Analyst
Usama Zubair
usama.zubair@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
Related Research
PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of Bestway Cement Limited
Rating Type | Entity | |
Current (28-Sep-19 ) |
Previous (29-Mar-19 ) |
|
Action | Maintain | Maintain |
Long Term | AA- | AA- |
Short Term | A1+ | A1+ |
Outlook | Stable | Stable |
Rating Watch | - | - |
Bestway Cement’s ratings reflect its leading position in the market emanating from its highest market share (22.7%) in the north region as at June-19. The Company's recent brown field expansion and successful mergers in the past assisted to maintain its position. During FY19, industry dynamics especially for cement players operating in north region have shifted significantly on account of diluted cement prices, increase in FED on coal import and depreciation in Pak Rupee against other currencies. Along with these factors, muted local demand has affected the company's sales whereby volumetric sales remained largely same (FY19: 8.1mln tpa, FY18: 8.6mln tpa) - reflects capacity utilization remained at par with industry. During FY19, the Company's margins witnessed downtrend due to aforementioned industry dynamics. The Company’s ratings are strengthened by the sustainable dividend income from its strategic investment in United Bank Limited (UBL) in which company is holding 7.65%. The company’s financial risk is categorized by efficient working capital management in terms of both cashflows and short-term borrowing; retirement of long term loan in Apr-20 will further strengthen the financial risk matrix.
The ratings also draw comfort from the strong sponsor support (Bestway Group). The ratings are dependent on upholding of company’s leading market position along with sustenance of business volumes and margins. The company's good business performance as compared to other players in current stretched economic scenario - challenges on demand front - remains vital for ratings.
About
the Entity
Bestway Cement operates as the largest cement manufacturer of the country with total cement capacity of 10.3mln tons p.a with the market share of 22.7% in the north region. Bestway Cement, listed on PSX, is majority owned by Bestway Group (BWG) UK (77%), mainly through corporates (60%), followed by individual (~17%). The Company's eight member board comprises mainly BWG nominees. Two directors are Bestway Cement's executives (including CEO) while six are non-executive directors including two independent members. The board’s Chairman Mr. M. Anwar Pervez is an experienced professional, also a founding member of Bestway Group. The CEO, Mr. Zameer Mohammed Choudrey, is a Chartered Accountant, associated with the group since 1984, supported by a team of experienced professionals.