Economy: January CPI Clocked in at 2.4%YoY - By Sherman Research

Feb 3 2025


Sherman Securities


  • CPI for Jan’25 is recorded at 2.4%YoY, slightly better than our expectations. This marks 9-year low CPI level, thanks to disinflation recorded in food prices.
  • The food index reported disinflation (i.e. down 3.1%YoY) in January 2025. This decrease is primarily due to decline in prices of wheat flour (down 33.8%), wheat products (down 11%), onions (down 42%), fresh vegetables (down 18.8%), eggs (down 28.4%), and Tea (down 8%).
  • On a MoM basis, inflation increased by 0.2% primarily driven by slight increase in housing and transport index. However, food index declined 0.6%

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

Pakistan Economy: Feb’25 LSMI down 5.9%MoM/down 3.5%YoY - By Taurus Research

Apr 16 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Large Scale Manufacturing Index (LSMI) down 5.9%MoM in Feb’25, due to decline from key sectors i.e. Furniture (-56%), Machinery & Equipment (-34%) and Chemical Products (-19%). Whereas, top contributors were Other Transport Equipment (38%), Automobiles (31%), Coke & Petroleum Products (23%) and Tobacco (18%), respectively. 8MFY25 LSMI was down 1.9%YoY.
  • Textile production declined by ~0.33%YoY in Feb’25 attributable to decline in production of jute goods, woolen & worsted cloth and woolen blankets by 36.65%YoY, 3.66%YoY and 94.76%YoY, respectively— mainly due to the lower domestic and international demand driven by a seasonal shift that reduced the overall requirement of these products. Whereas, on a monthly basis it significantly declined by ~3.24%MoM, mainly due to the decline in production of jute goods, terry & towels, woolen & carpet yarn and woolen blankets by 19.56%MoM, 7.34%MoM, 4.42%MoM and 94.21%MoM, respectively
  • Automobile production down ~5%MoM in Feb’25. Wherein, Jeeps & cars production declined by 10%MoM. Similarly, LCVs production down ~13%MoM, respectively. On a YoY basis, production of LCVs, Jeeps & Cars, Trucks and Buses went up by ~23%, 26%, 1.8x and 48% on the back of controlled manufacturing costs, stable tariffs, eased import restrictions on CKD units and recovering demand due to improving macros.
Lotte Chemical Pakistan Limited (LOTCHEM): Earnings Hold Steady as PTA Margins Remain Underwhelming - By IIS Research

Apr 16 2025


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • We expect LOTCHEM to report a PAT of PKR 779 million (EPS: PKR 0.51) for 1QCY25, compared to LPS 0.01 in last quarter. This improvement comes as operations normalize following a one-month plant turnaround last quarter. PTA sales volumes are also anticipated to recover to typical levels. However, PTAPX margins have averaged USD 100/ton this quarter, lower than the USD 122/ton in the past six years and the long term average of USD 110/ton, largely due to global dynamics and subdued international demand.
  • Additionally, this quarter is affected by the recent gas price hike. Where, the gas price for captive power plants has increased to Rs 3,500 per MMBtu, effective February 1, 2025. While this increase poses some pressure, it's worth noting that LOTCHEM’s cost structure and margins are largely driven by international PTA-PX spreads. Notably, in CY24, only around 7% of COGS was from oil, gas, and electricity expenses. Furthermore, the company is in the process of being acquired, as AsiaPak Investments Limited and Montage Oil DMCC entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire a 75.01% stake in LOTCHEM.
Bank Al-Falah Limited (BAFL): 1QCY25 EPS to clock-in at PKR 3.3; PAT down 47%YoY/up 13%QoQ - By Taurus Research

Apr 16 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Board Meeting: Thursday, April 17, 2025
  • 1QCY25 EPS: PKR 3.3. 1QCY25 PAT down 47%YoY. BAFL is also expected to announce a cash dividend of PKR 2.0/sh.
  • Net Interest Income (NII): We anticipate net interest income to post a drop of 9%YoY/11%QoQ mainly on account of falling yields on investments and re-pricing of the loan book; partially offset by a lower cost of funds due to the rate cut in Jan’25 and the impact of revised MDR regime coming into effect Jan’25 onwards
Commercial Bank: Banking Sector’s Dividends Payouts to Persist Despite Earnings Attrition in 1QCY25 - By Pearl Research

Apr 16 2025


Pearl Securities


  • We preview 1QCY25 earnings result for commercial banks within our coverage. We expect earnings of the Pearl banking universe to witness erosion of 3.6% QoQ due to NIM compression coupled with tapering off of growth in non-core income.
  • Notably, we expect the lagged impact of asset repricing and declining asset yields amid aggressive monetary easing measures to serve as a headwind for interest income, which nonetheless should partly be counteracted by volumetric balance sheet growth.
  • Additionally, we anticipate the offsetting decline in cost of deposit to remain relatively muted compared to the previous quarter despite strategic shift into low-cost deposits by the sector, thereby resulting in core income witnessing a contraction of ~6% QoQ, according to our estimates
Technical Outlook: KSE-100; Consolidation likely above key averages - By JS Research

