AI assistant
CMS Info Systems Limited — Capital/Financing Update 2023
Mar 22, 2023
62583_rns_2023-03-22_c86bdd26-0fb2-44ab-9301-fc04b165c1cf.pdf
Capital/Financing Update
Open in viewerOpens in your device viewer
March 22, 2023
==> picture [175 x 37] intentionally omitted <==
CMSINFO/2303/004
To, To, BSE Limited National Stock Exchange of India Limited Listing Department, Exchange Plaza, C-1, Block-G, 1[st] Floor, PJ Towers, Dalal Street, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Fort, Mumbai – 400 001 Mumbai – 400 051
Scrip Code: 543441 Symbol: CMSINFO
Sub: Intimation regarding upgradation in the Credit Rating of the Company
Dear Sir/Madam,
Pursuant to Regulation 30(6) read with Schedule III of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (“the Regulations”), we are pleased to inform that ICRA Limited (ICRA) has upgraded Long term credit rating of the Company to AA+ (stable) from AA (positive).
As required under the Regulations, the details of the upgradation in the credit rating is as under:
| Rating Agency | **Rating Type ** | Existing Rating | Revised Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICRA Limited | Short Term | [ICRA]A1+ | [ICRA]A1+ |
| ICRA Limited | LongTerm | [ICRA]AA(positive) | [ICRA]AA+(Stable) |
The letter received from ICRA along with the rationale for upgradation in credit rating of the company is attached herewith.
We request you to kindly take the upgradation in the credit rating on record.
Thanking you
For CMS Info Systems Limited
PRAVEEN Digitally signed by PRAVEEN SONI SONI Date: 2023.03.22 15:18:02 +05'30'
CS Praveen Soni Company Secretary and Compliance Officer Membership No.: FCS 6495
Encl: Rating communication and rationale issued by ICRA Limited dated March 22, 2023
Regd. Office: T-151, 5th Floor, Tower No.10, Sector-11, railway station complex, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai- 400 614 | T: +91-22-4889 7400 | F: +91-22-4889 5177 CMS Info Systems Limited |CIN: L45200MH2008PLC180479 | www.cms.com | E: [email protected]
==> picture [596 x 32] intentionally omitted <==
March 22, 2023
CMS Info Systems Limited: Long-term rating upgraded; short term rating reaffirmed; outlook revised to Stable from Positive
Summary of rating action
| Instrument* | Previous Rated Amount (Rs. crore) |
Current Rated Amount (Rs. crore) |
Rating Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term Fund-based – Term loans |
75.00 | 75.00 | [ICRA] AA+ upgraded from [ICRA]AA; Outlook revised to Stable from Positive |
| Long-term/Short-term, Fund- based – CC/ WCDL |
81.00 | 81.00 | [ICRA]AA+ upgraded from [ICRA]AA; [ICRA]A1+ reaffirmed; Outlook revised to Stable from Positive |
| Long-term/Short-term, Non-fund based limits |
344.65 | 399.00 | [ICRA]AA+ upgraded from [ICRA]AA; [ICRA]A1+ reaffirmed; Outlook revised to Stable from Positive |
| Long-term/Short-term, Unallocated |
54.35 | 0.00 | - |
| Total | 555.00 | 555.00 |
*Instrument details are provided in Annexure-I
Rationale
The rating upgrade factors in the strengthening of CMS Info Systems Limited’s (CMS’) credit profile, as marked by steady revenue growth, improvement in profit margins, comfortable capital structure and strong liquidity position (unencumbered cash/ deposits/ liquid investments of ~Rs. 311 crore as on December 31, 2022). In 9M FY2023, CMS’ revenue grew by 23% YoY, supported by the growth in both the cash management and managed services segments. Investments made by CMS in recent years on developing software solutions and remote monitoring technology solutions have resulted in an increase in the revenue contribution from the managed services business (pure managed services, technology solutions, remote monitoring, etc.) to 32.4% in 9M FY2023 from 17.2% in FY2019. This coupled with increasing operating leverage and network density along with use of technology to automate logistics operations, has driven the improvement in operating margins to 27.8% in 9M FY2023 from 25.2% in FY2022. Moreover, CMS’ net- debt free status, coupled with healthy internal accrual generation has continued to result in strong debt protection metrics. ICRA expects CMS to sustain its revenue growth and margins over the near to medium term, supported by a healthy order book under its managed services segment, increased revenue contribution from higher value-added services and the likely increase in rate realisations by ~40% for ATM & retail cash management due to implementation of RBI's stringent operating requirements for the cash management business in India. Moreover, the expected increase in total ATMs in India, private banks plans for branch expansions and increase in outsourcing of ATMs by banks are also likely to enhance the growth opportunities for the company. The ratings also continue to favourably factor in CMS’ leadership position in the cash management business and diversified service offerings under its managed service segment, providing it with a competitive edge. CMS’ wide geographic reach with pan India presence and long-term established relationships with its clientele, comprising reputed players from the banking domain and managed service providers, further support its credit profile.
