JCR-VIS revises ratings of Independent Media Corporation (Private) Limited

Karachi, November 02, 2015 (PPI-OT): JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company Limited has revised TFC rating of Independent Media Corporation (Pvt.) Ltd. (IMCL) from ‘A-’ (Single A Minus) to ‘BBB-’ (Triple B Minus). Rating Watch -‘Negative’ status assigned to the ratings has been removed. Outlook on the assigned ratings is ‘Stable’. The previous rating action was announced on September 17, 2014.

The assigned rating incorporates the weakening of the franchise strength of the entity where recouping of the lost market share in the highly competitive nature of the industry would entail tough challenges ahead. While some revenue stabilization has been exhibited in the recent months and cost heavy entertainment segment has been spun off with air time sale arrangements, the latter would also enhance business risk concentration. Despite the accumulation of losses and erosion of equity, the company has managed to make timely payments on debt obligations including those to TFC holders through support from group companies and debt service mechanism in place.

The entity ratings of IMCL have also been revised from ‘BBB+/A-3’ (Triple B Plus/A-Three) to ‘BB+/A-3’ (Double B Plus/A-Three) with a ‘Stable’ outlook. Group support is expected to the entity given the group’s overall presence and long experience in the media industry. Though challenging, the management expects cash flows to improve, going forward, and be sufficient for meeting future obligations.

For more information, contact:
Ms. Sobia Maqbool
CFA
JCR-VIS Credit Rating Company Limited
VIS House, 128/C,
25th Lane off Khayaban-e-Ittehad,
Phase VII, DHA, Karachi
Tel: +92-21-35311861-72
Fax: +92-21-35311873
Email: sobia@jcrvis.com.pk