Lahore, April 01, 2019 (PPI-OT): DG Khan Cement’s ratings reflect company’s strong position in the cement industry emanating from its third highest market share in terms of capacity. The company’s two existing manufacturing units (Khairpur Site and DG Khan Site) are operating at full capacity. The company lately added a new plant at South region-Hub of 2.9 M tpa capacity which is helping the company in improving its market share amid industry wide capacity expansions. Upcoming industry wide expansions of ~11.7mln tpa (North Region only) commissioning by Sep-19 and slowdown in the growth of local demand seems a challenge. The demand needs to be up to secure companies’ margin.
Export is another avenue. Industry wide exports (sizeable increase in South Region) have gone up due to muted growth in local demand. A new export window is created in Bangladesh market. Previously, cement exports were seen at its peak after financial crisis in 2008. DG Khan through its Hub plant is exporting sizeable amount of clinker to Bangladesh. The company is eying new export fronts and exploring new opportunities to channel exports in cost-efficient manner because the Bangladesh market won’t stay for longer.
The profitability of the company was on average as compared to peers, because of the underutilization of the new Hub plant and mainly cost structure. Resultantly, EBITDA margins of the company squeezed. Lately, the coal prices showed downward trend due to cutdown of imports by China are expected to remain range bound in medium term. The company’s bottom line supported by the established dividend stream of the company from investments in Nishat Group companies – mainly MCB Bank. The company’s financial profile reflects moderate leveraging; cashflows and coverages impacted because of declined profitability and increase in debt. The rating takes into account the association company with Nishat Group.
The ratings are dependent on upholding of the company’s business vis-a-vis financial risk profile. Any significant deterioration in the sector’s outlook particularly slowdown in economic growth, interest rate fluctuation and delay in infrastructure projects may affect the ratings. Industry’s dynamics encompassing expected challenges of substantial decline in local demand or deterioration in cement prices will negatively affect the ratings.
For more information, contact:
Analyst
The Pakistan Credit Rating Agency Limited (PACRA)
Awami Complex, FB1, Usman Block New Garden Town,
Lahore – Pakistan
Tel: +9242 586 9504 -6
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Email: hammad.rashid@pacra.com
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