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The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited
Press Release

Date
19-Aug-22

Analyst
Ahsan Zahid
ahsan.zahid@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com

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This press release is being transmitted for the sole purpose of dissemination through print/electronic media. The press release may be used in full or in part without changing the meaning or context thereof with due credit to PACRA

PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of Awan Trading Company (Pvt.) Limited

Rating Type Entity
Current
(19-Aug-22 )
Previous
(20-Aug-21 )
Action Maintain Maintain
Long Term BBB+ BBB+
Short Term A2 A2
Outlook Positive Stable
Rating Watch - -

The ratings reflect adequate profile of Awan Trading Company (the Company) characterized by stable market share in imported coal, especially retail market. The Company imports its raw material, where currency fluctuations and pricing risk effect margins. The management intends to pass on the impact onto customers, though demand sensitivity is a consideration. Major demand vests in the domestic cement landscape followed by power producers and food processing companies that are dependent on coal for their operations. The Company has arrangements regarding supply of coal with various suppliers globally. Awan Trading Company follows strategy of keeping inventory in stock which is stored in rented/custom bonded warehouses. Topline of the company followed growth pattern over the last few years. During 9MFY22, revenue stood at PKR 23,005mln (FY21: PKR 16,027mln) with a substantial increase of 91.4%. The increase in revenues is attributed to the increase in volumes as well as manifold inclination in the international coal prices. Similarly, margins are expected to follow the same trend in coming years. The company has moderately utilized sizable lines (funded and un-funded) available from different banks to cater to suppliers’ demand. Positive Outlook captures retention of existing market share as well as increase in the company’s customers’ outreach. Such enduring steps shall propel the company towards business and financial sustainably and growth.
The ratings are dependent on the company’s ability to sustain its customer base. Proactive management of business affairs with improved margins and coverages is important. Meanwhile, strengthening in governance structure is needed to improve financial transparency and oversight.

About the Entity
Awan Trading Company (Pvt.) Limited was established in October 1992. However, it remained dormant for several years till 2002. The company is engaged in import and trading of coal. The overall control of the company vests in four member board of directors (BoD) including the Chief Executive – Mr. Govind Ram. He is associated with the company since its inception and is accompanied by management having long association with the company.

The primary function of PACRA is to evaluate the capacity and willingness of an entity to honor its obligations. Our ratings reflect an independent, professional and impartial assessment of the risks associated with a particular instrument or an entity. PACRA's comprehensive offerings include instrument and entity credit ratings, insurer financial strength ratings, fund ratings, asset manager ratings and real estate gradings. PACRA opinion is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security, in as much as it does not comment on the security's market price or suitability for a particular investor.