Rating History
Dissemination Date Long-Term Rating Short-Term Rating Outlook Action Rating Watch
22-Aug-25 A- A2 Stable Maintain -
15-Nov-24 A- A2 Stable Upgrade -
23-Aug-24 BBB+ A2 Stable Maintain -
23-Aug-23 BBB+ A2 Stable Maintain -
24-Aug-22 BBB+ A2 Stable Maintain -
About the Entity

Maaksons Engineering Corporation Limited, initially named as M. A Aleem Khan & Sons, was officially registered as a Private Company in 1984, but has been in business since 1951. Maaksons scope of work comprises construction of roads and highways, bridges and structures, residential and commercial buildings, canals and tunnels, etc. Significant projects to the company’s credit are 9th Avenue and Jinnah Avenue in Islamabad, Signal Free Corridor Islamabad Highway, and in DHA Lahore, Metro Lahore, 29-storey Telecom Tower Islamabad, Gulberg Green, 3x210 Thermal Power Station Muzaffargarh, Chashma Canal, etc., to name a few. BOD comprises six members, all of whom belong to the sponsoring family. The Company’s ownership is also collectively divided among members of the sponsoring family.

Rating Rationale

Maaksons Engineering Corporation Limited (“Maaksons” or “the Company”) has been a part of Pakistan’s construction industry for over seven decades. The Company is now run by the third generation of the sponsoring family, with established offices in both Lahore and Islamabad. The sponsors possess a deep understanding of the construction and real estate businesses, with clearly defined functional and reporting responsibilities. Maaksons also holds a no-limit contract license and has demonstrated strong capabilities in executing turnkey projects, while maintaining a sizeable portfolio of investment properties across diverse locations. In line with its strategy to adapt to the changing macroeconomic environment, Maaksons continues to selectively undertake projects with higher margins and quicker cash conversion cycles. The Company has recently initiated infrastructure development works for the Nawaz Sharif IT City (a CBD project), Enertech Building, and the Lake City Meadows Project—a joint venture with Lake City, under which both parties hold 50% stakes in State Life Society near DHA Phase 4. Additionally, other projects in Lahore and Islamabad are expected to support revenue growth over the coming years. The realization of Lake City Meadows, as anticipated, will play a pivotal role in shaping the Company’s future outlook, although its ultimate impact will depend on timely execution and market dynamics. Meanwhile, most of the earlier projects are nearing completion. However, projects with DHA Lahore and certain real estate developments have seen limited progress owing to weak economic viability.
During 9MFY25, Maaksons reported a topline of PKR 4.5 billion (9MFY24: PKR 5.78 billion; FY24: PKR 6.76 billion), reflecting a slight dip. Despite this, profitability improved significantly, with net profit rising to PKR 843 million in 9MFY25 (9MFY24: PKR 552 million; FY24: PKR 318 million). Gross margins expanded to 30.1% in 9MFY25 (FY24: 10.9%; 9MFY24: 22.2%), while net margins strengthened to 18.7% (FY24: 4.7%; 9MFY24: 9.6%). The improvement in margins is attributable to the Company’s selective bidding strategy and focus on short-duration, high-return projects. Maaksons maintains a conservative financial profile with limited external borrowings, supported by a mix of funded and non-funded banking facilities to manage its business requirements. The Company’s equity base stood at PKR 5.7 billion in 9MFY25 (FY24: 4.9 billion). Comfort is further drawn from the sponsors’ sizeable investment properties, strong liquidity position, and the ability to strategically realign the business in response to sectoral and macroeconomic changes. The assigned ratings continue to reflect the Company’s experienced management, prudent project selection strategy, strong land and property bank, and sustained profitability. However, revenue volatility arising from selective participation, project delays, and payment issues from certain clients remains a key constraint.

