Rating History
Dissemination Date Long-Term Rating Short-Term Rating Outlook Action Rating Watch
11-Jul-25 BBB A2 Stable Initial -
About the Entity

Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Limited, established in 2010, operates in the healthcare sector, specializing in the distribution of advanced diagnostic and medical equipment. The Board comprises three members, led by CEO Mr. Abdul Rasheed Chohan (55% ownership), a seasoned industry professional. He is supported by his sons, Mr. Zulqarnain Rasheed Chohan (45% ownership) and Mr. Saad Rasheed Chohan (Director Sales & Marketing), both of whom play active roles in driving the Company’s strategic and operational direction.

Rating Rationale

Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Limited, incorporated in 2010, is a private limited company engaged in the supply, installation, and servicing of diagnostic and medical equipment across Pakistan. Its product portfolio includes testing systems for blood, HIV, and hepatitis, along with imaging equipment such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI machines. The Company operates as part of the Hoora Group, which also includes Hoora Pharma (AOP) and Pinnacle Biotech (Pvt.) Limited. Pinnacle Biotech is involved in the manufacturing and marketing of branded generics across various therapeutic categories, including cardiovascular, diabetes, and antibiotics. Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Limited holds distribution arrangements with globally renowned medical & diagnostic equipment manufacturers, such as Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, Shimadzu, and Terumo. It follows a hybrid business model, which includes direct equipment sales, long-term rental agreements, and service-based contracts with prominent public and private hospitals, as well as diagnostic laboratories. The demand for diagnostic equipment and services has gradually increased, supported by factors such as urban population growth, higher health awareness influenced by digital and social media, and ongoing development in healthcare infrastructure. However, the industry remains exposed to challenges such as exchange rate volatility, a stringent regulatory environment, and significant working capital requirements. Currently, the gradual transition of business from Hoora Pharma (AOP) to Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Limited is underway and expected to be completed by FY26. During FY24, the revenue of the Company was recorded at ~PKR 3.9bln (FY23: ~PKR 2.1bln). Gross profit margin showed some dilution and stood at ~23.4% (FY23: ~25%), mainly due to an increase in equipment-associated costs. However, net margin improved to ~10% (FY23: ~7%) due to an increase in other income. The board’s composition primarily consists of close family members, thus limiting the presence of independent oversight, and the external auditors are just QCR-rated, suggesting scope for strengthening the corporate governance framework. The operations of the Company are managed by an experienced and qualified management team, and adequate internal control systems are implemented across the organization. Recently, the Company has been qualified as an authorized distributor of Johnson & Johnson’s wound closure product portfolio and projects an additional sizeable revenue stream. The financial risk profile of the Company is considered adequate, with comfortable coverages and cashflows. However, working capital cycle is stretched due to the nature of the business. Capital structure is leveraged, where borrowings are mainly comprised of short-term for working capital requirements, and a modest equity base.

Key Rating Drivers

The ratings are dependent upon the Company’s ability to sustain revenue growth while improving cost efficiencies and enhancing profit margins. Additionally, adherence to the debt and profitability benchmarks outlined in the provided financial projections remains essential. Furthermore, the successful and complete transfer of assets, equity, and liabilities from Hoora Pharma (AOP) to Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Limited will remain important.

Profile
Legal Structure

Hoora Pharma (Private) Limited is a private limited company incorporated in Pakistan on September 6, 2010 under the Companies Act, 2017. The registered office of the Company is situated at WH-01-20-A7-A8, Korangi Creek Industrial Park, Karachi in the province of Sindh.


Background

Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. is a Pakistan-based healthcare company with a strong footprint in the medical devices and diagnostics segment. Originating as a small-scale partnership firm in 1985, the Company has steadily evolved into a reputable name in diagnostic and imaging services. It plays a critical intermediary role by bridging international medical device manufacturers and healthcare providers in Pakistan, with a mission to facilitate accessible and high-quality diagnostic services across major urban centers.


Operations

The Company’s operations are centered on sourcing and supplying advanced diagnostic equipment and medical devices from global technology leaders. Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. represents prominent industry players such as Siemens Healthineers, Shimadzu, GE Healthcare, and Terumo, ensuring a wide portfolio that spans Immunoassay, Chemistry, Ultrasound, Hematology, Imaging, Wound Closure, POCT, and other diagnostic domains. To support its specialized operations, the company maintains a robust distribution infrastructure, including temperature-controlled warehousing, which ensures the quality and integrity of sensitive products throughout the supply chain.


