Hub Power Company Ltd. (HUBCO): From heights to hurdles – By Insight Research

Dec 19 2024


Insight Securities


  • HUBC recently witnessed a rally, rising by 41% from its 52- week low of PKR93/sh. The rally began following a notice regarding a shareholder agreement with Mega Conglomerate Pvt. Ltd. to acquire a 50% stake in Mega Motor Company. This move will reduce HUBC's exposure to BYD, potentially increasing its dividend payout capacity, and secure a stake in a long-term value-generating business. The company’s focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries is well-aligned with the government’s target to convert 30% of new vehicles to EVs, which will be supported by the upcoming New Energy Vehicle (NEV) policy.
  • While this development offer growth prospects, significant risk remains for HUBC. As per newsflows, the government has reached settlements with 17 IPPs established under the 1994 and 2002 policies, transitioning them to a hybrid take-and-pay framework. We believe that HUBC’s Narowal (RFO) and Laraib Energy (Hydel) plants are also part of these discussions, with settlements expected to align with the terms agreed upon with other IPPs.
  • Following these developments and recent run in stock price, we have a ‘HOLD’ stance on HUBC, with a SOTP based target price of PKR138/sh. However, risks persist for HUBC’s CPECrelated plants as well, as the government task force may also consider revising their PPAs, which could pose further challenges.
Hub Power Company Ltd. (HUBCO): From heights to hurdles – By Insight Research

Dec 19 2024


Insight Securities


  • HUBC recently witnessed a rally, rising by 41% from its 52- week low of PKR93/sh. The rally began following a notice regarding a shareholder agreement with Mega Conglomerate Pvt. Ltd. to acquire a 50% stake in Mega Motor Company. This move will reduce HUBC's exposure to BYD, potentially increasing its dividend payout capacity, and secure a stake in a long-term value-generating business. The company’s focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries is well-aligned with the government’s target to convert 30% of new vehicles to EVs, which will be supported by the upcoming New Energy Vehicle (NEV) policy.
  • While this development offer growth prospects, significant risk remains for HUBC. As per newsflows, the government has reached settlements with 17 IPPs established under the 1994 and 2002 policies, transitioning them to a hybrid take-and-pay framework. We believe that HUBC’s Narowal (RFO) and Laraib Energy (Hydel) plants are also part of these discussions, with settlements expected to align with the terms agreed upon with other IPPs.
  • Following these developments and recent run in stock price, we have a ‘HOLD’ stance on HUBC, with a SOTP based target price of PKR138/sh. However, risks persist for HUBC’s CPECrelated plants as well, as the government task force may also consider revising their PPAs, which could pose further challenges.
AirLink Communication Ltd ((AIRLINK): Innovation unplugged - By Foundation Research

May 27 2025


Foundation Securities


  • We initiate coverage on AirLink Communication Ltd. with an ‘Outperform’ rating and a Dec’25 TP of PKR 273.3/sh, implying a 67.8% upside. AIRLINK has established a strong position in the mobile manufacturing market through the local assembly of prominent brands including Xiaomi, Tecno, and Itel. The company has ambitious plans to expand its product portfolio further by venturing into the manufacturing of laptops, TV’s and EV’s.
  • Our positive outlook on AIRLINK is supported by (1) increasing broadband and smartphone penetration in Pakistan, (2) strategic expansion aided by a 10-year tax holiday, (3) rising market share of low budget smartphones, (4) diversification into laptops and TVs, (5) potential in Xiaomi smartphone exports, and (6) expanding horizons with EV’s. Despite growing competition, the company’s forward looking initiatives position it strongly to capitalize on untapped market opportunities.
  • Increasing broadband and smartphone penetration: Pakistan’s smartphone penetration (31%) is significantly lower than in neighboring India (47%) and other developing countries (avg: 54%) with a GDP per capita close to Pakistan’s. Similarly, smartphone penetration in South-East Asia stood at 79% in 2024, highlighting the gap and growth opportunity in Pakistan. Improved internet access and evolving popularity of social apps coupled with digitalization are likely to keep demand for smartphones robust in the near term.
Pakistan Economy: May-25 CPI likely at 2.7%, base effect wears off - By JS Research

