April 06, 2020 (PPI-OT)

Following is the text of press release issued by The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited (PACRA)

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The ratings reflect Gharibwal Cement's strength in its key markets. The Company has a market share of 4% in the north region with annual cement capacity of 2.1mln Tons. The company focuses on geographies closer to the plant location; Gujranwala division remained company's home market. Lately, company's distribution costs went up amid stressed north region dynamics. Cement sector achieved second phase of expansion (18 mln tpa).

However, slow local demand and expanded capacity resulted in depressed cement prices (especially in north region). Export is another avenue. Industry wide exports (sizeable increase in South Region) have gone up as new export window is created in Bangladesh market where sector is exporting notable volumes of cement and clinker. Cement sector's local capacity utilization already recorded dip to 65% in 1HFY20 (FY19: 68%). This will be further impacted amid COVID-19 outbreak and country wide lock down being observed. The likelihood of impact is considered high where quantum is directly correlated with tenure of lock down. Curtailed key policy rate will provide much needed breathing space to the sector.

The company's cement dispatches increased to 0.854 mln M.Tons for 1HFY20 (1HFY19: 0.794 mln M. Tons). However, depressed cement prices lead to decrease of 6% in net sales revenue. The company's capacity enhancement plans are still at halt owing to north region dynamics. The company's business profile remained adequate on account of aforementioned factors while margins and profitability witnessed decline. Going forward, along with improvement in volumes, restoring operating and EBITDA margins at earlier healthier levels remains vital for the company. The financial profile remains adequate as long term leveraging expected to remain at the same level. The ratings draw comfort from sponsor families, having prime focus of the company.

The ratings are dependent on upholding of the company's business vis-à-vis financial risk profile in current economic scenario. Industry's dynamics encompassing expanded supply, substantial decline in local demand amid country wide lock down will negatively affect the ratings. The proactive measures taken by management in diluted north region dynamics will remain vital for holding ratings at the current level.

For more information, contact:Analyst,The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited (PACRA)Awami Complex, FB1, Usman Block New Garden Town,Lahore, PakistanTel: +92-42-5869504-6Fax: +92-42-5830425Email: hammad.rashid@pacra.comWebsite: www.pacra.com

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