PACRA Upgrades Entity Rating of Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited

The ratings draw comfort from sponsors' extensive association with the related business "Marine Group of Companies". The Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited's (PIBT) has secured a distinguished position in its operating segment due to its strategic importance in Power and Cement sector. The company operates on a "build, operate and transfer" (BOT) model at Port Qasim Authority for the provision of terminal handling services for Coal, Clinker and Cement for a period of 30 years. Major demand vests in the domestic cement landscape followed by power producers that are dependent on imported coal for their operations. With a fully automated infrastructure, the company's annual capacity hovers around 12 million MT for inbound coal handling and 4 million MT of outbound clinker and cement handling. Since reduced competition in the market because of suspension of coal handling at KPT boded well for the company causing significant enhancement in its business volumes. PIBT handled 8.6mln tons of coal cargo in FY20 (FY19 8.5mln tons, FY18 2.7mln tons) depicting improved performance. Changing demand dynamics for imported coal as the government's initiatives towards indigenous coal-based power plants and re-instigated competition are, however, critical for the ratings. Company's performance during FY20 exhibited strong performance by improving revenue, gross profit, EBITDA and achieving a positive figure in Bottom line i.e. ~PKR 1.1bln (FY19: loss of (2.4bln). The dollar based tariff structure provides an inbuilt hedge against foreign obligations. The capital structure remains comfortable despite hefty long term borrowings, duly cushioned by equity enhancements on a timely basis. The result of a pending litigation will be crucial for the business.
The ratings are dependent upon upholding of strong business profile amidst unforeseen changes in the competitive landscape, company’s ability to improve its margins and profitability. Optimal utilization of the capacity and improvement in margins is considered important. Self-sufficiency in meeting debt obligations is the key factor, which may be supplemented by extended support if need be.

About the Entity
Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited (PIBT) was incorporated in November 2010, under the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) Contract with Port Qasim Authority for the construction, development, operations and management of a coal and clinker/cement terminal for a period of 30 years. The company got listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange in 2013 and commenced its commercial operations from July 3, 2017. Ownership of the company vests with Premier Mercantile Services (Pvt.) Limited (PMS) (~43%), which is the flagship Company of the "Marine group of Companies" acting as an Investment arm. Other major shareholders include Jahangir Siddiqui & Company Limited (~10%) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) (~11%). Mr. Haleem Ahmed Siddiqui is the Chairman of the Board. He, along with his family, collectively own PMS. Mr. Haleem Siddqui has over ~50 years of experience in marine-related services. He joined Pakistan Merchant Navy in 1959 and commanded various vessels till 1971. He was also the founding Chairman of Pakistan International Container Terminal (PICT). Mr. Sharique Azim Siddiqui is the CEO of PIBT. He is assisted by a team of qualified professionals.