Commercial Banks: Flat Earnings; Payouts Intact – By IIS Research
Feb 3 2026
Ismail Iqbal Securities
- We preview the IIS Banking Universe’s 4QCY25 results, where aggregate earnings are expected to remain largely flat QoQ at PKR 100bn, while delivering a 16.5% YoY growth. Despite continued pressure on net interest margins amid a declining interest-rate environment, earnings remained resilient, supported by balance-sheet expansion, contained credit costs, and disciplined expense management.
- Net interest income is expected to increase 3.6% QoQ to PKR 340.5bn and 11.7% YoY, even as reinvestment yields remained under pressure. Margin compression was partially offset by volumetric growth, with deposits rising 20% YoY and 5.7% QoQ, supporting earning asset expansion. An improving deposit mix further helped cushion margins. On a full-year basis, CY25E NII is projected to grow 15.4% YoY, reflecting the sector’s ability to navigate a softer rate cycle.
