Economy: Revenue surplus expected to drop to PKR 4bn - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Jan 27 2025


Alpha Capital


  • As part of the IMF's conditions for the release of the USD 7bn tranche, Pakistan was required to terminate gas supplies to captive power producers (CPPs) by January 2025. This measure was intended to encourage a shift towards increased reliance on gridbased electricity consumption. However, following sustained efforts, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) succeeded in negotiating more favourable terms for CPPs.
  • Under the initial proposition, gas supply to the specified plants was to be discontinued by January 31st, 2025. However, the Government of Pakistan (GoP), while maintaining the gas supply for CPPs, has approved an increase in tariffs for CPPs, revising the rate from PKR 3,000/MMBTU (effective July 2024) to PKR 3,500/MMBTU (effective February 2025). All other categories, including domestic consumers, will remain unaffected by this tariff adjustment.
  • A total of 480 CPPs operate on the SNGPL network (54 MMCFD) and 800 on the SSGC network (118 MMCFD). With limited availability of capital, we anticipate minimal decline in demand in the short run. Additionally, the ECC has approved the imposition of a grid transition levy which penalises captive power, forcing the shift to grid power, thereby releasing the downward pressure on grid power consumption amid falling LSM index (-1.25% YoY) and transitions to solar power.

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Market Wrap: Highlights of the day - By JS Research

Jul 11 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 Index surged 1,325 points to reach an intraday high of 133,902, as investor sentiment turned bullish on the back of strong macroeconomic signals. Record-high remittances of $38.3 billion and robust demand in recent government debt auctions drove renewed interest in the banking sector. This marks a key inflection point for the market. With improving fundamentals and fiscal stability, the index appears poised to consolidate above the 130,000 mark. Continued foreign inflows and structural reforms could sustain this momentum in the quarters ahead.
Market Wrap: Bullish Momentum Persists as PSX Hits Historic Peak - By HMFS Research

Jul 11 2025


HMFS Research


  • The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its record-setting momentum, with the KSE-100 Index hitting a new all-time high of 134,932 level, ultimately closed at 134,300 level posting a robust gain of 517 points during the session. The rally reflects sustained investor confidence, underpinned by a sharp improvement in macro fundamentals. Key catalysts included a marked improvement in Pakistan’s external position—with FX reserves surpassing USD 20bn for the first time in three years—and record-high PSDP utilization of PKR 1.046tn in FY25, representing 96% of the total allocation. This reflects strong fiscal execution and a clear commitment to growth-driven policy support. Investor sentiment was further bolstered by expectations of improved corporate earnings and a stable monetary outlook. Market activity remained strong, with 290mn shares traded on the KSE-100 and 764mn shares traded across the broader market. Top volume leaders included BOP (94mn), ASL (25mn), and KOSM (24mn). While short-term consolidation may follow the recent sharp gains, the medium-term outlook remains positive, supported by macroeconomic stability and earnings visibility. Investors are advised to maintain a selective, fundamentals-driven approach, with a focus on sectors benefiting from domestic demand recovery and policy tailwinds.
United Bank Limited (UBL): 2QCY25 EPS clocks-in at Rs 11.3, DPS Rs8.0 - By Foundation Research

Jul 11 2025


Foundation Securities


  • United Bank Limited (UBL) announced its 2QCY25 results today reporting earnings of PKR 28.2Bn (EPS: PKR 11.3), ↑103/↓21% YoY/QoQ respectively. This pulls 1HCY25 earnings to PKR 25.5/sh, up 117% YoY. The bank also announced an interim dividend of PKR 8.0/sh (1HCY25 pay-out: PKR 13.5/sh). The result is higher than our expectations because of greater than estimated NII however, high effective tax rate of 61.6% in 2Q dragged earnings.
  • Net Interest Income (NII) of the bank underwent a significant jump of 237% YoY to PKR 91.2Bn in 2Q with NIMs accretion supporting top-line growth. Note that NIMs declined to only 2.5% in the SPLY. The surge came from 1) robust investments book delivering strong fixed income returns, 2) sharp decline in deposit costs and 3) lagged impact of asset re-pricing. On a QoQ basis, NII increased by 8%.
  • Non-funded income arrived at PKR 15.2Bn in 2Q, ↓17% YoY mainly on account of streamlined capital gains. The decline was recorded despite a prolific 68% YoY jump in fee income. Forex income recorded an increase of 7% YoY over the same period. Over the past year, the bank has recorded handsome gains in commission on trade, commission on guarantees and card related fees which we believe continue to propel fee income accretion. On a sequential basis, NFI recorded a paltry decline of 3%.
Market Wrap: Highlights of the day - By JS Research

