Power: Apr’25 generation up 22%YoY / 25%MoM - By Topline Research
May 22 2025
Topline Securities
- Power generation in Apr’25 clocked in at 10,511GWh, reflecting a 22%YoY increase and a 25%MoM jump, driven by seasonal recovery in demand as temperatures rose. This marks a significant rebound from Mar’25, when generation stood at 8,409GWh, following a dip to 6,945GWh in February due to winter-related slowdown in both household and industrial consumption.
- Cumulatively, 10MFY25 power generation stood at 100,658GWh, reflecting a slight 0.3% YoY decline compared to 100,966GWh in the SPLY.
- Hydel generation saw a sharp rebound, increasing by 78%MoM and 11%YoY, contributing 2,306GWh—driven by higher power demand. Coal-based generation, which was the highest contributor in the mix, surged 1.9xYoY to 2,579GWh and rose 33%MoM— likely due to improved plant availability and lower global coal prices. However, nuclear generation declined by 8%YoY and 15% MoM, contributing 1,882GWh. Meanwhile, generation from expensive sources like furnace oil and HSD dropped to just 1% of the mix, in line with the Government’s continued shift toward more cost-efficient and sustainable energy sources.
Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGP): FY24 Corporate Briefing Takeaways - By Taurus Research
Jun 5 2025
Taurus Securities
- SNGP, largest integrated natural gas utility in Pakistan, posted a record profit of ~PKR 18.97Bn in FY24, supported by all-time high sales of ~PKR 1Bn.
- Pakistan’s energy mix includes 30% natural gas (69% from SNGP, 31% from SSGC), 11% RLNG, 21% oil, 15% coal, 12% hydropower, 7% nuclear, and 4% from LPG and renewables combined.
- SNGPs ownership is split between 32% direct and 42% indirect Government holding, with the remaining 26% held by the public and others.
Autos: May-2025 sales to record highest levels since Dec-2022 - By JS Research
Jun 5 2025
JS Global Capital
- We preview automobile sales volumes for May-2025, expecting the three major players including Indus Motors Company Ltd (INDU), Honda Atlas Cars Ltd (HCAR), and Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd, representing 84% of the four-wheeler market, to post a major volumetric growth of 44%/49% YoY/MoM, reaching ~13.3k units.
- INDU and HCAR are expected to lead monthly growth with volumes up 2.4x and 69% YoY, respectively. The 49% MoM increase is largely due to delivery delays led by protest on highways over canal projects. Overall, we anticipate a 38% YoY growth for our sample in 11MFY25.
- We highlight key risks in the FY26 budget to include a potential carbon tax on petrol vehicles, reduced average tariffs on imported cars, extension of used car import age limit from 3 to 5 years, and higher sales tax on vehicles up to 800cc – all of which could significantly impact the auto industry sales.
Economy: Pre-Budget FY26 Market Sentiments - By Chase Research
Jun 5 2025
- Chase Securities conducted a pre-budget survey in the run up to the annual budget announcement.
- A total of 44 participants provided their insights on key issues.
- We believe that these insights are key to identifying market sentiments and gauging the confidence in the equity market.
- 27% of the participants expect KSE-100 to be above 150,000 points by the end of June 2026.
Technical Outlook: KSE-100; Upside to continue - By JS Research
Jun 5 2025
JS Global Capital
- Bulls continued to dominate the session as the KSE-100 Index gained 1,348 points DoD, closing at the 121,799 level. Trading volumes stood at 711mn shares, up from 578mn shares previously. We believe a break above 121,882 (yesterday’s high) will sustain the uptrend, with 123,375 and 125,947 as the next targets. On the downside, support is seen between 120,900 and 121,170, with a break below this range likely to trigger a corrective phase. Both the RSI and MACD are trending upward, reinforcing a positive outlook. We recommend investors 'Buy on dips,' while keeping a stop-loss below the 120,896 level. The support and resistance are at 121,169 and 122,155, respectively.
Morning News: Pakistan, ADB sign $300m ‘Subprogram II’ loan - By WE Reserach
Jun 5 2025
- The government of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $300 million loan agreement under the “Improved Resource Mobilization and Utilization Reform Programme (Subprogramme-II),” aimed at supporting Pakistan’s macroeconomic stabilization and fiscal consolidation through structural reforms in trade, revenue generation, and capital market development. The agreement, signed by Dr. Kazim Niaz and ADB Country Director Emma Fan, is part of a broader $800 million financing package that includes a $500 million Policy Based Guarantee (PBG) to help raise $1 billion in commercial financing, reinforcing Pakistan’s efforts toward economic recovery and sustainability.
