Bank: Earnings Drop 11.7% QoQ Amid Tax Hike & NIMs Squeeze - By IIS Research

Jan 29 2025


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • We preview IIS banking universe 4QCY24 result, where Earnings are projected to decline by 11.7% QoQ, primarily due to NIM compression from lower interest rates and a retrospective 5% increase in corporate tax, which became applicable in Dec’24, further pressuring bottom lines.
  • Net Interest Income (NII) likely to fall by 8.7% QoQ as most asset repricing impact was realized in 2Q/3Q, while loan yields were dragged by below-KIBOR lending to meet ADR targets, which were abolished in late Dec’24.
  • Industry deposits declined by 2.4% QoQ, while advances surged by 29% QoQ, pushing the ADR from 39.2% in Sep’24 to 51.8% in Dec’24, signaling a shift towards aggressive credit expansion before the removal of ADR requirements.

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Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGP): FY24 Corporate Briefing Takeaways - By Taurus Research

Jun 5 2025


Taurus Securities


  • SNGP, largest integrated natural gas utility in Pakistan, posted a record profit of ~PKR 18.97Bn in FY24, supported by all-time high sales of ~PKR 1Bn.
  • Pakistan’s energy mix includes 30% natural gas (69% from SNGP, 31% from SSGC), 11% RLNG, 21% oil, 15% coal, 12% hydropower, 7% nuclear, and 4% from LPG and renewables combined.
  • SNGPs ownership is split between 32% direct and 42% indirect Government holding, with the remaining 26% held by the public and others.
Autos: May-2025 sales to record highest levels since Dec-2022 - By JS Research

Jun 5 2025


JS Global Capital


  • We preview automobile sales volumes for May-2025, expecting the three major players including Indus Motors Company Ltd (INDU), Honda Atlas Cars Ltd (HCAR), and Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd, representing 84% of the four-wheeler market, to post a major volumetric growth of 44%/49% YoY/MoM, reaching ~13.3k units.
  • INDU and HCAR are expected to lead monthly growth with volumes up 2.4x and 69% YoY, respectively. The 49% MoM increase is largely due to delivery delays led by protest on highways over canal projects. Overall, we anticipate a 38% YoY growth for our sample in 11MFY25.
  • We highlight key risks in the FY26 budget to include a potential carbon tax on petrol vehicles, reduced average tariffs on imported cars, extension of used car import age limit from 3 to 5 years, and higher sales tax on vehicles up to 800cc – all of which could significantly impact the auto industry sales.
Economy: Pre-Budget FY26 Market Sentiments - By Chase Research

Jun 5 2025



  • Chase Securities conducted a pre-budget survey in the run up to the annual budget announcement.
  • A total of 44 participants provided their insights on key issues.
  • We believe that these insights are key to identifying market sentiments and gauging the confidence in the equity market.
  • 27% of the participants expect KSE-100 to be above 150,000 points by the end of June 2026.
Technical Outlook: KSE-100; Upside to continue - By JS Research

Jun 5 2025


JS Global Capital


  • Bulls continued to dominate the session as the KSE-100 Index gained 1,348 points DoD, closing at the 121,799 level. Trading volumes stood at 711mn shares, up from 578mn shares previously. We believe a break above 121,882 (yesterday’s high) will sustain the uptrend, with 123,375 and 125,947 as the next targets. On the downside, support is seen between 120,900 and 121,170, with a break below this range likely to trigger a corrective phase. Both the RSI and MACD are trending upward, reinforcing a positive outlook. We recommend investors 'Buy on dips,' while keeping a stop-loss below the 120,896 level. The support and resistance are at 121,169 and 122,155, respectively.
Morning News: Pakistan, ADB sign $300m ‘Subprogram II’ loan - By WE Reserach

