Press Release

JCR-VIS Assigns Initial Entity Ratings to Mega Conglomerate (Private) Limited

Karachi, July 10, 2018: JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company Limited (JCR-VIS) has assigned initial entity ratings of ‘AA-/A-1’ (Double A Minus/A-One) to Mega Conglomerate (Private) Limited (MCPL). Outlook on the assigned ratings is ‘Stable’.

The ratings assigned to MCPL incorporate its strong sponsor profile and diversified operations & revenue streams. Assessment of financial risk profile derives support from the company’s low leveraged capital structure (adjusted for sizeable cash balances & term deposit receipts on a consolidated basis) and adequate debt servicing ability, maintained through stable projected dividend stream from investments, significant cash flow of associated companies and sizeable liquidity on the balance sheet of group companies and related parties. Moreover, planned restructuring of existing debt on balance sheet is expected to result in sizeable cash accumulation over the rating horizon. Going forward, ratings are dependent on sound debt servicing coverage, maintenance of leverage indicators in line with benchmarks for the assigned ratings and management undertaking planned improvements in corporate governance structure including strengthening of board composition, oversight and management team along with implementation of comprehensive framework for monitoring performance of subsidiaries.

Incorporated in 2010, MCPL is an investment holding company, which is part of a diversified group with strong financial profile and presence across a broad array of sectors, namely shipping (around one-fifth share in the total containerized throughput of the country), telecommunications, logistics, real estate development, construction materials, energy and consumer goods. MCPL is envisioned to achieve synergies across the group’s portfolio through innovative expansion with an aim to achieve consistent steady growth. Currently, MCPL’s strategic investments comprise wholly-owned subsidiaries including Imperial Developers & Builders (Private) Limited (IDBL) and Karachi Properties Investment Company (Private) Limited (KPI), along with controlling stakes in Hub Power Company Limited (Hubco) and Haleeb Foods Limited (HFL). Recently, IDBL completed the construction and sale of Pakistan’s first L.E.E.D certified commercial office building. The company is also in process of construction of a 2.5million square feet mixed use property through an already owned 4 acre plot at the former Metropole Hotel site in Karachi. HFL has a prominent position in the local packaged milk industry with established market niche of its end products.

The assigned ratings are underpinned by MCPL’s significant stake alongside management control in Hubco, the largest independent power producer in the country. Historically, Hubco has demonstrated a stable dividend payout. With an aim to boost and diversify its generation portfolio, Hubco is currently undertaking multiple projects in the energy space including setup of two 660MW coal fired power plants at Hub under a joint venture with China Power International Holdings and a 330MW mine mouth coal power plant at Thar. These projects, along with other initiatives are expected to result in increasing dividend payouts over the medium to long term although quantum of dividend in the near term may be impacted by sizeable accumulation of receivables due to circular debt and elevated funding requirements for new investments. Hubco has also invested US$ 20million in Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, a joint venture envisaged to develop a coal mine at Thar.

For further information on this rating announcement, please contact Mr. Javed Callea (Ext: 201) or Mr. Talha Iqbal (Ext: 213) at 92-21-35311861-70 or fax to 92-21-35311873.



Atiq Anwar Mahmudi
Advisor

Applicable Rating Criteria: Applicable Rating Criteria: Industrial Corporates (May 2016)
http://www.jcrvis.com.pk/docs/Corporate-Methodology-201605.pdf

Information herein was obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable; however, VIS Credit Rating Company Limited (VIS) does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information.VIS , the analysts involved in the rating process and members of its rating committee do not have any conflict of interest relating to the rating(s)/ranking(s) mentioned in this report.VIS is paid a fee for most rating assignments. This rating/ranking is an opinion and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. Copyright 2018 VIS Credit Rating Company Limited . All rights reserved. Contents may be used by news media with credit to VIS .