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The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited
Press Release

Date
30-Nov-21

Analyst
Bazah Tul Qamar
bazahtul.qamar@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com

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PACRA Assigns initial Ratings to K-Electric Limited | Privately Placed Commercial Paper-1 upto PKR 4,500mln

Rating Type Debt Instrument
Current
(30-Nov-21 )
Action Initial
Long Term AA
Short Term A1+
Outlook Stable
Rating Watch -

The ratings reflect sustained performance metrics of the company. Amid COVID-19 Pandemic despite unfavorable circumstances the Company maintained stability in its turnover. During FY21,
units sent out grew by 9.6%, owing to improved macroeconomic factors, along with investment of ~PKR81bln across the power value chain. With economic recovery, the Company's performance took a notable upsurge in its performance, and reported a net profit of ~PKR 12bln in FY21, against a loss of ~PKR 3bln in FY20. Business risk profile draws support from growing demand for electricity and continuous improvement across various operational metrics. The company continued to add to its asset base: expansion was noted in plants, distribution and transmission. The Company is pursuing its 900 MW RLNG project on fast-track basis. In addition to this additional supply of 450-600 MW from National Grid has also been achieved through successful completion of rehabilitation works at KDA-Jamshoro lines.
The performance metrics in the ongoing financial year has shown similar trends with more focus on the production and sale of power units. At the same time, upholding business and financial metrics is of utmost importance.

About the Entity
K-Electric, a vertically-integrated power utility, has been in operations for more than a century. Total installed capacity of K-Electric is 2,000+MW, having an arrangement with National Grids for
1,400 MW. At end-June 21, KES Power Limited (KESP) held 66.4% share in K-Electric, while Government of Pakistan owned 24.4%. KES Power majority is owned (53.8%) by Abraaj Capital
(Private Equity Group) with the balance held by a group of investors (Al Jomaih, Saudi Arabia and NIG, Kuwait). KES Power has entered into a share purchase agreement with Shanghai Electric Power Company Limited (SEP) for sale of up to 66.4% shares of K-Electric against a consideration of US$ 1.77bln. The transaction is in process and will close once customary closing conditions and requisite regulatory approvals are obtained. K-Electric has thirteen member board. Mr. Moonis Alvi, CEO is associated with the company since 2008. He is supported by an experienced team.

About the Instrument
K-Electric has issued First Privately Placed Commercial Paper (CP-1) of PKR 4,329mln, at discount, on August 26, 2021, to finance the company’s working capital requirements. The tenor of CP-1 is up to 6 months and carries a profit rate of 6 months KIBOR+45bps. Profit will be realized at the time of maturity.

The primary function of PACRA is to evaluate the capacity and willingness of an entity to honor its obligations. Our ratings reflect an independent, professional and impartial assessment of the risks associated with a particular instrument or an entity. PACRA's comprehensive offerings include instrument and entity credit ratings, insurer financial strength ratings, fund ratings, asset manager ratings and real estate gradings. PACRA opinion is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security, in as much as it does not comment on the security's market price or suitability for a particular investor.