Pakistan Economy: SBP holds policy rate at 12%, pausing the easing cycle - By JS Research

Mar 11 2025


JS Global Capital


  • State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) maintained policy rate at 12% in the MPC meeting held yesterday, pausing the easing cycle despite rapidly declining inflation. In the last six MPC meetings, consecutive rate cuts brought the total reduction to 1,000bps from a peak of 22%.
  • The MPC’s cautious stance is on the back of emerging pressures on the external account, driven by rising imports and weak financial inflows. It should also be noted that core inflation is persistent at an elevated level, and thus any uptick in the food and energy prices may lead to rise in inflation going forward.
  • SBP Governor, in the post monetary policy briefing session, apprised that most key economic indicators have improved in this year. SBP’s FX reserves have also risen on a YoY basis, although a decline has been observed of late due to debt repayments, as there has been a delay in some planned inflows which may be unlocked post IMF review

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Market Wrap: Highlights of the day - By JS Research

May 23 2025


JS Global Capital


  • Dull activity was observed on the last trading day of the week at the PSX, as investors adopted a cautious stance and preferred to stay on the sidelines ahead of the Federal Budget. The benchmark KSE-100 index fluctuated between an intraday high of 119,542 points (+389) and a low of 118,665 points (−487), before closing with a marginal loss of 50 points at 119,102. Trading volumes remained thin throughout the day, with major participation seen in sideboard stocks. Going forward, we expect the market to continue consolidating; hence, investors are advised to wait for dips before taking fresh positions.
Image Pakistan (IMAGE): Corporate Briefing Key Takeaways - By Topline Research

May 23 2025


Topline Securities


  • Topline Securities hosted a Corporate Briefing Session (CBS) for Image Pakistan (IMAGE) today, where senior management discussed the recent financial performance and future outlook of the company.
  • Rs193mn capex was incurred in 9MFY25, and management expects an additional Rs250mn for multi-head embroidery machinery and Rs150mn for store expansions over the next 9 months of CY25.
  • IMAGE currently has 14 outlets, with 4 more in progress (3 new and 1 expansion), bringing the total to 17 physical stores alongside a strong global online presence. Upcoming locations include the expanded Zamzama flagship, Bukhari Commercial in Karachi, F-6 MarkazIslamabad, and Giga Mall Rawalpindi.
Image Pakistan Limited (IMAGE): 3QFY25 Corporate Briefing Takeaways - By Taurus Research

May 23 2025


Taurus Securities


  • IMAGE is a premium fashion retailer specializing in Schiffli embroidery and digital lawn. It operates 14 stores across Pakistan and a growing online platform serving both local and international markets. With subsidiaries in the UK and USA, IMAGE targets the affordable luxury segment, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design for its customers.
  • In 3QFY25, IMAGE reported sales of PKR 1,205 million, relatively unchanged from 3QFY24 sales of PKR 1,204 million. Gross profit margin slightly improved to 45% in 3QFY25 compared to 42% in the same period last year (SPLY). However, net profit after tax (PAT) decreased by 12% to PKR 209Mn in 3QFY25 from PKR 238Mn in the SPLY due to an increase in distribution and selling expenses. EPS stood at PKR 0.91 in 3QFY25 (3QFY24 EPS: PKR 1.81).
  • During 3QFY25, IMAGE expanded its physical presence with three new stores: Multan, Gujrat, and a new outlet at Dolmen Mall Lahore, taking total outlets to 14 nationwide. An additional three outlets (DHA Phase VI Karachi, Giga Mall Rawalpindi, and F-6 Islamabad) are scheduled for launch by the end of CY25, which will bring the total to 17 brick-and-mortar stores. This accelerated rollout indicates management’s confidence in sustained foot traffic recovery and untapped urban demand.
Market Wrap: KSE-100 Stays Resilient Amid Budget Uncertainty - By HMFS Research