Apr 16 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 index extended the gain to close at 116,776, up 385 points DoD. Volumes stood at 479mn shares compared to 485mn shares traded in the previous session. The index is expected to revisit yesterday’s high of 117,362 where a break above targeting 118,718 level. However, any downside will find support at the 30-DMA which is currently at 115,631. The RSI and the Stochastic Oscillator have moved up, supporting a positive view. We recommend investors to ‘Buy on dips’, with risk defined below the 30-DMA. The support and resistance levels are at 116,493 and 117,210 levels, respectively.
Engro Powergen Qadirpur Limited (EPQL): 1QCY25 EPS arrive at PKR 1.19, up 1.5xQoQ - By Taurus Research

Apr 15 2025


Taurus Securities


  • 1QCY25 EPS: PKR 1.19; DPS: PKR 7.5.
  • Revenue increased 9%QoQ to PKR 3.1Bn, attributed to improved dispatches amid seasonal demand recovery. However, YoY growth remained flat due to the impact of revised PPA terms, which converted the plant's structure to a 'take-and-pay' regime, limiting guaranteed capacity payments.
  • Finance income stood at PKR 26Mn versus PKR 238Mn in 1QCY24 (SPLY), reflecting the absence of late payment surcharge (LPS) which previously contributed significantly. The decline was anticipated after the company received PKR 8.04Bn in overdue receivables under the revised PPA settlements.
Commercial Banks: 1QCY25 Result Preview: Payouts to remain intact - By AKD Research

Apr 15 2025


AKD Securities


  • AKD Banking Universe is set to announce its 1QCY25E results, where we expect profitability to decline by 12%QoQ, as contraction in NIMs and a drop in nonmarkup income are expected to outweigh the impact of lower operating expenses and reduced taxation.
  • We anticipate our banking universe to maintain dividends in the first quarter, supported by resilient capitalization amid monetary easing, recovery in macro economic variables and removal of mandated ADR based taxation during the previous quarter.
  • Profitability to take a hit from declining yields: AKD Banking Universe is set to announce its 1QCY25E results, where we expect profitability to decline by 12%QoQ to PkR75.1bn, as contraction in NIMs and a drop in non-markup income are expected to outweigh the impact of lower operating expenses and reduced taxation.
United Bank Limited (UBL): 1QCY25 EPS to clock-in at PKR 18.4; PAT up 43%YoY/down 12%QoQ - By Taurus Research

Apr 15 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Board Meeting: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
  • 1QCY25 EPS: PKR 18.4. 1QCY25 PAT up 43%YoY. UBL is also expected to announce an interim cash dividend of PKR 12/sh.
  • Net Interest Income (NII): Expected to go up 2xYoY/9%QoQ, driven by robust growth in current accounts and a lower cost of funds as changes to the MDR regime go into effect, along with a drop in leverage on a sequential basis – offsetting the pressure on yields, specially on the Bank’s investment portfolio.
Technical Outlook: KSE-100: Closed above 30-DMA - By JS Research

Apr 15 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 index posted a gain of 1,537 points to close at 116,390. Volumes stood at 485mn shares compared to 459mn shares traded in the previous session. The index has closed above the 30-DMA which will now provide support at 115,535, followed by 114,357 (50-DMA). However, any upside will face resistance in the range of 116,500-117,300 where a break above targeting 118,718 level. The RSI and the Stochastic Oscillator have improved, supporting a positive view. We recommend investors to ‘Buy on dips’, keeping stoploss below the 30-DMA. The support and resistance levels are at 115,593 and 116,840 levels, respectively.
Morning News: IMF concludes Pak visit, set to propose transparency reforms - By Vector Research

Apr 15 2025


Vector Securities


  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has identified key shortcomings in Pakistan's governance, including the politicisation of the civil service, weak organisational accountability, and excessive focus on short-term goals. These issues, the IMF noted, contribute to broader governance weaknesses and increase vulnerability to corruption. The report which is expected to be made public by August this year will give recommendations for ensuring greater transparency and improving the public sector delivery by minimising the chances of corruption and through merit-based decisions.
  • With the halt of USAID operations by President Donald Trump, Pakistan’s total portfolio of $445 million has been affected over five years, surfacing a gap of $40 million for the current fiscal year for on-budget development projects. “However, in a positive development on the external front, Fitch Ratings might upgrade Pakistan’s rating within a few days”, top official sources confirmed while talking to The News on Monday. The Fitch might upgrade from a notch of CCC+ to BBB keeping in view the reduced risk of default.
  • Members of the delegation of US congressmen visiting Pakistan have described their trip to the South Asian country as "extremely productive" and “significant for the future", which is good news for the mineral-rich country. The delegation also attended the Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum 25 (PMIF25) last week in Islamabad.
Pak Elektron Limited (PAEL): Tariff Hike on China to Unlock US Transformer Market - By Sherman Research

