Product Quantum (Rs. Cr) Long Term Rating Short Term Rating
Bank Loan Ratings 121.07 ACUITE A | Stable | Upgraded | Positive to Stable -
Bank Loan Ratings 15.00 - ACUITE A1 | Upgraded
Total Outstanding 136.07 - -
 
Rating Rationale

­Acuité has upgraded the long-term rating to ACUITE A (read as ACUITE A) from 'ACUITE A-’ (read as ACUITE A minus ) and the short term rating to ACUITE A1 (read as ACUITE A one) from 'ACUITE A2+' (read as ACUITE A two plus) on the Rs136.07 Cr bank facilities of Ganpati sponge iron Private Limited (GIPL). The outlook is revised from ‘Positive’ to 'Stable'.
 
Rationale for upgrade and revision of outlook
The rating upgrade factors the sustained improvement in the scale of operations driven by increased production capacities and utilisation, healthy business risk profile with vertically integrated operation and equity infusion by the promoters. The group reported CAGR of 36.13 percent for the last two years with operating income of Rs.1832.02 Cr in FY23 as against Rs.1453.49 Cr in FY22. The increase in revenue is due to fully integrated steel plant by installing HR pipe and GI pipe unit in FY2023. Further, the average realization and sales volume of both intermediate and finished products had witnessed improvement because of rising demand from end user segments. The group has achieved a significant milestone by successfully adding 108,000 MTPA of billet capacity and 100,000 MTPA of pipes capacity during Q1FY24.  As a result, the group's current installed capacity stands at 100,000 MT of sponge iron, 405,000 MT of billets and 857,000 MT of pipes and rolled steel products.  The operating margins of the company moderated to 8.04 percent in FY2023 from 10.33 percent in FY2022. The moderation in margins is attributable to increased raw material costs.
The company is currently undertaking capital expenditure towards enhancing its sponge iron production capacities along with setting up of a 10 MW waste heat recovery boiler (WHRB) captive power plant. The capex, post its completion is estimated to aid the company in improving its operating margins due to increased cost efficiencies on account of reduced material and power costs. The capex is expected to be completed by July, 2024. In addition, the group has also undertaken another expansion project in SSPL of Rs.178 Cr and expected to be operational by October 2024.
The equity infusion of Rs.150.00 Cr by promoters has further strengthened the capital structure aiding to liquidity profile and financial risk profile of the group. The projected gearing level will fall below one and is estimated to be in the range of 0.7-0.8 times for the FY2024.
The rating continues to draw comfort from the group's efficient working capital management and adequate liquidity.
Going forward, ability of the company to maintain its scale of operations while improving the profitability margins along with ability to maintain the financial risk profile and timely completion of the ongoing capex will remain a key rating sensitivity factor.

About Company
Raipur based, Ganpati Sponge Iron Private Limited was incorporated in 1989 managed by Mr. Suresh Kumar Goyal and Mr. Vikas Kumar Goyal. Currently the company is engaged in manufacturing of Billet, MS Strip and Pipes. The company has installed capacity of 75,000 MT per annum for Billet, 75000 MT per annum for MS Strip, 250,000 MT per annum for MS pipes and 60,000 MT per annum for GI pipes.
 
About the Group
Sambhv Sponge Power Private Limited (SSPL) was acquired by the Raipur based Goyal family in 2017. The company is engaged in manufacturing of sponge iron, billet and HR sheets, coil and pipes. The company has an installed capacity of 100,000 MT per annum for sponge Iron, 258,000 MT per annum for billet, 150,000 MT per annum for HR Sheets / Coil and 250,000 MT per annum for HR pipe. SSPL also has a 15 MW captive power plant. The HR pipe are operational since 2023. The company managed by Mr. Suresh Kumar Goyal, Mr. Ashish Goyal, Mr. Vikas Kumar Goyal, Mr. Manoj Kumar Goyal and Mr. Bhavesh Khetan.
Raipur based, S.Payerlal Ispat Private Limited (SPIPL) was incorporated in 2009 handled by Mr. Ashish Goyal and Mr. Manoj Kumar Goyal. SPIPL manufactures billet & structure such as Channel and Angles. The company has installed capacity of 72000 MT per annum each for both Billets and MS Structures.
All manufacturing units are located in Raipur.
 
