Rating Rationale
July 16, 2019 | Mumbai
Associated Soapstone Distributing Co Private Limited
Ratings Reaffirmed
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.118.82 Crore
Long Term Rating CRISIL A-/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Short Term Rating CRISIL A2+ (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL A-/Stable/CRISIL A2+' ratings on the bank facilities of Associated Soapstone Distributing Co Private Limited (ASDC).
 
The ratings continue to reflect ASDC's strong market position in the soapstone business, and a healthy financial risk profile. These strengths are partially offset by the exposure to customer concentration risk, and susceptibility to risks related to tender-driven operations in the contract mining business.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths
* Strong market position and healthy revenue flow from contract mining business

Revenue grew by 18.5% to Rs 393.9 crore in fiscal 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018 due to ramp-up in the contract mining segment post receiving the order by Western Coalfields Ltd (WCFL) in October 2017; and steady sales in the soapstone business. ASDC has eight leased mines in Jaipur and Udaipur, for the soapstone business. It has also been awarded contract mining work by WCFL at mines in Sasti and Penganga in Maharashtra. License renewal does not entail any risk as the promoter family has been undertaking mining operations for around a century.

* Healthy financial risk profile
Financial risk profile is likely to remain adequate. Networth was Rs 113 crore as on March 31, 2019 and should further increase over the medium term due to sufficient accretion to reserve. Despite continuous capital expenditure (capex) towards the contract mining business, total outside liabilities to tangible networth ratio is estimated at 2.1 times as on March 31, 2019; the ratio may moderate to below 2 times with no major debt addition expected going forward. Debt protection metrics were comfortable, with interest coverage and net cash accrual to adjusted debt ratios of 3.7 times and 0.26 time, respectively, for fiscal 2019.

Weaknesses
* Exposure to customer concentration risk

Asian Paints is the largest customer in the soapstone business, contributing 15-20% to ASDC's revenue. Also, in contract mining, majority of the orders are from WCFL that exposes the company to customer concentration risk. However, ASDC faces moderate end-user industry risk with it supplying to various industries such as paper, paint, plastic, polymer and pharmaceutical industry under the soapstone business segment.

* Susceptibility to risks related to tender-based business
ASDC diversified into contract mining in 2004. Business in this segment depends on the ability to procure consistent mining contracts. Government contracts entail long procedures and approvals. Slow order flow may impact revenue, as was seen in the two fiscals through 2017. Also, since contract mining is a relatively lower-margin business, higher share of revenue from this segment has led to a decline in the operating margin to 12.5% in fiscal 2019 from 14.7% in fiscal 2018. Return on capital employed ratio has also been impacted (estimated at 6.6% in fiscal 2019) due to large debt addition during the three fiscals through 2019 towards contract mining business and lower return from the segment in the initial period. Going forward, profitability may remain stable as the proportion of contract mining business as percent of total revenue is expected to go down. Also, support from the soapstone business has helped to sustain revenue and profitability.
Liquidity

Liquidity is likely to remain adequate. Cash accrual is projected at Rs 44-50 crore per annum over the medium term, against yearly maturing debt of Rs 30-35 crore in fiscals 2020 and 2021. Bank limit utilisation averaged 76% during the six months through May 2019. Current ratio is estimated at 1.2 times as on March 31, 2019, with unencumbered cash and bank balance of Rs 5.5 crore.

Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes ASDC will continue to benefit from an established market position and healthy financial risk profile. The outlook may be revised to 'Positive' if there is substantial growth in revenue and profitability, along with increased customer diversity. Conversely, the outlook may be revised to 'Negative' if a steep decline in revenue and profitability, or any large, debt-funded capex weakens the financial risk profile.  

About the Company

ASDC, promoted by Mr Vikram Golcha, is the flagship company of the Jaipur-based Golcha Associated group, established in 1955. The company mines crude and powder soapstone, processes talc, and undertakes contract mining.

Key Financial Indicators
Particulars Unit 2018 2017
Revenue Rs crore 332.35 284.2
Profit after tax (PAT) Rs crore 8.65 3.1
PAT margin % 2.6 1.1
Adjusted debt/adjusted networth Times 1.24 0.87
Interest coverage Times 4.88 4.21

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 and outlook
NA Bill Discounting NA NA NA 2 CRISIL A-/Stable
NA Cash Credit NA NA NA 55 CRISIL A-/Stable
NA Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee NA NA NA 35 CRISIL A2+
NA Long Term Loan NA 8.40 31-03-2023 21.82 CRISIL A-/Stable
NA Working Capital Demand Loan NA 8.75 31-08-2019 5 CRISIL A-/Stable
Annexure - Rating History for last 3 Years
  Current 2019 (History) 2018  2017  2016  Start of 2016
Instrument Type Outstanding Amount Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Rating
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  83.82  CRISIL A-/Stable  08-01-19  CRISIL A-/Stable/ CRISIL A2+  16-03-18  CRISIL A-/Stable  17-07-17  CRISIL A-/Stable  20-06-16  CRISIL A-/Stable  CRISIL A-/Stable 
            07-03-18  CRISIL A-/Stable  08-07-17  CRISIL A-/Stable  03-05-16  CRISIL A-/Stable   
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  35.00  CRISIL A2+  08-01-19  CRISIL A2+  16-03-18  CRISIL A2+  17-07-17  CRISIL A2+  20-06-16  CRISIL A2+  CRISIL A2+ 
            07-03-18  CRISIL A2+  08-07-17  CRISIL A2+  03-05-16  CRISIL A2+   
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
Bill Discounting 2 CRISIL A-/Stable Bill Purchase 2 CRISIL A2+
Cash Credit 55 CRISIL A-/Stable Cash Credit 50 CRISIL A-/Stable
Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee 35 CRISIL A2+ Fund-Based Facilities 2 CRISIL A-/Stable
Long Term Loan 21.82 CRISIL A-/Stable Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee 35 CRISIL A2+
Working Capital Demand Loan 5 CRISIL A-/Stable Long Term Loan 20.6 CRISIL A-/Stable
-- 0 -- Proposed Cash Credit Limit 4.22 CRISIL A-/Stable
-- 0 -- Working Capital Term Loan 5 CRISIL A-/Stable
Total 118.82 -- Total 118.82 --
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 Mining Industry
CRISILs Criteria for rating short term debt

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

Vinay Rajani
Media Relations
CRISIL Limited
D: +91 22 3342 1835
M: +91 91 676 42913
B: +91 22 3342 3000
vinay.rajani@ext-crisil.com

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


Jaya Mirpuri
Associate Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 20 4018 1926
jaya.mirpuri@crisil.com


Madhulika Gupta
Rating Analyst - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 124 672 2000
Madhulika.Gupta@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