Analyst
Afnan Iqbal
afnan.iqbal@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
Related Research
PACRA Maintains Asset Manager Rating of Lakson Investments Limited
Rating Type | Asset Manager | |
Current (27-Aug-21 ) |
Previous (28-Aug-20 ) |
|
Action | Maintain | Maintain |
AM Rating | AM2+ | AM2+ |
Outlook | Stable | Stable |
Rating Watch | - | - |
The rating incorporates the well defined strategy of Lakson Investments Limited (the "Company") to cater to the investment needs of institutional and high net worth investors. A Strong ownership and governance profile provide support to the rating. The Company has a well defined organizational structure, strong risk management framework, seasoned management team, innovative products and structured investment process. The Company has an adequate product slate. The fund mix has lately tilted towards money market category, in line with industry peers. Lakson Investments Limited is the only asset manager in Pakistan, which offers both domestic and internationally focused funds. The investor concentration at fund level remains high, an outcome of niche focused strategy of the Company. AUMs (CIS) of the Company witnessed a growth of ~20% to stand at ~PKR 22.7bln at end-Jun'21 (Jun'20: ~PKR 18.9bln). However, the market share declined nominally to ~2.2% at end-Jun'21 (Jun'20: ~2.4%) as the industry grew at a faster pace. To augment its revenue stream, the Company is also offering specialized investment products which includes Separately Managed Accounts with adequate AUMs as compared to peers, Private Equity and Venture Capital fund management. The overall performance of money market and income fund remained competitive and exceeded the industry averages. Equity and asset allocation funds lagged in performance when compared with benchmarks; however, the asset allocation funds exceeded the industry averages. The Company remained profitable during CY20 and has an adequate equity base. The rating incorporates the Company's association with Lakson Group, a leading business conglomerates in Pakistan having investments in multiple sectors.
The rating is dependent on the Company’s ability to strengthen its market position in terms of AUMs, sustaining superior fund performance and upholding robust investment framework. Meanwhile, diluting investor concentration and successful execution of strategic initiatives is important.
About
the Entity
Lakson Investments Limited (the "Company") was incorporated as an unlisted public company in 2008. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lakson Group, through its holding company SIZA Services (Private) Limited. Lakson Group was established in 1954 and is owned by the Lakhani family. It is among the leading business conglomerates in Pakistan and has interests in multiple sectors, including agri-business, consumer non-durables, fast food, information technology, financial services, media, paper and board manufacturing, printing and packaging, surgical instruments and travel. The CEO, Mr. Babar Ali Lakhani, possesses research and portfolio management experience with domestic and international institutions. Mr. Kashif Mustafa, Executive Director and COO has more than a decade's experience of capital markets with local and international brokerage houses and leading asset management companies.
The control of the Company vests in seven members board of directors, chaired by Mr. Iqbal Ali Lakhani, who is also the chairman of the Lakson Group. There are two independent and four non-executive directors. The company’s fund slate is composed of six open-end funds belonging to all major categories which includes asset allocation, equity, income, Shariah Compliant asset allocation and money market.