Rating History
Dissemination Date Long-Term Rating Short-Term Rating Outlook Action Rating Watch
15-Nov-24 A+ A1 Stable Maintain -
17-Nov-23 A+ A1 Stable Initial -
About the Entity

Prism Energy (Pvt.) Limited is a joint venture of InfraCo Pakistan (a subsidiary of InfraCo Asia) and Albario Engineering Private Ltd. (AEPL) and was incorporated in 2019. InfraCo Asia is funded by four sovereigns (the governments of the UK, Switzerland, Australia, and the Netherlands). AEPL is a one-window solution provider in the fields of energy, industrial solutions, and infrastructure. PEPL leverages its expertise in the solar sector to offer a range of turnkey solutions tailored to meet customer needs. PEPL Board includes five members. Mr. Arooj Asghar is the CEO of the Company, who is supported by a team of qualified professionals.

Rating Rationale

Prism Energy (Private) Limited (“PEPL”) formally started its solar renewable energy business in August 2020 in Pakistan. Prism Energy (Private) Limited is a subsidiary of InfraCo Asia, a Private Infrastructure Development Group company, headquarter in Singapore. PEPL's business model is further categorized into three categories, including (i) Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), (ii) Buyout model (BOOT), and (iii) Solar on cash (EPC mode). Under the PPA mode, the Company invests in solar equipment and sells solar-generated power to the customer on an agreed tariff under a long-term agreement. Whereas under the BOOT mode, PEPL enters into a sale of equipment agreement with the customer and receives monthly payments to cover the cost of the plant and the cost of operations and maintenance of the solar facility. Finally, customers can also engage PEPL for the installation of a plant at its site from its own cash under the EPC model. As of FY24, PEPL has successfully installed over 10 MW of solar capacity across twelve sites, including a paper mill (950 kW) and hospital (270 kW), both commissioned in 2024. Additionally, PEPL has signed a Power Purchase Agreement with a multilateral organization for the installation of a 185kW solar system at their Islamabad offices, which was also commissioned in October 2024, while it has also completed construction of a cold storage for a 160kW solar installation under the EPC mode. In FY24, PEPL witnessed a 28% increase in revenue, rising to PKR 81mln, and achieved a turnaround from a loss of PKR 77mln to a profit of PKR 25mln. Gross margins slightly declined to 79% (FY23: 83%) due to competitive pricing strategies for expanding its project base. The Company's equity base has strengthened, reaching PKR 1,261mln (FY23: PKR 726mln), primarily due to an additional PKR 500mln equity injection from the sponsors. The Company has no borrowings, which enhances its financial profile. The implementation of IFRS-16, which mandates the recording of all leased assets and related liabilities originating from lease transactions on the books, is also taken into consideration in assigning ratings. Nonetheless, this magnified position has no impact on the Company's projected financial health.

Key Rating Drivers

PEPL is self-sufficient and is meeting all of its operating expenses from its operating cash flows, and PEPL is also doing additional projects from its own cash flows. The Ratings draw comfort from the solid and consistent cash flows of PPEL. In addition, explicit support is being provided by the sponsors, ensuring that the Company will receive assistance in the event of any cash shortfalls or contingencies and providing adequate liquidity to meet its obligations in a timely manner. The ratings incorporate sponsors’ confidence about the soundness of investment strategy in Alternative and Renewable Energy (ARE), as it is completely aligned with the government’s policy to promote renewables in Pakistan. However, the ratings remain dependent on the management's ability to sustain a low-risk profile along with timely receipts from customers. At the same time, maintaining a strong financial profile and liquidity remains critical. Any significant decrease in margins and/or coverages will impact the ratings.

Profile
Plant

Prism Energy (Private) Limited ("the Company" or "PEPL") was incorporated in Pakistan on June 25, 2019, as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 2017. The Company's registered office is located at Office # 208, Al-Qadir Heights, New Garden Town, Lahore. PEPL's primary business activity is investing in solar power equipment and offering turnkey renewable energy solutions. These solutions include the construction, processing, operation and maintenance, installation, and provision of ancillary services for renewable energy projects, catering to commercial and industrial clients.

Tariff

PEPL's business model is further categorized into three categories, including (i) Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), (ii) Buyout model (BOOT), and (iii) Solar on cash (EPC mode). Under the PPA mode, the Company invests in solar equipment, engaging installers for the installation of solar equipment and selling solar-generated power to the site owner on an agreed tariff under a long-term agreement (10-15 years). Whereas under the BOOT mode, PEPL enters into a sale of equipment agreement with the customer and receives monthly payments to cover the cost of the plant. The tariff for the PPA mode and BOOT mode depends on the installed capacity of the project, including the total cost and tenure of the agreement.

