Rating Rationale
April 16, 2020 | Mumbai
Huhtamaki PPL Limited
Rated amount enhanced 
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.175 Crore
Long Term Rating CRISIL AA-/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Short Term Rating CRISIL A1+ (Reaffirmed)
 
Rs.150 Crore Commercial Paper (Enhanced from Rs.100 Crore) CRISIL A1+ (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL AA-/Stable/CRISIL A1+' ratings on bank facilities and the commercial paper programme and of Huhtamaki PPL Limited (HPPL).
 
The rating action takes cognisance of measures taken by Government of India along with various state governments towards containment of COVID-19 which includes temporary closure of non-critical establishments, inter-state transportation etc. along-with advisory against travel and visiting areas of mass gatherings.
 
HPPL manufactures primary consumer packaging for essential commodities like food products, personal care, home care, hygiene and pharmaceuticals among others. Being part of supply chain of essential commodities, HPPL is allowed to operate the manufacturing units to ensure supply of primary packaging for the essential products. However, the manufacturing activities are scaled down and the units are operating at part capacity.
 
While, most of the governments' measures are applicable till May 03, 2020, revocation of the measures will be contingent upon directive from the Central government and extent of spread of COVID-19. A sustained long period of closure can result in deterioration in credit profile of HPPL. On the other hand, a faster reversal to normalcy may contain the extent of deterioration likely in credit quality. That said, the ability of the business to revert back to operational stability and any relief measures given by the government will be a key monitorable, and CRISIL will continue monitoring these events.
 
The NCDs of Rs 385.0 crore raised to fund the acquisition of Positive Packaging India Limited (PPIL) have been prepaid on December 20, 2019.
 
The ratings continue to reflect HPPL's established position in the flexible packaging industry and comfortable financial risk profile. These strengths are partially offset by exposure to intense competition in the fragmented flexible packaging industry and regulatory risks due to environmental issues, and susceptibility of profitability to volatility in raw material prices.

Analytical Approach

CRISIL has amortised the goodwill on acquisition of Ajanta Packaging (Ajanta) of around Rs. 47 Crore over a period of five years commencing June 2018.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths: 
* Established market position in the premium flexible packaging market
HPPL is a leading converter in the domestic flexible packaging industry. Its established market position is supported by its diversified product range, which comprises flexibles, labels, and metallised and polythene films. CRISIL believes HPPL's strong and diverse customer profile will continue to support its strong business risk profile over the medium term. HPPL's innovation and product development capabilities are enhanced by parent, Huhtamaki Oyj (Huhtamaki), Finland
 
* Comfortable financial risk profile
The financial risk profile is marked by sufficient internal accruals and stable operating performance. The net debt is expected to remain at comfortable levels of around Rs 300 crore. Debt protection metrics are also expected to remain comfortable due to stable debt profile. The gearing is also expected to remain around 0.6 to 0.7 time over medium term against 0.43 time as on December 31, 2019.
 
Weaknesses:
* Exposure to intense competition in the fragmented flexible packaging industry and regulatory risks due to environmental issues
The fragmented nature of flexible packaging industry puts pressure on profitability of the converters. Though the industry is highly consolidated in terms of catering to the FMCG and pharmaceutical customers, there is intense competition among the players, which restricts pricing flexibility. Also, these companies have limited bargaining power against large FMCG/pharmaceutical players.
The company is exposed to regulatory risks due to increasing focus on environmental issues. Any adverse regulatory changes impacting the credit profile of HPPL is a monitorable.
 
