Morning News: Pakistan receives $3.5bn in remittances in January 2026 – By HMFS Research

Feb 11 2026


HMFS Research


  • The inflow of overseas workers’ remittances into Pakistan stood at $3.46 billion in January 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data showed on Tuesday. Remittances increased by nearly 15.4% year-on-year (YoY), compared to $3.0 billion recorded in the same month last year. Monthly remittances were down 4% from $3.59 billion in December. During the first seven months of the fiscal year (7MFY26), remittance inflows stood at $23.2 billion, up from $20.9 billion in 7MFY25, a jump of 11.3%.
  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said Pakistan and Kuwait share strong brotherly relations, which were set to further strengthen through bilateral economic, investment and trade cooperation. He made the remarks while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad in connection with the issuance of a digital licence to Raqami Islamic Digital Bank. The prime minister congratulated Raqami Islamic Digital Bank on becoming the third licenced digital retail bank in Pakistan. He expressed hope that the bank would not only be Sharia-compliant but would also offer features that would significantly support and promote the growth of banking in the country. “This development will go a long way in further enhancing bilateral economic relations between Pakistan and Kuwait,” the prime minister said.
Morning News: SBP chief expects broader recovery than IMF forecast – By HMFS Research

Feb 12 2026


HMFS Research


  • Central bank chief expects the economy to grow as much as 4.75 percent this fiscal year, pushing back against a recent downgrade by the International Monetary Fund. Governor Jameel Ahmad, in written responses to Reuters, argued the recovery is broader and more durable than headline export data suggest. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised its FY26 growth forecast to 3.75–4.75 percent at its January meeting, 0.5 percentage point higher than its previous range, despite a contraction in exports in the first half of the year and a widening trade deficit.
  • The Finance Minister welcomed Pommersheim, Deputy Assistant Secretary, and appreciated the longstanding support and engagement of the United States in Pakistan’s economic development, particularly cooperation in multilateral financial frameworks. Both sides exchanged views on Pakistan’s economic outlook, reform agenda, and avenues for enhancing bilateral economic cooperation. The Finance Minister also highlighted growing investor confidence, citing recent indigenous investment initiatives and increased private-sector participation.
Morning News: Saudi Arabia eyes Pakistan’s rice sector – By IIS Research

Feb 12 2026


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • Saudi Arabia has shown interest in investing in corporate farming in Pakistan’s rice sector to ensure a stable, reliable supply of rice through structured, long-term arrangements between the two countries.
  • The Saudi government has dispatched a high-level delegation to Pakistan to explore avenues of cooperation in various sectors, apparently to finalise a priority agenda ahead of the expected visit of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
Bank AL Habib (BAHL): Result Review – By Topline Research

Feb 11 2026


Topline Securities


  • Bank AL Habib (BAHL) announced its 4Q2025 result today, where the bank recorded consolidated earnings of Rs5.8bn (EPS of Rs5.20), down 23% YoY and 16% QoQ.
  • The 4Q2025 result came lower than industry expectations due to higher-than-expected operating expenses.
  • We maintain a buy stance on BAHL, with the stock currently trading at a 2026E PE ratio of 7.2x, PBV ratio of 1.2x, and dividend yield of 9.0%.
Pakistan Market Wrap: PSX Ends Higher Despite Choppy Trade – By HMFS Research

Feb 11 2026


HMFS Research


  • The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a choppy yet decisively positive session, as early selling pressure dragged the index lower before a strong recovery took hold mid-morning. Sentiment improved after the State Bank of Pakistan’s governor signaled confidence in the economic outlook, projecting FY26 growth of up to 4.75%—countering the IMF’s recent downgrade. The SBP has revised its growth range upward to 3.75–4.75%, reflecting improved domestic momentum despite weaker exports and a widening trade gap in the first half of the fiscal year. Additionally, remittance inflows provided further support, rising over 11% YoY to USD 23.2bn during 7MFY26, reinforcing external account stability.
  • Strong accumulation in the final trading hours propelled the benchmark index firmly into positive territory, with the KSE-100 closing at 183,050 level—up 896 points. Market participation remained elevated, with traded volumes reaching 350mn shares on the KSE-100 and 731mn shares on the All-Share Index, reflecting sustained investor engagement. KEL (121mn shares), CNERGY (82mn shares), and FNEL (52mn shares) led the activity chart, dominating turnover for the session. In the short term, the market is likely to move within a limited range as investors assess elevated valuations alongside selective earnings strength and evolving macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape. Given this backdrop, a disciplined, stock-specific strategy remains prudent. Investors should capitalize on intermittent pullbacks to build exposure in fundamentally strong counters, while exercising caution in index-heavy names where valuations appear extended.
Pakistan Market Wrap: KSE-100 closes at 183,050 up 896 points – By Alpha-Akseer Research

