Economy: Dec-24 NCPI expected at 4.3% YoY, lowest since Apr-18 – By Alpha - Akseer Research

Dec 27 2024


Alpha Capital


  • The headline CPI is expected to arrive at 4.3% YoY in Dec-24, continuing the declining inflation trend, following a reading of 4.9% YoY in Nov-24. This is expected to take 1HFY25 average inflation to 7.3% YoY. MoM inflation is expected to remain flattish, up by 0.3% MoM, primarily on the back of (i) a muted trend in the Food segment, (ii) a -1.1% MoM decrease in utilities segment due to a reduction in electricity charges, and (iii) a 0.7% MoM increase in Transport segment due to a rise in POL prices.
  • The Food segment is expected to stay flat with a slight increase of 0.2% MoM in Dec-24, indicating winter effect on perishable food items. Within this category, items driving the reduction in prices include: wheat flour (-2% MoM), chicken (-13% MoM), and tomatoes (-14% MoM).
  • Electricity tariff for Dec-24 depicts the continuation of a downward trend due to (i) a negative FCA of PKR 1.145/kwh, (ii) an updated QTA of PKR 0.196/kwh, and (iii) the introduction of Winter Demand Initiative (WDI) offering a discount on incremental consumption to domestic consumers (using above 200 units). Cumulatively, we expect these developments to reduce electricity charges by 5.9% MoM in Dec-24 and, consequently, a 1.1% MoM fall in the Utilities segment in the NCPI print.

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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.
Bank Alfalah (BAFL): 1Q2025 EPS at Rs4.49, up 65% QoQ (Earnings lower than industry expectations) - By Topline Reseach

Apr 17 2025


Topline Securities


  • Bank Alfalah (BAFL) announced its 1Q2025 result today, where the bank recorded consolidated earnings of Rs7.1bn (EPS of Rs4.49), down 29% YoY while up 53% QoQ.
  • Alongside the results, the bank also announced a first interim cash dividend of Rs2.5/share, which came in higher than expectations.
  • Net Interest Income (NII) for 1Q2025 settled at Rs33.6bn, up 6% YoY and 5% QoQ, driven by (1) higher asset yields and (
Bank Al-Falah Limited (BAFL): 1QCY25 EPS clocks-in at PKR 4.5; PAT down 29%YoY/up 52%QoQ - By Taurus Research

Apr 17 2025


Taurus Securities


  • 1QCY25 EPS: PKR 4.5. 1QCY25 PAT down 29%YoY. BAFL also announced an interim cash dividend of PKR 2.5/sh.
  • Net Interest Income (NII): Up 6%YoY/5%QoQ, despite pressure on yields, on the back of significant decrease in the cost of funds which can attributed to the build-up in current accounts during the quarter. To note BAFL’s CA ratio is up 4ppts QoQ with current accounts as of Mar’25 amounting to PKR 914Bn.
  • Non-Markup Income (NMI): Up 14%YoY/Down 21%QoQ. Sequential decline is owing to a surprising 16%QoQ fall in fee and commissions income, along with a 67%QoQ plunge in capital gains.
Pakistan Cement: 3QFY25E—Profitability to decrease by 21%QoQ - By Taurus Research

Apr 17 2025


Taurus Securities


  • We expect TSL cement universe PAT to clock-in at PKR 20.2Bn, down 21%QoQ on the back of drop in total dispatches by 13% QoQ (Net sales expected to fall by 10%QoQ in 3QFY25) i.e. domestic dispatches were down notably by 7%QoQ to 9.3Mn tons in 3QFY25 as construction demand plummeted due to winter effect and seasonality i.e. Ramadan and Eid Holidays. Further, Export dispatches dropped drastically by 35% to 1.7Mn tons in 3QFY25 owing to lower demand mainly.
  • TSL Cement universe gross margins are expected to arrive at 32%, down 2pptsQoQ due to drop in retail prices mainly in the North region (-6%QoQ) which put significant pressure on retention prices for North based players during the quarter. To note, capacity utilization in 3QFY25 fell to 51% compared to 58% during the previous quarter. Net income is expected to arrive at PKR 8.1Bn, down 9%QoQ.
  • During 3QFY25, we expect South based players to improve their margins on account of flat retail prices compared to the previous quarter along with lower international coal prices which has sustained higher retention prices during the quarter. To note, Richard Bay Coal prices averaged at USD 95.6/ton in 3QFY25, down 13% over the previous quarter.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX): Preconditions to takeoff – 2 - By Chase Research

