Rating History
Dissemination Date Long-Term Rating Short-Term Rating Outlook Action Rating Watch
09-May-25 AA A1+ Stable Maintain -
17-May-24 AA A1+ Stable Maintain -
19-May-23 AA A1+ Stable Maintain -
20-May-22 AA A1+ Stable Maintain -
21-May-21 AA A1+ Stable Maintain -
About the Entity

Hub Power Holdings Ltd. operates as a fully-owned subsidiary of The Hub Power Co. Ltd. It was established in 2015 as a publicly unlisted entity in accordance with the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (currently governed by the Companies Act, 2017). The primary focus of the company revolves around capitalizing on emerging prospects within the energy sector. The Board of Directors is chaired by Mr. Aly Khan, serving as Chairman. On the other hand, Mr. Kamran Kamal leads the company as CEO.

Rating Rationale

The rating reflects the strength of Hub Power Holdings Ltd. ("HPHL" or "the Company"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hub Power Company Limited (HUBCO), Pakistan's largest independent power producer with a total installed capacity of 3,581 MW. HPHL's portfolio includes significant stakes in two associated companies: ~47.5% in China Power Hub Generation Company (Pvt.) Ltd., (CPHG) which operates a 1,320 MW coal-fired power plant in Hub, Balochistan, and ~38.3% in ThalNova Power Thar (Pvt.) Ltd., which operates a 330 MW coal-fired power plant. Additionally, HPHL has a 50:50 joint venture with Prime International Oil & Gas Co. Ltd. (PIOG) focused on acquiring renewable energy and upstream assets previously held by ENI in Pakistan. HPHL also owns ~49% stake in China Power Hub Operating Company (Pvt.) Ltd., a joint venture responsible for the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the China Power plant. HPHL is strategically realigning its business portfolio through diversification into synergistic sectors. As part of this strategy, the Company has established a wholly owned subsidiary, Mega Motor Company (Pvt.) Limited (MMCL), with an equity injection of PKR 250 million during FY24. This investment was significantly enhanced in 6MFY25, with total equity contributions reaching PKR 2 billion. During 6MFY24, HPHL entered into a shareholders’ agreement with MCPL and MMCL, agreeing to offer a 50% equity stake in MCPL to MMCL upon the next share issuance. The Company also acquired a 50% stake in Ark Metals (Pvt.) Ltd., focused on mining and quarrying operations. In 6MFY25, HPHL established HUBCO Green (Pvt.) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary for developing and operating electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The Company’s revenue stream is primarily driven by its share of profit from associates and joint ventures. In FY24, the Company reported strong financial performance, with a 44% year-over-year increase in earnings contribution from associate entities. Additionally, the Company received dividend income of PKR 19.0 billion from CPHG during the year, which significantly strengthened HPHL’s liquidity position and overall financial profile. During 6MFY25, HUBCO received a settlement amount of PKR 36 billion, which was utilized to fully settle HPHL’s outstanding receivables. The proceeds facilitated the complete extinguishment of HPHL’s long-term debt obligations, reflecting prudent and effective liability management. As a result, the Company’s debt coverage metrics improved, supported by a significant reduction in finance costs. Additionally, the Company proactively retired all outstanding Sukuk obligations ahead of their scheduled maturity, further reinforcing its robust liquidity profile. HPHL's current low leverage position provides substantial headroom for future debt-raising capacity.

Key Rating Drivers

The ratings depend on timely materialization of projected timelines and generating cashflows. Consolidation of investments at holding company level and formalizing a strong and effective mechanism for monitoring performance will be critical, going forward. Change in the government policy for payment mechanism of power projects, along with any significant delay in envisaged cashflows due to the current power sector dynamics/constraints would impact ratings.

Profile
Background

Hub Power Holding Limited (“Hub Power Holding” or “the Company”), is incorporated as a public unlisted Company under the repealed Companies ordinance of 1984. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hub Power Company Limited ('HUBCO'), an established name in the energy sector. The Company operates under a holdco structure with sizeable holding in two coal-fired power generation plants: China Power Hub Generation Company Limited ("China Power Hub") - 47.5% shareholding and ThalNova Power Thar (Pvt.) Limited ("ThalNova Power") -38.3% shareholding.