Feb 11 2026


Alpha Capital


  • The equity market commenced the session on a strong footing and remained largely steady throughout the day. However, the KSE-100 Index witnessed notable intraday volatility, fluctuating between a low of 182,055 and a high of 183,802 before settling at 183,050, reflecting a gain of 896 points. Total volumes on the main board reached 349.6 million shares, with an aggregate traded value of PKR 25 billion.
  • Key contributors to the index’s positive performance were ENGROH (4.4%, 412 points), LUCK (2.5%, 172 points), FABL (9.1%, 126 points), MCB (2.1%, 124 points), and BAFL (2.9%, 86 points). In terms of trading activity, KEL and CNERGY led the volumes chart, recording 120.6 million and 81.6 million shares traded, respectively.
Pakistan Market Wrap: The benchmark index closed on a positive note – By IIS Research

Feb 11 2026


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • The benchmark index closed on a positive note after an initial dip at the start of the session. Trading activity remained largely stock specific in the absence of any strong positive trigger, as investors positioned themselves ahead of the ongoing results season. Trading volumes decreased to 350mn shares today as compared to 636mn shares in the previous session. Today, the KSE-100 index gained 896 points to close at 183,050 level, up by 0.49% DoD. Banks, Cement, and Power sectors were the major contributors in today's session, cumulatively adding 619 points to the index.
Pakistan Chemicals: Profitability to remain muted – By Insight Research

Feb 11 2026


Insight Securities


  • LOTCHEM is expected to post a PAT of PKR263mn (EPS: PKR0.17) in 4QCY25 vs. LAT of PKR19mn (LPS: PKR0.01) in SPLY and PAT of PKR94mn (EPS: PKR0.06) in preceding quarter. To note, International PTA prices plunged by ~4%/2% YoY/QoQ to clock in at ~US$644/ton. Consequently, core delta declined by ~16%/5% YoY/QoQ to clock in at ~US$86/ton. Company’s topline is expected to decrease by 4% YoY/QoQ to clock in at PKR19.6bn in 4QCY25 amid lower product prices. Gross margins of the company are estimated to clock in at 2.6% in 4QCY25, witnessing an increase of ~180bps YoY amid one-off in SPLY.
  • EPCL is expected to post a consolidated LAT of PKR1.2bn (LPS: PKR1.30) in 4QCY25 vs. PAT of PKR3.4bn (EPS: PKR3.75) in SPLY and LAT of PKR0.2bn (LPS: PKR0.24) in preceding quarter. Company’s topline is expected to decrease by 15%/10% YoY/QoQ to clock in at PKR18.0bn in 4QCY25, amid lower product price. Gross margins are estimated to clock in at 6.2% in 4QCY25. To note, International PVC prices decline by ~19%/7% YoY/QoQ to clock in at ~US$649/ton. Consequently, PVC-Ethylene margins witnessed a decline of ~16%/1% YoY/QoQ. Admin expense is expected to increase by 26% YoY amid higher volumetric sales, whereas same is expected to go down by ~10% QoQ. Financial charges are anticipated to decrease by 24%/6% YoY/QoQ to clock in at PKR1.3bn, primarily due to decline in interest rates and debt level.
Pioneer Cement Limited (PIOC): 2QFY26 EPS clocks in at PKR 7.04, down 9% YoY – By Alpha-Akseer Research

Feb 11 2026


Alpha Capital


  • PIOC announced its 2QFY26 results today wherein the company reported an EPS of PKR 7.04, down 9% YoY. This takes cumulative earnings for 1HFY26 to PKR 12.65/share, up 4% YoY. Contrary to expectations, no dividend was announced along with the results.
  • Net sales for 2QFY26 clock in at PKR 10.3bn, up 15% YoY from PKR 8.9bn SPLY, driven by a 28% YoY increase in local dispatches to ~0.7mn tons, outpacing the North’s 12% YoY growth and offsetting a 4% YoY decline in net retention.
  • Gross margins for 2QFY26 clocked in at 30%, down 12 ppts YoY primarily reflecting the effect of increased royalty charge on 6% of ex-factory price instead of net retention. The compression in margins also reflect upward pressure on fuel cost driven by Afghan border closure.
Pakistan Economy: Sequential dip likely for Banks – By JS Research