Unsupported Rating
­Not applicable
 
Analytical Approach

Extent of Consolidation
•Full Consolidation
Rationale for Consolidation or Parent / Group / Govt. Support
­Acuité has taken a consolidated view of Sambhv Sponge Power Private Limited (SSPL), Ganpati Sponge Power Private Limited (GIPL) and S.Pyarelal Ispat Private Limited SPIPL) as all the 3 companies are in the same line of business, share common management and have strong operational and financial linkages. In addition, GIPL holds around 17 percent of shares in SSPL. The group herein is referred to as Sambhv Group.
Key Rating Drivers

Strengths
Integrated nature of operations along with sustained revenue growth
The Sambhv group is promoted by the Goyal family of Raipur (Chattisgarh). The group is managed by Mr. Suresh Kumar Goyal, who has more than one decade of experience in the steel business. The group has integrated operations with capacities to produce sponge iron, steel billets, pipes and long products across three companies – SSPL, GSIPL and SPIPL. The aggregate installed capacity of the Sambhv Group is 100,000 MT of sponge iron, 405,000 MT of billets and 857,000 MT of pipes and rolled steel products. The group also has a captive power plant of 15 MW. Recently the group has added 108,000 MT of billet capacity and 100,000 MTPA of pipes capacity during Q1FY24. Further, the group has undertaken an expansion capex of Rs.162.04 Cr to enhance its sponge iron capacity of 115,500 MT per annum with captive Power Plant 10MW WHRB by July 2024. In addition, group has undertaken another expansion project in SSPL of Rs.178.00 Cr to enhance the Induction furnace of 82,600 MT per annum, Pipe Mill of 1,50,000 MT Per annum, CRM (Cold Rolling Mill) of 50,000 MT per annum, Rolling Mill of 1,00,000 MT per annum and New GP Line of 1,00,000 MT per annum, which is expected to be operational by October 2024. The same will be funded through a mix of debt and equity in 3:1 ratio. Post the expansion, it will benefit from increased scale and other operational synergies, thus strengthening the overall operating profile. Considering its successful capacity expansion of the manufacturing operations in the past, the group has demonstrated strong volume growth and healthy profit margins over the last few years. The group’s consolidated revenues stood at Rs.1832.02 Cr in FY23 as against Rs.1453.49 Cr in FY22 thus registering a y-o-y growth of 26 percent. The improvement is driven by fully integrated steel plant by installing HR pipe and GI pipe unit in SSPL and GIPL respectively in FY23. In addition, the capacity utilisation of MS pipe unit and HR sheet unit also increased in FY23. Further, the average realization and sales volume of both intermediate and finished products had witnessed improvement because of rising demand from end user segments. The revenue growth is expected to continue in FY24 as the group has already achieved revenue of Rs.1600 Cr till December 2023 (prov).
Acuite believes the scale of operation will improve over the medium term backed by rise in sale of value added steel products such as MS Pipes, HR Coil where realizations are higher in comparison to intermediate goods such as Sponge Iron and Billet.

Moderate financial risk profile backed by equity infusion in FY24.
The financial risk profile of the group is moderate marked by heathy net worth, moderate gearing ratio and debt protection metrics. The net worth of the group stood at Rs.314.67 Cr as on 31 March, 2023 as against Rs.235.54 Cr as on 31 March, 2022. Acuité has treated unsecured loans of Rs.41.52 Cr as part of networth as the amount is subordinated to bank debt. The improvement in networth is on account of healthy accretion of net profit in the reserves during the period. Further in FY2024, Sambhv group has infused the additional equity of Rs.150.00 Cr from HNI's and family offices by promoter’s diluting their stake of 16 percent. The infusion is divided into Rs.4.00 Cr. as equity share capital and Rs.146.00 Cr as share premium. The group has significant reliance on external debt because of continues capex being undertaken by the group. The total debt of Rs.368.08 Cr as on 31 March, 2023 consist of long-term debt of Rs.179.57 Cr, short term debt of Rs.144.61 Cr and maturing portion of long term borrowings of Rs.43.90 Cr.
The gearing level (debt-equity) stood at 1.17 times as on 31 March, 2023 as against 1.22 times as on 31 March, 2022, slightly improved in spite of increase in total debt for the capex. Further, with the equity infusion in FY24, the gearing level will fall below one and is estimated to range between 0.7-0.8 times during the year. TOL/TNW (Total outside liabilities/Total net worth) is stable at 1.39 times as on 31 March, 2023 against 1.63 times in previous year. The continuous CAPEX by the group along with moderated profitability margins has led to the slight weakening of debt coverage indicators in FY23. The interest coverage ratio (ICR) and debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) stood at 5.21 times and 2.06 times respectively in FY2023 as against 6.43 and 2.50 times respectively in the previous year.
Acuite believes that financial risk profile of the group will improve in the near future owing to equity infusion and improvement in profitability margins.
 
