Rating Rationale
May 31, 2024 | Mumbai
Zeal Aqua Limited
Rating reaffirmed at 'CRISIL BBB-/Stable'; Rated amount enhanced for Bank Debt
 
Rating Action
Total Bank Loan Facilities RatedRs.141.47 Crore (Enhanced from Rs.107.22 Crore)
Long Term RatingCRISIL BBB-/Stable (Reaffirmed)
Note: None of the Directors on CRISIL Ratings Limited’s Board are members of rating committee and thus do not participate in discussion or assignment of any ratings. The Board of Directors also does not discuss any ratings at its meetings.
1 crore = 10 million
Refer to Annexure for Details of Instruments & Bank Facilities

Detailed Rationale

CRISIL Ratings has reaffirmed its 'CRISIL BBB-/Stable' rating on the long-term bank facilities of Zeal Aqua Ltd (ZAL).

 

The rating reflects the established position of ZAL in shrimp farming, processing and trading, and its moderate financial risk profile. These strengths are partially offset by the large working capital requirement and susceptibility of operating margin to volatility in input prices and foreign exchange (forex) rates, geographic concentration and intense competition.

Key Rating Drivers & Detailed Description

Strengths:

  • Extensive experience of the promoters in the shrimp business: The promoters have been engaged in shrimp farming for more than 25 years. Mr Pradeep Navik started a small farm and tied up with Mr Shantilal Patel to form ZAL in 2009. Diversified revenue from shrimp and satellite farming has supported revenue growth. ZAL has developed a large network of farmers for satellite farming and a strong sourcing channel for shrimp and seeds. The company commenced its shrimp processing unit in fiscal 2018, capitalising on its existing captive and satellite farming facilities, thus strengthening its operating efficiency. Revenue remained at Rs 397.80 crore in fiscal 2024, having grown at a compound annual rate of 10% over the last three fiscals. CRISIL Ratings believes ZAL shall continue to benefit from its established market position, with an increase in sales of better-quality Black Tiger shrimp and Tilapia fish fillets, offsetting the low sales of shrimp during the off-season.

 

  • Moderate financial risk profile: Networth over Rs 77 crore as on March 31, 2024, and gearing and total outside liabilities to tangible networth (TOL/TNW) ratios, around 1.90 times and 2.7 times, owing to the debt-funded capital expenditure (capex) incurred during the year. In the absence of any major debt-funded capex, the capital structure should improve over the medium term, aided by steady accretion to reserve and scheduled debt repayment. Debt protection metrics are adequate, as reflected in interest coverage and net cash accrual to total debt ratios estimated at 1.86 times and 0.08 time, respectively, for fiscal 2024.

 

Weaknesses:

  • Susceptibility of operating margin to volatility in input prices, forex rates, geographic concentration, and competition resulting in fluctuation of operating margin: The marine export market is marked by uncertainty, though more pronounced in supply than in demand. Supply is affected due to seasonal conditions, lack of quality seeds and feed, and outbreak of diseases. This causes raw material prices to fluctuate based on supply during the year. Resultantly, the operating margin has resulted in the range of 6-7% in fiscal 2024 (7.24% in fiscal 2023 and 6.59% in fiscal 2022). As the company derives a significant portion of its revenue from exports, the margin is also exposed to fluctuations in forex rates.

 

ZAL, a Gujarat-based player, operates on the north Gujarat Sea coast near Surat. Though Gujarat is a large producer of shrimps, players face stiff competition from Andhra Pradesh, which leads the domestic market. As all activities of ZAL are concentrated within Gujarat, players are also susceptible to region-specific events. The performance of the company thus remains vulnerable to volatility in the price and availability of shrimp, and any change in export or import regulations.

 

  • Large working capital cycle: Operations are working capital intensive, with gross current assets to be in the range of 215-220 days as on March 31, 2024 (230 days as on March 31, 2023) driven by large receivables of 82 days (66 days) and inventory of 127 days (159 days). Working capital expenses are met via bank limit and payables (estimated at 48 days as on March 31, 2024 (55 days).