May 23 2025


HMFS Research


  • The KSE-100 index exhibited a choppy trajectory today as investor sentiment remained cautious ahead of the FY26 budget announcement. Ongoing discussions with the IMF and anticipation of new conditionalities kept market participants on edge, curbing aggressive positions. Still, broader optimism anchored in improving macroeconomic fundamentals— such as expected external financing from the UAE and World Bank, and renewed efforts to enhance trade and exports—offered some stability amidst the turbulence. After hitting an intraday high of +389 points, the index ultimately settled at 119,103, recording a marginal decline of 50 points. Market activity reflected a wait-and-see approach, with muted volumes of 99.8mn shares on the KSE-100 and 337.1mn shares traded overall. Leading the board were BBFL (33mn), WTL (19mn), and DOL (16mn). Going forward, the market is likely to remain sensitive to unfolding budgetary disclosures and IMF-related developments. Nonetheless, a constructive macroeconomic backdrop could provide the necessary support to steer equities toward recovery. Investors are advised to remain vigilant, closely track policy cues, and prioritize fundamentally sound stocks with long-term value potential.
Pakistan Aluminium Beverage Cans Limited (PABC): CY24 & 1QCY25 Corporate Briefing Takeaways - By Taurus Research

May 23 2025


Taurus Securities


  • PABC is the leading manufacturer of beverage cans in Pakistan. The Company is also Pakistan’s first and only manufacturer and exporter of aluminium cans.
  • During CY24, sales revenue increased 17%YoY clocking in at PKR 23Bn. The contribution of the exports to total revenue was around 63% during the year. Export sales increased 53%YoY to PKR 14.4Bn. Gross margin recorded a marginal decrease. Net profit for the year was recorded at PKR 6Bn compared to PKR 5Bn during the SPLY. The net profit margin recorded a marginal increase. As a result, EPS increased to PKR 16.9/sh from PKR 13.9/sh during the SPLY.
  • The Company reported a production of 936Mn cans in CY24, at a capacity utilization of 89%. The production capacity is 1.2Bn cans p.a.
Lalpir Power Limited (LPL): CY24 Corporate Briefing Key Takeaways - By Taurus Research

May 23 2025


Taurus Securities


  • LPL’s Power Purchase Agreement, originally due to expire in Nov’28, was terminated effective Oct 1, 2024, under a Negotiated Settlement Agreement. Receivables up to Sep 30, 2024—including CPP, EPP, and PTI—were cleared by Dec 31, 2024. Delayed payment interest was waived, resulting in significant reversals in the financials. The Company retains ownership of its 350MW oil-fired complex, and no further compensation was provided by the Government. CPPA-G will reimburse the Company for any adverse tax rulings if applicable.
  • Revenue declined 27%YoY to PKR 14.2Bn (CY23: PKR 19.5Bn), reflecting reduced dispatches ahead of PPA expiry. Gross profit fell to PKR 3.55Bn (CY23: PKR 5.6Bn), while PAT sharply dropped to PKR 465Mn from PKR 4.9Bn. This steep decline was primarily driven by non-recurring reversals—including furnace oil inventory written down to net realizable value due to low selling prices and the reversal of interest income due to waived charges under the settlement. EPS declined significantly to PKR 1.22 (CY23: PKR 12.1).
  • LPL reported surplus funds of PKR 9.8Bn as of Dec 31, 2024, ensuring liquidity strength post-PPA. However, Management clarified that it does not plan to distribute excess reserves via dividends in the near term. Instead, the focus is on pursuing high-potential ventures that can deliver superior long-term shareholder value.
Morning News: IMF not too ‘keen’ on relief steps in budget, links them to FBR revenue - By Vector Research

May 23 2025


Vector Securities


  • Signaling its reluctance to grant a major relief to the salaried, property, beverage, and export sectors, the visiting IMF team has linked the FBR’s tax collection target with reduction in expenditures. This is the crux of the ongoing parleys, as the team is going to accomplish its visit on Friday (today). However, the Fund will make an exception for the defence budget, as Islamabad will take an appropriate decision to hike the defence spending in view of the current geopolitical environment.
  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met with a delegation from the World Bank, led by Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde, to discuss the Bank’s development investment and cooperation in Pakistan. The prime minister said the government is taking practical steps to maximize benefits from the World Bank’s investment under the Country Partnership Framework. He said the framework is expected to bring more than $20 billion in development financing to Pakistan.
  • 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. According to a press statement issued on Thursday, the minister shared plans to launch a competitive electricity market soon, noting that preparatory work is underway. An Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO) has been established, and experienced professionals are being appointed. The government will no longer be the sole electricity purchaser.
Morning News: Forex reserves exceed $16bn mark on IMF tranche - By WE Research

