Rating Rationale
August 17, 2018 | Mumbai
PVR Limited
Rating Reaffirmed
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.348.33 Crore
Long Term Rating CRISIL AA-/Stable (Reaffirmed)
 
Non-Convertible Debentures Aggregating Rs.685 Crore  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 non-convertible debentures and long-term bank facilities of PVR Limited (PVR).

The reaffirmation factors in PVR's recent announcement to acquire SPI Cinemas Pvt Ltd (SPI) for an enterprise value of Rs 1,043 crore. Initially, PVR would acquire a 71.69% stake in SPI for a cash consideration of Rs 633 crore, to be funded through a mix of internal accrual (Rs 383 crore) and debt (Rs 250 crore). The transaction further entails merger of SPI with PVR and consequent provision for the acquisition of the remaining 28.31% stake in SPI by issuing fresh equity shares. Furthermore, SPI's existing debt of Rs 160 crore will also be consolidated with PVR upon acquisition of majority stake.

Post-acquisition of SPI, PVR's market position in southern India will strengthen with the addition of 68 operational screens and 21 upcoming screens. Therefore, contribution to PVR's screen portfolio from southern India will increase to 35% from 26%. The transaction is, however, expected to temporarily weaken PVR's financial risk profile due to increase in debt to around Rs 1,250 crore from Rs 832 crore as on March 31, 2018. The debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation) ratio will, therefore, increase from 2 times as on March 31, 2018, but will remain below 3 times at peak debt.

During fiscal 2018, SPI's revenue was Rs 310 crore and EBITDA Rs 63 crore. Accrual is expected to benefit further from revenue and cost synergies, leading to a better financial risk profile. Improvement in accrual post-acquisition will remain a key monitorable.

The rating continues to reflect PVR's strong market position and established brand, healthy operating efficiency, and a comfortable financial risk profile. These strengths are partially offset by exposure to risks inherent in the film exhibition business.

Analytical Approach

For arriving at the rating, CRISIL has combined the business and financial risk profiles of PVR and its subsidiaries. This is because both these entities, collectively referred to as PVR, are in the same business and have common promoters.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths
* Strong market position and established brand: PVR is the largest multiplex operator in India with a strong brand equity. It has 643 screens and presence in 138 locations and 54 cities. Addition of SPI screens will lead to significant improvement in market position in South India and help diversify content as Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada languages account for 37% of total box office collection in India.

* Healthy operating efficiency: Presence in prime locations in major cities helps command a higher average ticket price than peers. Moreover, high-margin food and beverages revenue and advertisement revenue (together 35-37% of total income) remain high. Acquisition of SPI will further strengthen operating efficiencies as the company had high occupancy of 58% in fiscal 2018. Furthermore, increasing scale of operations should enable higher bargaining power with advertisers and suppliers, which will further support operating efficiencies.

* Comfortable financial risk profile: PVR has followed a prudent funding strategy for both organic and inorganic expansions. Hence, gearing remains healthy and debt protection metrics robust, despite significant expansion in scale in recent years. Debt was Rs 832 crore and gearing 0.91 time as on March 31, 2018. Interest coverage and net cash accrual to total debt ratios were 5.1 times and 0.33 time, respectively, in fiscal 2018. Though debt is expected to increase significantly with SPI's acquisition (estimated peak debt of Rs 1,250 crore), financial risk profile is expected to remain healthy with steady accrual. Debt to EBITDA ratio is expected to remain below 3 times. Organic expansion plans, its funding, and consequent impact on debt and financial risk profile need to be closely monitored.

Weakness:
* Exposure to risks inherent in the film exhibition business: Volatility in profitability, inherent in the film exhibition business, will continue to impact PVR, though this will be cushioned marginally by large scale of operations. Multiplex players, given their high fixed costs, will remain dependent on occupancy, which is driven by success of films (occupancy was 35.9% and 35.1% in the quarter ended June 30, 2018, and June 30, 2017, respectively). Other forms of entertainment and new properties expose the company to challenges of sustaining profitability and growth.
Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes PVR will continue to benefit over the medium term from its dominant market position and strong brand equity.

Upside scenario
* Sustained improvement in operating profitability and scale of operations
* Significant reduction in debt leading to steady improvement in financial risk profile

Downside scenario
* Sizeable, debt-funded capital expenditure or acquisitions affecting financial risk profile
* Weaker-than-expected operating performance.

About the Company

PVR was set up in 1995 as a 60:40 joint venture (JV) between Priya Exhibitors Pvt Ltd and Village Roadshow Ltd (VRL), a world leader in the multiplex business. In the same year, PVR took a single-screen cinema hall, Anupam, at Saket in Delhi, on lease and converted it into a four-screen multiplex. It started operations in 1997 as PVR Anupam and was the first multi-screen cineplex in India. As part of its global business strategy, VRL exited the JV in 2002.

