Morning News: Russia offers to mediate as Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions rise – By Taurus Research

Nov 17 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Russia has offered to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to ease rising tensions, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry said. (TRIBUNE)
  • Pakistan said on Friday that normal trade and transit with Afghanistan are only possible if the Afghan Taliban regime takes clear steps against “anti-Pakistan elements” operating from its soil. Islamabad also ruled out talks with any terrorist group, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), targeting Pakistan’s civilians and security forces. (BR)
Descon Oxychem Limited (DOL): FY25 Corporate Analyst Briefing – By JS Research

Nov 17 2025


JS Global Capital


  • Descon Oxychem Limited (DOL) held its corporate briefing to review FY25 performance and share its outlook. The company posted an FY25 EPS of Rs4.91, reflecting a 69% YoY increase, primarily due to a 10ppt increase in gross margins during the year. We present key takeaways from the session.
  • The company’s topline grew 5% YoY in FY25, driven by higher Hydrogen Peroxide volumes, which reached 42k MT in FY25 (up 4% YoY), with the plant operating at full capacity.
  • On the cost side, power consumption improved to 532 kWh/ MT from 583 kWh/MT due to better plant efficiency. Combined with lower RLNG prices and other cost optimizations, this resulted in a 10ppt YoY expansion in gross margins to 30% in FY25.
Pakistan Economy: Pakistan’s Current Account swells to USD733mn in 4MFY26 – By AHCML Research

Nov 17 2025


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • Pakistan's external sector shows significant strain, with the current account deficit widening to USD733mn in 4MFY26, over 3.5 times the USD206mn deficit of 4MFY25. This deterioration stems from a surging import bill of USD20.72bn (up 10% YoY), which far outpaced export earnings of USD10.63bn (up 2% YoY). While remittances grew 9% YoY to USD12.96bn, providing essential support, they were insufficient to offset the growing trade imbalance. Urgent policy measures are needed to curb imports and boost exports to restore external stability.
  • The current account deteriorated sharply across all periods. On yearly basis, it shifted from a USD296mn surplus in Oct’24 to a USD112mn deficit in Oct’25, a USD408mn negative swing. On Monthly basis, it reversed from an USD83mn surplus in Sep’25 to a USD112mn deficit in Oct’25, worsening by USD195mn. Cumulatively, the 4MFY26 deficit reached USD733mn, significantly higher than the USD206mn in 4MFY25, highlighting persistent external vulnerabilities.
Pakistan Market Wrap: View from the Desk – By JS Research

Nov 17 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 closed at 161,687, down248 points, after swinging in a volatile intraday range after showing an intraday high of 163,602 The decline largely stemmed from profit-taking following recent strong gains, combined with investor caution around macro risks and possible policy headwinds. Looking ahead, the market could remain choppy, while liquidity and reform momentum may support further gains, geopolitical uncertainty and inflation pressures could trigger intermittent pullbacks.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Evening Chronicle – By AHCML Research

Nov 17 2025


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The KSE-100 Index remained volatile, touching an intraday high of 163,602 before closing 248.01 points lower (-0.15%) at 161,687, driven by profit-taking. The negative sentiment was primarily triggered by economic data showing Pakistan’s current account deficit widened to USD733mn in the 4MFY26, a sharp increase from the USD206mn recorded in the same period last year.
  • This included a USD112mn deficit for the single month of Oct’25. Offsetting this slightly, the REER index appreciated to 103.95. The key drags on the index were LUCK, UBL, MARI, HUBC, and MLCF, which together subtracted 395.92 points. Market activity was led by KEL, with 296.2 million shares traded, contributing to a total market turnover of 1,214.43 million shares.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Rising Early, Recalibrating Late: The KSE-100’s Search for Direction – By HMFS Research

Nov 17 2025


HMFS Research


  • The KSE-100 index opened today’s session on a bullish note, supported by confidence delivered by the market participants. Upbeat sentiment was further reinforced by recent exploration discoveries in the E&P sector, helping the benchmark surge as high as 1,667 points during intraday trading. However, the momentum lost steam as fresh uncertainty emerged. News of a potential ban on Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan weighed heavily on investor sentiment, given the exposure of several listed companies to that market. Adding to the cautious tone, October trade data revealed a current account deficit of USD 112mn, prompting a brief phase of profit-taking.
  • As a result, the index reversed its early gains and settled at 161,687 level, down 248 points by the close. Trading activity remained robust, with 521mn shares changing hands on the KSE-100 and 1.2bn shares traded across the broader market. The day’s top volume contributors included KEL (296mn), BECO (107mn), and TPLP (73mn). Looking ahead, market direction will be shaped by evolving economic developments, clarity on trade relations with Afghanistan, and the broader trajectory of external accounts. Even so, optimism remains supported by relatively attractive market valuations, which could pave the way for renewed value-driven accumulation. Investors are encouraged to stay alert to shifting dynamics and prioritize fundamentally strong stocks that offer resilient, long-term growth potential.
Pakistan Market Wrap: KSE-100 closes at 161,687 down 248 points – By Alpha-Akseer Research

