Rating Rationale
September 25, 2020 | Mumbai
Privi Speciality Chemicals Limited
'CRISIL A+/Stable/CRISIL A1' assigned to bank debt
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.583.05 Crore
Long Term Rating CRISIL A+/Stable (Assigned)
Short Term Rating CRISIL A1 (Assigned)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has assigned its 'CRISIL A+/Stable/CRISIL A1' ratings to the bank facilities of Privi Speciality Chemicals Limited (PSCL).
 
National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), vide order dated June 30, 2020, approved a scheme of arrangement and amalgamation wherein the oleo chemicals and nutraceuticals business of Privi Organics India Limited's (POIL) parent Fairchem Speciality Ltd (FSL) was demerged into a separate entity and POIL was merged with FSL. Further, FSL has been renamed to PSCL vide order dated August 17, 2020. CRISIL has hence withdrawn the rating on POIL and simultaneously assigned its ratings to the bank facilities of PSCL.
 
The ratings reflect PSCL's strong business risk profile, driven by an established market position in the bulk aroma chemicals industry, long-standing customer relationships, strong relationship with suppliers, and improving profitability and asset utilisation. The ratings also factor in an above-average financial risk profile because of a comfortable capital structure and adequate debt protection metrics. These strengths are partially offset by exposure to any sudden and sharp fluctuation in foreign exchange (forex) rates, volatility in prices of raw material, particularly crude derivatives, and large working capital requirement.

Analytical Approach

For arriving at the ratings, CRISIL has considered the consolidated financials of PSCL and its wholly owned subsidiaries ' Privi Biotechnologies Pvt Ltd and Privi Organics, USA, which are strategically important to, and have a significant degree of operational integration with PSCL.

Please refer Annexure - List of entities consolidated, which captures the list of entities considered and their analytical treatment of consolidation.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths: 
* Established market position, longstanding customer relationships, and diversified product basket: Benefits from the promoters' two-decade-long experience in the industry, established relationships with suppliers and customers, and a portfolio of 65 products (across four chemical categories - pinene, citral, phenol, and sandalwood) should continue to support the business risk profile. Pinene-based products'dihydromyrcenol and amber fleur'account for sizeable revenue. Business is also bolstered by the key supplier status for all major global customers with which the company has a healthy relationship. exports to all the major markets and is the preferred supplier to the top flavour and fragrance (F&F) houses of the world like Givaudan (Switzerland), Firmenich (Switzerland), Symrise (Germany) and leading FMCG players like P&G and Henkel. CRISIL believes that PSCL's established industry presence, diversified product basket and long and established relations with its reputed clientele bolsters its business risk profile and the same will also facilitate the company in steady ramp up in its operations.
 
* Strong relationship with suppliers, improving profitability and asset utilisation: The company is one of the few players globally with capability to manufacture key inputs alpha and beta pinene from basic raw materials, crude sulphate turpentine and/or gum turpentine oil. The backward integration for key inputs and insulates it from fluctuations in alpha and beta pinene. The arrangements with suppliers for raw material procurement also support the company's profitability. It also has tie-up for 65% of its capacity with customers on yearly basis, insulating from fluctuation of key products in spot market. This, coupled with steady increase in capacity utilisation has led to improved operating margin over past three fiscals.

* Above-average financial risk profile: As on March 31, 2020, the networth was Rs 604.8 crore, while the gearing and total outside liabilities to adjusted networth (TOLANW) ratio were 0.84 time and 1.26 times, respectively (0.94 time and 1.62 times, respectively, a year ago). Despite planned capex over the medium term, the capital structure is expected to remain comfortable with gearing and TOLANW ratio at below 1 time and 1.2 times, respectively. Debt protection metrics were comfortable, with interest coverage ratio of 6.6 times and net cash accrual to total debt ratio of 0.39 time in fiscal 2020. The debt protection metrics have improved with the increased scale of operations and consequently healthy profitability, and is expected to remain at similar levels.
 
Weaknesses:
* Exposure to sudden and sharp fluctuation in forex rates and volatility in raw material prices: Exports account for 70% of revenue. While raw material imports form a partial natural hedge, the remaining is covered through forward contracts. However, the operating margin remains vulnerable to any sharp and sudden forex rate fluctuations. The company's operating margin is also exposed to volatility in prices of crude derivatives-based raw material, which form close to 30% of total raw material component.
 
