Rating Rationale
April 21, 2020 | Mumbai
VST Industries Limited
Ratings Reaffirmed 
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.60 Crore
Short Term Rating CRISIL A1+ (Reaffirmed)
 
Rs.15 Crore Non Convertible Debentures CRISIL AA+/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Fixed Deposits FAAA/Stable (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL AA+/FAAA/Stable/CRISIL A1+' ratings on the non-convertible debentures, fixed deposit programme and short-term bank facility of VST Industries Limited (VST).
 
Operating performance in fiscal 2021 is likely to be impacted following measures taken by the Government of India towards containment of the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), which includes temporary closure of non-critical establishments and inter-state transportation, along with severe restrictions on travel and visiting areas of mass gatherings. These measures are expected to impact the business profile of the company on account of temporary closure of its production facility and closure of establishments of dealers, distributors, and retailers.
 
While most of the measures are applicable till May 3, 2020, revocation of the measures will be contingent upon directive from the central government and the extent of the spread of Covid-19. A sustained period of closures can result in significant deterioration in the credit profiles of companies, including VST. On the other hand, a faster reversal to normalcy may contain the extent of deterioration likely in the credit quality of companies. The ability of the business to revert to operational stability and any relief measures given by the government will be a key monitorable, and CRISIL will continue monitoring these events. Any disruption in operations, however, will be supported by the company's strong financial risk profile and superior liquidity.
 
The ratings continue to reflect VST's strong financial risk profile and established market position. These strengths are partially offset by small market share, risk of regional concentration in revenue, and susceptibility to regulatory changes in the tobacco industry.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths
* Strong financial risk profile
The financial risk profile is driven by a strong capital structure (debt-free status since 2003), steady cash accrual, and superior liquidity. Healthy portfolio of investments (mainly in debt mutual funds), and cash and bank balance of Rs 560 crore as on September 30, 2019, supports liquidity.
 
* Established market position with reputed brands
VST is an established player in the cigarette industry with over 8 decades of operations. It is the third largest player in the Indian cigarette market, with significant presence in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The company has a portfolio of reputed brands such as Charminar, Charms, Special, Moments, Total, and Editions in the 64 millimetre (mm) and 69 mm segments. It has also entered the 84 mm segment with its brand, Editions. Strong brand loyalty and adequate pricing power will continue to support the business risk profile over the medium term.
 
Weaknesses
* Small market share and risk of regional concentration in revenue
Though VST is the third-largest player in the Indian cigarette market, it has a small market share of over 9% in terms of volume. Operations remain concentrated in southern and eastern India, despite significant increase in market reach in northern states such as Uttar Pradesh. To improve its market share and increase geographical diversity, VST has also entered into new geographies, such as Punjab and Central India.
 
* Susceptibility to adverse changes in regulations
The cigarette industry continues to be highly vulnerable to changes in government policies and regulations. On one hand, the industry faces a high tax structure, and on the other hand, there are limitations on promotion, consumption, and packaging of cigarettes, constraining overall growth.
Liquidity Superior

Liquid investments including cash and cash equivalent were at Rs 560 crore as on September 30, 2019. Cash accrual and liquid investments are expected to remain healthy and at similar levels in fiscals 2020 and 2021. The company has zero debt and no major capital expenditure (capex).

Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes that VST will sustain its credit risk profile, driven by a strong financial risk profile and stable business position.
 
Rating Sensitivity Factors
Upward Factors
*Sustained and material improvement in market share to over 25%
*Significant improvement in networth, along with stable operating margin and continued strong financial risk profile
 
Downward Factors
*Substantial decline in market share to less than 7%
*Weakening of the financial risk profile because of diversification into unrelated businesses, involving significant capex
*Any adverse regulatory change in the cigarette industry
*Considerable decline in cash and liquid investments.

About the Company

VST, based out of Hyderabad, is an associate of British American Tobacco Plc (rated 'BBB+/Stable/A-2' by S&P Global), which holds a 32.2% stake in the company. It manufactures and markets cigarettes, and trades in unmanufactured tobacco.
 
In the 9 months ended December 31, 2019, net profit was Rs 233 crore on operating income of Rs 948 crore, against net profit of Rs 174 crore on operating income of Rs 826 crore in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal.

Key Financial Indicators
As on/for the period ended March 31, Units 2019 2018
Operating income Rs.Crore 1098 1031
Profit After Tax (PAT) Rs.Crore 227 182
PAT Margin % 20.7 17.6
Adjusted debt/adjusted networth Times NA NA
Interest coverage Times NA NA

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 Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee NA NA NA 60.0 CRISIL A1+
NA Fixed Deposits NA NA NA 0.0 FAAA/Stable
NA Non-Convertible Debentures* NA NA NA 15.0 CRISIL AA+/Stable
*Yet to be issued
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
Fixed Deposits  FD  0.00  FAAA/Stable      17-05-19  FAAA/Stable  17-05-18  FAAA/Stable  30-05-17  FAAA/Stable  FAAA/Stable 
Non Convertible Debentures  LT  0.00
21-04-20 
CRISIL AA+/Stable      17-05-19  CRISIL AA+/Stable  17-05-18  CRISIL AA+/Stable  30-05-17  CRISIL AA+/Stable  CRISIL AA+/Stable 
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  60.00  CRISIL A1+      17-05-19  CRISIL A1+  17-05-18  CRISIL A1+  30-05-17  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
Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee 60 CRISIL A1+ Letter of credit & Bank Guarantee 60 CRISIL A1+
Total 60 -- Total 60 --
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 Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry
Criteria for notching down standalone ratings of companies based on support extended to parent
Mapping global scale ratings onto CRISIL scale

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