Rating Rationale
July 27, 2018 | Mumbai
Welspun Corp Limited
Rated amount enhanced 
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities Rated Rs.5825 Crore
Long Term Rating CRISIL AA-/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Short Term Rating CRISIL A1+ (Reaffirmed)
 
Rs.990 Crore Non Convertible Debentures CRISIL AA-/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Rs.500 Crore Commercial Paper (Enhanced from Rs.200 Crore) CRISIL A1+ (Reaffirmed)
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities
Detailed Rationale

CRISIL has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL AA-/Stable/CRISIL A1+' ratings on the bank facilities and debt programmes of Welspun Corp Limited (WCL; part of the Welspun group).

The ratings reflect a strong business risk profile backed by a leadership position in the global steel line-pipe business, geographically diverse capacities, a steady order book, sustained operating margin, and prudent risk-management strategies. The ratings also factor in a strong financial risk profile and ample liquidity marked by large networth, comfortable capital structure, the commitment of the management towards controlling external debt, and a healthy debt coverage ratio, albeit average interest coverage.

These strengths are partially offset by susceptibility to any slowdown in end-user industries and to government regulations, and below-par return on capital employed (RoCE) because of the capital-intensive business, sub-optimal capacity utilisation, and significant losses at the Middle East subsidiary.

Analytical Approach

For arriving at the ratings, CRISIL has combined the business and financial risk profiles of WCL and its subsidiaries, Welspun Mauritius Holdings Ltd, Welspun Pipes Inc (WPI), and Welspun Tradings Ltd; and step-down subsidiaries, Welspun Middle East Pipe Company LLC (WMEP), Welspun Middle East Pipe Coating Company LLC (WMEC), Welspun Tubular LLC, and Welspun Global Trade LLC. That's because all these entities, together referred to as the Welspun group, have the same business, brand, and management, and significant financial and operational linkages.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description
Strengths
* Strong business risk profile supported by market leadership in the line pipe business: The Welspun Corp group is one of the largest player in the global steel line-pipe business with capacities of 24.25 lakh tonne per annum (tpa) and consistent sales of about 10 lakh tpa. It has a track record of over two decades and demonstrated technical capability in supply of high-grade line pipes for critical and large projects in the oil and gas and water and sanitation segments. The group has established relationships with reputed overseas customers, which include Transcanada Pipelines Ltd, Shell, TOTAL, Kinder Morgan, Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Qatar Petroleum, and Kuwait Oil Company. It also supplies line pipes to all major players in the domestic market, such as Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Gas Authority of India Ltd, Reliance Industries Ltd, Gujarat State Petronet Ltd, and Larsen & Toubro Ltd. Furthermore, limited competition due to large capital requirement, and necessity to have critical accreditations and customer approvals, bolster the business risk profile. Future performance will be supported by strong domestic demand, and healthy orders of 16 lakh tonne as on June 30, 2018 (700 tonne as on June 30, 2017) offering significant revenue visibility.

* Geographically diverse capacities and presence: The group has multi-location presence with facilities in India, the US, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), which enables it to cater to geographically diverse customers, counter protectionist policies in some global markets, and guard against economic downturns in specific regions. The geographically diversified presence mitigates the concentration risk which is extremely critical in the steel line-pipe segment. Furthermore, the group has the flexibility to manufacture pipes at any of its facilities as all units have necessary certifications and accreditations, which lends support to overall operations.

* Prudent risk management strategies: Back-to-back purchases and order-backed inventory mitigate price fluctuation risk of the key input, steel. Also, 75-80% of domestic sales are backed by letters of credit or bank guarantees, which partially offset bad-debt risks. The group also has a prudent risk management policy, it fully hedges its foreign exchange exposure for net of sales over purchases as well as one year foreign currency debt obligation.

* Strong financial risk profile and ample liquidity: As on March 31, 2018, the networth was strong at Rs 3,359 crore, the gearing healthy at 0.52 time, and the total outside liabilities to tangible networth (TOLTNW) ratio comfortable at 1.48 times; the gearing and TOLTNW ratio improved from 0.72 time and 1.65 times, respectively, a year earlier. Unencumbered cash and bank balance and liquid investments of more than Rs 900 crore as on March 31, 2018, provide significant cushion to overall liquidity. Adjusting for these, the net gearing and net TOLTNW ratio reduce further to 0.23 time and 1.18 times, respectively. The net debt to EBITDA ratio was also comfortable at 1.03 times as on March 31, 2018 (2.3 times a year earlier). Management has committed to maintaining a net gearing at below 1 time and a net debt to EBITDA ratio below 2 times. The interest coverage ratio, although improved, has remained average at 3.4 times in fiscal 2018 (2.6 times in fiscal 2017). With term loan repayment, no major debt-funded capital expenditure (capex), and healthy cash accrual, the financial risk profile is expected to improve further over the medium term.

Weaknesses
* Susceptibility to slowdown in end-user industries, and to government policies: The group has historically derived 60-70% of revenue from the oil and gas segment, and the remaining from the water segment. Slowdown in the oil and gas industry because of a significant decline in crude price had impacted operations in the recent past. Moreover, higher revenue from the lesser profitable water segment impacted the operating margin (8% in fiscal 2018, against 9.4% in fiscal 2017). Revival of new projects in this segment in the key markets of the US and Middle East is critical for improvement in overall operations. Any severe slowdown in end-user industries will weaken demand for line pipes, and impact performance. Furthermore, operations remain exposed to government policies and preferences with respect to factors such as local supply and trade duties.