Feb 11 2026


JS Global Capital


  • We preview 4QCY25 results for Pakistan banks which are expected to broadly report YoY decline in core income due to NIMs contraction amid declining yields.
  • Quarterly profits are likely to face pressure from weaker core income and declining asset yields, though non-interest income should offer partial support. Dividend policies for 4QCY25 are expected to be maintained.
Lucky Core Industries Limited (LCI): Corporate Briefing Notes – By Chase Research

Feb 13 2026



  • Lucky Core Industries Limited reported earnings per share (EPS) of PKR 120.62 in FY24, compared to PKR 149.12 in FY23. In 1QFY25, the company posted an EPS of PKR 28.10, slightly higher than PKR 27.21 in the same period last year.
  • The polyester and pharmaceutical segments performed well during the year, driving improved operating performance.
Morning News: SBP chief expects broader recovery than IMF forecast – By HMFS Research

Feb 12 2026


HMFS Research


  • Central bank chief expects the economy to grow as much as 4.75 percent this fiscal year, pushing back against a recent downgrade by the International Monetary Fund. Governor Jameel Ahmad, in written responses to Reuters, argued the recovery is broader and more durable than headline export data suggest. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised its FY26 growth forecast to 3.75–4.75 percent at its January meeting, 0.5 percentage point higher than its previous range, despite a contraction in exports in the first half of the year and a widening trade deficit.
  • The Finance Minister welcomed Pommersheim, Deputy Assistant Secretary, and appreciated the longstanding support and engagement of the United States in Pakistan’s economic development, particularly cooperation in multilateral financial frameworks. Both sides exchanged views on Pakistan’s economic outlook, reform agenda, and avenues for enhancing bilateral economic cooperation. The Finance Minister also highlighted growing investor confidence, citing recent indigenous investment initiatives and increased private-sector participation.
Pakistan Market Wrap: PSX Ends Higher Despite Choppy Trade – By HMFS Research

Feb 11 2026


HMFS Research


  • The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a choppy yet decisively positive session, as early selling pressure dragged the index lower before a strong recovery took hold mid-morning. Sentiment improved after the State Bank of Pakistan’s governor signaled confidence in the economic outlook, projecting FY26 growth of up to 4.75%—countering the IMF’s recent downgrade. The SBP has revised its growth range upward to 3.75–4.75%, reflecting improved domestic momentum despite weaker exports and a widening trade gap in the first half of the fiscal year. Additionally, remittance inflows provided further support, rising over 11% YoY to USD 23.2bn during 7MFY26, reinforcing external account stability.
  • Strong accumulation in the final trading hours propelled the benchmark index firmly into positive territory, with the KSE-100 closing at 183,050 level—up 896 points. Market participation remained elevated, with traded volumes reaching 350mn shares on the KSE-100 and 731mn shares on the All-Share Index, reflecting sustained investor engagement. KEL (121mn shares), CNERGY (82mn shares), and FNEL (52mn shares) led the activity chart, dominating turnover for the session. In the short term, the market is likely to move within a limited range as investors assess elevated valuations alongside selective earnings strength and evolving macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape. Given this backdrop, a disciplined, stock-specific strategy remains prudent. Investors should capitalize on intermittent pullbacks to build exposure in fundamentally strong counters, while exercising caution in index-heavy names where valuations appear extended.
Morning News: Pakistan receives $3.5bn in remittances in January 2026 – By HMFS Research

Feb 11 2026


HMFS Research


  • The inflow of overseas workers’ remittances into Pakistan stood at $3.46 billion in January 2026, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data showed on Tuesday. Remittances increased by nearly 15.4% year-on-year (YoY), compared to $3.0 billion recorded in the same month last year. Monthly remittances were down 4% from $3.59 billion in December. During the first seven months of the fiscal year (7MFY26), remittance inflows stood at $23.2 billion, up from $20.9 billion in 7MFY25, a jump of 11.3%.
  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said Pakistan and Kuwait share strong brotherly relations, which were set to further strengthen through bilateral economic, investment and trade cooperation. He made the remarks while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad in connection with the issuance of a digital licence to Raqami Islamic Digital Bank. The prime minister congratulated Raqami Islamic Digital Bank on becoming the third licenced digital retail bank in Pakistan. He expressed hope that the bank would not only be Sharia-compliant but would also offer features that would significantly support and promote the growth of banking in the country. “This development will go a long way in further enhancing bilateral economic relations between Pakistan and Kuwait,” the prime minister said.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Investor Caution Pulls KSE-100 Lower Amid E&P and Banking Pressure – By HMFS Research

