Rating Rationale
May 21, 2020 | Mumbai
DIC India Limited
Ratings Reaffirmed
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.59.09 Crore
Long Term Rating CRISIL A+/Negative (Reaffirmed)
Short Term Rating CRISIL A1 (Reaffirmed)
 
Rs.10 Crore Non Convertible Debentures CRISIL A+/Negative (Reaffirmed)
Rs.50 Crore Short Term Debt CRISIL A1 (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL A+/Negative/CRISIL A1' ratings on the bank facilities and debt programmes of DIC India Limited (DIC India).

The rating takes into account expected impact of measures taken by the state and central governments to contain spread of Covid-19, and the subsequent economic slowdown, on DIC India's business risk profile. The measures include a nationwide lockdown until May 17, 2020, temporary closure of non-critical establishments and interstate transportation, and advisory against visiting areas of mass gatherings.
 
The resultant drop in demand and realizations could lead to a decline in revenue in calendar year 2020 (CY20). However, the extent of decline should be limited, given the essential nature of DIC India's products, which are used in the newspaper and packaging industries. Going forward, CRISIL expects operating margin to likely be in the range of 2-3%, aided by lower raw material prices (fall in crude prices), despite moderation in revenue growth in current fiscal.
 
Liquidity remains sufficient, for the company to withstand any near-term impact on revenue. Monetisation of a land parcel in Mumbai, led to a net consideration of Rs 153 crore; while Rs 10 crore has been received till now. This, coupled with additional working capital limit of Rs. 100 crore extended by common bankers of parent, DIC Corporation (Japan) at healthy interest rates, should support liquidity in the absence of any maturing debt.
 
Financial risk profile is comfortable, with estimated gearing of around 0.1 time as on March 31, 2020. Debt protection metrics are marked by interest coverage and net cash accrual to total debt ratios estimated around 9 times and 70% respectively, in CY20.  Going forward, receipt of sale proceeds from land sale, and absence of long -term debt or major capex plans, should support financial risk profile.
 
Prolonged closure may significantly weaken the credit risk profile. However, a fast reversal to normalcy may contain the extent of deterioration. The group's ability to regain operational stability, and manage any cash flow mismatch, are key monitorables.
 
The ratings continue to reflect the company's established position in the Indian printing inks market, and its healthy financial risk profile. The ratings also factor in the strong technological and managerial support the company receives from its ultimate parent, DIC Japan, a global leader in printing inks. These strengths are partially offset by susceptibility to risks inherent in the printing ink industry and weak operating profitability.

Analytical Approach

For arriving at its ratings, CRISIL has factored in the business and need-based financial support from DIC India's parent, DIC Japan.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths
* Established position in the printing inks segment
DIC India is the second largest player in the domestic printing inks market, with  presence in the newsprint, publication, and packaging industries. It is increasingly focusing on the packaging ink segment, to cater to demand from the end-user industry. Stronger presence in the packaging segment may also result in higher profitability. The company closed its operations in Mumbai; it has identified a buyer for the land and has received a part of the consideration as advance.

* Strong technological, managerial, and need-based financial support from DIC Japan
DIC India receives huge support from its parent, in terms of technology transfer, process improvement, and understanding of the global printing inks business. Moreover, DIC Japan is actively involved in DIC India's operations and new product development initiatives. As per policy, the parent will also support DIC India's financial needs in times of distress.

* Healthy financial risk profile
Gearing was healthy at 0.12 time as on December 31, 2019, while bank limit utilisation averaged 28% for the 12 months ended March 31, 2020. In the absence of any long-term debt, capital expenditure (capex) was funded mainly through internal cash accrual. Reliance on external borrowing is expected to remain low over the medium term. In February 2020, the company entered into an agreement with Godrej Properties Ltd, to sell its land at Chandivali for a consideration of Rs 153 crore, and subject to fulfilment of certain conditions it is likely to receive the full payment over the next two years.

Weaknesses
* Weak operating efficiency
Although operating margin and ROCE improved to 2.9% and 6.5%, respectively, in CY19, aided by a fall in raw material prices and price hikes, profitability is susceptible to fluctuations in input price and ability to pass on the hike to end users. Earlier, operating margin declined sharply to a negative 0.2% in CY18, from 8% in CY15, owing to high raw material prices. Prices of key raw materials (solvents, resins, pigments, oils) had grown by 9% over the past two years ending 2018. Furthermore, the end-user industries (newspaper and packaging segments) are unable to pass on the price hike entirely, amidst intense competition. Return on capital employed (RoCE) also declined to negative 0.02% in CY18, from 14.2% in CY15. DIC India has been increasing its presence in the flexible packaging segment, which offers better scope for passage of the price hike to end-users. The company's ability to improve its operating margin, by passing on any price hike to end-users, remains a key monitorable.

