Analyst
Saadat Mirza
saadat.mirza@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
Related Research
PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of The Hub Power Company Limited
Rating Type | Entity | |
Current (29-Jun-20 ) |
Previous (27-Dec-19 ) |
|
Action | Maintain | Maintain |
Long Term | AA+ | AA+ |
Short Term | A1+ | A1+ |
Outlook | Stable | Stable |
Rating Watch | - | - |
HUBCO is a large RFO based power plant with an installed capacity of 1295MW.The rating reflects the holding company character of HUBCO with an exclusive focus on the different dimension of the energy sector. HUBCO has already expanded generation capacity and aims to further expand generation capacity to boost the country's power generation by utilizing Pakistan's indigenous natural resources. HUBCO through its 100% owned company Hub Power Holding Ltd (HPHL) invested in China Power Hub Generation Company (CPHGC) - A joint venture with China Power International Holdings Ltd (CPIHL): CPHGC (2x660MW coal fired power plant at Hub), achieved COD on 17 August 2019. Hubco is also setting up two more coal power plants (i) Thar Energy Limited (TEL): 330MW mine-mouth coal fired power plant at Thar and (ii) Thalnova Power: 330MW mine-mouth coal fired power plant at Thar. These investments are being funded through Hubco’s own cashflows and a mix of long term debt & short term debt. HUBCO has already deployed a sizeable fund in its ongoing projects of Thalnova and Thar Energy Ltd. The overall debt quantum in the wake of fresh investment is huge. HUBCO is redesigning its loan book by converting short term sukuks into Long Term Sukuks, currently HUBCO has two long term and one short term sukuk. After the COD of CPHGC, HPHL has recognized the share of profit of PKR 8,960mln from CPHGC in its books. Furthermore, the dividend from CPHGC is expected to be materialized in FY21. Receivables keep surging due to circular debt issue.
Cash flow streams of Hubco's plants are guaranteed by GoP under the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), subject to adherence to the agreed upon performance benchmarks; this provides comfort to the ratings. Timely completion of new projects, settlement of receivable and payable and maintaining healthy debt service coverages are important for the company.
About
the Entity
Hubco, a listed company, was incorporated in 1991. HUBCO itself is a large RFO based power plant and also holds multiple sizeable investments in the power sector. HUBCO has investments in Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), Narowal Energy Ltd, Laraib Energy, Thar Energy Ltd, Hub Power Services Ltd (HPSL) and through Hub Power Holdings have interest in China Power Hub Generation Company (CPHGC) & ThalNova Power Thar Pvt Ltd. Mega Conglomerate (Pvt.) Ltd (19.5 %) is the single largest shareholder, followed by ABL (7.7%), Fauji Foundation (8.5%) and NBP (3.6%). The BoD comprises eleven-members including the CEO of Hubco. BoD includes three representatives from Mega Conglomerate. Mr. Khalid Mansoor, the CEO, carries over three decades of experience in Energy & Petrochemical sectors in leading roles. He is supported by a team of experienced professionals.