OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings Indonesia has assigned National Ratings to PT Sinar Mas Multifinance's (SMMF; A-(idn)/Stable) proposed issuance of senior bonds and medium-term notes as follows:

- Proposed rupiah senior bonds of up to IDR500bn with a maturity of five years assigned a National Long-Term Rating of 'A-(idn)'

- Proposed medium term notes of up to IDR500bn with a maturity of three years assigned a National Long-Term Rating of 'A-(idn)'

The proceeds from the issuances will be used to support the company's working capital requirements.

'A' Long-Term National Ratings denote expectations of low default risk relative to other issuers or obligations in the same country. However, changes in circumstances or economic conditions may affect the capacity for timely repayment to a greater degree than is the case for financial commitments denoted by a higher rated category.

KEY RATING DRIVERS

The proposed senior notes and medium-term notes are rated at the same level as SMMF's National Long-Term Rating as they constitute direct and unsubordinated senior obligations of the company.

The National Rating of SMMF reflects Fitch's expectation that the company will continue to benefit from support and commitment from its 99.99% shareholder, PT Sinarmas Multiartha Tbk (SMMA), a holding company in the Sinar Mas Group that focuses on the integrated financial services sector, including banking, multi-finance and insurance. SMMF's ratings also reflect its limited synergies with SMMA and hence its small role in expanding SMMA's franchise. This is because only a small portion of SMMA's business flow comes from the multi-finance business compared with its banking and insurance affiliates.

RATING SENSITIVITIES

Any changes in SMMF's National Rating would affect the issue ratings.

Downward rating pressure may arise from any perceived weakening in the linkages between SMMF and SMMA, such as a significant reduction in SMMA's ownership of the subsidiary or decrease in intra-group business referrals, or lower likelihood of financial support from SMMA, although Fitch considers this prospect to be remote in the foreseeable future. Positive rating action may stem from significant expansion in SMMF's role in helping its bank affiliate to provide comprehensive retail banking, which may strengthen SMMA's franchise.