Morning News: Forex reserves on the rise – By Darson Research

Nov 22 2024


Darson Securities


  • The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign reserves continued to rise, increasing by $29.4 million over the past week. The SBP’s foreign reserves reached $11.288 billion as of November 15, 2024, up from $11.258 billion on November 8, 2024. Meanwhile, during week under review, net foreign reserves held by commercial banks decreased by $27 million to $4.68 billion.
  • High tax rates and energy prices discourage Swedish companies from investing in Pakistan, Sweden’s ambassador to Islamabad said on Thursday. “More than 40 Swedish companies have set up shop in Pakistan over the years. A number of these are known brands and have been present here for decades,” she said in an address to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Thursday. “These companies have supported Pakistan’s growth and are acquainted with the complexities of the local business climate,” the ambassador said.
  • Foreign investments in treasury bills (T-bills) sharply fell as outflows were four times higher than the inflowsin the first week of November.

A PHP Error was encountered

Severity: Notice

Message: Undefined variable: share_research

Filename: views/single.php

Line Number: 74

Backtrace:

File: /var/www/html/application/modules/Research/views/single.php
Line: 74
Function: _error_handler

File: /var/www/html/application/third_party/MX/Loader.php
Line: 351
Function: include

File: /var/www/html/application/third_party/MX/Loader.php
Line: 294
Function: _ci_load

File: /var/www/html/application/modules/Research/controllers/Research.php
Line: 135
Function: view

File: /var/www/html/index.php
Line: 294
Function: require_once

A PHP Error was encountered

Severity: Warning

Message: Invalid argument supplied for foreach()

Filename: views/single.php

Line Number: 74

Backtrace:

File: /var/www/html/application/modules/Research/views/single.php
Line: 74
Function: _error_handler

File: /var/www/html/application/third_party/MX/Loader.php
Line: 351
Function: include

File: /var/www/html/application/third_party/MX/Loader.php
Line: 294
Function: _ci_load

File: /var/www/html/application/modules/Research/controllers/Research.php
Line: 135
Function: view

File: /var/www/html/index.php
Line: 294
Function: require_once

Commercial Bank: 1QCY25 Universe earnings to grow 13%QoQ - By Taurus Research

Apr 18 2025


Taurus Securities


  • We expect 1QCY25 TSL Banking Universe earnings to grow 13% QoQ on account of lower cost of funds and provisions. Wherein, UBL and BAFL have already announced their results posting 39% QoQ growth and 52%QoQ growth in profitability, respectively. On an annualized basis, we anticipate earnings to go up 5%.
  • During the period, the State Bank of Pakistan cut its policy rate by 100bps to 12%. Resultantly, the industry spread on outstanding loans and deposits is estimated to have averaged ~6.50% as compared an average of 5.39% in the previous quarter—on the back of the re-pricing lag between the assets and the liability side.
  • Nevertheless, we anticipate a cumulative re-pricing of ~900bps in asset yields to have taken place by the period when compared to the corresponding period last year. Hence, affecting the interest incomes, specially on the investment books.
Pakistan Fertilizer: 1QCY25E Result Preview: Muted offtakes to weigh on profitability - By AKD Research

Apr 18 2025


AKD Securities


  • AKD Fertilizer Universe’s profitability is projected to decline by 16%YoY in 1QCY25E, primarily due to lower offtakes.
  • Company-wise, FFC profitability is expected to rise by 46%YoY post-merger, while EFERT and FATIMA earnings are projected to decline by 65%/6%, respectively.
  • FFC payout is expected to increase by 63%YoY, while EFERT dividend is projected to fall by 75%YoY
Economy: Pakistan’s Trade Deficit Narrowed in March’25 - By Sherman Research

Apr 18 2025


Sherman Securities


  • A detailed breakdown of trade numbers released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) shows that, on a monthly basis, imports remained flat at US$4.8bn during Mar’25. This stability was primarily driven by lower imports in the petroleum and food sectors on a weighted average basis, while agriculture imports increased.
  • On cumulative basis, import bill was recorded at US$42.7bn (up 9%YoY) during 9MFY25 mainly due to higher imports of machinery, textile and agriculture, while petroleum and food imports declined.
  • Exports increased to US$2.6bn (up 6%MoM) during Mar’24. Likewise, during 9MFY25, exports clocked in at US$24.7bn (up 8%YoY), mainly due to growth in exports in the food and textile sectors.
Pakistan Economy: Power sector circular debt resolution plan in the offing - By Foundation Research

