Economy: MSCI FM Standard Index Expands to 22 Stocks - By AHCML Research

Feb 12 2025


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • MSCI, a leading provider of investment decision support tools and services, has released the results of its February 2025 Index Review for the MSCI Equity Indexes. The announced changes will take effect after the market closes on February 28, 2025.
  • As part of the review, two Pakistani stocks, Abbott Laboratories (ABOT) and The Searle Company (SEARL), have been added to the MSCI Standard Index, increasing the total number of Pakistani companies in the index from 18 to 20.
  • In the MSCI Small Cap Index, three companies—BF Biosciences (BFBIO), Bifo Limited (BIFO), and Power Cement (POEWER)—have been included. However, three companies—Attock Refinery Limited (ATRL), Askari Bank Limited (AKBL), and Airlink Communications—have been removed from the Small Cap Index. Additionally, SEARL has been upgraded from the Small Cap Index to the Standard Index.

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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%.
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: Evening Chronicle July 9, 2025 - By AHCML Research

Jul 9 2025


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The market witnessed a sharp sell-off after a rally, hitting an intraday low of 132,326.17 points. Profit-taking dominated the session, while rumours of delays in circular debt payments further dampened investor sentiment. However, positive developments included DIB arranging USD 1 billion in sovereign financing for Pakistan, a surge in software services exports, which crossed USD 1 billion for the first time and total services exports rose to USD 7.65 billion, supporting the market and limiting further declines. The index closed at 132,576.98, down 826.21 points (- 0.62%). Major decliners included FFC, ENGROH, BAHL, PSO, and HBL, collectively dragging the index down by 396.74 points. TPLP led volumes with 65.91 million shares traded. Overall market volume stood at 905.74 million shares.
Economy: Pakistan Investment Strategy 2HCY25 - By AHCML Research

Jul 1 2025


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • Pakistan's economy is on track for sustained recovery, with GDP growth projected at 2.68% in FY25 and 4.2% in FY26. Pakistan’s economy is expected to recover modestly in FY25, with services growing 2.9% YoY, supported by commodity sectors. Industrial growth is forecasted at 3.2% YoY, driven by LSM recovery, though energy-related challenges pose risks. Agriculture is set to grow 1.8% YoY, led by livestock and forestry despite a decline in major crops. A shift to renewable energy is expected to cut costs and ensure stable power supply, boosting efficiency.
  • This growth is supported by lower interest rates backed by lower inflation and a stable PKR. Inflation is expected to moderate to 6% YoY in FY26, aided by improving supply of food related commodities, stability in PKR and completion of major energy tariff adjustments.
  • The IMF agreement has boosted investor confidence, while a clear roadmap for debt management, FDI commitments from friendly countries, and ambitious privatization efforts signal an economic turnaround. High-impact projects like Reko Diq and energy sector reforms under the SIFC enhance Pakistan's appeal as an investment destination, creating opportunities for investors to leverage these developments at the PSX.
Pakistan Economy: National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) Inflation Preview - By AHCML Research

Jun 30 2025


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • Inflation for Jun’25 is likely to come in at 3.47% YoY, compared to same 3.46% YoY in May’25 and 12.6% YoY in the same period last year. On a monthly basis, CPI is expected to clock in at 0.46% MoM, Headline inflation for Jun’25 is expected to increase, primarily driven by a sharp increase in food prices, which make up 35% of the CPI basket. Food inflation is projected at 3.6%YoY due to significant increase in key items: Spices (88% YoY), Milk (36%), rice 37%), meat (20%), and cooking oil (16%). On a MoM basis, the food index is expected to increase by 0.6%, led by higher prices for tomatoes, eggs, and chicken.
  • The ongoing reforms in the energy sector as increase in the gas and power tariff expected to increase inflation going forward.
  • For the FY25, average inflation is forecasted to range between 4.5% YoY, compared to 23.4% YoY in FY24.
Oil & Gas Marketing Companies: Gas Tariff Hike: Positive for Gas Utilities, Negative for Industry - By AHCML Research