Jul 10 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 Index surged 1,325 points to reach an intraday high of 133,902, as investor sentiment turned bullish on the back of strong macroeconomic signals. Record-high remittances of $38.3 billion and robust demand in recent government debt auctions drove renewed interest in the banking sector. This marks a key inflection point for the market. With improving fundamentals and fiscal stability, the index appears poised to consolidate above the 130,000 mark. Continued foreign inflows and structural reforms could sustain this momentum in the quarters ahead
Automobile Assembler: Pakistan Car sales in Jun 2025 up 43% YoY to 21,773 units, ~ 3 year high - By Topline Research

Jul 10 2025


Topline Securities


  • Pakistan Car sales in Pakistan (as reported by PAMA) clocked in at 21,773 units in Jun 2025, reflecting a 64% YoY and 47% MoM rise.
  • MoM rise was mainly led by a 39-month high Alto sales due to pre-buying as GST was set to increase effective from Jul 01, 2025 from 12.5% to 18.0%.
  • YoY growth is supported by a more stable macroeconomic environment, introduction of more variants, lower interest rates, easing inflation, and improving consumer sentiment
Oil and Gas Exploration: Improving liquidity in E&P sector to set stage for recovery - By AKD Research

Jul 10 2025


AKD Securities


  • As per released figures from PPIS for Jun’25, oil/gas production for the year amounted to 62.4k bpd and 2,882mcfd, reflecting a decline of 12%/8%YoY.
  • We expect rebound in domestic hydrocarbons as excess RLNG issue is to be resolved through i) renegotiation of RLNG contract in 2026, ii) deferral of cargoes, and iii) increase in demand.
  • Industry participants have struck 21 discoveries during FY25, up 40%/91% compared to 15/11 discoveries during FY24/23, culminating to incremental production of 2.9k bpd of oil and 253mmcfd of gas as per initial flow rates.
Market Wrap: Evening Chronicle July 10, 2025 - By AHCML Research

Jul 10 2025


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The KSE-100 Index opened on a positive note and surged to an intraday high of 133,902.34 points before closing at a record 133,782.34, gaining 1,205.36 points or 0.91%. Investor sentiment remained buoyant amid strong economic indicators and corporate developments. Record remittances of USD 38.3bn in FY25 (up 26.6% YoY), progress on the Roosevelt Hotel’s USD 1.0bn valuation in the proposed redevelopment plan, World Bank’s likely support for Reko Diq, a 10% rise in US exports, and a USD 1 billion syndicated loan by Dubai Islamic Bank all boosted investors’ confidence. Top contributors to the index included MEBL, MCB, UBL, BAHL, and FFC, which collectively added 570.42 points. BOP led the volumes with 155.38 million shares, while total market turnover reached 941.72 million shares.
Market Wrap: PSX Rebounds Strongly amid Strong Economic Indicators - By HMFS Research

Jul 10 2025


HMFS Research


  • The KSE 100 index resumed its upward trajectory today, reaching an intraday high of 133,902 after a slight correction in the previous session driven by profit-taking. The benchmark index closed at the 133,782 level, recording a gain of 1,205 points. The positive sentiment was primarily driven by a remarkable 26.6% surge in cumulative remittances in FY25, which reached a record high of USD 38.3bn. Consequently, buying was observed across major sectors including banking and cement. Investor confidence also improved ahead of corporate results season, furthermore, a 10% y/y increase in exports to the US, which reached USD 5.8bn in FY25, also aided momentum. Total traded volumes remained strong, with the KSE-100 Index posting 326mn shares and the All-Share Index recording 940mn shares. The most actively traded scrips today were BOP (155mn), KOSM (55mn), and HASCOL (33mn). Going forward, the market’s upward trend is expected to continue. However, since the Trump administration as of now has made no announcements over its tariff position on Pakistan, the bourse could swing in the opposite direction should the US decide to impose or reinstate trade barriers. Such a move could dampen investor sentiment, thereby stalling the market's momentum. Amidst this backdrop, investors are advised to remain cautious amid the recent gains in market indices, focusing on fundamentally strong sectors and companies with stable earnings and long-term potential.
Fertilizer: 2QCY25E earnings to jump on higher off-take - By Taurus Research

