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The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited
Press Release

Date
31-Dec-18

Analyst
Muhammad Obaid
muhammad.obaid@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com

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This press release is being transmitted for the sole purpose of dissemination through print/electronic media. The press release may be used in full or in part without changing the meaning or context thereof with due credit to PACRA

PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of Usmani International Associates (Pvt.) Limited

Rating Type Entity
Current
(31-Dec-18 )
Previous
(30-Jun-18 )
Action Maintain Initial
Long Term BBB- BBB-
Short Term A2 A2
Outlook Stable Stable
Rating Watch - -

Usmani International Associates (UIA) has been operating in the construction industry for the last many decades. The second generation has also joined the business – with clarity of roles. The governance framework is expected to evolve, going forward. The reported profitability in terms of gross margin is good, though operational efficiency needs to be harnessed. The topline and profitability both are supplemented by JV business, lending support to the ratings. Construction business is dependent on award of public works (Federal & Provincial PSDP + CPEC). The control environment may be strengthened by harnessing the audit quality and adopting quarterly accounts. The latest management accounts of the company for FY 18 reflect sustained business and financial risk profile of the entity. The management has given representation that the audit will be completed in a short span of time.
The ratings are dependent upon the sustained positioning of the company in the industry. Adherence to sound financial discipline while strengthening debt servicing capacity is pivotal for the ratings. Improving governance and control environment is also important.

About the Entity
Usmani International Associates was established in 1988 by Engr. Ahmed Ghazal Usmani with an ambitious plan after having worked in his family’s construction business, INDUS ENGINEERS, which was established in 1960s. Significant projects to its credit are the 150 MW Fauji Kabirwala Power Project, Pakland Cement extension project, reconstruction of berths for Karachi Port Trust, 3 tier flyover KPT Interchange Karachi, and civil works on five major military bases, to name a few.
The company has two member board. The overall governance matters are overseen by the MD / Chief Executive Mr. Ahmed Ghazal Usmani. The family governs the company on the basis of their rich experience in the construction industry.

The primary function of PACRA is to evaluate the capacity and willingness of an entity to honor its obligations. Our ratings reflect an independent, professional and impartial assessment of the risks associated with a particular instrument or an entity. PACRA's comprehensive offerings include instrument and entity credit ratings, insurer financial strength ratings, fund ratings, asset manager ratings and real estate gradings. PACRA opinion is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security, in as much as it does not comment on the security's market price or suitability for a particular investor.