and powder coatings. Its prominent brands include Silk, Luxol, Weathercoat, Rangoli, Illusions, and Jadoo. It is the market leader in protective paints and has a marginal presence in the automotive and powder coating segments. Berger Paints is the 2nd largest paint company in India and among the 15 largest paint companies in the world revenue wise. The company has 29 manufacturing plants (including subsidiaries) worldwide out of which 25 are across India: Goa, Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh (Surajpur factory at Greater Noida, Sandila and Sikandrabad), Rishra, Jammu and West Bengal (Howrah). The company recently commissioned its large greenfield unit at Sandila, UP. It is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange; its promoters own 74.99% of its equity shares. The operating income for Q1FY24 was 3,030 crores with an operating margin of 18.4%

Key Financial Indicators

Particulars

Unit

2023

2022

Revenue

Rs crore

10594

8786

Profit After Tax (PAT)

Rs crore

860

833

PAT Margin

%

8.1

9.5

Adjusted debt/adjusted networth

Times

0.22

0.24

Interest coverage

Times

15.34

27.49

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 and are included (where applicable) in the 'Annexure - Details of Instrument' in this Rating Rationale.

CRISIL Ratings will disclose complexity level for all securities - including those that are yet to be placed - based on available information. The complexity level for instruments may be updated, where required, in the rating rationale published subsequent to the issuance of the instrument when details on such features are available.

For more details on the CRISIL Ratings` complexity levels please visit www.crisilratings.com. 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

Date of redemption

Coupon rate (%)

Issue size

(Rs.Crore)

Complexity level

Rating assigned

with outlook

NA

Fund-Based Facilities#

NA

NA

NA

1285

NA

CRISIL AAA/Stable

NA

Proposed Fund-Based Bank Limits#

NA

NA

NA

15

NA

CRISIL AAA/Stable

NA

Non-Fund Based Limit##

NA

NA

NA

450

NA

CRISIL A1+

NA

Commercial paper

NA

7-365 days

NA

1300

Simple

CRISIL A1+

#Interchangeable between cash credit, working capital demand loan, packing credit, bill discounting, buyer's credit and short-term loans

##Interchangeable between bank guarantees and letters of credit

Annexure - List of Entities Consolidated

Names of entities consolidated

Extent of consolidation

Rationale for consolidation

Beepee Coatings Pvt Ltd

100%

Subsidiary

SBL Specialty Coatings Pvt Ltd (formerly known as Saboo Coatings Pvt Ltd)

100%

Subsidiary

Berger Jenson & Nicholson (Nepal) Pvt Ltd

100%

Subsidiary

Berger Paints (Cyprus) Ltd consolidated with Berger Paints Overseas Ltd

100%

Subsidiary

Lusako Trading Ltd consolidated with Bolix SA and group*

100%

Subsidiary

Berger Rock Paints Private Limited

100%

Subsidiary

Berger Becker Coatings Pvt Ltd

48.98%

Joint venture

Berger Nippon Paints Coatings Indian Ltd

49%

Joint venture

STP Ltd

100%

Subsidiary

*Group includes Build-Trade Sp zoo, Soltherm External Insulations Ltd and Soltherm Isolation Thermique Exterieure SAS

Annexure - Rating History for last 3 Years
  Current 2023 (History) 2022  2021  2020  Start of 2020
Instrument Type Outstanding Amount Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Rating
Fund Based Facilities LT 1300.0 CRISIL AAA/Stable   -- 07-10-22 CRISIL AAA/Stable 08-09-21 CRISIL AAA/Stable 20-07-20 CRISIL AAA/Stable CRISIL AAA/Stable
      --   -- 05-08-22 CRISIL AAA/Stable 31-08-21 CRISIL AAA/Stable   -- --
      --   --   -- 21-07-21 CRISIL AAA/Stable   -- --
Non-Fund Based Facilities ST 450.0 CRISIL A1+   -- 07-10-22 CRISIL A1+ 08-09-21 CRISIL A1+ 20-07-20 CRISIL A1+ CRISIL A1+
      --   -- 05-08-22 CRISIL A1+ 31-08-21 CRISIL A1+   -- --
      --   --   -- 21-07-21 CRISIL A1+   -- --
Commercial Paper ST 1300.0 CRISIL A1+   -- 07-10-22 CRISIL A1+ 08-09-21 CRISIL A1+ 20-07-20 CRISIL A1+ CRISIL A1+
      --   -- 05-08-22 CRISIL A1+ 31-08-21 CRISIL A1+   -- --
      --   --   -- 21-07-21 CRISIL A1+   -- --
All amounts are in Rs.Cr.
Annexure - Details of Bank Lenders & Facilities
Facility Amount (Rs.Crore) Name of Lender Rating
Fund-Based Facilities# 120 RBL Bank Limited CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 158 ICICI Bank Limited CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 100 RBL Bank Limited CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 29 YES Bank Limited CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 49 Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 70 BNP Paribas Bank CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 195 Standard Chartered Bank Limited CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 25 DBS Bank Limited CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 10 HSBC Bank Plc CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 43 State Bank of India CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 11 Axis Bank Limited CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 75 IndusInd Bank Limited CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 50 The Federal Bank Limited CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 150 HDFC Bank Limited CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 150 The South Indian Bank Limited CRISIL AAA/Stable
Fund-Based Facilities# 50 Standard Chartered Bank Limited CRISIL AAA/Stable
Non-Fund Based Limit## 125 ICICI Bank Limited CRISIL A1+
Non-Fund Based Limit## 100 Standard Chartered Bank Limited CRISIL A1+
Non-Fund Based Limit## 10 HSBC Bank Plc CRISIL A1+
Non-Fund Based Limit## 95 RBL Bank Limited CRISIL A1+
Non-Fund Based Limit## 18 Axis Bank Limited CRISIL A1+
Non-Fund Based Limit## 9 IndusInd Bank Limited CRISIL A1+
Non-Fund Based Limit## 5 The Federal Bank Limited CRISIL A1+
Non-Fund Based Limit## 24 YES Bank Limited CRISIL A1+
Non-Fund Based Limit## 50 The South Indian Bank Limited CRISIL A1+
Non-Fund Based Limit## 7 State Bank of India CRISIL A1+
Non-Fund Based Limit## 7 Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited CRISIL A1+
Proposed Fund-Based Bank Limits# 15 Not Applicable CRISIL AAA/Stable

#Interchangeable between cash credit, working capital demand loan, packing credit, bill discounting, buyer's credit and short-term loans

##Interchangeable between bank guarantees and letters of credit

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 Chemical Industry
CRISILs Criteria for rating short term debt
CRISILs Criteria for Consolidation

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