Jun 5 2025



  • The government of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $300 million loan agreement under the “Improved Resource Mobilization and Utilization Reform Programme (Subprogramme-II),” aimed at supporting Pakistan’s macroeconomic stabilization and fiscal consolidation through structural reforms in trade, revenue generation, and capital market development. The agreement, signed by Dr. Kazim Niaz and ADB Country Director Emma Fan, is part of a broader $800 million financing package that includes a $500 million Policy Based Guarantee (PBG) to help raise $1 billion in commercial financing, reinforcing Pakistan’s efforts toward economic recovery and sustainability.
  • At a lively early Independence Day celebration hosted by the US Embassy in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a “new era” in US-Pakistan relations, emphasizing shared democratic values and historical ties dating back to 1947. Speaking to a crowd of political leaders, diplomats, and civil society members, Sharif acknowledged America’s longstanding development support while highlighting Pakistan’s heavy sacrifices in the fight against terrorism—over 90,000 lives lost and $150 billion in economic damage. He also criticized India over a recent conflict, calling the Pahalgam incident a false-flag operation and accusing New Delhi of civilian targeting, while affirming Pakistan’s military response. Despite tensions, Sharif expressed a desire for regional peace and praised former US President Trump for his role in de-escalating hostilities. Acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker echoed the spirit of partnership, speaking in Urdu and highlighting shared values and mutual respect.
  • Pakistan’s finance team is in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to maintain the current 5% Federal Excise Duty (FED) on fertilisers and drop a proposed 5% FED on pesticides in the 2025–26 budget, following intervention by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The Prime Minister has also directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to reassess the proposed import tariff rationalisation plan to prevent negative impacts on the import bill. While the IMF appears to have relented on fertiliser and pesticide taxes after Pakistan argued these could hurt agricultural productivity—especially alongside the introduction of the Agriculture Income Tax (AIT)—it remains firm on imposing General Sales Tax (GST) in the formerly exempt FATA/PATA regions. Despite previous political efforts to preserve the exemption, a reduced GST rate of 12% is now expected to be implemented there in the upcoming fiscal year.
Morning News: IMF wants ‘strict compliance’ as budget enters final stages - By Vector Research

Jun 5 2025


Vector Securities


  • Amid final consultations on the budget, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) wants strict compliance with programme requirements, including the coverage of agriculture income tax in provincial budgets to ensure effective collection starting no later than September 2025. The Fund also does not agree with a plan for incentivising enhanced power consumption desired by the federal government to absorb surplus capacity.
  • The government of Pakistan and Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday signed a $300 million loan agreement for the “Improved Resource Mobilization and Utilization Reform Programme (Subprogramme-II).
  • The National Economic Council (NEC) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Wednesday approved the national development outlay of Rs4.224 trillion (Rs4,224 billion), including federal Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) of Rs1,000 billion for the next budget. The real GDP growth has been envisaged at 4.2 per cent of GDP and CPIbased inflation at 7.5 per cent for FY2025-26.
Cement: May'25 local offtakes reach 21-month high amid improvement in construction activity - By AKD Research

Jun 4 2025


AKD Securities


  • Cement dispatches for May’25 clocked in at 4.65mn tons, an increase of 9%YoY, driven by 9%YoY surge in local offtakes, while exports increased by 7%YoY.
  • Industry-wide capacity utilization increased to 66% (up 4.6ppt YoY), highest in 21 months.
  • We maintain a positive outlook on the sector on the back of anticipated gross margin expansion due to improvement in retention prices and declining power cost, supported by declining interest cost.
Fertilizers: Slight demand pick-up ahead of the Budget - By JS Research

Jun 4 2025


JS Global Capital


  • As per provisional figures, Urea off-take during May 2025 is expected to clock in at 420k tons, up 6% YoY/67% MoM. This marks the first YoY growth in Urea sales volumes after a sustained period of weak performance since CYTD. While DAP volumes likely to arrive at 94k tons (+2.3x YoY). CYTD urea/ DAP sales are likely to post 31%/20% YoY decline.
  • Company-wise, Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) is expected to post Urea off-take of 206k tons in May-2025, down 28% YoY. In contrast, Engro Fertilizers (EFERT) is expected to post 86% YoY growth reflecting a low base-effect, while the company is also expected to surpass the CYTD monthly run-rate.
  • Urea inventory is expected to reach an 8-year high of 1.3mn tons in May-2025, similar to the levels seen during the same month in 2017/ 2020, which were later offloaded due to exports / strong sales in latter months. Although the chances for govt allowing exports are low at this point, however, any such allowance would favor EFERT more than the peers.
Refinery: GRMs Sharply Recovering - By Sherman Research

