Press Release

VIS Credit Rating Company Reaffirms Entity Ratings of Yunus Energy Limited

Karachi, April 01, 2022: VIS Credit Rating Company Limited (VIS) has reaffirmed entity ratings of ‘A+/A-1’ (Single A /A-One) to Yunus Energy Limited (YEL). Long Term Rating of ‘A+’ reflects good credit quality, adequate protection factors. Risk factors may vary with possible changes in the economy. Short Term Rating of ‘A-1’ indicates high certainty of timely payment, excellent liquidity factors supported by good fundamental protection factors and risk factors are minor. Outlook on the assigned ratings is ‘Stable’. Previous rating action was announced on March 1, 2021.

YEL operates a 50 Megawatt (MW) wind power farm, located at Jhimpir-Hyderabad corridor. The plant comprises 20 Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs), each with a nameplate capacity of 2.5 MW. YEL commenced commercial operations in September’2016. A consortium of NORDEX Pakistan (Private) Limited and Descon Engineering Limited is providing Operations & Maintenance (O&M) services and is expected to remain the plant’s O&M contractors till debt financing is fully paid off.
Assigned ratings incorporate satisfactory operating track record since commercial operations, low business risk and adequate financial risk profile. YEL is part of Yunus Brother Group (YBG), a reputable conglomerate with strong financial profile and presence in diversified sectors including power generation, building materials, real estate, textile, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and automotive sectors. Further, contractual commitment of the sponsor to fund any shortfall in the debt payment account provides comfort to the assigned ratings.

Business risk profile draws support from long-term Operations & Maintenance (O&M) contract in place with experienced O&M operator and track record of compliance with normative parameters stipulated in Energy Purchase Agreement (EPA) since commencement of operations. Presence of long term EPA with guaranteed capacity payments mitigates off-take risk while adequate insurance coverage is also in place.

Assessment of financial risk profile incorporates sound debt coverage metrics and healthy cash flows in relation to outstanding obligations indicating satisfactory debt servicing ability; however, erratic payment cycle exhibited by power purchaser may translate into some liquidity pressures. Even though YEL’s operations are susceptible to liquidity risk, given availability of borrowing lines and association with YBG, liquidity risk is considered manageable. Gearing and leverage ratios have improved on a timeline basis. Ratings remain dependent on maintaining satisfactory operating track record and achieving projected improvement in leverage indicators over the rating horizon.
For further information on this rating announcement, please contact Mr. Arsal Ayub, CFA (Ext: 216) or the undersigned (Ext. 207) at 021-35311861-70 or email at info@vis.com.pk .

Sara Ahmed
Director

Applicable Rating Criteria: 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 .