Press Release
VIS Reaffirms Bank Loan Rating of OBS Pharma (Private) Limited Islamic Syndicated Finance Facility
Karachi, December 17, 2025: VIS Credit Rating Company Limited (VIS) has reaffirmed the bank loan rating (BLR) of OBS Pharma (Private) Limited Islamic Syndicated Finance Facility of Rs. 5,125 million at ‘A+(blr)’ (‘Single A plus (blr)’). The rating of ‘A+(blr)’ signifies good credit quality; protection factors are adequate. Risk factors may vary with possible changes in the economy. Outlook on the assigned ratings remains ‘Stable’. Previous rating action was announced on September 23, 2024. The entity rating of OBS Pharma is ‘A/A1’ (‘Single A/A One’) with a ‘Stable’ outlook.
The Islamic Syndicated Financing Facility is a seven-year Musharaka facility with an 18-month grace period. The principal will be repaid in 22 equal installments, starting from the 21st month after disbursement. It is secured by a First Pari Passu charge over all current and future fixed assets of OBS Pharma, including the manufacturing facility acquired from Bayer Pakistan, and Aspin Pharma (Pvt.) Limited, both with a 20% margin. Additional security includes a Corporate Guarantee from Aitkenstuart Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. and a Lien on the Collection and Finance Payment Account (FPA). The facility entails quarterly profit payments, based on a floating rate of 3-Month KIBOR plus an additional spread of 1.70% per annum.
The ratings reflect OBS Pharma Group’s strong market position in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector. They also incorporate the sector’s Medium-to-Low business risk profile, supported by stable demand and low cyclicality, although regulatory uncertainty and volatility in imported input costs remain notable challenges. The Company’s portfolio is concentrated in women’s healthcare and dermatology; however, the established market positions of key brands within their respective therapeutic segments help mitigate concentration risk. Gross margins normalized in CY24 with the commencement of in-house manufacturing, and further improvement was recorded in 1HCY25 driven by operational efficiencies and lower finance costs. Profitability is expected to strengthen gradually amid more stable raw material prices and easing cost pressures.
The Company’s capital structure remains weighted toward long-term financing. Equity continued to build through profit retention, contributing to a steady improvement in gearing and leverage indicators. Liquidity remains adequate; although higher finance costs constrained debt-servicing capacity in CY24. Post-acquisition integration and operational synergies have strengthened cash flows, supporting both liquidity and coverage. Looking ahead, sustained profitability, maintenance of manageable leverage, and continued effectiveness of liquidity management will remain important.
For further information on this ratings announcement, please contact at 021-35311861-64 or email at info@vis.com.pk.
Applicable Rating Criteria: Corporates:
https://docs.vis.com.pk/docs/CorporateMethodology.pdf
VIS Issue/Issuer Rating Scale
https://docs.vis.com.pk/docs/VISRatingScales.pdf