Analyst
Ayesha Qasim
ayesha.qasim@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
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Related Research
PACRA Maintain Entity Ratings of Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited
Rating Type | Debt Instrument | |
Current (11-Nov-16 ) |
||
Action | Preliminary | |
Long Term | AA- | |
Short Term | - | |
Outlook | Stable | |
Rating Watch | - |
The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA) has maintained the long-term and short-term entity ratings of Fatima Fertilizers Company Limited (Fatima) at "AA-" (Double A minus) and "A1+" (A one plus) respectively. These ratings denote a very low expectation of credit risk emanating from a very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. A preliminary rating of "AA-" (Double A Minus) has been assigned to the secured and listed Sukuk of PKR 10,500mln to be issued by Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited.
The ratings reflect strong business profile of the company on the back of diversified product mix. Secure supply of gas from Mari field together with lower feed stock price (under fertilizer policy – 2001 up till July’2021), represents inherent strengths of the company compared to peers. With ammonia plant debottlenecking, completed in Nov'15, overall capacity utilization has exceeded above 100% (previously: 90% - 98%). Efficiency in fuel consumption was also achieved with the installation of Waste Gas Boiler in April’16. Gross margins are sanguine, with the uptick in off takes post subsidy announcement. The company faces competition from peers amidst supply surplus situation in the country, mainly on the back of improved gas situation in the country; experiencing huge inventory pile up of urea. The pending risk needs immediate attention of all stakeholders. Another risk is reduced international pricing, a significant threat to current profits. Fatima’s carry over inventories and working capital needs have pushed up short term borrowings. This has hampered the incremental benefit on leveraging enabled by retirement of long term borrowings. The ratings are dependent on the company's ability to maintain its cash flows.
About
the Entity
Fatima Fertilizer, listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange, is owned by Fatima Group (45%) and Arif Habib Group (31%). Fatima Group retains management control of the company. Fatima owns a fertilizer complex with nameplate capacity of 1.28mln MT p.a, located at Mukhtar Garh, Rahim Yar Khan. In addition the group owns Pakarab Fertilizers Limited and Fatima Fert. It also has interests in textile, sugar, mining and energy sectors.
Fatima's BoDs comprises eight members, including the CEO. The chairman of Arif Habib Group, Mr. Arif Habib, an eminent businessman and a successful entrepreneur, chairs the company's board. Mr. Fawad Ahmed Mukhtar, a seasoned entrepreneur, is the CEO of Fatima Fertilizer as well as of Pak Arab and Fatima Fert. The CEO is supported by a team of experienced professionals