Pakistan Cement: South exports amplified industry utilization – By Foundation Research

Feb 4 2026


Foundation Securities


  • Cement sector dispatches rose by 12.4% YoY in Jan’26 to 4.5Mn tons, resulting in enhanced capacity utilization of 60.7% vs. 55.6% in the SPLY. Despite peak winter season, local sales continued their growth momentum exhibiting a jump of 4.2% YoY to 3.6Mn tons, portraying demand recovery trend amid improved macros. Similarly, exports spiked to 0.9Mn tons with a remarkable growth of 61.1% YoY. Resurgence in exports were on account of low base effect from South exports, even in the absence of North exports due to Afghan border closure and also compensating for weakness in domestic demand in the South region.
  • Seasonality witnessed on a MoM bases where local demand fell by 3.4% given fewer day light hours, fog etc. This decline was driven by North sales exhibiting a decline of 6.5% MoM which was compensated by uptick in South sales of 13.8% MoM. However, exports in North region were significantly impacted owing to Afghan border closure. Increase in both local dispatches and exports of South region MoM resulted in overall industry dispatches reaching 4.5Mn tons, maintaining growth of 4.4% MoM.
MCB Bank Limited (MCB): Earnings soften amid margin compression and normalization of non-core income – By HMFS Research

Feb 4 2026


HMFS Research


  • MCB Bank Limited (MCB) has announced its consolidated results for the year ended December 31, 2025, reporting profit after tax of PKR 58.8bn, translating into EPS of PKR 49.29 (in line with our expectations), down ~7.6% Y/Y compared to PKR 63.5bn (EPS: PKR 53.35) in CY24. The earnings decline largely reflects pressure on net interest income, higher operating costs, and normalization in non-markup income, partially offset by lower provisioning charges. On the payout front, MCB gave PKR 36/ per share as dividend with PKR 9 distributed in its final quarter (also in line with HMFS expectations).
  • Net markup/interest income declined ~4% Y/Y to PKR 161.2bn, primarily due to, a sharp rise in interest expense (~32% Y/Y). Non-markup income rose trivially by ~0.4% Y/Y to PKR 41.4bn Aided by improved FX income (~13% Y/Y), sharp increase in Dividend income (~52% Y/Y), and Income from derivates (~3x Y/Y).
Pakistan Market Wrap: Bullish Momentum Holds Firm – By HMFS Research

Feb 4 2026


HMFS Research


  • The KSE-100 Index maintained its bullish trajectory during today’s trading session, supported by strengthening economic indicators, optimism surrounding the potential inclusion of Pakistani equities in the JP Morgan Frontier Markets Index, expanding export volumes to China, and improving bilateral trade relations with key partner economies. The positive sentiment kept investor participation buoyant, enabling the benchmark to close at 187,832, marking a gain of 931 points from the previous session.
  • Trading activity remained robust, with 768mn shares exchanged on the KSE-100 Index and 1.19bn shares traded across the broader market. KEL (591mn shares) emerged as the top volume leader, followed by WAVESAPP (36mn shares) and FNEL (33mn shares). Market momentum is expected to remain constructive, supported by the ongoing corporate results season as investors recalibrate portfolios in response to earnings announcements. While elevated valuations may trigger intermittent profit-taking spells, the overall market outlook remains favourable. Investors are advised to remain vigilant, closely monitor evolving developments, and focus on fundamentally strong stocks offering sustainable long-term growth potential.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Evening Chronicle – By AHCML Research

Feb 4 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The benchmark KSE-100 Index continued its upward momentum, surging to an intraday high of 188,312 before settling at a new all-time high of 187,832, registering a gain of 931 points (0.50%). Gains were driven by broad-based buying, led by Commercial Banks with selective strength in Power Generation & Distribution.
  • On the macro front, Pakistan and Kazakhstan signed 36 agreements and MoUs across multiple sectors, including petroleum, mining, and maritime affairs, with the Prime Minister reiterating the $1bn bilateral trade target. In terms of index contribution, MEBL, ENGROH, NBP, UBL, & HMB, emerged as key drivers, collectively adding 739.61 to the benchmark. On the volumes front, KEL led activity with 590.87 million shares; while overall market turnover stood at 1,193.66 million shares, reflecting healthy participation.
Engro Powergen Qadirpur Limited (EPQL): 4QCY25 Result Review – By Taurus Research

