Rating downgrade and negative outlook:India Ratings downgraded DCAL’s NCDs and bank facilities to IND A / Negative in Feb 2026. The downgrade reflects still-elevated leverage, lower-than-pre-EDQM profitability, and expectation that leverage may remain above 3x through FY26. This is a direct credit signal investors should see prominently.
Profitability still below pre-EDQM levels:Although EBITDA margin improved to 19.35% in 9MFY26 and 21.3% in H1 FY26, margins remain below the pre-EDQM level of 24.46% seen in FY20. Recovery is still dependent on better ramp-up at Bavla and the French facility.
Leverage remains high despite improvement:Consolidated net adjusted leverage improved to 3.92x in FY25 from 6.35x in FY24, and 3.20x in 1HFY26, but rating agency commentary still treats leverage as high. Standalone leverage remains much weaker.
Working capital remains stretched:The working capital cycle stretched to 180 days in FY25 from 157 days in FY24, driven by higher receivable days and inventory needs tied to lumpy commercial orders. This can keep debt elevated and reduce flexibility.
Regulatory execution risk is lower than before, but not gone:The company has cleared key inspections and received approvals from PMDA, EDQM, and USFDA for Bavla, which supports recovery. However, the credit profile remains sensitive to any fresh adverse regulatory action because the business is dependent on regulated-market manufacturing.