Rating Rationale
May 17, 2018 | Mumbai
VST Industries Limited
Ratings Reaffirmed 
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.60 Crore
Short Term Rating CRISIL A1+ (Reaffirmed)
 
Rs.15 Crore Non Convertible Debentures CRISIL AA+/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Fixed Deposits  FAAA/Stable (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL AA+/FAAA/Stable/CRISIL A1+' ratings on the short-term bank facility, non-convertible debentures, and fixed deposit programme of VST Industries Limited (VST). The ratings continue to reflect the company's strong financial risk profile and established market position. These strengths are partially offset by the small market share, regional concentration in revenue, and susceptibility to regulatory changes in the tobacco industry.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths: 
* Strong financial risk profile: Financial risk profile is driven by a strong capital structure (debt-free status since 2003), steady cash accrual, and adequate liquidity. Healthy portfolio of investments (mainly in debt mutual funds) and cash of Rs 416 crore (includes around Rs.180 crore as GST payable) as on March 31, 2018, supports liquidity. Operating margin was healthy at 31% for fiscal 2018. Moderate capital expenditure (capex) plans for the medium term, will be funded through internal accrual.

* Established market position with reputed brands: Backed by over 80 years of presence, VST is an established player in the cigarette industry. It is the third largest player in the Indian cigarette market, with significant presence in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The company has a portfolio of reputed brands such as Charminar, Charms, Special, Moments and Total in the 64mm and 69mm segments. It has also entered the 84mm segment with its new brand, Editions. Strong brand loyalty and adequate pricing power will continue to support the business risk profile in the medium term.

Weaknesses
* Small market share and regional concentration in revenue: Though VST is the third-largest player in the Indian cigarette market, it has a small market share of over 8% in terms of volume. Operations remain concentrated in southern and eastern India, despite significant increase in market reach in northern states like Uttar Pradesh.

* Susceptibility to adverse changes in regulations: The cigarette industry continues to be highly vulnerable to change in government policies and regulations. On one hand, the industry faces a high tax structure, and on the other hand, there are limitations on promotion, consumption, and packaging of cigarettes, constraining overall growth.
Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes VST will sustain its credit risk profile, driven by its strong financial risk profile and stable business position.

Upside scenario:
* Sustained and material improvement in market share and networth, along with stable operating margin and continued strong financial risk profile

Downside scenario:
* Weakening of financial risk profile because of diversification into unrelated businesses, involving significant capex
* Significant weakening of business risk profile on account of regulatory changes.

About the Company

VST is an associate of British American Tobacco Plc (rated 'BBB+/Stable/A-2' by S&P Global), which holds a 32.2% stake in VST. The company is mainly engaged in manufacturing and marketing of cigarettes, and trading of unmanufactured tobacco. 

Key Financial Indicators
As on / for the period ended March 31, Units 2018* 2017
Revenue Rs Crore 948 973
Profit After Tax (PAT) Rs Crore 182 167
PAT Margin % 19.2 17.2
Adjusted Debt/Adjusted Networth Times NA NA
Interest coverage Times NA NA
*As per IND AS

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
NA Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee NA NA NA 60.0 CRISIL A1+
NA Fixed Deposits NA NA NA 0 FAAA/Stable
NA Non-Convertible Debentures* NA NA NA 15.0 CRISIL AA+/Stable
*Yet to be 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
Fixed Deposits  FD  0.00  FAAA/Stable      30-05-17  FAAA/Stable  25-05-16  FAAA/Stable  01-06-15  FAAA/Stable  FAAA/Stable 
Non Convertible Debentures  LT  0.00
17-05-18 
CRISIL AA+/Stable      30-05-17  CRISIL AA+/Stable  25-05-16  CRISIL AA+/Stable  01-06-15  CRISIL AA+/Stable  CRISIL AA+/Stable 
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  60.00  CRISIL A1+      30-05-17  CRISIL A1+  25-05-16  CRISIL A1+  01-06-15  CRISIL A1+  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
Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee 60 CRISIL A1+ Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee 60 CRISIL A1+
Total 60 -- Total 60 --
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 Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry
Criteria for notching down standalone ratings of companies based on support extended to parent
Mapping global scale ratings onto CRISIL scale

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