Profile
Legal Structure
AGP Limited (Hereinafter referred to as “AGP” or “the
Company”) is a public limited Company that has been a key player in Pakistan's
pharmaceutical sector since its establishment in 1989. It was officially listed
on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in 2018.
Background
AGP Limited was formed in December 2015 through the merger
of three companies: Apollo Pharma Ltd, AGP (Pvt.) Limited, and AGP Healthcare
(Pvt.) Ltd. The newly established entity retained the name AGP Limited, as it
encompassed significant operations, representing ~82% of the combined assets.
Operations
The Company produces medicines
across ~128 branded segments and is actively involved in the marketing and
sales of licensed products in partnership with international affiliates. AGP’s
product portfolio features over Internal medicines, Pediatrics,
Cardiometabolic, Gynae, Orthopedic, Neuropsychiatry and Nutraceutical. In CY25, Company launched its new products namely 1) Cecado- for treatment of Acute Diarrhea in Children and Adults, 2) Rigix Eye Drops-for eye allergy, 3) Cap-itra-for treatment of Fungal Infections, 4) Lipomax J- as an Iron + Vitamin Supplement, 5) Miroca- To treat Neuropathic Pain, primarily in Adults, 6) Rucalo-used to treat Chronic Idiopathic, 7) Ciafil-to treat Erectile Dysfunction, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, and for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. In CY24,
AGP Limited significantly strengthened its footprint across multiple
therapeutic segments through strategic product launches. In the Neuropsychiatry
category, the introduction of AG-CETAM and Ag-Vono addressed key
cognitive and mental health needs, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to this
critical area of care. The Internal Medicine portfolio saw expansion with the
launch of Bilazest 20mg Tablet, designed to meet a diverse range of
patient requirements effectively. Within the Cardiometabolic segment, Rozet
Ez was launched to support cardiovascular health, further enhancing AGP's
offerings in chronic disease management. In the Nutraceuticals category, Peridots
continued to gain market share by promoting digestive wellness and alleviating
issues such as indigestion, acidity, and general stomach discomfort.
Additionally, AGP introduced Mychitol Plus and Vitanem Plus to
provide targeted nutritional support in the Gynecology and Orthopedics
segments, respectively—underscoring the Company's focus on specialized care
across life stages and conditions. AGP’s manufacturing capabilities include
three facilities: two located in the S.I.T.E. area of Karachi and one situated
on the Super Highway in Karachi.
Ownership
Ownership Structure
AGP is primarily owned by OBS Group (OBS) through Aitken
Stuart Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., which holds a ~55.80% stake. Other significant
shareholders include Muller & Phipps Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd (M&P). (~13.54%),
Baltoro Growth Fund (BGF) (~4.03%), Aspin Pharma Limited (~4.79%), High-Q
Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd. (~3.84%), and the National Bank of Pakistan (~2.81%).
The remaining shares are held by the general public.
Stability
The Company exhibits a stable and well-defined ownership
structure, which is reinforced by the active involvement and strategic
oversight of its founding sponsors. These sponsors bring with them a wealth of
experience, a clear long-term vision, and a demonstrated commitment to the Company’s
sustained growth and governance. Their leadership has played a pivotal role in
shaping the organization’s strategic direction, operational efficiency, and
overall corporate stability. In addition, the Company has maintained a
reputable and resilient presence in the pharmaceutical sector for over thirty
years. This longstanding tenure reflects not only its ability to adapt to the
evolving dynamics of the industry but also its sustained commitment to quality,
innovation, and regulatory compliance. The depth of industry knowledge
accumulated over the decades, combined with an established network of
stakeholders—including suppliers, distributors, and regulatory bodies—positions
the Company as a credible and trusted player within the pharmaceutical
landscape.
