Profile
Background
The Hub Power Company
Limited (HUBCO) is Pakistan’s pioneering Independent Power Producer
(IPP), with its first
thermal power plant located in Mouza Kund, Gaddani, District Lasbela,
Balochistan. Achieving commercial operations in 1996, HUBCO has played a key role in shaping the country’s private power sector. In October 2024, the company
reached a negotiated settlement with the government to retire its original power
contracts ahead of their
scheduled expiry in March 2027. As part of
this arrangement, HUBCO received PKR 36.5 billion from CPPA-G (excluding delayed
payment interest), while its outstanding liabilities to PSO were cleared
by the Government of Pakistan.
Over time, HUBCO has expanded beyond conventional power generation into multiple sectors including
mining, oil and gas exploration, automotive, and electric
vehicle infrastructure.
Structural Analysis
HUBCO has transitioned into an effective holding company with a
diversified investment portfolio valued at approximately PKR 64 billion,
spanning multiple sectors. Its energy portfolio demonstrates significant
scale and fuel diversification, comprising thermal (RFO), hydropower, imported
coal, and indigenous lignite-based power generation.
Subsidiaries
·
Narowal Energy Limited (NEL) – 100%
ownership
·
Laraib Energy Limited (LEL) – 74.95%
ownership
·
Hub Power Holdings Limited (HPHL) – 100%
ownership
·
Hub Power Services Limited (HPSL) – 100%
ownership
·
Thar Energy Limited (TEL) – 60% ownership
·
Mega Motor Company (Private) Limited (MMCPL)
– 100% ownership via HPHL
·
Ark Metals (Private) Limited – 50.1%
ownership via HPHL
·
Hubco Green (Private) Limited (HGL) –
100% ownership via HPHL
Associates
·
China Power Hub Generation Company (Private)
Limited (CPHGC) – 47.5% legal ownership via HPHL
·
ThalNova Power Thar (Private) Limited (TNPTL)
– 38.3% ownership via HPHL
Joint
Ventures
·
Prime International Oil & Gas Company
Limited – 50% ownership via HPHL
·
China Power Hub Operating Company (Private)
Limited (CPHO) – 49% ownership via HPHL
Most of the
above projects have successfully commenced commercial operations and are
expected to deliver
sustained
dividend income, significantly contributing to HUBCO’s long-term profitability.
Additionally,
HUBCO holds an 8% minority stake in Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company,
which is playing a pivotal role in the development and expansion of coal mining
in Thar.
Expanding its
footprint beyond the energy landscape, HUBCO is actively pursuing strategic
opportunities in new sectors. These include:
·
Electric Vehicles – through Mega Motor
Company in collaboration with BYD Auto
·
EV Infrastructure & Renewables – via HUBCO
Green (HGL)
·
Mining and Metallurgy – through its
investment in Ark Metals
Through its
well-diversified and future-focused investment strategy, HUBCO is positioning
itself as a dynamic and resilient conglomerate committed to sustainable growth.
Ownership
Ownership Structure
HUBCO’s shareholding is led by Mega Conglomerate, which holds the largest individual stake of 19.48%, followed
by Fauji Foundation with an 8.5% interest. The rest of the Company’s
shares are owned by a wide array of stakeholders, including financial institutions, insurance companies, mutual funds, modarabas, leasing companies,
and members of the general
public. This diversified ownership base reflects HUBCO’s broad appeal to institutional
and retail investors alike.
Stability
HUBCO’s ownership structure has demonstrated remarkable consistency over
the years. Major shareholders have retained their stakes, signaling long-term
strategic commitment and trust in the company’s performance and direction. This consistency contributes to overall corporate
stability, reducing volatility and supporting sustained growth. In this context,
stability refers to the reliability and long-term nature of the company’s ownership
structure, which serves as a solid foundation for operational
and strategic continuity.
Business Acumen
HUBCO is one of Pakistan’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, with its core in the power sector. Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Habibullah
Khan, the Group has successfully expanded into mining, oil
& gas, electric vehicles, and renewables. With a proven track record of executing
multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects, the demonstrates exceptional project delivery capabilities.
