Rating History
Dissemination Date Long-Term Rating Short-Term Rating Outlook Action Rating Watch
03-Dec-25 A- A2 Stable Maintain -
05-Dec-24 A- A2 Positive Maintain -
14-Dec-23 A- A2 Stable Maintain -
15-Dec-22 A- A2 Stable Upgrade -
17-Dec-21 BBB+ A2 Stable Maintain -
About the Entity

GRC was incorporated as a private limited company in 1984. The executive and operational roles are held by Mr. Majeedullah and Mr. Faisal Hassan, both key shareholders and the board members. Historically specializing in irrigation canals and river bridges, GRC is now expanding its focus to include hydropower projects. Its scope of work includes the construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, canals, and hydropower stations. Notable projects include the Kacchi Canal KC-05, an 84 MW hydropower plant in Kalam, 12 MW projects in Karora and Jabori, the Daral Khwar power plant, the Pehure Canal in KPK, the Earthquake Memorial Bridge in Muzaffarabad, and the Lowari Tunnel.

Rating Rationale

Ghulam Rasool & Company (Pvt.) Limited (“GRC” or “the Company”) has maintained a prominent position in Pakistan’s construction industry for several decades. Established in 1970 by Mr. Ghulam Rasool, the business is now jointly owned by his three sons and their families, who also hold stakes in multiple other companies, enhancing the group’s overall financial strength. The functional and reporting responsibilities of the management team are demarcated; however, the control environment needs improvement. The Company has delivered multiple, public and government projects, and usually embarks upon large infrastructure projects in collaboration with different foreign JV partners, which in their own right are established institutions. It holds a no-limit contract license from the Engineering Council of Pakistan and specializes in civil construction, with a particular focus on irrigation systems and hydropower development. The Company follows a strategic approach of building assets, required for its operations as well as investment purposes, through surplus cash. The Company’s topline grew in FY25, reaching approximately PKR 18bln compared to PKR 12.4bln in FY24, supported by substantial progress on awarded multi-year contracts. However, profitability came under pressure, with gross margins declining to 10.2% from 20% and net profit falling to PKR 265mln from PKR 1,560mln, primarily due to cost overruns. Delays in the release of government funds further strained liquidity, leading to higher receivable days. To manage working capital, the Company extended its payables while maintaining mild leverage through a mix of funded and non-funded banking lines. Reliance on non-funded lines remains high relative to funded facilities, reflecting the sector’s inherent working capital requirements. The equity base stands at a modest PKR 16bln, supported by the sponsors’ extensive experience, particularly in the expanding hydropower sector. In view of declining margins and rising liquidity pressures, the previously assigned Positive Outlook has been revised to Stable. Nonetheless, the Outlook remains Stable as margins, though moderating, remain comfortable; the Company carries no sizeable debt; and the equity base continues to provide a sufficient financial cushion.

Key Rating Drivers

Going forward, the recovery and strengthening of profit margins and the timely release of funds will be key rating drivers, alongside the successful completion of ongoing contracts, award of anticipated projects, and reduced cost overruns. Initiatives to enhance governance, internal controls, and reporting—such as the implementation of an ERP system—are expected to further improve operational efficiency and support the rating outlook.

Profile
Legal Structure

Ghulam Rasool & Company (Pvt.) Limited (“GRC” or “the Company”) is a private limited entity incorporated in 1984 under the Companies Ordinance 1984, now aligned with the Companies Act 2017. Its head office is situated in Model Town, Lahore, while operational offices function in Islamabad, Peshawar and Multan – side office in Karachi. The Company holds a no-limit PEC license, enabling it to undertake large-scale EPC and hydropower projects across the country.


Background

GRC traces its origins back to 1965, when it was founded by Mr. Ghulam Rasool. Over six decades, the firm has evolved from a family-run civil works outfit into a corporate entity capable of executing complex infrastructure and hydropower assignments. Its historical footprint includes the construction of major water-management systems, bridges, barrages, tunnels, and a series of hydropower projects which allowed the Company to build a reputation as a dependable contractor for multi-year, high-value public works.


Operations

The Company’s operations remain centered around long-duration EPC contracts in irrigation, canals, bridges, tunneling, hydropower civil works, and related infrastructure. GRC continues to participate in several joint operations with Chinese and European partners for project execution, enabling access to technical depth and capital support in large hydropower bids. In recent years, the Company has added new business lines, including shutdown maintenance services for refineries and oil & gas processing plants. Through its subsidiary, Acumen Energy, GRC has also entered the renewable energy space by installing and operating solar power plants whose electricity revenue is now being consolidated. These efforts help moderate the inherent cyclicality of traditional construction revenues and provide supplemental cash flow streams.


