Analyst
Muhammad Atif Chaudhry
Atif.Chaudhry@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
Related Research
PACRA assigns Initial rating to K-Electric | PPSTS-12 | PKR 5bln | Dec-22
Rating Type | Debt Instrument | |
Current (02-Feb-23 ) |
||
Action | Initial | |
Long Term | AA | |
Short Term | A1+ | |
Outlook | Stable | |
Rating Watch | - |
The ratings incorporate the strategic importance of K-Electric Limited, (“the Company” or “KE”) being a vertically integrated power utility, responsible for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Karachi and adjoining areas of Sindh and Balochistan. The ownership stake is under the process of change. The company’s board of directors comprises of ten directors currently. Three vacancies are to be filled soon. However the quorum of all board committees is complete. Support has been drawn from the sustained rather improved performance metrics of the Company, owing to the growing demand for electricity and continuous improvement across various operational metrics including a reduction in T&D losses and a better recovery ratio. KE showed improvement in revenue in FY22: PKR 518,777mln (FY21: 325,048). However, the decline in net profit of the Company was observed on the back of a significant increase in fuel prices, exponential finance cost, increase in significant rupee devaluation and increase in Tariff differential. Working Capital also remains a challenge because the delayed payments from the government resulted in enhanced borrowings ultimately curtailing profitability because of increased finance cost. The Company is pursuing its 900 MW RLNG project on a fast-track basis in unit-I & II of 450 MW each. The generation capacity of the Company will increase and being an efficient plant, electricity will be produced at a lower rate which would havea positive impact on the working capital of the Company.
The expected increase in generation fleet efficiency and additional power purchase from GoP, are imperative for the ratings, going forward. At the same time, upholding business and financial metrics is of utmost importance.
About
the Entity
K-Electric, a vertically-integrated power utility, has been in operations for more than a century. Total installed capacity of K-Electric is 2,817MW, having an arrangement under a power purchase agreement for 1,650+ MW. At the end-jun22, KES Power Limited (KESP) held 66.4% share in K-Electric, while Government of Pakistan owned 24.4%. KES Power has entered into a share purchase agreement with Shanghai Electric Power Company Limited (SEP) for sale of up to 66.4%shares of K-Electric. The transaction is in process and will close once customary closing conditions and requisite regulatory approvals are obtained. K-Electric has ten member board. Mr. MoonisAlvi, CEO is associated with the company since 2008. He is supported by an experienced team.
About
the Instrument
KE has issued rated, unsecured, privately placed, short-term, sukuk K-Electric | PPSTS-12 | PKR 5bln | Dec22 ("PPSTS-12") of PKR 5,000mln on 13th December 2022, to finance the Company’s working capital requirements. The tenor of PPSTS-12 is 6 months and carrying a profit rate of 6MK+140bps. Profit and principal will be realized at the time of maturity. PPSTS-12 is the new issue.