Key Rating Drivers

The ratings incorporate synergies within the Maaksons Group, supported by sizeable investment properties, experienced management, and a conservative financial profile. The Company’s selective focus on high-margin, short-duration projects underpins profitability. Going forward, timely completion of ongoing contracts, execution of new projects, and revenue diversification will remain pivotal, alongside adherence to sound corporate governance practices.

Profile
Legal Structure

Maaksons Engineering Corporation Limited (“Maaksons” or “the Company”), previously known as M. A. Aleem Khan & Sons (Pvt) Limited, was incorporated as a Private Limited Company in 1984 under the repealed Companies Ordinance 1984 (now the Companies Act, 2017). The registered office of the Company is in Garden Town, Lahore.


Background

The Company was established in 1951 by Mr. M. A. Aleem Khan and was converted into a private limited company in 1984. Since 1951, Maaksons has been engaged in the construction business, delivering numerous Public Works Development Projects. Over the years, the Company has successfully completed various strategic water management and irrigation projects, and subsequently expanded into infrastructure, commercial, and institutional construction. It has consistently demonstrated the ability to undertake large, complex projects and deliver them on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards—often achieving early completions—earning recognition and awards from various authorities.


Operations

MAAKSONS specializes in a diverse range of construction projects, including roads and highways, bridges and overhead bridge structures, underpasses, mixed-use high-rise buildings, residential and commercial buildings, canals, tunnels, water, irrigation, dams and flood systems, oil and gas pipelines, industrial and prefabricated buildings, and workshop mill query system. The Company holds a “no limit” C-A license from the Pakistan Engineering Council, which allows it to undertake projects of any scale. Some of its notable achievements include the construction of the Community Center, Penta Square Appartments and Prism-9 at DHA Lahore, recently started Lake City Medows project, NSIT - CBD project,  the Signal Free Corridor on Islamabad Highway and in DHA Lahore, the Metro Bus Corridor in Lahore, the Underpass at Bedian Road, Lahore, Widening & Improvement of Main Sheikhupura Road and Sharaqpur Road, Constr. & Rehabilitation of Islamabad Expressway from Faizabad Interchange to Koral Chowk, the 29-Storey Telecom Tower in Islamabad, Construction of 165 Bedded Integrated Medical Care Hospital, DHA, Construction of 12 Storey Park & Ride Parking Plaza, Liberty Market, Lahore, Design & Built Access Command, Control Center and Infrastructure Development for Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad, Thermal the 3x210 MW Power Station in Muzaffargarh, and the Chashma Canal, among others. After exploring real estate development, the Company has refocused on its forte: infrastructure-based construction projects.


Ownership
Ownership Structure

Maaksons is entirely a family-owned business where the third generation has also joined in recent years. Mr. M. Aleem Khan was the founder of the Company, and after his demise, his eldest son, Mr. Waseem, has emerged as the man at the last mile. The shareholding structure is divided among Mr. M. Aleem Khan's sons, their wives, and his grandsons. Specifically, 5% of Mr. M. Aleem Khan's shares were equally distributed among his sons, increasing their individual stakes to 17.5% each. The wives of the sons each hold 2.5%, while the four grandsons have 15% ownership each. The Company’s hierarchy maintains clear lines of authority, with Mr. Aleem Khan’s sons and grandsons overseeing their respective areas of responsibility.


Stability

Ownership has remained with the sponsoring family since the Company’s inception, and no changes are anticipated in the near future. Although there is no formal succession plan in place, a verbal understanding and the clear division of responsibilities among family members contribute to stability in the ownership structure. Currently, Mr. Wasim, the CEO, oversees all matters with support from Mr. Ahsan in the next tier.


Business Acumen

The sponsoring family has been in the construction industry for many decades. The sponsors possess a comprehensive understanding of the business, as they are actively involved in the day-to-day operations.


Financial Strength

MAAKSONS has a sound financial profile, supported by several subsidiaries, including MAAKCRETE, MAAK Asphalt, and MAAK Gas, which primarily serve the parent organization. Additionally, the sponsors, both independently and through the Company, own numerous properties across different locations in the country, providing further strength and stability to the financial profile.