May 27 2025


JS Global Capital


  • Pakistan's Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to clock in at 2.7% for May-2025. The base effect is now fading, signalling a return to normalized price trends. This is likely to take 11MFY25 average inflation to 4.7%, down from 11MFY24 average of 24.9%.
  • Due to the rapid disinflation during the year, our base case CPI forecast for FY25 averages 4.6%. The rolling 12-month forward CPI estimate stands at around 5.7%.
  • State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reduced policy rate to 11% in the last MPC meeting, owing to rapidly declining inflation. A further rate cut of 50-100bps cannot be ruled out in the near future. SBP is scheduled next to meet on 16th June 2025 for its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.
Morning News: IMF in disagreement over key targets, subsidies - By Vector Research

May 27 2025


Vector Securities


  • The Finance Ministry said on Monday that the presentation of the Federal Budget 2025-26 has been delayed from June 2 to June 10 due to disagreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over key budgetary figures, including subsidy allocations.
  • Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran which stood at $3billion would be taken to $10 billion volume in the next few years, as there was immense potential of growth. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday departed to Iran after concluding his two-day official visit to Turkiye.
  • Despite projected remittance inflows of $38 billion in the current fiscal year (FY25), Pakistan’s per expatriate remittance remains significantly lower than that of peer countries. “Although remittances have grown at a compound annual rate of 6.1 per cent from 2013 to 2023, per expatriate remittance remains low in comparison to other countries in the region,” said a report released by the Policy Research and Advisory Council (PRAC) on Monday.
Morning News: Budget features bold measures for ‘strategic direction - By HMFS Research

May 27 2025


HMFS Research


  • Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday pledged that the upcoming federal budget would introduce “bold measures” to steer the national economy in a strategic direction and make available whatever support is required by the armed forces. Further said that every possible support would be provided to the armed forces, stressing that it was a national need in light of recent cross-border aggression, not just a military requirement. He said the government would ensure simplified tax returns and forms for the salaried class. He said that around 70 to 80 percent of salaried people did not hold equity and fixed-income portfolios. “They receive salaries through bank accounts with tax deducted at source. They should not have to fill in 140-150 data points,” he said, adding that the government aimed to reduce that number to just nine — five for wealth tax and four for income tax. He said the process would now be accelerated, with transactions involving Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), three power distribution companies and some financial institutions expected to reach completion by the end of this year.
  • The Finance Ministry said on Monday that the presentation of the Federal Budget 2025-26 has been delayed from June 2 to June 10 due to disagreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over key budgetary figures, including subsidy allocations. “The budget announcement has been delayed by a week because the Finance Ministry’s figures are still under reconciliation. The IMF has placed a cap on subsidies,” he added. He further noted that the IMF has declined to make any changes to the revised budget figures recently presented to the Fund’s team.
  • The government is seriously considering reducing federal excise duty (FED) on beverages (aerated water) in the coming budget (2025-26) to attract foreign investment in this sector. Foreign investors including Turkish investors have promised more foreign direct investment in beverage sector in case of tax relief in the coming budget (2025-26). Leading global players with Turkish and Korean franchise investors have invested over USD 2 billion in Pakistan since 2018. However, no new investments have been made since 2023 due to the current fiscal environment. The industry contributes over Rs 175 billion in taxes annually (FED, GST, income tax, super tax) - one of the highest taxed sectors.
K-Electric (KEL): Transmission and Distribution Tariff Unveiled All three businesses now will get USD tariff - By Topline Research

