Rating Rationale
May 02, 2022 | Mumbai
NCC Urban Infrastructure Limited
Rating upgraded to 'CRISIL BBB- / Stable'
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities RatedRs.56 Crore
Long Term RatingCRISIL BBB-/Stable (Upgraded from 'CRISIL BB / Stable')
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to Annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities

Detailed Rationale

CRISIL Ratings has upgraded its ratings on the bank facilities of NCC Urban Infrastructure Limited (NCCUIL) to ‘CRISIL BBB-/Stablefrom ‘CRISIL BB/Stable/CRISIL A4+’.

 

The upgrade reflects the expectation that the momentum of improvement in sales and collections and improved leverage position will continue over the medium term.

 

NCCUIL achieved 20% and 28% higher sales year-on-year in volume and value terms in fiscal 2022 due to a healthy portfolio of completed assets and in-spite of challenges related to Covid-19. Consequently, collections also increased significantly to Rs 360 crore in fiscal 2022 as compared to around Rs 216 crore in fiscal 2021. NCCUIL has a pipeline of 5 projects which are to be launched in fiscal 2023, which provides sales visibility going forward.

 

The debt levels have reduced significantly in the past 2 years backed by higher collections. Total debt and promoter debt has reduced to around Rs 135 crore and Rs 78 crores as on December 31, 2021 respectively from around Rs 473 crore and Rs 454 crores respectively in fiscal 2020. Consequently, debt-to-total assets ratio has improved to 28% as on December 31, 2021 from more than 60% in fiscal 2020 and is expected to sustain at these levels owing to asset light approach going forward as 4 out of 5 new launches are expected to be executed under Joint Development Arrangements (JDAs). Maintaining sales and collections growth alongwith debt management will remain rating sensitivity factors.

 

The ratings continue to reflect NCC Urban’s moderate track record in real estate development, and modest financial risk profile and healthy financial flexibility. These strengths are partially offset by exposure to project implementation risk and susceptibility of cash flow to cyclicality inherent in the real estate sector.

Analytical Approach

For arriving at its ratings, CRISIL Ratings has taken a standalone approach for the business and financial risk profiles of NCC Urban Infrastructure Limited (NCCUIL). This is because while NCCUIL has around 19 subsidiaries, they have no operations, are used as land holding vehicles and has negligible debt in them. Unsecured loans (Rs 78 crore as on December 31, 2021) has been treated as debt since these carry an interest rate of 11% and have been reducing from the business.

 

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:

Moderate track record in real estate development

With more than 50 lakh sq ft (lsf) of residential development over the last decade spread across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ranchi, track record is moderate. The company is currently developing around 15 lsf of residential projects in Bengaluru and Ranchi and has plans to further launch more than 45 lsf over the medium term.

 

Saleability has improved with sold area of around 4.7 lsf during fiscal 2022 and around 3.9 lsf in fiscal 2021 due to a healthy portfolio of completed assets despite covid-19 pandemic. Improvement in sales has resulted in improvement in collections with around Rs 360 crore of collections in fiscal 2022 and Rs 216 crore of collections in fiscal 2021. The company benefits from the healthy portfolio of completed assets which has supported saleability. Four out of seven projects are at completed and remaining three projects are also at advanced stage of construction progress with around 80-90% completion till Dec 31, 2021. This should ensure momentum in saleability and collection in the medium term as well.

 

The company is also planning to launch five new projects, with two in Chennai, two in Bengaluru and one in Hyderabad. Ability to sell these projects at good price and profitability in these locations will remain a key rating monitorable. Benefits from NCCUIL’s reputed brand presence and experience in executing real estate projects should continue to support the business.

 

Modest financial risk profile and healthy financial flexibility

The debt has reduced to Rs 135 crore as on Dec 31, 2021 from peak of Rs 624 crores in fiscal 2018. Resultantly, leverage as improved to around 28% debt-to-total assets from more than 80% in fiscal 2018 due to debt reduction. Maintaining or further reduction of leverage shall remain a key rating sensitivity factor. NCCUIL credit profile also benefits from land bank of around 180 acres spread across geographies which have been used to service debt in the past. NCCUIL can also defer repayments on promoter loans in case of liquidity mismatch which stood at around Rs 78 crore as on December 31, 2021. The parent/inter-corporate loans do not have defined repayment terms and are to be repaid only if surplus is available. NCCUIL though plans to pay off the remaining loan in current fiscal backed by significant increase in collections.

