Rating Rationale
December 03, 2020 | Mumbai
SunTec Infrastructure Private Limited
Rating Reaffirmed
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.100 Crore
Long Term Rating CRISIL BBB/Stable (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its rating on the long term bank facilities of Suntec Infrastructure Private Limited (Suntec Infra; part of the Suntec group) at 'CRISIL BBB/Stable'.
 
The ratings continue to reflect the Suntec group's established market position, with strong client relationship in banking and telecom industries and its healthy financial risk profile. These strengths are partially offset by its exposure to intense competition in the software industry and it's susceptibility to risks related to downturn in end user segments. The group is also exposed risks related to successful implementation of its capital expenditure to set up a new office.

Analytical Approach

For arriving at its rating, CRISIL has applied its framework on notching up for ratings for support received from parent; Suntec Business Solutions Private Limited (Suntec). For arriving at the ratings of Suntec Bus, CRISIL has consolidated the business and financial risk profiles of Suntec Bus and its six subsidiaries including Suntec Infra located in India, Singapore, the UK, the US, Germany, etc. All the entities are together referred to as the SunTec group.

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

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths:
* Established market position with strong client relationship in banking and telecom industries

The SunTec group has a healthy market position, with revenue of Rs.255.98 crore as on March 31st, 2020. The group provides pricing and billing solutions that can be integrated into core banking products to improve functionalities and efficiency. The group has also leveraged on its existing customers and penetrated into its existing markets by offering enhanced services to its clients.

* Healthy financial risk profile
The SunTec group has a healthy financial risk profile, marked by a strong net worth, healthy capital structure and comfortable debt protection metrics. The group's net worth is strong at over Rs.182.10 crore on March 31, 2020 with gearing 0.28 time. Its debt protection metrics are expected to remain strong over the medium term even with debt for capex, supported by its healthy cash accruals. Interest coverage ratio stood at 12 times and Net cash accruals to adjusted debt at 0.25 times, respectively, as on fiscal 2020.

Weaknesses
* Risks related to project implementation
SunTec group is currently setting up a new office at Thiruvananthapuram. The total cost of the project is around Rs.150 crore to be fund through debt of Rs 89 crores and the balance through internal accruals. Any cost or time over runs in the implementation of the project may impact Suntec group's credit risk profile. The group has also invested in Tech-start-ups.

* Competition in relationship-based pricing and billing software products business and Exposure to risk relating to downturns in end-user segments
The market for relationship-based pricing and billing products has become competitive over the years, with many big players entering this segment. With increase in competition in recent years with many players entering into this segment, the group is exposed to pricing pressure. As a result, the operating margins were impacted in fiscal 2020 and stood at 10.1% against 20% in fiscal 2019 Further, in the current economic scenario, large banks have been trying to cut down the costs by spending only on minimal and core information technology requirements. This risk is, however, partially offset by the continued maintenance and support services for existing customers, revenue from telecom sector, and the SunTec group's diversification into other geographies.
Liquidity Adequate

Liquidity remains adequate supported by steady accruals and no working capital bank limits. The company is likely to report cash accruals of over Rs.17 crores in the medium term, against no repayment obligations. Further, an efficient working capital management and adequate cash and bank balances will continue to support the liquidity for the company.

Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believe the group will continue to benefit from the extensive experience of its promoter, and established relationships with clients.
 
Rating Sensitivity Factors
Upward Factors
* Revenue growth of over 20% in fiscal 2021
* Sustainability of operating profitability over 14%, leading to higher accruals.
 
Downward Factors
* Decline in operating profitability to less than 8% and revenues by 20%, leading to fall in accruals.
* Any time or cost over runs in the implementation of the ongoing capital expenditure, adversely impacting the financial risk profile.

About the Group

Incorporated in 1998, SunTec offers relationship-based pricing and billing software products and solutions companies in the financial services, telecommunication, and utilities segments. Development facility is Thiruvananthapuram and marketing subsidiaries are the US, the UK, Germany, the UAE, and Singapore. SunTec Infra is setting up an office in Thiruvananthapuram; the office will be leased to SunTec Business.

Key Financial Indicators - Consolidated
As on / for the period ended March 31    2020 2019
Operating income Rs crore   257.42 279.47
Reported profit after tax Rs crore 10.65 39.23
PAT margins % 4.14 14.04
Adjusted Debt/Adjusted Net worth Times 0.28 0.19
Interest coverage Times 11.53 392.56
 

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 Issue Size (Rs.Crore) Complexity Levels Rating Assigned with Outlook
NA Long Term Loan NA NA Mar-30 89 NA CRISIL BBB/Stable
NA Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility NA NA NA 11 NA CRISIL BBB/Stable
 
Annexure - List of entities consolidated
Name of The Company Extent of Consolidation Rationale for Consolidation
Suntec Business Solutions Inc, USA Full Parent with financial fungibilities
Suntec Business Solutions Singapore Pte, Singapore Full Parent with financial fungibilities
Suntec Business Solutions Gmbh, Germany Full Parent with financial fungibilities
Suntec Business Solutions DMCC, UAE Full Parent with financial fungibilities
Suntec Business Solutions Private Limited Full Parent with financial fungibilities
Nuwaza Digital Solutions Corp, USA Full Similar line of business
Cogniphi Technologies Private Limited, India Full Similar line of business
Mindsquared Learning Private Limited, India Full Similar line of business
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  100.00  CRISIL BBB/Stable      22-10-19  CRISIL BBB/Stable  25-07-18  CRISIL BBB/Stable  18-04-17  CRISIL BBB/Stable  CRISIL BBB/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 89 CRISIL BBB/Stable Long Term Loan 89 CRISIL BBB/Stable
Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility 11 CRISIL BBB/Stable Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility 11 CRISIL BBB/Stable
Total 100 -- Total 100 --
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
Criteria for Notching up Stand Alone Ratings of Companies based on Parent Support

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

Mohit Makhija
Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
B:+91 124 672 2000
mohit.makhija@crisil.com


Guruprasad Shenoy
Rating Analyst - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
B:+91 22 4040 5800
Dinesh.Jain@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