PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of Cherat Cement Company Limited

The ratings reflect Cherat Cement’s improving profile supplemented by strengthening market share of the company. The company commenced line-II (1.3mln tpa) in Jan-17 and is about to complete another expansion (~2.1mln tpa), doubling the company’s existing capacity. This will bode well in future years on account of volumetric uptick. The company has recently joined league of mid-tier cement players. The company’s revenues witnessed strong standalone growth primarily driven by full year utilization of Line-II. The company’s high utilization levels, developments in achieving cost efficiencies and tapping new markets are a positive. During FY18, industry margins witnessed decline due to low retention prices, fluctuating international coal prices and lately increased import duty on coal. The company also incentivized dealers in order to enter new markets which lead to decline in margins. This will assist in channelling enhanced volumes from new line in upcoming years. The business profile of the company is likely to behave good in medium term on the back of healthy volumetric growth, first mover advantage and strong absolute EBITDA. Leveraging has increased in pursuit of expansion. However, the comfort can be drawn from early repayment of existing debt and strong free cashflows generated to finance debt taken.


The rating are dependent on upholding company's market position along with sustenance of business volumes and margins. Company's long term debt repayment is important to improve financial risk matrix. The company's strong business performance in current stretched economic scenario - challenges on demand front - remains vital for ratings.

About the Entity
Cherat Cement - a Ghulam Faruque Group (GFG) Company - commenced operations in 1985. The company is engaged in the manufacturing, marketing and sale of Ordinary Portland Cement. Presently, the company's installed capacity stands at 2.4mln tpa; market share (4.5%). Also, the company is achieving capacity expansion of another ~2.1mln tpa (expected CoD in Dec-18) with estimated cost of PKR 13.5bln - debt to equity ratio of 70:30. The company is majority owned by GFG through associated companies and family members. GFG - a medium sized group - mainly maintains interest in cement, sugar and packaging.

The overall control of the company vests in eight member Board of Directors (BoD), including the CEO. The BoD comprises seven non-executive directors, including three independent director, out of which four are Ghulam Faruque family members. Mr. Azam Faruque, the CEO, is the grandson of Mr. Ghulam Faruque, and has been associated with the company since 1992. Mr. Faruque is supported by a team of professionals with relevant experience in the cement industry.