Business Acumen
Mr. Tariq Moinuddin Khan, the
founding force behind AGP and the visionary leader of the OBS Group, has played
a transformative role in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical landscape. He commenced his
professional journey with Organon Pakistan, the local subsidiary of AkzoNobel—a
globally recognized Dutch chemical and pharmaceutical conglomerate. His early
career at Organon laid the foundation for his deep industry insight and
strategic thinking. Over the years, he has continued to solidify his reputation
as a forward-thinking industry leader by forging multiple strategic alliances
and overseeing several high-impact acquisitions. These initiatives have
significantly contributed to the growth and diversification of both AGP and the
broader OBS Group, underscoring his strong business acumen and long-term
strategic vision within the pharmaceutical sector.
Financial Strength
Established
in 1963, OBS Group stands as one of Pakistan’s leading entities in the
healthcare sector, with a distinguished track record spanning over six decades.
As per IQVIA, the Group currently ranks 8th in terms of consolidated revenue
within the domestic pharmaceutical market, reflecting its strong market
presence and sustained performance. OBS Group has earned a reputation for its
expertise in forming strategic partnerships with globally recognized
pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. Its ability to foster long-term
collaborations and engage in meaningful international alliances underscores the
Group’s commitment to innovation, quality, and global best practices. With an
extensive operational footprint across Pakistan, backed by substantial
financial strength and organizational capabilities, OBS Group is
well-positioned to extend strategic, operational, and financial support to AGP
when required. This alignment ensures that AGP
benefits from the Group’s broad industry experience, resource base, and
collaborative network, enhancing its long-term growth prospects and resilience
in a dynamic market environment.
Governance
Board Structure
The Board of Directors of AGP Limited is composed of seven
members, reflecting a balanced representation of key stakeholders and
governance best practices. The board includes two representatives from OBS
Group—one of whom serves as the Chairman—alongside one nominee each from Muller
& Phipps (M&P) and Baltoro Growth Fund (BGF). In addition, there are
two independent directors, appointed to ensure objective oversight, and one
executive director, namely the Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Tariq Moinuddin
Khan, a seasoned industry leader and the driving force behind OBS Group,
currently serves as the Chairman of the Board, providing strategic guidance and
leadership at the highest level.
Members’ Profile
The Board of Directors (BoD) of
AGP Limited comprises highly accomplished professionals, each bringing a wealth
of experience in managing business operations across a range of industries.
Collectively, the Board offers strategic depth, sound judgment, and a strong
commitment to corporate governance. The independent directors, in particular,
are widely respected for their subject matter expertise, extensive industry
insight, and objective perspective. Their presence ensures that the Board
benefits from informed, impartial oversight and adherence to best governance
practices. At the helm, the Chairman brings over ~30 years of experience in the
healthcare sector. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held several key
leadership roles, demonstrating a consistent track record of strategic vision,
operational excellence, and transformational leadership within the
pharmaceutical and broader healthcare industries.
Board Effectiveness
The Board of Directors convenes regularly in accordance with
a predefined agenda designed to steer the company toward its strategic
objectives and to ensure effective oversight of management performance. Each
meeting is meticulously documented through comprehensive minutes, which include
key deliberations, decisions made, and actionable follow-up items to ensure
accountability and continuity. In line with best practices in corporate
governance and to further strengthen its oversight capabilities, the Board has
constituted two specialized committees: (1) the Audit Committee and (2) the
Human Resource & Remuneration Committee. Both committees are chaired by
independent directors, ensuring objectivity, transparency, and alignment with
regulatory requirements. These committees play a critical role in supporting
the Board’s governance functions by providing focused oversight on financial
reporting, internal controls, risk management, human capital strategy, and
executive compensation.
Financial Transparency
The Company changed its Auditors in CY24 and appointed M/s.
Grant Thornton Anjum Rahman Chartered Accountants as the external auditors, who
are listed in the category “A” on the State Bank of Pakistan's panel of
auditors, and have issued an unqualified opinion on the financial statements
for the year ended December 2024.Previous auditors of the Company were EY Ford
Rhodes Chartered Accountants.