Return on Project

The return on each project undertaken by the Company varies depending on the installed capacity, project cost, tariff structure, and tenure of the contracts.

Ownership
Ownership Structure

PEPL has a strong ownership structure, with 95% of its shareholding held by InfraCo Pakistan Sunrise Pte Ltd (IPS), 4.98% by Albario Engineering (Private) Limited (AEPL), and a nominal 0.01% held by individuals Mr. Ahmad Najeeb and Mr. Sheikh Ibrahim Atif. IPS is a subsidiary of InfraCo Asia, whose mission is to catalyze private sector investment to help bridge the infrastructure gap in Asia’s emerging and frontier markets. AEPL offers comprehensive, one-window solutions in the fields of energy, industrial services, and infrastructure.

Stability

PEPL enjoys a stable ownership structure, with IPS, a subsidiary of InfraCo Asia, offering strong institutional support and AEPL contributing technical expertise. This ownership structure underpins PEPL’s operational stability and strategic direction.

Business Acumen

PEPL Sponsors demonstrates exceptional business acumen through its strategic investment approach. By identifying high-potential opportunities and leveraging a comprehensive understanding of market trends, the sponsor excels at aligning with the right partners to create synergies that drive operational efficiency and growth. The data-driven decision-making prioritizes long-term value creation, ensuring sustainability and profitability. Meanwhile, InfraCo Asia contributes funding and expertise to mitigate risks in the early-stage development of socially responsible and sustainable infrastructure projects.

Financial Strength

InfraCo Asia, the ultimate parent of PEPL, is funded by four sovereign governments—the UK, Switzerland, Australia, and the Netherlands—providing strong institutional backing that underscores its financial strength. Additionally, its financial health is supported by a substantial upfront equity injection, along with an explicit commitment to maintain ownership and provide financial support when needed, further highlighting the sponsor's strong financial position.

Governance
Board Structure

The PEPL Board of Directors (BoD) consists of five members, four represents InfraCo Asia and one represents Albario Engineering.

Members’ Profile

Mr. Ahmad Najeeb serves as director, representing AEPL. He is engineer by profession with over three decades of experience. Mr. Arooj Asghar, Ms. Claudine Lim Hsi-Yun, and Mr. Jesse Low Heng Chor are nominee directors of InfraCo Asia, each bringing more than 25 years of expertise. Ms. Claudine also serves on the board of InfraCo Asia, and prior to joining, she was responsible for investor relations at Temasek Holdings, a Singapore government-owned investment holding. Mr. Jesse also serves as the Director of Procurement at Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd. Mr. Arooj Asghar, director and CEO of PEPL, has been with InfraCo Asia since April 2016, bringing over three decades of experience. He also serves as a director Markhor Hydro Holdings Pte Ltd and hydro project company of InfraCo Asia in Pakistan.

Board Effectiveness

The board members approve all major decisions for PEPL, with full attendance from all members at each meeting throughout the year. The extensive experience of the board will guide the management in developing effective operational and financial policies. The board works collaboratively to ensure the smooth and effective monitoring of operations.

Financial Transparency

M/s BDO, Chartered Accountants, is the external auditor of the Company and has issued an unqualified opinion on the Company’s financial statements for the year ending June 2023. The audit for FY24 is currently in process. The Company maintains proper books of accounts as required under the relevant laws, reflecting fairness and transparency in its financial reporting.

Management
Organizational Structure

PEPL has a well-defined organizational structure with seven departments: i), Finance and Administration, ii), Proposal and Design, iii), Business Development, iv), Execution, v), Operations, vi), Project and Contract, and vii), HSE & Environment. Each function is led by an experienced professional and supported by a qualified team.

Management Team

The CEO, Mr. Arooj Asghar, leads the Company with over three decades of experience across various industries. The key management team includes Mr. Waqar Hassan Malik – Chief Operating & Technical Officer, Mr. Hassan Bilal - Head of Operations and Portfolio; Mr. Hammad Rafique - Head of O&M; and Mr. Zohaib Zafar - HSE specialist. Mr. Rafique and Mr. Zafar report to the Manager of Operations, while the other managers, including Mr. Abdul Wahab (Manager of Finance), a recent induction to the team, report directly to the CEO. Additionally, the Company has a team of approximately 20 qualified engineers and technicians.

Effectiveness

The management control of the Company rests with InfraCo Asia, the major shareholder, and the Company adheres to the policies and procedures set by InfraCo Asia, strengthening the effectiveness of management practices.