Apr 18 2025


Foundation Securities


  • Pakistan's power sector has become a key challenge in the country's macroeconomic balancing act. Stabilizing the economy hinges on resolving power sector issues, which took center stage in recent IMF negotiations for the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility. In a bid to settle the amount in a single go, the government has plans to inject Rs1.5 trillion to tackle the circular debt crisis, clearing overdue liabilities and paving the way for sector stability.
  • Commercial banks will provide nearly Rs1.275 trillion of the bailout package, despite already having significant exposure to the power sector's circular debt. The deal, negotiated between the government and banks, offers below-KIBOR interest rates, potentially saving the government 3-5% on debt servicing costs. Contrary to news flow of banks being pressured into the deal, top banking executives and government officials have assured that the agreement was reached mutually.
  • According to news flow, a term sheet was signed between the government and banks at a large commercial bank in Karachi, with disbursements slated to begin next month. This financial intervention aims to curb the energy crisis and prevent further debt accumulation.
Economy: Mar-2025: Current Account posts historic surplus - By JS Research

Apr 18 2025


JS Global Capital


  • Pakistan's current account balance posted a massive surplus of US$1.19bn in Mar-2025, bringing the 9MFY25 current account surplus to US$1.86bn. The improvement was driven by record-high remittances, with Mar-2025 inflows reaching US$4.1bn, a 37% YoY surge.
  • Balance of Payments (BoP) remained negative this month as well due to loan repayments. Monthly BoP figure has turned negative for the fifth time FY25TD. However, BoP balance remains in positive territory for 9MFY25.
  • We highlight that some planned foreign inflows have not materialized, likely to be unlocked post IMF disbursement. SBP governor recently revised the Jun-2025 reserves forecast to US$14bn, up from previous estimate of US$13bn. To note, SBP’s reserves have declined by ~US$1.1bn since Dec-24 while Import cover is down from 2.8months to 2.1months.
Pakistan Textile: Mar’25 Textile exports up 10%YoY - By Taurus Research

Apr 18 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Textile exports arrived at USD 1.43Bn in Mar’25 as compared to USD 1.3Bn in the SPLY, reflecting a growth of ~10%YoY. Whereas, on a monthly basis it only increased by 1%MoM. The increase was mainly due to the higher exports of cotton yarn, knitwear, bed wear, ready-made garments, art & silk, made-up articles and other textiles up 30%YoY, 15%YoY, 19%YoY, 12%YoY, 9%YoY, 10%YoY and 11%YoY, respectively. Moreover, 9MFY25 textile exports increased 9%YoY to USD 13.6Bn as compared to USD 12Bn in the SPLY
  • In Mar’25, Basic textile exports totaled USD 205Mn, down ~2% YoY, mainly attributed to decline in exports of cotton cloth and yarn. Whereas, value added exports showed a significant increase of 13%YoY along with a 9%YoY increase in other textiles.
Morning News: March C/A posts $1.2bn surplus - By Vector Research

Apr 18 2025


Vector Securities


  • Pakistan’s current account posted a record all-time high monthly surplus of $1.2 billion in March 2025, fueled by historic inflows of home remittances, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday.
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Pakistan rose by 14 percent during the first nine months of this fiscal year (FY25). According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country fetched FDI amounting to $1.644 billion in July-March of FY25 compared to $1.442 billion in the same period of last fiscal year (FY24), showing an increase of $202 million. During the period under review, FDI inflows were $2.472 billion as against $828 million outflow.
  • Pakistan’s central bank’s foreign exchange reserves dropped by $127 million to $10.57 billion during the week ended April 11 due to external debt repayments, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Thursday. The total liquid foreign reserves held by the country also decreased by $91 million to $15.66 billion. However, the reserves of commercial banks increased by $36 million to $5.09 billion.
Technical Outlook: KSE-100; Consolidation to continue - By JS Research

