PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of Sapphire Finishing Mills Limited

The ratings of Sapphire Finishing Mills Limited reflect the Company’s strong business profile emanating from an international presence in the broader value chain of late; enabling the Company to manage volatility in the textile industry. Sapphire Finishing is engaged in processing, dyeing and finishing of fabric, stitching of garments and generation of power for self-consumption. During FY21, Company’s gross, operating and net margins exhibited slight attrition. Over the years, the Company has built a trading portfolio that exposes it to market risk exhibited by volatility in the stock market, though investments are made predominantly in blue-chip stocks. An investment book (PKR 2.9bln, 32.2% of equity) built over the years by deploying surplus funds augments the Company’s liquidity profile. Dividend income improved in FY21. Improved domestic demand and rising exports resulted in slight uptick in revenues. The demand for exports has surged after Dec’20 and the Company capitalized on it. The exports increased by PKR 1.9bln YoY to clock in at PKR 20.6bln YoY. However, operating profit recorded downward trend due to the profitability of the Company declined due to increase in the input costs. Financial risk of the company has breathing space with an improvement in coverages. Ratings further incorporate the association of the Company with the well-established Sapphire Group which enjoys distinguishing presence in several sectors
The ratings are dependent on sustaining the business profile of the Company by maintaining profitability and margins achieved from core textile operations. Sustainability of non-core income and prudent management of surplus funds will be ratings critical.

About the Entity
Sapphire Finishing Limited – a public, unlisted entity – commenced operations in 2003 and is engaged in the manufacturing of value-added textile products. The Company has made separate business units for its business which include (i) Processing, (ii) Workwear and iii) Fashion apparel; each being an individual profit center. Sapphire Finishing is wholly owned by the Sapphire Group, directly through individuals (~8%) and group companies (~92%).
Overall control vests with a seven-member Board of Directors, dominated by the sponsoring family: five family members, including the CEO, and one non-executive. The CEO, Mr. Yousuf Abdullah, belonging to the sponsoring family, possesses expertise in textile and oversees the Company affairs. He is assisted by a professional and experienced management team.