Jun 4 2025


Sherman Securities


  • After plunging to lowest level of US$4.5 per barrel in April 25, Gross Refining Margins (GRMs) of local refineries significantly recovered to US$9.3 per barrel during ongoing month of June. This is positive for local refineries as their earnings are directly linked with changes in GRMs.
  • Just to recall, highest GRM was recorded at US$30 per barrel during July 2022 while average GRMs during last 5 years stood at US$7 per barrel.
  • GRM is the sum of the weighted average spread of products which a refinery is yielding on every barrel of crude it processes. Major products include Diesel (HSD), Gasoline (MS) and Furnace oil (FO).
Cement: May’25 dispatches up 39%MoM - By Taurus Research

Jun 4 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Total Cement dispatches in May’25 up 39%MoM on the back of reviving construction demand i.e. Domestic sales went up 46% MoM to 3.6Mn tons. Whereas, total export sales up 20%MoM on account of better retention prices and surge in demand post Indo-Pak de-escalation which benefited North Players, mainly. On a YoY basis, total domestic sales were up 9% in May’25 as lower interest rates and record low inflation have supported players to improve their margins and increased volumes. Although, higher duties and taxes on the cement sector have reduced the overall demand, resulting in overcapacity.
  • North-based domestic sales increased 42%MoM in May’25 due to surge in the construction activities amid seasonal demand and better volumes i.e. lower retail prices compared to the South region. Wherein, export sales were up significantly by 1.1xMoM on the revival of regional sales post Indo-Pak deescalation. South-based domestic sales surged by 64%MoM in May’25 amid revival of the construction demand. On the export front, South-based exports were up 5%MoM, respectively.
  • On a YoY basis, North-based domestic sales surged 10%YoY in May’25 due to pick up in construction demand on the back of lower interest rates and record low inflation. Similarly, Northbased exports were up significantly by 48%YoY, reflecting higher demand from the export regions. On the South front, domestic sales during May’25 increased by 5%YoY. However, export sales dropped 2%YoY to 0.75Mn tons, respectively.
Fauji Fertilizer Limited (FFC): 1QCY25 Corporate Briefing Takeaway - By IIS Research

May 6 2025


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • Fauji Fertilizer Limited (FFC) held its corporate briefing today to discuss the financial results of 1QCY25 and future outlook of the company. Key highlights of the briefing are follows:
  • To recall, in 1QCY25 FFC on standalone basis reported earnings of PKR 13.3bn (EPS: PKR 9 .33), up 26%YoY from PkR10.5bn (EPS: PKR 7.39) in SPLY. Along side the result, FFC announced an interim cash dividend of PKR 7.0/sh.
  • The company noted that growth in the agriculture sector slowed sharply to 1.2% in 1QFY25, down from 8.1% during the SPLY. This deceleration was driven by weaker farm activity and lower overall profitability. Farmers faced a significant decline in net income across key crops, particularly wheat and rice. The impact was further compounded by rising input costs and the transition from support prices to a free market system.
Habib Bank Limited (HBL): Corporate Briefing Takeaways - By IIS Research

May 2 2025


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • Habib Bank Limited held its corporate briefing today to discuss the financial results of 1QCY25 and future outlook of the bank. The key takeaways of the briefing are listed below:
  • In 1QCY25, wherein the bank posted consolidated profit of PkR16.6bn (EPS: PkR11.3) for the quarter (up by 9.2%YoY/15% on QoQ). Further, the bank also announced interim cash dividend of PkR4.5/share.
  • Net Interest Income (NII) increased by 14% YoY to PKR58.1bn, driven by PKR454bn growth in average balance sheet. Despite ~1,000 bps KIBOR drop, margin impact remained limited due to only 15bps KIBOR compression. Non-Fund Income (NFI) rose 17% YoY to PKR17.6bn, led by cards, banking fees, and treasury gains. Treasury income was supported by capital gains on fixed income portfolio.
Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL): EPS Clocked in at PKR23.3 – Inline with Expectations - By IIS Research

