Analyst
Sehar Fatima
sehar.fatima@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
Related Research
PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of Kohat Cement Company Limited
Rating Type | Entity | |
Current (04-May-18 ) |
Previous (29-Dec-17 ) |
|
Action | Maintain | Initial |
Long Term | A | A |
Short Term | A1 | A1 |
Outlook | Stable | Stable |
Rating Watch | - | - |
Kohat Cement’s ratings reflect the market positioning – mid-tier (6% market share) cement player. The Company has cost-efficient operational framework reflected in robust EBITDA margins (leading position only in recent year) and strong profitability. The Company has announced capacity expansion of 2.3mln tpa with an estimated cost of PKR 13bln. The financing is planned with debt to equity ratio of 43:57 – majorly equity driven. This will assist the Company in defending its market share in the ongoing significant expansion trend. However, given current low capacity utilization (FY17: 73.2%, FY16: 72.9%) as compare to industry, the management’s plan to absorb the increased supply of cement from expansion remains important. The Company’s performance remained strong in line with other players in cement industry. The Company’s financial risk remains fairly low primarily due to low leveraged capital structure. Going forward, leveraging is expected to remain at moderate level.
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 unfavorable change in demand and expansion matrix, thereby exerting pressure on prices and margins, may negatively impact the ratings. Upholding governance practices remains important.
About
the Entity
Kohat Cement, operates as the eighth largest cement manufacturer of the country with total clinker capacity of 2.6mln tons p.a. Kohat Cement, listed on PSX, is majority owned by ANS Capital (Pvt.) Ltd. (55%) – sponsor family’s majority owned company. Excluding CEO, the Company's six member board comprises only one executive member and one independent member. The CEO, Mr. Aizaz Mansoor Sheikh is - associated with the company since 1992. Mr. Sheikh, is supported by a team of experienced professionals.