Rating Rationale
September 21, 2018 | Mumbai
Torrent Gas Private Limited
'CRISIL A1+(SO)' assigned to bank debt
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.1000 Crore
Short Term Rating CRISIL A1+(SO) (Assigned)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has assigned its 'CRISIL A1+(SO)' rating on the bank facilities of Torrent Gas Private Limited (TGPL).
 
The rating is based on the unconditional, irrevocable and comprehensive guarantee provided by Torrent Private Limited (TL), reflecting TL's credit strength. The rating is supported by a payment mechanism which will ensure timely debt servicing. The guarantee covers the lender for payment from the guarantor in case the borrower is unable to make the same, within five working days from the day a demand is made by the lenders. CRISIL believes TGPL will continue to receive support from the promoters.

Analytical Approach

The rating on bank facilities of TGPL is based on the unconditional and irrevocable guarantee provided by its parent, TL. The guarantee covers the non-fund based bank facilities of Rs 1,000 crore. CRISIL has applied its holding company criteria for analyzing the credit profile of TL.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths
* TL's healthy financial flexibility, supported by large unencumbered equity stakes in TPL (Torrent Power Ltd) and Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd (TPharma)
TL's financial flexibility is healthy, supported by the market value of the investments in the consolidated entity in TPharma (71.3% shareholding), and TPL (53.6% shareholding). The market value of TL's consolidated shareholding in these companies was about Rs 27,400 crore, as on September 19, 2018. This is substantial in relation to the non-fund based limits of TGPL to be guaranteed by TL, leading to a healthy market value of investments to liability cover of 27.4 times, since TL does not have any other external debt liability. Going ahead, CRISIL believes that TL may extend support to TGPL in form of equity, which can result in reduction of cover ' nonetheless the cover is expected to remain adequate for the rating category. Any additional city gas distribution licenses contracted by TGPL, the investment required to be made by it and any incremental support from TL would be key sensitivity factors.
 
The key operating companies have a track record of dividend payment. Total dividend income has been between Rs 80 crore and 500 crore over past four years through fiscal 2018. Both TPL and TPharma shall endeavor to pay dividend of 30% of consolidated net profits, as per their stated policy. CRISIL believes that the strong credit profile of these companies and diversity in their businesses will enable steady dividend inflows for TL, which should support any interest payments in the future.
 
* Strong credit profiles of both TPL and TPharma, subsidiaries of TL
Both TPL and TPharma have strong credit profiles with sound market presence and good operating efficiencies and healthy financial profiles. Also, TL's key operating companies function in divergent industries ' while the power business benefits from stable cash flow and regulated returns, the pharmaceuticals business benefits from its well-entrenched market presence in both domestic and export markets and healthy operating margin, supporting significant free cash flow generation.   
 
CRISIL believes TL's diversified business exposure will provide adequate cushion against downturns in a particular sector.
 
Weaknesses
* Market-related risks
CRISIL believes TL will remain susceptible to market-related risks as its financial flexibility, in terms of cover available, will depend on prevailing market conditions and the share prices of TPharma and TPL. Although the relative stability of cash flows from both the power and pharma businesses helps, any increase in systemic risks, leading to a sharp decline in their share prices, will be a key rating sensitivity factor.
 
* Exposure to project risks at TGPL and its investment in Mahesh Gas Ltd
TL will remain exposed to project risks at its wholly owned subsidiary, TGPL which has successfully bid to implement City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks at 10 geographical areas across India; and its investment in Mahesh Gas Ltd which is setting up a CGD network in Pune (outer city). Given the early stages of implementation at TGPL, the company remains exposed to execution risks, while the project economics are yet to be established and remain subject to shift in demand from existing fuels for transport, domestic, and industrial purposes.  
 
About the Issuer, Torrent Gas Private Limited (TGPL)
TGPL is a special-purpose vehicle of Torrent Private Limited (TL), set up in 2018 to implement and operate City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks. The company was awarded a CGD license for 10 Geographical Areas (GAs) across Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Punjab, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh in the ninth round of auctions conducted by Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
 
About the Guarantor, Torrent Private Limited (TL)
TL is the holding company for the Torrent group, with business interests across Power and Pharmaceuticals. TL held 53.6% of the total shareholding in TPL and 71.3% in TPharma as on March 31, 2018. TL holds 100% in TGPL, and 49% in Mahesh Gas Ltd, which is setting up a CGD network in Pune (outer city), Maharashtra. 
Key Financial Indicators
Particulars Unit 2018 2017
Revenue Rs. Cr. 216 109
Profit After Tax Rs. Cr. 212 104
PAT Margins % 98.2 95.2
Interest coverage Times N.M. N.M.
Adjusted Debt/Adjusted Networth Times 0.0 0.0

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 with Outlook
NA Bank Guarantees^ NA NA NA 1000 CRISIL A1+(SO)
^Includes Rs 250 crore of bid bond guarantee, and Rs. 750 crore of performance bank guarantee
Annexure - Rating History for last 3 Years
  Current 2018 (History) 2017  2016  2015  Start of 2015
Instrument Type Outstanding Amount Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Rating
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  1000.00  CRISIL A1+(SO)    --    --    --    --  -- 
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
Bank Guarantee^ 1000 CRISIL A1+(SO) -- 0 --
Total 1000 -- Total 0 --
^Includes Rs 250 crore of bid bond guarantee, and Rs. 750 crore of performance bank guarantee
Links to related criteria
CRISILs Approach to Financial Ratios
CRISILs Bank Loan Ratings
The Rating Process
Understanding CRISILs Ratings and Rating Scales

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