Liquidity: Adequate

Bank limit utilisation averaged 65% over the 12 months ended March 31, 2024. The company is expected to report cash accrual of Rs 12-13 crore against debt obligation of Rs 6-8 crore for fiscal 2025. Current ratio is estimated to be at 1.37 times on March 31, 2024. Liquidity is supported by unsecured loans from promoters and related parties amounting to Rs 11.69 crore as on March 31, 2024. Moderate gearing and networth offer financial flexibility to withstand adverse conditions or downturn in the business.

Outlook: Stable

CRISIL Ratings believes ZAL will continue to benefit from the extensive experience of its promoters in the shrimp industry and their established relationships with suppliers and farmers.

Rating Sensitivity factors

Upward factors

 

Downward factors

  • Stretch in working capital cycle, weakening the financial risk profile; especially interest cover falling below 1.8 times, and liquidity
  • Decline in revenue or operating margin (below 5%), leading to lower net cash accrual
  • Larger-than-expected debt-funded capex or acquisition, or large dividend payouts, weakening the financial risk profile, particularly liquidity

About the Company

ZAL was incorporated in 2009, as an aquaculture company by promoters, Mr Shantilal Patel and Mr Pradeep Navik. The company farms and trades in white shrimps, and deals in shrimp seeds, feed, and probiotics. In July 2017, the company started processing shrimp. It is listed on Bombay Stock Exchange under the small and medium enterprises segment.

Key Financial Indicators

Particulars

Unit

2024

2023

Operating Income

Rs crore

405.65

369.71

Profit after tax (PAT)

Rs crore

8.27

7.05

PAT margin

%

2.07

1.91

Adjusted debt/adjusted networth

Times

1.90

1.77

Interest coverage

Times

2.11

1.93

Any other information: Not applicable

Note on complexity levels of the rated instrument:
CRISIL Ratings` complexity levels are assigned to various types of financial instruments and are included (where applicable) in the 'Annexure - Details of Instrument' in this Rating Rationale.

CRISIL Ratings will disclose complexity level for all securities - including those that are yet to be placed - based on available information. The complexity level for instruments may be updated, where required, in the rating rationale published subsequent to the issuance of the instrument when details on such features are available.

For more details on the CRISIL Ratings` complexity levels please visit www.crisilratings.com. 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 levels Rating assigned with outlook
NA Cash Credit NA NA NA 134 NA CRISIL BBB-/Stable
NA Term Loan NA NA Mar-2026 7.47 NA CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Annexure - Rating History for last 3 Years
  Current 2024 (History) 2023  2022  2021  Start of 2021
Instrument Type Outstanding Amount Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Date Rating Rating
Fund Based Facilities LT 141.47 CRISIL BBB-/Stable   -- 15-09-23 CRISIL BBB-/Stable 21-06-22 CRISIL BBB-/Stable 25-03-21 CRISIL BB+/Negative CRISIL BB+/Negative
      --   --   -- 31-03-22 Withdrawn   -- --
Non-Fund Based Facilities ST   --   --   -- 31-03-22 Withdrawn 25-03-21 CRISIL A4+ CRISIL A4+
All amounts are in Rs.Cr.
Annexure - Details of Bank Lenders & Facilities
Facility Amount (Rs.Crore) Name of Lender Rating
Cash Credit 30.88 Punjab National Bank CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Cash Credit 40.4 Bank of India CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Cash Credit 36 Indian Bank CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Cash Credit 21 Axis Bank Limited CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Cash Credit 5.72 Punjab National Bank CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Term Loan 3.37 Punjab National Bank CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Term Loan 4.1 Indian Bank CRISIL BBB-/Stable
Criteria Details
Links to related criteria
CRISILs Approach to Financial Ratios
Rating criteria for manufaturing and service sector companies
CRISILs Bank Loan Ratings - process, scale and default recognition
Understanding CRISILs Ratings and Rating Scales

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