PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of The Hub Power Company Limited

The Hub Power Company Limited (Hubco) is one of the largest power producers in the country. The rating reflects the holding company character of Hubco with an exclusive focus on the different dimension of the energy sector. In addition to the investment book, Hubco itself is a large RFO based power plant. Hubco aims to expand generation capacity to boost the country's power generation by utilizing Pakistan's indigenous natural resources. Hubco is setting up new coal power plants (i) China Power Hub Generation Company (CPHGC): 2x660MW coal fired power plant at Hub, (ii) Thar Energy Limited (TEL): 330MW mine-mouth coal fired power plant at Thar and (iii) Thalnova Power: 330MW mine-mouth coal fired power plant at Thar. CPHGC is being developed under a joint venture with China Power International Holdings Limited (CPIHL). Hubco also has investment in Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC). These investments are being funded through a mix of short term and long term debt. The proportion of debt in the funding plan is predominant when compared to fresh equity. Fresh equity of PKR 7bln via right issue is just around the corner. Hubco has working capital related borrowing as well. The overall debt quantum in the wake of fresh investment is huge. The cash flows of the company can sustain the burden, which will be complemented by expected dividend inflows.The cash flows are taking positive benefit for the enhanced capacity payments, emanating from quarterly indexation. The management has forecasted sizable net cash position, reflecting dividend inflow from subsidiaries; materialization of same is crucial. Hubco pays dividend, which in an eventuality is an available resource, as evidenced by recent history. Hubco has used short term debt instruments and intends to raise borrowing through privately placed sukuk. These streams are already accounted for in the funding plan.
Cash flow streams of Hubco's plants are guaranteed by GoP under the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), subject to adherence to the agreed upon performance benchmarks; this provides comfort to the ratings. Timely completion of new projects, settlement of receivable and payable and maintaining healthy debt service coverages are important.

About the Entity
Hubco, a listed company, was incorporated in 1991. During the year, Dawood group, largest shareholder along with its associates sold its stake to Mega Conglomerate (Pvt.) Ltd, making Mega Conglomerate single largest shareholder (~19%). Mega Conglomerate (Pvt.) Ltd (19.4 %) is the single largest shareholder, followed by ABL (9.7%), Fauji Foundation (8.5%) and NBP (5%). Hubco holds 100% stake in Narowal Energy Ltd which operates a 225MW capacity oil-fired power plant at Narowal and 75% controlling interest in Laraib Energy Ltd that operates 84 MW hydel power plant. The BoD comprises eleven-members including the CEO of Hubco. BoD includes three representatives from Mega Conglomerate. Mr. Khalid Mansoor, the CEO, carries over three decades of experience in Energy & Petrochemical sectors in leading roles. He is supported by a team of experienced professionals.