Pakistan Economy: Mar-2025 CPI clocks in at 0.7%, a six-decade low - By JS Research

Apr 4 2025


JS Global Capital


  • CPI for Mar-2025 clocked in at 0.7%, lowest since 1965. The main contributor to this was the significant decrease in food inflation, which declined 5.1% YoY in Mar-2025.
  • Our average CPI forecast for FY25E is ~5.3%, including a rebound expected in May and June figures. We expect Prime Minister's recent announcement of an ~18% reduction in electricity prices to provide additional support in lowering overall inflation. 
  • The SBP did not cut interest rates in the last MPC meeting but based on the lower-than-expected inflation readings thus far, we may see a cut in rates going forward. At present, the real interest rate (RIR) hovers around ~11.3pp.

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Systems Limited (SYS):2024 Annual Corporate Briefing Key Takeaways - By Topline Research

Apr 10 2025


Topline Securities


  • Systems Limited (SYS) held its corporate briefing today to discuss 2024 financial result and future outlook.
  • SYS EBITDA margins in 2024 decreased to ~15% in 2024 compared to 18% in 2023. Revenue growth in USD terms was 27% in 2024 compared to 2% growth in EBITDA. In 2024 Revenue in USD terms stood at US$242.35mn and EBITDA stood at US$35.94mn.
  • Appreciation of PKR had dealt a blow to margins of the company since the management had planned for PKR to depreciate by 5% in 2024. Going, forward management is now focused on optimizing its operations rather than be dependent on PKR depreciation
Fertilizer:1QCY25E earnings to drop on lower off-take - By Taurus Research

Apr 10 2025


Taurus Securities


  • We expect Fertilizer players in our universe to witness a decline in profitability (24%YoY) on the back of drastic drop in off-take during 1QCY25 i.e. Urea down 40%YoY and DAP down 50% YoY, attributed to continuous disruption in water supply (Rabi Season 2024-25), lower farm economics, weak outlook for wheat and seasonality effect i.e. Ramazan and Eid Holidays.
  • However, EFERT’s market share dropped to 23% (down 10pptsYoY) in 1QCY25 owning to higher gas tariffs compared to FFC along with increase in the market share post amalgamation with FFBL during 2HCY24 (up 13pptsYoY in 1QFY25). Further, disparity in gas pricing mechanism has put significant pressure on the margins (down 7pptsYoY in 1QCY25) of EFERT, forcing it to sell Urea at a discounted price (dropped by PKR 100/bag during 1QCY25).
Cement: Mar-2025 Local dispatches decline 11% YoY - By JS Research

Apr 10 2025


JS Global Capital


  • Cement dispatches for Mar-2025 clocked in at 3.6mn tons, reflecting a 9% YoY decline, primarily due to an 11% drop in local dispatches in both the North and South regions amid Ramadan season. While export dispatches remained relatively flat YoY during the month as a 23% YoY increase in Southern exports was offset by an 85% decline in North exports.
  • Cement prices in the North region continued their upward trend during the month, rising by Rs50–60/bag to approximately Rs1,400/bag – taking the cumulative increase to approximately Rs90/bag.
  • Additionally, the government’s announced power tariff reduction of Rs7.59/unit is expected to benefit grid-reliant players such as FCCL, KOHC, and ACPL having an impact of 6.8%, 4.6% and 8.6% on FY26E EPS.
Pakistan Fertilizer: 1QCY25 Preview: Lower offtakes to dent profitability - By Insight Research

Apr 10 2025


Insight Securities


  • As per NFDC, urea offtakes decreased by 38% YoY to clock in at 1.13mn tons in 1QCY25, from 1.82mn tons in SPLY. Similarly, DAP offtakes decreased by 52% YoY to reach at 143kt, compared to 299kt in SPLY. This decrease is primarily attributable to weak farm economics. Due to steep decline in offtakes, we estimate EFERT/FFC/FATIMA to post EPS of PKR2.0/9.1/3.3 in 1QCY25, respectively.
  • FFC is expected to post unconsolidated PAT of PKR12.9bn (EPS: PKR9.1) in 1QCY25, reflecting a decline of ~13%/9% YoY/QoQ, primarily driven by lower offtakes. In 1QCY25, FFC's urea offtakes decrease by 34%/36% YoY/QoQ to reach at 537kt, compared to 819kt in the SPLY and 839kt in previous quarter. Similarly, DAP offtakes decreased by 52%/77% YoY/QoQ. FFC's revenue is expected to clock in at PKR60.8bn, down from PKR104.9bn in SPLY. Gross margins are expected to increase by ~11ppts YoY, amid increase in product prices. Similarly on QoQ basis, gross margins improved by ~10ppts due to a one-off adjustment in the previous quarter following the FFBL merger. Additionally, company’s finance cost is anticipated to decrease by 35% YoY, primarily due to decline in interest rates. Other income is expected to witness a decrease of ~46% YoY, amid lower dividend income and interest rates. Whereas same is expected to increase by ~14% QoQ due to dividend income in the quarter and increase in cash & cash equivalent. Along with the result, we expect company to announce a cash dividend of PKR7.3/sh.
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
Pakistan Bank: Banks earnings to fall 19% YoY and 12% QoQ in 1Q2025 Market Weight Stance Maintained - By Topline Research

