PACRA Assigns Initial Entity Ratings to Sadiq Poultry (Pvt.) Limited

Poultry is one of the largest agro based segment in Pakistan, accounting both domestic & commercial poultry. With a turnover of almost PKR 500 billion in FY17, industry had an annual growth of 10%. Pakistan is very well sufficient in poultry meat and egg production. However, lacks in per capita protein consumption.
The ratings reflect Sadiq Poultry’s association with an established vertically integrated poultry group, named SB Group. The company enjoys established profile in its business – broiler, chicken, eggs and day old chicks. It is a leading player in these segments with growing revenues. However, significant expansion in capacities in recent period has kept margins under check. The management is cognizant of this and its near-term strategy is focused on consolidation. This includes increased focus on eggs and broiler business post settlement of assets amongst family and introduction of efficiency in operations-like use of caged broiler breeding technology. Nevertheless, the company remains exposed to volatility in demand pattern and contingent health risk to its products. Procuring feed in bulk from group’s own company would manage related risks. Company’s financial risk profile is characterized by moderate leverage. Loan mix, -long and short term- though adequate is planned to be improved further.
The ratings are dependent on the management's ability to prudently mange the business risk typical to short cycle because of perishable consumer products, while sustaining business margins. Moreover, governance framework needs attention.

About the Entity
Sadiq Poultry (Pvt.) Limited is a successful parent venture of SB Group; well-known player of Pakistan’s poultry industry. It was incorporated in 2004 and is primarily engaged in operating 21 poultry breeding units/farms, 80 broiler farms, laying units maintaining 2.1 million birds with commercial egg production capacity of 2 million from 4 poultry hatcheries. Company has its own livestock pharmaceutical setup, to ensure birds health. Moreover, Sadiq Poultry is also handling grain storage and livestock feeds, paper pulp egg tray production plant and organic fertilizer plants. Company's four major product line include Chicks-Day Old Chicks, Broiler, Eggs-Fresh table eggs and Organic-Organic fertilizer produced from poultry manure.
Sadiq Poultry is dividing and consolidating its domestic operations. Its present shareholding structure suggests that Dr. M. Sadiq, is man of the last mile, as he holds the major shares. For the time being, remaining stake resides with his two sons Mr. Asif Zubair and Mr. Salman Sadiq. Sponsoring family dominates the board of Sadiq Poultry and comprises five members. Board’s Chairman and company's CEO, Dr. Muhammad Sadiq, plays a pivotal role in making strategic decisions.