Rating Rationale
September 24, 2019 | Mumbai
Pokarna Limited
Ratings Reaffirmed
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.131 Crore
Long Term Rating CRISIL BBB-/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Short Term Rating CRISIL A3 (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL BBB-/Stable/CRISIL A3' ratings to the bank facilities of Pokarna Limited (Pokarna; part of the Pokarna group).
 
The ratings continue to reflect the group's established market position in the granite and engineered stones industry'supported by the extensive experience of the promoters, and established relations with clients'and healthy operating efficiencies. These strengths are offset by exposure to project implementation risk, and susceptibility to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and demand from key markets.

Analytical Approach

For arriving at the ratings, CRISIL has combined the business and financial risk profiles of PESL and Pokarna Ltd, collectively referred to as the Pokarna group as both are engaged in the same line of business and PESL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Pokarna.
 
Unsecured loans (outstanding at Rs 7.32 crore as on March 31, 2019) extended by the promoters have been treated as debt, as these may not be retained in the business over the medium term.

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:
* Established position in the granite and engineered stones industry, supported by the promoters' extensive experience and established client relations: The Pokarna group is the largest exporter of quartz surfaces, and finished granite in India. PESL is the only domestic company to use the Bretonstone technology for quartz surfaces. The promoters' experience of over two decades in the stone industry, long track record of operations, and healthy relations with customers have helped establish a strong market position.
 
* Healthy operational efficiencies, resulting in high profitability: Sales of high-margin premium quartz stones, and cost rationalisation initiatives have helped maintain a healthy operating margin of over 30% in the four fiscals through March 2019.
 
Weaknesses
* Exposure to project implementation risk: The ongoing debt-funded capital expenditure of about Rs 420 crore, for setting-up a new quartz surfaces manufacturing unit, leads to high project implementation risk. Achievement of commercial operations date (COD) by April, 2020 and ramp up of revenue from the new unit will be closely monitored.
 
* Susceptibility to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, and demand from key markets: About 85-90% of the revenue is derived from exports; hence, growth in revenue is linked to demand from key markets, such as USA and China, which together account for about 80% of the total sales. Furthermore, operating margin remains susceptible to foreign exchange rate fluctuations.
 
Liquidity: Adequate
Liquidity is expected to be adequate despite the large repayment obligations. This is because strong net cash accrual, aided by healthy operating margin, should ensure there is adequate cushion between net cash accrual and maturing debt. Also bank limit utilisation was moderate at 60% over the 12 months through August 2019. Unencumbered cash & bank balances averaging over Rs 20 crore was available in its current and EEFC accounts over the 8 months ended August 2019, supporting liquidity.
Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes the Pokarna group will continue to benefit from its promoters' extensive experience, and established relations with customers.
 
Rating sensitivity factor
Upward factor
* Sustaining the operating margin at above 30% level while achieving the projected revenue growth
* Timely implementation of the new quartz unit, achieving COD by April 2020 and stabilisation of operations
 
Downward factor
* Decline in operating margin to under 25%
* Sharp increase in gearing to over 1.25 times
* Significant delay in commencement of commercial operations at the new quartz unit, impacting the business and financial risk profiles

About the Group

Set up in 1991 by Mr Ashok Jain, Mr Gautam Jain, Mr Prakash Jain, and their family members, Pokarna Ltd exports granite slabs from its quarries in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. It also processes and sells granite slabs.
 
PESL, incorporated in 2001, manufactures and markets quartz surfaces (also known as engineered stones) under the Quantra brand.

Key Financial Indicators
Particulars - Standalone Unit 2019 2018
Revenue Rs. Cr. 146.4 146.6
PAT Rs. Cr. 6.9 12.3
PAT margin % 4.7 8.36
Adjusted debt/Adjusted networth Times 0.4 0.6
Interest coverage Times 5.0 5.16

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 Cash Credit NA NA NA 2 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
NA External Commercial Borrowings NA NA Dec-2019 8.15 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
NA Foreign Currency Term Loan NA NA Mar-2022 16.85 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
NA Letter Of Credit NA NA NA 10.5 CRISIL A3
NA Long Term Loan NA NA Mar-2024 28.57 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
NA Foreign Documentary Bills Purchase NA NA NA 20 CRISIL A3
NA Export Packing Credit NA NA NA 20 CRISIL A3
NA Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility NA NA NA 53.5 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
 
Annexure - List of entities consolidated

Names of Entities Consolidated Extent of Consolidation Rationale for Consolidation
Pokarna Ltd Full Same line of business with common promoters
Pokarna Engineered Stone Ltd Full Wholly owned subsidiary of PL engaged in the same line of business
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  120.50  CRISIL BBB-/Stable/ CRISIL A3      31-07-18  CRISIL BBB-/Stable/ CRISIL A3  07-07-17  CRISIL BBB-/Stable/ CRISIL A3  02-12-16  CRISIL BB+/Stable/ CRISIL A4+  CRISIL BB-/Stable/ CRISIL A4+ 
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  10.50  CRISIL A3      31-07-18  CRISIL A3  07-07-17  CRISIL A3  02-12-16  CRISIL A4+  CRISIL A4+ 
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
Cash Credit 2 CRISIL BBB-/Stable Cash Credit 10 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Export Packing Credit 20 CRISIL BBB-/Stable External Commercial Borrowings 40.5 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
External Commercial Borrowings 8.15 CRISIL BBB-/Stable Foreign Documentary Bills Purchase 17 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Foreign Currency Term Loan 16.85 CRISIL BBB-/Stable Letter of Credit 14 CRISIL A3
Foreign Documentary Bills Purchase 20 CRISIL A3 Long Term Loan 28.57 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Letter of Credit 10.5 CRISIL A3 Packing Credit 13 CRISIL A3
Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility 53.5 CRISIL BBB-/Stable Proposed Long Term Bank Loan Facility 7.93 CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Total 131 -- Total 131 --
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 Bank Loan Ratings
CRISILs Criteria for Consolidation

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


Nagarjun Alaparthi
Rating Analyst - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 20 4018 1933
Nagarjun.Alaparthi@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