Apr 28 2025


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL) has announced its 3QFY25 results, reporting a Profit After Tax (PAT) of PKR 6.6bn (EPS: PKR 23.3/share), down 47% YoY and 13% QoQ. The result is broadly in line with our expectations. However, a few deviations were noted: taxation turned out lower than anticipated, while exploration costs were higher than projected, slightly offsetting operational performance.
  • During 3QFY25, Revenue witnessed decline of 11% YoY, because of drop in hydrocarbon production and lower oil prices. Moreover, operating costs increased by 17% YoY and declined by 7% QoQ.
  • Exploration expenses increased by 3.5x YoY and 2.25x, possibly de to higher seismic activity during the qtr. Other income decreased by 28% YoY and 38% QoQ, due to decline in interest rates. Other charges decreased by 39% YoY and 22% QoQ.
Mari Energies Limited (MARI): Earnings Beat by Lower Than Expected ETR - By IIS Research

Apr 25 2025


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • Mari Energies Limited (MARI PA) has announced its 3QFY25 profit of PKR 15.9bn (PKR 13.25/share), up by 13% YoY & 42% on QoQ basis. The result is above our expectations mainly due to lower than anticipated ETR.
  • Revenue fell 5% YoY (up by 10% QoQ) in 3Q, driven by lower oil prices. Royalty rose 2x YoY due to a 15% hike in MARI field charges amid lease extension from Nov’24.
  • Operating expenses declined by 27% YoY and 45% QoQ, mainly because of absence of amortization of dry well costs. Exploration expenses also decreased by 81% YoY and 22% on QoQ basis, mainly because of no dry well during the qtr.
Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited (FATIMA): Earnings Dip 39% QoQ on Lower Offtake - By IIS Research

Apr 25 2025


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • FATIMA announced its 1QCY25 results today. On a consolidated basis, EPS came in at PKR 3.99 (our expectations of PKR 4.21). with Sales declining by 21% YoY and 40% QoQ to PKR 51.96 billion, primarily due to lower Offtakes. Despite this, gross margins remained better at 40% (vs. 42% YoY and 32% QoQ) indicating cost efficiencies as production levels remained largely consistent.
  • Inventory levels remain high, with FATIMA holding 233KT of urea, which accounts for 28% of the total industry stock, as well as 258KT of CAN, a product it produces exclusively within the industry. The overall industry continues to struggle with offtake, primarily due to reduced farm incomes following the shift from a crop support price regime to a free market system, while input costs have remained unchanged.
  • Finance costs rose sharply by 131% YoY, due to higher borrowings. The effective tax rate for the quarter stood at 39%, compared to 49% in the SPLY and 37% in the previous quarter.
Pakistan Economy: CPI expected at 0.8% in April'25 - By IIS Research

Apr 25 2025


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • Inflation for Apr’25 is projected at 0.8%, sharply down from 17.3% in SPLY, indicating significant easing in price pressures. On a MoM basis, CPI is expected to decline by 0.29%, reversing the 0.89% increase in Mar’25. This drop is mainly driven by lower prices of Wheat, Eggs, Fresh fruits, Onions, and Tomatoes, leading to a 1.5% MoM decline in overall food inflation. The Housing index is also expected to fall by 0.8% MoM, despite rent adjustments, due to a reduction in the electricity index from negative fuel price adjustments in April.
  • Core inflation is projected to ease to 8.4% from 15.6% in SPLY, with urban core at 7.6% and rural core at 9.5%. The sharp decline is due to the high base effect and improved price stability. However, rural core inflation remains relatively elevated due to persistent challenges like supply chain inefficiencies and higher transportation costs in rural areas.
  • In its last meeting, the SBP maintained the policy rate at 12%, opting to pause after a cumulative 1,000 bps rate cut to evaluate its impact on inflation and overall macroeconomic stability. The MPC flagged persistent risks from elevated core inflation and possible upticks in food and energy prices. Meanwhile, the government raised the PDL by another PKR 8/liter, pushing the total to PKR 78/liter. The IMF has also stressed the need for continued monetary discipline, noting that the full effects of recent rate cuts are yet to be seen. Additionally, with the federal budget due in June, policymakers are likely to monitor its potential inflationary implications closely. Given these factors, we expect a status quo in the upcoming MPC.
Oil & Gas Exploration: Earnings to Dip on Lower Oil Prices and Production - By IIS Research