Jul 10 2025


Taurus Securities


  • We expect Fertilizer players in our universe to witness robust surge in profitability on the back of significant increase in offtake during 2QCY25 i.e. Urea up 14%QoQ and DAP up 99% QoQ, attributed to rise in demand for fertilizer products at the start of the Kharif Season 2025 amid facilitating farmers with Kissan Cards, mitigating wheat crisis and stable fertilizer prices.
  • On the Company front, EFERT’s market share went up by 32% (up 8pptsYoY) in 2QCY25 due to base effect as the Company had undergone scheduled plant maintenance activities for 2 months during 2QCY24, resulting in rise in Urea off-take (up 9pptsYoY to 34%). Further, disparity in gas pricing mechanism has still put significant pressure on the margins of EFERT, forcing to sell Urea at a discounted price (discount of PKR 100-150 per bag started in Jan’25). Further, FFC has also reduced Urea prices by PKR 40/bag effective from May’25.
  • FFC’s net sales to clock-in at ~PKR 68Bn in 2QCY25, up 7%QoQ on account of increase in overall off-take by 17%QoQ (Urea and DAP off-take were up by 9% and 66%, respectively). Gross margins to hover around 38% in 2QCY25, up 2pptsQoQ. Distribution and admin expense to increase 2%QoQ, in-line with the increase in sales volumes. Finance cost to remain on the lower side (down 16%QoQ) amid deleveraging of FFBL and ongoing monetary easing cycle.
Nishat Mills Limited (NML): BUY Maintained Earnings revised due to lower margins; SOTP value higher - By Topline Research

Jul 10 2025


Topline Securities


  • We have revised down our earnings estimates for Nishat Mills (NML) by average 33% for FY25 and FY26 to Rs18.49 and Rs19.11 on the back of lower-than-expected gross margins posted by company in 9MFY25.
  • We have now assumed gross margins of average 11.1% for FY25-FY27 in our forecast compared to 9MFY25 gross margins of 11.3%. While gross margins in last 10 years i.e. FY15- FY24 have averaged at 12.4%.
  • Despite decline in earnings, we maintain our BUY stance on the company with Jun 2026 target price of Rs225, suggesting total return of 60% including dividend yield of 2%.
Morning News: SBP reserves jump USD 5bn to USD 14.5bn, surpassing IMF target - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Jul 3 2025


Alpha Capital


  • In a major achievement on the economic front, the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign reserves jumped by USD 5bn to reach USD 14.51bn end of the last fiscal year (FY25), surpassing the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) target of USD 13.9bn.
  • National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has turned down the federal government’s plea to apply a revised uniform Schedule of Tariff (SoT) to K-Electric (KE), based on the previously determined tariff for the January–March 2023 quarter, a move likely to frustrate the Power Division.
  • The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected a historic PKR 545bn Income Tax from the salaried class in the last fiscal year ended on June 30, 2025, thus they became the highest contributors among all other sectors on account of direct taxes.
Morning News: All cut-motions rejected: NA approves PKR 3.951trn demands for grants - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Jun 26 2025


Alpha Capital


  • Ahead of the passage of the 2025-26 federal budget on Thursday (June 26), the National Assembly on Wednesday approved PKR 3.951 trn demands for grants pertaining to ministries for finance, human rights, interior and national food security, to meet the expenditures during financial year ending June 30, 2026, by rejecting all cut-motions moved by opposition lawmakers.
  • In a major development, the bank account of any unregistered sales tax person (tax evader) can only be initially suspended for a period of three days from July 1, 2025.
  • The National Tariff Commission (NTC) has imposed anti-dumping duties of up to 21% on imports of polystyrene from China, a move that has placed importers in a difficult position.
Economy: MPC likely to keep the policy rate unchanged - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Jun 13 2025