Apr 17 2025



  • We revise our estimated fair value for Dec 2025 to PKR 41/share, reflecting stronger-than-expected value traded, a higher ADTV-to-market cap ratio, a reduction in the discount rate, and a rollover to December 2025. The stock offers a 45% upside from current levels. We maintain our Buy rating.
  • PSX operates as a unified national exchange, with over 500 listed companies across 38 sectors and a market capitalization exceeding PKR 14 trillion.
  • PSX owns 50% of NCCPL, which manages the clearing, settlement, and risk management functions of the stock market.
Power: Mar’25 generation up 5%YoY / 15%MoM - By Taurus Research

Apr 17 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Power generation in March 2025 clocked in at 8,409GWh, marking a 5%YoY increase and a 21%MoM recovery, driven by seasonal improvement in demand as the weather changes. This rebound follows the February slowdown, where generation had declined to 6,945GWh due to reduced industrial and household demand during winter.
  • For the 9MFY25, power generation dropped by 2%YoY, declining to 90,147GWh from 92,345GWh recorded in the SPLY.
  • Hydel generation declined sharply by 41%YoY and 31%MoM, contributing only 1,297GWh amid lower water availability. In contrast, coal-based generation surged 1.2xYoY to 1,938GWh and 68%MoM, likely due to better plant availability and reduction in global coal prices. Nuclear generation rose 7%YoY and 20%MoM, contributing the highest share at 2,223GWh. Elsewhere, generation from expensive sources like HSD and furnace oil dropped to 0%, aligning with the Government’s strategy to transition toward more cost-efficient and sustainable energy sources.
Technical Outlook: KSE-100; Moving averages to limit downside - By JS Research

Apr 17 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 index witnessed a volatile session to close at 116,020, down 755 points DoD. Volumes stood at 482mn shares compared to 479mn shares traded in the previous session. The index is moving towards the 30-DMA which is currently at 115,706 where a fall below targeting the 50-DMA at 114,542. However, any upside will find resistance in the range of 116,400-117,430 levels. The momentum indicators are mixed, signaling no clear trading view. We advise investors to ‘Buy on dips’, with risk defined below the 50-DMA. The support and resistance levels are at 115,390 and 117,037 levels, respectively.
Morning News: Roshan Digital Account inflows hit $235m in March, total crosses $10bn - By Vector Research

Apr 17 2025


Vector Securities


  • Total inflows into Roshan Digital Accounts (RDA) reached $235 million in March 2025, pushing cumulative inflows past the $10 billion mark, according to the latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
  • Terming Pakistan’s tax system highly ‘unfair and absurd’, the World Bank (WB) has called for bringing property into the tax net while ensuring it is accurately recorded and taxed. According to the WB, the increased burden on the salaried class could only be reduced by expanding the tax base and incorporating all incomes into the tax net.
  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday credited Beijing with Islamabad’s IMF programme saying it wouldn’t have been possible without the neighbouring country’s support. The premier’s remarks — made during a ceremony held in connection with the PM’s initiative for capacity building of 1,000 agriculture graduates in China — came in the context of last month’s deal between Islamabad and the IMF on the first review of the ongoing 37-month bailout programme of $7 billion.
Lotte Chemical Pakistan Limited (LOTCHEM): 1QCY25 Preview: Profitability to stay muted - By Insight Research