Apr 24 2025


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • We preview the IIS E&Ps universe, where 3QFY25 earnings are expected to decline by 12.6% YoY, though improve slightly by 1.8% QoQ. The YoY drop is mainly attributed to a 6.5% fall in oil prices, reduced hydrocarbon production, and a rise in MARI’s royalty expense following a lease extension. Revenues are projected to contract by 13.4% YoY (flat QoQ), led by the decline in both oil prices and production volumes. Meanwhile, other income is likely to shrink 20.1% QoQ, driven by lower interest rates.
  • Exploration expenses are expected to decline by 67.8% YoY, mainly due to the absence of dry wells during the quarter and a high base effect stemming from a one-off impairment booked by MARI in the same period last year. On a QoQ basis, exploration costs are also lower. Although OGDC encountered a dry well (Chak 202- 2), it was developmental rather than exploratory, and its cost will be amortized accordingly. Operating expenses are projected to fall by 10% YoY and 15.6% QoQ, largely due to the absence of amortization-related charges recorded by MARI in the previous quarter.1
  • At the company level, we expect YoY earnings declines across most of E&Ps universe. POL’s earnings are projected to drop by 43.1% YoY, owing to a one-off tax allowance in 3QFY24. OGDC & PPL are also likely to post lower earnings, down 10.1% and 9.4% YoY, respectively, on account of weaker oil prices and lower production. MARI’s earnings, however, are expected to remain flat YoY, with the impact of higher royalty charges offset by a lower effective tax rate in base period.
International Steels Limited (ISL): Earnings drop 41% YoY on Lower Sales and Margins - By IIS Research

Apr 24 2025


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • International Steels Limited (ISL) announced its 3QFY25 results today, reporting a PAT of PKR 417 million (EPS: PKR 0.96), compared to PKR 706 million (EPS: PKR 1.63) in the same period last year, down by 41% YoY, mainly due to lower sales and gross margins. However, earnings increased by 18% QoQ.
  • The company’s topline declined by 15% YoY and 24% QoQ to PKR 13.9 billion, primarily due to lower volumetric sales as cheaper imported material in the market made the company less competitive. Additionally, falling product prices further impacted revenue.
  • Gross margins stood at 8.6% in 3QFY25, declining 300 bps YoY due to a contraction in CRC-HRC spread, while improving 50 bps QoQ.
Maple Leaf Cement (MLCF): Earnings beat expectation on lower tax - By IIS Research

Apr 23 2025


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • Maple Leaf Cement (MLCF) announced its 3QFY25 results today, where the company posted consolidated PAT of PKR 2.8bn (EPS: PKR 2.64) compared to PKR 1.5bn (EPS: PKR 1.44) in the same period last year, reflecting a 2x YoY increase. This strong performance was driven by improved gross margins and a lower effective tax rate.
  • The company’s topline grew by 4% YoY to PKR 16.6bn, mainly due to higher bag prices. However, revenue declined by 13% QoQ, owing to a 10% drop in total dispatches and a 5% QoQ decline in prices.
  • Gross margins stood at 36% compared to 30% in the same period last year, benefiting from an efficient fuel mix, increased use of alternative fuels and a decline in coal prices. On a QoQ basis, it declined by 400 bps.
Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL): Earnings Down 13% YoY; Dividend Maintained - By IIS Research

Apr 21 2025


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • Meezan Bank Limited has announced 1QCY25 result, where the bank has posted unconsolidated earnings of PKR 12.28/sh, down by 13% YoY and 8% on QoQ basis. The result is inline with our expectations. The bank has announced interim cash dividend of PKR 7/sh.
  • Net spread income declined by 9% YoY and 15% QoQ, reflecting the impact of asset repricing concentrated in 3Q/4Q and the implementation of the Minimum Deposit Rate (MDR) for Islamic banks. Fee income rose 10% YoY but dropped 8% QoQ, while FX income surged 3x amid higher trade activity and volumes.
  • Operating expenses down by 7% YoY and increase by 11% QoQ. Bank also recorded a provisioning of PKR 1.86 billion in 1QCY25 vs. Reversal of PKR0.35 bn in SPLY.