Feb 4 2026


Taurus Securities


  • Board Meeting: February 04, 2026.
  • 4QCY25 LPS: PKR 0.05; DPS: PKR 1.25; LAT: PKR 15Mn, down 1.0xYoY over the SPLY – below expectations.
  • EPQL’s net sales clocked-in at PKR 3.2Bn in 4QCY25, down 4%QoQ due to lower plant utilization. Gross margins hovered at 6%, down 8pptsQoQ on account of increase in fuel cost component. Moreover, CY25 sales dropped 10%YoY on the back of major scheduled outage in 2025 and reduction in capacity payments due to implementation of hybrid take & pay model. CY25 PAT down 61%YoY due to PPA revisions in addition to lower utilization level. On a sequential basis, EPQL posted a LAT of PKR 15Mn (LPS of PKR 0.05) as a lower topline has wiped out the earnings during the quarter. Lastly, the Company announced a final cash dividend of PKR 1.25 for the quarter, taking the total payout to PKR 11.75 for the year.
MCB Bank Limited (MCB): 4QCY25 EPS clocked in at PKR11.9 – By Insight Research

Feb 4 2026


Insight Securities


  • MCB has announced its 4QCY25 result, wherein it has posted MCB (PKRmn) 4QCY25 4QCY24 3QCY25 YoY QoQ CY25 CY24 YoY consolidated PAT of PKR30.2bn (EPS: PKR11.9) vs. PAT of PKR27.2bn (EPS: PKR8.9) in SPLY. The result came inline with our expectations.
  • Net interest income recorded an increase of 4% YoY, while it remained flat on QoQ basis.
Pakistan Cement: South exports amplified industry utilization – By Foundation Research

Feb 4 2026


Foundation Securities


  • Cement sector dispatches rose by 12.4% YoY in Jan’26 to 4.5Mn tons, resulting in enhanced capacity utilization of 60.7% vs. 55.6% in the SPLY. Despite peak winter season, local sales continued their growth momentum exhibiting a jump of 4.2% YoY to 3.6Mn tons, portraying demand recovery trend amid improved macros. Similarly, exports spiked to 0.9Mn tons with a remarkable growth of 61.1% YoY. Resurgence in exports were on account of low base effect from South exports, even in the absence of North exports due to Afghan border closure and also compensating for weakness in domestic demand in the South region.
  • Seasonality witnessed on a MoM bases where local demand fell by 3.4% given fewer day light hours, fog etc. This decline was driven by North sales exhibiting a decline of 6.5% MoM which was compensated by uptick in South sales of 13.8% MoM. However, exports in North region were significantly impacted owing to Afghan border closure. Increase in both local dispatches and exports of South region MoM resulted in overall industry dispatches reaching 4.5Mn tons, maintaining growth of 4.4% MoM.
Interloop Limited (ILP): Earnings Beat Expectations on Higher Other Income – By IIS Research

Feb 4 2026


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • ILP reported an unconsolidated EPS of PKR 2.47 for 2QFY26, up 3x YoY and 24% QoQ, materially above our expectation of PKR 1.9. The earnings surprise was largely driven by higher than expected other income, which we believe likely stems from derivative financial instruments, similar to last quarter, where other income of PKR 700mn was primarily attributable to FX derivative gains on forward dollar bookings. However, detailed account is awaited. The results were accompanied by a cash dividend of PKR 2.00 per share, which was above consensus expectations and likely reflects an improved cash position.
  • Net sales clocked in at PKR 43.6bn, up 3% YoY but flat QoQ. Cost discipline remained evident as cost of sales declined 2% YoY, leading to an improvement in gross margins to 24% versus 23% in the previous quarter and 20% in 2QFY25. This margin expansion reflects better pricing, product mix, and input cost management.
Interloop Limited (ILP): Strong Earnings Beat and Enhanced Shareholder Returns – By HMFS Research