Management
Organizational Structure
The organizational structure of the Company is comprised of
nine functional departments, each led by skilled professionals (Directors or
Controllers): 1)
Technical operations, 2) Marketing & Sales-A, 3)
Marketing & Sales-B, 4) Business Development & Regulatory Affairs, 5) Finance, 6) Quality Operations, 7) Information
solutions, 8) Supply Chain, 9) Business Planning & Corporate Affairs, 10)
Human Resource and Administration and 11) Business Optimization & Market
Analysis. This well-defined hierarchy,
along with clear roles and responsibilities, facilitates efficient operations
and coordination. Currently, all key positions are filled.
Management Team
AGP’s management team is composed of highly qualified
professionals who bring a diverse set of skills and deep industry knowledge to
the organization. Many members of the team have maintained long-standing
associations with the Company, contributing to its operational stability and
continuity of leadership. Mr. Muhammad Kamran Nasir has been appointed as the
Chief Executive Officer. He is a Chartered Accountant by profession and a
member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW).
Mr. Kamran Nasir brings with him extensive expertise in corporate financial
management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. His appointment
reflects the Company’s commitment to strong, experienced leadership as it
pursues continued growth and value creation in the healthcare sector.
Effectiveness
AGP has instituted well-defined
reporting lines that support effective communication, accountability, and
operational clarity across the organization. These structures are further
reinforced by the establishment of a management-level Executive Committee (ECM),
comprising the heads of all key departments. The Executive Committee plays a
central role in the Company’s governance and operational framework. Its core
responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day business operations, leading the
annual budgeting process, and formulating, reviewing, and executing the Company's
strategic initiatives. The ECM also ensures that strategic objectives are
clearly communicated across the organization and that their implementation is
monitored for alignment and efficiency. This integrated approach facilitates
cross-functional coordination, promotes informed decision-making, and
strengthens overall organizational performance.
MIS
AGP has implemented and is using
all key modules of SAP (ERP suite). The suite provides a real-time end-to-end
integrated solution for all operations. AGP Limited signed a Service Level
Agreement (SLA) to ensure faster SAP issue resolution, process improvements,
and user training. Key initiatives included SAP capacity planning, a new income
tax module, and ongoing testing of SAP HCM integration with Decibel for
employee data, recruitment, and performance management.
Control Environment
AGP has implemented a comprehensive Management Information
System (MIS) designed to support effective decision-making and performance
monitoring. The MIS includes detailed reports featuring key performance
indicators (KPIs) and other critical business metrics. These reports are
prepared on a monthly and quarterly basis and are reviewed by senior management
before being submitted to the Chairman. This structured reporting process
ensures timely oversight and alignment with the Company’s strategic goals. In
addition, the Company has established a dedicated Internal Audit Department,
which operates independently to ensure adherence to established policies,
procedures, and regulatory requirements. The department plays a vital role in
evaluating internal controls, identifying potential risks, and recommending
improvements to enhance operational efficiency, accountability, and overall
governance compliance.
Business Risk
Industry Dynamics
The broader economic environment showed signs of
stabilization in 2024, with a notable recovery in GDP growth, a significant reduction in the
policy rate, stability of Pakistani Rupee against US Dollar and enhanced foreign exchange
reserves supported by the IMF program. Moreover, the business confidence index
has continued to show positive sentiments. The pharmaceutical sector has
witnessed favorable growth, particularly following the deregulation of pricing
for drugs not included in the National Essential Medicines List (NEML). This
policy change allows drug manufacturers to adjust prices for non-essential
medicines to offset rising cost of doing business in line with market dynamics,
creating growth opportunities, particularly for those with a higher portfolio of
non-essential products, thereby enhancing revenue potential. As per the
Industry Report issued by IQVIA Solutions Pakistan Pvt. Ltd., a pharma research
Company, the pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan reached PKR 1,008 bn in CY24
with a value growth of ~21.5% and unit growth of ~2.9%. The sector’s growth has been mainly attributed to a
deregulatory policy introduced this year. The healthcare services industry is
considered low-risk due to limited demand cyclicality. While Pakistan’s economy
is showing signs of stabilization, challenges such as fiscal constraints,
external debt obligations, devaluation of local currency, and global supply
chain disruptions persist. Expected volatility in oil prices, due to supply and
demand factors, are posing risks for global trade and commodity prices. Hence,
future profitability may be impacted by macroeconomic challenges. The top ten
pharmaceutical companies hold about ~49% of the market. However, the sector's
reliance on imported raw materials (APIs) exposes it to currency fluctuations,
while high borrowing costs from elevated interest rates hinder profitability.