HUBCO’s strategic partnerships and local operational expertise
give it a competitive edge in Pakistan’s evolving energy
landscape.
Financial Strength
Backed by Mega Conglomerate, HUBCO enjoys strong financial footing with stable revenue streams from a wide investment portfolio. The group reported
consolidated net profits
of PKR 25.7 billion and earnings
per share of Rs. 17.99
in Half year ending 31st Dec 2024. With diversified income sources from power, oil & gas, mining, and automotive ventures, HUBCO maintains
resilience against economic volatility. Its AA+ credit
rating and regular dividends
reflect sound financial health. This strength enables HUBCO
to reinvest and support long-term strategic growth across sectors.
Governance
Board Structure
The overall control and strategic oversight
of The Hub Power Company Limited (HUBCO) rests with an eight-
member Board of Directors (BoD). The Board includes three nominees from Mega
Conglomerate, HUBCO’s principal shareholder, and one nominee each from the National Investment Trust (NIT), Fauji Foundation, and the
Government of Balochistan. In addition, the Board comprises two independent directors, ensuring compliance with regulatory
requirements and providing unbiased oversight. The structure reflects a mix of
strategic investors, institutional representatives, and independent
professionals, fostering a balanced and well-informed decision- making environment.
Members’ Profile
HUBCO’s Board members possess extensive experience across sectors such as power generation, oil and gas, shipping,
logistics, infrastructure, financial services, real estate, and FMCG. The Chairman, Mr. M. Habibullah Khan, is
the Founder of Mega Conglomerate, a diversified business group with substantial
investments in energy, infrastructure, and industrial ventures. The Board also
includes executives and directors with international exposure and academic
credentials from leading institutions like Harvard, Georgia Tech, Columbia University, and Northeastern University. In May 2024, Mr. Syed Bakhtiyar Kazmi,
a seasoned chartered
accountant with over 35
years of experience in finance and
macroeconomic advisory, was appointed as an Independent Director, replacing Dr. Nadeem Inayat. The Board’s collective
expertise allows HUBCO to navigate complex regulatory environments
and pursue long-term strategic growth.
Board Effectiveness
To enhance governance and accountability, the Board has
established two key committees: the Board Audit Committee (BAC) and the Board
Nomination & Compensation Committee (BNCC), both of which are chaired by
independent directors. These committees ensure rigorous financial oversight,
risk management, and merit-based executive evaluation. The Board held six
meetings during FY 2024, all of which were attended by the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, while overall attendance by members remained satisfactory.
The Board regularly reviewed the Company’s strategic direction, operational
performance, investment decisions, and governance framework, ensuring continued
alignment with stakeholder interests and regulatory compliance.
Transparency
HUBCO is fully compliant with the Code of Corporate Governance prescribed by the Securities and Exchange
Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The Company maintains a strong system of
internal controls, supported by independent audits and regular performance
reviews. As a publicly listed company on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), HUBCO ensures timely and
transparent disclosure of financial and non-financial information. The FY
2024 financial statements were audited by A.F. Ferguson & Co., Chartered
Accountants, who issued an unqualified opinion, affirming the accuracy and integrity of the reporting.
Management
Organizational Structure
HUBCO has implemented multidimensional organizational structure that
differentiates it from conventional Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
The structure is built around eight core functions: Finance, Commercial, Human
Resources, Corporate
Communications & Digitalization, Internal
Audit, Operations, Legal, and
Strategy & Regulatory Affairs. As a holding company, HUBCO exercises
centralized oversight and strategic control over its diverse
subsidiaries and associates, ensuring integrated management and effective
alignment across energy, mining, oil & gas, electric mobility, and renewable sectors. This structure enhances agility, efficiency, and accountability
within the organization.
Management Team
The senior management team is comprised of highly experienced
professionals with deep expertise in their respective fields. At the helm is
Mr. Kamran Kamal, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With a
background in energy technology and public policy
from Harvard University and engineering from Georgia Tech, Mr. Kamal brings over a decade
of cross-functional experience spanning energy markets,
infrastructure project
structuring, trading, and policy reforms.