Feb 4 2026


HMFS Research


  • Interloop Limited reported earnings well above HMFS expectations of PKR 1.9/share, delivering an EPS of PKR 2.47, marking an impressive 201% year-on-year growth. The company also declared a dividend of PKR 2/share, reinforcing shareholder value.
  • Revenue increased modestly by 3%, while gross profit expanded by 22%, supported by stable cost of sales. Operating and selling expenses declined, further strengthening operational efficiency.
Pakistan Cement: Jan’26 dispatches up 4%MoM – By Taurus Research

Feb 4 2026


Taurus Securities


  • Total cement dispatches in Jan’26 went up 4%MoM to 4.54Mn tons i.e. domestic sales down 3%MoM while exports were up significantly by 51%MoM. Decrease in domestic sales was at tributed to lower construction demand amid winter effect, also a resultant effect of higher construction material cost, duties and taxes—cement manufacturers have requested the Government to give concessions on duties and taxes by framing an industry-friendly policy in order to support construction activities, making cement viable domestically as well as for exports. Further, North players are concerned as exports were Nil for the third consecutive month due to the border closure with Afghanistan, searching for alternative destinations like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh via the Sea route.
Oil Marketing Companies: Jan’26 Volumes up 10%YoY and 12%MoM – By Taurus Research

Feb 4 2026


Taurus Securities


  • Petroleum products off-take for Jan’26 stood at ~1.5Mn tons, reflecting an increase of 12%MoM and 10%YoY respectively. MS volumes increased 2%MoM and 3%YoY. Meanwhile, HSD volumes increased by 20%MoM and 11%YoY, respectively. During 7MFY26, industry volumes were up 3%YoY with MS and HSD up 3%YoY and 4%YoY, respectively.
  • Industry sources report a combination of factors that the MoM increase was a result of, particularly economic recovery and ease in inflation. Moreover, it was noted that fuel prices experienced a 20% annual drop in 2025 amid lower cost of supply—driving demand, along with higher passenger car sales supporting demand as well.
Pakistan Cement: South exports amplified industry utilization – By Foundation Research

Feb 4 2026


Foundation Securities


  • Cement sector dispatches rose by 12.4% YoY in Jan’26 to 4.5Mn tons, resulting in enhanced capacity utilization of 60.7% vs. 55.6% in the SPLY. Despite peak winter season, local sales continued their growth momentum exhibiting a jump of 4.2% YoY to 3.6Mn tons, portraying demand recovery trend amid improved macros. Similarly, exports spiked to 0.9Mn tons with a remarkable growth of 61.1% YoY. Resurgence in exports were on account of low base effect from South exports, even in the absence of North exports due to Afghan border closure and also compensating for weakness in domestic demand in the South region.
  • Seasonality witnessed on a MoM bases where local demand fell by 3.4% given fewer day light hours, fog etc. This decline was driven by North sales exhibiting a decline of 6.5% MoM which was compensated by uptick in South sales of 13.8% MoM. However, exports in North region were significantly impacted owing to Afghan border closure. Increase in both local dispatches and exports of South region MoM resulted in overall industry dispatches reaching 4.5Mn tons, maintaining growth of 4.4% MoM.
Agritech Limited (AGL): Earning Review – By Foundation Research