Apr 11 2025


Sherman Securities


  • While accessing major implications of US tariffs on Pakistani manufacturers, we found out that PAEL seems to be one of the major beneficiaries of US-China Tariff war. Despite 29% Tariff imposition on Pakistani goods to US (currently paused for 90 days), higher tariff on Chinese goods (145%) may create additional demand for PAEL’s transformers as the company has already started exporting transformers to US from March 2025.
  • Our back of the envelope working suggest that for every 10% utilization of idle capacity, transformer business to generate additional annual earnings of Rs0.6/share (11% of CY25 earnings), provided we do not see dumping of goods by China.
  • PAEL is currently trading at CY25 PE of 7.8x versus last 3-year average PE of 9.6x. We have not yet incorporated the impact of US trade war with China on PAEL’s earnings.
Pak Elektron Limited (PAEL): Tariff Hike on China to Unlock US Transformer Market - By Sherman Research

Apr 11 2025


Sherman Securities


  • While accessing major implications of US tariffs on Pakistani manufacturers, we found out that PAEL seems to be one of the major beneficiaries of US-China Tariff war. Despite 29% Tariff imposition on Pakistani goods to US (currently paused for 90 days), higher tariff on Chinese goods (145%) may create additional demand for PAEL’s transformers as the company has already started exporting transformers to US from March 2025.
  • Our back of the envelope working suggest that for every 10% utilization of idle capacity, transformer business to generate additional annual earnings of Rs0.6/share (11% of CY25 earnings), provided we do not see dumping of goods by China.
  • PAEL is currently trading at CY25 PE of 7.8x versus last 3-year average PE of 9.6x. We have not yet incorporated the impact of US trade war with China on PAEL’s earnings.
Sazgar Engineering Works Limited (SAZEW): 3QFY25 EPS to Clock in at Rs90.7 - By Sherman Research

Apr 10 2025


Sherman Securities


  • We present 3QFY25 earnings estimate for Sazgar Engineering Works Limited (SAZEW) wherein company is expected to post net earnings of Rs5.4bn (EPS Rs90.7) as compared to net earnings of Rs3bn (EPS of Rs50.2), up 81%YoY. Furthermore, SAZEW is expected to announce a cash dividend of Rs20/share (up 2.5xYoY) in 3QFY25.
  • The growth in profitability is primarily driven by higher sales of Haval HEV SUVs coupled with higher sustained gross margins expected at 29.5% (supported by tax exemptions on HEV CKD imports).
  • On cumulative basis, net earnings are expected to reach Rs12.2bn (EPS Rs200) compared to net earnings of Rs4.4bn (EPS 73.6) up by 2.7xYoY during 9MFY25
Mughal Iron & Steel Industries Ltd. (MUGHAL): Conference Call Takeaways - By Sherman Research

Apr 8 2025


Sherman Securities


  • Mughal Iron & Steel Industries Ltd. (MUGHAL) conducted conference call today. The major area of focus remained the implications of reciprocal trade tariffs announced by US on international steel prices and the update on company’s upcoming hybrid captive power plant.
  • During1HFY25, company’s earnings declined by 83%YoY on the back decrease in gross margin and elevated finance cost.
  • Segment wise earnings show that non- ferrous business dragged overall earnings downward while ferrous business improved during 1HFY25 compared to same period last year.
Auto: Car Sales to decline by 9%MoM in March’25 - By Sherman Research

Apr 8 2025


Sherman Securities


  • The sales of leading car assemblers registered with PAMA are expected to decline, reaching 10,049 units in Mar’25 (down 9%MoM). However, on a quarterly basis, sales are projected to rise to 36,035 units in 3QFY25 (up 31% YoY).
  • We believe the monthly decline in sales is primarily due to the Ramzan effect and the entry of newly launched non-PAMA models in Mar’25 (BYD & JETOUR).
  • Interestingly Indus Motors (INDU) reported 3,131 units (up 20%MoM). This growth in sales is mainly due to higher sale of Yaris, Hilux models and Fortuner.
Fertilizer: Urea Sales Almost 5 Years Low - By Sherman Research