- At a lively early Independence Day celebration hosted by the US Embassy in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a “new era” in US-Pakistan relations, emphasizing shared democratic values and historical ties dating back to 1947. Speaking to a crowd of political leaders, diplomats, and civil society members, Sharif acknowledged America’s longstanding development support while highlighting Pakistan’s heavy sacrifices in the fight against terrorism—over 90,000 lives lost and $150 billion in economic damage. He also criticized India over a recent conflict, calling the Pahalgam incident a false-flag operation and accusing New Delhi of civilian targeting, while affirming Pakistan’s military response. Despite tensions, Sharif expressed a desire for regional peace and praised former US President Trump for his role in de-escalating hostilities. Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker echoed the spirit of partnership, speaking in Urdu and highlighting shared values and mutual respect.
- Pakistan’s finance team is in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to maintain the current 5% Federal Excise Duty (FED) on fertilisers and drop a proposed 5% FED on pesticides in the 2025–26 budget, following intervention by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Prime Minister has also directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to reassess the proposed import tariff rationalisation plan to prevent negative impacts on the import bill. While the IMF appears to have relented on fertiliser and pesticide taxes after Pakistan argued these could hurt agricultural productivity—especially alongside the introduction of the Agriculture Income Tax (AIT)—it remains firm on imposing General Sales Tax (GST) in the formerly exempt FATA/PATA regions. Despite previous political efforts to preserve the exemption, a reduced GST rate of 12% is now expected to be implemented there in the upcoming fiscal year.
Morning News: IMF wants ‘strict compliance’ as budget enters final stages - By Vector Research
Jun 5 2025
Vector Securities
- Amid final consultations on the budget, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) wants strict compliance with programme requirements, including the coverage of agriculture income tax in provincial budgets to ensure effective collection starting no later than September 2025. The Fund also does not agree with a plan for incentivising enhanced power consumption desired by the federal government to absorb surplus capacity.
- The government of Pakistan and Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday signed a $300 million loan agreement for the “Improved Resource Mobilization and Utilization Reform Programme (Subprogramme-II).
- The National Economic Council (NEC) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Wednesday approved the national development outlay of Rs4.224 trillion (Rs4,224 billion), including federal Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) of Rs1,000 billion for the next budget. The real GDP growth has been envisaged at 4.2 per cent of GDP and CPIbased inflation at 7.5 per cent for FY2025-26.
Cement: May'25 local offtakes reach 21-month high amid improvement in construction activity - By AKD Research
Jun 4 2025
AKD Securities
- Cement dispatches for May’25 clocked in at 4.65mn tons, an increase of 9%YoY, driven by 9%YoY surge in local offtakes, while exports increased by 7%YoY.
- Industry-wide capacity utilization increased to 66% (up 4.6ppt YoY), highest in 21 months.
- We maintain a positive outlook on the sector on the back of anticipated gross margin expansion due to improvement in retention prices and declining power cost, supported by declining interest cost.
Fertilizers: Slight demand pick-up ahead of the Budget - By JS Research
Jun 4 2025
JS Global Capital
- As per provisional figures, Urea off-take during May 2025 is expected to clock in at 420k tons, up 6% YoY/67% MoM. This marks the first YoY growth in Urea sales volumes after a sustained period of weak performance since CYTD. While DAP volumes likely to arrive at 94k tons (+2.3x YoY). CYTD urea/ DAP sales are likely to post 31%/20% YoY decline.
- Company-wise, Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) is expected to post Urea off-take of 206k tons in May-2025, down 28% YoY. In contrast, Engro Fertilizers (EFERT) is expected to post 86% YoY growth reflecting a low base-effect, while the company is also expected to surpass the CYTD monthly run-rate.
- Urea inventory is expected to reach an 8-year high of 1.3mn tons in May-2025, similar to the levels seen during the same month in 2017/ 2020, which were later offloaded due to exports / strong sales in latter months. Although the chances for govt allowing exports are low at this point, however, any such allowance would favor EFERT more than the peers.
Refinery: GRMs Sharply Recovering - By Sherman Research
Jun 4 2025
Sherman Securities
- After plunging to lowest level of US$4.5 per barrel in April 25, Gross Refining Margins (GRMs) of local refineries significantly recovered to US$9.3 per barrel during ongoing month of June. This is positive for local refineries as their earnings are directly linked with changes in GRMs.
- Just to recall, highest GRM was recorded at US$30 per barrel during July 2022 while average GRMs during last 5 years stood at US$7 per barrel.
- GRM is the sum of the weighted average spread of products which a refinery is yielding on every barrel of crude it processes. Major products include Diesel (HSD), Gasoline (MS) and Furnace oil (FO).
