Rating Rationale
March 31, 2022 | Mumbai
Bharat Dynamics Limited
Rating reaffirmed at 'CRISIL A1+ '
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities RatedRs.410 Crore
Short Term RatingCRISIL A1+ (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to Annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities

Detailed Rationale

CRISIL Ratings has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL A1+' rating on the short-term bank facilities of Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL)

 

BDL’s revenue and operating margin improved to Rs. 1436 crore and  22.4%, respectively, during the first nine months through December 31, 2021 vis-à-vis Rs 768 crore and negative 3.5%, respectively, in the corresponding period last fiscal owing to strong execution of orders during the third quarter post slowdown faced in the first half of the current fiscal. Revenues in fiscal 2021 moderated by 40% to Rs. 1914 crore owing to supply chain disruptions resulting in inability to execute orders in a timely manner; however these concerns have now been alleviated with resumption of economic activities post pandemic-induced lockdowns.

 

Revenues are expected to grow by over 50% in fiscal 2022 on a low base and driven by the company’s continued status as key domestic supplier of Surface-to-Air missiles (SAMs) and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) to the Indian Armed forces and increasing share of exports of Light weight torpedoes & Counter Measure Dispensing Systems (CMDS). Unexecuted order book as on February 02, 2022 stood at Rs. 11,400 crores as against Rs 8386 crore as on 1st April 2021 reflecting healthy revenue visibility over the medium term.

 

Operating margins are expected to remain stable at 20-21% over the medium term, aided by increasing indigenization contents in the manufacture of ATGMs. For instance, indigenization of products like Konkurs-M, Invar, Milan-2T, Akash, TAL-XP and Varunastra has been achieved up to 96%, 78.6%, 71%, 96%, 82.9% and 86.8 % respectively

 

Healthy financial risk profile should sustain supported by strong estimated networth in excess of Rs.2,800 crore as on March 31, 2022 , nil debt and strong cash generation. More-than-expected stretch in the working capital cycle or delay in execution of the orderbook will be the key monitorables.

 

The rating continues to reflect BDL's strategic importance to the Government of India (GoI), being the prime guided weapons production agency in the country. The rating also factors in an established market position in the guided weapon systems segment, satisfactory order pipeline, and a strong capital structure marked by strong networth and nil debt. These strengths are partially offset by large working capital requirement and susceptibility to time and cost overruns in order execution.

Analytical Approach

CRISIL Ratings has applied its criteria for notching up standalone ratings of entities based on government support. BDL will, in case of exigencies, receive support from GoI considering its strategic importance to the government and GoI has majority ownership (74.93%) in BDL.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description

Strengths:

High strategic importance to GoI

BDL is strategically important to GoI, considering it is the primary agency for the production of guided missiles for the armed forces. The company is the exclusive service provider for indigenously developed guided missiles such as Akash surface-to-air missiles and Konkur anti-tank guided missiles. It also benefits from GoI's thrust on indigenous guided weapon systems production, leading to healthy order flow and strong financial support from the government in the form of healthy advances for all its orders. As on February 02, 2022, BDL had unexecuted orders of Rs 11,400 crore. Further, BDL is expected to receive orders worth Rs 15,000 crore, which are at an advanced stage of negotiation with GoI.

 

Established position as a prime production agency for guided weapon systems to Indian armed forces

BDL has a well-developed vendor network and provides continuous assistance to its vendors in tool development, fixture building and related technologies. Consequently, it has indigenised ~90% of major missiles. BDL's established market position and ability to achieve high indigenisation led to consistent order flow.

 

Robust financial risk profile

Capital structure and debt protection metrics should remain healthy, in the absence of any long-term debt and healthy advances for orders from GoI. Networth stood at Rs. 2552 crores as on March 31, 2021. Gearing and total outside liabilities to tangible networth ratios were 0.02 time and 1.27 times, respectively, as on March 31, 2021 and are expected to remain at similar levels over the medium term. Net cash accrual to total debt and interest coverage ratios were 397% and 91.24 times, respectively, for fiscal 2021, vis-à-vis 892% and 149.15 times, respectively, in fiscal 2020.

 

Weakness:

Large working capital requirement

The working capital cycle may remain stretched over the medium term and hence will be closely monitored. Gross current assets were high at 895 days as on March 31, 2021, vis-à-vis 460 days a year before, led by large unbilled revenue due to delayed customer clearances caused by Covid-19 related disruptions. Movement of unbilled revenue during fiscal 2022 will remain closely monitored.