Efficient working capital management
The group has a comfortable working capital requirement as reflected from 64 days of GCA days in FY23 as against 71 days in FY22 which is driven by the moderate inventory. The inventory days stood at 45 days as on in 31 March 2023 as against 43 days as on 31 March 2022. Moderate inventory level is due to the group needing to maintain raw material inventory (iron ore & coal stock) for uninterrupted production and to mitigate the raw material price fluctuations risk. The working capital limits of the group stood at an average utilisation of 52.23% for the 8 months ended December 2023. The Bank limits are majorly utilised for the advance payments of raw materials.
Acuite believes working capital requirement is likely to remain similar in medium term.

Weaknesses
Cyclical nature of the industry
The group performance remains vulnerable to cyclicality in the steel sector as demand for steel depends on the performance of end user segments such as construction and real estate. Indian steel sector is highly competitive due to presence of large number of players. The operating margin of the group is vulnerable to fluctuations in the prices of raw materials (coal and iron ore) as well as realization from finished goods.
 
Continuous capex mode
The group has undertaken an expansion capex in SSPL of Rs.162.04 Cr to enhance its sponge iron capacity by 115500 MT PA along with captive power plant 10MW WHRB. The proposed sponge iron and captive power plant is likely to be operational by July 2024. In addition, the group has also undertaken another expansion project in SSPL of Rs.178.00 Cr to enhance its induction furnace capacity of 82,600 MTPA, Pipe Mill of 1,50,000 MTPA, CRM (Cold Rolling Mill) of 50,000 MTPA, Rolling Mill of 1,00,000 MTPA and New GP Line of 1,00,000 MTPA,which is expected to be operational by October 2024. To finish its capex program, the group is anticipated to avail additional debt of Rs 130 crore over the following two years.
Acuité believes the coverage and leverage ratios of the group will witness slight moderation over the medium term because of the rise in the debt levels. However, it is partially offset by equity infusion in FY24.
Rating Sensitivities
  • Time and cost overrun in ongoing projects.
  • Sustainable improvement in the scale of operations along with strengthening of profitability margins and financial risk profile of the group.
  • Any deterioration in working capital cycle and liquidity profile of the group.
 
Liquidity Position: Adequate
The Sambhv group has adequate liquidity profile as reflected from low utilization of working capital limits which stood at 52.23 percent during the last 8 months ended December 2023. In addition, group has healthy net cash accrual of Rs.103.42 Cr during FY23 as against current maturity of around Rs.34.19 Cr. The group is expected to generate sufficient liquidity of Rs.132.15 -183.73 Cr in FY2024-25 as against CPLTD of Rs.52.86 -43.90 Cr for the same years. Current ratio stood moderate at 1.36 times during FY23. The working capital intensity of the business is fairly comfortable as reflected from GCA days of 64 days as on 31 March 2023. Acuite expects the liquidity position of the group will remain at adequate level over the medium term backed by steady cash flow and equity infusion.
 
