Rating History
Dissemination Date Long-Term Rating Short-Term Rating Outlook Action Rating Watch
24-Oct-25 BBB- A3 Developing Maintain -
01-Nov-24 BBB- A3 Developing Maintain -
01-Nov-23 BBB- A3 Developing Maintain -
02-Nov-22 BBB- A3 Developing Upgrade -
16-Nov-21 BB+ A3 Developing Initial -
About the Entity

EAPL, a venture of Etihad Group, is a private limited company incorporated in 2021 under the Companies Act of 2017. Etihad Group is recognized as one of Pakistan's leading industrial houses, with diversified operations in sugar manufacturing, construction services, and real estate. The CEO, Mr. Zahid Jamil, is the man at the last mile. He brings with him vast experience, leading various entities across multiple sectors.

Rating Rationale

Etihad Alloys Private Limited (“EAPL” or “the Company”) is an industrial concern situated at District Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab Pakistan. The Company is engaged in constructing owning and operating a Steel melting Plant (Steel Project) with a designed melting capacity of approximately 250,000 MT per annum, a bagasse based captive Powe Plant (Power Project) with designed power generation capacity of 37.2 Mw and a Re-Rolling Mill (Re-Rolling Project) with Capacity of 200,000 MT per Annum. The Steel Melting Plant was planned in April 2021 and as of now it is substantially complete. Financial Close of the Steel Project was achieved in due course through a syndicated term finance facility of PKR 2.785bln, 100% equity and the proceeds of the term finance have been injected in the project. Repayments of the term Finance of Steel Project commenced in March 2023 and the Company has successfully serviced eleven quarterly installments (principal and markup) with sponsor support, demonstrating the sponsors' continued financial commitment. Etihad Power Generation Limited (EPGL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Etihad Alloys owns a 37.2 Mw bagasse based Power Plant situated in District Rahim Yar Khan. EPGL was merged into EAPL effective July 1, 2023, through an order of the Lahore High Court. The merger was undertaken to create operational synergies, optimize resource utilization, and ensure uninterrupted power supply for the upcoming steel operations. Financial close of Power Project was successfully achieved on August 5, 2024, through a syndicated term finance facility of PKR 5.85bln, with drawdowns made as per milestone achievements. As of now sponsors have already injected 100% of the committed equity contribution for the Power Project. Substantial progress has been achieved-major equipment has been procured and delivered to the site, civil works are nearing completion, and mechanical and electrical installations are underway. FABCON Design & Engineering (Pvt.) Limited serves as the major contractor for the balance deliveries of the boiler and allied equipment, bringing specialized experience in bagasse-based energy solutions. The Commercial Operations Date (COD) for EAPL's integrated Steel and Power projects is targeted within FY26. In view of prevailing market conditions, the management has also decided to diversify into the rebar segment through the establishment of a Re-Rolling Mill with an initial capacity of 200,000 tonnes per annum. Financial close for the Re-Rolling Mill is currently in progress, with equity contributions being made in line with project requirements. COD of the Rolling mill Project is targeted by Decmeber 2026. As of FY25, EAPL's total debt stood at PKR 4,914mln, which is expected to increase with ongoing drawdowns for project completion. Additionally, a major milestone in the Company's development was achieved in early 2025 when EAPL was granted Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status. This designation confers a 10-year tax holiday, significantly enhancing the project's financial viability and long-term profitability. The SEZ status is expected to strengthen EAPL's future outlook by improving post-COD cash flows, supporting faster debt repayment, and bolstering overall return metrics through substantial fiscal relief. It also positions the Company to benefit from operational synergies, reduced production costs, and improved profitability driven by in-house power generation and SEZ-related incentives.

Key Rating Drivers

The ratings are contingent upon the management’s ability to achieve project completion milestones. The current ratings reflect substantial progress on both the steel and power projects. However, the developing outlook captures the time remaining until their commissioning. Continued sponsor support up to the COD remains critical to the Company’s financial risk profile.

Profile
Legal Structure

Etihad Alloys (Private) Limited (“EAPL” or “the Company”) was incorporated on March 16, 2021, as a private limited company under the Companies Act, 2017. The Company’s registered office is located at 4-Bawa Park, Upper Mall Scheme, Lahore, while its production facility is based in District Rahim Yar Khan.


Background

Etihad Group is in the process of setting up a new industrial unit in Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab. The project will comprise a steel melting as well as re-rolling mill designed to achieve an annual melting capacity of around 250,000 tons, and rolling capacity of around 200,000 tons. Additionally, a 37.2 MW bagasse-based renewable energy captive power plant is also under construction. The Company holds about 73 acres of land for its Steel and Power Projects.


Operations

In the first year of operations, the Company will start manufacturing steel billets from scrap, as billets serve as a critical input for various value-added steel products. Target industries for billet consumption include: i) wire rods, ii) steel pipes and tubes, iii) GI pipes, and iv) rebar mills. Upon completion of Re-rolling Mill, it will immediately move to rebar production, primarily using its own Billet. EAPL will gain a competitive advantage through access to cost-effective electricity from its aforementioned captive power plant.