Cement: May’25 dispatches up 39%MoM - By Taurus Research
Jun 4 2025
Taurus Securities
- Total Cement dispatches in May’25 up 39%MoM on the back of reviving construction demand i.e. Domestic sales went up 46% MoM to 3.6Mn tons. Whereas, total export sales up 20%MoM on account of better retention prices and surge in demand post Indo-Pak de-escalation which benefited North Players, mainly. On a YoY basis, total domestic sales were up 9% in May’25 as lower interest rates and record low inflation have supported players to improve their margins and increased volumes. Although, higher duties and taxes on the cement sector have reduced the overall demand, resulting in overcapacity.
- North-based domestic sales increased 42%MoM in May’25 due to surge in the construction activities amid seasonal demand and better volumes i.e. lower retail prices compared to the South region. Wherein, export sales were up significantly by 1.1xMoM on the revival of regional sales post Indo-Pak deescalation. South-based domestic sales surged by 64%MoM in May’25 amid revival of the construction demand. On the export front, South-based exports were up 5%MoM, respectively.
- On a YoY basis, North-based domestic sales surged 10%YoY in May’25 due to pick up in construction demand on the back of lower interest rates and record low inflation. Similarly, Northbased exports were up significantly by 48%YoY, reflecting higher demand from the export regions. On the South front, domestic sales during May’25 increased by 5%YoY. However, export sales dropped 2%YoY to 0.75Mn tons, respectively.
Economy: FY26 Budget: Proposed Stock Market measures Focus on Dividend Tax, CGT and Corporate Income Tax - By Topline Research
Jun 2 2025
Topline Securities
- In continuation of our report titled 'Pakistan Federal Budget FY26 Preview: Fiscal Consolidation to Continue; Third Consecutive Year of Primary Surplus,' released on May 22, 2025, we outline additional proposed measures that the government may announce in the upcoming budget on June 10, 2025, as per recent reports.
- Increase in Tax Rates on Passive Income: As reported, FBR is considering increasing tax rates on passive income by 2–3% in the upcoming budget mainly on bank deposits and saving schemes. Currently, the Passive income is taxed at 15% for filers and 35% for non-filers. Although news doesn’t outline increase in tax on Capital gain and dividend income, however, we believe, tax on capital gain and dividend income may also be enhanced if income on debt is taxed at 17–18% compared to the current 15%.
- This increase in the tax rate from 15% to 17–18% is likely to have a negative impact on local equities.
Cement: Local cement dispatches likely to be up by 34% MoM in May-2025 11MFY25 local sales decline to narrow to 5% YoY - By Topline Research
May 30 2025
Topline Securities
- Pakistan local cement dispatches are likely to be up by 34% MoM to clock in at 3.38mn tons in May-2025. Dispatches are anticipated to increase by 1% YoY.
- Our analysis is based on the provisional numbers of 25 days, based on which local sales stands at 2.82mn tons, while as per our channel checks in 28 days of the month, local sales was ~3.15mn tons.
- MoM increase in local cement dispatches is mainly due to higher number of working days in May-25 compared to Apr-25, due to Eid holidays falling in Apr-25. Sales per day are expected at 109k tons in May-25 compared to 84k tons recorded in Apr-25.
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%
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.
Sazgar Engineering Works (SAZEW): Corporate Briefing Key Takeaways - By Topline Research
May 22 2025
Topline Securities
- The management of Sazgar Engineering Works (SAZEW) held it's corporate briefing today to discuss the financial results for 3QFY25 and share the company's future outlook.
- SAZEW plans to complete its four-wheeler manufacturing expansion by March 2026 and introduce new NEV models. The company will also focus on expanding its export markets (mainly three wheelers) and the local dealership network. Sazgar currently has a network of 20 four-wheeler dealers, with expansion underway as new centers in Mardan and Peshawar are set to open soon.
- The production capacity of the company will increase from 40-50 cars a day to 90-100 cars a day post expansion.
Economy: Pakistan Federal Budget FY26 Preview Fiscal consolidation to continue; Third consecutive year of primary surplus - By Topline Research
May 22 2025
Topline Securities
- Fiscal consolidation to continue: Pakistan is set to announce Federal Budget FY26 on Jun 02, 2025. We expect this budget to continue fiscal consolidation, focus on IMF guidelines and bring untaxed/low tax areas in tax net. Furthermore, we believe, this Budget FY26 hold high importance from policy point of view as various additional legislative engagements are likely to be undertaken i.e. inclusion of Section 114c, National Tariff Policy, Captive Power Levy Ordinance, removing cap on Debt Servicing Surcharge (DSS) amongst others.
- Government’s commitment to IMF for FY26 Budget: Government has committed with IMF to continue with fiscal consolidation in FY26 budget to ensure debt sustainability. The government targets primary surplus of 1.6% of GDP (vs. 2.0-2.1% of GDP in FY25), a surplus for third consecutive year after 2 decades. The govt. has also committed to use any windfall dividend expected from central bank over and above 1% of GDP to retire debt.