Structural Analysis

The Company’s primary activity centers on strategic investments in energy infrastructure, notably through significant stakes in major power and resource projects across Pakistan. This includes a substantial interest in China Power Hub, a 1,320 MW power generation facility in Hub, Baluchistan, complemented by an ancillary jetty to support logistical efficiency. The Company incorporated China Power Hub Operating Company (Pvt.) Limited (CPHO) under an operating agreement to oversee and maintain the plant. Additionally, the Company holds an interest in ThalNova Power’s 330 MW mine-mouth coal-fired plant located at Thar Block II, Sindh, leveraging local coal resources for fuel security. In a further diversification move, the Company acquired a 50% stake in Prime International Oil & Gas through an agreement with EBO Group (Employees of ENI Pakistan), extending its portfolio to upstream oil and gas.


Ownership
Ownership Structure

Hub Power Holding is the wholly owned by HUBCO. Major shareholding of HUBCO resides with Mega Conglomerate (19.5%), while the other major shareholding of HUBCO resides with Modarabas and Mutual Funds (9.47%), Financial Institutions (16.19%), Executives ( 0.09%), Associated Companies (20.36%) and Insurance companies (7.61%), individuals (30.31%) and other (15.96%)


Stability

As a wholly owned subsidiary of HUBCO, the Company benefits from a stable ownership structure, underpinned by its parent’s established standing and strong backing within Pakistan. Moreover, parent company's association with very strong conglomerates of Pakistan (Mega Group) ensure stability of the ownership structure.


Business Acumen

Sponsors have significant experience development and operation of power projects, including coal-fired, hydro, natural gas, and various of renewable energies such as thermal, hydro, LNG, wind, solar, biomass, waste-to- energy, cogeneration, mine-mouth coal project (with integrated production of coal and power) and so on.


Financial Strength

Hub Power Holdings' parent company, HUBCO has proven track record of raising capital (debt and equity) in Pakistan. As at FY24, HUBCO had a consolidated asset base of ~ PKR 452bln, supported by an equity of PKR ~13bln. HUBCO posted a net profit of PKR ~75bln.


Governance
Board Structure

The Company's Board consists of four members, including the CEO, with all three Non-Executive Directors nominated by HUBCO. The governance structure reflects a lack of independent oversight and is notably limited in terms of gender diversity, raising potential concerns regarding board independence and inclusivity in corporate decision-making.


Members’ Profile

Mr. Aly Khan, who is also on the Board of Hub Power Company, heads the Company's Board as the Chairman . All Board members have strong professional profile along with diversified experience.


Board Effectiveness

In FY24, the Board held four meetings; however, it operates without dedicated sub-committees. Oversight of new investments and performance evaluation of existing assets is primarily undertaken by HUBCO’s Board. Key challenges are routinely assessed, and strategic direction is defined, with regular deliberations on the outcomes and roadmaps of ongoing and prospective onshore and offshore projects to facilitate informed decision-making. 


Transparency

The Company's external auditors, A.F. Ferguson Chartered Accountants, expressed an unqualified opinion on the annual financial statements of FY24. This indicates that the financial statements present a true and fair view of the Company’s financial position, performance, and cash flows in accordance with applicable financial reporting standards, thereby reinforcing transparency and sound financial reporting practices.


Management
Organizational Structure

The Company operates through three functions: HR, New Ventures and Finance. Each function is monitored by the respective director or head of department, who reports to the CEO.


Management Team

Mr. Kamran Kamal, CEO, is an energy technology and policy specialist. He is accompanied by a team of experienced individuals. Mr. Muhammad Saqib, CFO, has an overall experience of more than 27 years.


Management Effectiveness

Strategic decisions are made and monitored by HUBCO . There, detailed processes are in place for investment decision making and monitoring performance of underlying investments.


Control Environment

Internal audit function is placed at HUBCO and plays a significant role in empowering the organization. Certain functions are centralized to ensure effectiveness and leverage synergies.


