Lahore, July 30, 2021 (PPI-OT): The ratings reflect Jahangir Siddiqui and Co. Limited’s (‘JSCL’ or ‘the Company’) strong presence as a Holding Company in the financial sector with a portfolio of strategic investments mainly in banking (JS Bank, BankIslami Pakistan), insurance (EFU Life Assurance and EFU General Insurance), brokerage (JS Global Capital) and asset management segments (JS Investments). JS Bank is on its path to establish itself as a medium-sized bank whereas BankIslami aims to expand its presence in the growing Islamic Banking sphere. The results have been so far mixed with macroeconomic challenges and stiff competition in the banking sector. JSCL holds a significant stake in EFU General Insurance (EFUG) and EFU Life Assurance (EFUL) and plans to maintain them.
After witnessing volatile markets for a while, JS Global and JS Investments are expected to improve performance. JSCL intends to diversify its portfolio and has made significant investments in LPG storage and infrastructure and OMC segments. The Company has made ~ PKR 2bln investments in these segments through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Energy Infrastructure Holding (Pvt.) Ltd. This is predominantly being funded by debt instruments, covered by a mix of strategic and non-strategic investments.
These investments are nearing the completion of the gestation phase with the amalgamation of JS Fuel (Pvt.) Ltd. and Quality 1 Petroleum (Pvt.) Ltd. (Quality 1). Quality 1 has sustained its operations as an OMC while, JS Petroleum Limited is enroute to establishing an LPG storage terminal at Port Qasim, Karachi. The Company’s income stream has remained stable with the majority of dividend income emanating from EFUG and EFUL. This along with capital gains backed by the recent recovery of the stock market and investment in derivatives supplements the revenue stream. The Company has very strong capital structure with low leveraging and adequate coverages.
Lately, the Company has issued Class A Preference Shares to make strategic investments and reduce its debt to strengthen its working capital. JSCL has availed general relief provided by SBP for COVID-19, to defer part of its long-term debt repayment from the bank. This has supplemented the cashflows along with lower interest payments due to the reduced benchmark rate. JSCL does not plan to take further debt in the near term. The COVID outbreak has not impacted the Company’s portfolio materially, exhibiting its resilience.
The ratings are dependent on the management’s ability to execute its envisaged strategy of growth and expansion amidst the prevailing tough environment. Timely materialization of these initiatives into sustainable ventures is critical. Strong performance of subsidiaries, stable dividends, and effective management of financial profile and liquidity 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