- FBR FY26 Tax revenue growth target could be lowest in 6 years: FBR revenue target is expected at Rs14.1-14.3tn, up 16-18% YoY, which will be a lowest % growth in last 6 years. FBR has achieved 5-year revenue CAGR of 25% from FY21-25. We believe, out of this required 16-18% growth, ~12% would be achieved through autonomous growth driven by real GDP growth of 3.6% and inflation of 7.7%. The remaining 4-5% growth translates into additional tax measures of Rs500-600bn, we estimate.
Power: Apr’25 generation up 22%YoY / 25%MoM - By Topline Research
May 22 2025
Topline Securities
- Power generation in Apr’25 clocked in at 10,511GWh, reflecting a 22%YoY increase and a 25%MoM jump, driven by seasonal recovery in demand as temperatures rose. This marks a significant rebound from Mar’25, when generation stood at 8,409GWh, following a dip to 6,945GWh in February due to winter-related slowdown in both household and industrial consumption.
- Cumulatively, 10MFY25 power generation stood at 100,658GWh, reflecting a slight 0.3% YoY decline compared to 100,966GWh in the SPLY.
- Hydel generation saw a sharp rebound, increasing by 78%MoM and 11%YoY, contributing 2,306GWh—driven by higher power demand. Coal-based generation, which was the highest contributor in the mix, surged 1.9xYoY to 2,579GWh and rose 33%MoM— likely due to improved plant availability and lower global coal prices. However, nuclear generation declined by 8%YoY and 15% MoM, contributing 1,882GWh. Meanwhile, generation from expensive sources like furnace oil and HSD dropped to just 1% of the mix, in line with the Government’s continued shift toward more cost-efficient and sustainable energy sources.
Pakistan Economy: Pakistan GDP grew 2.4% in 3QFY25 FY25 provisional GDP growth of 2.68% fall below target of 3.6% - By Topline Research
May 20 2025
Topline Securities
- In line with our expectation, Pakistan posted real GDP growth of 2.4% during 3QFY25 compared to revised estimates of 1.5% and 1.4% for 2QFY25 and 1QFY25, respectively. The average quarterly growth for 9MFY25 is estimated around 1.8%.
- While government has published provisional growth of 2.68% for FY25, lower than the targeted growth of 3.6%. Segment wise, agriculture, industry and services are projected to post growth of 0.6%, 4.8%, and 2.9%, respectively compared to target growth rate of 2%, 4.4% and 4.1%, respectively.
- We believe, towards end of the year, services numbers for FY25 will be revised up as 9MFY25 growth average is already 2.97%, while industrial growth will be sharply revised down as in 9MFY25 industry has contracted by 1%.
United Bank Limited (UBL): Earnings Revised Up; Buy Stance Maintained - By Topline Research
May 20 2025
Topline Securities
- We have revised our earnings estimates for United Bank Limited (UBL) upward by 55% for both 2025 and 2026 to Rs96/share and Rs85/share, respectively following the incorporation of 1Q2025 results.
- UBL’s 1Q2025 results came above industry expectations, primarily driven by higher-thanexpected Net Interest Income (NII). This was supported by strong growth in current account deposits, increased repo borrowings with improved spreads, and higher than expected capital gains.
- Strong Deposit Growth: UBL reported a strong total deposit growth of 23% YoY and 29% QoQ in 1Q2025 compared to peer banks (HBL, MCB, ABL, NBP, MEBL) average of 15% YoY and 5% QoQ. UBL’s current account deposits also showed robust performance, rising by 50% YoY and 20% QoQ compared to peer banks average of 16% YoY and 11% QoQ. As a result, UBL’s current account mix improved to 54% as of Mar-2025, compared to 44% in Mar-2024.
Economy: Pakistan Inflation to clock in at 3.5-4.0% in May 2025 Bottomed out in Apr 2025 - By Topline Research
May 19 2025
Topline Securities
- Pakistan’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) for May 2025 is expected to clock in at 3.5-4.0% YoY, taking 11MFY25 average to 4.77% compared to 24.52% in 11MFY24. The MoM inflation in May 2025 is expected to clock in at +0.1%.
- As mentioned in our previous month inflation report dated Apr 21, 2025, the inflation numbers bottomed out in Apr 2025.
- During May 2025, food inflation is expected to decline by 0.3% MoM, primarily due to a 27% drop in tomato prices and a 16% decline in onion prices. However, this was partially offset by 24% increase in egg prices, a 20% rise in fresh vegetable prices, and an 8.5% rise in chicken prices.