Rating Rationale
August 27, 2020 | Mumbai
Linde India Limited
Rating Reaffirmed
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.648.18 Crore (Reduced from Rs.958.18 Crore)
Long Term Rating CRISIL AA/Stable (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL AA/Stable' rating on the long-term bank facility of Linde India Limited (Linde India), and has withdrawn its rating on term loans of Rs 310 crore as these have been fully repaid. The rating action is in line with CRISIL's policy on withdrawal of ratings.
 
Performance is likely to have impact on account of weak demand and shifting of capital expenditure (capex) cycles of end-user industries, such as steel and automobiles, owing to the reduced economic activity on account of curtailment measures adopted for preventing spread of the  pandemic Covid-19. While net sales declined 33% year-on-year in the first half of 2020, operating ( EBIT) profit decreased by 29%. Performance is expected to recover in the second half of the year on account of pick-up of demand following the relaxation of curtailment measures and reduction in spread of pandemic.
 
Liquidity remains comfortable as the company pre-paid all outstanding debt as on 30 June 2020  primarily from the proceeds of divestment of its southern region business as part of its ongoing global merger of Linde AG and Praxair Inc. Debt was Rs 8 crore as on June 30, 2020, while the bank lines (both fund-based and non-fund-based) of Rs 650 crore were moderately utilised at 47% through May 2020. Furthermore, reduction in debt has led to significant decline in interest cost, from Rs 47 crore in the first half of 2019 to Rs 5 crore in the corresponding period of 2020, resulting in improvement in the debt metrics. Interest coverage and net cash accrual to adjusted debt ratio improved to 32.18 times and 19.09 times, respectively, in the first half of 2020, from 4.46 times and 0.33 time, respectively, in the first half of 2019.
 
The rating continues to reflect Linde India's established market position and strong financial and operational support it receives from its ultimate parent, Linde Plc (rated 'A/Stable/A-1' by S&P Global Ratings). These strengths are partially offset by the company's exposure to risks inherent in the highly competitive, capital-intensive and cyclical industrial gases industry, and end-user industry (steel and other metallurgical industries) concentration in revenue.

Analytical Approach

CRISIL has combined the business and financial risk profiles of Linde India and its only joint venture, Bellary Oxygen Company Pvt Ltd (investment in the JV along with Bellary Trading Office Business together called Bellary Divestment Business has been classified as Asset Held for Sales and is expected to divested as per order from CCI),together referred to as Linde India, as these entities have operational and financial linkages. The rating has been notched up for support received from Linde Plc.

lease 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
* Established market position in the industrial gases segment: Linde India is one of the largest players in the domestic industrial gas industry. Its strong market position is backed by presence of more than 75 years and diverse product portfolio, comprising industrial, medical, compressed and special gases. Moreover, the company has healthy brand equity and the ability to provide end-to-end solutions to customers in the tonnage segment.

* Strong financial, operational and managerial support from the parent: Linde India's standalone financial risk profile remains moderate because of inadequate returns against large, debt-funded capex contracted in the past. However, Linde India receives adequate support from Linde Plc.

The support from Linde Plc is expected to continue in view of Linde India's strategic importance to its business expansion plans in Asia and other emerging markets.

* Healthy business risk profile: A significant portion of revenue in the gas segment comes from installation/tonnage, wherein the company enters into long-term (15-20years) take-or-pay contracts with customers; these ensure stable cash flow and profitability and prevent significant decline in revenue during downturns. Further, as part of the global merger between Linde plc and Praxair Inc, both Linde India and Praxair India have formed a 50:50 Joint Venture named LSAS Services Pvt Ltd which will render operational services to both JV partners and is expected to harness the synergies in both entities.

Weaknesses
* Exposure to the competitive, capital-intensive and cyclical industrial gas industry: The company faces intense competition in the industrial gas segment from both organised (other global players present in the Indian market) and unorganised players because of the commoditised nature of products. Furthermore, the onsite sales business has large working capital requirement due to large capex, long gestation and lengthy payback. If implementation of onsite projects were to coincide with downturns in the industry, Linde India would be adversely affected.

