PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of Ibrahim Fibers

The ratings reflect IFL’s (i) strong ownership profile demonstrated through continued financial support by sponsor – Ibrahim Group (IG), having predominant shareholding in the company, and (ii) leading market position (market share: 62%) in the local polyester staple fibre (PSF) industry. The subdued crude oil prices, and hence, PSF feedstock prices, the company’s core margins remained low. However, improvement has been witnessed post 2QFY16. Comfort is drawn from a reliable dividend stream of IFL's investment in Allied Bank Limited - an associated company. This has uplifted the company's financial risk profile. At the same time, imposition of anti-dumping duty (Oct15) on PSF imported from China is likely to provide relief to margins, in turn coverages, going forward.

The ratings are dependent on i) continued financial support from sponsors till improvement in stand-alone performance of entity, and ii) regular dividend inflows to support coverages. Moreover, induction of independent board members may improve governance framework.

In order to formalize its corporate structure, sponsors of Ibrahim Group contemplate to establish a holding company in the medium term. The new structure envisages consolidation of investments in IFL and Allied Bank at holdco level, thus changing ownership and investment structure of investee companies. This is likely to be in place after obtaining all relevant regulatory approvals. Upon completion of on-going process, IFL’s ratings may be reviewed to align it with the proposed structure.

About the Entity
IFL, incorporated in 1986 and listed on Karachi and Lahore stock exchanges, is engaged in the production & marketing of PSF and yarn. The production facilities are located at Shahkot near Faisalabad; these facilities include current annual production capacity of 390,600 tons for PSF and 137,856 spindles for Yarn. The company envisages building a sizeable spinning complex in the long-term. IFL holds ~17% stake in associated company - Allied Bank Limited, the fifth largest bank of Pakistan. Ibrahim Group holds majority stake (88%) in IFL through sponsoring individuals.

IFL's board of directors comprises seven members, including the CEO, Mr. Mohammad Naeem Mukhtar. In addition to the CEO, there are two directors from the sponsoring family; two non-executive IG affiliates, and one independent member. One position is currently vacant. All board members have significant industry related experience.