Analyst
Bazah Tul Qamar
bazahtul.qamar@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
Related Research
PACRA Assigns Initial Ratings to K-Electric Limited | Sukuk PPSTS-1 | upto PKR 4,500mln
Rating Type | Debt Instrument | |
Current (08-Apr-22 ) |
Previous (28-Jan-22 ) |
|
Action | Maintain | Preliminary |
Long Term | AA | AA |
Short Term | A1+ | A1+ |
Outlook | Stable | Stable |
Rating Watch | - | - |
The ratings reflect sustained performance metrics of the company. Amid COVID-19 Pandemic despite unfavorable circumstances the Company maintained stability in its turnover. During FY21, units sent out grew by 9.6%, owing to improved macroeconomic factors, along with substantial investment across the power value chain. Further, with targeted loss reduction initiatives, the Company managed to reduce its T&D losses to 17.5% from 19.7% in FY 2020. The performance levels showed further improvement in 3MFY22 when, T&D losses decreased by 3.1% while units billed increased by 3.2%, though units sent out showed a marginal decrease of 0.7%. With economic revival, the Company's performance took a notable upsurge in its performance, and reported a net profit of ~PKR 2.9bln in 3MFY22, against a profit of ~PKR 1.1bln in 3MFY21 (FY21: PKR 12bln, FY20: -PKR 3bln). Business risk profile draws support from growing demand for electricity and continuous improvement across various operational metrics. The company continued to add to its asset base: expansion was noted in plants, distribution and transmission. The Company is pursuing its 900 MW RLNG project on fast-track basis. In addition to this additional supply of 450-600 MW from National Grid has also been achieved through successful completion of rehabilitation works at KDA-Jamshoro lines.
The performance metrics in the ongoing financial year has shown similar trends with more focus on the production and sale of power units. At the same time, upholding business and financial metrics is of utmost importance.
About
the Entity
K-Electric, a vertically-integrated power utility, has been in operations for more than a century. Total installed capacity of K-Electric is 2,000+MW, having an arrangement with National Grids for
1,400 MW. At end-June 21, KES Power Limited (KESP) held 66.4% share in K-Electric, while Government of Pakistan owned 24.4%. KES Power Limited is the major shareholder of the Company. KES Power is a consortium of Al-Jomaih Group of KSA, NIG of Kuwait and IGCF, a private equity fund formerly managed by Abraaj comprised of several Middle East institutional investors. KES Power has entered into a share purchase agreement with Shanghai Electric Power Company Limited (SEP) for sale of up to 66.4% shares of K-Electric against a consideration of US$ 1.77bln. The transaction is in process and will close once customary closing conditions and requisite regulatory approvals are obtained. K-Electric has thirteen member board. Mr. Moonis Alvi, CEO is associated with the company since 2008. He is supported by an experienced team.
About
the Instrument
K-Electric has issued a rated, privately placed, unsecured, Sukuk (PPSTS-1) of PKR 4,500mln, in Feb-22, to finance the company’s working capital requirements. The previous short term Islamic Commercial Paper has redeemed (ICP-19 and in replacement, this sukuk has issued. The tenor of PPSTS-1, is up to 6 months and carries a profit rate of 6 months KIBOR+85bps. Profit will be realized at the time of maturity.