TRIS Rating Assigns “BBB-” Rating to Senior Unsecured Debt Worth Up to

TRIS Rating affirms the company rating on Dusit Thani PLC (DUSIT) and the ratings on DUSIT?s senior unsecured debentures at ?BBB-? and affirms the rating on DUSIT?s subordinated capital debentures (hybrid debentures, DUSIT22PA) at ?BB?. The rating outlook remains ?negative?. At the same time, we assign the rating of ?BBB-? to DUSIT?s proposed issue of up to THB1 billion senior unsecured debentures. The proceeds from the new debentures will be used to refinance maturing debentures.

The ratings take into account improved operating conditions and performances post-pandemic across DUSIT?s key businesses; hotels, education, and food. However, the ratings continue to reflect our view on DUSIT?s credit profile as remaining under pressure from the development of the ?Dusit Central Park? project. With the sizable investment required, we expect DUSIT?s financial leverage to remain elevated over the next few years. Additionally, there are associated risks during the project development, including the risks of construction delays, cost overruns, and weaker-than-expected residential sales.

DUSIT?s operating performance in 2022 and the first quarter of 2023 were better than expected, thanks to the ongoing recovery in all key businesses. DUSIT reported revenue of THB4.7 billion in 2022 and THB1.7 billion in the first quarter of 2023. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) was THB598 million in 2022 and THB411 million in the first quarter of 2023. Adjusted debt to EBITDA improved to 13.3 times (annualized, from the trailing 12 months) for the first three months of 2023, from 19.7 times in 2022. Going forward, we expect the recovery momentum of the hotel business in Thailand to continue, in part, supported by the return of Chinese tourists. However, we anticipate increased pressure on the Dusit Thani Maldives?s performance as a result of intensified competition. We also expect ongoing positive earnings from the education and food businesses following the return of normal operating conditions.

RATING OUTLOOK

The ?negative? outlook reflects the risks associated with the development of the Dusit Central Park project, including possible delays in construction, cost overruns, and sluggish residential sales which could weaken DUSIT?s financial profile.

RATING SENSITIVITIES

The outlook could be revised to ?stable? if DUSIT?s operating performance recovers steadily and the DUSIT Central Park project progresses as planned. A rating downgrade could occur if DUSIT?s financial metrics are materially weaker than expected, possibly from slow progress of the DUSIT Central Park project and/or weak residential sales. The ratings would also come under downward pressure if DUSIT?s liquidity position deteriorates materially.

RELATED CRITERIA

- Corporate Rating Methodology, 15 July 2022

- Key Financial Ratios and Adjustments for Corporate Issuers, 11 January 2022

- Hybrid Securities Rating Criteria, 28 June 2021

- Issue Rating Criteria, 15 June 2021

Dusit Thani PLC (DUSIT)

Company Rating: BBB-

Issue Ratings:

DUSIT237A: THB1,000 million senior unsecured debentures due 2023 BBB-

DUSIT23DA: THB1,000 million senior unsecured debentures due 2023 BBB-

DUSIT22PA: THB1,500 million subordinated capital debentures BB

Up to THB 1,000 million senior unsecured debentures due within 3 years BBB-

Rating Outlook: Negative

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TRIS Rating Assigns “BBB-” Rating to Senior Unsecured Debt Worth Up to THB1 Billion of “DUSIT”, with “Negative” Outlook