Additionally, regulated pricing limits the ability to pass on cost increases to
consumers.
Relative Position
Despite facing ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges,
AGP remains firmly committed to achieving sustainable growth and expanding its
share of the pharmaceutical market. The Company is strategically leveraging its
well-established product portfolio along with group-level synergies to maintain
a competitive edge and outperform overall market growth. In parallel, AGP is
investing heavily in research and development (R&D) to bring innovative
medications to market. These efforts are focused on addressing both existing
and emerging therapeutic needs, allowing the Company to enhance its presence in
the domestic healthcare sector while also positioning itself for entry into new
international markets. To further accelerate growth, AGP is actively exploring
strategic acquisition opportunities. These potential acquisitions are aimed at
driving inorganic growth, expanding product offerings, and increasing
operational capabilities across multiple markets. Overall, AGP's
forward-looking strategy combines organic expansion through innovation with
inorganic growth through acquisitions, reinforcing its vision to become a
leading pharmaceutical player both locally and globally. AGP has a blend
of its own range of branded generics and products licensed from principals of
international repute. Their group Company OBS stood at No. 08 according to the
latest IQVIA reports with a consolidated topline of PKR 41bln. During
the CY24, AGP enhanced its market share by more than ~7% over the last year,
holding ~5.83% market share in its served pharma market comprising of the same
competing molecules, among products sold in 2024. AGP’s flagship brands hold
major market share among their same molecular categories. To diversify its
revenue streams and reduce dependence on its top-performing brands, AGP has
adopted a strategic launch philosophy centered on long-term, sustainable
growth. This approach involves the careful selection and introduction of new
brands with strong commercial potential, including those with the potential to become
blockbuster products. As part of this strategy, AGP is actively working on the
launch of New Chemical Entities (NCEs), while also enriching its product
portfolio through line extensions and support brands that complement its
existing offerings. In addition, the Company is expanding into high-growth
therapeutic segments to tap into emerging healthcare needs and broaden its
market footprint. A critical component of AGP’s overall growth strategy is its
sharpened commercial focus. By aligning its marketing, sales, and product
development functions more closely with market demands, the Company aims to
enhance its competitive positioning and drive consistent, long-term
performance.
Revenues
During IHCY25, the Company recorded sales of PKR ~12,717mln.
In CY24, Company reported sales of PKR ~25,034mln in comparison
to sales of PKR ~18,743mln reflecting an annualized growth rate of ~34%.
This growth was primarily driven by domestic market expansion and increased exports. The Company's revenue
remains concentrated among its key offerings, with the top 10 products
contributing approximately ~70% of total sales during the reporting period.
This highlights the strong market demand and continued success of the Company’s
core product portfolio. Among the main contributors to sales are the
following flagship products:
RIGIX, an
antihistamine used for allergy relief,
OSNATE-D, a calcium and
vitamin D supplement,
CECLOR, a
broad-spectrum antibiotic,
ANAFORTAN PLUS, a
combination drug for pain and spasm management, and
SPASLER-P, a medication
used to relieve pain and muscle spasms.
These products continue to play a central role in the
Company’s commercial performance and are expected to remain key growth drivers
going forward.
OBS AGP- In CY24, OBS AGP
delivered robust financial results, with net sales increasing by ~23.7% to PKR
6,237mln, driven by market expansion and volumetric growth.