* Susceptibility to risks inherent in the printing ink industry
The printing ink segment is inherently working capital-intensive. However, DIC India has improved its working capital efficiency, with gross current assets declining from 217 days as on December 31, 2018, to 157 days as on December 31, 2019, aided by prudent purchases, and liquidation of excess and slow-moving stocks. However, the operating margin remains susceptible to volatility in prices of petroleum-based raw materials and foreign exchange rates. Revenue has also been range-bound on account of sluggish demand from the newsprint ink segment. Moreover, intense competition restricts pricing flexibility, resulting in modest profitability and low RoCE.
Liquidity Strong

Liquidity remains adequate, in the absence of any long-term debt. Bank limit utilisation was low, averaging 28% over the past 12 months ended March 31, 2020. The company also has access to additional working capital limit of Rs 100 crore, via common bankers of its parent, DIC Corp. The company also had cash and equivalent of Rs 15 crore as on December 31, 2019.

Outlook: Negative

CRISIL believes DIC India's credit risk profile remains susceptible to fluctuations in raw material prices, and may weaken if crude prices increase and working capital requirement remains large.

Rating Sensitivity Factor
Upward Factor
* Sustained improvement in operating margin to 3-4% 
* Significant increase in revenue due to higher market share in the domestic inks segment

Downward Factor
* Sustained weak operating performance, leading to operating margin of 1% or below
* Any large debt-funded acquisition, capex, or increase in working capital requirement, weakening the capital structure or debt protection metrics
* Weakening of credit risk profile of the parent, with debt to EBITDA ratio increasing above 4 times.

About the Company

DIC India (formerly, Coates of India Ltd) manufactures printing ink, including newsprint ink, offset ink, liquid ink, and lamination adhesives used in the newspaper, publishing, and packaging industries. Facilities are in Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Noida, and Bengaluru. The company has the second-largest ink manufacturing capacity in India, at 60,648 tonne per annum. Singapore-based DIC Asia Pacific Pte Ltd (DIC AP), a wholly owned subsidiary of DIC Japan, holds 71.75% equity stake in DIC.

Key Financial Indicators
As on December 31st Unit 2019 (Actual) 2018 (Actual)
Operating Income Rs.Cr 793 840
PAT Rs.Cr 18 -9
PAT Margin % 2.3% -1.1%
Adjusted Debt/Adjusted Networth Times 0.12 0.18
Adjusted Interest Coverage Times 6.99 1.74

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 Non-
Convertible
Debenture*
NA NA NA 10 CRISIL A+/Negative
NA Short Term
Debt
NA NA 7-365 days 50 CRISIL A1
NA Cash Credit NA NA NA 50 CRISIL A+/Negative
NA Letter of credit
& Bank
Guarantee
NA NA NA 9.09 CRISIL A1
*Yet to be issued 
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
Non Convertible Debentures  LT  0.00
21-05-20 
CRISIL A+/Negative      11-09-19  CRISIL A+/Negative  26-07-18  CRISIL AA-/Stable  31-07-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable  CRISIL AA-/Stable 
            11-06-19  CRISIL A+/Negative           
Short Term Debt  ST  50.00  CRISIL A1      11-09-19  CRISIL A1  26-07-18  CRISIL A1+  31-07-17  CRISIL A1+  CRISIL A1+ 
            11-06-19  CRISIL A1           
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  50.00  CRISIL A+/Negative      11-09-19  CRISIL A+/Negative  26-07-18  CRISIL AA-/Stable  31-07-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable  CRISIL AA-/Stable 
            11-06-19  CRISIL A+/Negative           
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  9.09  CRISIL A1      11-09-19  CRISIL A1  26-07-18  CRISIL A1+  31-07-17  CRISIL A1+  CRISIL A1+ 
            11-06-19  CRISIL A1           
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 50 CRISIL A+/Negative Cash Credit 50 CRISIL A+/Negative
Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee 9.09 CRISIL A1 Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee 9.09 CRISIL A1
Total 59.09 -- Total 59.09 --
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 Chemical Industry
CRISILs Criteria for rating short term debt
Criteria for Notching up Stand Alone Ratings of Companies based on Parent Support
Mapping global scale ratings onto CRISIL scale

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