Control Environment

The control environment at PEPL is adequate, built on a foundation of clear policies and procedures. The Company emphasizes transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in its operations, reinforced by a well-structured management team. Regular monitoring and effective internal controls ensure operational efficiency, risk mitigation, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, the Company leverages advanced IT solutions, enhancing performance across various fronts.

Operational Risk
Power Purchase Agreement

PEPL's business model revolves around entering long-term agreements for the sale of solar-generated power and equipment along with providing operations and maintenance (O&M) services. The cost of the installed project is paid by the customer over the project's lifetime, typically spanning 15 years, through an agreed-upon tariff that covers both the equipment and O&M components. The Company's revenue primarily comes from the commercial and industrial sectors.

Operation and Maintenance

The Company is operating and maintaining its solar portfolio in-house. The O&M team is responsible for ensuring the availability and efficiency of the project's generation.

Resource Risk

PEPL faces resource risks that include supply chain disruptions, which could delay the procurement of solar panels and equipment, and technical resource challenges related to the availability of skilled engineers and technicians for efficient project execution and maintenance. Financial risks, such as fluctuations in equipment costs due to inflation or currency depreciation—particularly since most equipment must be imported—could impact project financing. Additionally, the variability of sunlight caused by weather conditions poses energy resource risks, affecting solar energy production and revenue. Moreover, non-payment by customers presents financial risk, and retrieving equipment from client locations in some cases could result in legal disputes.

Insurance Cover

PEPL has substantial insurance coverage for each of its installed projects that includes protection against property damage, terrorism, and third-party business interruption.

Performance Risk
Industry Dynamics

The power sector in Pakistan is undergoing significant transformation, with increasing emphasis on renewable energy to address rising costs of electricity generation. The government and private sector have actively promoted sustainable energy solutions, leading to a notable rise in solar rooftop installations. During FY23 and FY24, there has been substantial growth in solar rooftop adoption, driven by rising electricity costs, greater awareness of clean energy, and supportive policies, including net metering. These installations have gained momentum, particularly in the commercial and industrial sectors, as businesses seek to reduce energy expenses and enhance energy security. The trend is also supported by advancements in solar technology and financing options, making solar energy a more viable and attractive choice for consumers across Pakistan.

Generation

Currently, the Company has successfully installed and efficiently generated electricity as per benchmarks, with over 10 MW of solar capacity across nine different sites.

Performance Benchmark

In FY24, PEPL experienced financial improvement, as evidenced by a 28% increase in topline revenue (PKR 81mln compared to PKR 63mln in FY23) and a turnaround from a loss of PKR 77mln in FY23 to a profit of PKR 25mln. The Company's gross margin, while slightly lower at 79% (compared to 83% in FY23), remained strong, reflecting healthy revenue generation despite the competitive pricing strategies adopted to expand its project base. This indicates that while Prism was able to secure more projects, the pricing strategy slightly impacted its profitability, but the overall performance remains positive, with better cash flow and improved financial health.

Financial Risk
Financing Structure Analysis

Currently, all projects of PEPL are equity-financed through funds provided by the sponsors. During FY24, the Company's equity base has significantly strengthened, reaching PKR 1,261 million (FY23: PKR 726 million), mainly due to an additional equity injection of PKR 500 million from the sponsors. This funding will support the Company in executing new projects. However, with the increase in the project portfolio and the recent reduction in policy rates, the Company may consider debt financing as an option for pursuing future expansionary projects.

Liquidity Profile

As of FY24, PEPL's free cash flow improved to PKR 25mln, compared to a negative cash flow of PKR 72mln in FY23. This turnaround was driven by an increase in the Company’s project portfolio. Additionally, the Company’s short-term investments in Term Deposit Receipts (TDRs) also saw a substantial rise, reaching PKR 239mln in FY24 compared to PKR 25mln in FY23. This increase in investments is primarily attributed to an equity injection of approximately PKR 500mln from the sponsors, a portion of which is currently invested in TDRs and will be deployed for projects as needed, reflecting a strong liquidity position.

Working Capital Financing

The Company's working capital cycle is driven by trade receivables from solar installations and payables to contractors. As of FY24, due to an expanded project base, trade receivables increased to PKR 113mln from PKR 91mln in FY23. The Company is currently meeting its operational needs through internal cash generation and has not utilized any short-term borrowings. This indicates reliance on self-sufficiency for liquidity but also highlights the need for efficient receivables management to mitigate potential cash flow challenges.

Cash Flow Analysis

On account of improved core operational performance, the Company's FCFO has increased to PKR 25mln in FY24, compared to a negative cash flow of PKR 72mln in FY23. Additionally, being a debt-free Company, there are no finance costs, and thus no existing coverage ratio. However, if the Company chooses to pursue debt financing for future expansion projects, a cautious approach will be necessary to maintain an optimal balance of financing, ensuring that coverage ratios remain manageable and financial stability is preserved.