 

Weakness:

Exposure to implementation risks and susceptibility of cash flow to cyclicality inherent in the real estate sector

With progress of 80-90% for under-construction projects as on December 31, 2021, as well as upcoming launches of five new projects, the company remains exposed to implementation risks. Supported by healthy customer advances, construction activity was largely funded through internal accruals in fiscals 2021 and 2022. Slow construction progress in ongoing projects could adversely impact customer advances from already sold units. Further, time and cost overruns in projects could adversely affect the company’s debt servicing ability. Construction progress as per schedule will remain critical for maintaining regular cash flow from customers.

 

Furthermore, cyclicality in the real estate sector could result in fluctuations in cash inflow and volatility in sales. In contrast, cash outflow, such as for debt servicing, is relatively fixed. Any decline in demand for ongoing projects could result in lower collections and impact cash flows.

Liquidity: Adequate

Liquidity is adequate marked by healthy saleability and advances in the ongoing projects. CRISIL Ratings expects realisation of customer advances to be more than Rs 250 crore annually over the medium term against external debt servicing requirement of Rs 10-30 crore. Sold receivables of Rs 26 crores further lend stability to the cash flows. Liquidity is further supported by low external borrowings, large land bank, access to promoter funding and cash & cash equivalents of around Rs 20 crore as on December 31, 2021. Of the outstanding debt of Rs 135 crore as on December 31, 2021, borrowings from the parent is aggregated at around Rs 78 crore; the remainder is from external sources. The parent/inter-corporate loans do not have defined repayment terms and are to be repaid only if surplus is available providing financial flexibility. However, company intends to pay off the remaining debt in current fiscal backed by healthy expected collections.

Outlook Stable

CRISIL Ratings believes NCC Urban will continue to benefit from its established position in the real estate market.

Rating Sensitivity factors

Upward factors:

  • Strengthening of the financial risk profile supported by sustained reduction in debt, leading to decrease in debt to total assets ratio to less than 20%
  • Faster-than-expected project execution and saleability resulting in better debt service coverage ratio

 

Downward factors:

  • Increase in leverage leading to debt-to-total assets increasing to more than 35%
  • Significant delay or cost overrun in completion of projects
  • Lower than expected sales and collections in projects

About the Company

Incorporated in 2005, NCC Urban develops residential and commercial complexes, service apartments, special economic zones, and integrated townships. NCC Ltd holds 80% equity stake in NCC Urban, while director, holds the remaining 20%.

Key Financial Indicators

Particulars

Unit

2021

2020

Revenue

Rs crore

229

230

Profit After Tax (PAT)

Rs crore

13

2

PAT Margin

%

5.6

1.14

Adjusted gearing

Times

0.8

2.9

Interest coverage

Times

0.05

0.99

Note on complexity levels of the rated instrument:
CRISIL Ratings' complexity levels are assigned to various types of financial instruments. The CRISIL Ratings' complexity levels are available on www.crisil.com/complexity-levels. Users are advised to refer to the CRISIL Ratings' 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)

Complexity Level

Rating assigned  with outlook

NA

Term Loan

NA

NA

Jul-2025

31

NA

CRISIL BBB-/Stable

NA

Term Loan

NA

NA

Oct-2023

10

NA

CRISIL BBB-/Stable

NA

Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility

NA

NA

NA

15

NA

CRISIL BBB-/Stable

Annexure - Rating History for last 3 Years
  Current 2022 (History) 2021  2020  2019  Start of 2019
Instrument Type Outstanding Amount Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Rating
Fund Based Facilities LT 56.0 CRISIL BBB-/Stable   -- 02-02-21 CRISIL BB/Stable   -- 13-11-19 CRISIL BB-/Stable CRISIL B+/Stable
Non-Fund Based Facilities ST   --   -- 02-02-21 CRISIL A4+   -- 13-11-19 CRISIL A4+ CRISIL A4
All amounts are in Rs.Cr.
Annexure - Details of Bank Lenders & Facilities
Facility Amount (Rs.Crore) Rating
Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility 15 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Term Loan 10 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Term Loan 31 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Criteria Details
Links to related criteria
CRISILs Approach to Financial Ratios
CRISILs Bank Loan Ratings - process, scale and default recognition
CRISILs Rating criteria for Real Estate Developers
CRISILs Criteria for rating short term debt

