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The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited
Press Release

Date
20-Sep-23

Analyst
Faiqa Qamar
faiqa.qamar@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com

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This press release is being transmitted for the sole purpose of dissemination through print/electronic media. The press release may be used in full or in part without changing the meaning or context thereof with due credit to PACRA

PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of First Punjab Modaraba

Rating Type Entity
Current
(20-Sep-23 )
Previous
(20-Sep-22 )
Action Maintain Maintain
Long Term A- A-
Short Term A2 A2
Outlook Stable Stable
Rating Watch - -

The ratings reflect the Modaraba's association with The Bank of Punjab (BoP) (Rated AA+ by PACRA). Income level has improved supported by high interest rates; however, overall growth is consistently deteriorating due to high finance cost. The Modaraba upholds its earning assets, particularly in the lending sector with a significant focus on vehicle financing. However, the impact of accumulated losses remains a pressing concern, necessitating ongoing efforts to strengthen the equity base, currently stands at PKR 1.2mln as of Mar-23 (as of Dec-22 : PKR 0.05mln), through an additional investment. Through a support letter, BoP has shared a formal commitment to provide subordinated loan of PKR 500mln. The plan is expected to be implemented within due time. Going forward, a comprehensive plan for the Modaraba to tap into new products is under development, and is expected to be shared and approved by BoP’s Board in near future. Yet the modalities and materialization of the plan remains unclear. Support from sponsor is vital. Considerably weak financial position and the ongoing economic challenges requires vigilance.
The ratings are dependent on relative positioning of the Modaraba in the sector and sustained asset quality of the new portfolio: achieving bottom line profitability is important. Meanwhile, any weakening in the financial profile or support from the sponsor could have negative implications.

About the Entity
First Punjab Modaraba ('the Modaraba'), established in 1992, is a perpetual and a multi-diensional Modaraba, is listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange. The Modaraba is engaged in financing through Ijarah, Morabaha and Diminishing Musharaka. Punjab Modaraba Services (Pvt.) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Bank of Punjab (BoP), is the Management Company of the Modaraba and holds a stake of ~39% stake in the Modaraba. General Public holds a stake of ~ 40%. While, the remaining ~21% is held by financial institutions. The Board of Directors is chaired by Nadeem Amir, while Mr. Aamir Malik head the Modaraba as the CEO. He is supported by an adequate management team.

The primary function of PACRA is to evaluate the capacity and willingness of an entity to honor its obligations. Our ratings reflect an independent, professional and impartial assessment of the risks associated with a particular instrument or an entity. PACRA's comprehensive offerings include instrument and entity credit ratings, insurer financial strength ratings, fund ratings, asset manager ratings and real estate gradings. PACRA opinion is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security, in as much as it does not comment on the security's market price or suitability for a particular investor.