Capitalization

PEPL's leverage for FY24 is zero (FY23: Nil), as all projects are entirely equity-financed. The Company has no short-term borrowings, further reflecting its debt-free position.

 
 

Nov-24

www.pacra.com


Jun-24
12M
Jun-23
12M
Jun-22
12M
A. BALANCE SHEET
1. Non-Current Assets 754 605 368
2. Investments 239 25 0
3. Related Party Exposure 0 0 1
4. Current Assets 398 124 419
a. Inventories 244 0 294
b. Trade Receivables 113 91 33
5. Total Assets 1,392 753 789
6. Current Liabilities 126 24 283
a. Trade Payables 90 18 0
7. Borrowings 0 0 0
8. Related Party Exposure 0 0 0
9. Non-Current Liabilities 5 4 0
10. Net Assets 1,261 726 505
11. Shareholders' Equity 1,261 726 505
B. INCOME STATEMENT
1. Sales 81 63 21
a. Cost of Good Sold (17) (11) (2)
2. Gross Profit 64 53 20
a. Operating Expenses (76) (138) (100)
3. Operating Profit (12) (85) (80)
a. Non Operating Income or (Expense) 43 9 0
4. Profit or (Loss) before Interest and Tax 30 (77) (80)
a. Total Finance Cost 0 0 0
b. Taxation (5) (1) (0)
6. Net Income Or (Loss) 25 (77) (80)
C. CASH FLOW STATEMENT
a. Free Cash Flows from Operations (FCFO) 25 (73) (79)
b. Net Cash from Operating Activities before Working Capital Changes 25 (73) (79)
c. Changes in Working Capital 64 (332) 71
1. Net Cash provided by Operating Activities 90 (405) (8)
2. Net Cash (Used in) or Available From Investing Activities (378) 56 (565)
3. Net Cash (Used in) or Available From Financing Activities 509 298 656
4. Net Cash generated or (Used) during the period 221 (51) 83
D. RATIO ANALYSIS
1. Performance
a. Sales Growth (for the period) 28.4% 194.6% 3619.4%
b. Gross Profit Margin 79.1% 83.3% 91.2%
c. Net Profit Margin 31.1% -122.7% -375.1%
d. Cash Conversion Efficiency (FCFO adjusted for Working Capital/Sales) 110.6% -641.5% -37.2%
e. Return on Equity [ Net Profit Margin * Asset Turnover * (Total Assets/Shareholders' Equity )] 2.6% -10.4% -28.0%
2. Working Capital Management
a. Gross Working Capital (Average Days) 1558 2056 3427
b. Net Working Capital (Average Days) 1315 1952 N/A
c. Current Ratio (Current Assets / Current Liabilities) 3.2 5.2 1.5
3. Coverages
a. EBITDA / Finance Cost N/A N/A N/A
b. FCFO / Finance Cost+CMLTB+Excess STB N/A N/A N/A
c. Debt Payback (Total Borrowings+Excess STB) / (FCFO-Finance Cost) 0.0 0.0 0.0
4. Capital Structure
a. Total Borrowings / (Total Borrowings+Shareholders' Equity) 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
b. Interest or Markup Payable (Days) N/A N/A N/A
c. Entity Average Borrowing Rate N/A N/A N/A