His prior roles
include senior positions at Laraib Energy
Limited, China Power Hub Generation Company,
and Engro EXIMP.
Under his leadership, HUBCO has successfully navigated regulatory reforms, diversified its portfolio, and
entered emerging sectors like electric vehicles and battery storage.
Mr.
Muhammad Saqib serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of The Hub Power
Company Limited. With over 21 years of experience in finance and strategy, he
has held key leadership positions including CFO at Engro Vopak Terminal Limited
and Engro Elengy Terminal Limited.Mr. Saqib is a Chartered Financial Analyst
and holds an MBA from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA).
Together, HUBCO’s senior management team brings
strong leadership, deep industry knowledge, and practical experience. Their
expertise in energy, finance, and partnerships helps the company adapt to
changes in the energy sector and grow sustainably.
Management Effectiveness
The management team maintains a performance-driven culture,
ensuring continuous monitoring and evaluation across all operational and strategic fronts. Key decisions are made in consultation with the Board of Directors and its
functional committees, promoting institutional governance and risk-aware
execution. This collaborative structure enables swift decision-making while upholding regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and long- term sustainability.
Control Environment
HUBCO’s internal control
framework and risk governance are managed under the supervision of the Board
Audit Committee, guided by a well-established Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework and a formal Statement
of Internal Control System. The Company follows a proactive approach
to
identifying and
assessing potential risks, implementing preventive measures, and conducting regular internal audits to ensure full compliance with
applicable laws and regulations. HUBCO’s control environment reflects
international best practices, with continuous enhancements made to align with evolving business dynamics and strategic objectives.
Investment Strategy
Investment Decision-making
HUBCO adopts a strategic, value-driven
approach to investment decision-making, with a strong focus on long-term sustainability and energy security. Investment decisions are guided by thorough market analysis, financial
viability, and alignment
with national priorities such as import substitution and clean energy. The company actively
evaluates projects across the energy value chain, including power
generation, mining, oil & gas, and electric mobility. Recent ventures into
EV infrastructure and renewable energy signify HUBCO's adaptability to global energy transitions. Investment decisions are centralized under HUBCO Holdings to ensure consistency, oversight,
and strategic alignment.
Investment Policy
HUBCO’s investment policy emphasizes
diversification, risk mitigation, and long-term value creation. The Company prioritizes investments in high-impact sectors,
such as indigenous energy production, mineral
mining, and clean transportation, that contribute to
national development and financial resilience. The policy supports forward-
looking initiatives, including
renewable energy (solar,
wind), local fuel-based power projects, and electric vehicle ecosystems. Strategic partnerships with global leaders like BYD Auto and ventures like HUBCO Green and Prime
Oil & Gas illustrate
this policy in action. The framework also ensures compliance with financial, environmental, and governance standards.
Investment Committee Effectiveness
HUBCO ensures disciplined capital allocation through a strategic and collaborative investment process, involving
senior leadership and Board oversight. All major investment proposals—such as the SECMC share acquisition, PPA restructuring, and EV infrastructure rollout—are thoroughly assessed
for feasibility, returns,
and alignment with long-term goals. The approach emphasizes financial prudence, transparency, and strategic fit. Close coordination
between executive management and shareholders helps maintain strong
governance. This model supports effective due diligence, risk evaluation, and performance monitoring across all investments.
Business Risk
Diversification
HUBCO has evolved into a multi-sectoral enterprise, mitigating concentration risk through strategic diversification. It now operates across power generation (3,581 MW installed capacity), coal mining (7.6 MTPA via SECMC), oil & gas
(10.7 KBOED via Prime), and electric mobility through Mega Motor Company and
HUBCO Green (EV infrastructure). The termination of the Hub Plant PPA in October 2024 has shifted the focus toward high-efficiency
plants and emerging sectors. HUBCO
also entered into a Master Supply & Manufacture Agreement with BYD Auto
and launched its first EV charging
station in collaboration with PSO. This expansion reduces HUBCO’s dependence
on thermal energy
and enhances resilience amid evolving energy
trends.