Alpha Capital


  • The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is scheduled to convene on June 16, 2025. We expect the MPC to take a cautious stance and maintain the policy rate at 11%. Given the cumulative 11 percentage points reduction over the past 12 months, the SBP may opt to pause its rate-cutting cycle in the upcoming meeting. Our expectation is underpinned by several key factors, including rebasing of energy prices due at fiscal year-end, rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and potential pressure on the PKR. These factors may influence the SBP to take a cautious stance and defer the rate cut until more clarity emerges.
  • Inflation recorded a historic low of 0.3% YoY in Apr-25, before rebounding to 3.5% in May. Additionally, end-June inflation is expected to clock in at 4.0% due to seasonal food price pressures, heatwave-driven costs and Eid-related demand. We view this upcoming uptick as temporary.
  • In contrast, some key cost adjustments, including potential increases in gas and electricity tariffs, are expected to be announced before the start of the new fiscal year (FY26). The full inflationary impact of these adjustments will have to be assessed. Additionally, escalating tensions in the Middle East have pushed international crude oil prices to ~USD 75/barrel, raising concerns on domestic inflation and external accounts. Given this uncertainty, we believe the central bank will adopt a prudent approach, maintaining the current policy rate at 11%.
Morning News: WB announces USD 55m in additional funding - By Alpha - Akseer Research

May 23 2025


Alpha Capital


  • Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari met with a delegation led by Anna Bjerde, Managing Director Operations of the World Bank, to discuss Pakistan's ongoing power sector reforms.
  • Pakistan is targeting the export of 125,000 tonnes of mangoes in the current season, with an anticipated revenue of $125 million, the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA) announced. The export campaign is set to kick off on Sunday (May 25).
  • Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan Limited (HCAR) reported a net profit of Rs2.7 billion (EPS: Rs18.97) for the year ended March 31, 2025, marking a 16 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase and surpassing industry expectations.
Economy: MPC likely to cut policy rate by 50bps - By Alpha - Akseer Research

May 2 2025


Alpha Capital


  • We anticipate the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to reduce the policy rate by 50bps in the upcoming MPC meeting on May 5th, 2025. The revised policy rate would settle at 11.5%. Our expectation is primarily driven by favorable economic factors, namely i) an improvement in external account, ii) a decline in headline inflation, and iii) falling global commodity prices. The geopolitical situation still remains fluid, with rising tensions on the eastern border alongside US-China trade war. These factors may influence the SBP to take a cautious stance and defer the rate cut until more clarity emerges.
  • The headline inflation is expected to settle within the SBP’s 5–7% medium-term target range in the next 12 months. A combination of falling imported inflation amid trade war and declining local food prices, backed by improved supply conditions, has dimmed the inflation outlook. Core inflation (NFNE) is also expected to taper off after being sticky at 9% since Dec-24, reinforcing our stance of a 50bps cut in the upcoming MPC meeting.
  • Pakistan’s current account posted an impressive surplus of USD 1.2bn in Mar-25, taking the cumulative 9MFY25 surplus to USD 1.9bn. The improvement was mainly backed by all-time high remittances, which surged to USD 4.1bn in Mar25, extending a sturdy support for the external account.
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL): 2QFY25 EPS clocks in at PKR 10.02, down by 32% YoY, DPS PKR 2.00 - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Feb 28 2025


Alpha Capital


  • PPL announced its 2QFY25 financial result today wherein, the company reported an EPS of PKR 10.02, down by 32% YoY. Along with the result, the company announced an interim cash dividend of PKR 2.00/share.
  • Net sales clocked in at PKR 61.3bn during 2QFY25, compared to PKR 73.0bn in SPLY, down 16% YoY, due to PKR appreciation against the greenback (5% YoY) and a decline in oil/gas production (-13%/-10% YoY).
  • The company posted exploration expenses of PKR 5.3bn (-20% YoY) for 2QFY25 vs PKR 6.7bn in SPLY, due to reduced exploration activity during the quarter.