May 26 2025


Topline Securities


  • In Seven months after securing dollarized tariff for generation business, the K-Electric (KEL) has also secured dollarized tariff for its transmission and distribution business for 7 years, i.e. from FY24 to FY30.
  • Distribution Business awarded USD ROE of 14%: NEPRA has awarded USD IRR of 14% to KEL for distribution business against requested USD IRR of 16.67%. The USD IRR of 14% translates into PKR ROE of 25.6% for Y1 (i.e. FY24). Which is better than previous tariff PKR return of 16.67%.
  • Transmission Business awarded USD ROE of 12%: NEPRA has awarded USD IRR of 12% to KEL for transmission business against requested USD IRR of 15%. The USD IRR of 12% translates into PKR ROE of 21.4% for Y1 (i.e. FY24). Which is better than previous tariff PKR return of 15%
Market Wrap: Highlights of the day May 26, 2025 - By JS Research

May 26 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 Index fell 0.8% to an intraday low of 118,150, as investor sentiment weakened due to the government's delay in presenting the federal budget and ongoing uncertainty surrounding IMF fiscal targets. The postponement of Budget 2025–26 and unresolved negotiations with the IMF are driving the risk-off behavior. Market direction remains contingent on clarity from upcoming IMF discussions and the budget announcement; volatility is likely to persist until fiscal policy details are finalized.
Pakistan Economy: OPEC’s aggressive output hike puts Pakistan in a sweet spot - By Insight Research

May 26 2025


Insight Securities


  • OPEC+ is expected to announce another output hike of 411 k bbl/day starting July, according to multiple news reports . During the group’s upcoming meeting on June 1st, members are likely to approve a production increase that is three times larger than the previously planned hike of 137 k bbl/day . If materialized, this move could add pressure to already struggling international crude oil prices, which have been weighed down by a weak global economic outlook.
  • Sources close to the group indicate that larger -than -expected output hike may be part of a broader strategy to bring as much as 2 . 2mn bbl/day back into the market by Nov’25 . The decision is widely seen as an effort, particularly by Saudi Arabia to regain lost market share and push high cost producers out of the market . Notably, Saudi Arabia’s market share has been on a declining trend since 2022 , following OPEC+ production cuts that reduced the cartel’s overall share in global oil supply . KSA’s market share declined even faster than the group’s average . The current strategy also appears to target non -compliant OPEC+ members, with Saudi Arabia leveraging its cost advantage to reclaim share from both shale producers and cartel members who are not adhering to quotas . Additionally, experts suggest a geopolitical angle to the move, particularly in the context of U . S . -Saudi relations . The Trump administration is reportedly keen on lower oil prices to curb inflation and restore market confidence especially due to tariff-induced uncertainty . On the other hand, Saudi Arabia is seeking deeper defense cooperation and has recently announced plans to invest US $600bn in US .
  • We believe that Saudi Arabia aims to capture market share from high -cost producers while maintaining some degree of control on prices through monthly OPEC+ meetings, as highlighted in group’s recent press releases . A sharp price decline would not be in KSA’s interest, especially considering its ambitious development plan .
Pakistan Economy: National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) - By AHCML Research

May 26 2025


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • Inflation in May’25 is expected to clock in at 3.0% YoY, up from 0.3% in Apr’25 and down from 11.8% in May’24, as base effects continue to fade. On a monthly basis, CPI is likely to decline by 0.6% MoM, posting the second consecutive drop, mainly due to a 2.3% fall in food prices amid improved supply of perishables. However, poultry shortages are expected to push egg and chicken prices up by 32.8% and 20.7% MoM, respectively.
  • The transport index is expected to decline by 0.7% MoM due to lower fuel prices, while the clothing and footwear index is projected to rise by 1.2% MoM.
  • On a YoY basis, food inflation is anticipated to ease to 0.9%, but non-food inflation is likely to remain elevated, led by healthcare (+12.5%), education (+10.4%), clothing (+9.9%), and restaurants (+8.4%).
K-Electric (KEL): NEPRA approves Multi-Year T&D Tariff for K-Electric - By Taurus Research