May 23 2025



  • Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves rose by $1.034 billion in one week, reaching $16.649 billion as of May 16, 2025, largely due to a $1.023 billion IMF loan tranche under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). This marks the highest level in four months. While the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) reserves increased, commercial banks' reserves dipped slightly by $9 million. The IMF also approved a $1.4 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) to help Pakistan address climate challenges and support growth. The IMF funds are expected to attract further international financial support, with SBP projecting reserves to exceed $14 billion by June 2025.
  • World Bank Managing Director Anna Bjerde praised Pakistan’s recent economic reforms as a “globally recognised model,” crediting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership for driving the transformation. During a high-level meeting in Islamabad, Bjerde highlighted Sharif’s focus on sustainable policies, political unity, and development that prioritizes people. She referred to Pakistan’s Country Partnership Framework as the “Pakistan Model,” citing its successful implementation. Sharif thanked the World Bank for its support, especially following the 2022 floods, and noted the partnership will lead to over $20 billion in development investment. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration.
  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with a World Bank delegation led by Managing Director Anna Bjerde to discuss development cooperation and the Country Partnership Framework, which is expected to bring over $20 billion in financing to Pakistan. Sharif emphasized the government’s efforts to fully leverage this investment and thanked the World Bank for its support during the 2022 floods. Bjerde praised Pakistan’s progress on macroeconomic stability and called the partnership a global model, now referred to as the “Pakistan Model.” The meeting reaffirmed strong cooperation between Pakistan and the World Bank, with several senior officials in attendance.
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.
Market Wrap: Highlights of the day - By JS Research

May 22 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The market opened on a positive note on Thursday, with the index gaining 767 points to hit an intraday high of 120,699. However, the momentum faded as investors opted for profit-taking at higher levels, dragging the index down to an intraday low of 119,062 before closing at 119,153, down 778 points. Going forward, range-bound activity is likely to persist ahead of the Federal Budget announcement, and investors are advised to remain cautious."
Market Wrap: Highlights of the day - By JS Research

May 23 2025


JS Global Capital


  • Dull activity was observed on the last trading day of the week at the PSX, as investors adopted a cautious stance and preferred to stay on the sidelines ahead of the Federal Budget. The benchmark KSE-100 index fluctuated between an intraday high of 119,542 points (+389) and a low of 118,665 points (−487), before closing with a marginal loss of 50 points at 119,102. Trading volumes remained thin throughout the day, with major participation seen in sideboard stocks. Going forward, we expect the market to continue consolidating; hence, investors are advised to wait for dips before taking fresh positions.
Market Wrap: Highlights of the day - By JS Research

May 22 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The market opened on a positive note on Thursday, with the index gaining 767 points to hit an intraday high of 120,699. However, the momentum faded as investors opted for profit-taking at higher levels, dragging the index down to an intraday low of 119,062 before closing at 119,153, down 778 points. Going forward, range-bound activity is likely to persist ahead of the Federal Budget announcement, and investors are advised to remain cautious."
Pakistan Power: Power generation marks highest YoY growth since Apr-2022 - By JS Research

May 22 2025


JS Global Capital


  • As per latest data released by National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), Power generation during Apr-2025 clocked in at 10,513GWh, posting a significant increase of 22% YoY. Cumulatively, power generation during 10MFY25 remained flat with a marginal dip of 0.4% YoY, clocking-in at ~100,661GWh.
  • Average cost of generation for Apr-2025 stood at Rs8.95/kWh, remaining flat YoY. Nevertheless, on a sequential basis, average cost dipped 3%.
  • The sequential decline in generation cost is mainly attributable to higher contribution from Hydel plants in generation which stood at 22% in the energy mix during Apr-2025 compared to 15% during the last month.
Technical Outlook: KSE-100 entering the resistance range - By JS Research

May 22 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 index showed positive movement to close at 119,931, up 960 points DoD. Volumes stood at 668mn shares compared to 438mn shares traded in the last session. The index is expected to face resistance at 120,797 (all-time intraday high) as a break above may start a new momentum towards 123,375 and 125,947 levels, respectively. However, any downside will find support between 118,740 and 119,340 levels. The RSI and the MACD have moved up, supporting a positive view. We recommend investors to ’Buy on dips’, keeping stoploss below 118,527. The support and resistance levels are at 119,338 and 120,315, respectively.
Power Cement Ltd (POWER): Corporate Briefing takeaways - By JS Research