Ownership
Ownership Structure

The ownership structure of EAPL comprises two parties: Mr. Mohammad Munir, who holds a majority stake of 51%, and Etihad Sugar Mills Limited, which owns the remaining 49%.


Stability

Mr. Muhammad Munir, the major shareholder of EAPL, also holds substantial shares in Etihad Sugar Mills, Etihad Town, and Technical Associates. This arrangement positively contributes to the stability of the ownership structure.


Business Acumen

The sponsor, Mr. Mohammad Munir, brings a wealth of experience in successfully managing businesses across diverse sectors, including sugar, real estate, hospitality, and construction. His firm commitment enables him to navigate complex market dynamics and effectively drive growth.


Financial Strength

The financial strength of the sponsor, Mr. Mohammad Munir, is considered strong. His commitment to the Company is evident from the upfront equity injection at inception and the continued financial support extended as needed. Moreover, repayments of the project loans have been made by the sponsor, with 11 installments paid to date in a timely manner, further demonstrating his sustained commitment to the Company.


Governance
Board Structure

Overall control of the board vests with a two-member board of directors, both from the sponsoring family. This includes the Chairman/CEO, Mr. Zahid Jamil, who has a long-standing association with the group. The other board member is Mr. Ashfaq Ahmed. Both board members hold executive roles within the Company’s management.


Members’ Profile

Mr. Zahid Jamil possesses experience in multiple domains, such as planning, setup, equipment installation, deployment, and operational management across multiple industrial projects within the group. He actively oversees procurement activities for all group entities. Mr. Ashfaq Ahmed, with 23 years of experience in the banking industry, has been associated with the group for over a decade.


Board Effectiveness

With only two members, EAPL’s board has a relatively limited governance framework compared to larger, more established corporations.


Financial Transparency

Yousaf Adil Chartered Accountants is the external auditor of the Company. They have expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s financial statements as of June 30, 2025.


Management
Organizational Structure

EAPL has a well-defined organizational structure where both Steel and Power projects have respective Technical Directors while the Operational and commercial matters are overseen by the Chief Operating Officer. Jointly they form a Project Committee who reports to the CEO/Board. The structure is expected to evolve further as the Company approaches commissioning.


Management Team

Mr. Zahid Jamil serves as the CEO of the Company. Mr. Sakhawat Qureshi holds the position of steel Project Director, while Mr. Asad Ullah Khan holds the positions of Power Project Director. Mr. Qureshi previously worked with various steel projects inside and outside Pakistan. Similarly, Mr. Asad Ullah Khan as worked with various Power Plants within and outside Pakistan. Mr. Saqib Riaz, FCA, is the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, bringing over fifteen years of experience in managing operations, finances, financial reporting, legal and tax. Prior to this role, he served as the CFO of Nishat (Chunian) Limited. He is associated with Etihad Group since 2016.


Effectiveness

The management team is actively involved in managing multiple aspects, such as strategic business planning, financial decision-making, and human resources management. EAPL is supported by a group of experienced professionals who possess the necessary technical expertise.


MIS

The Company is in the process of implementing a cloud based ERP solution developed by a reputable software provider. This ERP software will include all basic standard operational modules. This system will enable faster and more detailed reporting of operations.


Control Environment

The Company is currently in the process of developing and formalizing its internal control systems and procedures aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring compliance, and safeguarding its assets.


Business Risk
Industry Dynamics

During FY24, demand for long steel remained subdued due to high borrowing costs, inflationary pressures, and reduced public spending under fiscal constraints.  Steel demand in Pakistan is closely linked to construction activity, infrastructure development, and other cyclical industries such as automotive and appliances. Macroeconomic conditions play a pivotal role in shaping consumption trends. Demand for rebar is closely tied to construction and infrastructure cycles, making it highly sensitive to economic conditions. Sluggish economic growth in FY24 led to reduced construction and infrastructure activity, directly dampening steel consumption. Domestic steel demand saw only a marginal uptick (~1.8% YoY in FY24). High interest rates and inflation during FY24 curtailed financing for private projects, further suppressing steel bar uptake. Entering FY25, early signs of recovery have emerged: the central bank’s monetary easing (policy rate cut to 11% by May 2025) has contributed to about 6.61% growth in construction sector output during 3QFY25. However, the combined construction & real estate sector grew only by 3.8%. Looking forward, with interest rates declining, overall net profit margins are expected to improve. However, the extent of recovery will remain dependent on demand dynamics, scrap price trends, and energy costs.


Relative Position

EAPL’s access to low-cost electricity from its captive bagasse-based power plant is expected to lower production costs and enhance competitiveness. Further, its mid-country presence adds strategic advantage to tap both southern and northern markets.



