Hong Kong, September 23, 2019 -- Moody's Investors Service has changed the outlook on China Grand Automotive
Services Group Co., Ltd (China Grand Auto) to stable from
positive.
At the same time, Moody's has affirmed the company's B1 corporate
family rating (CFR).
RATINGS RATIONALE
"The change in outlook to stable reflects our view that China Grand Auto's
leverage will remain around 5.5x-6.0x over the next
12-18 months, due to a weak operating environment and its
continued reliance on short-term financing, but that this
level is still appropriate for its B1 rating," says Roy Zhang,
a Moody's Assistant Vice President and Analyst.
"Our affirmation of the company's B1 rating reflects its strong
business profile and rising ability to tap into revenues from higher margin
services," adds Zhang.
China's overall auto sales declined by 12.4% in 1H2019
according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
This weak operating environment will have a negative impact on China Grand
Auto's business performance.
Moody's expects China Grand Auto's leverage to remain around
5.5x-6.0x over the next 12-18 months compared
with 5.9x at the end of 2018, reflecting slower earnings
growth and stable debt when compared with 2018.
However, China Grand Auto has proven its business resilience during
current industry downturn. Its year-on-year unit
sales of new vehicles grew by 6.1% and revenue grew by 3%
in 1H2019, despite declining auto sales in China. Moody's
believes this strong performance is underpinned by the company's
large and diversified operating scale and favorable brand exposure to
high-end markets. These strengths, combined with increasing
profit contributions from high-margin services and commission-based
business, have all improved the company's operating stability.
At the same time, China Grand Auto has a high reliance on short-term
debt, resulting in a weak liquidity profile.
The company's reported interest expense increased by 13%
in 1H2019, due to higher funding costs amid a tight funding environment.
Moody's expects the company's financing cost to keep rising
as it refinances its existing debt at higher interest rates.
China Grand Auto's liquidity is weak. At 30 June 2019, its
restricted and unrestricted cash pool of RMB20.3 billion was insufficient
to cover its short-term debt of RMB61 billion.
However, Moody's expects that the company will be able to
roll over its debt with new funding from domestic banks, given its
profitable operations, strong market position and inventory of branded
cars.
The company has also demonstrated a track record of access to diversified
funding channels, including onshore debt instruments such as corporate
bonds, medium-term notes, and asset-backed securities.
In addition, its strategic relationships with auto makers and highly
liquid working capital provides it with a buffer against liquidity needs.
The rating also takes into account the following environmental,
social and governance (ESG) considerations.
The company is benefiting from the social trend of increasing car ownership
in China. This trend is supported by China's improving infrastructure,
rising disposable income and urbanization rate.
The company faces regulatory risks related to vehicle ownership controls,
vehicle fuel economy and emission standards, as well as risks stemming
from its financial services and used-vehicle sales. Any
further tightening of related regulations could hamper the company's sales.
China Grand Auto's ownership is concentrated in Xinjiang Guanghui
Industry Investment Group Co., Ltd (B2 stable), which
held a 32.64% stake in the company at end the of June 2019.
This risk is somewhat mitigated by the fact that China Grand Auto is a
listed and regulated entity with minimal intercompany transactions with
Xinjiang Guanghui.
Upward rating pressure could emerge if China Grand Auto maintains its
business profile and access to diversified funding sources, and
refinances its short-term debt, while improving these two
factors: (1) its debt leverage; and (2) the contribution of
revenue and gross profit from its auto maintenance business on a sustained
basis.
Credit metrics indicative of upward rating pressure include adjusted debt/EBITDA
trending towards 5.0x-5.5x, and interest coverage
as measured by EBITDA/interest exceeding 3.0x on a sustained basis.
On the other hand, downward rating pressure could emerge if (1)
the company's business profile weakens; (2) its revenue and/or
margins decline due to deteriorating market conditions or the termination
of contracts with vehicle suppliers; (3) its liquidity position or
funding access weakens; or (4) its interest coverage — as measured
by EBITDA/interest — falls below 2.5x, or its leverage
rises above 6.0x on a sustained basis.
The principal methodology used in this rating was Retail Industry published
in May 2018. Please see the Rating Methodologies page on www.moodys.com
for a copy of this methodology.
Established in 2006, China Grand Automotive Services Group Co.,
Ltd is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and was 32.64%
owned by the unlisted Xinjiang Guanghui Industry Investment Group Co.,
Ltd (B2 stable) at June 30, 2019.
REGULATORY DISCLOSURES
For ratings issued on a program, series, category/class of
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The first name below is the lead rating analyst for this Credit Rating
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this Credit Rating.
Roy Zhang
Asst Vice President - Analyst
Corporate Finance Group
Moody's Investors Service Hong Kong Ltd.
24/F One Pacific Place
88 Queensway
Hong Kong
China (Hong Kong S.A.R.)
JOURNALISTS: 852 3758 1350
Client Service: 852 3551 3077
Clement Cheuk Yiu Wong
Associate Managing Director
Corporate Finance Group
JOURNALISTS: 852 3758 1350
Client Service: 852 3551 3077
Releasing Office:
Moody's Investors Service Hong Kong Ltd.
24/F One Pacific Place
88 Queensway
Hong Kong
China (Hong Kong S.A.R.)
JOURNALISTS: 852 3758 1350
Client Service: 852 3551 3077