Pakistan Synthetics Limited to emerge as an integrated player with higher sales: PACRA

February 12, 2019 (MLN): Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA) has assigned initial entity ratings to Pakistan Synthetics Limited, at ‘BBB+’ for long term and ‘A2’ for short term, while outlook on the rating remains ‘stable’.

In a press release issued by PACRA on the occasion, the agency goes into detail about the rating action saying that it reflects Pakistan Synthetics Limited's integrated position in PET industry.

Pakistan’s Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) packaging sector mostly derives its demand from bottled water and carbonated beverage industry, while, edible oil sector has become an upcoming demand driver

The Company entered the PET Resin and Capping segments initially but has recently installed capacity for Preforms. Resultantly, the Company's revenue improved. Margins remain in line with the peers but are subject to volatility in raw material prices and currency devaluation.

“The Company's profitability remained modest as it streamlined its operations and presence in different segments. This is expected to improve, going forward, as it emerges as an integrated player,” opined PACRA.

Adding on, the agency said, “The Company has high leveraging and relatively weak coverages. The working capital requirements are expected to rationalize on the back of higher sales, going forward, from its current levels.”

Speaking on future rating projections, PACRA said that the ratings are dependent on the management's ability to strengthen the relative positioning of the Company in the industry. “Improvement in business margins and, in turn, profitability remains imperative. Any deterioration in the Company’s coverages would have negative impact on the ratings.”