 

Susceptibility to time and cost overruns in order execution, and to volatility in forex rates

The ministry of defence is BDL's sole customer, and the company bids for defence projects floated by the ministry on a fixed-contract basis with minimal profitability, considering national interest. Hence, it had operating losses in the three fiscals ended March 31, 2013. BDL depends on Defence Research and Development Organisation for technical modifications for orders. Any delay in finalisation of technical modifications renders BDL liable for damages, thereby weakening its profitability. BDL imports components for orders executed under the transfer of technology arrangement, and does not hedge the resultant forex exposure. Consequently, its profitability is susceptible to volatility in forex rates to a minimum extent.

Liquidity: Strong

Liquidity should remain strong, supported by healthy cash accrual and minimal utilisation of bank lines. Cash accrual is expected to be in the range of Rs 350-450 crore in fiscals 2022 and 2023, against nil long-term debt obligation. As on December 31, 2021, cash and bank balance stood at Rs 1344 crore. Further, GoI will provide need-based support, considering BDL is the primary agency for the production of guided missiles for the armed forces.

Rating Sensitivity factors

Downward factors

Any change in stance of GoI’s support to BDL and the latter's strategic importance to the former

Large, debt-funded capital expenditure or acquisition, leading to debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of over 2 times on a sustained basis

Weakening of operating performance, resulting in a steep decline in profitability margin

About the Company

BDL was set up in Hyderabad in 1970 as a central public sector enterprise. The company is the prime production agency for guided weapon systems for the Indian defence forces. BDL also manufactures underwater weapon systems, surface-to-air missiles and associated equipment. Furthermore, it is into refurbishment of vintage defence equipment for the Indian army. BDL has three manufacturing facilities, one in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and two in Telangana[1]. The company is setting up three more facilities, one each in Amravati (Maharashtra), Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) and Ibrahimpatnam (Telangana).

(1) Facilities are in Rangareddy district and Bhanur in Medak district

 

BDL reported revenue and operating margin of Rs. 1436 crore and  22.4%, respectively, during the first nine months through December 31, 2021 vis-à-vis Rs 768 crore and negative 3.5%, respectively, in the corresponding period last fiscal.

Key Financial Indicators

Particulars

Unit

2021

2020

Revenue

Rs crore

1,914

3,105

Profit After Tax (PAT)

Rs crore

258

535

PAT Margin

%

13.5

17.2

Adjusted debt/adjusted networth

Times

0.02

0.02

Interest coverage

Times

91.24

138.65

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 levels

Rating assigned with outlook

NA

Letter of Credit

NA

NA

NA

285

NA

CRISIL A1+

NA

Bank Guarantee

NA

NA

NA

125

NA

CRISIL A1+

Annexure - Rating History for last 3 Years
  Current 2022 (History) 2021  2020  2019  Start of 2019
Instrument Type Outstanding Amount Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Rating
Non-Fund Based Facilities ST 410.0 CRISIL A1+   -- 27-01-21 CRISIL A1+   -- 23-10-19 CRISIL A1+ CRISIL A1+
      --   --   --   -- 27-06-19 CRISIL A1+ --
All amounts are in Rs.Cr.
Annexure - Details of Bank Lenders & Facilities
Facility Amount (Rs.Crore) Name of Lender Rating
Bank Guarantee 65 State Bank of India CRISIL A1+
Bank Guarantee 60 Union Bank of India CRISIL A1+
Letter of Credit 135 State Bank of India CRISIL A1+
Letter of Credit 150 Union Bank of India CRISIL A1+

This Annexure has been updated on 31-Mar-2022 in line with the lender-wise facility details as on 3-Aug-2021 received from the rated entity.