Apr 18 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 index witnessed positive movement to close at 116,901, up 881 points DoD. Volumes stood low at 408mn shares compared to 482mn shares traded in the previous session. The index is currently trading above the 30-DMA and the 50-DMA that will restrict downside at 115,828 and 114,617 levels, respectively. However, any upside will face resistance in the range of 117,210-118,050 levels where a break above targeting 118,718 level. The RSI and the Stochastic Oscillator have moved up, supporting a positive view. We recommend investors to ‘Buy on dips’, keeping stoploss below the 30-DMA. The support and resistance levels are at 116,074 and 117,472 levels, respectively.
Morning News: March C/A posts $1.2bn surplus - By WE Research

Apr 18 2025



  • Pakistan recorded a historic monthly current account surplus of $1.2 billion in March 2025, driven by unprecedented remittance inflows of $4.1 billion, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. This marked a 229% increase from March 2024 and a significant reversal from February 2025’s deficit. Cumulatively, the current account showed a $1.859 billion surplus in July–March FY25, compared to a $1.652 billion deficit in the same period last year. Analysts hailed this as a vital boost for the economy, easing pressure on the rupee, supporting foreign reserves, and reducing reliance on external borrowing. While the trade deficit widened to $18.73 billion due to increased imports, moderate export growth and a $2.32 billion services deficit highlighted ongoing challenges. Despite persistent financial pressures and IMF support under a $7 billion program, Pakistan’s external sector is showing signs of recovery backed by policy reforms and improved macroeconomic stability.
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Pakistan rose by 14% in the first nine months of FY25, reaching $1.644 billion compared to $1.442 billion during the same period in FY24, primarily due to strong inflows from China and Hong Kong and increased investment in the financial services and power sectors. China contributed the largest share at 41%, with its FDI doubling to $684.5 million. Despite this overall growth, March 2025 saw a sharp month-on-month decline of 91% in FDI. Economists attribute the positive trend to improved macroeconomic stability and IMF-backed reforms, but warn that sustained growth depends on consistent policies and political stability to maintain investor confidence.
  • Pakistan’s textile exports grew by 9.38% during July–March FY25, reaching $13.613 billion compared to $12.445 billion in the same period last year, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). Overall exports rose by 7.82% to $24.719 billion, with March 2025 exports totaling $2.646 billion—up 6.27% from February and 3.08% year-on-year. Textile exports in March specifically increased by 9.97% from February. However, rice exports declined by 5.91%, totaling $2.757 billion compared to $2.930 billion last year. Key export commodities in March included knitwear, readymade garments, bedwear, various rice types, cotton cloth, towels, and petroleum products, highlighting continued strength in the textile sector despite weaknesses in agricultural exports.
Lotte Chemical Pakistan Limited (LOTCHEM): 1QCY25 EPS clocked in at PKR0.44 – Below expectation - By Insight Research

Apr 17 2025


Insight Securities


  • LOTCHEM has announced its 1QCY25 result, wherein company has posted PAT of PKR0.7bn (EPS: PKR0.44) vs. PAT of PKR0.9bn (EPS: PKR0.59) in SPLY. The result is below our expectation due to lower than estimated revenue.
  • In 1QCY25, revenue decreased by 33% YoY, due to lower volumetric sales. While on QoQ basis, same is up by 6% possibly due to higher PTA prices and volumetric sales.
  • Gross margins of the company clocked in at 6.2%, up by 100bps/540bps YoY/QoQ, due to improved core delta.
Morning News: Govt to stay firm on IMF commitments: Aurangzeb - By Darson Research

Jan 29 2025


Darson Securities


  • Minister for Finance Mohammad Aurangzeb made it clear on Tuesday that the government would stick to the commitments made with the IMF under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF). He also hinted that the tax burden on salaried class might be rationalised in the coming budget.
  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday advised Pakistan to stay on course and show some patience amid growing demand from the private sector to open up the economy to create jobs and reduce unemployment.
  • The World Bank Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, emphasised on Tuesday that the $20 billion lending will be insufficient to achieve the 10 years' development goals, and Pakistan will have to mobilise more resources to overcome its challenges.
Technical Outlook: KSE 100 Hourly Chart - By Darson Research