Investment Strategy
Investment Decision-making

Hub Power Holding serves as HUBCO’s investment vehicle, with investment opportunities assessed by HUBCO’s Board to strategically expand generation capacity. This approach aligns with a broader objective to enhance national power output by leveraging domestic natural resources, supporting energy security and sustainability goals.


Investment Policy

Hub Power Holdings has a policy to invest in business opportunities to maximize shareholders wealth. The current investments are mainly in the power sector for which guaranteed returns are received in the form of capacity payments. Furthermore, during the life of project operations, adjustments/indexations for local inflation, foreign inflation, exchange rate variations, and interest rate variations are made on quarterly basis.


Investment Committee Effectiveness

Strategic decisions are made and monitored by HUBCO. HUBCO has in place an efficient MIS reporting system for its operations. The system generates real-time plant production data, enabling efficient monitoring and timely decision making.


Business Risk
Diversification

The diversity of Hub Power Holdings’ (HPHL) portfolio is reflected in its asset and sectoral exposure. During FY24, the Company continued to expand its footprint through strategic investments in associates and joint ventures. Key associate investments include China Power Hub Generation Company (Pvt.) Limited and ThalNova Power Thar (Pvt.) Limited, while joint venture interests include China Power Hub Operating Company (Pvt.) Limited. Additionally, HPHL holds a controlling stake in its subsidiary, Mega Motor Company (Pvt.) Limited. During 6MFY24, HPHL entered into a shareholders’ agreement with MCPL and MMCL, agreeing to offer a 50% equity stake in MCPL to MMCL upon the next share issuance. The Company also acquired a 50% stake in Ark Metals (Pvt.) Ltd., focused on mining and quarrying operations. HPHL further diversified its investments by incorporating HUBCO Green (Pvt.) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary focused on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. These initiatives underscore HPHL’s commitment to portfolio diversification across power generation, mining, and sustainable energy sectors.


Portfolio Assessment

In FY24, the Company’s investment portfolio comprised one subsidiary, two associates, and two joint ventures, including four privately held entities and one unlisted public company—demonstrating a strategic emphasis on private market opportunities. Notably, ThalNova Power’s 330 MW coal-fired power plant achieved Commercial Operations Date (COD) in February 2023 and has entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Central Power Purchasing Agency Guarantee Limited (CPPA-G). Additionally, Prime International completed the acquisition of ENI’s upstream operations and renewable energy assets in Pakistan, while the Company established China Power Hub Operating Company (CPHO) to provide operational services to China Power Hub Generation Company. In 6MFY25, the Company further expanded its portfolio through a 50% equity acquisition in Ark Metals (Pvt.) Limited, which is engaged in mining and allied activities, and the incorporation of HUBCO Green (Pvt.) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to the development and operation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. These developments reflect HPHL’s strategic commitment to diversification across power generation, mining, and sustainable energy sectors.


Income Assessment

The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from profit shares associated with its portfolio investments, with China Power Hub Generation Company (Pvt.) Limited contributing approximately 79% of the total. ThalNova Power accounts for 7%, while China Power Hub Operating Company and Prime International Oil and Gas contribute 0.03% and 13%, respectively. This revenue composition highlights a substantial concentration in China Power Hub Generation, with limited diversification across other investments. In FY24, the Company received dividend income of PKR 19 billion from China Power Hub Generation. Additionally, during 9MFY25, the Company recorded dividend inflows of PKR 48 million from its associate companies.


Financial Risk
Coverages

The Company demonstrated a substantial improvement in coverage metrics, with the FY24 ratio of 8.7x contrasting sharply with the weak 0.1x in FY23. This improvement is primarily driven by significantly enhanced cash flow generation, which increased to PKR 18 billion in FY24 from a modest PKR 143 million in the prior year. Furthermore, the Company's liquidity profile has undergone a notable positive shift year-over-year, as evidenced by the considerable improvement in the debt payback ratio, which stood at a robust 0.6x in FY24 compared to a stretched 7.4x in FY23. This strengthened debt payback capacity indicates a markedly enhanced ability to service and reduce its debt obligations. these positive developments suggest a materially improved financial flexibility and a reduced vulnerability to refinancing risks. The stronger cash flow generation provides a solid foundation for debt servicing, while the improved debt payback ratio underscores the accelerated pace at which the Company can deleverage its balance sheet.


