PACRA Maintains Rating of WAPDA | PPTFC | Sep-13

The rating of PPTFCs reflects an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee by the Government of Pakistan (GoP). The guarantee covers the payment of total outstanding amount of the PPTFCs and related profit component. GoP would pay the entire called amount immediately upon receiving a demand notice from the trustee. The rating apart from a debt payment and guarantee mechanism recognizes WAPDA's strategic importance as the major hydroelectric power supplier to the country (18% in overall electricity generation in FY18). WAPDA generated 26,775Gwh electricity in FY18, generation has declined on the back of lower water availability, resulting in reduced profitability. WAPDA expects to generate additional ~7,000Gwh by completion of new hydel projects in next five years. For FY18 WAPDA’s tariff petition inclusive of financial servicing of this facility has been approved by NEPRA after which cashflows will further improve.
WHE's financial profile draws comfort from strong cashflows. However, it remains dependent on repayment behavior of power purchaser. Continued compliance with the predefined covenants of PPTFC, including maintenance of DPA would remain critical.
WHE's financial profile draws comfort from strong cash flows. However, it remains dependent on repayment behavior of power purchaser. Continued compliance with the predefined covenants of PPTFC, including maintenance of DPA would remain critical.The watch captures that the financial statements of the issuer for FY18 are being audited and will be approved in the next month. This will be followed by the process for the approval of financial statements for the ongoing financial year.

About the Entity
The Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), WHE was established through an act of parliament in February 1958 (WAPDA Act 1958) for development and maintenance of water and power resources. WHE has 19 projects with total hydel generation capacity of 8,348MW.

About the Instrument
WAPDA has issued privately placed Term Finance Certificates in Sep-13 of PKR 9,327mln (outstanding as at end-March19: PKR 3,331mln) for the period of 8 years. The repayment has to be made through cashflows of WHE. The instrument shall be redeemed in 14 equal semiannual installments. Profit will be paid semiannually in arrears at 6M Kibor + 175bps with rebate of 75bps if payment is made within 15 days of due date. WHE has paid off the eleven markup installments and nine principal installments of the PPTFC in a timely manner. WHE has availed early payment rebate on all instances.