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
CRISILs Criteria for rating short term debt
Criteria for Notching up Stand Alone Ratings of Entities Based on Government Support

Media Relations
Analytical Contacts
Customer Service Helpdesk

Pankaj Rawat
Media Relations
CRISIL Limited
B: +91 22 3342 3000
pankaj.rawat@crisil.com

Hiral Jani Vasani
Media Relations
CRISIL Limited
B: +91 22 3342 3000
hiral.vasani@crisil.com

Rutuja Gaikwad 
Media Relations
CRISIL Limited
B: +91 22 3342 3000
Rutuja.Gaikwad@ext-crisil.com


Anuj Sethi
Senior Director
CRISIL Ratings Limited
B:+91 44 6656 3100
anuj.sethi@crisil.com


Naveen Vaidyanathan
Director
CRISIL Ratings Limited
B:+91 22 3342 3000
naveen.vaidyanathan@crisil.com


Sanjana Ghosh
Senior Rating Analyst
CRISIL Ratings Limited
D:+91 22 6172 2919
Sanjana.Ghosh@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 Ratings. However, CRISIL Ratings alone has the sole right of distribution (whether directly or indirectly) of its rationales for consideration or otherwise through any media including websites and portals.


About CRISIL Ratings Limited (A subsidiary of CRISIL Limited)

CRISIL Ratings pioneered the concept of credit rating in India in 1987. With a tradition of independence, analytical rigour and innovation, we set 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 33,000 large and mid-scale corporates and financial institutions. We have also instituted several innovations in India in the rating business, including ratings for municipal bonds, partially guaranteed instruments and infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs).
 
CRISIL Ratings Limited ('CRISIL Ratings') is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CRISIL Limited ('CRISIL'). CRISIL Ratings Limited is registered in India as a credit rating agency with the Securities and Exchange Board of India ("SEBI").
 
For more information, visit www.crisilratings.com 

 



About CRISIL Limited

CRISIL is a global analytical company providing ratings, research, and risk and policy advisory services. We are India's leading ratings agency. We are also the foremost provider of high-end research to the world's largest banks and leading corporations.

CRISIL is 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


CRISIL PRIVACY NOTICE
 
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 is part of and applies to each credit rating report and/or credit rating rationale (‘report’) that is provided by CRISIL Ratings Limited (‘CRISIL Ratings’). To avoid 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 Ratings providing or intending to provide any services in jurisdictions where CRISIL Ratings 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 Ratings 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 to 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 Ratings 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 Ratings assumes no obligation to update its opinions following publication in any form or format although CRISIL Ratings may disseminate its opinions and analysis. The 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. CRISIL Ratings or its associates may have other commercial transactions with the entity to which the report pertains.

Neither CRISIL Ratings nor its affiliates, third-party providers, as well as their directors, officers, shareholders, employees or agents (collectively, ‘CRISIL Ratings Parties’) guarantee the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the report, and no CRISIL Ratings 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 RATINGS 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 Ratings 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. Public ratings and analysis by CRISIL Ratings, 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 website, www.crisilratings.com (free of charge). Reports with more detail and additional information may be available for subscription at a fee – more details about ratings by CRISIL Ratings are available here: www.crisilratings.com.

CRISIL Ratings and its affiliates do not act as a fiduciary. While CRISIL Ratings has obtained information from sources it believes to be reliable, CRISIL Ratings does not perform an audit and undertakes no duty of due diligence or independent verification of any information it receives and/or relies on in its reports. CRISIL Ratings has established policies and procedures to maintain the confidentiality of certain non-public information received in connection with each analytical process. CRISIL Ratings has in place a ratings code of conduct and policies for managing conflict of interest. For details please refer to:
https://www.crisil.com/en/home/our-businesses/ratings/regulatory-disclosures/highlighted-policies.html.

Rating criteria by CRISIL Ratings are generally available without charge to the public on the CRISIL Ratings public website, www.crisilratings.com. For latest rating information on any instrument of any company rated by CRISIL Ratings, you may contact the CRISIL Ratings 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 prior written consent from CRISIL Ratings.

All rights reserved @ CRISIL Ratings Limited. CRISIL Ratings is a wholly owned subsidiary of CRISIL Limited.

 

 

CRISIL Ratings uses the prefix ‘PP-MLD’ for the ratings of principal-protected market-linked debentures (PPMLD) with effect from November 1, 2011, to comply with the SEBI circular, "Guidelines for Issue and Listing of Structured Products/Market Linked Debentures". The revision in rating symbols for PPMLDs should not be construed as a change in the rating of the subject instrument. For details on CRISIL Ratings' use of 'PP-MLD' please refer to the notes to Rating scale for Debt Instruments and Structured Finance Instruments at the following link: https://www.crisil.com/en/home/our-businesses/ratings/credit-ratings-scale.html