Press Release

VIS Assigns Preliminary Ratings to Proposed Commercial Paper of Waves Home Appliances Limited (formerly Samin Textiles Limited)

Karachi, December 14, 2022: VIS Credit Rating Company Limited (VIS) has assigned preliminary instrument rating of ‘A-2’ (A-Two) to proposed Commercial Paper (CP) issue of up to Rs. 500m of Waves Home Appliances Limited (WHALE), formerly Samin Textiles Limited. The CP will have a tenor of 9 months and will be redeemed at the face value on maturity date, with the proceeds to be utilized for working capital requirements. Entity ratings of WHALE are placed at ‘A/A-2’ (Single A/A-Two). Medium to long-term rating of ‘A’ signifies good credit quality with adequate protection factors. Moreover, risk factors may vary with possible changes in economy. Short-term rating of ‘A-2’ denotes good certainty of timely payments coupled with sound liquidity and company fundamentals.

Waves Home Appliances Limited (WHALE), a subsidiary of Waves Corporation Limited (WCL), is engaged in manufacturing, assembly and wholesale of domestic consumer appliances and other light engineering products. WCL recently underwent restructuring/scheme of arrangement (effective from Aug’21) wherein the home appliances business was demerged and merged into WHALE while real estate business and retail shop network for consumer appliances and other consumer goods were retained (with formation of two separate wholly-owned subsidiaries i.e. Waves Market Place Limited and Waves Builders & Developers Limited).

Assigned ratings incorporate sound sponsor strength, extensive operating history and outreach, well-established brand name ‘Waves’ with dominant market share in deep freezer segment and considerable market penetration in other high-valued home appliances. Ratings further take into account the consistent sales revenue growth baring the pandemic year and healthy profitability margins. Capitalization is supported by sponsor loan and projected low leveraged capital structure; however, stretched working capital cycle due to elevated debtor days and sizeable receivables constraints liquidity. Projected cash flow generation is considered sufficient against outstanding debt repayments. Ratings also take note of capex plans regarding relocation of manufacturing facility, which would result in complete integration of production processes, debottlenecking and cost savings associated with transportation. The phase wise relocation from existing to the new factory will begin in Jan'23 to ensure business continuity.

In terms of product mix, deep freezers and refrigerators generate around 87% of revenues on last three years average basis, with remainder coming from water heaters, washing machines, microwave ovens and sewing machines. Management intends to introduce air conditioners and expand on washing machine and microwave segments, which will aid in product revenue diversification while risk of client-specific sales concentration is deemed low. Furthermore, plans for key product localization are in place, which would reduce input costs. Demand for high-valued household appliances is directly related to disposable income and consumer lifestyle, and a few major players dominate the industry. Given economic slowdown amid global inflation and recessionary trend, demand slowdown is expected going forward. Major business risk factors include economic contraction, brand/reputation risk, and high level of competition. Hence, achievement of projected revenue growth targets and maintaining financial risk profile will be important for ratings.

For further information on this rating announcement, please contact Mr. Muhammad Tabish (Ext: 206) or the undersigned (Ext. 201) at 021-35311861-70 or email at info@vis.com.pk


Javed Callea
Advisor

Applicable Rating Criteria: Industrial Corporates (August 2021)
https://docs.vis.com.pk/docs/CorporateMethodology202108.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 2022 VIS Credit Rating Company Limited . All rights reserved. Contents may be used by news media with credit to VIS .