SE Intimation Credit Rating ICRA 11th August 2022 0
SE Intimation Credit Rating ICRA 11th August 2022 0
SE Intimation Credit Rating ICRA 11th August 2022 0
REF:NS:SEC:
11th August, 2022
Dear Sirs,
Sub: Mahindra & Mahindra Limited: Ratings reaffirmed for BLR, NCD; reaffirmed and withdrawn
for Commercial Paper
Please find enclosed a Press Release issued by ICRA Limited in this regard.
This Press Release has been issued by ICRA Limited today on 11 th August, 2022.
Cont…2
Regd. Office: Gateway Building, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai 400 001, India
Tel: +91 22 22021031|Fax: +91 22 22875485
Email : group.communications@mahindra.com
mahindra.com
CIN No. L65990MH1945PLC004558
Mahindra
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Mahindra Towers,
Dr. G. M. Bhosale Marg, Worli,
Mumbai 400 018 India
Tel: +91 22 24901441
Fax: +91 22 24975081
-:2:-
Further, as per Regulation 55 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 read with SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/DDHS/DDHS_Div1/
P/CIR/2022/0000000103 dated 29th July, 2022, please find below details in respect of Credit Rating
obtained for Non-Convertible Debentures issued by the Company from ICRA Limited:
Yours faithfully,
For MAHINDRA & MAHINDRA LIMITED
NARAYAN SHANKAR
COMPANY SECRETARY
Encl: as above
Regd. Office: Gateway Building, Apollo Bunder, Mumbai 400 001, India
Tel: +91 22 22021031|Fax: +91 22 22875485
Email : group.communications@mahindra.com
mahindra.com
CIN No. L65990MH1945PLC004558
WII ICRA
Mahindra & Mahindra Limited: Ratings reaffirmed for BLR, NCD; reaffirmed and
withdrawn for Commercial Paper
Summary of rating action
Rationale
The ratings reflect the strong financial profile of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited (M&M), characterised by healthy free cash
flows on the back of its diversified business across varied sectors, robust profitability in its core businesses and superior
liquidity with sizeable cash and bank balances and liquid investments. The ratings favourably factor in the complementary
performance of the farm equipment (FES) and automotive (auto) segments, which has provided stability to the overall
profitability despite cyclical performances in the respective segments over the last several years. M&M enjoys a large
investment portfolio of its Group entities, some of whom are also listed in the stock markets. The market values of these
quoted investments are significantly higher than the book value, providing additional cushion to M&M’s overall financial
flexibility.
M&M has maintained its dominant position in the domestic tractor industry, the market share 1 in Q1 FY2023 being 42.7%.
ICRA believes that the three-brand strategy of Mahindra, Swaraj and Trakstar, should help it to sustain its market share around
40% level over the medium term. In its global FES business, M&M is present in four out of the five largest tractor markets in
the world. Some of these overseas entities, which had reported subdued performances in the past, have turned around,
resulting in the global FES subsidiaries reporting their highest ever profit before interest and tax (PBIT) of Rs. 311 crore in
FY2022, against a loss of Rs. 36 crore in FY2021. Further, in Q1 FY2023, the PBIT was Rs. 71 crore, aiding M&M to achieve eight
consecutive quarters of positive PBIT since Q2 FY2021.
In the domestic utility vehicles (UV) business, despite increasing competition, M&M’s market share improved from 14.7% in
FY2021 to 16.2% in Q1 FY2023 with the highest revenue market share of 17.1% (Source: Company). This was supported by
new product launches of the ‘Thar’ and ‘XUV 7OO’ models during FY2021 and FY2022, respectively. ICRA notes that M&M has
new product launches in the pipeline and its recently launched ‘Scorpio-N’ model has received a favourable response from the
market. While the incremental sales volume from the new models will support M&M’s overall volumes, further improvement
in its market share is challenging amid successful launches by its competitors. A material reduction in M&M’s market position
in its core auto and FES segments, resulting in a significant deterioration in its profitability and cash flows, would be a credit
negative.