Jan 28 2025


Darson Securities


  • The chart shows a symmetrical triangle pattern that recently saw a breakdown. Price has moved below the lower trendline, signaling a possible bearish continuation.
  • Pivotal point around 115,345 is acting as a major resistance, CPR resistance at upper band around 114410. On the flip side CPR support at lower band around 113250. If it fails to honor, then it may retest Support around 112675 or even 111625.
Morning News: Bulk of Pakistan’s foreign debt repayment for FY25 already repaid: SBP chief - By Darson Research

Jan 28 2025


Darson Securities


  • In a press conference held to announce the key interest rate, the SBP chief also said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided on a cut of 100 basis points, keeping in mind the inflation outlook and other developments. Meanwhile, responding to a query after the briefing, the SBP governor said Pakistan’s foreign debt that was due to be repaid during the current fiscal year was $26.1 billion. Out of this, an amount to the tune of $16 billion in loans will either be rolled or repaid. “An amount of $12.3 billion is rollovers agreed with the lenders, whereas $3.7 billion are commercial loans, which will also be repaid and refinanced,” he said.
  • Pakistan’s central bank is progressing with the issuance of new design currency notes, with the first new banknote expected to be released by the end of this year. The release of the new notes would occur in phases but did not disclose which specific denomination would be released first. “All currency notes will be issued gradually, but we are still in the final stages of approval,” he stated.
  • The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has facilitated the energy sector by opening gas market for the private sector, which is expected to contribute Rs71 billion per year to circular debt reduction. Additionally, the government will collect Rs13 billion annually on account of sales tax. Circular debt, which has plagued the energy sector for decades, has now crossed Rs1.6 trillion. Exploration and production (E&P) companies are owed $700 million owing to delay in payments by clients and gas curtailment. The recent decision of selling 35% gas, found by exploration firms, to a third party will help to resolve such non-payment issues. Earlier, oil and gas exploration companies were allowed to sell 10% of gas to third parties, which the current government increased to 35% in a bid to open the market and improve cash flow for energy firms.
Morning News: Policy rate cut hopes rise as weekly inflation hits decade’s low - By Darson Research

Jan 27 2025


Darson Securities


  • Pakistan’s inflationary pressures appear to be easing at a fast pace, as the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) recorded a year-on-year increase of just 0.52 percent for the week ending January 23, raising hopes of a possible policy rate cut by the State Bank of Pakistan next week.
  • Pakistan must simplify regulations and make its economic outlook predictable to attract more investment and significantly spur growth, according to a senior official from the World Bank quoted by Bloomberg. The South Asian country can see its annual growth rate accelerate to as much as 8pc if it doubles investment and better utilizes its assets and human capital, Martin Raiser, the bank’s vice president for South Asia, said in an interview in Islamabad on Friday.
  • Currency market experts have warned that the absence of channels for attracting dollar inflows could pressure the rupee as the government may need to borrow from commercial banks at higher interest rates to meet its debt repayment obligations. They also noted that the US dollar is gaining strength against major Asian and European currencies following Donald Trump’s taking over as the 47th president of the world’s largest economy. This could further contribute to weakening the rupee, which has remained stable against the greenback for over a year thanks to some stringent measures, including restricting outflows and a crackdown against smuggling.
Technical Outlook: KSE 100 Daily Chart 27 January 2025, Monday - By Darson Research

Jan 27 2025


Darson Securities


  • Index is currently trading around 114880 after making high of 115779 within strong rejection, and Failed to re-enter into Ascending channel on Hourly chart, mentioned in previous post.
  • Now it’s moving in a Symmetrical triangle on daily time frame in which Breakout trajectory (BT) is Between 114990 and 115870. The market is currently in a range-bound phase within CPR levels, Upper Band (UB) 114720, Middle Band (MB) 114300 and Lower Band (LB) 113660.
Technical Outlook: KSE 100 Hourly Chart 23 January 2025, Thursday - By Darson Research

