Rating Rationale
August 19, 2020 | Mumbai
Ford Credit India Private Limited
  Rating removed from 'Watch Negative' ; rating reaffirmed
 
Rating Action
Rs.500 Crore Commercial Paper CRISIL A1+ (Removed from 'Rating Watch with Negative Implications'; Rating Reaffirmed) 
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has removed its rating on the commercial paper programme of Ford Credit India Private Limited (FCIPL) from 'Rating Watch with Negative Implications' and reaffirmed at 'CRISIL A1+'.

Earlier on April 3, 2020, CRISIL had placed the short-term rating on 'Rating Watch with Negative implications' in line with the rating action by S&P Global Ratings [S&P Global] on Ford Motor Company USA (FMC; the parent). S&P has resolved the 'Credit Watch Negative' by assigning a Negative outlook while reaffirming the ratings at 'BB+/B'. As per S&P Global's rating rationale, the negative outlook reflects that there is at least a one-third chance that S&P Global could lower their rating on FMC over the next 12 months. This could happen if fallout from the pandemic has a prolonged negative effect on demand and operational performance.
 
As per CRISIL's rating criteria, CRISIL centrally factors in the strategic importance and expectation of strong support to FCIPL from its ultimate parent, FMC by notching up the rating based on parent support. CRISIL also maps the global scale ratings by S&P Global on FMC onto its own rating scale in order to assess the parent's credit profile. Since the S&P Global rating is now on Negative outlook, any downgrade in FMC's rating by one notch or higher will lead to a downgrade in FCIPL's short-term rating as well.
 
The rating continues to factor in FCIPL's strategic importance to its parent, Ford Motor Credit Company, USA (FMCC; rated 'BB+/Negative/B' by S&P Global) and the ultimate parent, Ford Motor Company, USA (FMC; rated 'BB+/Negative/B' by S&P Global), and their (together referred to as Ford) strong moral obligation to support the Indian subsidiary on an ongoing basis and in the event of distress. The expectation of support is based on FMC's 100% ultimate ownership in FCIPL, the shared brand, and strong operational linkages. The ratings also factor in the adequate liquidity policy and comfortable capitalisation. These strengths are constrained by modest asset quality with limited track record of operations.
 
After the nationwide lockdown, the restrictions are being lifted only in a phased manner and the degree of relaxations vary across regions depending upon the severity of Covid-19 pandemic. Herein, CRISIL believes that eventual lifting of restrictions will continue to be in a phased manner. Any delay in return to normalcy will put pressure on collections and asset quality metrics. Additionally, any change in the behaviour of borrowers on payment discipline can affect delinquency levels. FCIPL's portfolio consists of vehicle loans, with a majority to salaried customers in retail portfolio along with providing funding to dealers. The wholesale segment could witness challenges amid the current lockdown, as income streams of borrowers have been affected. CRISIL will continue to closely monitor the situation.
 
On the liabilities side, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced regulatory measures under 'Covid-19 - Regulatory Package', whereby lenders were permitted to grant moratorium on bank loans. However, FCIPL has not applied for moratorium from any of its lenders.
 
Nevertheless, herein, CRISIL believes that FCIPL has sufficient liquidity at standalone level. During Aug-Dec 2020, the company's total debt obligation stands at Rs 330.5 crore. Against this, the company has cash and liquid investments of Rs 86.2 crore and unutilised bank lines of Rs 1700.5 crore (including Rs 300 crore of committed bank lines and working capital facility of around Rs 1000 crore) as on July 31, 2020. Additionally, the company has a line of credit of Rs 310 crore from the parent. Furthermore, CRISIL expects FCIPL to receive need-based support from its parent, FMC and FMCC.

Analytical Approach

For arriving at the rating, CRISIL has factored in the support that FCIPL is expected to receive from its ultimate parent, FMC, given the strategic importance of the former and the strong moral obligation to support the entity given the ownership and shared name.  

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths:
* Strategic importance to, and expectation of strong support from, the ultimate parent, FMC
FMC views India as a key market, as reflected in its presence across manufacturing, sales, marketing, and financing in the country. FCIPL, being the captive financier of Ford in India, receives significant financial and managerial support from Ford given the strategic role it plays in strengthening Ford's market share and sales in India. FMCC has infused equity capital of Rs 455.4 crore in FCIPL so far, with infusing Rs 146 crore in the first half of fiscal 2019, and is likely to infuse further capital to support FCIPL's growth plans as and when required. FCIPL also benefits from Ford's global linkages with foreign banks operating in India. FCIPL's risk management policies, systems, and processes are in line with those globally approved by FMCC. CRISIL believes Ford will continue supporting FCIPL because of its strategic importance to the overall group. Furthermore, the parent (FMCC) has provided guarantees for the committed bank lines of FCIPL and has also extended a line of credit of Rs 310 crore to FCIPL. The ownership, shared brand, and strong operational integration lead to a high moral obligation on Ford to support FCIPL. Extent of FMCC's ownership in FCIPL, and the support that Ford is likely to extend to FCIPL therefore remain key monitorables.
 
