PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of Atlas Power Limited

The ratings of APL reflect its strong financial profile. APL's good credit terms with fuel supplier and efficient inventory management have enabled it better management of debt repayments. Nevertheless, delayed payments from the power purchaser remained a challenge. Despite higher receivable days the entity managed to sustain its financial strength. Business risk is considered low exhibited by demand risk coverage under Power Purchase Agreement signed between NTDC and the company. The implementation agreement further provides a sovereign guarantee for cash flows, given adherence to agreed performance benchmarks. The ratings incorporate low operational risk, a result of the performance of MAN Diesel Pakistan - the O&M operator. APL continues to meet its availability (~93%) and efficiency (45%) benchmarks. The total outstanding balance of project related debt as at end-July18 is PKR 3,036mln, payable till October 2019. Additionally, the company has re-profiled its debt (Non-Tariff) where the company has borrowed new long-term debt of PKR 2,000mln at lucrative terms to meet its permanent working capital requirements. Sound financial profile of Atlas Group; the major sponsor, provides comfort to the ratings.
Adherence to good financial discipline towards both financial and commercial obligations would remain important. Meanwhile, upholding strong operational performance in line with agreed performance levels remain important. Any significant increase in overdue receivables, in turn, weakening in financial risk profile would be a concern.

About the Entity
APL, a public limited unlisted company, was established in January 2007. APL operates a 225 MW thermal power plant which is operational since 2009. Shirazi Investments (Pvt.) Limited with 85% shareholding in APL is the main sponsor of the Company. Remaining shareholding lies with Allied Bank Limited (ABL) (7.5%) and National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) (7.5%). Shirazi Investments functions as the holding company of Atlas Group - having dominant interests in auto and allied segments - cars, motorcycles, batteries - and non-banking financial industry - insurance and asset management. Operations and maintenance of the plant are outsourced to MAN Diesel and Turbo; world's leading provider of large-bore diesel engines for marine and power plants. The company has a long-term contract with MAN diesel till June-2021.

Atlas Group, through professional representation, maintains good governance standards in its entities. APL’s board comprises nine members, including CEO, with six representatives of Shirazi Investments, one representative of NBP and one independent director. Mr. Yusuf H. Shirazi is the Chairman of Atlas Group. The board has been actively involved in providing strategic guidance to the company and implementing strong internal control framework. Mr. Maqsood A. Basraa, the CEO of APL, has extensive experience within the group, where he has served under various capacities since 1989. He is supported by a skilled team of professionals.