ICRA notes the regulated nature of business as well as increase in usage and acceptance of alternative payment methods like net banking, mobile wallets, unified payment interface (UPI), credit cards, etc, though the total currency in circulation and ATM withdrawals have continued to increase in the last few years. The ratings also consider the inherent vulnerability of the business to the risk of cash loss in transit due to theft, fraud, armed robbery, etc. However, strong internal processes and comprehensive insurance cover provide comfort. ICRA notes the acquisitions by CMS over the last few years, which have not
www.icra .in
Page |1
==> picture [596 x 32] intentionally omitted <==
been sizeable relative to its scale of operations. Moreover, the extent of capital expenditure (capex) undertaken along with the size of CMS’ acquisitions and financing means of the same, would remain monitorable.
The Stable outlook on the long-term rating reflects ICRA’s opinion that CMS will maintain its strong credit profile and liquidity position, supported by healthy internal accrual generation and continued debt free status.
Key rating drivers and their description
Credit strengths
Leading player in cash management business – Incorporated in 2008, CMS is the leading player across all verticals of its cash management business. Along with its subsidiary (Securitrans India Private Limited), the company manages almost 70,000 ATMs (as of March 2022), which form ~46% of the total outsourced ATMs in India, and ~28% of the total ATMs in India.
Long-term relationships with key clients – The company’s clientele comprises reputed and well-established players with whom it has long-term relationships. Its clients include SBI, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Citi Bank, Hitachi Payment Services Private Limited, Financial Software and Systems Private Limited, etc. Incremental business from key clients has supported CMS’ revenue growth over the years.
Strong financial profile and liquidity position – CMS’ financial profile remains strong, aided by the steady revenue growth, improved profitability, a comfortable capital structure and sizeable net worth. In 9M FY2023, CMS’ revenue grew by 23% YoY, supported by the growth in both the cash management and managed services segments. The company’s operating margins remain healthy at ~27.8% in 9M FY2023 supported by higher share of revenue from the managed services segment (pure managed services, technology solutions, remote monitoring, etc). The revenue from manged services segment has increased to ~32% in 9M FY2023 over 17.2% in FY2019 providing diversification benefit and reduced concentration on cash mangement segment. The company’s financial profile is also supported by its sizeable net worth of Rs. 1,397.5 crore as on September 30, 2022, and debt-free status. The debt indicators are expected to remain comfortable, going forward, given the strong accrual generation and absence of any large debt-funded capex. The company’s liquidity remains strong with unencumbered cash and investment of Rs. 311 crore as on December 31, 2022.