* Susceptibility of profitability to volatility in raw material prices
Raw material cost accounts for around 65-70% of the company's operating income. The prices of key raw materials, such as films, polyethylene granules, and biaxially-oriented polyethylene, are linked to crude oil prices, which are volatile. HPPL is able to pass on the raw material price variations to customers with a lag of 3 to 6 months. CRISIL believes the company's operating margin will remain susceptible to volatility in input cost.
Liquidity Strong

HPPL enjoys strong liquidity with cash and cash equivalents of Rs. 115 crore as on April 02, 2020. Bank lines of around Rs 248 Cr were moderately utilized with average utilization of 33% for six months ended March 2020 (utilisation of over 60% in March 2020). The limits were utilised majorly for non-fund based purposes. The capital expenditure of Rs 80-100 crore will be funded through internal accruals.

Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes HPPL will maintain a healthy business risk profile over the medium term, and will continue to benefit from business and financial support from Huhtamaki.

Rating Sensitivity factors
Upward factors
* Substantial improvement in business performance leading to improvement in operating profitability to above 12% on a sustainable basis
* Significant improvement in capital structure and debt protection metrics
 
Downward factors
* Considerable decline in business performance, profitability and cash accruals
* Weakening of financial profile with increase in TOL/TNW to over 2 times
* Any adverse regulatory changes in future impacting the credit profile
About the Company

HPPL, founded in 1935, is an established player in India's flexible packaging industry. The company manufactures printed laminates of plastic, aluminum foil, and paper-based films. Parent, Huhtamaki holds 66.94% equity stake in HPPL as on March 31, 2020.

HPPL has 18 manufacturing facilities in the states of Maharashtra, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Assam, Karnataka, Daman and Himachal Pradesh.
 
HPPL has completed acquisition of Ajanta in May 2018 and Ajanta's results are included in financial results of HPPL from June 2018.
 
HPPL has completed the acquisition of flexible packaging business of Mohan Mutha Polytex Pvt Ltd. in January 2020.

Key Financial Indicators
As on / for the period ended December 31 Units 2019 2018
Revenue Rs Crore 2599 2369
Profit after tax Rs Crore 161 29
PAT margin % 6.2% 1.2%
Adjusted Debt/Adjusted Networth Times 0.43 0.76
Interest coverage Times 9.95 7.62
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 Cash Credit & Working Capital Demand Loan* NA NA NA 128.15 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Letter Of Credit & Bank Guarantee NA NA NA 46.5 CRISIL A1+
NA Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility NA NA NA 0.35 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Commercial Paper NA NA 7-365 days 150 CRISIL A1+
*Fully interchangeable with non-fund based limits
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  150.00  CRISIL A1+      10-10-19  CRISIL A1+  29-03-18  CRISIL A1+    --  -- 
            26-06-19  CRISIL A1+           
            27-03-19  CRISIL A1+           
Short Term Debt (Including Commercial Paper)  ST                  21-09-17  CRISIL A1+  CRISIL A1+ 
                    12-07-17  CRISIL A1+   
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  128.50  CRISIL AA-/Stable      10-10-19  CRISIL AA-/Stable  29-03-18  CRISIL AA-/Stable  21-09-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable  CRISIL AA-/Stable 
            26-06-19  CRISIL AA-/Stable      12-07-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable   
            27-03-19  CRISIL AA-/Stable           
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  46.50  CRISIL A1+      10-10-19  CRISIL A1+  29-03-18  CRISIL A1+  21-09-17  CRISIL A1+  CRISIL A1+ 
            26-06-19  CRISIL A1+      12-07-17  CRISIL A1+   
            27-03-19  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 & Working Capital demand loan* 128.15 CRISIL AA-/Stable Cash Credit & Working Capital demand loan* 118.15 CRISIL AA-/Stable
Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee 46.5 CRISIL A1+ Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee 46.5 CRISIL A1+
Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility .35 CRISIL AA-/Stable Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility 10.35 CRISIL AA-/Stable
Total 175 -- Total 175 --
*Fully interchangeable with non-fund based limits
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

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


Gautam Shahi
Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
B:+91 124 672 2000
gautam.shahi@crisil.com


Saurabh Bhide
Rating Analyst - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 22 3342 3413
Saurabh.Bhide@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