Governance
Board Structure

The overall control of the Company rests with a six-member board, which includes two senior directors: Mr. Waseem Khan and Mr. Nadeem Khan, both sons of the late Mr. M. Aleem Khan. The four grandsons of Mr. Aleem Khan serve as executive directors.


Members’ Profile

Mr. Waseem Khan and Mr. Nadeem Khan have had a long-standing association with the Company. Their elder sons, Mr. Ahsan Aleem Khan and Mr. Zunair Aleem Khan, bring extensive experience in the construction industry, while the younger sons, Mr. Shazer Aleem Khan and Mr. Shahnawaz Aleem Khan, are relatively new to the field.


Board Effectiveness

The Board members are actively involved in the planning and execution of the business projects and overseeing the operations on a regular basis. All six male family members hold executive roles within the Company. The board structure could benefit from the addition of independent members to enhance oversight and governance.


Financial Transparency

M/s. Kamran & Co. Chartered Accountants serve as the external auditors for the Company. They issued an unqualified audit opinion with an emphasis of matter paragraph on the financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024.


Management
Organizational Structure

The Company's operations are divided into two regions: Islamabad and Lahore, each operating independently. The head office is located in Lahore, while the regional office is in Islamabad. Business related to the Lahore region is managed by Mr. Waseem Khan and his two sons, while the Islamabad region is overseen by Mr. Nadeem Khan and his two sons. This structure clearly demarcates the responsibilities between the regions. Accounts for both regions are maintained separately and consolidated at the MAAKSONS level.


Management Team

The board members are supported by an experienced team. Mr. Waseem Khan serves as the CEO of the Company. Descending tier, the team includes Mr. Aamir Chaudhry, General Manager of Construction; Mr. Anwar Cheema, Head of the QS (Quantity Surveying) Section; Mr. Saad Ahmed Farooqi, Regional Manager; Mr. Hamza Mehmood, Manager of Contracts & Operations; and Mr. Iqbal Gabol, Chief Financial Officer. All these department heads are supervised by Directors Mr. Ahsan Aleem Khan and Mr. Zunair Aleem Khan in their respective regions.


Effectiveness

The management functions are clear and well-defined, ensuring the effective achievement of the Company's goals and objectives. The board members closely oversee the team to ensure successful execution. Additionally, the board plays an active role in preparing project bids, with detailed meetings held for this purpose. The management holds regular meetings to discuss Company affairs, though the documentation of these meetings is not formalized.


MIS

MAAKSONS currently uses the Axiom ERP System to generate daily reports and track project-specific progress. This web-based system is accessible to all staff working on the projects and provides reports on various aspects such as suppliers, procurement, inventory, and more.


Control Environment

MAAKSONS adheres to strict quality control standards, recognizing their importance in the construction industry. The Company maintains a comprehensive Management Information System (MIS) to enable the management to track activities across various project sites. While a system of internal control is in place, continuous review by an internal audit department would further improve the effectiveness of the management.


Business Risk
Industry Dynamics

The Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2024 (FY24) saw an increase of approximately 30.7% year-on-year (YoY), reaching PKR 950bln. Under the Current and Development Expenditure on the Revenue Account, a specific allocation has been made for Construction and Transport. The total amount for these sectors is PKR 40.5bln for Current Expenditure and PKR 39.1bln for Development Expenditure. In comparison to the previous fiscal year (SPLY), these figures have slightly changed, with allocations for Construction and Transport last year being PKR 30.2bln and PKR 55.2bln, respectively.


Relative Position

Additionally, MAAKSON benefits from its sponsors' ventures into related businesses within the construction and real estate development sectors. This diversification provides a strategic edge over its peers, as the Company can efficiently utilize in-house resources, optimize costs, and generate steady income streams. This integrated business model not only enhances MAAKSON’s operational efficiency but also contributes to sustained financial performance.


