Rating Rationale
June 19, 2020 | Mumbai
Torrent Power Limited
Rated amount enhanced
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.16600 Crore
Long Term Rating CRISIL AA/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Short Term Rating CRISIL A1+ (Reaffirmed)
 
Rs.95 Crore Non Convertible Debentures CRISIL AA/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.25 Crore Non-Convertible Debentures CRISIL AA/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.175 Crore Non-Convertible Debentures CRISIL AA/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.175 Crore Non-Convertible Debentures CRISIL AA/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.495 Crore Non-Convertible Debentures CRISIL AA/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.300 Crore Non Convertible Debentures CRISIL AA/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.200 Crore Non Convertible Debentures CRISIL AA/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.1150 Crore Commercial Paper Programme (Enhanced from Rs.850 Crore) CRISIL A1+ (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL AA/Stable/CRISIL A1+' ratings on the bank facilities, non- convertible debentures and commercial paper programme of Torrent Power Limited (TPL).
 
The ratings continue to factor in the strong cash flows with a regulated tariff structure from its distribution business and its power generation plants in Sabarmati (AMGEN; 362-megawatt [MW] coal-based station) and Surat (SUGEN; 1147.5-MW gas-based plant). TPL also benefits from the strong EBITDA growth from its distribution franchisee business at both Bhiwandi, Maharashtra and Agra, Uttar Pradesh, driven by steady increase in consumption coupled with sharp reduction in AT&C losses. The rating also reflects healthy cash flows from its existing renewable portfolio, which enjoy superior tariffs from the legacy feed-in-tariff regime and also helps meet TPL's renewable power purchase obligation. TPL being a counterparty for existing renewable energy portfolio, partially offsets risks related to offtake and delays in payments by counterparty. The ratings further factor in the PPA adoption by Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) of UNOSUGEN for 278 MW with TPL's licensed distribution business. The ratings are partially constrained by the absence of long term PPA/offtake agreements for DGEN.
 
The Covid-19 pandemic may result in potential lower collections and elongation of receivables in the distribution business, leading to higher working capital requirement in the near term. However, given the regulated nature of a large part of the group's assets, profitability would largely not be impacted.

Analytical Approach
For arriving at its ratings, CRISIL has fully consolidated its renewable SPV's due to its 100% ownership and strong operational and financial linkages. These SPV's include Jodhpur Wind Farms Private Limited (JWFPL, rated 'CRISIL AA-/Stable'), Latur Renewable Private Limited (LRPL, 'CRISIL AA-/Stable') and Torrent Solargen Limited.

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
* Strong operating profile and regulated tariff framework: TPL has robust operational efficiency marked by lowest transmission and distribution (T&D) losses in India (4.98% for Ahmedabad & 3.43% for Surat distribution business for fiscal 2020) and low transmission & distribution losses (T&D losses) (11.9% for Bhiwandi & 12.5% for Agra distribution business for fiscal 2020). CRISIL believes, TPL will benefit from stable cash flow, backed by regulated tariff structure, high operating efficiency, and strong operating performance from its distribution and generation businesses (AMGEN and SUGEN plants), both of which assure a 14-15.5% post tax return on equity. Furthermore, TPL was awarded distribution license for Dholera Special Industrial Region (Dholera SIR) of ~920 Sq Kms in Gujarat for 25 years as second licensee and distribution franchise for Shil, Mumbra & Kalwa (SMK) area in Maharashtra by MSEDCL, based on competitive bidding for 20 years, which is expected to be accretive to the company's return profile over the medium to long term.

* Robust market position of power distribution business with diverse consumer base: TPL has a strong market position as a sole power distribution licensee for Ahmedabad, Surat, Gandhinagar and Dahej SEZ, and power distribution franchisee for Bhiwandi (Maharashtra); and Agra (Uttar Pradesh). It sells power directly to a consumer base of more than 3.32 million across domestic, industrial and commercial consumers. Urban-centric and diversified customer base enables high collection efficiency of nearly 100% in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat and Dahej SEZ.

* Healthy financial risk profile: The company's net leverage (net debt to EBITDA) continues to be comfortable at 2.1x for fiscal 2020 as against 2.6x for fiscal 2019, primarily driven by improved profitability and lower than expected capex, due to cancellation of the 499.8MW SECI III project. Leverage is likely to continue to reduce over the medium term and sustain below 2.5x owing to its significant reduction in capex outlay and improved profitability driven by higher EBITDA particularly from distribution (licensed and franchised) and UNOSUGEN.

