Rating Rationale
September 23, 2019 | Mumbai
Godrej Industries Limited
Rating Reaffirmed  
 
Rating Action
Rs. 1000 Crore Commercial Paper Programme  CRISIL A1+ (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL A1+' rating on the commercial paper programme of Godrej Industries Limited (GIL).
 
The rating continues to reflect GIL's strong financial flexibility as the holding company of the Godrej group. It is the second-largest shareholder in the group's flagship company, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL; rated CRISIL A1+) and the largest shareholder in other major companies, Godrej Properties Ltd (GPL; rated 'CRISIL A1+') and Godrej Agrovet Ltd (GAL). The rating also factors in the company's healthy credit risk profile and the reputation of the Godrej group. These strengths are partially offset by exposure to market-related risks and large refinancing requirement.
 
In fiscal 2019, GIL reported losses, primarily due to impairment of investment in the wholly owned subsidiary [Natures Basket Ltd (NBL)] for Rs 243.8 crore. In the first quarter of fiscal 2020, GIL announced plans to sell NBL to Spencer's Retail Ltd for an enterprise value of around Rs 300 crore.

Analytical Approach

For arriving at the rating, CRISIL has followed the holding company approach and has considered the standalone credit risk profile of GIL.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths:
* Strong financial flexibility: The company's strong financial flexibility arises from its 23.8% stake in GCPL, 48.8% stake in GPL, and 58.2% stake in GAL, which translates into a market value of over Rs 31,500 crore (as on September 11, 2019). This is substantial in relation to the company's total debt exposure, including guarantees (Rs 3,228 crore as on March 31, 2019), leading to healthy debt coverage. The total debt exposure is expected to remain below Rs 3,500 crore over the medium term. GIL may maintain or marginally increase its existing shareholding in the three companies, except for retiring the rated debt.

* Healthy reputation of the promoters: GIL is held by the Godrej group, which has a well-established management track record. The promoters' shareholding in GIL is unencumbered.
 
Weakness
* Susceptibility to market risks: The company will remain susceptible to prevailing market sentiments and the share prices of GCPL, GPL, and GAL. Any increase in systemic risks, leading to a sharp decline in the share price of these companies, will be a key rating sensitivity factor. Furthermore, GIL largely depends on refinancing and dividend income to service its debt. While the interest coverage ratio is weak, debt obligation, including interest, is adequately phased, thereby enabling the company to manage cash flows and ensure adequate liquidity.
 
Liquidity: Strong
Liquidity is strong, driven by steady dividend income from the subsidiaries, primarily GCPL. In fiscal 2019, GIL received dividends of Rs 342 crore from its investment companies. GIL also has a strong reputation in the lending community, thus enhancing its financial flexibility. Moreover, utilisation of fund-based working capital limit averaged 11% over the 12 months through June 2019.

Rating sensitivity factors
Downward factor
* Subdued performance of investment companies resulting in rating downgrade by two or more notches
* Increase in market-related risks leading to sharp decline in market value of the investment portfolio against the debt cap of Rs 3,500 crore
* Deterioration in the performance of the standalone chemical business
About the Company

GIL, one of India's leading manufacturers of oleochemicals, makes more than a hundred chemicals for use in over two dozen industries. It also manufactures edible oils, vanaspati, and bakery fats. The company was called Godrej Soaps until March 31, 2001. Thereafter, the consumer products division got de-merged into GCPL, and the residual Godrej Soaps became GIL.
 
GIL, a leading producer of fatty acids, fatty alcohols, and alpha olefin sulphonates, operates four plants, one each at Valia (Gujarat), Ambernath, Wadala, and Dombivli (all in Maharashtra). Its products are exported to 60 countries across the world.
 
GIL is also a holding company of GCPL, GAL, and GPL.

Key Financial Indicators
As on/for the period ended March 31 2019 2018
Revenue Rs crore 2,186 2,259
Profit after tax (PAT) Rs crore (91) 241
PAT margin % -4.2 10.7
Adjusted debt/Adjusted networth Times 1.98 1.52
Interest coverage Times 1.87 2.53

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
NA Commercial Paper NA NA 7-365 days 1000.00 CRISIL A1+
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
Commercial Paper  ST  1000.00  CRISIL A1+      20-09-18  CRISIL A1+  27-09-17  CRISIL A1+    --  -- 
All amounts are in Rs.Cr.
Links to related criteria
CRISILs Criteria for rating short term debt

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