Sizeable order book provides revenue visibility in the near to medium term – The company had a healthy order book of Rs. 3,000 crore in its manged services segment as on December 31, 2022, with new order wins of ~Rs. 800 crore in 9M FY2023. These are relatively longer-term contracts, which are expected to generate recurring revenue for four to seven years, thus providing revenue visibility for the near to medium term. ICRA expects CMS to secure new orders supported by the expected increase in penetration of ATMs in semi-urban and rural areas, and increased outsourcing of ATMs by banks. ICRA also expects increased presence of CMS in the software and technology business (under managed services) supported by healthy orders for remote monitoring and software business.
Credit challenges
Vulnerability to regulatory risks – The cash management services have been regulated by the RBI with regular interventions and increase in compliance requirements, leading to increase in costs for the ATM service provider. Though the industry expects the same to be passed on to the customers, the scale and profitability remain vulnerable to any unforeseen adverse regulatory changes.
Challenges from alternative payment methods – Post-demonetisation, the usability and acceptability of alternative digital payment methods like debit card/ credit card/ mobile wallets, etc., are on the rise, especially in metros and urban areas. The availability of affordable data services and large-scale penetration of smartphones are among the key growth drivers for digital transactions, further supported by various schemes and incentives by the Government. Though the currency in circulation has increased and ATM withdrawal has remained stable over the past few years, the increase in alternative payment methods continues to remain a threat and the cash management business may face challenges if there is any significant shift in the use of digital payment methods instead of cash.
www.icra .in
Page |2
==> picture [596 x 32] intentionally omitted <==
Business vulnerable to cash loss risk – Given the large volumes of cash it handles, CMS business is exposed to various operational risks including armed robbery, end-customer or third-party fraud, theft or embezzlement by personnel provided by third-party service providers, etc. However, enhanced security requirements as per the RBI guidelines, strong internal controls and processes, coupled with comprehensive insurance cover, provide comfort.
Liquidity position: Strong
The company’s liquidity position is strong, aided by healthy internal accrual generation, unencumbered cash and cash equivalents of Rs. 311 crore as of December 31, 2022 (on a consolidated basis), and cushion available in the form of unutilised fund-based working capital limits of Rs. 96.0 crore as on March 31, 2022. Moreover, the company’s external debt-free structure continues to support its financial flexibility and liquidity profile. CMS is expected to incur capex towards compliance of RBI guidelines for the cash management business and toward execution of orders for its managed services. ICRA expects the same to be funded through available liquidity cushion and strong internal accrual generation.
Environment and Social Risk
Environmental concern : CMS is a service provider for various financial institutions, so there is limited environment risk. However, CMS deployed a large fleet of diesel vehicles through its cash management business, so managing its carbon footprint is an important consideration. The company continuously take steps to reduce its carbon footprint by decarbonization of its vehicles and increase the usage of CNG vehicle
Social concern: Potential reputational risks could arise from the mismanagement or improper use of the company's vehicles and secured facilities by its employees or others. CMS has been an occasional target of thefts by miscreants seeking to steal cash or other valuables in its possession. However, its track record and reputation for prudent management and controls provides support that any future episodes will be handled safely and without incurring reputational damage.
Rating sensitivities
Positive factors – A ratings upgrade for CMS is less likely in the medium term given the scale of operations and concentration on its cash management business. However, the ratings could be upgraded if the company demonstrates significant increase in its market share and revenue along with diversity in its business profile, while maintaining its operating margins, debt protection metrics and strong liquidity position.
Negative factors – Negative pressure on CMS’ ratings could arise, if there is any material decline in the company’s revenue and profitability. Any sizeable debt-funded capex or dividend payout that may adversely impact the credit profile and liquidity position could also lead to a rating downgrade. Specific credit metrics that could lead to a downgrade of CMS’ ratings include Total Debt/OPBITDA (debt including lease liability) exceeding 1.0 time on a sustained basis.