Revenues

Etihad Alloys primary revere in the long run, will focus on sale of rebar, specialized alloys and export of non-ferrous metals.The Company’s competitive advantage will lie in its SEZ status, mid-country presence and lower production costs, supported by renewable energy from its captive power plant. The Company is currently in the pre-COD phase and will begin generating revenue after it commences operations. The plant’s full-fledged COD with Re-rollig Mill is expected in CY26.


Margins

EAPL will gain a strategic advantage from lower electricity costs through its captive bagasse-based power plant, supported by a steady bagasse supply from the adjacent group-owned sugar mill. This is expected to enhance competitiveness and margins once operations commence.


Sustainability

Going forward, demand is expected to be supported by PSDP-funded government projects, including flood rehabilitation programs. Furthermore, spending in the private sector is also expected to increase considering the downward trend of interest rate. The Company is currently in the construction phase; therefore, its sustainability will remain contingent on the timely and successful commissioning of its operations.


Financial Risk
Working capital

The Company is currently in the construction phase; therefore, as at 30 June 2025 there is no immediate need for working capital. However, management projections indicate the necessity for short-term borrowings from banks, as the major raw material, iron scrap, is imported from the European, Middle Eastern and American markets. The projections further suggest that working capital will be managed through a mix of internal cash flow generation and bank borrowings


Coverages

Financial metrics will materialize once EAPL commences operations following its COD. Projections, however, indicate that operational cash flows will be sufficient to meet obligations in a timely manner.


Capitalization

The overall project is expected to be completed at a total cost of PKR 20,000 million with ultimate debt-to-equity ratio of 50:50. The debt financing includes a TERF facility of PKR 1,000 million at a fixed rate of 3.75% pa and Renewable Energy Refinance of PKR 340 million at a fixed rate of 5.75% pa, while non-TERF/non-RE facility at an interest rate of 3MKIBOR + 2.75%.


 
 

Oct-25

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Jun-25
12M
Jun-24
12M
Jun-23
12M
Audited Audited Audited
A. BALANCE SHEET
1. Non-Current Assets 13,231 10,631 10,195
2. Investments 0 0 0
3. Related Party Exposure 0 0 0
4. Current Assets 2,840 689 673
a. Inventories 0 0 0
b. Trade Receivables 0 0 0
5. Total Assets 16,071 11,319 10,868
6. Current Liabilities 1,635 472 412
a. Trade Payables 31 26 19
7. Borrowings 4,914 2,819 2,689
8. Related Party Exposure 0 372 2,973
9. Non-Current Liabilities 168 33 20
10. Net Assets 9,354 7,623 4,775
11. Shareholders' Equity 9,354 7,623 4,775
B. INCOME STATEMENT
1. Sales 0 0 0
a. Cost of Good Sold 0 0 0
2. Gross Profit 0 0 0
a. Operating Expenses (96) (92) (159)
3. Operating Profit (96) (92) (159)
a. Non Operating Income or (Expense) (35) (269) (636)
4. Profit or (Loss) before Interest and Tax (130) (361) (796)
a. Total Finance Cost (356) (594) (116)
b. Taxation 0 0 (10)
6. Net Income Or (Loss) (486) (955) (921)
C. CASH FLOW STATEMENT
a. Free Cash Flows from Operations (FCFO) (400) (500) (461)
b. Net Cash from Operating Activities before Working Capital Changes (400) (842) (851)
c. Changes in Working Capital (63) 15 (252)
1. Net Cash provided by Operating Activities (463) (827) (1,104)
2. Net Cash (Used in) or Available From Investing Activities (2,404) (525) (1,125)
3. Net Cash (Used in) or Available From Financing Activities 3,080 1,281 2,319
4. Net Cash generated or (Used) during the period 213 (71) 90
D. RATIO ANALYSIS
1. Performance
a. Sales Growth (for the period) N/A N/A N/A
b. Gross Profit Margin N/A N/A N/A
c. Net Profit Margin N/A N/A N/A
d. Cash Conversion Efficiency (FCFO adjusted for Working Capital/Sales) N/A N/A N/A
e. Return on Equity [ Net Profit Margin * Asset Turnover * (Total Assets/Shareholders' Equity )] N/A N/A N/A
2. Working Capital Management
a. Gross Working Capital (Average Days) N/A N/A N/A
b. Net Working Capital (Average Days) N/A N/A N/A
c. Current Ratio (Current Assets / Current Liabilities) 1.7 1.5 1.6
3. Coverages
a. EBITDA / Finance Cost -0.2 -0.7 -1.4
b. FCFO / Finance Cost+CMLTB+Excess STB -0.5 -0.4 -0.8
c. Debt Payback (Total Borrowings+Excess STB) / (FCFO-Finance Cost) -6.5 -2.9 -7.8
4. Capital Structure
a. Total Borrowings / (Total Borrowings+Shareholders' Equity) 34.4% 29.5% 48.1%
b. Interest or Markup Payable (Days) 0.0 177.5 708.8
c. Entity Average Borrowing Rate 8.8% 15.5% 3.8%

Oct-25

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