Capital Structure

The company maintains a low-leverage capital structure, which has further strengthened over the past fiscal year. The leverage ratio has significantly declined to 4.1% in FY24 from 11.6% in FY23. This notable reduction in leverage is attributable to a combination of factors: a substantial increase in the Company's equity base to PKR 115 billion in FY24 from PKR 84 billion in FY23, coupled with a considerable decrease in debt levels to PKR 1.5 billion in FY24 from PKR 4.9 billion in the previous year. This conservative capital structure provides the Company with a significant financial cushion and enhances its resilience to potential economic downturns or operational challenges. The increased equity base strengthens the Company's ability to absorb losses, while the lower debt burden reduces its financial obligations and interest expense. This deleveraging trend and the maintenance of a low-leverage profile as credit positive. It indicates a disciplined approach to financial management and provides the Company with greater financial flexibility to pursue growth opportunities or navigate unforeseen circumstances. The stronger equity position also enhances the Company's overall financial stability.


Consolidated Position

The Company derives financial strength from its main holding company, HUBCO, associated companies and its subsidiary.


 
 

May-25

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Dec-24
6M
Jun-24
12M
Jun-23
12M
Jun-22
12M
Management Audited Audited Audited
A. BALANCE SHEET
1. Investments 0 0 0 0
2. Related Party Investments 170,887 154,143 117,502 78,358
3. Non-Current Assets 40 48 16 28
4. Current Assets 545 290 49 2,533
5. Total Assets 171,472 154,481 117,567 80,919
6. Current Liabilities 8,865 8,116 3,646 2,479
7. Borrowings 0 4,982 7,332 7,735
8. Related Party Exposure 1,381 0 3,846 1,489
9. Non-Current Liabilities 30,518 25,482 17,916 10,849
10. Net Assets 130,708 115,901 84,828 58,368
11. Shareholders' Equity 130,709 115,901 84,828 58,368
B. INCOME STATEMENT
1. Total Investment Income 20,949 49,690 34,508 9,446
a. Cost of Investments (938) (2,166) (1,919) (966)
2. Net Investment Income 20,011 47,524 32,589 8,480
a. Other Income 0 16 0 0
b. Operating Expenses (97) (147) (59) (94)
4. Profit or (Loss) before Interest and Tax 19,914 47,393 32,530 8,386
a. Taxation (5,142) (12,609) (6,839) (3,828)
6. Net Income Or (Loss) 14,773 34,784 25,691 4,558
C. CASH FLOW STATEMENT
a. Total Cash Flow 590 18,614 143 102
b. Net Cash from Operating Activities before Working Capital Changes (176) 16,217 (1,301) (146)
c. Changes in Working Capital 5,790 3 3 (77)
1. Net Cash provided by Operating Activities 5,614 16,219 (1,299) (224)
2. Net Cash (Used in) or Available From Investing Activities (1,847) (365) (470) (1,068)
3. Net increase (decrease) in long term borrowings (5,000) (2,375) (637) (399)
4. Net Cash (Used in) or Available From Financing Activities (3,619) (15,597) 1,720 1,090
5. Net Cash generated or (Used) during the period 148 258 (49) (201)
D. RATIO ANALYSIS
1. Performance
a. Asset Concentration (Market Value of Largest Investment / Market Value of Equity Investments) 82.8% 82.0% 85.9% 91.5%
b. Core Investments / Market Value of Equity Investments 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
c. Marketable Investments / Total Investments at Market Value 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
2. Coverages
a. TCF / Finance Cost 0.6 8.7 0.1 0.1
b. TCF / Finance Cost + CMLTB 0.6 3.3 0.0 0.1
c. Loan to Value (Funding / Market Value of Equity Investments ) 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1
3. Capital Structure (Total Debt/Total Debt+Equity)
a. Leveraging [Funding / (Funding + Shareholders' Equity] 1.0% 4.1% 11.6% 13.6%
b. (Funding + Off Balance Sheet Exposure) / Shareholders' Equity 1.1% 4.3% 13.2% 15.8%
E. NOTES
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