Analyst
Sehar Fatima
sehar.fatima@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
Related Research
PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of D.G. Khan Cement Company Limited
Rating Type | Entity | |
Current (16-Nov-18 ) |
Previous (04-May-18 ) |
|
Action | Maintain | Initial |
Long Term | AA- | AA- |
Short Term | A1+ | A1+ |
Outlook | Stable | Stable |
Rating Watch | - | - |
DG Khan Cement’s ratings reflect company’s strong position in the cement industry emanating from its third highest market share in terms of capacity. The company’s two existing manufacturing units (Khairpur Site and DG Khan Site) are operating at full capacity. The profitability is fortified by cost-efficient operational framework translating in healthy EBITDA margins. The third manufacturing unit of the company has started its operations at Hub site which added capacity of 2.7mln tpa to the company’s existing capacity. This will assist the company in improving its market share amid industry wide capacity expansions. In addition to this, the company is eying new export fronts and exploring new opportunities to channel exports in cost-efficient manner. The business profile of the company is strengthened by high capacity utilization, strong local demand, rebounding dispatches on exports front. Furthermore, the established dividend stream of the company from investments in Nishat Group companies continues to augment the bottom-line of the company. The company’s financial profile reflects moderate leveraging, however comfort can be drawn from good operating cashflows, supplemented by dividend stream. Association of the company with Nishat Group is a consideration.
The ratings are dependent on upholding of the company’s business vis-à-vis financial risk profile. Any significant deterioration in the sector’s outlook particularly any slowdown in economic growth, interest rate fluctuation and delay in infrastructure projects may affect the ratings. Industry’s dynamics encompassing expected challenges of supply glut, substantial decline in local demand or deterioration in cement prices will negatively affect the ratings.
About
the Entity
DG Khan Cement, operates as the third largest cement manufacturer of the country with total cement capacity of 7.1mln tons p.a. DG Khan Cement, listed on PSX, is owned by Nishat Group (~49%), mainly through associated companies (32%), followed by sponsor family members (~17%). The overall control of the company vests in seven member board including the CEO. Mrs. Naz Mansha and Mr. Raza Mansha, the Chairperson and the CEO, both represent sponsoring family on board. Two board members (including CEO) hold executive positions while four are non-executives including one independent director. The CEO, Mr. Raza Mansha, is associated with the company in capacity of CEO since 2003.