* Large working capital requirement: Operations are working capital intensive marked by gross current assets (GCAs) of 183 days as on March 31, 2020. An inventory of 90-120 days is maintained necessitated by the imports and the transit time involved. Furthermore, as the company deals with large global players, it has to extend an open credit of 60-120 days. Debtors stood at 64 days as on March 31, 2020 as against 101 days a year earlier. This was on account of supplier vendor finance facility availed by the company. The working capital cycle is expected to remain stretched, leading to dependence on short-term debt and letter of credit-based procurements with usance up to 180 days. With the scale of operations expected to increase over the medium term, CRISIL estimates working capital requirement to remain large over the medium term.
Liquidity Strong

PSCL enjoys strong liquidity driven by expected cash accruals of more than Rs. 150 crores per annum in fiscals 2021 and 2022, and cash and cash equivalents of Rs. 90 crores as on March 31, 2020. POIL also has access to fund-based limits of Rs. 275 crores, utilized to the tune of 69% on an average over the 12 months ended August 2020. The company has long term repayment obligations around Rs. 21 crores and Rs. 37 crores in fiscal 2021 and 2022, respectively. With a gearing of 0.84 times, PSCL has sufficient gearing headroom, to raise additional debt to meet its capex requirement. Its bank lines are expected to meet its incremental working capital requirements.

Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes PSCL will benefit from optimum utilization of capacity, addition of customers, and higher margin-yielding products. A prudent funding mix and commitment towards maintenance of the capital structure and debt coverage will ensure sustenance of the financial risk profile over the medium term.

Rating Sensitivity factors
Upward factors
* Strengthening of business risk profile, driven by ramp-up of revenues and profitability, while diversifying product base
* Controlled reliance on external debt with working capital cycle (below 150 day), leading to TOLANW below 1 time
 
Downward factors
* Weakening of debt protection metrics, or gearing exceeding 1 over the medium term due to any unanticipated capital expenditure or acquisitions
* Weaker profitability because of high cost of production, slower ramp-up, or lower realisations, impacting accruals
About the Company

POIL, incorporated in 2016, was a 100% subsidiary of Fairchem Speciality Ltd (FSL; earlier known as Adi Finechem Ltd) and Fairfax India Holdings Corporation holds 48.76% stake in FSL. POIL was formed to take over the entire aroma chemicals business of Privi Organics Ltd.
 
Following National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) order, vide order dated June 30, 2020, POIL ceases to exist as it has been merged with FSL. Further, FSL has been renamed to Privi Speciality Chemicals Limited (PSCL) vide order dated August 17, 2020.
 
PSCL, incorporated in 1985, manufactures aroma chemicals, which are used as ingredients for manufacturing fragrances. The company presently has four manufacturing facilities at Mahad (in Maharashtra) and Jhagadia, Gujarat. Operations are managed by Mr Mahesh Babani and Mr D B Rao.

Key Financial Indicators
Particulars Unit 2020 2019
Revenue Rs.Crore 1324.6 1091.6
Profit After Tax (PAT) Rs.Crore 146 76
PAT Margin % 11.0 7.0
Adjusted debt/adjusted networth Times 0.84 0.94
Interest coverage Times 6.57 7.68

Any other information: Not applicable

Note on complexity levels of the rated instrument:
CRISIL complexity levels are assigned to various types of financial instruments and are included (where applicable) in the Annexure -- Details of Instrument in this Rating Rationale. For more details on the CRISIL complexity levels, please visit www.crisil.com/complexity-levels.
Annexure - Details of Instrument(s)
ISIN Name of instrument Date of
Allotment
Coupon
Rate (%)
Maturity date Complexity level Issue size
(Rs.Crore)
Rating assigned
With outlook
NA Term Loan NA NA Mar-2025 NA 169 CRISIL A+/Stable
NA Proposed Term Loan NA NA NA NA 4.05 CRISIL A+/Stable
NA Fund-Based Facilities NA NA NA NA 275 CRISIL A+/Stable
NA Non-Fund Based Limit NA NA NA NA 135 CRISIL A1
 
Annexure - List of entities consolidated
Names of Entities Consolidated Extent of Consolidation Rationale for Consolidation
Privi Speciality Chemicals Ltd Full Strategically important and have a significant degree of operational integration
Privi Biotechnologies Pvt Ltd Full Strategically important and have a significant degree of operational integration
Privi Organics, USA Full Strategically important and have a significant degree of operational integration
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
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  448.05  CRISIL A+/Stable    --    --    --    --  -- 
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  135.00  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
Term Loan 169 CRISIL A+/Stable -- 0 --
Proposed Term Loan 4.05 CRISIL A+/Stable -- 0 --
Fund-Based Facilities 275 CRISIL A+/Stable -- 0 --
Non-Fund Based Limit 135 CRISIL A1 -- 0 --
Total 583.05 -- Total 0 --
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 Chemical Industry
CRISILs Criteria for Consolidation
The Rating Process
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

Rahul Guha
Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 22 4097 8320
rahul.guha@crisil.com


Ankita Gupta
Associate Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 22 4097 8104
ankita.gupta@crisil.com


Prayag Sinha
Rating Analyst - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 22 3342 4101
Prayag.Sinha@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