Rating Rationale
October 15, 2018 | Mumbai
Matrix Cellular (International) Services Limited
Ratings downgraded to 'CRISIL B+/Negative/CRISIL A4'
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.25 Crore
Long Term Rating CRISIL B+/Negative (Downgraded from 'CRISIL BBB-/Negative')
Short Term Rating CRISIL A4 (Downgraded from 'CRISIL A3')
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has downgraded its ratings on the bank facilities of Matrix Cellular (International) Services Limited (MCIS; a part of the Matrix group) to 'CRISIL B+/Negative/CRISIL A4' from 'CRISIL BBB-/Negative/CRISIL A3'.

The downgrade reflects continuous higher than expected deterioration in business and financial risk profiles, which is expected to worsen in the near term owing a challenging business environment. Revenue is likely to continue to plummet because of intense competition from other telecom service providers. Turnover declined by more than 50% in the two fiscals through 2018. This, along with high fixed costs, is expected to result in continual operating losses and erosion in networth. Negative networth and high total outside liabilities of Rs 65 crore as on March 31, 2018, has significantly constrained financial flexibility. However, promoter support expected to partially offsets this risk. Deterioration in credit risk profile will continue till business turns around or new business ramps up significantly, which will remain a key monitorable.

Analytical Approach

For arriving at the ratings, CRISIL has combined the business and financial risk profiles of MCIS and its four wholly owned subsidiaries: Matrix Cellular PTE Ltd (Singapore), GD Enterprises FZE (Dubai), Matrix Cellular Services International UK Pvt Ltd (UK), and Matrix Forex Service Pvt Ltd. This is because these entities, collectively referred to as the Matrix group, have significant operational and financial links. The overseas subsidiaries were incorporated only to facilitate purchase of airtime by MCIS.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Weaknesses
* Declining revenue and significant pressure on profitability amid intense competition: The group has incurred steady operating losses in the past two fiscals due to stiff competition from telecom giants, Airtel and Vodafone, which offer competitive rates on international roaming. Though management is taking steps to cut cost, operating margin may remain low over the medium term.

The group is diversifying operations by offering a bouquet of services, including foreign exchange, hotel bookings, and other travel-related facilities to leverage its existing clientele and brand. Management intends to rationalise workforce and move to smaller offices at various locations to cut costs. However, successful revival of existing business and ramp up of new business would be integral to improving liquidity and will remain key monitorable.

* Weak financial risk profile due to erosion of networth: Financial risk profile was affected by negative debt protection metrics and return on capital employed. Provisional net loss in fiscal 2018 was more than Rs 35 crore, which led to a negative networth after adjusting intangible assets. However, a slight increase in operating margin following cut in staff count and lower lease costs should help improve financial risk profile over the medium term.

Strength
* Healthy brand recognition: The Matrix group operates in a niche industry as an enhanced service provider of airtime. Tie-ups with 43 operators across 35 countries and an established base of over 4,50,000 customers reflect its strong market position. The group is altering its business model to turn into a full-fledged travel company. Though it plans to leverage the Matrix brand to grow the new business, ramp-up in scale will remain a key sensitive factor.
Outlook: Negative

CRISIL believes the Matrix group's operating performance will remain under pressure due to intense competition in the telecom space. The rating may be downgraded if increasing losses lead to further deterioration in credit risk profile. The outlook may be revised to 'Stable' if business turns around or new business ramps up significantly leading to substantial increase in revenue or profitability improves cash flow.

About the Group

Established by Mr Gagan Dugal in November 2005, MCIS is the flagship company of the Matrix group. It is a leading enhanced service provider in India for country-specific airtime/connections under its brand, Matrix. MCIS also has tie-ups with 43 mobile operators across 35 countries. 

Key Financial Indicators
As on/for the period ended March 31 Unit 2018 2017
Revenue Rs crore 149.69 206.49
Profit After Tax (PAT) Rs crore (35.35) (6.48)
PAT Margin % (23.62) (3.14)
Adjusted debt/adjusted networth Times (40.10) 0.59
Interest coverage Times (7.10) (0.66)

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 Bank Guarantee NA NA NA 5.0 CRISIL A4
NA Cash Credit NA NA NA 17.0 CRISIL B+/Negative
NA Proposed Cash Credit Limit NA NA NA 3.0 CRISIL B+/Negative
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
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  20.00  CRISIL B+/Negative      23-11-17  CRISIL BBB-/Negative  09-12-16  CRISIL A-/Stable  30-09-15  CRISIL A-/Stable  CRISIL A-/Stable/ CRISIL A2+ 
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  5.00  CRISIL A4      23-11-17  CRISIL A3  09-12-16  CRISIL A2+  30-09-15  CRISIL A2+  CRISIL A2+ 
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
Bank Guarantee 5 CRISIL A4 Bank Guarantee 5 CRISIL A3
Cash Credit 17 CRISIL B+/Negative Cash Credit 17 CRISIL BBB-/Negative
Proposed Cash Credit Limit 3 CRISIL B+/Negative Proposed Cash Credit Limit 3 CRISIL BBB-/Negative
Total 25 -- Total 25 --
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 Mobile Telephony Services
CRISILs Bank Loan Ratings
CRISILs Criteria for Consolidation
The Rating Process
Understanding CRISILs Ratings and Rating Scales

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