Analytical approach
| Analytical Approach | Comments |
|---|---|
| Applicable rating methodologies | Corporate Credit Rating Methodology |
| Parent/Group support | Not Applicable |
| Consolidated/Standalone | For arriving at the ratings, ICRA has considered the consolidated financials of CMS. As of March 31,2022,CMS had five wholly-owned subsidiaries,who are enlisted in Annexure 2. |
www.icra .in
Page |3
==> picture [596 x 32] intentionally omitted <==
About the company
CMS, headquartered in Mumbai, is one of India’s leading business services platforms focusing on BFSI and retail segments. The company was incorporated in March 2008, by hiving off selected business segments of CMS Computers Limited. CMS was historically engaged in two broad lines of businesses, namely, IT services and print solutions (includes services like financial card management, print and digital solutions and IT infrastructure support, trading of IT equipment, and IT training services), and cash and ATM management. During FY2015, the IT business, along with the print division of CMS were carved out and demerged into a new company, CMS IT Services Private Limited.
Post the demerger, CMS is involved in cash management and managed services. The cash management segment includes ATM cash management, retail cash management and cash in transit. The managed services include banking automation, brown label ATM, managed services, software solutions and remote monitoring technology solutions.
Key financial indicators (audited)
| CMS (Consolidated) | FY2021 | FY2022 | 9MFY2023* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating income | 1311.4 | 1590.5 | 1413.3 |
| PAT | 168.5 | 224.0 | 217.3 |
| OPBDIT/OI | 22.8% | 25.2% | 27.8% |
| PAT/OI | 12.9% | 14.1% | 15.4% |
| Total outside liabilities/Tangible net worth (times) | 0.6 | 0.5 | NA |
| Total debt/OPBDIT (times) | 0.4 | 0.5 | NA |
| Interest coverage (times) | 36.3 | 27.8 | 28.1 |
PAT: Profit after tax; OPBDIT: Operating profit before depreciation, interest, taxes and amortisation; Amount in Rs crore *unaudited
Status of non-cooperation with previous CRA: Not applicable
Any other information: None
Rating history for past three years
| Instrument | Current rating (FY2023) Chronology of rating history for thepast 3years |
Current rating (FY2023) Chronology of rating history for thepast 3years |
|---|---|---|
| Type Amount rated (Rs. crore) Amount outstanding as of Dec 31, 2022 (Rs. crore) |
Date & rating in FY2023 Date & rating in FY2022 Date & rating in FY2021 Date & rating in FY2020 |
|
| Mar 22, 2023 Sep 26, 2022 Jul 15, 2021 - Feb 18, 2020 |
||
| 1 Fund based - Term loans |
Long term 75.0 - |
[ICRA]AA+ (Stable) [ICRA]AA (Positive) [ICRA]AA (Stable) - - |
| 2 Fund-based - CC/WCDL |
Long term and short term 81.0 -- |
[ICRA]AA+ (Stable)/ [ICRA]A1+ [ICRA]AA (Positive)/ [ICRA]A1+ [ICRA]AA (Stable)/ [ICRA]A1+ - [ICRA]AA (Stable)/ [ICRA]A1+ |
| 3 Non-Fund based – BG/LC |
Long term and short term 399.0 -- |
[ICRA]AA+ (Stable)/ [ICRA]A1+ [ICRA]AA (Positive)/ [ICRA]A1+ [ICRA]AA (Stable)/ [ICRA]A1+ - [ICRA]AA (Stable)/ [ICRA]A1+ |
www.icra .in
Page |4
==> picture [596 x 32] intentionally omitted <==
Long term [ICRA]AA 4 Unallocated and - -- - (Positive)/ - - - short [ICRA]A1+ term
Complexity level of the rated instruments
| Instrument | Complexity Indicator |
|---|---|
| Long-term fund-based – Term Loan | Simple |
| Long-term/ Short -term – Fund based | Simple |
| Long-term/ Short -term – Non-Fund based | Very Simple |
The Complexity Indicator refers to the ease with which the returns associated with the rated instrument could be estimated. It does not indicate the risk related to the timely payments on the instrument, which is rather indicated by the instrument's credit rating. It also does not indicate the complexity associated with analysing an entity's financial, business, industry risks or complexity related to the structural, transactional or legal aspects. Details on the complexity levels of the instruments are available on ICRA’s website: Click Here
