Analyst
Muhammad Hassan
muhammad.hassan@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
Related Research
PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of Nishat Mills Limited
Rating Type | Entity | |
Current (17-May-19 ) |
Previous (15-Nov-18 ) |
|
Action | Maintain | Maintain |
Long Term | AA | AA |
Short Term | A1+ | A1+ |
Outlook | Stable | Stable |
Rating Watch | - | - |
The ratings reflect established position as a premier export-oriented composite unit which is supplemented by a sizable strategic portfolio and conservative capital structure. The Company enjoy's prominence in textile sector due to wide array of its products, extensive outreach and stable customer base. Recent currency devaluation, coupled with incentives for export-oriented units, has boded well for the core operations resulting in better margins. The diverse and sizable investment portfolio, emanating from the Company's implicit Holdco status within the Group, generates regular divided stream, supporting core income. The stock market has been on a downwards trend lately. This has impacted the investments and equity of the Company. Nishat Mills continues to maintain a low leveraged capital structure and strong coverages signifying its very strong financial profile. The Company's association with Nishat Group as its flagship entity, remains a key rating factor.
The ratings are dependent on the Company's ability to sustain its core margins and profitability. Preserving low leveraged capital structure and sound coverages remain important. Meanwhile, further strengthening the governance framework is considered positive for the ratings.
About
the Entity
Nishat Mills, established in 1951, is the largest textile composite unit and a leading exporter of textile products in the country. The Company’s majority stake (~51%) is owned by Mansha family members and Nishat Group companies. Nishat Mills also acts as key participant in multiple strategic investments of Nishat Group. Nishat Group – a leading conglomerate – maintains substantial presence in the country's financial sector and strong foothold in textile, cement, power and hospitality sectors. The Group has lately entered the Pakistan's automobile assembly industry.
The board comprises seven members with two directors representing the sponsoring family – including the Chairman – Mr. Hassan Mansha and the CEO. The remaining directors include one independent member, one executive director, while all other members are non-executive directors working with Nishat Group entities. The CEO, Mr. Umer Mansha, has been associated with Nishat Mills since 1994 and carries extensive experience in textile industry. He is supported by an experienced management team. Moreover, the quality of systems and processes in place is considered very strong.