PACRA Assigns Preliminary Rating to The Hub Power Company Limited | PPSTS | PKR 6bln | TBI

The rating reflects the holding Company character of Hubco with an exclusive focus on the different dimensions of the energy sector. The Company had signed a PPA with the government for 30 years that is valid till 2027. Hubco itself is a 1,292MW RFO based power plant situated at Mouza Kund, Hub in Balochistan. With its investment in Narowal Energy Limited, Laraib Energy Limited and China Power Hub Generation Company, the total combined installed power generation capacity of Hubco was 2,921MW, which is now increased to 3,581MW. As 660MW is added to the total installed capacity of Hubco as ThalNova Power and Thar Energy Limited achieved their respective COD on 17th Feb'23 and 1st Oct'22 respectively. The Company aims at expanding its operations in oil & gas exploration, water desalination and renewable energy through this strategic investment. HUBCO completed the acquisition of Eni's business in Pakistan, through a 50:50 joint venture company, Prime International Oil & Gas Co. During the six-month period ended on Dec 2022, the Company reported topline of PKR ~25bln (Dec'21: PKR ~ 31bln). While the profitability of the Company significantly increased by ~40% to PKR ~15bln (Dec'21: 9bln). The increase in profit is mainly due to Dividend income from NEL and partly offset by impact of higher finance costs due to higher interest rate. Although Hubco has a sizeable amount of borrowings to support its working capital needs and growth opportunities. The settlement of outstanding receivables due from CPPAG under the signed MoU has further eased the burden on the Company's financial risk profile.
Hubco's strong operational performance over the years coupled with its diversified investment portfolio in the power sector contributes towards to the assigned ratings.

About the Entity
Hubco, a listed company, was incorporated in 1991. Mega Conglomerate being the largest shareholder holds 19.5% of the total ownership. while the remaining shareholding of Hubco resides with Financial Institutions (12.2%), Modarabas and Mutual Funds (11.1%), and Individuals (24.3%). The company has made sizeable investments in the power sector including power generation, oil & gas exploration, operations & maintenance services and coal mining. Overall control of the company vests in a nine-member board of directors (BoD) including the CEO. The BoD comprises of 3 nominees from Mega Conglomerate, 1 nominee each of NIT, Fauji Foundation and Government of Balochistan along with 2 Independent directors. Mr. Kamran Kamal is the CEO of the company. He has been associated with the company for about seven years and is serving on the current position for almost one year. He is accompanied by a team of qualified individuals heading the respective divisions in the company.

About the Instrument
Hubco is in a process of issuing another unsecured, privately placed short term sukuk of PKR 6bln to finance Company's working capital requirements of The Hub Power Company Limited. The Privately Placed Short Term Sukuk, having a tenor of six months, carries a profit rate of 6M KIBOR +30bps. Interest and principal will be paid in bullet at the time of maturity.