Apr 4 2025


Sherman Securities


  • According to provisional data, urea sales during Mar’25 is expected to clock in at 308k tons, down 54%YoY. Similarly, DAP sales to decline by 61%YoY. The YoY decline is mainly due to weak farm economics amid lower support prices and higher input costs.
  • Similarly, on MoM basis, urea sales is likely to decline by 11%MoM, mainly due to seasonal impact.
  • Urea sales of Fauji Group to clock in at 187k tons versus sales of 252k tons during the same period last year, down 26%YoY. Similarly, EFERT is likely to witness sharp decline in urea sales of 60%YoY to 59k tons as compared to 148k tons during the last year.
Economy: March CPI Clocked in at 0.7%YoY - By Sherman Research

Apr 3 2025


Sherman Securities


  • CPI for March’25 is recorded at 0.7%YoY compared to 1.5%YoY during the previous month thanks to decrease in food & housing index and base effect.
  • The food index reported disinflation (i.e. down 5.1%YoY) in March’25 which is highest decline since recent history. This decrease is primarily due to decline in prices of wheat flour (down 35%), wheat (down 35%), onions (down 71%), fresh vegetables (down 32%) and tomatoes (down 54%).
  • On a MoM basis, inflation increased by 0.9%MoM primarily driven by food index (up 1.9%MoM) and slight decline in housing index (down 0.1%MoM) mainly due to decline in electricity charges (down 1.3%MoM). The uptick in inflation was largely attributed to the Ramzan effect.
Ghandhara Automobiles Ltd (GAL): Upward Revision in Earnings, 3Q Preliminary Estimates - By Sherman Research

Mar 27 2025


Sherman Securities


  • Following our January 14, 2025, report, "Breaking Monopolies: GAL Introduces JAC T9 Hunter“, we are revising our earnings forecast upward by 34-62% for FY25-26 and raising our target price to Rs705 per share, driven by the T9 Hunter’s strong market response.
  • We maintain a “Buy” stance, as the stock is currently trading at an attractive FY26 P/E of 5.1x.
  • Our earlier assessment of the T9 Hunter (in pickup market) as a monopoly breaker has proven accurate as evidenced by its overwhelming market response. T9 Hunter’s appealing aesthetics and competitive pricing has driven exceptional demand, leading the company to pause bookings and increase price by 7.7% after just two weeks of launch. The strong demand appears sustainable, with current delivery timelines extending to Sep’25 coupled with lower-cost parts compared to competitors.
Economy: Pakistan’s Trade Deficit Held Steady in Feb’25 - By Sherman Research

Mar 19 2025


Sherman Securities


  • Detailed breakdown on trade numbers released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) show imports declined to US$4.8bn (down 9%MoM), during Feb’25 compared to US$5.3bn in Jan’25. Historically, imports tend to remain lower in February. This decline was primarily driven by lower imports in the petroleum, machinery and agriculture sectors on weighted average basis, while food imports remained flat.
  • During 8MFY25, import bill was recorded at US$37.9bn (up, 8%YoY) mainly due to higher imports of machinery, and textile groups, while petroleum imports remained flat. Moreover, credit to private sectors has increased to Rs13trn (up 18%YoY and 17% since in June’24), wherein manufacturing loans are up 10%YoY and textile 14%YoY.
  • Similarly, exports also declined to US$2.5bn (down 16%MoM) during Feb’24. However, during 8MFY25, exports clocked in at US$22bn (up 8%YoY), largely supported by growth in exports in the food and textile sectors.
Food & Personal Care: Sector Earnings Grew by Massive 54%YoY - By Sherman Research

Mar 13 2025


Sherman Securities


  • With falling oil prices, sharp reduction in interest rates and improvement in disposable income led by falling inflation, one sector which attracts investors’ attention is Food sector. Pakistan’s listed Food & Personal Care sector is mainly skewed towards edible oils, snacks & related, dairy products and bakery & processed as these four sector contribute 66% of the sector revenue.
  • Interestingly, Pakistan’s listed food & personal care sector has lower representation at PSX (9% of the total market capitalization) while most of the stocks are illiquid since food sector contribute only 4% of the free float market capitalization. However, with reduction in logistic cost led by declining fuel prices and falling interest rates, we may see larger participation in food sector as earning growth momentum to continue.
  • Based on our analysis of 23 listed companies, Pakistan’s combined listed Food & Personal Care industry posted robust profit of Rs13.8bn during Oct-Dec 2024 quarter compared to same quarter last year, up by massive 54%YoY. This growth is mainly led Bakery and processed sector (including MFL,BNL,NATF,GIL), Beverages & Fruit sector (SHEZ, MUREB, QUICE, MFFL), dairy sector (PREMA, FFL, FECLP, NESTLE) and personal care sector (TREET, ZIL, SCL, GLPL, COLG) as these sub sectors grew by massive 300%, 148%, 75% and 39%, respectively (see table no.2).