Apr 16 2025


Insight Securities


  • LOTCHEM is expected to post a PAT of PKR806mn (EPS: PKR0.50) in 1QCY25 vs. loss of PKR19mn (LPS: PKR0.01) in preceding quarter amid better core delta. While on YoY basis profitability inch up by ~2%. To note, International PTA prices plunged by ~13% YoY to clock in at ~US$682/ton. Similarly, PX prices witnessed a decrease of ~16% YoY to clock in at US$868/ ton, resulting in an increase of ~9% in PTA-PX spread. Company’s topline is expected to decrease by 25% YoY to clock in at PKR24.3bn in 1QCY25, amid lower volumetric sales. Whereas, same is expected to increase by ~20% QoQ due to higher volumetric sales. Gross margins of the company are estimated to clock in at 6.5% in 1QCY25, witnessing an increase of ~130bps/5.7ppts YoY/QoQ on account of improved core delta. Selling and distribution expense is expected to increase by 39%/20%, YoY/QoQ.
  • EPCL is expected to post a consolidated LAT of PKR264mn (LPS: PKR0.29) in 1QCY25 vs. LAT of PKR900mn (LPS: PKR0.99) in SPLY. Company’s topline is expected to increase by 12% YoY to clock in at PKR18.5bn in 1QCY25, amid higher volumetric sales. While, same is expected to decline by ~13% QoQ primarily due to lower PVC prices. Gross margins are estimated to clock in at 10.2% in 1QCY25 witnessing an increase of ~380bps YoY, attributable to higher volumetric sales. While on QoQ basis, same is expected to decline by ~390bps amid lower core delta and higher gas prices. To note, International PVC prices decline by ~4%/5% YoY/QoQ to clock in at ~US$756/ton. Similarly, PVCEthylene margins witnessed a decline of ~5%/10% YoY/QoQ. Selling and distribution expense is expected to decrease by 32% YoY, whereas same is expected to go down by ~8% QoQ. Financial charges are anticipated to decrease by 22%/27% YoY/ QoQ to clock in at PKR1.3bn, primarily due to decline in debt level and interest rates.
Economy: Rating upgrade: Fitch upgrades Pakistan’s rating to ‘B-’ from ‘CCC+’ - By Foundation Research

Apr 16 2025


Foundation Securities


  • Fitch has upgraded Pakistan’s long term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘B-’ from ‘CCC+’ and has termed the country’s outlook ‘stable’.
  • The ratings agency highlighted key metrics behind the upgrade which included the following:
  • Fitch expressed confidence in Pakistan’s progress on the fiscal front with reduced deficits and implementation of structural reforms. Further, the agency stressed upon tight economic policy that is expected to support build-up of forex reserves and limited external financing needs
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL): 2QFY25 EPS clocks in at PKR 10.02, down by 32% YoY, DPS PKR 2.00 - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Feb 28 2025


Alpha Capital


  • PPL announced its 2QFY25 financial result today wherein, the company reported an EPS of PKR 10.02, down by 32% YoY. Along with the result, the company announced an interim cash dividend of PKR 2.00/share.
  • Net sales clocked in at PKR 61.3bn during 2QFY25, compared to PKR 73.0bn in SPLY, down 16% YoY, due to PKR appreciation against the greenback (5% YoY) and a decline in oil/gas production (-13%/-10% YoY).
  • The company posted exploration expenses of PKR 5.3bn (-20% YoY) for 2QFY25 vs PKR 6.7bn in SPLY, due to reduced exploration activity during the quarter.
Oil & Gas Development Company Ltd (OGDC): 2QFY25 EPS clocks in PKR 9.63, down by 44% YoY, DPS PKR 4.05 - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Feb 28 2025


Alpha Capital


  • OGDC announced its 2QFY25 financial result today wherein the company reported an EPS of PKR 9.63, down by 44% YoY. Along with the result, the company announced an interim cash dividend of PKR 4.05/share.
  • Net sales for 2QFY25 clock in at PKR 100.4bn, compared to PKR 115.2bn in SPLY, down 13% YoY mainly on the back of a lower oil prices (-10.2% YoY), and an appreciating exchange rate (+5% YoY).
  • Exploration expenses climbed to PKR 4.0bn (+68% YoY) for 2QFY25 vs PKR 2.4bn in SPLY, due to a dry well encountered at Kandewaro-1.
Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC): 2QFY25 EPS expected to clock in at PKR 9.03, down by 48% YoY, DPS PKR 3.00 - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Feb 25 2025