Jan 23 2025


Darson Securities


  • Index has broken the ascending trendline, after a strong rejection around 115040 at Pivotal point, led to a sharp decline. Short-term bearish pressure is dominant after breaking CPR support around 114725, Indicating a potential short-term bearish move.
  • Currently, it is testing trendline support near CPR support around 113,640. Support Levels:(Trendline Support) around 113,060 (Lower Support) 111,600 (Pivotal Point) RSI at 31.68, approaching the oversold zone, suggesting a possible pull back.
Technical Outlook: KSE 100 Hourly Chart 16 January 2025, Thursday - By Darson Research

Jan 16 2025


Darson Securities


  • Index remains in a consolidation phase, and hovering around the CPR levels Upper Band (UB) around 114,680, Middle band (MB) around 113935 and Lower Band (LB) around 113190. A sustained move below these levels could trigger further downside.
  • Index is still facing rejection from the descending trendline resistance at 115,820, indicating strong selling pressure near this level, while 114300 is a decisive level for further upside or more downside.
  • Support levels at 113,935 (marked by yellow dotted lines) may act as key levels to watch for potential reversals. Volume: Declining volume indicates reduced participation, signaling caution.
Morning News: World Bank approves $20 billion loan – By Darson Research

Jan 16 2025


Darson Securities


  • The World Bank board has approved a $20 billion loan package for Pakistan, but the framework document stated there will be challenges in its successful implementation due to political divisions and a worsening security situation in two provinces. The Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the 2025-2035 period lists the political divide in Pakistan and the deteriorating security situation in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) as "critical" risks to the successful implementation of the $20 billion official lending package.
  • Saudi Development Fund (SDF) could invest over $100 million in Pakistan's mining infrastructure, said kingdom Mining Minister Bandar Alkhorayef on Wednesday. He also confirmed that Saudi mining company Manara Minerals was looking at investing in Pakistan's Reko Diq mine.
  • Pakistan’s model of growth — dominated by (public) consumption, high levels of debt, low productivity and poor capital accumulation — is increasingly unsustainable and requires measures to increase investment and productivity, while heavily investing in human capital accumulation to increase the country’s long-term growth potential, says the World Bank.
Automobile Assemblers: Auto Industry Showing Signs Of Recovery – By Darson Research

Jan 15 2025


Darson Securities


  • Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) released latest production and sales data for the month of Dec-24. The passenger car sales enhanced by 60% on YoY for Dec-24 (not including Jeeps, IMV’s, Pickups) as 7,864 units were sold as compared to 6,410 units in Dec-23. Further on MoM basis there was a decline seen of 1% as 7,864 cars were sold against 7,909 cars in the previous month. The incline on (YoY) sales was due to higher consumer demand amid declining interest rates.
  • Honda Atlas Cars posted stable figures on MoM for Dec-24 as the company sold 1,110 units as compared to 1,112 units in previous month. The company grew by an impressive 23% on YoY basis as 1,110 cars were sold in Dec-24 as compared to 901 in the SPLY. This growth was due to the increase in Civic/City category and BR-V and HR-V variants which both grew by 23%.
  • Indus Motors showed a decline of 25% on YoY basis as the company sold 1,655 units as compared to 2,194 units in the previous period of Dec-23. The company posted an impressive growth of 142% on YoY basis as 1,655 units were sold as compared to 684 in the SPLY. This was driven by the Corolla, Yaris Cross category which went ↑109% and by the Fortuner category ↑ 284%. This impressive growth was due to the reasons mentioned above plus Corolla Cross has had a positive response from the market which should provide support to the company's sales moving forward.
Morning News: WB pledges $40bn to Pakistan under 10-year framework – By Darson Research

Jan 15 2025


Darson Securities


  • The World Bank (WB) has pledged to provide $40 billion to Pakistan under the 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF), according to sources in the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Out of the total $40 billion, $20 billion would be provided through International Development Association (IDA) and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
  • Saudi Arabian mining company Manara Minerals could invest in Pakistan’s Reko Diq mine in the next two quarters. Manara, a joint venture between state-controlled miner Ma’aden and the $925-billion Public Investment Fund (PIF), was set up as part of the kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy away from oil, including by buying minority stakes in assets overseas.
  • Pakistan plans to issue Yuan-denominated Panda Bonds by June 2025 to enhance its capital market integration with China, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb said.