Jan 29 2026


Foundation Securities


  • Agritech Limited (AGL PA) profitability clocked-in at PKR 694Mn (EPS PKR 1.2) in 4QCY25, down 29% YoY, compared to PKR 971Mn (EPS PKR 1.6) in 4QCY24.
  • This takes CY25 profitability to PKR 2.9Bn (EPS PKR 4.8), as compared to loss of PKR 1.1Bn in CY24.
  • AGL’s topline reported at PKR 12.2Bn (flat/up 18% YoY/QoQ) in 4QCY25, however, full year net revenue was recorded at PKR 35.9Bn, portraying a YoY growth of 15%.
Pakistan Cement: Profitability to drop 5% YoY in 2QFY26 – By Foundation Research

Jan 14 2026


Foundation Securities


  • FSL Cement universe profitability is forecasted to slide 5% YoY in 2QFY26 despite uptick in domestic sales and easing coal prices. This suppression in the profitability is mainly accredited to (1) normalization of gross margins, (2) higher energy cost, (3) lower exports due to Afghan border closure along with 23% YoY dip in South exports, and (4) weak prices (down 6% YoY).
  • On a quarterly basis, profitability is estimated to recede 19% QoQ in 2QFY26 owing to (1) weak domestic prices in North, (2) shift in energy mix, (3) slump in exports by 21% QoQ, and (4) attrition in other income.
Pakistan Cement: Demand remains strong – By Foundation Research

Jan 6 2026


Foundation Securities


  • Cement sector dispatches rose by 2.3% YoY in Dec’25 to 4.3Mn tons, while capacity utilization increased to a mere of 59.1% vs. a muted 57.4% in the SPLY. Despite winter season, local sales exhibited a surge of 7.4% YoY to 3.7Mn tons, showing demand recovery trend amid improved macros. However, exports declined by a sizable 20.7% YoY to reach 0.6Mn tons. Decline in exports were on account of high base effect from South exports, absence of North exports due to Afghan border closure and compensating rise in domestic demand post floods.
  • Demand continues its uptrend where local dispatches grew by 4.9% MoM despite the winter season as historically cement sales dip during these months. Local demand continued to show early signs of recovery in the aftermath of floods, aided by improved macros. However, exports were significantly impacted, owing to Afghan border closure given absence of North exports and improved local sales.
Oil Marketing Companies (OMC): Volumetric growth rebounds – By Foundation Research

Jan 5 2026


Foundation Securities


  • Petroleum sales reversed the decline of last month to post positive growth of 6% YoY (down 5% MoM) at 1.4Mn tons despite decline in HSD sales of 4% YoY (down 19% MoM) given the 10-day dealer strike in Dec’25. Whereas MS/FO sales rose 11/40% YoY in the outgoing month. During 1HFY26, sales witnessed an increase of 2% YoY to 8.2Mn tons despite low utilization of FO. Company-wise analysis depicts that PSO/APL volumes fell 7/7% YoY, respectively, while WAFI/HASCOL volumes enhanced 10/9% YoY during Dec’25.
  • White oil: Domestic petroleum sales (ex-non Energy) depicted a 6% YoY incline during the month, while white oil sales climbed 4% YoY (down 9% MoM). Product wise, MS sales increased 11% YoY (up 3% MoM) to clock-in at 628K tons. Whereas, HSD sales dropped 4% YoY (down 19% MoM) to 553K tons during Dec’25. During 1HFY26, sales accelerated 2% YoY due to an increase of 3% YoY in White oil sales given improved macros. Whereas MS/HSD sales boosted 3/3% YoY in 1HFY26. Prices of MS/HSD moderated by 0.7/3.1% MoM to average Rs265.2/274.3/liter, respectively, during Dec’25.
Lucky Cement Limited (LUCK): 1QFY26 Analyst Briefing Takeaways – By Foundation Research