Outlook:
Acuité believes that GIPL will maintain 'Stable' outlook over the medium term on account of its improved the business risk profile of the company as reflected from its substantial increase in scale of operations, moderate financial risk profile and efficient working capital management. The outlook may be revised to 'Positive' in case of higher-than-expected growth in revenue and profitability while effectively managing its working capital cycle and keeping the debt levels moderate. Conversely, the outlook may be revised to 'Negative' in case of lower than anticipated revenues, deterioration in profitability metrics or if the group incurs more than envisaged debt funded capex.
 
Other Factors affecting Rating
­None
 

Particulars Unit FY 23 (Actual) FY 22 (Actual)
Operating Income Rs. Cr. 1832.02 1453.49
PAT Rs. Cr. 79.53 79.78
PAT Margin (%) 4.34 5.49
Total Debt/Tangible Net Worth Times 1.17 1.22
PBDIT/Interest Times 5.21 6.43
Status of non-cooperation with previous CRA (if applicable)
­­Not applicable
 
Any Other Information
­None
 
Applicable Criteria
• Application Of Financial Ratios And Adjustments: https://www.acuite.in/view-rating-criteria-53.htm
• Consolidation Of Companies: https://www.acuite.in/view-rating-criteria-60.htm
• Default Recognition: https://www.acuite.in/view-rating-criteria-52.htm
• Manufacturing Entities: https://www.acuite.in/view-rating-criteria-59.htm

Note on Complexity Levels of the Rated Instrument
­In order to inform the investors about complexity of instruments, Acuité has categorized such instruments in three levels: Simple, Complex and Highly Complex. Acuite’s categorisation of the instruments across the three categories is based on factors like variability of the returns to the investors, uncertainty in cash flow patterns, number of counterparties and general understanding of the instrument by the market. It has to be understood that complexity is different from credit risk and even an instrument categorized as 'Simple' can carry high levels of risk. For more details, please refer Rating Criteria “Complexity Level Of Financial Instruments” on www.acuite.in
 

Date Name of Instruments/Facilities Term Amount (Rs. Cr) Rating/Outlook
27 Apr 2023 Term Loan Long Term 2.99 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 1.09 ACUITE A- | Positive (Assigned)
Cash Credit Long Term 37.00 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Cash Credit Long Term 10.00 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Cash Credit Long Term 25.00 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Cash Credit Long Term 10.50 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 2.56 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 1.00 ACUITE A- | Positive (Assigned)
Term Loan Long Term 4.75 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 9.50 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 1.50 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 2.06 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 5.19 ACUITE A- | Positive (Assigned)
Proposed Term Loan Long Term 22.93 ACUITE A- | Positive (Assigned)
07 Apr 2023 Term Loan Long Term 2.99 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Cash Credit Long Term 37.00 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Cash Credit Long Term 10.00 ACUITE A- | Positive (Assigned)
Cash Credit Long Term 25.00 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Cash Credit Long Term 10.50 ACUITE A- | Positive (Assigned)
Term Loan Long Term 2.56 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 4.75 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 9.50 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 1.50 ACUITE A- | Positive (Assigned)
Term Loan Long Term 2.06 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
21 Feb 2023 Term Loan Long Term 4.05 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Cash Credit Long Term 37.00 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Cash Credit Long Term 25.00 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 3.56 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 9.50 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
Proposed Term Loan Long Term 4.75 ACUITE A- | Positive (Reaffirmed)
06 Apr 2022 Proposed Long Term Loan Long Term 1.01 ACUITE A- | Stable (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 4.19 ACUITE A- | Stable (Reaffirmed)
Cash Credit Long Term 22.00 ACUITE A- | Stable (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 2.87 ACUITE A- | Stable (Reaffirmed)
Cash Credit Long Term 25.00 ACUITE A- | Stable (Assigned)
Term Loan Long Term 10.00 ACUITE A- | Stable (Assigned)
Proposed Cash Credit Long Term 15.00 ACUITE A- | Stable (Assigned)
Proposed Long Term Loan Long Term 3.79 ACUITE A- | Stable (Assigned)
22 Mar 2022 Proposed Long Term Loan Long Term 1.01 ACUITE A- | Stable (Upgraded from ACUITE BBB+ | Stable)
Term Loan Long Term 4.50 ACUITE A- | Stable (Upgraded from ACUITE BBB+ | Stable)
Cash Credit Long Term 22.00 ACUITE A- | Stable (Upgraded from ACUITE BBB+ | Stable)
Term Loan Long Term 2.87 ACUITE A- | Stable (Upgraded from ACUITE BBB+ | Stable)
Cash Credit Long Term 13.50 ACUITE A- | Not Applicable (Upgraded & Withdrawn)
Term Loan Long Term 0.99 ACUITE A- | Not Applicable (Upgraded & Withdrawn)
Term Loan Long Term 2.87 ACUITE A- | Not Applicable (Upgraded & Withdrawn)
06 Aug 2021 Proposed Long Term Loan Long Term 0.02 ACUITE BBB+ | Stable (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 2.87 ACUITE BBB+ | Stable (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 4.50 ACUITE BBB+ | Stable (Reaffirmed)
Term Loan Long Term 0.99 ACUITE BBB+ | Stable (Reaffirmed)
Cash Credit Long Term 8.50 ACUITE BBB+ | Stable (Reaffirmed)
Cash Credit Long Term 13.50 ACUITE BBB+ | Stable (Reaffirmed)
07 Jul 2021 Term Loan Long Term 0.51 ACUITE BBB+ | Stable Upgraded
Term Loan Long Term 0.99 ACUITE BBB+ | Stable Upgraded
Cash Credit Long Term 13.50 ACUITE BBB+ | Stable Upgraded
­