Ownership
Ownership Structure

Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. is a family-owned business, with 100% of the equity held by the sponsoring family. Mr. Abdul Rasheed Chohan, the founder, holds a majority 55% stake, while his son, Mr. Zulqurnain Rasheed Chohan, holds the remaining 45%. This concentrated shareholding enables quick decision-making and reflects long-term commitment by the sponsors.


Stability

The shareholding structure remains stable, with no anticipated changes in ownership in the near term. However, the absence of a documented succession plan and formal corporate governance framework may pose long-term continuity risks. A move toward structured corporatization and well documented succession planning would further enhance the company's governance and ownership stability.


Business Acumen

The sponsoring family brings deep sector knowledge and decades of experience to the Company. Mr. Abdul Rasheed Chohan has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including a notable tenure as Executive Director at Hilton Pharma. He has also established Pinnacle Biotech (Pvt.) Ltd., another pharma-focused business under the Hoora Group umbrella. This track record demonstrates strategic foresight, industry credibility, and a strong foundation in healthcare operations and leadership.


Financial Strength

Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. is part of the diversified Hoora Group of Companies, which also includes Pinnacle Biotech (Pvt.) Ltd., Hoora Pharma (AOP) and Pinnacle Builders and Developers. The Group's presence spans across pharmaceuticals, and real estate development, reflecting a broad-based business profile. The sponsors of the Group possess the financial depth and operational experience necessary to support the businesses under their umbrella. The diversified nature of the Group’s operations enhances its resilience and provides a stable platform to extend financial support to Hoora Pharma when required.


Governance
Board Structure

The board of Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. is composed of three primary sponsors, including Mr. Abdul Rasheed Chohan (CEO), Mr. Zulqarnain Rasheed Chohan (Director), and Mr. Saad Rasheed Chohan (Director). The board structure reflects a family-owned leadership model with clear delegation of operational oversight to functional managers and heads of departments. There remains scope to further strengthen board independence through the inclusion of non-executive or independent directors to ensure objective oversight and strategic input.


Members’ Profile

The sponsors bring substantial industry knowledge and international exposure. Mr. Abdul Rasheed Chohan, CEO of Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd., has extensive experience including an 18-year tenure as Executive Director at Hilton Pharma and international training across Europe, the U.S., and Asia in advanced healthcare technologies. His sons, Mr. Zulqarnain Rasheed Chohan and Mr. Saad Rasheed Chohan, serve as Directors and have represented the Company at numerous international pharmaceutical and diagnostic forums. Together, they aim to position Hoora Group among the top diagnostic and pharmaceutical firms in the region, underpinned by a strong growth vision.


Board Effectiveness

Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. has initiated the formation of formal board committees, which are currently in the process of being institutionalized. The Company has demonstrated intent to strengthen its governance framework by establishing designated committees to assist the Board in strategic oversight. PACRA encourages continued progress in this direction, alongside maintaining documented board meetings, structured minutes, and attendance tracking, to further enhance transparency, accountability, and long-term governance effectiveness.


Financial Transparency

The Company’s external audit is conducted by A.D. Akhawala & Co., Chartered Accountants. The auditor expressed an unqualified opinion on the financial statements for FY24. While the firm holds a Quality Control Review (QCR) rating from ICAP, it is not listed on the State Bank of Pakistan’s panel of approved auditors, which may somewhat limit regulatory recognition from a credit risk standpoint. Internally, the finance function is led by a Chief Financial Officer, supported by a Senior Finance Manager. Strategic and financial oversight is provided by Director Mr. Zulqurnain Rasheed Chohan. While internal controls are in place, governance practices could be further strengthened through the formalization of internal audit mechanisms and enhanced board-level oversight.


Management
Organizational Structure

Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. has a well-documented and functionally segregated organizational structure. Departments span key areas including (i) Supply Chain, (ii) Sales & Marketing, (iii) Import Management, (iv) Finance, (v) HR, (vi) Operations, and (vii) Business Units with dedicated managers or heads. The structure supports accountability and specialization, with senior-level appointments such as a Managing Director, General Manager, Vice President, and Business Unit Heads ensuring streamlined operations.


Management Team

The Company is led by Mr. Abdul Rasheed Chohan, who serves as CEO and brings decades of experience in the healthcare and diagnostic sector. His strategic direction is complemented by a capable and experienced second line of management. Key leadership positions include Mr. Faisal Akbar (General Manager), Dr. Zaffar Hashmi (Managing Director), and Mr. Nizam Zaheer (Vice President), along with heads of key functions such as HR, finance, supply chain, and imports. The finance function is overseen by Mr. Jibran Ahmed, Chief Financial Officer. The management team benefits from international exposure and training, which has contributed to the adoption of global best practices across operations. This depth and breadth of experience within the leadership team enhances the company’s operational efficiency and positions it well for sustainable growth.