In November 2012, PVR acquired Cinemax, strengthening its presence in western India. Cinemax operated in 39 locations with 138 screens. This acquisition made PVR the largest multiplex operator in India. In May 2016, it completed the acquisition of DT Cinemas' 32 screens (29 operational and 3 upcoming) for a consideration of Rs 433 crore. PVR had raised equity of Rs 350 crore in fiscal 2016 to part-fund the acquisition. The balance was to be funded through debt and internal cash accrual. During January 2017, Warburg Pincus Llc acquired 14% stake in the company, 9% from its existing shareholders (Multiples Private Equity Fund I Ltd), and 5% from promoters.

For the first quarter ended June 30, 2018, operating income was Rs 696 crore and profit after tax (PAT) Rs 52 crore, against Rs 637 crore and Rs 44 crore, respectively, for the corresponding period of the previous fiscal.

Key Financial Indicators
As on/for the period ended March 31 Unit 2018 2017
Revenue Rs.Crore 2,334 2,119
Profit After Tax (PAT) Rs.Crore 125 96
PAT Margin % 5.4 4.5
Adjusted debt/adjusted networth Times 0.91 0.97
Interest coverage Times 5.13 4.61
Numbers as reported by the company

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
INE191H07011 Debentures* 01-Jan-10 11.40% 01-Jan-17 2 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07029 Debentures* 01-Jan-10 11.40% 01-Jan-18 2 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07037 Debentures 01-Jan-10 11.40% 01-Jan-19 3 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07045 Debentures 01-Jan-10 11.40% 01-Jan-20 3 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07060 Debentures 25-Feb-14 10.95% 25-Feb-19 50 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07078 Debentures 10-Jun-14 10.75% 10-Jun-19 50 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07128 Debentures 16-Oct-14 11.00% 16-Oct-18 25 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07136 Debentures 16-Oct-14 11.00% 16-Oct-19 25 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07144 Debentures 16-Oct-14 11.00% 16-Oct-20 25 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07151 Debentures 16-Oct-14 11.00% 16-Oct-21 25 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07169 Debentures 24-Nov-14 11.00% 24-Nov-19 15 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07177 Debentures 24-Nov-14 11.00% 24-Nov-20 15 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07185 Debentures 24-Nov-14 11.00% 24-Nov-21 20 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07193 Debentures 09-Jan-15 10.75% 08-Jan-21 50 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07201 Debentures 09-Jan-15 10.75% 07-Jan-22 50 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07219 Debentures* 29-Jul-16 8.90% 31-Jul-17 16.5 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07227 Debentures* 29-Jul-16 8.90% 31-Jul-18 16.5 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07235 Debentures 29-Jul-16 8.90% 31-Jul-19 17 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07243 Debentures 12-Jan-17 7.84% 10-Jul-20 50 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07250 Debentures 03-Apr-17 8.05% 02-Apr-21 25 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07268 Debentures 03-Apr-17 8.15% 02-Apr-22 50 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07276 Debentures 18-Aug-17 7.85% 18-Aug-22 50 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07284 Debentures 16-Apr-18 8.72% 16-Apr-21 10 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07292 Debentures 16-Apr-18 8.72% 15-Apr-22 20 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191H07300 Debentures 16-Apr-18 8.72% 14-Apr-23 20 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Debentures** NA NA NA 50 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Long-term loan NA NA Sep-2019 25.73 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Long-term loan NA NA May-2024 170.4 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Long-term loan NA NA May-2025 127.2 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Working Capital Facility NA NA NA 25.00 CRISIL AA-/Stable
*CRISIL is Awaiting independent confirmation of redemption before withdrawing ratings on these instruments
**Yet not issued
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
Non Convertible Debentures  LT  598.00
17-08-18 
CRISIL AA-/Stable      26-12-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable  21-07-16  CRISIL AA-/Stable  22-07-15  CRISIL A+/Stable  CRISIL A+/Positive 
            10-08-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable  21-06-16  CRISIL AA-/Stable  11-06-15  CRISIL A+/Watch Developing   
            24-03-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable  22-01-16  CRISIL A+/Positive  07-01-15  CRISIL A+/Stable   
            06-01-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable           
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  348.33  CRISIL AA-/Stable      26-12-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable  21-07-16  CRISIL AA-/Stable  22-07-15  CRISIL A+/Stable  CRISIL A+/Positive 
            10-08-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable  21-06-16  CRISIL AA-/Stable  11-06-15  CRISIL A+/Watch Developing   
            24-03-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable  22-01-16  CRISIL A+/Positive  07-01-15  CRISIL A+/Stable   
            06-01-17  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
Long Term Loan 323.33 CRISIL AA-/Stable Long Term Loan 348.33 CRISIL AA-/Stable
Working Capital Facility 25 CRISIL AA-/Stable -- 0 --
Total 348.33 -- Total 348.33 --
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 Consolidation

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

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


Rakshit Kachhal
Rating Analyst - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 124 672 2111
Rakshit.Kachhal@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.

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