Rating Rationale
December 19, 2018 | Mumbai
Hatsun Agro Product Limited
Long-term rating upgraded to 'CRISIL A+/Stable' ; short-term rating reaffirmed
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.1180 Crore
Long Term Rating CRISIL A+/Stable (Upgraded from 'CRISIL A/Stable')
Short Term Rating CRISIL A1 (Reaffirmed)
 
Rs.150 Crore Commercial Paper CRISIL A1 (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has upgraded its rating on the long-term bank facilities of Hatsun Agro Product Limited (Hatsun) to 'CRISIL A+/Stable' from 'CRISIL A/Stable' while reaffirmed the short-term rating and commercial paper at 'CRISIL A1'.

The upgrade reflects improvement in Hatsun's financial risk profile, marked by comfortable capital structure and robust debt protection metrics. Total outside liabilities to tangible networth (TOLTNW) ratio improved significantly to 1.57 times as on September 30, 2018, vis-Ã' -vis 4.93 times as on March 31, 2018, driven by infusion of funds in the form of rights issue and subsequent part repayment of outstanding debt in the first half of fiscal 2019. Additionally, Hatsun has moderated its yearly capital expenditure (capex) guidance to Rs 300-350 crore each in the next two fiscals, which will be majorly funded through internal cash accrual. Therefore, the capital structure is likely to remain comfortable, with TOLTNW ratio below 1.5 times over the medium term. With reduction in overall debt, the cushion between cash accrual and maturing debt should significantly improve.

Revenue is expected to grow over the medium term due to expansion into other geographies such as Maharashtra and Odisha. Commissioning of its plant at Dharapuram (Tamil Nadu), in the next few months, to significantly increase the processing capacities, ensuring support to growing demand. Operating margin during the first half of fiscal 2019 benefited from commissioning of the packaging unit and higher fixed cost absorption. With tight control on key costs, the margin is expected at 9.5-10% over the medium term.

The ratings also continue to factor in Hatsun's leading market position in the dairy sector supported by strong brand, particularly in South India; healthy operating efficiency backed by established procurement and distribution networks; and a diversified product portfolio. The ratings also consider a strong financial risk profile with comfortable capital structure and robust debt protection metrics. These strengths are partially offset exposure to risks related to entry into new geographies and susceptibility to changes in environmental conditions.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths
* Established market position supported by strong brand, particularly in South India
Hatsun is the largest private sector dairy company in India, with a portfolio of established brands, superior brand equity, well-spread distribution and procurement networks, and an aggressive marketing strategy. Strong market position in the milk segment is cemented by widespread presence in South India, with majority of the processing units located across Tamil Nadu.

* Healthy operating efficiency backed by established procurement and distribution network
Hatsun owns over 9,700 procurement centres covering over 13,000 villages, with chilling and dairy units across its key operating markets. This enables it to reach out to over 3 lakh farmers.

* Strong financial risk profile
The TOLTNW ratio was 1.57 times as on September 30, 2018 and is likely to remain below 1.5 times over the medium term. The total size of Hatsun's rights issue was for Rs 527.83 crore, of which the company received 80% of the amount on application in July 2018 and the balance is to be received in fiscal 2020 (as final call within 18 months from application). Subsequently, networth increased to Rs 805.1 crore as on September 30, 2018, from Rs 354.1 crore as on March 31, 2018. Debt protection metrics continue to be robust, with interest coverage and net cash accrual to total debt ratio of 5.45 times and 21%, respectively, in the first half of fiscal 2019.

Weakness
* Exposure to risks related to entry into new geographies
Hatsun plans to widen its procurement network to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra; apart from penetrating further into Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Since capital investment is planned across divisions, marketing costs and other manufacturing overheads could be high. Further, intense competition from established players operating in newer geographies may continue to constrain scalability, pricing power, and profitability.

* Susceptibility to changes in environmental conditions
Prices of key products, milk and skimmed milk powder, have fluctuated in the past, owing to droughts and supply constraints. Susceptibility to failure in milk production because of external factors such as cattle diseases also impact the business.
Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes Hatsun will continue to benefit from a dominant market position in the private dairy sector and established brands, particularly in South India. The outlook may be revised to 'Positive' if the TOLTNW ratio is steady at below 1.25 times, while the business risk profile continues to strengthen. Conversely, the outlook may be revised to 'Negative' if TOLTNW ratio deteriorates to over 2 times due to larger-than-expected capex or significantly low profitability and cash accrual.