Nov 17 2025


Alpha Capital


  • The equity market opened on a positive note but failed to sustain gains at higher levels. The KSE-100 Index touched an intraday high of 163,602 and a low of 161,482, before settling at 161,687 — down 248 points. Overall activity on the KSE-100 amounted to 253 million shares, with a traded value of roughly PKR 25 billion.
  • Major draggers on the index included LUCK (-2.2%, -146 points), UBL (-0.7%, -78 points), MARI (-1.1%, -64 points), HUBC (-0.9%, -56 points) and MLCF (-3%, -51 points). In terms of volume, KEL and PIBTL led the market with 296 million and 35.9 million shares traded, respectively.
Dynea Pakistan Limited (DYNO): Corporate Briefing Takeaways – By Chase Research

Nov 17 2025



  • DYNO has reported earnings per share of PKR 45.97 in FY25 (FY24: PKR 63.14). Furthermore, in 1QFY26 the company reported EPS of PKR 10.13 (EPS 1QFY25: PKR 8.05).
  • Exports to Afghanistan rose to 44% in FY25 to approximately PKR 1 billion. After the border closure, the export to Afghanistan is completely closed. The company is seeking other routes and other markets for exports.
Morning News: Barrick Mining considers splitting into two entities, sources say – By Vector Research

Nov 17 2025


Vector Securities


  • The board of Canada's Barrick Mining (ABX.TO), opens new tab has raised the possibility of splitting the company into two separate entities, one focused on North America and the other on Africa and Asia, four sources familiar with the company's thinking told. (Reuters)
  • Pakistan and Jordan on Saturday reaffirmed their resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation, with both sides expressing a strong desire to broaden engagement across economic, trade, investment, health, science and technology, education and defence sectors. (BR)
Technical Outlook: KSE-100: Resistance test at the 30-DMA – By JS Research

Nov 17 2025


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 index extended the gain to close at 161,935 level, up 1,278 points DoD. Volumes stood at 673mn shares versus 797mn shares traded previously. The index is expected to test resistance at the 30-DMA that is currently at 162,478 level. A break above that will target the recent high at 163,935 level. However, any downside will find support at the 50-DMA standing at 161,321. The RSI and the MACD have moved up, supporting a positive view. We recommend investors to 'Buy on dips', with risk defined below 50-DMA. The support and resistance are at 161,112 and 162,439 levels, respectively.
Morning News: Oil falls after loadings resume at key Russian export hub – By Shajar Research

Nov 17 2025


Shajar Capital


  • Oil prices fell in early Asian trade on Monday, erasing last week's gains, as loadings resumed at the key Russian export hub of Novorossiysk after a two-day suspension at the Black Sea port that had been hit by a Ukrainian attack. (Reuters)
  • Asian shares fluctuated at the start of the week, with US economic data and earnings from AI bellwether Nvidia Corp. expected to shape the market narrative. (Bloomberg)
Morning News: Russia offers to mediate as Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions rise – By Taurus Research

Nov 17 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Russia has offered to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to ease rising tensions, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry said. (TRIBUNE)
  • Pakistan said on Friday that normal trade and transit with Afghanistan are only possible if the Afghan Taliban regime takes clear steps against “anti-Pakistan elements” operating from its soil. Islamabad also ruled out talks with any terrorist group, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), targeting Pakistan’s civilians and security forces. (BR)
Emco Industries Limited (EMCO): FY25 & 1QFY26Corporate Briefing Takeaways – By Taurus Research

Nov 13 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Emco Industries Limited (EMCO) principal activity is manufacturing and marketing products required for transmission and distribution lines, and substations.
  • During FY25, domestic demand for EMCO’s products was sluggish because of fiscal tightening in public sector spending. The Management reported that the budget allocated to DISCOs by the Ministry of Energy was only 25% of what it has historically been. The Management also noted that DISCOs’ tenders can get scrapped after they have been announced and the Company’s margins were under pressure because of import costs and its manufacturing facilities not running at capacity. Further, expanding its export footprint in FY26 has involved introductory pricing strategies which has also pressured margins.
Fast Cables Limited (FCL): FY25 & 1QFY26 Corporate Briefing Takeaways – By Taurus Research