May 26 2025


Taurus Securities


  • NEPRA has approved Multi-Year Tariff for Transmission & Distribution (T&D) network segments of K-Electric for FY24- FY30. Salient features of the multi-year tariff approved by NEPRA are as follows:
  • Control Period: 7 Years, from FY24- FY30.
  • Allowed Debt-to-Equity Ratio: 70:30.
Pak Aluminium Beverage Cans Ltd (PABC): Exports outlook gets weaker; Reiterate Sell - By JS Research

May 26 2025


JS Global Capital


  • We tweak down our CY25E/CY26E EPS estimates for Pak Aluminium Beverage Cans Ltd (PABC) by 9% and TP by 4%. The revision is mainly led by the expected fall in volumes led by border issues with Afghanistan coupled with the upcoming capacity expansions in Central Asia, which may adversely impact PABC’s export prospects to the region. We reiterate our Underperform rating for the stock with a TP of Rs110.
  • Furthermore, any reduction in regulatory duty in the upcoming budget (from 22%-26% currently to 15% or less) given to the local industry, may create pressure on sales volumes from dumping of cheaper products in the country.
  • We consider resumption of dividend payout and announcement of any Capex or investment plan as key triggers for the stock going forward. To highlight, PABC stands at net cash position of Rs10.7bn (Mar-2025).
Pakistan Economy: OPEC’s aggressive output hike puts Pakistan in a sweet spot - By Insight Research

May 26 2025


Insight Securities


  • OPEC+ is expected to announce another output hike of 411 k bbl/day starting July, according to multiple news reports . During the group’s upcoming meeting on June 1st, members are likely to approve a production increase that is three times larger than the previously planned hike of 137 k bbl/day . If materialized, this move could add pressure to already struggling international crude oil prices, which have been weighed down by a weak global economic outlook.
  • Sources close to the group indicate that larger -than -expected output hike may be part of a broader strategy to bring as much as 2 . 2mn bbl/day back into the market by Nov’25 . The decision is widely seen as an effort, particularly by Saudi Arabia to regain lost market share and push high cost producers out of the market . Notably, Saudi Arabia’s market share has been on a declining trend since 2022 , following OPEC+ production cuts that reduced the cartel’s overall share in global oil supply . KSA’s market share declined even faster than the group’s average . The current strategy also appears to target non -compliant OPEC+ members, with Saudi Arabia leveraging its cost advantage to reclaim share from both shale producers and cartel members who are not adhering to quotas . Additionally, experts suggest a geopolitical angle to the move, particularly in the context of U . S . -Saudi relations . The Trump administration is reportedly keen on lower oil prices to curb inflation and restore market confidence especially due to tariff-induced uncertainty . On the other hand, Saudi Arabia is seeking deeper defense cooperation and has recently announced plans to invest US $600bn in US .
  • We believe that Saudi Arabia aims to capture market share from high -cost producers while maintaining some degree of control on prices through monthly OPEC+ meetings, as highlighted in group’s recent press releases . A sharp price decline would not be in KSA’s interest, especially considering its ambitious development plan .
Oil Marketing Companies: OGRA approves ERR for sui companies - By Insight Research