Liquidity
Liquidity is likely to remain adequate over the medium term. Cash accrual is projected at Rs 350-450 crore for the next two fiscals against yearly maturing debt of around Rs 190 crore. Average utilisation on the cash credit limit of Rs 280 crore, was 44% over the 12 months through September 2018. Cash and cash equivalent -- Rs 40.7 crore as on September 30, 2018 -- is expected to remain healthy over the medium term. Dividends are likely to remain similar to that seen in previous fiscals.

About the Company

Hatsun was incorporated by Mr R G Chandramogan in 1986. The Chennai-based company daily processes over 30 lakh litres of milk and milk products, with strong market presence in Tamil Nadu. It has 16 processing facilities across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. Popular brands include Arokya milk; Arun ice creams; Hatsun curd, ghee, and butter; and an ice-cream chain under the Ibaco brand and Santosa Cattle Feed. The company has also entered into the ready-to-eat category, with a pizza chain under the Oyalo brand.

Hatsun is listed on the National Stock Exchange and BSE Ltd.

Key Financial Indicators
Particulars Unit 2018 2017
Revenue Rs crore 4295 4200
Profit After Tax (PAT) Rs crore 90.84 135.39
PAT Margin % 2.1 3.2
Adjusted debt/adjusted networth Times 3.67 2.73
Interest coverage Times 4.27 5.4

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.Cr) Rating Assigned with Outlook
NA Cash credit NA NA NA 260 CRISIL A+/Stable
NA Long term loan NA NA 31-Dec-2021 726.87 CRISIL A+/Stable
NA Short Term Loan NA NA NA 179 CRISIL A1
NA Proposed long term bank loan facility NA NA NA 14.13 CRISIL A+/Stable
NA Commercial paper NA NA 7-365 days 150 CRISIL A1
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
Commercial Paper  ST  150.00  CRISIL A1  29-06-18  CRISIL A1  16-05-17  CRISIL A1  23-12-16  CRISIL A1  01-12-15  CRISIL A1  -- 
        06-06-18  CRISIL A1      12-10-16  CRISIL A1       
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  1180.00  CRISIL A+/Stable/ CRISIL A1  29-06-18  CRISIL A/Stable/ CRISIL A1  16-05-17  CRISIL A/Stable/ CRISIL A1  23-12-16  CRISIL A/Stable  01-12-15  CRISIL A/Stable  -- 
        06-06-18  CRISIL A/Stable      12-10-16  CRISIL A/Stable  24-11-15  CRISIL A/Stable   
                    20-11-15  CRISIL A/Stable   
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST    --  29-06-18  CRISIL A1  16-05-17  CRISIL A1  23-12-16  CRISIL A1    --  -- 
        06-06-18  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 260 CRISIL A+/Stable Capex Letter of Credit 85.04 CRISIL A1
Long Term Loan 726.87 CRISIL A+/Stable Cash Credit 235 CRISIL A/Stable
Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility 14.13 CRISIL A+/Stable Cash Term Loan 40 CRISIL A/Stable
Short Term Loan 179 CRISIL A1 Long Term Loan 693.16 CRISIL A/Stable
-- 0 -- Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility 2.8 CRISIL A/Stable
-- 0 -- Short Term Loan 124 CRISIL A1
Total 1180 -- Total 1180 --
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
CRISILs Criteria for rating short term debt

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

Vinay Rajani
Media Relations
CRISIL Limited
D: +91 22 3342 1835
M: +91 91 676 42913
B: +91 22 3342 3000
vinay.rajani@ext-crisil.com

Nitin Kansal
Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 124 672 2154
nitin.kansal@crisil.com


Dinesh Jain
Associate Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 44 6656 3115
Dinesh.Jain@crisil.com


Krishna Ambadasu
Rating Analyst - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 44 6656 3123
Krishna.Ambadasu@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.CRISIL or its associates may have other commercial transactions with the company/entity.

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