December 31, 2018 (MLN): Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA) has maintained entity ratings of HUM Network Limited at ‘A+’ for long-term and ‘A1’ for short-term, with a ‘stable’ outlook forecast.
According to the rating agency, the ratings reflect HUM Network's ability to uphold its strong market position in the domestic media industry.
With an appreciable presence of HUM TV – the company's flagship channel in entertainment segment, HUM Network has expanded into multiple TV ventures on a timeline basis including Hum Masala, Hum Sitaray and now Hum News since May'18.
Sponsors are aimed at exploiting new markets; the company has also marked its footprint in the e-commerce segment by launching its online store named “Hum Mart”, a 24 hours delivery online grocery store, currently available in Karachi.
Additionally, Hum Network has grown in ancillary domains including publications and holding events.
The company has booked a net loss over the last two quarters.
This attributes to Industry-wide factors as well as the costs borne by the company on the newly launched news channel.
The ratings, however, take into consideration on-balance sheet liquidity to support the overall risk profile of the company. Profit retrieval remains critical.
Moreover, the ratings are dependent upon recourse to improved financial risk profile. Any prolonged downturn in subdued revenues will have a negative impact on the ratings.
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