Karachi: VIS Credit Rating Company Limited (VIS) has reaffirmed the entity ratings of Lucky Cement Limited ("LCL", "LUCK" or "the Company") at 'AA+/A1+' (Double A plus/A One plus). Medium to long-term rating of 'AA+' indicates high credit quality; Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest but may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions. Short-term rating of 'A1+' indicates the strongest likelihood of timely repayment of short-term obligations with outstanding liquidity factors. Outlook on the ratings is ''Stable''. Previous rating action was announced on October 31st, 2023.
According to VIS Credit Rating Company Limited, Lucky Cement Limited, incorporated in Pakistan on September 18, 1993, is listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The Company's primary business involves the manufacturing and sale of cement. Its registered office is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the corporate office situated in Karachi. LCL operates two production facilities: one in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the other in Karachi, Sindh. Additionally, the Company maintains liaison offices in Islamabad, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad, Lahore, and Peshawar. LCL is part of the Yunus Brother Group (YBG), a conglomerate with interests across sectors, including cement, textiles, power generation, chemicals, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, real estate, entertainment, food, and commodities.
Assigned ratings for LCL draw support from the strong cash flows, professional management, and sponsor's profile, with its presence across diversified sectors, providing operational synergies and resource support to the Company, which positively reflect on the overall risk profile of the Company. These strengths mitigate the cement sector's medium business risk profile, driven by cyclical demand patterns, exposure to exchange rate volatility due to some reliance on imported coal, and sensitivity to energy costs. The sector is characterized by high barriers to entry, the capital-intensive nature of the industry, environmental concerns, and moderate competition within an oligopolistic market structure. Sector performance is directly influenced by macroeconomic conditions and public sector development program (PSDP) allocations, which impact production and dispatch levels.
Assigned ratings also consider the Company's financial risk profiles. Profitability benefited from higher dispatch levels following commencement of a new production line at the Pezu plant generating economies of scale and higher dividend income from subsidiaries. Liquidity remained strong, evidenced by substantial cash reserves, stable cash conversion cycle, and favorable cash, quick, and current ratios. Capitalization profile continues to be characterized by conservative gearing and leverage ratios, with low debt levels. The Company's coverage metrics are also healthy, indicating its ability to meet financial obligations comfortably. LCL is currently generating 55% of its power from renewable sources, making significant contributions to environmental well-being and cost savings.