Effectiveness

Roles and responsibilities within the management structure are clearly defined, ensuring efficient execution of business functions. The Company has advance internal controls across procurement, inventory, and logistics, backed by ERP automation. However, the absence of formal internal committees (e.g., OPEX, CAPEX, strategy) presents an opportunity for improvement in strategic coordination and risk governance.


MIS

Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. has deployed Oracle NetSuite, a top-tier cloud-based ERP platform, which integrates core functions such as finance (R2R), procurement (P2P), order management (O2C), manufacturing, supply chain, HR, and analytics. This system enables real-time data visibility, efficient workflow automation, and informed decision-making through live dashboards and performance KPIs accessible by senior management.


Control Environment

The control environment is supported by the ERP-driven standardization of key processes across procurement, inventory, and finance. While a formal internal audit department is not separately constituted, compliance and monitoring responsibilities are embedded within finance and managerial functions. The Company can further benefit from establishing a dedicated internal audit and compliance review mechanism that reports to top management or a future audit committee.


Business Risk
Industry Dynamics

According to international monitoring firm IQVIA, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector recorded a 21.79% growth in calendar year 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching a market value of Rs. 962.5 billion. This growth has largely been driven by a deregulatory policy introduced earlier in the year, which allowed pharmaceutical companies to adjust prices for non-essential medicines in response to rising production costs. The revenue surge was primarily the result of price adjustments, rather than a significant increase in unit sales. The industry remains heavily dependent on imported active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and foreign exchange volatility, particularly due to the depreciation of the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). This has constrained the industry's ability to pass on costs, especially in the essential medicines segment, where pricing remains regulated. Over the past year, the sector sold 3.7 billion units, reflecting a modest volume growth of 2.27%, while revenue growth was largely price-driven.


Relative Position

Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. has secured authorised and non-exclusive partnerships with globally renowned manufacturers in the healthcare and diagnostic sectors, including Siemens Healthineers and Shimadzu. These strategic alliances allow the Company to offer cutting-edge technologies across segments such as In Vitro Diagnostics, Medical Imaging, Ultrasound, and Blood Technology. As a result, Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. has positioned itself in the top quartile of the domestic healthcare distribution industry, supported by a specialized product portfolio and established institutional clientele.


Revenues

Currently, the gradual transition of business from Hoora Pharma (AOP) to Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Limited is underway and expected to be completed by FY26. During FY24, the revenue of the Company was recorded at ~PKR 3.9bln (FY23: ~PKR 2.1bln). Key institutional customers include Pir Syed Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, and Mayo Hospital—highlighting the company’s strong presence in the public healthcare procurement space.


Margins

The Company sustained adequate profitability in FY24 with a gross margin of 23.4% (FY23: 25.2%), supported by product pricing strategies and improved cost control. The net profit margin rose to 10.2%, compared to 6.9% in FY23, with net profit reaching PKR 405 million (FY23: PKR 144 million). This margin improvement reflects operational scalability and growing market penetration in high-margin segments.


Sustainability

Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. has business partnerships with world’s top tier players in Diagnostic segment including Siemens Healthineers, Shimadzu, etc. Recently, the Company has been qualified as an authorized distributor of Johnson & Johnson’s wound closure product portfolio and projects an additional sizeable revenue stream. The Company do have clear visionary prospects to be the leading supplier of medical diagnostics & healthcare products in the country as top solution provider. Restructuring the organization to meet MNC standards. The upper management regularly overseas the company’s financial budgeting and projections.


Financial Risk
Working capital

Hoora Pharma (Pvt.) Ltd. operates with a stretched working capital cycle, largely due to its credit-based sales model and the need to maintain buffer inventory of sensitive diagnostic equipment. The net working capital cycle remained elevated at 111 days in FY24 (unchanged from FY23). Nonetheless, the company’s current ratio improved to 1.5x (FY23: 1.2x), indicating better short-term liquidity management.


Coverages

The Company generated Free Cash Flow from Operations (FCFO) of PKR 491 million in FY24 (FY23: PKR 199 million), reflecting enhanced operating performance. However, rising interest rates led to an increase in finance costs to PKR 118 million (FY23: PKR 38 million), which impacted coverage metrics. The interest coverage ratio declined to 4.5x (FY23: 7.0x), and the debt payback ratio stood at 2.7x (FY23: 3.1x), indicating a moderate reduction in debt-servicing capacity despite improved cash flows.


