Analyst
Usama Zubair
usama.zubair@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
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PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of Sui Southern Gas Company Limited
Rating Type | Entity | |
Current (28-Jun-19 ) |
Previous (31-Dec-18 ) |
|
Action | Maintain | Maintain |
Long Term | A+ | A+ |
Short Term | A1 | A1 |
Outlook | Negative | Negative |
Rating Watch | Yes | Yes |
The ratings reflect significant pressure on the company’s financial profile, emanating from substantially high UFG disallowance and other matters pertaining to operating / non-operating income. The management has cushioned it through various means. The developments in the past include the proposal of Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to OGRA to allow gas utility to stagger the impact of remaining amount of PKR 18bln to five years (from FY16 and onwards), which is a relief. Previously, the company had accounted for half impact of PKR 36bln at 4.5% UFG when Sindh High Court dismissed its plea against OGRA which resulted in gas utility booking a loss for year FY17. Furthermore, ECC proposes OGRA to finalize/adjust the provisional UFG benchmarks set from FYs 2012-13 to 2016-17 in next determinations of revenue requirements of Sui companies in line with the recommendations of benchmark rate in UFG study (fixed benchmark of 5% UFG plus 2.6% for local conditions). OGRA has given approval on both matters in favor of the Company. Timely execution and expected positive financial impact of these is crucial to hold the ratings. High UFG disallowance remains a challenge for the company. Apart from this, timely settlement of pending receivables is also important as the company’s liquidity profile is significantly stretched. SSGC has not issued its financial statements for FY18, quarterly financials are also pending. The management is eyeing to take further extension from SECP on the same. The previous granted extension is expired in March 2019. Given SSGC's exclusive license to operate in its area of franchise (provinces of Sindh and Baluchistan) and guaranteed return on its net operating assets (17%), the business profile is considered good. The company's financial risk profile is stretched owing to (i) high leveraging - a factor of debt-driven CAPEX projects, and (ii) inadequate coverages - due to lower cashflows. The ratings take comfort from SSGC’s strategic importance and association with the GoP.
SSGC is a part of Re-gassified Liquid Natural Gas (RLNG Phase I and II) project. Under the project, SSGC laid down the 338KMs pipeline at the cost of ~PKR 42bln with a capacity of 1.2bcfd to North; operational since Jan17. RLNG Phase III project is pending regulatory approvals. The loan raised to fund the projects carries a sovereign guarantee with repayments commencing in Jun18. Return on the resulting capitalised new assets as well as favourable decision of UFG benchmark rate should support SSGC's diminished profitability. Consequent cashflows should also provide some respite to financial risk profile in the medium term.
The negative outlook captures the increase in debt level and unsettled matters pertaining to profitability. Also the delay in the publishing of financial statements is a consideration.
About
the Entity
SSGC is engaged in the business of purchase, transmission, and distribution of natural gas. The company is catering the requirements of ~2.8mln customers. The government holds the largest direct stake (~60%). The eleven -member board comprises NEDs. Mr. Muhammad Wasim, Acting MD since Feb19, is supported by an experienced team.