Portfolio Assessment
The company’s portfolio comprises six power generation assets, including
TEL (330 MW), TNPTL (330 MW), CPHGC (1,320 MW), NEL (225 MW), LEL (84 MW), and
the legacy Hub Plant (1,292 MW – PPA terminated.
Its 47.5% stake in CPHGC and ownership in SECMC ensure stable supply
chains and operating
margins. New ventures like Mega Motor Company and HGL position HUBCO at the forefront
of Pakistan’s energy transition. Performance metrics such as plant availability (up to 100%) and load factors (up to 88%)
reflect operational strength.
Income Assessment
For the half year ended
December 31, 2024, HUBCO reported
a net profit of PKR 13.6 billion,
slightly down from PKR 14.9 billion during the same period last year. This performance was largely supported by dividend income of PKR
8.8 billion. The company posted an operating profit of PKR 17.0 billion,
reflecting improved efficiency following the termination of the Hub Plant PPA. Finance costs fell sharply to PKR 2.8 billion, compared to PKR 5.5
billion in the corresponding period, strengthening net margins. Although revenue from operations declined to PKR
13.2 billion, HUBCO’s
diversified asset base and steady
earnings from subsidiaries ensured continued income resilience.
Financial Risk
Coverages
HUBCO’s financial coverages
improved notably during FY24, underscored by enhanced cash generation and
reduced debt servicing costs. The interest coverage
ratio rose to 3.5x for Dec 24 (Dec 23: 2.7x), reflecting higher operational efficiency and lower finance costs (down to PKR 2.8 billion in H1 FY25 from PKR 5.5 billion). Net Profit
13.929 billion for the six-month
period, while Cash Flow from operations reached
PKR 40.1 billion,
a 9x increase from the prior year December.
Despite a potential
reduction in dividend
income post-PPA termination, HUBCO’s diversified business
model, including TEL, TNPTL, CPHGC, and Prime Oil & Gas—ensures sustainable
coverage going forward.
Capital Structure
As of December 31, 2024, HUBCO maintained a solid capital structure, reinforced by both equity growth and debt optimization. Issued share capital remained at PKR 12.97 billion, with a consistent share premium of PKR 5.6 billion.
The unappropriated profit rose from PKR 55.24 billion in June 2024 to
PKR 58.14 billion, highlighting retained earnings strength. Total equity
stood at PKR 76.71 billion. Meanwhile, total borrowings declined to PKR 19.319 billion (Dec 2024) from PKR 49,894 billion (FY23),
reducing the leveraging ratio to 40% from 77.5%, as the company
successfully repaid its long-term facilities. During the period, the Company has entered into Islamic Facility
agreements amounting to Rs. 9,000 million at a
mark-up rate of 0.20% per annum above respective KIBOR to support strategic investments, which may modestly
increase leverage in the coming
periods. This is the only debt on the balance sheet of HUBCO ass all the
long term long has been settled after the recovery from CPPA-G in Jan 2025.
Consolidated Position
HUBCO’s consolidated financial position remains resilient, driven by
diversified operations and robust asset performance. As of December 2024, total consolidated assets stood at PKR 107.86 billion, while equity amounted
to PKR 76.71 billion, reflecting consistent value retention. The company earned PKR 13.6 billion in profit in H1 FY25,
and total comprehensive income reached
PKR 13.9 billion, despite
the Hub Plant’s exit. Major earnings contributors
include NEL, LEL, TEL, and the expanding E&P footprint through Prime, with dividend income of PKR 8.82 billion
recorded in just six months.
Cash flow from operations remained
strong at PKR 40.1 billion,
allowing HUBCO to absorb investment cycles and maintain its role as a cash-generative infrastructure leader. The company continues
to invest strategically across mining, electric
vehicles, and renewable energy to maintain
a resilient and forward-
looking financial base.
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