Revenues

MAAKSON’s revenue slightly declined to PKR 4,505 million during 9MFY25, compared to PKR 5,783 million in the corresponding period last year (FY24: PKR 6,780 million). While the topline decreased slightly, net profit improved to PKR 843 million, compared to PKR 552 million in 9MFY24 and PKR 314 million in FY24. The improvement in profitability is attributable to the nature of projects undertaken by the Company, which generally offer higher margins.

As apprised by management, the Company has recently initiated infrastructure development works for the Nawaz Sharif IT City (CBD project), Enertech Building, and the Lake City Meadows Project—a joint venture between Maaksons Engineering Corporation Ltd. and Lake City, wherein both parties hold 50% stakes in State Life Society near DHA Phase 4. Additionally, a number of projects have been launched in Lahore and Islamabad, which are expected to support topline growth over the next couple of years. Most of the ongoing projects are approaching completion. However, limited progress in certain ventures—particularly construction contracts with DHA Lahore and other real estate development projects—amid weak economic viability may continue to expose the Company’s revenue stream to volatility going forward.


Margins

According to 9MFY25 figures, MAAKSON recorded a gross margin of 30.1%, a significant improvement from 10.9% in FY24 and 22.2% in 9MFY24. Net profit margins also strengthened to 18.7% in 9MFY25, compared to 4.7% in FY24 and 9.6% in 9MFY24. Despite prevailing inflationary pressures, these improved margins highlight the Company’s ability to bid strategically and cautiously. Management continues to remain selective in project acquisition, focusing on short-term ventures that ensure quicker cash conversion and stronger liquidity.


Sustainability

Management is optimistic about securing a significant share of projects funded under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) and the Infrastructure Development Authority of Punjab (IDAP), which could further strengthen the project pipeline. Furthermore, several large projects are currently in the pre-qualification phase, with management expressing confidence in securing these contracts. However, the successful awarding and timely execution of these projects will be crucial for sustaining revenue growth and protecting profit margins, ensuring long-term financial stability and operational success.


Financial Risk
Working capital

MAAKSON relies primarily on internal cash flows and advances received from the projects to meet its working capital requirements, and has also decent short-term borrowings (STB) limits that were utilized as required. The Company maintains sound exposure to funded credit lines, and due to the nature of its operations, it holds a significant exposure to non-funded lines such as performance guarantees, which are essential for securing projects. The Company has approximately PKR 3bln in unfunded lines, around 50% of which approx. 1.7bln were utilized by the 9MFY25. In terms of operational efficiency, MAAKSON has shown improvement, with net working capital days reduced from 32 days in FY23 to 7 days in FY24 and remaining almost stable at 11 days in 9MFY25, indicating better cash cycle management. As MAAKSON’s project pipeline expands, the exposure to these nonfunded lines is expected to increase, potentially impacting the Company’s financial flexibility. However, maintaining a balance between internal cash generation and strategic use of credit lines will be critical to sustaining growth and operational stability.


Coverages

In 9MFY25, MAAKSON demonstrated a revival in financial performance with free cash flows (FCFO) reaching PKR 976mln and EBITDA recorded at PKR 1,314mln, both significantly higher than the PKR 35mln and PKR 558mln reported in FY24. This substantial increase reflects the Company’s enhanced operational efficiency and improved profitability. The interest coverage ratio also rose to 20.6x in March 2025 compared to 5.2% in June 2024, driven by higher core operating profits and a substantial reduction in finance costs relative to revenue. This indicates MAAKSON’s strengthened ability to meet interest obligations, showcasing improved financial stability and a lower risk profile.


Capitalization

MAAKSON’s equity base has shown steady growth, increasing from PKR 4.9bln in FY24 to PKR 5.7bln in 9MFY25. This upward trend in equity highlights the Company’s strengthened financial foundation and retained earnings. Total borrowings, including lease liabilities for vehicles, increased to 902mln in 9MFY25, which increased compared to PKR 596mln in FY24 and PKR 539mln in FY23. The debt-to-debt plus equity ratio increased to 13.5% in 9MFY25, up from 10% in FY24. The Company’s borrowings are primarily composed of short-term borrowings.


