TRIS Rating downgrades the rating of US$25.7 million guaranteed debentures issued by LVMC Holdings Singapore Pte. Ltd. (LVMCS) to “BB+” from “BBB-”. LVMCS is previously known as Kolao Holdings Singapore Pte. Ltd. (KHS). The rating change reflects the downgrade of the company rating of LVMC Holdings (LVMC, the Group), one of the guarantors. The debentures are jointly and severally guaranteed by LVMC and Kolao Developing Co., Ltd. (KDC). Therefore, the issue rating reflects the credit worthiness of LVMC and KDC.
TRIS Rating downgrades the company rating of LVMC, previously known as Kolao Holdings (KOLAO), to “BB+”, from “BBB-“. The rating downgrade reflects a larger-than-expected drop in the operating performance of LVMC. KDC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of LVMC, is classified as a “core” subsidiary of LVMC. Thus, KDC’s rating is equivalent to LVMC’s rating, or the Group’s rating.
Under the guarantee agreement, LVMC and KDC jointly and severally provide unconditional and irrevocable guarantee on all amounts due under the debentures, including the principal amount of US$25.7 million and any interest accrued thereon and other related expenses. The guaranteed debentures rank at least equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of LVMC and KDC.
LVMCS was incorporated in 2013 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of LVMC. LVMCS, through its subsidiaries, sells automobiles in Myanmar. As LVMCS’s business is currently small, the sources of interest and principal repayments to the debenture holders will come from the interest and principal repayments received from LVMC under the inter-company loan agreement between LVMCS and LVMC.
RATING OUTLOOK
The “stable” outlook reflects the outlook of LVMC and KDC. TRIS Rating expects the Group will be able to regain its competitiveness in its core market and restore profitability gradually. In addition, revenue from other countries should help boost the operating performance of the Group.
RATING SENSITIVITIES
The issue rating and/or outlook could be changed if the ratings and/or outlooks of the two guarantors change.
LVMC Holdings Singapore Pte. Ltd. (LVMCS)
Issue Rating:
KHS208A: US$25.7 million guaranteed debentures due 2020 BB+
Rating Outlook: Stable