* Comfortable capitalisation
Capitalisation is comfortable, as reflected in networth of Rs 456.5 crore as on June 30, 2020. The parent has infused Rs 455.4 crore so far, with infusing Rs 146 crore in the first half of fiscal 2019, and is likely to infuse further capital over the medium term to support the company's growth. Gearing stood at 2.2 times as on June 30, 2020, against 2.6 times as on March 31, 2020 (2.9 times as on March 31, 2019) and is expected to remain below 4.5 times over the medium term.
 
Weaknesses:
* Modest asset quality with limited track record of operations

FCIPL is a relatively new player in the overall vehicle finance market, having commenced operations in 2014. The loan portfolio stood at Rs 1335.9 crore as on June 30, 2020, against Rs 1466.6 crore as on March 31, 2020 (Rs 1663.3 crore a year earlier), registering a quarter-on-quarter de-growth of 9% amid the economic environment. However, within Ford India Pvt Ltd's (FIPL's) ecosystem, FCIPL provides floorplan financing to FIPL dealers, covering around 33% of Ford India's vehicle sales. Furthermore, FMC's joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd through its subsidiary, FIPL, will help Ford increase its market share in India, hence providing opportunity for FCIPL to grow. Nevertheless, growth of the company is expected to remain muted over the near to medium term on account of nation-wide lockdown due to Covid-19 and slowdown in the vehicle industry.
 
Asset quality metrics while inched up amidst economic environment in first quarter of fiscal 2020 but remained comfortable with gross non-performing assets (NPAs) at 2.32% as on June 30, 2020 as compared to 1.55% as on March 31, 2020 (1.4% as on March 31, 2019). Wholesale segment constituted around 31% of the total advances as on June 30, 2020 which have relatively higher concentration risks, therefore, wholesale asset quality would remain vulnerable to potential deterioration in these accounts. Also, given FCIPL's relatively moderate stage of operations, the impact of seasoning on the portfolio will be visible only over the medium term. Hence, the company's ability to manage the asset quality while ramping up the scale of operations will be key monitorables. Nevertheless, the impact of the nationwide lockdown due to Covid-19 on delinquency levels remains to be seen, and CRISIL will closely monitor this.
Liquidity Strong

FCIPL has comfortable liquidity policy which is consistent with FMCC's global liquidity strategy. The asset liability maturity (ALM) profile (based on provisional financials) is comfortable with no cumulative negative mismatch in the up to one-year bucket as on March 31, 2020 (excluding unutilised bank lines). The company has adequate liquidity in the form of cash equivalents and committed bank lines to manage its liquidity and refinance risks. As on July 31, 2020, FCIPL had total debt obligation of Rs 330.5 crore due during Aug-December 2020, against which it had cash and liquid investments of Rs 86.2 crore and unutilised bank lines of around Rs 1700.5 crore (including Rs 300 crore of committed bank lines and working capital facility of around Rs 1000 crore). Moreover, FMCC has provided a line of credit of Rs 310 crore, which, too, is to be drawn in case of any liquidity crunch.
 
Rating sensitivity factors
Downward factors
* Downward revision in S&P Global's rating of Ford Motor Co. USA by one notch or higher
* If there is a significant diminution in the stake held by, or the support expected from, Ford Motor Credit Co. USA and the ultimate parent Ford Motor Co. USA.

About the Company

Incorporated in 2014, FCIPL started operations in India in 2015. It is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of FMCC, which in turn is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of FMC. It is a captive finance company, providing loans and financial services to dealers and retail customers for the purchase of vehicles manufactured and imported by FIPL.
  
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 188,000 people worldwide.

Key Financial Indicators
As on/for the year ended March 31 Units 2020* 2019
Total assets Rs crore 1641.0 1822.3
Total income Rs crore 163.4 169.5
Profit/Loss Rs crore 18.6 8.2
Gross NPA % 1.6 1.4
Gearing Times 2.6 2.9
Return on assets % 1.1 0.5
*IND-AS
Note: All the financial information for as on June 30, 2020 are provisional based on unaudited financials

Any other information: Not applicable

Note on complexity levels of the rated instrument:
CRISIL 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. For more details on the CRISIL complexity levels, please visit www.crisil.com/complexity-levels.
Annexure - Details of Instrument(s)
ISIN Name of instrument Date of allotment Coupon rate (%) Maturity date  Issue size (Rs crore) Complexity Levels Rating outstanding with outlook
NA Commercial Paper Programme NA NA 7-365 500 Simple CRISIL A1+
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
Commercial Paper  ST  500.00  CRISIL A1+  29-05-20  CRISIL A1+/Watch Negative  06-11-19  CRISIL A1+  31-10-18  CRISIL A1+  06-10-17  CRISIL A1+  -- 
        03-04-20  CRISIL A1+/Watch Negative  01-03-19  CRISIL A1+           
All amounts are in Rs.Cr.
Links to related criteria
Rating Criteria for Finance Companies

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