Lahore, July 04, 2023 (PPI-OT): Pak Elektron Limited (‘PEL or ‘the Company) is an eminent engineering corporation in Pakistan which manufactures a range of household appliances and electrical equipment. The ratings reflect PEL’s diversified revenue stream and long-established presence in appliances and power division including, power and distribution transformers, energy meters, and switch gears. Factors that shape the household appliances market are increase in technological advancements, rapid urbanization, growth in housing sector, rise in per capita income, improved living standards, and surge in the need for comfort in household chores.
In the ongoing financial year, the household appliances segment is facing considerable performance challenges owing to high inflation, low FX reserves, policy hikes, and reduced energy subsidies. On the other hand, factors driving power division segment are linked with accelerated electricity consumption, new power projects, local industry revival, rehabilitation of power distribution networks, infrastructure developments, and new commercial/residential constructions. The emerging challenges to the growth of this market are high cost of parts/appliances and evolving technology. From demand perspective, in household appliances, it is generated from both first-hand and second-hand markets whilst power sector primarily drives its demand from new projects/orders.
Barriers to market entry are moderate-to-high as it is dominated by established brands and requires extensive capital investment. Since, the sector is primarily involved in assembling of imported parts; dependent on global raw material prices, making it susceptible to external dynamics. During end Mar’23, the Company’s sales registered negative growth of ~37.8% owing to challenging conditions, including opening of LCs for import of major raw materials and rupee devaluation. PEL’s top line is a mix of ~56.45% (CY22: ~48.18%) power and ~43.55% (CY22: ~51.82%) household appliances. The Company is strategically shifting towards power division owing to better margins. It holds highest share in power transformers segment (~87%), followed by switch gears (~73%), distribution transformers (~25%), and energy meters (~19%). On account of negative growth check of Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) companies due to unfavourable economic conditions, the power division products portfolio of PEL has also showed quantum of decline.
However, the Company holds onto a well-thought and sustained brand positioning in both power and home appliances segments followed by the targeted market leaders. PEL expects to sustain its margins despite higher material costs by increasing volume and passing on the price hike to consumers. Coverages are on lower side due to reduced profitability matrix. PEL’s capital structure is characterized by intermediate leveraging, majorly constituted by STBs.
The ratings are dependent on the Company’s ability to sustain its position and revenues amid competitive business environment. Close monitoring of working capital requirements to improve cash cycle and debt servicing remains imperative. Managing liquidity and financial risk are crucial for 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: +92-42-5869504-6
Fax: +92-42-5830425
Email: hammad.rashid@pacra.com
Website: www.pacra.com
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