Weaknesses
* Susceptibility to risks related to offtake for DGEN: The 1200 MW DGEN plant, which accounts for about 30% of the total generation capacity, is stranded due to lack of approved PPA's and non- availability of domestic gas. Although the plant operated at a limited PLF in FY20 through bilateral contracts due to favourable LNG prices, it would continue to report significant losses. Till 1QFY20, UNOSUGEN was also stranded constraining the credit profile. However, in June 2019, GERC adopted PPA of UNOSUGEN for 278 MW with TPL's licensed distribution business and the plant has started operating under long term PPA from 1st July, 2019. The PPA tenor is 19 years with overall tariff capped at Rs 5.61/unit for the medium term. With the adoption of PPA by GERC, UNOSUGEN is expected to cover the fixed charges such as depreciation, interest cost and O&M resulting in Profit before tax (PBT) breakeven, but nevertheless is not expected to generate significant returns.
Liquidity Strong

TPL has strong liquidity marked by healthy cash accruals and sufficient availability of bank limits. CRISIL believes the cash accruals in fiscal 2021 would be adequate to meet the debt servicing obligations for fiscal 2021. The liquidity profile is further supported by cash balance of over Rs. 1000 crore as on March 31, 2020, and unutilized fund-based limits of Rs 1,150 crore as on March 31, 2020.

Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes TPL will maintain its strong business risk profile, driven by stable cash flows from its regulated businesses over the medium term. Also, financial risk profile expected to remain healthy.

Rating Sensitivity Factors
Upward Factors
* PPAs getting tied up and material cash flow generation from DGEN
* Ramp up in EBITDA from distribution and generation assets, resulting in improvement in TPL's profitability and sustained improvement in net debt/EBITDA to below 2x

Downward Factors
* Larger-than-expected capital expenditure (capex) or debt-funded acquisitions
* Sustained net debt/EBITDA of more than 3x.

About the Company

TPL is in the power generation and distribution business. It is a distribution licensee in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Surat, and Dahej SEZ and is the distribution franchisee for Bhiwandi and Agra. Its power generation plants are in Sabarmati (AMGEN, a 362-MW coal-based station) in Ahmedabad; Surat (1147.5-MW gas-based SUGEN plant with 382.5-MW expansion), and Dahej (1200 MW gas based combined cycle DGEN power plant). The company's renewable portfolio includes its 49.6-MW wind power plant (WPP) at Lalpur, 51 MW solar power plant at Charanka, Patan, 252 MW Suzlon WPP at Kutch and Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 50.9 MW WPP at Mahidad, Gujarat and 87 MW GENSU solar power plant at Surat. The Company also has 120 MW (60 MW x 2) WPP at Karnataka & 126 MW (63 MW x 2) WPP at Maharashtra through wholly owned subsidiaries and 50 MW (25 MW x 2) WPP at Kutch, Gujarat through associate company. TPL is in the process of implementing 115 MW wind project in Gujarat.

Key Financial Indicators (Reported)
Particulars Unit 2020 2019
Revenue Rs.Cr 13,442 12,978
Profit After Tax Rs.Cr 1,238 889
PAT Margins % 9.2 6.9
Debt/Networth Times 0.8 1.00
Interest coverage Times 3.8 3.6
*The above reflect standalone reported financials

