Analyst
Maryam Ijaz
maryam.ijaz@pacra.com
+92-42-35869504
www.pacra.com
Applicable Criteria
Related Research
PACRA Maintains Entity Ratings of Eastern Garments (Pvt.) Limited
Rating Type | Entity | |
Current (06-Aug-21 ) |
Previous (07-Aug-20 ) |
|
Action | Maintain | Maintain |
Long Term | BBB+ | BBB+ |
Short Term | A2 | A2 |
Outlook | Stable | Stable |
Rating Watch | - | - |
The ratings reflect improving business profile of Eastern Garments (Pvt.) Limited, an export-oriented knitwear and woven garments unit. In the past, the Company’s sales mix predominantly comprised of knitwear. However, given the volatility in Pakistan’s knitwear industry in recent years, the Company has expanded into woven denim garments. This has enabled it to diversify its sales while increasing revenues exponentially with enhanced margins. However, the business risk remains high owing to the global knitwear industry’s reliance on few key players as well as competitive international denim market. During the tough economic conditions pertaining to Covid-19, the company has significantly improved its profitability with remarkable growth in margins. On a standalone basis, the Company’s customer concentration remains high. However, comfort is drawn given its relationships with established international brands. Ratings incorporate stable financial profile characterized by modest leveraging and strong coverages. Ratings further reflect the professional management team as well as sponsors ability to provide support when required, as demonstrated in the past. Meanwhile, the corporate governance framework needs improvement. Going forward, the company intends to enhance the production capacities in coming years. Further, the Company is also focusing on its marketing side especially in Europe, to help penetrate the woven denim garments segment.
The ratings are dependent upon the management's ability to capitalize on growth opportunities in a competitive landscape, operate at optimal level and sustain margins amid COVID-19. Excessive borrowing, leading to higher leverage and/or deterioration in coverages, can impact the ratings negatively. Meanwhile, improvement in governance framework remains important.
About
the Entity
Eastern Garments (Pvt.) Limited, incorporated in 1980, is engaged in the production and sale of knitwear and woven garments. Its operations comprise knitting, dyeing, finishing, printing, embroidery and stitching. The Company’s production facilities are divided into six units, all located in Sindh Industrial Trading Estate, Karachi. The Company’s shareholding rests equally with Mr. Noor Mohammed and his son, Mr. Nizar Noor.
Overall control of the Company vests in a two-member Board of Directors, comprising the sponsors. Mr. Noor Mohammed is the Chairman and CEO of Eastern Garments with background in banking and over four decades of experience in the textile industry while Mr. Nizar Noor has been the Managing Director of the Company since 1997. The management team comprises experienced and professional individuals with significant autonomy to execute operational matters.