Press Release

VIS has Reaffirmed Entity Ratings of Kausar Ghee Mills (Pvt.) Limited

Karachi, July 04, 2022: VIS Credit Rating Company Limited (VIS), has reaffirmed entity ratings of ‘A-/A-2’ (A-minus /A-Two) to Kausar Ghee Mills (Pvt.) Limited (KGML). The long-term rating of ‘A-’ signifies good credit quality; protection factors are adequate meanwhile risk factors may vary with possible changes in the economy. The short-term rating of ‘A-2’ signifies good certainty of timely payment with sound liquidity and company fundamentals. Access to capital markets is good along with low risk factors. Outlook on the assigned ratings is ‘Stable’. Ratings were suspended in December’2021 owing to non-availability of audited accounts. Ratings before suspension were announced on September 09, 2020.

The ratings assigned to KGML take into account its association with Kausar Group of Companies, having business stake in various sectors involving edible oils, poultry, feed and rice processing. The geopolitical scenario and slowdown in domestic economic activity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic did not pose any considerable threat to the financial risk profile of the company given its presence in relatively inelastic demand staple food segment. . Ratings shall remain dependent on the company’s ability to maintain scale of operations, continuity of sponsor funds for bridge financing, improvement in margins and containing of leverage indicators around current levels.

The assigned ratings reflect stable business model, increasing equity base and sound liquidity profile. The ratings incorporate steady growth in topline noted on a timeline basis. While Gross margins improved marginally in the outgoing year, the same has remained range-bound over the past three years. Maintenance of margins amidst declining international palm oil prices post lifting of ban on Indonesian exports which classifies as the largest exporter of palm oil in the world remains challenging. Ratings draw comfort from integrated production facility, well established distribution network, brand recognition in the local market and vertical integration with group owned feed mill.

KGML’s conservative capital structure as an outcome of minimal reliance on credit financing coupled with sound coverages is a key rating driver. The sponsors have supported the company with interest free loans to meet working capital requirements. However, the same has declined on a timeline basis. However, the ratings remain sensitive to highly price sensitive import market of raw material and relatively low margins compared to peers. Going forward, gearing and leverage indicators are expected to remain within manageable levels given limited reliance on credit financings.

For further information on this rating announcement, please contact Ms. Asfia Aziz (Ext: 212) or the undersigned (Ext: 201) at (021) 35311861-66 or email at info@vis.com.pk.






Javed Callea
Advisor

Applicable rating criterion:
VIS Entity Rating Criteria: Corporates (August 2021)
https://docs.vis.com.pk/docs/CorporateMethodology202108.pdf

Information herein was obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable; however, VIS Credit Rating Company Limited (VIS) does not guarantee the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information.VIS , the analysts involved in the rating process and members of its rating committee do not have any conflict of interest relating to the rating(s)/ranking(s) mentioned in this report.VIS is paid a fee for most rating assignments. This rating/ranking is an opinion and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. Copyright 2022 VIS Credit Rating Company Limited . All rights reserved. Contents may be used by news media with credit to VIS .