Oil & Gas Development Company Ltd (OGDC): 2QFY25 EPS clocks in PKR 9.63, down by 44% YoY, DPS PKR 4.05 - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Feb 28 2025


Alpha Capital


  • OGDC announced its 2QFY25 financial result today wherein the company reported an EPS of PKR 9.63, down by 44% YoY. Along with the result, the company announced an interim cash dividend of PKR 4.05/share.
  • Net sales for 2QFY25 clock in at PKR 100.4bn, compared to PKR 115.2bn in SPLY, down 13% YoY mainly on the back of a lower oil prices (-10.2% YoY), and an appreciating exchange rate (+5% YoY).
  • Exploration expenses climbed to PKR 4.0bn (+68% YoY) for 2QFY25 vs PKR 2.4bn in SPLY, due to a dry well encountered at Kandewaro-1.

Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC): 2QFY25 EPS expected to clock in at PKR 9.03, down by 48% YoY, DPS PKR 3.00 - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Feb 25 2025


Alpha Capital


  • OGDC is expected to announce its 2QFY25 results, wherein we expect the company to report an EPS of PKR 9.03, down by 48% YoY. Along with the result, the company is expected to announce an interim cash dividend of PKR 3.00/share.
  • Net sales for 2QFY25 expected to clock in at PKR 102.1bn, compared to PKR 115.2bn in SPLY, down 11% YoY mainly on the back of lower oil prices (-11.5% YoY), and a PKR appreciation of 1.8% YoY against the greenback.
  • Exploration expenses are projected at PKR 6.1bn (2.6x YoY) for 2Q FY 25 compared to PKR 2.4bn in SPLY, due to a dry well encountered at Kandewaro-1.

Economy: Feb-25 NCPI expected at 1.8% YoY - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Feb 20 2025


Alpha Capital


  • The headline CPI is expected to arrive at 1.8% YoY in Feb-24, continuing the declining inflation trend, following a reading of 2.4% YoY in Jan-24. We expect average inflation of 5.2% YoY for FY25 with a run rate of 0.6% MoM. The base effect continues to contribute to the declining inflation trend, bringing the print down to the lowest in two decades. MoM inflation is expected to decrease by 0.6% MoM for the first time since May-24, primarily due to the Food segment (down by 2.4% MoM) and a negative Fuel Charge Adjustment (FCA), reducing the average electricity tarrif. The Transport segment is expected to exhibit an increasing trend (up by 1.1% MoM) owing to the rising POL prices.
  • The Food segment is expected to decline by 2.4% MoM in Feb-25. Items driving the reduction in prices include: tomatoes (-54.6% MoM), onions (-27.4% MoM) and potatoes (- 20.8% MoM). Additionally, wheat prices are expected to reduce by 2.3% MoM due to abolishment of wheat support price, as per the agreement with the IMF.
  • The Utilities segment is expected to stay flattish (up by 0.1% MoM) on the back of a negative FCA of PKR 1.23/kwh for Dec-24, which is expected to reduce average electricity tariff for consumers in Feb-24.
Oil & Gas Marketing Companies: Higher growth ahead, Still a Buy - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Feb 7 2025


Alpha Capital


  • FY24 was a tumultuous year for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), characterized by demand destruction, elevated fuel prices, and a resurgence of smuggling activities from across the border, all of which hurt the OMC industry. However, the start of FY25 has been promising, and the outlook for the sector is positive as we witness a significant rebound in sales volumes. The past six months have been favorable for OMCs due to high volumetric sales, primarily driven by increased demand for Motor Spirit (MS) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD).
  • The growth in MS and HSD sales reflects a recovery in economic activity, particularly in the transportation and agricultural sectors, driven by falling commodity prices. We believe with the economic conditions stabilizing, further growth in MS and HSD sales volume is expected. Inflation has been steadily coming down, with the average inflation during CY24 recorded at 13.1%, compared to 30.9% last year. This is coupled with a projected GDP growth of 2.8% and a gradual recovery in large-scale manufacturing and service sectors, which will stimulate demand.
  • The government is expected to approve an increase in the OMC margins in Feb’25 following a recommendation by OGRA to increase margins from PKR 7.86/l to PKR 9.22/l. This is in line with the CPI-linked methodology of implementing margins and has been long overdue. An increase in margins will set the sector up for profitability.