logo
The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited
Press Release

Date
15-Jan-25

Analyst
Hina Harram
hina.harram@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com

Applicable Criteria

Related Research

Disclaimer
This press release is being transmitted for the sole purpose of dissemination through print/electronic media. The press release may be used in full or in part without changing the meaning or context thereof with due credit to PACRA

PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of University of Management and Technology

Rating Type Entity
Current
(15-Jan-25 )
Previous
(15-Jan-24 )
Action Maintain Initial
Long Term A- A-
Short Term A2 A2
Outlook Stable Stable
Rating Watch - -

University of Management and Technology ('UMT' or 'the University') is a non-profit private organization established in 2004. The University is a distinguished institution that has risen to prominence in the realm of higher education. The University boasts a significant footprint in the academic sector, offering a comprehensive suite of programs, and is characterized by a robust enrollment process and a dedicated faculty. This expansion has been geographically mirrored by the establishment of two campuses in Lahore and Sialkot. The institution currently enrolls over ~25,000 students and is supported by ~300 PhD-qualified faculty members. Strategic expansionary measures, in synergy with a literacy-focused populace, have catalyzed the University's exponential growth over the years. The University maintains a strong risk profile and has consistently enhanced its revenue streams, primarily driven by its expanded capacity to accommodate growing student enrollment. The University is renowned for its distinguished School of Systems and Technology (SST), attracting a substantial number of students owing to the exceptional quality of its faculty. UMT is concurrently investing in cutting-edge disciplines such as AI and data analytics, demonstrating a proactive commitment to advancing in these fields, evidenced by a notable increase in student enrollment. The second most prioritized school is the School of Health Sciences (SHS), which aims to identify new and emerging areas in the field of medicine and health sciences. Furthermore, the University is actively pursuing diversification into medical college and is making significant strides towards its completion which will offer multiple degree programs in the field of medical and life sciences. The University is well-known for its esteemed business school- 'HSM Dr. Hasan Murad School of Management', which attracts a significant number of students due to the remarkable expertise of its professors. This exceptional level of faculty knowledge provides students with a solid base for success in both their academic and career paths. UMT has consistently sustained healthy margins. The leadership team reflects a positive perspective on the University’s potential to cultivate a financial surplus, vital for underpinning future growth endeavors. The University’s creditworthiness is reinforced by a stable financial profile, marked by a low-leveraged capital structure and strong coverage ratios. The working capital cycle is efficiently managed. Moreover, the presence of renowned educationists on the Board of Governors and Board of Trustees ensures a stable governance framework adding strength to the University's profile. The University has an array of national accreditations and international linkages.
The ratings are dependent upon the management’s ability to sustain margins while remaining self-sufficient and in surplus for expansionary measures. Prudent management of the working capital, and maintaining sufficient cash flows, and coverages remain imperative for the ratings. Any significant deterioration in coverages and/or margins will adversely impact the ratings.

About the Entity
University of Management and Technology ('UMT' or 'the University') was established through ACT XV of 2004 (University of Management and Technology, Lahore Act 2004) by the Provincial Assembly of the Government of Punjab. The University being non-profit educational institute Chartered by the Government, is an independent corporate body run the Board of Governors. The Board of Governors includes representatives from the ILM Trust, Government and Regulatory Bodies. Mr. Ibrahim Hasan Murad Honors Chairman & President University of Management and Technology. With multiple leadership roles under his belt, Mr. Ibrahim Hasan Murad primarily aims to provide opportunities for a powerful future ahead. Dr. Asif Raza serves as the Rector.

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.