Dec 30 2025


Foundation Securities


  • Lucky Cement Limited (LUCK PA) conducted its 1QFY26 analyst briefing today to discuss financial/operational performance and outlook of the company. Below are key takeaways from the session.
  • To recall, Lucky Cement Limited’s (LUCK PA) consolidated profitability clocked-in at PKR 23.6Bn (EPS PKR 15.01, up 19/10% YoY/QoQ) in 1QFY26 against a profit of PKR 19.8Bn (EPS PKR 12.24) in 1QFY25.
  • On a standalone basis, profitability was recorded at PKR 14.62Bn in 1QFY26 translating into an EPS of PKR 9.98, against PAT and EPS of PKR 6.5Bn and PKR 4.48, respectively, in the SPLY (up 2.23/2.54x YoY/QoQ).
Fatima Fertilizer Company Ltd. (FATIMA): 9MCY25 Analyst Briefing Key Takeaways – By Foundation Research

Dec 26 2025


Foundation Securities


  • Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited (FATIMA PA) held its analyst briefing on 24 December 2025 to discuss its 9MCY25 financial/operational results and outlook of the company. Following are the key takeaways.
  • Total fertilizer industry volumes declined 3.5% YoY during 9MCY25 as nitrogen fell 1.7% YoY and phosphate plummeted 8.7% YoY. FATIMA increased its market share by 4.6/4.2ppts YoY in Nit/Phos to 26.9/40.9% respectively.
Pakistan Economy: MPS Surprise 50bps cut in policy rate – By Foundation Research

Dec 15 2025


Foundation Securities


  • Today, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to cut the policy rate by 50bps to 10.5%. The decision was made considering inflation remained within the target range of 5-7% during 5MFY26, despite relatively sticky core inflation. The MPC believes economic activity is gaining traction, driven by improvements in key indicators like large-scale manufacturing. However, global challenges, particularly for exports, may impact the macroeconomic outlook. The MPC noted the available space to reduce the policy rate to support growth on a sustainable basis while maintaining price stability.
  • MPC noted several key developments. The FY25 Labor Force Survey indicates an increase in the unemployment rate from FY21, despite faster employment growth. SBP's FX reserves have risen to USD 15.8Bn, aided by a USD 1.2Bn IMF receipt. Consumer confidence has improved, while business confidence has moderated slightly. The overall and primary fiscal balances recorded surpluses in 1QFY26, led by a sizable SBP profit transfer. Globally, commodity prices are supportive, but financial conditions remain challenging with evolving tariff dynamics.
Pakistan Economy: IMF: Further reforms needed – By Foundation Research

Dec 12 2025


Foundation Securities


  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released the detailed report upon approval by its Executive Board of the 2nd review of the USD 7.0Bn Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and 1st review of the USD 1.3Bn Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The IMF report cited the governments’ strong program implementation as 6 of 7 quantitative criteria, 4 of 8 indicative targets, and most continuous and other structural benchmarks were met at end-June 2025. This has maintained stability and improved financing and external conditions.
  • Pakistan’s 37-month EFF was approved on September 25, 2024, and aims to build resilience and enable sustainable growth. The program’s priorities remain centered on (i) entrenching macroeconomic stability through consistent implementation of sound macro policies, including rebuilding international reserve buffers and broadening the tax base; (ii) advancing reforms to strengthen competition and raise productivity and competitiveness; and (iii) reforming SOEs and improving public service provision, developing human and physical capital, and restoring energy sector viability.
Pakistan Cement: Soft turn out in Nov’25 – By Foundation Research

Dec 4 2025


Foundation Securities


  • Cement sector dispatches exhibited a decline of 2.4% YoY in Nov’25 to 4.1Mn tons, while capacity utilization remained muted at 57.2% vs. 57.3% in the SPLY. Local sales recorded a slight increase of 3.3% YoY to 3.5Mn tons, showing mild signs of demand recovery and improved macros. However, exports declined by a sizable 26.5% YoY to reach 0.6Mn tons. This decline is a function of improved domestic demand post floods, high base effect and complete closure of Afghan border which is evident from the slump in North exports.
  • Fall in local dispatches of 9.7% MoM is primarily due to high base effect and weather changes. Local demand continued to show early signs of recovery in the aftermath of floods, aided by improved macros. However, exports were materially impacted, owing to Afghan border closure as evident by a large MoM decline 28.9% and improved local sales.