VIS assigns an initial rating of ‘A-’ to Thatta Cement

May 15, 2024 (MLN): The VIS Credit Rating Company Limited (VIS) has assigned an initial rating to Thatta Cement Company Limited (THCCL) of ‘A-’ for long term and ‘A-2’ for short term with a stable outlook forecast, the latest press release issued by VIS showed.

Established in 1980 as a public limited company under the State Cement Corporation of Pakistan (Pvt.) Limited, TCCL's manufacturing facility commenced operations in 1982, boasting dry process technology with an initial capacity of 1,000 tons per day (TPD) of clinker, later expanded to 2,000 TPD.

In 2004, the Government of Pakistan (GoP) relinquished its stake through the Privatization Commission. TCCL secured listing on the Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited (PSX) in 2008.

Sky Pak Holding (Pvt) Ltd. (SPHL) and Al-Miftah Holding (Pvt.) Ltd. (AMHL) acquired majority shareholding from Arif Habib Group in 2012.

With 62.43% ownership of Thatta Power (Private) Limited (TPL), TCCL's subsidiary, TPL is engaged in electric power generation and supply for the captive consumption as well as to Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO).

Assigned ratings incorporate the medium business risk profile of TCCL supported by a medium to low level of competition and a stable regulatory framework in the industry.

An oligopolistic nature of the cement sector in the southern region also provide assurance to the assigned ratings. Additionally, a strong clientele with major government institutions further provides comfort to the ratings.

The ratings also consider the financial risk profile of the company buoyed by its notable growth in topline in FY23 due to higher selling price of cement and reduction in the coal cost due to shift from imported to local coal.

Consequently, the gross and net margin further improved during the year. The coverage profile and capitalization metrics remain comfortable supported with less reliance on debt, while the liquidity position remains adequate.

Moreover, improvement in the company’s 3QFY24 financial metrics and company’s significant cash position further strengthen the assigned ratings.

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