May 21 2025


Insight Securities


  • In a recent development, OGRA has decided a 6.6% increase in gas prices for SNGPL, while reducing SSGCL prices by 5.9%, effective from July’25. OGRA has submitted its decision to the federal government for the issuance of a formal notification outlining category wise consumer gas prices. As per legal requirements, the federal government is expected to finalize the category-wise pricing within 40 days. We believe that the impact of consumers will be marginal due to minimal hike in overall prices. However, RLNG diversion volume remains a key component to look for.
  • OGRA approves meager increase for SNGPL; price set at PKR1,895.2/MMBTU The OGRA has issued its decision on SNGPL petition, where OGRA approved a tariff increase of PKR116.9/MMBTU, setting the prescribed price at PKR1,895.2/MMBTU, which represents a 6.6% increase from the current rate against SNGPL's request for an increase of PKR707/MMBTU. This revised revenue requirement stems from a PKR62.2bn downward adjustment in operating expenses, wherein major deviations stems from adjustment in cost of gas and the disallowance of PKR95.9bn on account of late payment surcharge. Notably, OGRA based its calculations on different oil price and exchange rate assumptions of PKR75.3/bbl for crude and PKR280/US$. SNGPL, in contrast, assumed PKR77/bbl, and PKR287.5/US$, respectively. Furthermore, OGRA revised the RLNG volume downwards to 75,556 MMCF, compared to SNGPL's projected 88,185 MMCF. This adjustment is due to confirmation from PLL that arrangements have been made with ENI to divert cargoes outside Pakistan from Jul’25 to Dec’25. Additionally, while SNGPL had requested PKR317.7/MMBTU for RLNG cost of services for the year, OGRA approved PKR210/MMBTU. This adjustment assumes a reduced RLNG input volume of 325,677 MMBTU, against SNGPL's projected 343,960 MMBTU, amid aforementioned diversion.
  • OGRA has finalized its decision on SSGCL’s petition for FY2025–26, against SSGCL's proposed hike of PKR2,399/MMBTU to bridge a revenue shortfall of PKR888.6bn (including PKR498.7bn from prior years), OGRA has instead recommended a reduction of PKR103.95/MMBTU. This brings the prescribed price down to PKR1,658.56/MMBTU, a 5.9% decrease. OGRA has revised SSGCL’s net revenue requirement down to PKR319.9bn with only PKR34.2bn allowed as prior year adjustment. Major downward revisions include PKR62.2bn in operating expenses. OGRA’s estimates factor in PKR75/bbl for oil and PKR280/US$, contrasting with SSGCL’s assumptions of PKR72.5/bbl and PKR292.
Economy: Ceasefire Ignites Investor Confidence in PSX - By Insight Research

May 12 2025


Insight Securities


  • The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a market-wide trading halt today as the KSE-100 Index skyrocketed by 9,475 points (+8.84%) to close at 116,650.12, triggering the index-based halt mechanism on the upside. The rally was driven by a powerful combination of regional peace prospects, fresh IMF disbursements, and improving global trade sentiment following the resolution of the U.S.-China tariff standoff.
  • The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations met today at 12:00 PM to formalize and reinforce the recently agreed ceasefire.
  • The diplomatic engagement is being seen as a major de-escalation step, improving regional security outlook and investor sentiment.
Pakistan Economy: PSX finds its wings - By Insight Research

May 12 2025


Insight Securities


  • Following a volatile week marked by heavy sell-off due to escalating border tensions with India, KSE-100 Index appears wellpositioned for a rebound, supported by a series of positive developments. The most notable among these is the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India, facilitated by diplomatic intervention from the U.S. and regional partners. This has significantly eased investor concerns, as reflected in today’s market performance, where trading was briefly halted in early minutes. International mediation between the two archrivals is expected to support regional stability and investor confidence.
  • Moreover, successful completion of the IMF’s first review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), unlocking a US$1bn tranche, along with approval of US$1.4bn under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) for climate resilience. These developments are expected to lift market sentiment ahead of the much anticipated FY26 budget, where adherence with IMF guidelines will be critical. To highlight, external position and overall macros have improved substantially over the past year, which may support potential credit rating upgrades by global agencies. Additionally, Pakistan’s position as a net commodity importer makes it a key beneficiary of the current downtrend in global commodity prices.
Habib Bank Limited (HBL): Analyst briefing takeaways - By Insight Research

May 2 2025


Insight Securities


  • Habib Bank Limited has conducted its conference call today to discuss bank’s financial performance and outlook. Key takeaways of the analyst call are as follows:
  • HBL’s current accounts grew by PKR127bn, which is highest Q1 growth in last 5 years.
  • Bank’s advance portfolio recorded a decline of ~20% QoQ, primarily due to high base effect stemming from ADR regulation. All advance portfolio recorded a decline except consumer.
Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC): 3QFY25 EPS clocked in at PKR10.96 – Above expectation - By Insight Research