Ownership
Ownership Structure

Ownership remains concentrated within the sponsoring family, distributed across members of the second and third generation.


Stability

There is no formal succession plan, operational responsibilities are clearly segmented, and long-standing familial understanding provides stability in strategic control. No ownership changes are expected in the near term.


Business Acumen

The sponsoring family possesses deep, multi-decade experience in civil construction, hydropower EPC, and large-scale public-sector project execution. Senior sponsors remain directly involved in operational and strategic decisions, ensuring strong familiarity with bidding dynamics, technical requirements, and on-ground project challenges. Their long-standing relationships with public agencies, JV partners, and sector stakeholders enhance the Company’s ability to secure and execute complex, high-value assignments.


Financial Strength

The financial strength of the sponsors is supported by diversified business interests and property holdings, which collectively reinforce the Company’s capacity to navigate liquidity stress if required.


Governance
Board Structure

The Board comprises four members, all from the sponsoring family, holding both ownership and executive responsibilities. The structure ensures continuity and swift decision-making but lacks formal independence. Absence of board committees limits structured oversight of key areas such as audit, risk, and HR.


Members’ Profile

Board members possess long-standing exposure to the Company’s operations and have accumulated deep understanding of the construction and hydropower sector. Their educational backgrounds and multi-year industry experience contribute positively to strategic decision-making. The Board’s collective experience ensures familiarity with project cycles, client dealings, and technical challenges.


Board Effectiveness

Board oversight is direct and hands-on, with members actively participating in operational, financial, and bidding matters. However, concentration of roles and lack of independent directors restrict the Board’s ability to provide impartial oversight. Documentation of board deliberations is minimal, and governance could strengthen through formalized mechanisms.


Financial Transparency

The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with IFRS and audited by a Category-A audit firm associated with Prime Global. Audit opinions have remained unqualified, reflecting adequate compliance and accounting discipline. As a private entity, disclosures remain limited to statutory requirements, though the reporting quality is considered satisfactory.


Management
Organizational Structure

The Company maintains a clearly defined hierarchical structure, with department heads reporting directly to the CEO and directors. Project managers lead dedicated teams of engineers, accountants, and field staff, enabling streamlined execution. The structure supports operational discipline and ensures accountability across functions.


Management Team

GRC’s management team comprises seasoned professionals with decades of cumulative industry experience across operations, finance, procurement, planning, and technical disciplines. Senior managers possess strong execution capability, having handled large-scale hydropower and canal projects. The stability and expertise of the team enhance the Company’s capacity to manage complex, multi-year assignments.


Effectiveness

Management demonstrates consistent ability to deliver projects within contractual timelines despite sector-wide challenges such as cost escalations and delayed fund releases. Operational decisions are swift due to close involvement of senior leadership. Defined roles and experience-driven supervision improve execution efficiency across project sites.


MIS

The Company utilizes Primavera P6 for project scheduling and monitoring, integrated with AutoCAD Civil 3D and cash-flow tools. Reporting frequency has improved following transition to an Oracle-based ERP environment. The MIS facilitates real-time project visibility, enabling improved planning and resource allocation.


Control Environment

GRC has established SOPs governing procurement, cash management, equipment handling, and operational approvals. An internal audit function exists, but scope remains limited relative to the Company’s scale. Transition toward Oracle-based controls are expected to strengthen audit trails, reduce operational risks, and enhance compliance.


Business Risk
Industry Dynamics

The construction sector remains highly dependent on PSDP (Pakistan Skill Development Fund) allocations, provincial development budgets, and multilateral-funded hydropower projects. Sector activity continues to face pressure from rising material costs, delayed fund releases, and higher guarantee requirements. Despite a modest macro recovery, liquidity constraints across public-sector clients keep operating conditions challenging for contractors.


Relative Position

GRC maintains a strong competitive standing in the EPC civil engineering segment, supported by decades of experience and specialization in hydropower and irrigation projects. Collaboration with reputable international JV partners enhances technical qualifications and bid competitiveness. The Company’s scale, equity base, and project execution history place it among top-tier contractors in Pakistan.


Revenues

The revenue base expanded in FY2025, driven by progress on multi-year hydropower and irrigation projects, including Balakot HPP, Gorkin-Matiltan HPP, and Jalalpur Canal Packages. Diversification into shutdown maintenance and solar installations contributes to incremental stability. Revenue visibility remains supported by a sizeable ongoing project portfolio and pre-qualified pipeline.


Margins

Margin levels weakened during FY2025 due to input-cost escalation, project phasing, and reduced other income compared to the previous year. Gross margins remain sensitive to subcontracting ratios and procurement timing, while net margins are impacted by higher taxation. The segment’s inherent cost rigidity continues to constrain profitability.


