Mahindra Navistar's financial profile deteriorating: Icra

Rating for long term loans revised to 'A-'

Rating agency Icra has revised the rating for Mahindra Navistar Engines Private Ltd’s (MNEPL) term loans to “A-“ from “A” on significant deterioration in its financial risk profile.

The company incurred higher-than-expected losses in 2011-12, leading to weakening of capital structure and debt coverage indicators, Icra said in a statement.

The rating also factors in account revision in rating for Mahindra Navistar Automotives Ltd  from “A+” to “A” on account of muted volume off-take of its medium & heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCVs). MNEPL is a sole supplier of automotive engines.

The ratings also factor in the cyclicality of the M&HCV industry is cyclical and has started showing signs of slowdown. It  and is likely to continue in near term.

The ratings, however, continue to favourably factor in the strong technological, managerial and financial support that MNEPL derives from its parents, Mahindra & Mahindra (AA+) and Navistar International Corp (B2/Negative by Moody’s).

MNEPL reported a net loss of Rs. 64.8 crore in 12 months year ended March 2012, up from net loss of Rs 50.4 crore in 2010-11. However, it operating income rose more than three times in FY12 to Rs 116.5 crore from Rs 46.2 crore a year ago.

MNEPL is a 51:49 joint venture between M&M and Navistar Inc. Navistar Inc. is the largest North American producer of mid-range diesel engines and class 6-8 commercial trucks and buses.