www.icra .in
Page |5
==> picture [596 x 32] intentionally omitted <==
Annexure I: Instrument details
| ISIN | Instrument Name |
Date of Issuance | Coupon Rate |
Maturity |
Amount Rated (Rs. crore) |
Current Rating and Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund based - | ||||||
| NA | Term loans | Not Issued | NA | NA | 75.0 | [ICRA]AA+ (Stable) |
| NA | Fund-based - CC/WCDL |
NA | NA | NA | 81.0 | [ICRA]AA+ (Stable)/ [ICRA]A1+ |
| NA | Non-Fund based – BG/LC |
NA | NA | NA | 399.0 | [ICRA]AA+ (Stable)/ [ICRA]A1+ |
Source: Company
Annexure II: List of entities considered for consolidated analysis
| Company Name | Ownership | Consolidation Approach |
|---|---|---|
| CMS Securitas Limited | 100.00% | Full Consolidation |
| Securitrans India Private Limited | 100.00% | Full Consolidation |
| CMS Marshall Limited | 100.00% | Full Consolidation |
| Hemabh Technology Private Limited | 100.00% | Full Consolidation |
| Quality Logistics Services Private Limited | 100.00% | Full Consolidation |
Source: Annual Report of FY2022
www.icra .in
Page |6
==> picture [596 x 32] intentionally omitted <==
ANALYST CONTACTS
Shamsher Dewan +91 124 4545328 [email protected]
Kinjal Shah +91 022 61143400 [email protected]
Deepak Jotwani +91 124 4545 870 [email protected]
Pawan Mundhra +91 20 6606 9918 [email protected]
RELATIONSHIP CONTACT
Jayanta Chatterjee +91 80 4332 6401 [email protected]
MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT
Ms. Naznin Prodhani
Tel: +91 124 4545 860 [email protected]
Helpline for business queries
+91-9354738909 (open Monday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 6 pm)
About ICRA Limited:
ICRA Limited was set up in 1991 by leading financial/investment institutions, commercial banks and financial services companies as an independent and professional investment Information and Credit Rating Agency.
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.
For more information, visit www.icra.in
www.icra .in
Page |7
==> picture [596 x 32] intentionally omitted <==
ICRA Limited
==> picture [25 x 26] intentionally omitted <==
Registered Office
B-710, Statesman House, 148, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi-110001 Tel: +91 11 23357940-45
==> picture [19 x 28] intentionally omitted <==
Branches
==> picture [412 x 340] intentionally omitted <==
© Copyright, 2023 ICRA Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Contents may be used freely with due acknowledgement to ICRA.
ICRA ratings should not be treated as recommendation to buy, sell or hold the rated debt instruments. ICRA ratings are subject to a process of surveillance, which may lead to revision in ratings. An ICRA rating is a symbolic indicator of ICRA’s current opinion on the relative capability of the issuer concerned to timely service debts and obligations, with reference to the instrument rated. Please visit our website www.icra.in or contact any ICRA office for the latest information on ICRA ratings outstanding. All information contained herein has been obtained by ICRA from sources believed by it to be accurate and reliable, including the rated issuer. ICRA however has not conducted any audit of the rated issuer or of the information provided by it. While reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information herein is true, such information is provided ‘as is’ without any warranty of any kind, and ICRA in particular, makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of any such information. Also, ICRA or any of its group companies may have provided services other than rating to the issuer rated. All information contained herein must be construed solely as statements of opinion, and ICRA shall not be liable for any losses incurred by users from any use of this publication or its contents.
==> picture [595 x 95] intentionally omitted <==