* Segment concentration in revenue: Steel and other metallurgical industries account for around two-thirds of total revenue from the gases segment, which exposes the company to inherent cyclicality and sluggish growth during economic downturns.
Liquidity Strong

Utilisation of bank lines (both fund-based and non-fund-based) of Rs 650 crore was low and averaged 47% through May 2020, while cash accrual above Rs 250 crore is expected per fiscal over the medium term. Cash balance was Rs 200 crore as on June 30, 2020, despite prepayment of over Rs 800 crore of debt obligation. Linde Plc provides strong financial flexibility through additional loans and elongation of debt repayment schedules based on cash flow expectation. Internal cash accrual will remain healthy over the medium term, and the company will continue to receive financial support from the Linde group.

Outlook: Stable

Linde India's business could be impacted in 2020 owing to subdued demand amid the pandemic. However, its financial risk profile is expected to remain strong over the medium term led by significant deleveraging. The merger of Linde plc and Praxair Inc will benefit the business through significant operational and cost synergies. Furthermore, Linde India will continue to benefit from its association with Linde plc

Rating Sensitivity Factors:
Upward Factors
* Increase in revenue and profitability and consequently in cash accrual (cash balance Rs 200 crore as on 30 June 2020), liquidity and net worth
* Significant improvement in the capital structure and debt protection metrics

Downward Factors
* Downgrade in the rating on parent by over two notches
* Large, debt-funded capex or acquisitions, weakening the financial risk profile, with gearing above 2 times
* Calling off the merger due to unforeseen reasons.

About the Company

Linde India is a 75% subsidiary of The BOC Group Ltd, UK (wholly owned subsidiary of Linde AG and part of the Linde group), and is one of the largest players in the domestic gases business.

The Linde group is the world's leading supplier of industrial, process and specialty gases, with operations across 100 countries.
 
Linde India's revenue was Rs 625 crore and profit after tax (PAT) was Rs 50 crore for the first six months of 2020, compared with revenue of Rs 939 crore and PAT of Rs 56 crore for the first six months of 2019.

Key Financial Indicators*
As on /for the period ended December 31 2019 2018
Revenue Rs crore 1,762 2,196
Profit After Tax (PAT) Rs crore 727 33
PAT Margin % 41.3 1.2
Adjusted debt/adjusted networth Times 0.05 0.81
Interest coverage Times 5.05 3.31
*CRISIL-adjusted numbers

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 Overdraft* NA NA NA 648.18 NA CRISIL AA/Stable
NA Term Loan NA NA 11-July-19 150.00 NA Withdrawn
NA Term Loan NA NA 15-May-20 100.00 NA Withdrawn
NA Term Loan NA NA July 2019 60.00 NA Withdrawn
*Interchangeable with fund-based and non-fund-based bank facilities
 
Annexure - List of Entities Consolidated
Names of entities consolidated Extent of consolidation Rationale for consolidation
Bellary Oxygen Company Pvt Ltd 50% Joint venture
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    --    --  12-02-19  Withdrawal  29-01-18  CRISIL A1+  19-01-17  CRISIL A1+  CRISIL A1+ 
            29-01-19  CRISIL A1+           
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  648.18  CRISIL AA/Stable  05-02-20  CRISIL AA/Stable  12-02-19  CRISIL AA/Stable  29-01-18  CRISIL AA/Stable  19-01-17  CRISIL AA/Stable  CRISIL AA/Stable 
            29-01-19  CRISIL AA/Stable           
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST     --     29-01-19  CRISIL A1+  29-01-18  CRISIL A1+  19-01-17  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
Overdraft* 648.18 CRISIL AA/Stable Overdraft* 648.18 CRISIL AA/Stable
Term Loan 310 Withdrawn Term Loan 310 CRISIL AA/Stable
Total 958.18 -- Total 958.18 --
*Interchangeable with fund-based and non-fund-based bank facilities
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 Chemical Industry
CRISILs Criteria for Consolidation
CRISILs Criteria for rating short term debt
Criteria for Notching up Stand Alone Ratings of Companies based on Parent Support
Mapping global scale ratings onto CRISIL scale

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

Anuj Sethi
Senior Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
B:+91 44 6656 3100
anuj.sethi@crisil.com


Gautam Shahi
Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
B:+91 124 672 2000
gautam.shahi@crisil.com


Kshitish Tripathi
Rating Analyst - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 22 3342 4055
Kshitish.Tripathi@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