Feb 9 2026


HMFS Research


  • The equity market traded in negative territory for the majority of today’s session after a brief green start. The KSE-100 index experienced a sharp intra-day decline of 3,137 points before gradually recovering to close at 182,340, down by 1,789 points from the previous session. The primary driver of today’s sell-off was Moody’s revision of the banking sector outlook from positive to stable, which weighed heavily on investor sentiment. Profit-taking was also observed in the E&P sector, contributing to the downward pressure.
  • Trading activity remained robust, with 598mn shares exchanged on the KSE100 index and 928mn shares traded across the broader market. Top volume contributors included KEL (302mn), BOP (53mn), and AGHA (47mn). Looking ahead, the market is expected to remain sensitive to international developments and geopolitical tensions. However, supportive macroeconomic indicators could help restore bullish momentum in the near term. Investors are advised to maintain vigilance, monitor evolving market conditions, and focus on fundamentally strong stocks with long-term growth potential.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Market Under Pressure: Geopolitical Uncertainty Sparks Sharp KSE-100Decline – By HMFS Research

Feb 6 2026


HMFS Research


  • The KSE-100 Index witnessed a sharp correction during today’s trading session, as investor sentiment weakened amid heightened geopolitical concerns, profit-taking at elevated valuations, and a broader risk-off environment. Rising uncertainty and cautious positioning triggered broad based selling across key sectors, exerting sustained pressure on market performance throughout the session. Consequently, the benchmark index closed at 184,129.58 points, registering a steep decline of 3,702.5 points from the previous close.
  • Despite the negative close, trading activity remained robust, with 799mn shares traded on the KSE-100 Index and 1.3bn shares exchanged across the All-Share Index, indicating sustained investor participation and active portfolio rebalancing. KEL (518mn shares) led volumes, followed by NBP (51mn shares) and FNEL (50mn shares). Looking ahead, market direction is expected to remain volatile in the near term, with sentiment likely to be shaped by geopolitical developments, macroeconomic signals, and the ongoing corporate earnings season. While short-term pressure may persist, medium-term fundamentals remain supportive, with selective opportunities likely to emerge in fundamentally strong stocks.
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.
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.
Morning News: JPMorgan plans frontier bond index – By HMFS Research

Feb 4 2026


HMFS Research


  • JPMorgan is finalizing plans for a new index to track frontier market local currency bonds, investors consulted on the details told Reuters, as the bank looks to satisfy a growing appetite for riskier and more diversified high-yield debt. The move, which comes 15 years after the Wall Street bank launched its hard-currency Next Generation Markets Index (NEXGEM) frontier index, coincides with the year-long slump in the dollar and some extraordinary recent rallies in markets like Argentina, Ecuador and Uganda.
  • JPMorgan declined to comment on the plans. Six leading money managers who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said the bank’s engagements with them reached an advanced stage in the second half of last year. The proposed index includes 20 to 25 countries, with Egypt, Vietnam, Kenya, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh having the largest “weightings”, three of the managers said.
Ghani Dairies Limited IPO: Capitalizing on Pakistan’s Growing Dairy Market – By HMFS Research

Jan 30 2026


HMFS Research


  • Ghani Dairies Limited (GDL) is preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), providing investors exposure to Pakistan’s formalized dairy supply chain, in contrast to traditional commodity-based milk businesses. The company operates a fully mechanized corporate dairy farm, supplying premium-quality raw milk to leading processors, including Nestlé Pakistan, Fauji Foods, and IRC Dairy Products.
  • The IPO is priced at a floor of PKR 24.00 per share, translating into a P/E of 17.56x on FY25 earnings. Applying the same multiple to the post-IPO forecasted FY27 EPS of PKR 3.80 yields a fair value of ~PKR 67 per share, representing ~178% upside from the floor price and ~98.6% from the maximum book building cap of PKR 33.60. The projected FY27 earnings growth is underpinned by near-term capacity expansion, which is expected to nearly double milk production, secured recurring supply contracts with leading processors providing predictable revenue streams, and operational leverage from scale, which should enhance margins further. By funding herd expansion.