Lahore, August 11, 2022 (PPI-OT):Ghandhara Tyre and Rubber Company Limited (formerly known as The General Tyre and Rubber Company of Pakistan Limited) is a prominent automotive tyre manufacturer in the country catering different market segments, including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Replacement/After Market (RM), Institutions (Govt, Defense, etc.) The ratings reflect Company’s strong business profile and long-lasting presence in Pakistan’s tyre industry. The Company sustains its market share through product diversification in related niches.
Tyre demand is primarily governed by replacement market followed by automobile OEMs. Intense competition from imported tyres necessitates high quality products at affordable prices. Pertinently, fluctuating prices of raw materials pose risk to profitability. Key threats also include high inflation and uncertain demand pattern of niche. The Company ramped up its topline by ~24% YoY basis through enhanced focus on RM coupled with better offtake by OEMs, particularly in passenger car and agriculture OEMs due to continuous demand rising and better crop prices.
Profitability for the period was influenced by high material costs, freight charges, rupee devaluation and increase in other manufacturing costs, partially offset by better product mix, superior prices, and increased RM sales supplemented by plant efficiencies. The Company’s envisaged strategies are to hold strong foothold in its respective niche comprising 4-wheeler tyres for cars, LCVs, tractors, buses and trucks. To ensure business growth, management of the Company has always invested in modernization and capacity enhancement of plant.
The Company is currently working on new sizes and designs for both OEM and RM segments. Going forward, the Company is expected to receive benefits from (a) Ban on complete built unit (CBU) cars (b) Government efforts to curb smuggling in replacement market (c) Entry of new OEMs in the market as the Company is already in close coordination with new auto players to materialize supply of new tyres for SUVs. A well-devised governance framework, close association with major sponsors alongside experienced management team are considered positive for the ratings. The Company’s core competence lies in its technical collaboration with Continental AG; Germany (one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers) which assures adherence to international quality standards.
The ratings are dependent on the Company’s ability to improve its business risk vis-a-vis financial risk profile along with sustainable margins. Cautious management strategies amidst challenging industry environment are pertinent. Moreover, prudent management of financial affairs remains important.
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