Sustainability

Sustainability is supported by a strong multi-year pipeline, including major hydropower, canal rehabilitation, and infrastructure projects extending through 2028. Recent bid prequalification and JV negotiations indicate continued market presence in high-value segments. Diversification into maintenance services and energy-related ventures further strengthens long-term business stability.


Financial Risk
Working capital

The Company’s working capital cycle remains lengthy due to delayed fund disbursements from government departments, a structural feature of the sector. Receivable days have moderated but remain elevated, while inventory and payable cycles fluctuate with project phases. GRC continues to rely on a mix of internal cash generation and short-term bank lines to bridge timing gaps.


Coverages

Cash flow coverage remains adequate, supported by improved operating cash flows and manageable finance costs. FCFO comfortably covers financial obligations, reflecting the Company’s strong cash conversion from project executions. Volatility in margins and working capital, however, can cause periodic stress on liquidity buffers.


Capitalization

GRC maintains a very low leveraged capital structure, with gearing levels near negligible due to minimal reliance on long-term borrowings. Strong equity, supported by revaluation gains and retained profits, provides a substantial cushion against business volatility. Off-balance sheet exposure through bank guarantees is high but consistent with the Company’s scale and nature of operations.


 
 

Dec-25

www.pacra.com


Jun-25
12M
Jun-24
12M
Jun-23
12M
A. BALANCE SHEET
1. Non-Current Assets 11,352 9,415 8,680
2. Investments 1,393 1,367 1,140
3. Related Party Exposure 1,130 1,012 1,304
4. Current Assets 13,112 13,351 11,446
a. Inventories 643 2,503 4,145
b. Trade Receivables 4,593 4,933 2,322
5. Total Assets 26,987 25,145 22,571
6. Current Liabilities 8,287 7,262 3,847
a. Trade Payables 5,801 2,999 2,509
7. Borrowings 373 275 268
8. Related Party Exposure 460 30 0
9. Non-Current Liabilities 1,580 2,320 3,895
10. Net Assets 16,287 15,257 14,560
11. Shareholders' Equity 16,287 14,321 14,560
B. INCOME STATEMENT
1. Sales 18,358 12,446 12,961
a. Cost of Good Sold (16,480) (9,908) (10,848)
2. Gross Profit 1,878 2,538 2,113
a. Operating Expenses (637) (460) (585)
3. Operating Profit 1,241 2,079 1,528
a. Non Operating Income or (Expense) (13) 446 766
4. Profit or (Loss) before Interest and Tax 1,228 2,524 2,294
a. Total Finance Cost (150) (195) (77)
b. Taxation (813) (769) (575)
6. Net Income Or (Loss) 265 1,560 1,642
C. CASH FLOW STATEMENT
a. Free Cash Flows from Operations (FCFO) 688 1,809 2,750
b. Net Cash from Operating Activities before Working Capital Changes 545 1,617 2,680
c. Changes in Working Capital (35) (1,455) (1,768)
1. Net Cash provided by Operating Activities 510 162 911
2. Net Cash (Used in) or Available From Investing Activities (57) (139) (607)
3. Net Cash (Used in) or Available From Financing Activities 23 (30) (59)
4. Net Cash generated or (Used) during the period 476 (7) 246
D. RATIO ANALYSIS
1. Performance
a. Sales Growth (for the period) 47.5% -4.0% -15.6%
b. Gross Profit Margin 10.2% 20.4% 16.3%
c. Net Profit Margin 1.4% 12.5% 12.7%
d. Cash Conversion Efficiency (FCFO adjusted for Working Capital/Sales) 3.6% 2.8% 7.6%
e. Return on Equity [ Net Profit Margin * Asset Turnover * (Total Assets/Shareholders' Equity )] 1.7% 10.8% 11.9%
2. Working Capital Management
a. Gross Working Capital (Average Days) 148 204 159
b. Net Working Capital (Average Days) 61 123 90
c. Current Ratio (Current Assets / Current Liabilities) 1.6 1.8 3.0
3. Coverages
a. EBITDA / Finance Cost 21.7 40.9 59.5
b. FCFO / Finance Cost+CMLTB+Excess STB 9.9 28.7 54.4
c. Debt Payback (Total Borrowings+Excess STB) / (FCFO-Finance Cost) 0.0 0.0 0.0
4. Capital Structure
a. Total Borrowings / (Total Borrowings+Shareholders' Equity) 2.2% 1.9% 1.8%
b. Interest or Markup Payable (Days) 115.8 89.2 90.4
c. Entity Average Borrowing Rate 16.8% 23.2% 18.0%

Dec-25

www.pacra.com

Dec-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.

Dec-25

www.pacra.com