Alpha Capital


  • OGDC is expected to announce its 2QFY25 results, wherein we expect the company to report an EPS of PKR 9.03, down by 48% YoY. Along with the result, the company is expected to announce an interim cash dividend of PKR 3.00/share.
  • Net sales for 2QFY25 expected to clock in at PKR 102.1bn, compared to PKR 115.2bn in SPLY, down 11% YoY mainly on the back of lower oil prices (-11.5% YoY), and a PKR appreciation of 1.8% YoY against the greenback.
  • Exploration expenses are projected at PKR 6.1bn (2.6x YoY) for 2Q FY 25 compared to PKR 2.4bn in SPLY, due to a dry well encountered at Kandewaro-1.
Economy: Feb-25 NCPI expected at 1.8% YoY - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Feb 20 2025


Alpha Capital


  • The headline CPI is expected to arrive at 1.8% YoY in Feb-24, continuing the declining inflation trend, following a reading of 2.4% YoY in Jan-24. We expect average inflation of 5.2% YoY for FY25 with a run rate of 0.6% MoM. The base effect continues to contribute to the declining inflation trend, bringing the print down to the lowest in two decades. MoM inflation is expected to decrease by 0.6% MoM for the first time since May-24, primarily due to the Food segment (down by 2.4% MoM) and a negative Fuel Charge Adjustment (FCA), reducing the average electricity tarrif. The Transport segment is expected to exhibit an increasing trend (up by 1.1% MoM) owing to the rising POL prices.
  • The Food segment is expected to decline by 2.4% MoM in Feb-25. Items driving the reduction in prices include: tomatoes (-54.6% MoM), onions (-27.4% MoM) and potatoes (- 20.8% MoM). Additionally, wheat prices are expected to reduce by 2.3% MoM due to abolishment of wheat support price, as per the agreement with the IMF.
  • The Utilities segment is expected to stay flattish (up by 0.1% MoM) on the back of a negative FCA of PKR 1.23/kwh for Dec-24, which is expected to reduce average electricity tariff for consumers in Feb-24.
Oil & Gas Marketing Companies: Higher growth ahead, Still a Buy - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Feb 7 2025


Alpha Capital


  • FY24 was a tumultuous year for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), characterized by demand destruction, elevated fuel prices, and a resurgence of smuggling activities from across the border, all of which hurt the OMC industry. However, the start of FY25 has been promising, and the outlook for the sector is positive as we witness a significant rebound in sales volumes. The past six months have been favorable for OMCs due to high volumetric sales, primarily driven by increased demand for Motor Spirit (MS) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD).
  • The growth in MS and HSD sales reflects a recovery in economic activity, particularly in the transportation and agricultural sectors, driven by falling commodity prices. We believe with the economic conditions stabilizing, further growth in MS and HSD sales volume is expected. Inflation has been steadily coming down, with the average inflation during CY24 recorded at 13.1%, compared to 30.9% last year. This is coupled with a projected GDP growth of 2.8% and a gradual recovery in large-scale manufacturing and service sectors, which will stimulate demand.
  • The government is expected to approve an increase in the OMC margins in Feb’25 following a recommendation by OGRA to increase margins from PKR 7.86/l to PKR 9.22/l. This is in line with the CPI-linked methodology of implementing margins and has been long overdue. An increase in margins will set the sector up for profitability.
Morning News: Don’t take GSP+ for granted, says EU envoy: - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Jan 31 2025


Alpha Capital


  • The European Union has warned Pakistan not to take its GSP+ status for granted.
  • Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb said the legislation concerning the Agriculture Income Tax had been approved by the two provincial assemblies and the IMF was fully cognisant that progress was underway in Sindh and Balochistan.
  • The State Bank of Pakistan Governor, Jamil Ahmed, has said that exporters are being provided with all possible facilities to increase the country’s exports.
Economy: Revenue surplus expected to drop to PKR 4bn - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Jan 27 2025


