The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited
08-Feb-19
Analyst
Muhammad Hassan
muhammad.hassan@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
- Methodology | Corporate Ratings | Jun-18
- Methodology | Criteria | Rating Modifier | Jun-18
- Methodology | Correlation Between Long-Term And Short-Term Rating Scale | Jun-18
Related Research
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 Ibrahim Fibres Limited
| Rating Type | Entity | |
|
Current (08-Feb-19 ) |
Previous (10-Aug-18 ) |
|
| Action | Maintain | Maintain |
| Long Term | AA- | AA- |
| Short Term | A1+ | A1+ |
| Outlook | Stable | Stable |
| Rating Watch | - | - |
The ratings reflect Ibrahim Fibres’ leading position in the local polyester staple fibre (PSF) industry and very strong financial profile accentuated by low leveraging and strong coverages. Imposition of anti-dumping duty on PSF imported from China since Feb-16 has supported volumetric growth and margins. Meanwhile, local demand also witnessed increasing trend. Favorable movements in crude oil prices have resulted in increased prices, benefiting the company’s core margins. Given demand pattern and efficient production, Ibrahim Fibres is expected to hold performance trend. In recent years, the company’s bottomline had been a function of a reliable dividend stream of investment in Allied Bank Limited, an associated company. Recently, the said investment was sold to the Group holding company, Ibrahim Holdings (Private) Limited. Though the recurring stream of income has stopped, the resulting cash flows were primarily used to adjust debt levels, resulting in significant financial cost savings. The company is in the process of expanding its spinning capacity which is expected to come online in 4QFY20. The ratings further incorporate the company's association with the Ibrahim Group, which has demonstrated strong support.
The ratings are dependent on the company’s ability to sustain its margins and profitability. Optimal utilization of upcoming capacity enhancement and improvement in margins is considered important. Excessive borrowings and/or prolonged downturn in margins would impact the ratings.
About
the Entity
Ibrahim Fibres Limited, incorporated in 1986 and listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange, is engaged in the production & marketing of PSF and yarn. Its production facilities are located at Shahkot near Faisalabad; these facilities include current annual production capacity of 390,600 tons for PSF and 139,872 spindles for Yarn. Going forward, the company plans to expand its spinning segment with addition of 100,320 spindles. Ibrahim Group holds majority stake (88%) in Ibrahim Fibres through Group holding company, Ibrahim Holdings (Private) Limited.
The company’s Board of Directors comprises seven members, including the Chairman, Mr. Sheikh Mukhtar Ahmed and CEO, Mr. Mohammad Naeem Mukhtar. Remaining members comprise three Ibrahim Group affiliates and two independent members. All Board members have significant industry related experience.