logo
The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited
Press Release

Date
05-Aug-21

Analyst
Muhammad Zain Ayaz
zain.ayaz@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com

Applicable Criteria

Related Research

Disclaimer
This press release is being transmitted for the sole purpose of dissemination through print/electronic media. The press release may be used in full or in part without changing the meaning or context thereof with due credit to PACRA

PACRA Assigns Initial Asset Manager Rating to AWT Investment Limited

Rating Type Asset Manager
Current
(05-Aug-21 )
Action Initial
Long Term AM3++
Short Term -
Outlook Stable
Rating Watch -

The assigned rating reflects modest positioning of AWT Investments Limited ("AWTIL" or the "Company"). The prominent business acumen of the sponsor bodes well for the rating. The rating is supported by a structured investment process, sound governance structure, proficient and qualified management. The Company is also strengthening its foot prints in the competitive investment advisory domain, The management is also planning to diversify its product slate by launching hybrid REIT schemes and private equity funds. The AUMs' profile of the Company remained stagnant with average market share ~0.2% during FY21. The retail clientele under SMA portfolio constitutes ~68% reflecting granularity. The association of SMA spans an average from 1 year to 3 years, while the portfolio mainly comprises of discretionary SMAs. Since Jun'20, the Company have shown a healthy growth of ~100% in SMA portfolio. The Company is in the process of completion of an in-house owned Software Solution for the Investment Advisory business which will further solidify its position in the market. Previously, the Company is in losses on account of declining management fee, but over the time, the fee has been improved on the account of advisory business, the Company has reported a net profit of ~PKR 5.4mln in Mar’21 (Jun’20: ~PKR -39mln). The Company's equity stood at ~PKR 233mln at end Mar’21. The conversion of losses to profits is itself indication of efficiency of management and its commitment to bolstering bottom-line.
The rating is dependent on the Company’s ability to strengthen its market position. At the same time, stability in key human resource, structured improvement in risk management framework and success of initiatives to increase retail AUM will remain crucial for the rating.

About the Entity
AWT Investments Limited (formerly Primus Investment Management Limited) is a public unlisted company incorporated in August 2011. The Company was is registered as an Asset Management Company and Investment adviser under the Non-Banking Finance Companies Regulations by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Head office of the company is situated in Rawalpindi. The Company also provides investment advisory services. The Company’s board of directors comprises six members including the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer. The Company offers investment solutions for both conventional and Islamic markets. At FY21, AWTIL is offering 4 Funds in Equity and Fixed Income Category, it is in process of launching new fund in money market category to strengthen its fund slate and further solidifying its position in the money market universe.

The primary function of PACRA is to evaluate the capacity and willingness of an entity to honor its obligations. Our ratings reflect an independent, professional and impartial assessment of the risks associated with a particular instrument or an entity. PACRA's comprehensive offerings include instrument and entity credit ratings, insurer financial strength ratings, fund ratings, asset manager ratings and real estate gradings. PACRA opinion is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security, in as much as it does not comment on the security's market price or suitability for a particular investor.