The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited
01-Mar-19
Analyst
Ayesha Qasim
ayesha.qasim@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
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PACRA Assigns Initial Entity Ratings to Punjab Oil Mills Limited
| Rating Type | Entity | |
|
Current (01-Mar-19 ) |
||
| Action | Initial | |
| Long Term | BBB+ | |
| Short Term | A2 | |
| Outlook | Stable | |
| Rating Watch | - | |
The edible oil industry of Pakistan, largely dependent on imports, has been impacted by the devaluation of Pakistani Rupee. This has inflated the cost of production and has eroded profitability for industry players. Moreover, challenging industry dynamics represented by stiff competition, low domestic supply for oil seed and expectation of tighter import controls by incumbent government are likely to keep the industry under pressure.
The ratings reflect Punjab Oil Mills Limited's established presence in the cooking oil segment through its flagship brands Canolive and Zaiqa. Branded premium has helped the Company to maintain healthy gross margins. However, high marketing costs, necessary for maintaining market position in the midst of stern competition, have affected profitability and resulted in relatively low operating and net margins. Going forward, profitability is expected to remain under stress amid challenges arising from competitive market dynamics. The Company is expected to continue engaging in high marketing and promotional activities for the development of new products while maintaining existing share. The ratings draw strength from the Company's strong financial profile, only consisting of minimal short-term borrowings. Punjab Oil Mills enjoys a minimally leveraged capital structure, strong coverages and efficient working capital management.
The ratings are dependent on the management’s ability to improve profitability and gaining market share, while maintaining prudent working capital management. Substantial increase in debt profile may impact ratings.
About
the Entity
Punjab Oil Mills Limited, most famous for its flagship brands Canolive and Zaiqa, is a public limited company. The Company was incorporated in 1981 and commenced operations in 1984. The primary business activity of the Company involves the manufacture and sale of ghee, cooking oil, specialty fats, laundry soap, mushrooms and coffee. The Company has its production facility located at Industrial Triangle in Islamabad. The Company employs ~269 employees and has the production capacity to process 14,000 M.T of Ghee/Specialty fats and 16,000 M.T of Cooking Oil.
Three families, namely, Jahangir Family, Mailk Family and Batla Family have shareholding in the Company. Other shareholders include NIT, Mutual Funds, Financial Institutions and the general public.