 
 

Aug-25

www.pacra.com


Mar-25
9M
Jun-24
12M
Jun-23
12M
Jun-22
12M
A. BALANCE SHEET
1. Non-Current Assets 3,401 3,121 2,703 2,618
2. Investments 1,180 1,180 0 0
3. Related Party Exposure 243 243 760 741
4. Current Assets 2,935 2,182 2,485 1,966
a. Inventories 0 0 0 0
b. Trade Receivables 946 608 446 419
5. Total Assets 7,759 6,727 5,948 5,325
6. Current Liabilities 769 854 989 333
a. Trade Payables 557 622 156 160
7. Borrowings 902 596 539 553
8. Related Party Exposure 102 114 131 380
9. Non-Current Liabilities 220 239 47 58
10. Net Assets 5,767 4,924 4,243 4,001
11. Shareholders' Equity 5,767 4,924 4,277 4,094
B. INCOME STATEMENT
1. Sales 4,505 6,789 3,135 1,318
a. Cost of Good Sold (3,148) (6,046) (2,566) (1,135)
2. Gross Profit 1,357 743 570 184
a. Operating Expenses (101) (178) (155) (138)
3. Operating Profit 1,257 565 415 46
a. Non Operating Income or (Expense) 19 403 67 384
4. Profit or (Loss) before Interest and Tax 1,276 968 482 429
a. Total Finance Cost (83) (131) (86) (80)
b. Taxation (349) (519) (213) (114)
6. Net Income Or (Loss) 843 318 183 235
C. CASH FLOW STATEMENT
a. Free Cash Flows from Operations (FCFO) 976 35 294 5
b. Net Cash from Operating Activities before Working Capital Changes 897 (90) 207 (74)
c. Changes in Working Capital (1,027) 176 (248) (108)
1. Net Cash provided by Operating Activities (130) 86 (41) (182)
2. Net Cash (Used in) or Available From Investing Activities (318) (36) (88) 100
3. Net Cash (Used in) or Available From Financing Activities 306 (24) (41) (180)
4. Net Cash generated or (Used) during the period (142) 26 (170) (262)
D. RATIO ANALYSIS
1. Performance
a. Sales Growth (for the period) -11.5% 116.5% 137.8% -6.3%
b. Gross Profit Margin 30.1% 10.9% 18.2% 13.9%
c. Net Profit Margin 18.7% 4.7% 5.8% 17.8%
d. Cash Conversion Efficiency (FCFO adjusted for Working Capital/Sales) -1.1% 3.1% 1.5% -7.8%
e. Return on Equity [ Net Profit Margin * Asset Turnover * (Total Assets/Shareholders' Equity )] 21.0% 6.9% 4.4% 5.9%
2. Working Capital Management
a. Gross Working Capital (Average Days) 47 28 50 106
b. Net Working Capital (Average Days) 11 7 32 34
c. Current Ratio (Current Assets / Current Liabilities) 3.8 2.6 2.5 5.9
3. Coverages
a. EBITDA / Finance Cost 20.6 5.2 6.3 1.0
b. FCFO / Finance Cost+CMLTB+Excess STB 12.9 0.3 3.2 0.1
c. Debt Payback (Total Borrowings+Excess STB) / (FCFO-Finance Cost) 0.1 -1.2 0.2 -0.6
4. Capital Structure
a. Total Borrowings / (Total Borrowings+Shareholders' Equity) 13.5% 10.8% 11.2% 11.9%
b. Interest or Markup Payable (Days) 78.3 48.3 40.1 46.4
c. Entity Average Borrowing Rate 12.5% 21.2% 14.9% 12.8%

Aug-25

www.pacra.com

Aug-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.

Aug-25

www.pacra.com