Capitalization

As of FY24, the Company’s total borrowings slightly decreased to PKR 445 million (FY23: PKR 536 million), with short-term borrowings making up 100% of the total debt mix. With this decline, the leverage ratio stands at 29.8%% (FY23: 45.4%). This indicates reliance on debt financing to support business growth, which may require optimization as the company scales further.


 
 

Jul-25

www.pacra.com


Jun-24
12M
Jun-23
12M
Jun-22
12M
A. BALANCE SHEET
1. Non-Current Assets 690 669 642
2. Investments 0 0 0
3. Related Party Exposure 987 509 3
4. Current Assets 2,398 1,853 759
a. Inventories 229 259 60
b. Trade Receivables 1,509 1,097 101
5. Total Assets 4,075 3,030 1,404
6. Current Liabilities 1,563 1,506 455
a. Trade Payables 424 245 4
7. Borrowings 445 536 150
8. Related Party Exposure 1,019 345 300
9. Non-Current Liabilities 0 0 0
10. Net Assets 1,048 643 500
11. Shareholders' Equity 1,048 643 500
B. INCOME STATEMENT
1. Sales 3,986 2,086 420
a. Cost of Good Sold (3,053) (1,560) (261)
2. Gross Profit 933 526 159
a. Operating Expenses (710) (402) (95)
3. Operating Profit 223 123 64
a. Non Operating Income or (Expense) 358 101 91
4. Profit or (Loss) before Interest and Tax 581 225 155
a. Total Finance Cost (118) (38) (20)
b. Taxation (58) (43) (28)
6. Net Income Or (Loss) 405 144 108
C. CASH FLOW STATEMENT
a. Free Cash Flows from Operations (FCFO) 491 199 124
b. Net Cash from Operating Activities before Working Capital Changes 491 199 124
c. Changes in Working Capital (124) (290) 429
1. Net Cash provided by Operating Activities 367 (91) 552
2. Net Cash (Used in) or Available From Investing Activities (134) (232) (133)
3. Net Cash (Used in) or Available From Financing Activities (194) 0 0
4. Net Cash generated or (Used) during the period 39 (323) 419
D. RATIO ANALYSIS
1. Performance
a. Sales Growth (for the period) 91.1% 396.6% #DIV/0!
b. Gross Profit Margin 23.4% 25.2% 38.0%
c. Net Profit Margin 10.2% 6.9% 25.7%
d. Cash Conversion Efficiency (FCFO adjusted for Working Capital/Sales) 9.2% -4.3% 131.5%
e. Return on Equity [ Net Profit Margin * Asset Turnover * (Total Assets/Shareholders' Equity )] 47.8% 25.1% 21.6%
2. Working Capital Management
a. Gross Working Capital (Average Days) 142 133 140
b. Net Working Capital (Average Days) 111 111 137
c. Current Ratio (Current Assets / Current Liabilities) 1.5 1.2 1.7
3. Coverages
a. EBITDA / Finance Cost 5.0 8.5 18.5
b. FCFO / Finance Cost+CMLTB+Excess STB 4.5 0.9 15.1
c. Debt Payback (Total Borrowings+Excess STB) / (FCFO-Finance Cost) 0.0 1.1 1.3
4. Capital Structure
a. Total Borrowings / (Total Borrowings+Shareholders' Equity) 29.8% 45.4% 23.1%
b. Interest or Markup Payable (Days) 78.1 349.3 0.0
c. Entity Average Borrowing Rate 22.4% 8.3% 5.5%