Lender’s Name ISIN Facilities Date Of Issuance Coupon Rate Maturity Date Quantum
(Rs. Cr.)
Complexity Level Rating
HDFC Bank Ltd Not avl. / Not appl. Cash Credit Not avl. / Not appl. Not avl. / Not appl. Not avl. / Not appl. 47.00 Simple ACUITE A | Stable | Upgraded | Positive to Stable ( from ACUITE A- )
Axis Bank Not avl. / Not appl. Cash Credit Not avl. / Not appl. Not avl. / Not appl. Not avl. / Not appl. 35.50 Simple ACUITE A | Stable | Upgraded | Positive to Stable ( from ACUITE A- )
Axis Bank Not avl. / Not appl. Letter of Credit Not avl. / Not appl. Not avl. / Not appl. Not avl. / Not appl. 15.00 Simple ACUITE A1 | Upgraded ( from ACUITE A2+ )
Not Applicable Not avl. / Not appl. Proposed Term Loan Not avl. / Not appl. Not avl. / Not appl. Not avl. / Not appl. 0.42 Simple ACUITE A | Stable | Upgraded | Positive to Stable ( from ACUITE A- )
HDFC Bank Ltd Not avl. / Not appl. Term Loan 31 Mar 2021 Not avl. / Not appl. 30 Sep 2027 2.77 Simple ACUITE A | Stable | Upgraded | Positive to Stable ( from ACUITE A- )
HDFC Bank Ltd Not avl. / Not appl. Term Loan 01 Apr 2021 Not avl. / Not appl. 01 Nov 2027 3.02 Simple ACUITE A | Stable | Upgraded | Positive to Stable ( from ACUITE A- )
Axis Bank Not avl. / Not appl. Term Loan 01 Feb 2022 Not avl. / Not appl. 30 Mar 2027 7.34 Simple ACUITE A | Stable | Upgraded | Positive to Stable ( from ACUITE A- )
Axis Bank Not avl. / Not appl. Term Loan 01 Oct 2022 Not avl. / Not appl. 30 Mar 2029 11.52 Simple ACUITE A | Stable | Upgraded | Positive to Stable ( from ACUITE A- )
Axis Bank Not avl. / Not appl. Term Loan 01 Nov 2023 Not avl. / Not appl. 01 Mar 2030 13.50 Simple ACUITE A | Stable | Upgraded | Positive to Stable ( from ACUITE A- )
­
*Annexure 2 - List of Entities (applicable for Consolidation or Parent / Group / Govt. Support)
  • ­Sambhv Sponge Power Private Limited (SSPL)
  • Ganpati Sponge Iron Private Limited (GIPL)
  • S.Pyare Lal Ispat Private Limited (SPIPL)
 

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