OBS PK- In CY24, OBS Pakistan
recorded outstanding financial growth, with net sales up ~93.5% to PKR 3,237mln,
driven by volumetric gains and team expansion.
Margins
During IHCY25, AGP maintained a stable gross margin of ~58%,
consistent with the margin reported in CY24. This reflects an improvement from
CY23, when the gross margin stood at around ~54%. This stability was supported
by enhanced efficiency, price increases and the addition of new products to the
Company’s sales mix, which helped offset potential cost pressures. The
Company’s operating margin also remained almost stagnant supported by cost
optimizations and operational efficiencies at ~28% in IHCY25 compared to ~29%
in CY24. AGP demonstrated a notable improvement in its net profit
margin, which rose to ~13.3% in IHCY25 from ~11.8% in CY24. This improvement is
somewhat counterintuitive, as it occurred despite a rise in finance costs. The
increase in net margin is primarily attributable to enhanced top-line
performance, which helped absorb the impact of higher financial expenses. The
elevated finance costs were largely the result of borrowings undertaken to fund
recent acquisitions of subsidiaries, coupled with the impact of high prevailing
interest rates. Nonetheless, the Company’s ability to improve its bottom line
in this environment highlights strong operational execution and effective cost
management at the net level. OBS AGP’s gross profit rose ~20%
to PKR 3,337mln, supported by cost efficiencies and a focus on higher-margin
products. Operating profit grew by ~16% to PKR 1,536 mln, while finance costs
dropped ~22% due to better debt management. As a result, Profit After Tax
surged ~42% to PKR 726mln. These results reflect the success of strategic
efforts in innovation, market expansion, and cost optimization. OBS PK’s gross profit surged ~114%
to PKR 2,363mln, while operating profit rose ~132% to PKR 1,730mln, reflecting
strong cost control and market expansion. Profit After Tax grew ~16% to PKR
267mln, underscoring solid profitability. These results position OBS Pakistan
for sustained long-term success.
Sustainability
AGP is strategically positioned to benefit from group-level
synergies, which are expected to enhance its operational efficiency and overall
financial performance. These synergies are being realized across several key
areas. Firstly, the Company is likely to secure bulk purchase discounts on key
raw materials such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and excipients,
owing to consolidated procurement at the group level. This not only reduces
input costs but also strengthens the Company’s negotiating power with
suppliers. Secondly, AGP stands to benefit from improved banking relationships,
facilitated through the broader group’s financial standing and reputation.
These enhanced relationships may lead to more favorable financing terms,
including lower borrowing costs, better credit facilities, and smoother access
to capital. Thirdly, AGP is leveraging the group's infrastructure to
enable strength-wise parking of pharmaceutical products. This refers to the
strategic allocation and manufacturing of products based on formulation
strengths (e.g., dosage forms and potencies), allowing for more efficient use
of production capacity across group entities and reducing operational
redundancies. Lastly, the recent acquisition of the Viatris product portfolio,
which was previously owned by Pfizer, is expected to significantly expand AGP’s
therapeutic offerings and market reach. This acquisition adds value through
access to well-established brands, potential for cross-selling, and entry into
new market segments. Together, these synergies are anticipated to support AGP’s
growth trajectory, improve margins, and strengthen its competitive positioning
in the pharmaceutical industry. AGP
Limited has also taken proactive measures to strengthen its operational
resilience and financial sustainability. A key initiative has been the
diversification of its supplier base, with a strategic shift from imported to
locally sourced materials—ensuring continuity of supply without compromising on
quality, a hallmark of AGP’s success. As the year draws to a close, AGP has
implemented structural changes to optimize its portfolio, including the
realignment of teams and the strategic placement of products within focused
business units. These measures are designed to maximize the benefits of recent
acquisitions and unlock synergies across the organization. AGP is also
sharpening its focus on building a robust export base, supported by efforts to
optimize inventory, drive operational excellence, and enhance cost
efficiencies. To accelerate this agenda, a seasoned senior management