1
All the market share details mentioned in the rationale is as per SIAM or TMA data
M&M is transferring the identified assets of the four-wheeler (4W) electric vehicle (EV) business to a subsidiary company (EV
Co), wherein M&M will invest Rs. 1,925 crore as equity and British International Investment Plc (BII) will invest a similar amount
as compulsorily convertible preference shares (CCPS) in two tranches of Rs. 1,200 crore and Rs. 725 crore. Over the medium
to long-term, the management envisages capex of ~Rs. 10,000 crore for the EV business, which would mainly create and market
M&M’s e-SUV portfolio.
Ssangyong Motor Company Limited (SYMC), where M&M had 74.65% stake as on March 31, 2020, is undergoing a court order
rehabilitation process since December 2020. ICRA notes that M&M has ceased consolidating SYMC from December 2020, and
reports it as discontinued operations.
M&M has provided a capex and investment guidance of ~Rs. 15,075 crore over FY2022 to FY2024, reduced from the previous
guidance of Rs. 17,000 crore. The reduction in the capex guidance has been on the back of Rs. 1,925 crore proposed to be
infused by BII in EVCo. Although the planned investments are large, steady cash flow generation from its core business, along
with the financial flexibility enjoyed by the Group and its comfortable credit profile partly mitigate the risk. M&M was net-
debt free as on March 31, 2022, and ICRA expects its leverage to remain low in the medium term, despite sizable capex and
investment plans. The company’s liquidity position remains superior, supported by its large (Rs. 12,049 crore) free cash and
bank balances and liquid investments as on March 31, 2022. ICRA notes the tighter capital allocation norms laid out by the
company such that it will continue to support those entities, which have a clear path to 18% return on equity (RoE) and those
that have a delayed or unclear path to profitability, but a quantifiable strategic impact. ICRA also notes that M&M will exit
those with an unclear path to profitability.
While ICRA draws comfort from M&M’s track record of successfully managing its portfolio of businesses, its continued success
while maintaining its credit profile, would remain a key rating sensitivity. Strengthening M&M’s UV portfolio through new
product launches amid increasing competition, achieving success on its EV launches and turning around its loss-making
businesses would remain critical for maintaining its credit profile.
The rating outstanding on the Rs. 1,000-crore commercial paper (CP) programme stands reaffirmed and withdrawn as there
are no obligations outstanding against the rated instrument. This is in line with ICRA’s policy on withdrawal and suspension of
credit ratings.
Credit strengths
Strong position in domestic tractor industry with an established rural franchise; diversified automotive company – M&M
has been the dominant market leader in the domestic tractor market, commanding a market share of 42.7% in Q1 FY2023.
With its offerings across different brands of Mahindra, Swaraj and Trakstar, and its well-entrenched sales and service network,
it is expected to maintain its leadership position going forward as well. Additionally, it enjoys a strong position in the domestic
UV market, and in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market (especially 2-3.5T segment), with 41.9% share in Q1 FY2023 in the
latter. It has also carved out a leadership position in the domestic electric three-wheeler market with 73.4% market share in
FY2022 through its 98.98% subsidiary, Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited.
Healthy credit profile, supported by robust cash surplus resulting in superior liquidity – The company enjoys a strong credit
profile, characterised by robust cash accruals, comfortable credit metrics and a superior liquidity position. Despite investing
regularly for capex and other requirements, M&M has continued to remain net debt negative over the past several years,
supported by its healthy cash flow generation.
Inherent value in some of its businesses, with potential to generate cash flows through stake sale for the Group – M&M
enjoys a large investment portfolio, consisting of its Group entities, some of which are listed in the stock markets. These
businesses are spread across sectors such as financial services, information technology, infrastructure and hospitality. The
market values of these quoted investments are significantly higher than the book value, providing additional cushion to M&M’s
overall financial flexibility.
