The full statement is reproduced below:
RAM Ratings Lanka assigns BBB+/P2 corporate credit ratings to EAP Films and Theaters (Pvt) Ltd
RAM Ratings Lanka has assigned respective long- and short-term corporate credit ratings of BBB+ and P2 to EAP Films and Theatres (Pvt) Ltd (“EAPF†or “the Companyâ€). Concurrently, a long-term rating of BBB+ has been assigned to EAPF’s proposed LKR 500 million Listed Senior Secured Redeemable Debentures (2013/2018).
The long-term ratings carry a stable outlook. EAPF screens and distributes local and foreign films in Sri Lanka through its owned and managed screens. The Company owns 17 screens and manages 28 across the island.
The ratings are upheld by the Company’s dominance in film exhibition industry. EAPF has a strong market position in film exhibition. The Company owns and manages 45 theatres in strategic locations in Sri Lanka, making it the second largest player in terms of number of theatres under its wing. (The largest player, Rithma circuit, is a national player which focuses on promoting the local film industry).
This coupled with the Company’s wide network of theatres make it the preferred choice when commercial movies are released. Additionally, EAPF is one of 5 film distributors in Sri Lanka licensed by the National Film Corporation (“NFCâ€) to import and exhibit foreign films. The Company has an approximate 60% share of the local film exhibition market, which gives it an edge over its peers.
Meanwhile, the ratings are also upheld by the Company’s strong debt protection metrics. EAPF’s financial profile has historically remained strong, underscored by its relatively low gearing and debt levels. The Company is mainly funded by its parent, Swarnamahal Jewellers (“SJLâ€), and its directors. Directors funding accounted for 85% of EAPF’s total debts in FY Mar 2013.
EAPF had fully settled borrowings from SJL via a LKR 136.50 million share issue in FY Mar 2013, which reduced the Company’s debt load to LKR 199.50 million from LKR 356.98 million as at end-March 2012.
The lower debt level resulted in a healthy gearing ratio of 0.18 times (excluding related party funding: 0.03 times) in FY Mar 2013 compared to 0.46 times the previous year. The Company’s debt protection metrics improved in line with its reduced debt load. Its funding from operations (“FFOâ€) debt coverage clocked in at 1.03 times (excluding related party funding 6.99 times) in FY Mar 2013 (FY Mar 2012: 0.50 times, with a debt load entirely from related parties). However, going forward, borrowings are expected to increase in the short to medium term to fund the establishment of a new multiplex, which will moderate the Company’s FFO debt coverage levels to around 0.41 times by end-March 2014.
However, we note EAPF’s financial performance is vulnerable to blockbuster availability. EAPF’s revenue has been volatile in the past, mainly due to the availability of blockbuster films.
Sri Lanka has had few box-office films, mainly due to inadequate technology and financial limitations. Although the Company has greater bargaining power in securing film exhibition rights, the success of a film depends on the screenplay.