Media Relations
Analytical Contacts
Customer Service Helpdesk

Pankaj Rawat
Media Relations
CRISIL Limited
B: +91 22 3342 3000
pankaj.rawat@crisil.com

Hiral Jani Vasani
Media Relations
CRISIL Limited
B: +91 22 3342 3000
hiral.vasani@crisil.com

Rutuja Gaikwad 
Media Relations
CRISIL Limited
B: +91 22 3342 3000
Rutuja.Gaikwad@ext-crisil.com


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


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


SUMAN ROY
Senior Rating Analyst
CRISIL Ratings Limited
B:+91 22 3342 3000
SUMAN.ROY@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 Ratings. However, CRISIL Ratings alone has the sole right of distribution (whether directly or indirectly) of its rationales for consideration or otherwise through any media including websites and portals.


About CRISIL Ratings Limited (A subsidiary of CRISIL Limited)

CRISIL Ratings pioneered the concept of credit rating in India in 1987. With a tradition of independence, analytical rigour and innovation, we set 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 33,000 large and mid-scale corporates and financial institutions. We have also instituted several innovations in India in the rating business, including ratings for municipal bonds, partially guaranteed instruments and infrastructure investment trusts (InvITs).
 
CRISIL Ratings Limited ('CRISIL Ratings') is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CRISIL Limited ('CRISIL'). CRISIL Ratings Limited is registered in India as a credit rating agency with the Securities and Exchange Board of India ("SEBI").
 
For more information, visit www.crisilratings.com 

 



About CRISIL Limited

CRISIL is a global analytical company providing ratings, research, and risk and policy advisory services. We are India's leading ratings agency. We are also the foremost provider of high-end research to the world's largest banks and leading corporations.

CRISIL is 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


CRISIL PRIVACY NOTICE
 
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 is part of and applies to each credit rating report and/or credit rating rationale (‘report’) that is provided by CRISIL Ratings Limited (‘CRISIL Ratings’). To avoid 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 Ratings providing or intending to provide any services in jurisdictions where CRISIL Ratings 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 Ratings 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 to 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 Ratings 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 Ratings assumes no obligation to update its opinions following publication in any form or format although CRISIL Ratings may disseminate its opinions and analysis. The 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 Ratings or its associates may have other commercial transactions with the entity to which the report pertains.

Neither CRISIL Ratings nor its affiliates, third-party providers, as well as their directors, officers, shareholders, employees or agents (collectively, ‘CRISIL Ratings Parties’) guarantee the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the report, and no CRISIL Ratings 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 RATINGS 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 Ratings 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. Public ratings and analysis by CRISIL Ratings, 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 website, www.crisilratings.com (free of charge). Reports with more detail and additional information may be available for subscription at a fee – more details about ratings by CRISIL Ratings are available here: www.crisilratings.com.

CRISIL Ratings and its affiliates do not act as a fiduciary. While CRISIL Ratings has obtained information from sources it believes to be reliable, CRISIL Ratings does not perform an audit and undertakes no duty of due diligence or independent verification of any information it receives and/or relies on in its reports. CRISIL Ratings has established policies and procedures to maintain the confidentiality of certain non-public information received in connection with each analytical process. CRISIL Ratings has in place a ratings code of conduct and policies for managing conflict of interest. For details please refer to:
https://www.crisil.com/en/home/our-businesses/ratings/regulatory-disclosures/highlighted-policies.html.

Rating criteria by CRISIL Ratings are generally available without charge to the public on the CRISIL Ratings public website, www.crisilratings.com. For latest rating information on any instrument of any company rated by CRISIL Ratings, you may contact the CRISIL Ratings 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 prior written consent from CRISIL Ratings.

All rights reserved @ CRISIL Ratings Limited. CRISIL Ratings is a wholly owned subsidiary of CRISIL Limited.

 

 

CRISIL Ratings uses the prefix ‘PP-MLD’ for the ratings of principal-protected market-linked debentures (PPMLD) with effect from November 1, 2011, to comply with the SEBI circular, "Guidelines for Issue and Listing of Structured Products/Market Linked Debentures". The revision in rating symbols for PPMLDs should not be construed as a change in the rating of the subject instrument. For details on CRISIL Ratings' use of 'PP-MLD' please refer to the notes to Rating scale for Debt Instruments and Structured Finance Instruments at the following link: https://www.crisil.com/en/home/our-businesses/ratings/credit-ratings-scale.html