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
INE813H07119 Non-Convertible Debentures 19-Mar-20 7.65% 19-Mar-23 100 CRISIL AA/Stable
INE813H08018 Non-Convertible Debentures Series 4A 14-May-19 10.25% 13-May-22 90 CRISIL AA/Stable
INE813H08026 Non-Convertible Debentures Series 4B 14-May-19 10.25% 12-May-23 90 CRISIL AA/Stable
INE813H08034 Non-Convertible Debentures Series 4C 14-May-19 10.25% 14-May-24 90 CRISIL AA/Stable
INE813H07085 Non-Convertible Debentures Series 3A 31-Mar-17 8.95% 6-Apr-21 80 CRISIL AA/Stable
INE813H07093 Non-Convertible Debentures Series 3B 31-Mar-17 8.95% 6-Apr-22 85 CRISIL AA/Stable
INE813H07101 Non-Convertible Debentures Series 3C 31-Mar-17 8.95% 6-Apr-23 80 CRISIL AA/Stable
INE813H07051 Non-Convertible Debentures Series 2A 25-Mar-13 10.35% 25-Mar-21 100 CRISIL AA/Stable
INE813H07069 Non-Convertible Debentures Series 2B 25-Mar-13 10.35% 25-Mar-22 100 CRISIL AA/Stable
INE813H07077 Non-Convertible Debentures Series 2C 25-Mar-13 10.35% 25-Mar-23 100 CRISIL AA/Stable
INE813H07010 Non-Convertible Debentures Series 1 26-Sep-12 10.35% 26-Sep-22 200 CRISIL AA/Stable
INE813H07010 Non-Convertible Debentures Series 1 26-Sep-12 10.35% 26-Sep-22 175 CRISIL AA/Stable
INE813H07010 Non-Convertible Debentures Series 1 26-Sep-12 10.35% 26-Sep-22 175 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Commercial Paper NA NA 7-365 days 1150 CRISIL A1+
NA Cash Credit NA NA NA 1150 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Letter of Credit and Bank Guarantee NA NA NA 2800 CRISIL A1+
NA Proposed Short Term Bank Loan Facility% NA NA NA 2561 CRISIL A1+
NA Proposed Term Loan NA NA NA 2266.1 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan 1 10-Mar-16 NA 30-Sep-32 1927.53 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan 2 27-Sep-19 NA 30-Sep-32 682.89 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan 3 14-Mar-16 NA 30-Sep-32 1325.37 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan 4 14-Mar-16 NA 30-Sep-32 404.78 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan 5 28-Mar-17 NA 30-Sep-32 541.67 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan 6 28-Mar-17 NA 30-Sep-32 315.38 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan 7 31-Mar-17 NA 31-Dec-27 97.32 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan 8 31-Mar-17 NA 31-Dec-27 349.47 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan 9 16-Jun-17 NA 31-Dec-27 210.53 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan 10 28-Nov-17 NA 30-Sep-27 58.82 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan 11 28-Nov-17 NA 30-Sep-27 206.78 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan 12 28-Mar-18 NA 30-Sep-31 22.3 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan 13 16-Sep-19 NA 30-Sep-30 840 CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan 14 16-Sep-19 NA 30-Sep-30 840 CRISIL AA/Stable
%Interchangeable with long term bank facilities
 
Annexure - List of Entities Consolidated
Names of Entities
Consolidated
Extent of
Consolidation
Rationale for Consolidation
Jodhpur Wind Farms
Private Limited
Full 100% ownership and strong operational and
financial linkages
Latur Renewable Private
Limited
Full 100% ownership and strong operational and
financial linkages
Torrent Solargen Limited Full 100% ownership and strong operational and
financial linkages
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
Commercial Paper  ST  1150.00  CRISIL A1+  06-03-20  CRISIL A1+  08-05-19  CRISIL A1+  29-09-18  CRISIL A1+  26-09-17  CRISIL A1+  CRISIL A1+ 
        10-01-20  CRISIL A1+          23-03-17  CRISIL A1+   
Non Convertible Debentures  LT  1465.00
19-06-20 
CRISIL AA/Stable  06-03-20  CRISIL AA/Stable  08-05-19  CRISIL AA-/Stable  29-09-18  CRISIL AA-/Stable  26-09-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable  CRISIL AA-/Stable 
        10-01-20  CRISIL AA/Stable          23-03-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable   
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  13800.00  CRISIL AA/Stable/ CRISIL A1+  06-03-20  CRISIL AA/Stable/ CRISIL A1+  08-05-19  CRISIL AA-/Stable/ CRISIL A1+  29-09-18  CRISIL AA-/Stable/ CRISIL A1+  26-09-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable  CRISIL AA-/Stable 
        10-01-20  CRISIL AA/Stable/ CRISIL A1+          23-03-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable   
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  2800.00  CRISIL A1+  06-03-20  CRISIL A1+  08-05-19  CRISIL A1+  29-09-18  CRISIL A1+  26-09-17  CRISIL A1+  CRISIL A1+ 
        10-01-20  CRISIL A1+          23-03-17  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
Cash Credit 1150 CRISIL AA/Stable Cash Credit 1150 CRISIL AA/Stable
Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee 2800 CRISIL A1+ Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee 2800 CRISIL A1+
Proposed Short Term Bank Loan Facility% 2561.1 CRISIL A1+ Proposed Short Term Bank Loan Facility% 2561.1 CRISIL A1+
Proposed Term Loan 2266.1 CRISIL AA/Stable Proposed Term Loan 2266.1 CRISIL AA/Stable
Term Loan 7822.8 CRISIL AA/Stable Term Loan 7822.8 CRISIL AA/Stable
Total 16600 -- Total 16600 --
%Interchangeable with long term bank facilities
Links to related criteria
CRISILs Approach to Financial Ratios
CRISILs Bank Loan Ratings - process, scale and default recognition
Rating Criteria for Power Distribution Utilities
Rating criteria for manufaturing and service sector companies
CRISILs Criteria for Consolidation
CRISILs Criteria for rating short term debt

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