Jul-25

www.pacra.com

Jul-25

www.pacra.com

  1. Rating Team Statements
    1. Rating is just an opinion about the creditworthiness of the entity and does not constitute a recommendation to buy, hold, or sell any security of the entity rated or to buy, hold, or sell the security rated, as the case may be. (Chapter III; 14-3-(x))
    2. Conflict of Interest
      1. The Rating Team or any of their family members have no interest in this rating (Chapter III; 12-2-(j))
      2. PACRA, the analysts involved in the rating process, and members of its rating committee and their family members do not have any conflict of interest relating to the rating done by them (Chapter III; 12-2-(e) & (k))
      3. The analyst is not a substantial shareholder of the customer being rated by PACRA [Annexure F; d-(ii)]
      4. Explanation: for the purpose of the above clause, the term "family members" shall include only those family members who are dependent on the analyst and members of the rating committee.
  2. Restrictions
    1. No director, officer, or employee of PACRA communicates the information acquired by him for use for rating purposes to any other person, except where required under law to do so. (Chapter III; 10-(5))
    2. PACRA does not disclose or discuss with outside parties or make improper use of the non-public information which has come to its knowledge during a business relationship with the customer. (Chapter III; 10-7-(d))
    3. PACRA does not make proposals or recommendations regarding the activities of rated entities that could impact a credit rating of the entity subject to rating. (Chapter III; 10-7-(k))
  3. Conduct of Business
    1. PACRA fulfills its obligations in a fair, efficient, transparent, and ethical manner and renders high standards of services in performing its functions and obligations. (Chapter III; 11-A-(a))
    2. PACRA uses due care in the preparation of this Rating Report. Our information has been obtained from sources we consider to be reliable, but its accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed. PACRA does not, in every instance, independently verify or validate information received in the rating process or in preparing this Rating Report. (Clause 11-(A)(p))
    3. PACRA prohibits its employees and analysts from soliciting money, gifts, or favors from anyone with whom PACRA conducts business. (Chapter III; 11-A-(q))
    4. PACRA ensures before the commencement of the rating process that an analyst or employee has not had a recent employment or other significant business or personal relationship with the rated entity that may cause or may be perceived as causing a conflict of interest. (Chapter III; 11-A-(r))
    5. PACRA maintains the principle of integrity in seeking rating business. (Chapter III; 11-A-(u))
    6. PACRA promptly investigates in the event of misconduct or a breach of the policies, procedures, and controls, and takes appropriate steps to rectify any weaknesses to prevent any recurrence, along with suitable punitive action against the responsible employee(s). (Chapter III; 11-B-(m))
  4. Independence & Conflict of Interest
    1. PACRA receives compensation from the entity being rated or any third party for the rating services it offers. The receipt of this compensation has no influence on PACRA’s opinions or other analytical processes. In all instances, PACRA is committed to preserving the objectivity, integrity, and independence of its ratings. Our relationship is governed by two distinct mandates: i) rating mandate - signed with the entity being rated or issuer of the debt instrument, and ii) fee mandate - signed with the payer, which can be different from the entity.
    2. PACRA does not provide consultancy/advisory services or other services to any of its customers or their associated companies and associated undertakings that are being rated or have been rated by it during the preceding three years, unless it has an adequate mechanism in place ensuring that the provision of such services does not lead to a conflict of interest situation with its rating activities. (Chapter III; 12-2-(d))
    3. PACRA discloses that no shareholder directly or indirectly holding 10% or more of the share capital of PACRA also holds directly or indirectly 10% or more of the share capital of the entity which is subject to rating or the entity which issued the instrument subject to rating by PACRA. (Chapter III; 12-2-(f))
    4. PACRA ensures that the rating assigned to an entity or instrument is not affected by the existence of a business relationship between PACRA and the entity or any other party, or the non-existence of such a relationship. (Chapter III; 12-2-(i))
    5. PACRA ensures that the analysts or any of their family members shall not buy, sell, or engage in any transaction in any security which falls in the analyst’s area of primary analytical responsibility. This clause, however, does not apply to investments in securities through collective investment schemes. (Chapter III; 12-2-(l))
    6. PACRA has established policies and procedures governing investments and trading in securities by its employees and for monitoring the same to prevent insider trading, market manipulation, or any other market abuse. (Chapter III; 11-B-(g))
  5. Monitoring and Review
    1. PACRA monitors all the outstanding ratings continuously, and any potential change therein due to any event associated with the issuer, the security arrangement, the industry, etc., is disseminated to the market immediately and in an effective manner after appropriate consultation with the entity/issuer. (Chapter III; 17-(a))
    2. PACRA reviews all the outstanding ratings periodically on an annual basis. Provided that public dissemination of annual review and in an instance of change in rating will be made. (Chapter III; 17-(b))
    3. PACRA initiates an immediate review of the outstanding rating upon becoming aware of any information that may reasonably be expected to result in downgrading of the rating. (Chapter III; 17-(c))
    4. PACRA engages with the issuer and the debt securities trustee to remain updated on all information pertaining to the rating of the entity/instrument. (Chapter III; 17-(d))
  6. Probability of Default
    1. PACRA’s Rating Scale reflects the expectation of credit risk. The highest rating has the lowest relative likelihood of default (i.e., probability). PACRA’s transition studies capture the historical performance behavior of a specific rating notch. Transition behavior of the assigned rating can be obtained from PACRA’s Transition Study available at our website. (www.pacra.com) However, the actual transition of rating may not follow the pattern observed in the past. (Chapter III; 14-3(f)(vii))
  7. Proprietary Information
    1. All information contained herein is considered proprietary by PACRA. Hence, none of the information in this document can be copied or otherwise reproduced, stored, or disseminated in whole or in part in any form or by any means whatsoever by any person without PACRA’s prior written consent.

Jul-25

www.pacra.com