Rating Rationale
August 26, 2019 | Mumbai
Motherson Lease Solution Limited
Rating Reaffirmed
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.125 Crore
Long Term Rating CRISIL AA/Stable (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL AA/Stable' rating on the long-term bank facility of Motherson Lease Solution Limited (MLS).
 
The rating continues to reflect the company's steady cash flow in the form of income from operating leases, strong counterparty risk profile of the Samvardhana Motherson Group (SMG) companies, healthy debt protection metrics, and robust business and financial linkages with, and support from, SMG. These strengths are partially offset by performance directly linked to the growth prospects and management of the SMG companies.

Analytical Approach

CRISIL has taken a standalone view of MLS and has not combined its business and financial risk profiles with that of its parent, Motherson Auto Ltd (MAL; 'CRISIL AA/Stable'). This is because there are no fungible funds between the two entities and no further equity is likely to be invested by MAL into MLS. Also, while some legacy debt in MLS has guarantees from MAL, it is expected to be replaced by non-guaranteed debt over the medium term.
 
Furthermore, CRISIL has applied the group notch-up to the ratings of MAL. This is because MAL's promoters also own Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd (SMIL; 'CRISIL A1+') and Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd (MSSL; rated 'CRISIL AA+/Stable/CRISIL A1+') and have supported MAL through inter-corporate deposits. Leveraging of the common group name helps MAL negotiate better financial and operating terms with all the stakeholders on behalf of smaller group companies and ensures high moral obligation for SMG to support MAL, if required.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths:
* Steady cash flow from operating lease income and strong counterparty risk profile
MLS leases movable fixed assets and provides insurance solutions to the SMG companies. Vehicles (comprising 58% of the asset portfolio) contributed 60% to the total revenue in fiscal 2019, while equipment leasing (42%) accounted for the rest. The vehicles are leased for four years, after which they are sold in the open market. For equipment, the lease period is 3-7 years. MLS also provides insurance solutions to group companies, though revenue contribution of this business remains low. The entire vehicle requirement and a large portion of SMG's equipment requirement are met by MLS, thus ensuring steady cash flow in the form of operating leases. Furthermore, counterparty risk is low as all customers are SMG group companies. Growing asset base under lease should continue to augment income and cash flow over the medium term.
 
* Healthy debt protection metrics
While cash flow from existing assets under lease is more than sufficient to meet debt obligation, debt-servicing ability is enhanced through newer assets that MLS will lease over the medium term. With new assets being leased in fiscal 2019, external debt increased to Rs 90 crore as on March 31, 2019, from Rs 34 crore the previous fiscal. Debt service coverage ratio is expected to be comfortable through the tenure of the loan. While debt servicing reserve account is not available for the loans, an overdraft line of Rs 60 crore (equivalent to over nine months of debt servicing) should help meet any cash flow mismatch over the medium term.
 
* Strong business and financial linkages with, and support from, SMG
MLS plays an important role in driving the group philosophy of high return on capital employed. By availing of leasing services through MLS, capital of the group entities does not get blocked in non-core assets, while centralised leasing and insurance services drives efficiency within SMG entities. This also results in tax benefits for both MLS (through higher depreciation) and SMG entities (through operating lease rentals). Though currently self-sufficient, promoters and group companies are expected to support MLS in case of contingencies. Leveraging of the common group name helps MLS negotiate better financial and operating terms with all stakeholders on behalf of smaller group companies and ensures high moral obligation for SMG to support MLS, if required.
 
Weaknesses:
* Performance directly linked to growth prospects/performance of group companies
Services provided by MLS are only for SMG entities. Consequently, growth in assets under lease is directly linked to growth and performance of the group entities. However, cash flow from existing leasing arrangements should be sufficient for servicing existing debt. Any change in the credit risk profiles of the key operating companies in the group will remain a key rating sensitivity factor.
Liquidity

Liquidity remains healthy. While cash flow from existing assets under lease is more than sufficient to meet debt obligation, debt-servicing ability is enhanced through newer assets that MLS will lease over the medium term. While debt servicing reserve account is not available for the loans, an overdraft line of Rs 60 crore (equivalent to over nine months of debt servicing) should help meet any cash flow mismatch over the medium term.

Outlook: Stable

MLS should maintain adequate debt protection metrics over the medium term, backed by steady cash flow from the operating lease business and growth in services provided to SMG entities.
 
Upside scenario
* Higher-than-expected cash flow improving debt protection metrics on a sustained basis
* Revision in ratings of key companies in SMG
 
Downside scenario
* Significant weakening of financial risk profile due to decline in income from operating leases, delay in receivables, or large debt
* Any significant deterioration in credit quality of key companies in SMG

About the Company

Incorporated in 2009, MLS is a wholly owned subsidiary of MAL. MLS leases assets and provides insurance solutions within the SMG companies. Assets such as vehicles, equipment, plant and machinery, software, furniture, and fixtures are provided on lease to group companies. MLS also offers insurance solutions: guidance, advisory, and procurement and claim settlement services.

Key Financial Indicators
As on/for the period ended March 31   2019 2018
Revenue Rs crore 58 63
Profit after tax (PAT) Rs crore 8 9
PAT margin % 13.6 13.9
Adjusted debt/adjusted networth Times 3.6 2.5
Interest coverage Times 10.7 12

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 Term Loan NA NA Feb-23 125 CRISIL AA/Stable
 
Annexure - Rating History for last 3 Years
  Current 2019 (History) 2018  2017  2016  Start of 2016
Instrument Type Outstanding Amount Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Rating
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  125.00  CRISIL AA/Stable      25-06-18  CRISIL AA/Stable  05-05-17  CRISIL AA/Stable    --  -- 
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
Term Loan 125 CRISIL AA/Stable Term Loan 125 CRISIL AA/Stable
Total 125 -- Total 125 --
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 Bank Loan Ratings
Criteria for Notching up Stand Alone Ratings of Companies based on Group Support
Understanding CRISILs Ratings and Rating Scales

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

Sachin Gupta
Senior Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 22 3342 3023
Sachin.Gupta@crisil.com


Nitesh Jain
Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 22 3342 3329
nitesh.jain@crisil.com


Rohan Kulshrestha
Rating Analyst - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 124 672 2120
Rohan.Kulshrestha@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