May 21 2025


JS Global Capital


  • Power Cement Ltd (POWER) recently held a corporate briefing session to discuss its results and outlook. The company posted a profit after tax of Rs316mn in 3QFY25, compared to a loss of Rs717mn in 3QFY24. In 9MFY25, earnings stood at Rs349mn compared to a loss of Rs1,187mn in the same period last year.
  • Sales revenue declined by 16% YoY in 3QFY25, mainly due to an 18.9% YoY drop in dispatches. Despite this, gross margins rose 5.6ppts YoY mainly led by cost efficiencies measures and lower coal prices.
  • The management apprised that the company had experienced significantly lower fuel costs in recent quarters, primarily due to lower global coal prices (with current landed cost at Karachi Port around US$100/ton, comprising mostly US coal), and the use of alternative fuels, which now make up 10–20% of the fuel mix and are 25–30% cheaper than coal.
Pakistan Cement: Earnings rise on margin gains, lower finance costs - By JS Research

May 21 2025


JS Global Capital


  • We review 3QFY25 performance of the Cement sector with our sample size of 8 companies. Our sample posted a 2.3x YoY surge in earnings during the quarter, driven primarily by margin expansion (+4.1ppt YoY) and dividend income from subsidiaries — MLPL (~Rs5.6bn) for MLCF and LEPCL (~Rs6.0bn) for LUCK. While local cement dispatches witnessed a mild YoY increase of 2%.
  • Margin improvement on YoY basis in 3QFY25 was largely driven by declining coal prices across both North & South regions, cost efficiencies, and higher retention prices. However, margins declined 2.7ppt QoQ, primarily due to a drop in cement prices in the North.
  • Looking ahead, we expect margins to improve, supported by a recovery in cement prices, especially in the North region (up Rs60/bag since Feb-2025), while low international coal prices are likely to continue benefiting companies operating in the South.
Technical Outlook: KSE-100; Consolidation expected above key averages - By JS Research

May 21 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 index after making a high of 119,900 slid to close at 118,971, down 719 points DoD. Volumes stood at 438mn shares compared to 425mn shares traded in the previous session. The index is likely to revisit yesterday’s low of 118,527 where a drop below targeting the range between 115,330 and 115,750 levels. However, any upside will face resistance in the range of 119,130-119,900. The RSI has moved down, while the MACD is heading up, supporting a neutral view. We advise investors to stay cautious on the higher side and wait for dips. The support and resistance levels are at 118,365 and 119,739, respectively
Market Wrap: Highlights of the day - By JS Research

May 20 2025


JS Global Capital


  • Bears dominated the PSX today as investors adopted a cautious stance, preferring to book profits ahead of the Federal Budget FY2025-26 announcement. The benchmark KSE-100 Index closed with a loss of 719 points, settling at 118,971. During the session, the index touched an intraday high of 119,900 and a low of 118,527. Some buying interest emerged in cement stocks towards the end of the day, driven by hopes of budgetary incentives for the construction sector. Going forward, we advise investors to consider any dips as buying opportunities, particularly in oil & gas, technology, textile, and steel stocks.
Pakistan Textile: 3QFY25: Stable revenue & margins - By JS Research

May 20 2025


JS Global Capital


  • We review 3QFY25 performance of Textile sector with our sample size of 8 companies. Our sample companies reported a revenue growth of 4% YoY; however, gross margins dipped by 2% YoY (mainly due to softening of product prices). Earnings rose by 13% YoY during the period mainly led by 24% YoY decline in finance cost (-24% YoY), off-setting dip in margins and higher taxation during the quarter.
  • On QoQ basis, our selected companies reported flat top-line growth and gross margins. However, rise in taxes has resulted in 10% QoQ drop in the net earnings.
  • Interestingly, despite a 25% QoQ surge in gas prices for CPPs from Rs3,000/MMBtu in Dec-24 to Rs3,500/MMBtu in Jan-25 and Rs4,291/MMBtu in Mar-25, energy costs and margins for selected companies remained flat QoQ, indicating a greater shift towards cheaper energy sources (FO, coal-based CPP, or grid power purchases)
Technical Outlook: KSE-100; Range bound activity to continue - By JS Research

May 20 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 index witnessed another range bound session to close at 119,690, up 40 points DoD. Volumes stood at 425mn shares compared to 573mn shares traded in the previous session. The index is expected to revisit yesterday’s high of 120,286 where a break above targeting the all-time high of 120,797 level. However, any downside will find support in the range of 118,700-119,200 levels. The RSI and the MACD are heading up, supporting a positive view. We advise investors to ‘Buy on dips’, keeping stoploss below 118,871. The support and resistance levels are at 119,198 and 120,233, respectively.