Credit challenges
Stiff competition in core automotive business may pressurise market share and margins – The domestic UV market has seen
high competitive intensity in recent times, with the foray of multiple players and the expanding product portfolio of existing
players. Coupled with limited presence in the fast-growing compact UV segment, M&M lost sizeable market share from 25.4%
in FY2018 to 14.7% in FY2021. However, it has been able to claw back to 16.2% share in Q1 FY2023 on the back of the success
of its recent launches such as Thar and XUV700. Nevertheless, its ability to maintain and improve the bookings remains critical.
Competitive intensity also remains high in its other automotive segments like commercial vehicles (both LCVs, and medium
and heavy commercial vehicles or M&HCVs) and three-wheelers.
Significant medium term investment requirements; ability to maintain sound capital structure remains crucial – M&M has
provided a capex and investment guidance of ~Rs. 15,075 crore over FY2022 to FY2024, reduced from the previous guidance
of Rs. 17,000 crore. The reduction in the capex guidance has been on the back of Rs. 1,925 crore proposed to be infused by BII
in EVCo. Although the planned investments are large, steady cash flow generation from its core business, along with the
financial flexibility enjoyed by the Group and its comfortable credit profile partly mitigate the risk.
Funding support required by some loss-making businesses/ subsidiaries – While the majority of M&M’s investee companies
are self-sustaining in nature, certain entities, especially those overseas, require some funding support over the near to medium
term. While these would require certain cash outflow from M&M, comfort is drawn from the tighter capital allocation norms
laid out by the company such that it will continue to support only those entities, which have a clear path to 18% return on
equity (RoE) or those that have a delayed or unclear path to profitability, but a quantifiable strategic impact. ICRA also notes
that the overseas FES entities, which had been loss-making, have turned around and reported a positive PBIT in FY2022.
Rating sensitivities
Negative factors – Negative pressure on the ratings could arise in case of any significant deterioration in M&M’s capital
structure as well as debt coverage indicators because of debt-funded capex and investments, or any large inorganic acquisition.
Material decline in M&M’s market position in its core automotive and FES segments, resulting in a significant deterioration in
its profitability and cash flows, would also be a negative rating trigger.
Analytical approach
For arriving at the ratings, ICRA has considered the consolidated financials of Mahindra &
Mahindra Limited, excluding its financial services business, Mahindra & Mahindra Financial
Consolidation/Standalone Services Limited (MMFSL). However, the analysis does consider the ordinary and
extraordinary funding support likely to be extended to MMFSL. The list of entities
consolidated is mentioned in Annexure 2.
Current Rating (FY2023) Chronology of Rating History for the past 3 years
Amount
Instrument Amount Outstanding Date & Rating
Date & Rating in FY2022 Date & Rating in FY2021 Date & Rating in FY2020
Rated as of Mar 31, on
Type
2022
(Rs. crore) (Rs. crore) 11-Aug-22 12-Aug-21 14-Jun-21 21-Dec-2020 10-Dec-2020 31-Aug-2020 13-Apr-2020 07-Oct-2019 29-Jul-2019
Non-Convertible
[ICRA]AAA [ICRA]AAA [ICRA]AAA [ICRA]AAA [ICRA]AAA [ICRA]AAA [ICRA]AAA [ICRA]AAA
1 Debenture Long-term 1,500.00 3,467.38 [ICRA]AAA
(Stable) (Stable) (Stable) (Stable) (Stable) (Stable) (Stable) (Stable)
Programme (Stable)
Non-fund Based
4 Short-term 400.00 -- [ICRA]A1+ [ICRA]A1+ [ICRA]A1+ [ICRA]A1+ [ICRA]A1+ [ICRA]A1+ [ICRA]A1+ [ICRA]A1+ [ICRA]A1+
Facilities
Commercial [ICRA]A1+
6 Short-term 1,000.00 -- [ICRA]A1+ [ICRA]A1+ - - - - - -
Paper Programme withdrawn
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WII ICRA
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Today, ICRA and its subsidiaries together form the ICRA Group of Companies (Group ICRA). ICRA is a Public Limited Company,
with its shares listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange. The international Credit Rating Agency
Moody’s Investors Service is ICRA’s largest shareholder.
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