PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of PakGen Power Limited

The ratings reflect the regulated structure of Pakgen Power Limited (Pakgen Power) business; whereby revenues and cash flows are guaranteed by the sovereign government given adherence to agreed operational parameters. A risk of any decrease in efficiency factor against required benchmark would be borne by the Company itself given the fact, Pakgen Power is managing its operations and maintenance (O&M) in-house. Topline of the company coupled with capacity utilization has decreased, on the back of lower power generation during the period demanded by power purchaser amid to better energy mix. Receivable days has increased during 1HYCY20 owing to the delay in timely receipt of receivables; however, minor recovery in overdue receivables from the Energy Sukuk of PKR200bln is observed and settlement of pending receivables is considered crucial. Pakgen Power has been paying dividend which in times of need is an internal source of liquidity available. The long term project debt was completely paid off in 2010; thus, company’s debt position mainly reflects current borrowings secured to bridge the working capital requirements and maintenance of projects. Pakgen has been paying dividend which in times of need is an internal source of liquidity available. Because of the mounting receivables and consequent funding thereof from banking lines, remaining cushion in the available working capital facilities is limited, company's utilization of working capital lines by 67% leaving a cushion of 33% as at end-June20 requires management’s immediate attention.
Upholding operational performance in line with agreed performance levels would remain a key rating driver. Meanwhile, despite seeking comfort in take or pay tariff regime, any significant increase in overdue receivables, as a result of rising circular debt, coupled with insufficient available working capital financing, in turn weakening in financial risk profile may negatively impact the ratings.

About the Entity
Pakgen Power Limited was established for electricity generation under the power policy 1994 as an Independent Power Producer (IPP). The plant, with a total project cost of USD 347mln, is located at Mehmood Kot, near Muzaffargarh (Punjab) and has an installed capacity of 365MW. The PPA has a remaining contractual life of 8 years under the PPA (ending in May-2028). The Company has entered into a contract for a period of thirty years for purchase of fuel from PSO. Pakgen Power's O&M activities are handled by an in house team trained under the expertise of AES, former O&M operator. This team is involved in O&M activities since the plant’s COD and hence carries significant experience. Pakgen Power is listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange.
The major shareholders of the company are Nishat Group (40.09%) and City Schools (Private) Limited (17.33%). Majority of the board members are nominated by Nishat Group and are group Executives. Mr. Ghazanfar Hussain Mirza is the Chairman of Board of the company. He possesses around four decades of experience in business development, corporate management in an engineering, technical and multinational environment. Mr. Hassan Mansha, heading the Nishat Group's interest in power sector, is the CEO of the board.