Nov-24

www.pacra.com

Nov-24

www.pacra.com

  1. Rating Team Statements
    1. Rating is just an opinion about the creditworthiness of the entity and does not constitute a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell any security of the entity rated or to buy, hold, or sell the security rated, as the case may be. (Chapter III; 14-3-(x))
    2. Conflict of Interest
      1. The Rating Team or any of their family members have no interest in this rating (Chapter III; 12-2-(j))
      2. PACRA, the analysts involved in the rating process, and members of its rating committee and their family members do not have any conflict of interest relating to the rating done by them (Chapter III; 12-2-(e) & (k))
      3. The analyst is not a substantial shareholder of the customer being rated by PACRA [Annexure F; d-(ii)]
      4. Explanation: for the purpose of the above clause, the term "family members" shall include only those family members who are dependent on the analyst and members of the rating committee.
  2. Restrictions
    1. No director, officer, or employee of PACRA communicates the information acquired by him for use for rating purposes to any other person, except where required under law to do so. (Chapter III; 10-(5))
    2. PACRA does not disclose or discuss with outside parties or make improper use of the non-public information which has come to its knowledge during a business relationship with the customer. (Chapter III; 10-7-(d))
    3. PACRA does not make proposals or recommendations regarding the activities of rated entities that could impact a credit rating of the entity subject to rating. (Chapter III; 10-7-(k))
  3. Conduct of Business
    1. PACRA fulfills its obligations in a fair, efficient, transparent, and ethical manner and renders high standards of services in performing its functions and obligations. (Chapter III; 11-A-(a))
    2. PACRA uses due care in the preparation of this Rating Report. Our information has been obtained from sources we consider to be reliable, but its accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed. PACRA does not, in every instance, independently verify or validate information received in the rating process or in preparing this Rating Report. (Clause 11-(A)(p))
    3. PACRA prohibits its employees and analysts from soliciting money, gifts, or favors from anyone with whom PACRA conducts business. (Chapter III; 11-A-(q))
    4. PACRA ensures before the commencement of the rating process that an analyst or employee has not had a recent employment or other significant business or personal relationship with the rated entity that may cause or may be perceived as causing a conflict of interest. (Chapter III; 11-A-(r))
    5. PACRA maintains the principle of integrity in seeking rating business. (Chapter III; 11-A-(u))
    6. PACRA promptly investigates in the event of misconduct or a breach of the policies, procedures, and controls, and takes appropriate steps to rectify any weaknesses to prevent any recurrence, along with suitable punitive action against the responsible employee(s). (Chapter III; 11-B-(m))
  4. Independence & Conflict of Interest
    1. PACRA receives compensation from the entity being rated or any third party for the rating services it offers. The receipt of this compensation has no influence on PACRA’s opinions or other analytical processes. In all instances, PACRA is committed to preserving the objectivity, integrity, and independence of its ratings. Our relationship is governed by two distinct mandates: i) rating mandate - signed with the entity being rated or issuer of the debt instrument, and ii) fee mandate - signed with the payer, which can be different from the entity.
    2. PACRA does not provide consultancy/advisory services or other services to any of its customers or their associated companies and associated undertakings that are being rated or have been rated by it during the preceding three years, unless it has an adequate mechanism in place ensuring that the provision of such services does not lead to a conflict of interest situation with its rating activities. (Chapter III; 12-2-(d))
    3. PACRA discloses that no shareholder directly or indirectly holding 10% or more of the share capital of PACRA also holds directly or indirectly 10% or more of the share capital of the entity which is subject to rating or the entity which issued the instrument subject to rating by PACRA. (Chapter III; 12-2-(f))
    4. PACRA ensures that the rating assigned to an entity or instrument is not affected by the existence of a business relationship between PACRA and the entity or any other party, or the non-existence of such a relationship. (Chapter III; 12-2-(i))
    5. PACRA ensures that the analysts or any of their family members shall not buy, sell, or engage in any transaction in any security which falls in the analyst’s area of primary analytical responsibility. This clause, however, does not apply to investments in securities through collective investment schemes. (Chapter III; 12-2-(l))
    6. PACRA has established policies and procedures governing investments and trading in securities by its employees and for monitoring the same to prevent insider trading, market manipulation, or any other market abuse. (Chapter III; 11-B-(g))
  5. Monitoring and Review
    1. PACRA monitors all the outstanding ratings continuously, and any potential change therein due to any event associated with the issuer, the security arrangement, the industry, etc., is disseminated to the market immediately and in an effective manner after appropriate consultation with the entity/issuer. (Chapter III; 17-(a))
    2. PACRA reviews all the outstanding ratings periodically on an annual basis. Provided that public dissemination of annual review and in an instance of change in rating will be made. (Chapter III; 17-(b))
    3. PACRA initiates an immediate review of the outstanding rating upon becoming aware of any information that may reasonably be expected to result in downgrading of the rating. (Chapter III; 17-(c))
    4. PACRA engages with the issuer and the debt securities trustee to remain updated on all information pertaining to the rating of the entity/instrument. (Chapter III; 17-(d))
  6. Probability of Default
    1. PACRA’s Rating Scale reflects the expectation of credit risk. The highest rating has the lowest relative likelihood of default (i.e., probability). PACRA’s transition studies capture the historical performance behavior of a specific rating notch. Transition behavior of the assigned rating can be obtained from PACRA’s Transition Study available at our website. (www.pacra.com) However, the actual transition of rating may not follow the pattern observed in the past. (Chapter III; 14-3(f)(vii))
  7. Proprietary Information
    1. All information contained herein is considered proprietary by PACRA. Hence, none of the information in this document can be copied or otherwise reproduced, stored, or disseminated in whole or in part in any form or by any means whatsoever by any person without PACRA’s prior written consent.

Nov-24

www.pacra.com