Apr 10 2025


Topline Securities


  • Topline Banking Universe is likely to post a 12% QoQ decline in earnings in 1Q2025, amid a fall in Net Interest Income (NII) and Non-Interest Income.
  • NII of the banks in the Universe is likely to decrease by 11% QoQ to Rs279bn due to (1) a decline in the average policy rate from 15.2% in 4Q2024 to 12.3% in 1Q2025, and (2) 10% QoQ decline in advances growth.
  • As per SBP’s weekly publication, advances of the banking sector declined by 10% QoQ from Rs15.6trn as of Dec 27, 2024, to Rs13.9trn as of Feb 28, 2025
Technical Outlook: KSE-100 fall below key averages; cautious - By JS Research

Apr 10 2025


JS Global Capital


  • Bears dominated the session as the KSE-100 index posted a loss of 1,379 points to close at 114,153 level. Volumes stood at 449mn shares versus 531mn shares traded previously. The Index has dropped below the 50-DMA and the 30-DMA that will now restrict upside at 114,257 and 115,342 levels, respectively. However, a fall below 112,891 will extend the decline to the recent low of 110,104 level. The RSI and MACD have shown weakness, warranting a cautious stance. We recommend investors to remain cautious at higher levels and wait for dips. The support and resistance levels are at 112,999 and 115,200 levels.
Market Wrap: Highlights of the day April 9, 2025 - By JS Research

Apr 9 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 Index experienced a sharp decline as the benchmark index dropped by 2,641 points intraday, closing 1,379 points down at 114,153. This downturn stemmed from escalating political uncertainty, concerns over economic reforms, which has created tension in global markets too. The market breached several psychological thresholds, amplifying investor anxiety. The market's trajectory will remain volatile until there is greater clarity on both political and economic fronts. Stakeholders should approach with caution amidst these uncertainties.
Market Wrap: Highlights of the day April 9, 2025 - By JS Research

Apr 9 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 Index experienced a sharp decline as the benchmark index dropped by 2,641 points intraday, closing 1,379 points down at 114,153. This downturn stemmed from escalating political uncertainty, concerns over economic reforms, which has created tension in global markets too. The market breached several psychological thresholds, amplifying investor anxiety. The market's trajectory will remain volatile until there is greater clarity on both political and economic fronts. Stakeholders should approach with caution amidst these uncertainties.
Mughal Iron & Steel Industries Limited (MUGHAL): 1HFY25 Analyst Briefing Key Takeaways - By Foundation Research

Apr 9 2025


Foundation Securities


  • Mughal Iron & Steel Industries Limited (MUGHAL PA) held its analyst briefing to discuss the company’s financial performance during 1HFY25 and outlook.
  • Mughal Iron & Steels Industries Ltd’s(MUGHAL PA) profitability clocked in at PKR 210Mn (EPS PKR 0.63, down 73% YoY) in 2QFY25 against PKR 773Mn (EPS PKR 2.30) in 2QFY24. This takes 1HFY25 profitability to PKR 217Mn (EPS PKR 0.65, down 83% YoY) as compared to profit of PKR 1.3Bn (EPS 3.84) in 1HFY24.
  • Currently, the company is operating at maximum operational capacity; capacity utilization of furnace plant for melting is 80% and 65-67% for re-rolling. Moreover, the production mix for girders and rebars is 40-45% and 50-55%, respectively.
Pakistan Economy: Mar-2025 CPI clocks in at 0.7%, a six-decade low - By JS Research

Apr 4 2025


JS Global Capital


  • CPI for Mar-2025 clocked in at 0.7%, lowest since 1965. The main contributor to this was the significant decrease in food inflation, which declined 5.1% YoY in Mar-2025.
  • Our average CPI forecast for FY25E is ~5.3%, including a rebound expected in May and June figures. We expect Prime Minister's recent announcement of an ~18% reduction in electricity prices to provide additional support in lowering overall inflation. 
  • The SBP did not cut interest rates in the last MPC meeting but based on the lower-than-expected inflation readings thus far, we may see a cut in rates going forward. At present, the real interest rate (RIR) hovers around ~11.3pp.