Alpha Capital


  • As part of the IMF's conditions for the release of the USD 7bn tranche, Pakistan was required to terminate gas supplies to captive power producers (CPPs) by January 2025. This measure was intended to encourage a shift towards increased reliance on gridbased electricity consumption. However, following sustained efforts, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) succeeded in negotiating more favourable terms for CPPs.
  • Under the initial proposition, gas supply to the specified plants was to be discontinued by January 31st, 2025. However, the Government of Pakistan (GoP), while maintaining the gas supply for CPPs, has approved an increase in tariffs for CPPs, revising the rate from PKR 3,000/MMBTU (effective July 2024) to PKR 3,500/MMBTU (effective February 2025). All other categories, including domestic consumers, will remain unaffected by this tariff adjustment.
  • A total of 480 CPPs operate on the SNGPL network (54 MMCFD) and 800 on the SSGC network (118 MMCFD). With limited availability of capital, we anticipate minimal decline in demand in the short run. Additionally, the ECC has approved the imposition of a grid transition levy which penalises captive power, forcing the shift to grid power, thereby releasing the downward pressure on grid power consumption amid falling LSM index (-1.25% YoY) and transitions to solar power.
Economy: Dec-24 NCPI expected at 4.3% YoY, lowest since Apr-18 – By Alpha - Akseer Research

Dec 27 2024


Alpha Capital


  • The headline CPI is expected to arrive at 4.3% YoY in Dec-24, continuing the declining inflation trend, following a reading of 4.9% YoY in Nov-24. This is expected to take 1HFY25 average inflation to 7.3% YoY. MoM inflation is expected to remain flattish, up by 0.3% MoM, primarily on the back of (i) a muted trend in the Food segment, (ii) a -1.1% MoM decrease in utilities segment due to a reduction in electricity charges, and (iii) a 0.7% MoM increase in Transport segment due to a rise in POL prices.
  • The Food segment is expected to stay flat with a slight increase of 0.2% MoM in Dec-24, indicating winter effect on perishable food items. Within this category, items driving the reduction in prices include: wheat flour (-2% MoM), chicken (-13% MoM), and tomatoes (-14% MoM).
  • Electricity tariff for Dec-24 depicts the continuation of a downward trend due to (i) a negative FCA of PKR 1.145/kwh, (ii) an updated QTA of PKR 0.196/kwh, and (iii) the introduction of Winter Demand Initiative (WDI) offering a discount on incremental consumption to domestic consumers (using above 200 units). Cumulatively, we expect these developments to reduce electricity charges by 5.9% MoM in Dec-24 and, consequently, a 1.1% MoM fall in the Utilities segment in the NCPI print.
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL): Deriving value from improved cash positions –By Alpha - Akseer Research

Dec 19 2024


Alpha Capital


  • We revise our stance to “Buy” on Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) with our Dec-25 price target (PT) of PKR 278/sh, which projects a capital upside of 44% along with a dividend yield of 3.3%. The stock is currently trading at a discounted P/B of 0.7x along with a FY26 P/E of 5.6x against its historical 10-year average of 1.5x and 6.8x, respectively.
  • Improved cashflow amid structural reforms: Under the IMF agreement, the Government of Pakistan implemented multiple price hikes to eradicate the longstanding issue of circular debt. Consequently, the gas system went from an OGRA estimated shortfall of PKR 171.2bn in FY24 to a projected surplus of PKR 78.9bn in FY25.
  • Reko Diq – A tier-one asset ready to be realized: Reko Diq’s enormous copper and gold reserves yield a project NPV of USD 18.5bn, which may improve both PPL and Pakistan’s future prospects. Utilizing Barrick’s projections and timelines regarding the project, our base case for Reko Diq estimates a valuation impact around PKR 191bn (PKR71/sh) for PPL.
Pakistan Economy: SBP slashes policy rate by 200bps to 13% - By Alpha - Akseer Research

Dec 17 2024


Alpha Capital


  • The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced its monetary policy on 16th December (Monday), wherein the policy rate was cut by 200bps to 13.0%, bringing down the real interest rate to ~850bps. This latest move brings the cumulative rate cuts to 900bps since Jun-24.
  • Some key developments influencing the macroeconomic outlook include (i) the current account recording a surplus for the third consecutive month in October 2024 amidst weak financial inflows and substantial debt repayments, (ii) global commodity prices remaining favorable, with positive spillovers on domestic inflation and the import bill, (iii) credit to the private sector increasing, reflecting the efforts of banks in meeting the advances-to-deposit ratio (ADR), and (iv) widening of shortfall in tax revenues from the target.