Apr 30 2025


Insight Securities


  • OGDC has announced 3QFY25 PAT of ~PKR47.1bn (EPS: PKR11.0) vs. PKR47.8bn (EPS: PKR11.1), down by 1% YoY. The result is above our expectation mainly attributable to lower then expected ETR.
  • In 3QFY25, revenue decreased 7% YoY, mainly attributable to decline in oil and gas production coupled with lower oil prices. On QoQ basis revenue is up by 4% attributable to higher oil prices.
  • Operating cost inched up by 19% YoY/QoQ to clock in at ~PKR31.9bn.
Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL): 3QFY25 EPS clocked in at PKR23.3 – Inline with expectation - By Insight Research

Apr 28 2025


Insight Securities


  • Pakistan Oilfields has announced its 3QFY25 result today, wherein company has posted unconsolidated PAT of PKR6.6bn (EPS: PKR23.3) vs. PAT of PKR12.3bn (EPS: PKR43.4) in SPLY, down by 46% YoY. The result is inline with our expectation.
  • Topline of the company decreased by 10%/2% YoY/QoQ, mainly due to lower oil prices coupled with decline in hydrocarbon production.
  • Exploration cost increases by 351%/126% YoY/QoQ, possibly attributable to some seismic survey during the quarter.
Systems Limited (SYS): 1QCY25 EPS clocked in at PKR8.54 – Above expectation - By Insight Research

Apr 28 2025


Insight Securities


  • SYS has announced its 1QCY25 result, wherein company has posted consolidated PAT of PKR2.5bn (EPS: PKR8.54) vs. PAT of PKR1.6bn (EPS: PKR5.36) in SPLY. The result is above our expectation mainly due to lower selling and distribution expenses during the quarter.
  • Revenue for the quarter clocked in at PKR18.1bn, up by ~19% YoY, mainly due to higher revenue from Middle east and Europe region. However, same is down by 6% on QoQ basis, mainly due decline in revenue from Middle east and Europe region.
  • Company’s dollarized revenue clocked in at ~US$65mn in 1QCY25, depicting a growth of ~19% YoY. However, same is down by ~6% QoQ due to lower revenue from Middle east region.
Mari Energies Limited (MARI): 3QFY25 EPS clocked in at PKR13.2 – Above expectatio - By Insight Research

Apr 25 2025


Insight Securities


  • Mari Energies (MARI PA) has announced its 3QFY25 result today, wherein company has posted PAT of PKR15.9bn (EPS: PKR13.2) vs. PKR14.1bn (EPS: PKR11.8). The result is above our expectation mainly due to higher than expected topline coupled with lower than expected ETR.
  • In 3QFY25, revenue decreased by 5% YoY mainly due to lower gas production. However, same in up by 10% QoQ possibly attributable to increase in production.
  • Royalty expense increased by 100%/45% YoY/QoQ due to an additional 15% royalty payment on the wellhead value, following the extension of the MARI D&P lease.
Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited (FATIMA): 1QCY25 EPS clocked in at PKR4.0 – Above expectation - By Insight Research

Apr 25 2025


Insight Securities


  • FATIMA has announced its 1QCY25 result, wherein company has posted consolidated PAT of PKR8.4bn (EPS: PKR3.99) vs. PAT of PKR13.6bn (EPS: PKR6.49) in preceding quarter. The result is above our expectation mainly due to higher than expected gross margins.
  • Revenue for the quarter clocked in at PKR52.0bn vs. PKR66.0bn in SPLY, down by 21%/40% YoY/QoQ, mainly attributable to lower offtakes.
  • Gross margins decreased by ~200bps YoY, to clock in at ~40%, attributable to lower offtakes. While on QoQ basis, margins increased by ~8ppts.
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