Hong Kong, April 09, 2020 -- Moody's Investors Service has downgraded Pearl Holding III Limited's corporate
family rating (CFR) and senior secured bond rating to Caa1 from B3.
The outlook remains negative.
RATINGS RATIONALE
"The downgrade reflects the increased risk of a debt restructuring or
distressed exchange -- which Moody's considers a default event
-- considering Pearl's unsustainable capital structure and
large bond maturity in 2022," says Gloria Tsuen, a Moody's
Vice President and Senior Credit Officer.
"This risk is exacerbated by the deterioration in the company's
earnings and cash flow this year as a result of the coronavirus outbreak,
and following already weak 2019 levels," adds Tsuen.
The rapid and widening spread of the coronavirus outbreak, deteriorating
global economic outlook, falling oil prices, and asset price
declines are also creating a severe and extensive credit shock across
many sectors, regions and markets. The combined credit effects
of these developments are unprecedented. The autos and consumer
electronics sector have been some of the sectors most significantly affected
by the shock given their sensitivity to consumer demand and sentiment.
More specifically, the weaknesses in Pearl's credit profile,
including its exposure to the auto, smartphone, and game console
end-markets, as well as the significant size of its debt,
have left it vulnerable to shifts in market sentiment in these unprecedented
operating conditions, and Pearl remains vulnerable to the outbreak
continuing to spread.
Moody's regards the coronavirus outbreak as a social risk under
its ESG framework, given the substantial implications for public
health and safety. Today's action reflects the impact on
Pearl of the breadth and severity of the shock, and the broad deterioration
in credit quality it has triggered.
Pearl III's adjusted debt/EBITDA rose to around 8.4x in 2019
from 5.1x in 2018, and will likely continue to increase through
2020 as its earnings decline. Similarly, adjusted EBITA/interest
fell to 0.5x in 2019 from 1.3x in 2018 and will likely deteriorate
further this year. These ratios no longer support the company's
previous B3 rating.
The company's high debt leverage and declining financial flexibility
create uncertainty around its ability to refinance its $175 million
in senior secured notes due in 2022. In particular, it increases
the risk of a distressed exchange, such as through debt repurchases
at a substantial discount in line with current trading prices, or
through the restructuring of existing obligations.
Pearl III's liquidity is adequate for the next 12 months. Its cash
of $15.6 million as of December 2019 can cover its modest
short-term debt of $6.3 million and capital spending.
However, its liquidity buffer could be easily eroded if its operating
cash flow remains weak.
FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UPGRADE OR DOWNGRADE OF THE RATINGS
The negative outlook reflects the increased risk of a debt restructuring
or distressed exchange.
A rating upgrade is unlikely at this moment, given the negative
outlook. The outlook could return to stable if the company's
capital structure and liquidity strengthen.
Moody's could downgrade the ratings further if the company's liquidity
and earnings continue to weaken.
The principal methodology used in these ratings was Manufacturing Methodology
published in March 2020 and available at https://www.moodys.com/researchdocumentcontentpage.aspx?docid=PBC_1206079.
Alternatively, please see the Rating Methodologies page on www.moodys.com
for a copy of this methodology.
Pearl Holding III Limited (Pearl III) is a precision engineered plastic
components producer, mainly engaged in the manufacture and sale
of plastic injection molds and related products. It is an indirectly
wholly owned subsidiary of Platinum Equity, LLC, a private
equity firm, headquartered in Los Angeles.
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Gloria Tsuen, CFA
VP - Senior Credit Officer
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
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Chris Park
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