professional with extensive international business experience has recently
joined the Company to lead the exploration and expansion of export
opportunities. Importantly, dollar-based
earnings are expected to serve as a natural hedge against foreign exchange
volatility. Remaining agile in a dynamic business environment, AGP continues to
monitor external developments, assessing risks and identifying growth
opportunities to ensure business continuity. The recent de-regularization of
prices for non-essential drugs has provided much-needed relief to the
pharmaceutical sector, helping mitigate the rising cost of doing business,
especially in light of the Pakistani Rupee's depreciation over the past three
years. Additionally, supportive regulatory frameworks and evolving business
policies are expected to further strengthen the sector's ability to navigate
economic headwinds. The Company also underwired its presence in Kenya, Sri
Lanka, and Cambodia through strategic partnerships, facilitating successful
product registrations and market launches. Meanwhile, Afghanistan remained a
key strategic market, demonstrating consistent sales growth throughout the
year. This geographic expansion not only enhances access to quality healthcare
in emerging markets but also contributes to the diversification of AGP’s
revenue streams, reinforcing the Company’s commitment to sustainable, long-term
growth. These initiatives are in line with AGP’s vision of becoming a globally
recognized pharmaceutical Company, delivering value through innovation,
accessibility, and regional relevance.
Financial Risk
Working capital
At IHCY25, AGP’s net cash conversion cycle extended to ~69
days, compared to around ~60 days recorded in CY24. This increase reflects a
slightly longer duration between the outflow of cash for production and the
inflow of cash from customer payments. Breaking this down further,
inventory days stood at ~60 days, while receivable days were around ~30 days
during the period. A significant factor influencing the inventory holding
period is AGP’s distribution arrangement with Muller & Phipps (M&P).
Under this arrangement, M&P maintains an average inventory of about ~58
days in its own warehouses before the products are dispatched to retail
outlets. Once the goods are dispatched by M&P, payments to AGP are
typically received within ~30 days. This means that while AGP does not directly
hold the inventory, the cash is effectively tied up for a longer duration due
to the distributor’s warehousing cycle. Consequently, this operational
structure contributes to the overall lengthening of AGP’s cash cycle.
Coverages
AGP’s Free Cash Flow from Operations (FCFO) amounted to PKR
3,218mln in IHCY25, compared to PKR 6,603mln in CY24 and PKR 3,467mln in
CY23.This reflects a healthy operational cash flow generation in just half the
year, indicating continued efficiency in the Company’s core business
activities. The Company’s interest coverage ratio—which measures the
ability to meet interest obligations from operating earnings—also strengthened
during the period. It stood at ~4.4 times in IHCY25, a notable improvement from
~2.5 times in CY24. This improvement indicates that AGP is in a stronger
position to comfortably service its interest payments. However, the debt
servicing ratio, which measures the Company's ability to cover total debt
obligations (including principal repayments), slightly declined to around ~1.8
times in IHCY25 from ~2.5 times in CY24.
Capitalization
At IHCY25, the debt on AGP’s balance sheet is primarily
composed of three key components. The Company has long-term borrowings
amounting to PKR ~258mln, while short-term borrowings stand at PKR 2,080mln. In
addition, AGP has issued Sukuk—a form of Shariah-compliant Islamic bonds—worth
PKR 8,915mln. The Sukuk constitutes the largest portion of the Company's total
debt, indicating a strategic focus on Islamic financing instruments. Despite
the sizable debt obligations, the Company’s leverage ratio remained relatively
stable during the period. As of IHCY25, the leverage ratio stood at ~43%,
showing a slight increase from ~42.8% in CY24 and a notable improvement from
~50.2% in CY23. This reflects prudent financial management and indicates that
the Company has maintained a balanced approach to capital structure and debt
utilization. Moreover, AGP continues to maintain a strong equity position.
The Company reported a total equity base of PKR 15,036mln at the end of IHCY25.
This solid capital foundation enhances AGP’s financial resilience and positions
the Company well for sustaining operations, meeting financial obligations, and
supporting future growth initiatives.
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