Jun 30 2025


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has approved a significant gas tariff hike across all consumer categories effective July 1, 2025. The revised structure includes increase in fixed monthly charges, PKR600 for protected households, PKR1,500 for non-protected users, and PKR3,000 for high-usage domestic consumers. The adjustment is part of broader IMF-led reforms to improve cost recovery, reduce subsidies, and contain circular debt in the energy sector.
  • The gas tariff hike is a structurally positive development for SSGC, SNGP, PPL, PSO, and OGDC, it poses near-term risks for industrial players. The policy supports energy sector sustainability and aligns with macroeconomic reform goals but warrants caution in sectors exposed to high gas input costs. Investors may consider overweighting gas utilities and upstream names while remaining selective in industrial exposure.
Economy: Pakistan-US Trade Talks Near Conclusion: Major Breakthrough on Tariffs Expected Next Week - By AHCML Research

Jun 26 2025


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • Pakistan and the United States are set to conclude trade negotiations next week, aiming to address reciprocal tariffs and strengthen bilateral economic ties. The talks, led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, reflect a strategic push to reset relations amid evolving global alignments. A key focus is easing the 29% US tariff on Pakistani exports, imposed under former President Trump, as Pakistan posted a USD3 billion trade surplus with the US in 2024.To rebalance trade and attract US goodwill, Pakistan has offered to increase imports of American goods, including crude oil, and provide investment incentives, particularly in the mining sector.
  • A joint webinar this week showcased Pakistan’s USD7 billion Reko Diq copper-gold project, drawing interest from US investors and officials. The US Export-Import Bank is currently evaluating financing proposals worth USD500mn to USD1 billion for the project.
  • As the U.S. maintains high tariffs on key textile-exporting countries like China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, Pakistan faces relatively moderate tariffs, higher than Egypt and Turkey, but far more favorable than many others. This creates a strategic opening for Pakistan to increase its market share in the U.S., particularly in high-demand categories where it already has a foothold. These include cotton trousers, knit shirts, denim, towels, bed linen, and curtains.
Morning News: PM, Chinese envoy discuss CPEC projects - By AHCML Research

Jun 25 2025


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), describing it as a flagship project of the longstanding strategic partnership between Islamabad and Beijing.
  • Farmers across Punjab have increasingly transitioned their agricultural tube-wells to solar energy in response to rising input costs driven by expensive electricity and diesel.
  • Banks and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) have surrendered their unclaimed deposits up to December 31, 2023 to the State Bank of Pakistan. Claimants can apply for refund of their claims.
Morning News: Trump announces Israel-Iran ceasefire - By AHCML Research

Jun 24 2025


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that a “complete and total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran will go into force with a view to ending the conflict between the two nations.
  • ST, duty exemptions on imported cotton, yarn being withdrawn, Aurangzeb tells NA: Govt taking steps to support cotton farmers, industry.
  • Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb informed the National Assembly on Monday that the government has decided to withdraw sales tax and duty exemptions on imported cotton and yarn to support local cotton farmers and revive the domestic textile industry.
Oil Marketing Companies: Rising Oil Price impacts Import Bill Impact of Oil prices on Import Bill - By AHCML Research

Jun 13 2025


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • With Israel’s military strike on Iran pushing Arab Light crude above USD 69/bbl as of June 13, 2025, Pakistan’s vulnerability to oil price shocks has intensified. In 10MFY25, the country imported USD 12.8 billion worth of petroleum products, up 3% YoY from the same period last year. Historically, for every USD 5 increase in oil prices, Pakistan’s import bill rises by approximately USD800mn- 1,000mn per year. If the conflict prolongs, the elevated oil prices could significantly strain the country’s trade balance and fiscal outlook.
  • Pakistan’s external sector may soon face renewed pressure, as higher global oil and LNG prices directly impact the current account (CA). While the CA posted a USD 1.9 billion surplus in 10MFY25, this buffer could erode quickly if oil costs remain elevated. A deterioration into deficit territory could require additional financing from multilateral institutions, Saudi oil credit facilities, or bilateral loans. This may also complicate ongoing negotiations with the IMF, potentially diverting crucial funds away from development projects toward essential commodity imports.
Pakistan Economy: Pakistan Economic Survey FY25 Highlights - By AHCML Research

Jun 10 2025


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • GDP Growth: 2.68% in FY25 (FY24: 2.51%), driven by industrial (4.77%) and services (2.91%) sectors.
  • Inflation: Sharply fell to 0.3% in Apr’25 due to monetary tightening, stable food supplies, and lower global commodity prices.
  • Fiscal Discipline: Primary surplus of 3.0% of GDP (FY24: 1.5%) and first fiscal surplus in 24 years (Q1 FY25: PKR 1.896 tn).