March 30, 2020 (PPI-OT)

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

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Saif Power Limited (Saif Power) runs 225MW Combined Cycle Thermal Power Plant at Sahiwal. The ratings reflect the strong business profile of Saif Power emanating from the demand risk covered under PPA signed between NTDC and the company. Meanwhile, the Implementation Agreement provides sovereign guarantee for cash flows, given adherence to agreed performance benchmarks. Nevertheless, delayed payments from the power purchaser remained a challenge. Despite higher receivable days the entity managed to sustain its financial strength.

The ratings incorporate low operational risk, a result of established performance credentials of GE - the O and M operator. The company produced ~100% of the electricity through gas during 9MCY19. Fuel supply risk is considered adequate as they procure Pipeline Quality Gas from SNGPL with good credit terms. Moreover, the company has arrangement in place to procure High-Speed Diesel (HSD), the backup fuel, from Shell Pakistan.

Short term borrowing lines are available and mainly used to fund any short-fall in working capital requirements. There is ample cushion available in short-term lines. Given the liquidity situation, utilization is imputed to go up. Settlement of overdue receivables is crucial. The company has an outstanding long term debt of PKR 1,796mln as at end-Sep19, payable till end of March 2020. Sound financial profile of Saif Group, the major sponsor, provides comfort to the ratings.

Sustained good financial discipline and upholding strong operational performance in line with agreed performance levels remain important. Accumulation of circular debt would pose threat to the company's ability to continue with this practice. However, the management ably supported by sponsors' remains committed to sustain improvement in management of commercial obligations and timely debt repayments.

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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© Pakistan Press International, source Asianet-Pakistan