* Below-average RoCE because of sub-optimal capacity utilisation and losses in KSA subsidiary: The line-pipe business is inherently capital intensive because of the need to set up large-capacity units. Furthermore, the group has sizeable investments in its backward integration unit, the plate and coil mill. The line-pipe capacities were utilised at 40-45%, while utilisation of the plate and coil mill was around 30%. In fiscals 2017 and 2018, there were significant losses in KSA operations due to the prevailing adverse market conditions and economic downturn. Hence, the RoCE was low at 5.1% in fiscal 2018 (3.3% in the previous fiscal). Improvement in the RoCE and profitability are critical and will be monitored.
Outlook: Stable

CRISIL believes Welspun Corp group's leadership position in the line-pipe segment, a diversified global presence, and a healthy order book will help maintain revenue growth and profitability over the medium term. A prudent funding mix and commitment towards maintenance of the capital structure and debt coverage will ensure sustenance of the financial risk profile.

Upside scenario
* Sustained profitability coupled with controlled reliance on external debt, leading to better RoCE and interest coverage.

Downside scenario
* A subdued operating margin, or considerable weakening of the financial risk profile because of increase in working capital requirement, unanticipated acquisition or debt-funded capex, or any unforeseen liabilities.

About the Group

Incorporated in 1995, WCL is the flagship company of the Welspun group promoted by Mr B K Goenka. It manufactures line pipes at its plants in India (Dahej and Anjar in Gujarat and Mandya in Karnataka), the US (Little Rock, Arkansas), and KSA (Dammam). Products include longitudinal, spiral, and high-frequency induction-welded pipes. WCL also has coating facilities in the three countries and a plate and coil mill in India.

The company operates in the US through its 100% subsidiary, WPI; and in KSA through step-down subsidiaries, WMEP and WMEC. It also has a 100% subsidiary, Welspun Tradings Ltd, which acts as a bid arm in the global market.

Operations are managed by a professional team headed by Mr Vipul Mathur, managing director and chief executive officer.

Key Financial Indicators - Consolidated
Particulars Unit 2018 2017
Revenue Rs.Cr 8033 5905
Profit After Tax (PAT) Rs.Cr 74 (69)
PAT Margins % 0.9% (1.2)%
Adjusted Debt/Adjusted Networth Times 0.52 0.67
Interest coverage Times 3.43 2.58

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
1NE191807071 Non- Convertible Debentures 03-Aug -2010 9.55% 02-Aug-2025 200 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191007139 Non- Convertible Debentures 09-Nov-2012 11% 08-Nov-2022 90 CRISIL AA-/Stable
INE191807147 Non- Convertible Debentures 01-Feb-2018 8.9% 01-Feb-2024 250 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Non- Convertible Debentures* NA NA NA 450 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA Commercial Paper NA NA 7-365 Days 500 CRISIL A1+
NA Letter of Credit NA NA NA 3794 CRISIL A1+
NA Bank Guarantee NA NA NA 1133 CRISIL A1+
NA Proposed Non Fund Based Limits NA NA NA 655.8 CRISIL A1+
NA Cash Credit NA NA NA 70 CRISIL AA-/Stable
NA External Commercial Borrowings NA NA 31-Oct-2019 172.2 CRISIL AA-/Stable
*Yet to be issued
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
Commercial Paper  ST  500.00  CRISIL A1+      16-08-17  CRISIL A1+    --    --  -- 
Non Convertible Debentures  LT  540.00
31-03-18 
CRISIL AA-/Stable      16-08-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable    --    --  -- 
Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  242.20  CRISIL AA-/Stable      16-08-17  CRISIL AA-/Stable    --    --  -- 
Non Fund-based Bank Facilities  LT/ST  5582.80  CRISIL A1+      16-08-17  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
Bank Guarantee 1133 CRISIL A1+ Bank Guarantee 1160 CRISIL A1+
Cash Credit 70 CRISIL AA-/Stable Cash Credit 82 CRISIL AA-/Stable
External Commercial Borrowings 172.2 CRISIL AA-/Stable External Commercial Borrowings 277 CRISIL AA-/Stable
Letter of Credit 3794 CRISIL A1+ Letter of Credit 3834 CRISIL A1+
Proposed Non Fund based limits 655.8 CRISIL A1+ Proposed Letter of Credit 472 CRISIL A1+
Total 5825 -- Total 5825 --
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
CRISILs Bank Loan Ratings
CRISILs Criteria for rating short term debt
The Rating Process
Understanding CRISILs Ratings and Rating Scales

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

Rahul Guha
Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 22 4097 8320
rahul.guha@crisil.com


Shirish Mujumdar
Associate Director - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 20 4018 1934
shirish.mujumdar@crisil.com


Ankita Gupta
Rating Analyst - CRISIL Ratings
CRISIL Limited
D:+91 22 4097 8104
ankita.gupta@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.

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