Nov 7 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Fast Cables Limited (FCL) manufactures over 10 types of cables with over 6,000 product SKUs. It has a nationwide network of 350+ dealers and branch offices in every province. Its products and state of the art manufacturing and testing facilities are internationally certified. FCL has the privilege of being the only Pakistani Company to have acquired a number of these certifications. As the market leader in its industry, FCL has a large number of clients for whom it has facilitated industrial, commercial, housing, and public sector projects. FCL’s product portfolio also includes lights, metals, and PVC.
  • FCL’s ‘Fast Tasdeeq’ service allows its customers to verify whether or not they have purchased a counterfeit product. The service can be used via SMS and each cable coil’s unique identification code.
  • During FY25, FCL recorded PKR 32Bn in revenue, down 11%YoY. The gross margin decreased by ~2ppts to 17%. Its net profit was recorded at PKR 1.27Bn, down 32%YoY. As a result, FCL recorded an EPS of PKR 2.03/sh compared to PKR 3.68/sh in the SPLY. FCL paid a 5% dividend at PKR0.5/sh in addition to bonus shares of 2.5% (25 for every 100).
Waves Home Appliances Limited (WAVESAPP): 9MCY25 & CY24 Corporate Briefing Takeaways – By Taurus Research

Nov 5 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Waves Home Appliances Limited (WAVESAPP) is a subsidiary of Waves Corporation Limited (WAVES). The principal activity of the business is manufacturing domestic consumer appliances. WAVESAPP produces deep freezers, coolers, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, microwaves, water dispensers and heaters, geysers, and cooking ranges.
  • The Management noted that they will be relaunching certain discontinued products such as air conditioners in the coming year. They also noted that WAVES is still the market leader in the deep freezers segment.
Waves Corporation Limited (WAVES): 9MCY25 & CY24 Corporate Briefing Takeaways – By Taurus Research

Nov 5 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Waves Corporation Limited (WAVES) is the parent company of Waves Home Appliances Limited (WAVESAPP), Waves Marketplace Limited (WMPL), and Waves Builders & Developers Private Limited (WBDL), of which it has stakes of 50%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. WAVES went through corporate restructuring in FY22 which separated WAVESAPP, i.e. the home appliances business, from WAVES which fully retained the retail and real estate businesses.
  • As part of this restructuring, WAVESAPP issued a total of 256Mn shares of which 199Mn were allotted to WAVES, while the remaining 56Mn were allotted to shareholders of WAVES in the ratio of 20 WAVESAPP shares for every 100 WAVES shares held. Further, PKR 2Bn in cash were payable to WAVES by WAVESAPP with in two years of the restructuring.
Shabbir Tiles & Ceramics Limited (STCL): FY25 Corporate Briefing Takeaways – By Taurus Research

Oct 31 2025


Taurus Securities


  • STCL was founded in 1978 by one of Pakistan’s largest conglomerates - House of Habib. STCL is the pioneer and first private sector enterprise in the ceramic industry of Pakistan. The Company is primarily engaged in the manufacture and sale of tiles and trading of allied building products. The Company’s brand “STILE” enjoys the leading position in the tile industry of Pakistan. It is the only Company in Pakistan which produces Porcelain.
  • In FY25, the Company’s sales declined 11%YoY to PKR 13.8Bn from PKR 15.6Bn, mainly due to decline in sales volumes and slowdown within construction sector. To add the volumes declined 20%YoY during the year. Gross margins declined 3ppts. Consequently, LAT arrived at PKR 192Mn as compared to the PAT in the SPLY of PKR 320Mn, down 1.6xYoY. Resultantly, LPS arrived at PKR 0.80/sh.
Attock Refinery Limited (ATRL): FY25 Corporate Briefing Takeaways – By Taurus Research

Oct 31 2025


Taurus Securities


  • ATRL’s management discussed some major developments during FY25 results; depicting pressure on utilization (65% in FY25) due to lower crude receipts i.e. SNGPL gas issues and lower demand which reduced crude production in the North region – forcing ATRL to refine less crude during the period. In order to mitigate this issue, the management requested the Government to procure local crude (~5K barrels per day) from the South region to maintain utilization while giving incentives on the transportation cost through IFEM disbursement – decision is still in pending.
  • During FY25, gross margins plunged by ~5pptsYoY due to lower GRM amid normalized international crude prices (inventory losses) along with lower throughput due to lower crude receipts from North region. Inventory losses during 1QFY26 were recorded at PKR 1Bn. GRMs during FY25 and 1QFY26 were recorded at USD 9/bbl and USD 8/bbl, respectively. Moreover, the Company exported LSFO (Low sulphur furnace oil) during FY25 at a premium to domestic LSFO sales but the margins deteriorated due to higher transportation cost from Site to Karachi port i.e. PKR 13-15K/bbl. The current conversion cost is in between USD 6-7/bbl.
Century Paper & Board Mills Limited (CEPB): FY25 & 1QFY26 Corporate Briefing Takeaways – By Taurus Research

Oct 30 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Century Paper and Board Mills Limited (CEPB) is involved in manufacturing and marketing paper, board, and related products. CEPB produces: multi-ply, clay-coated and uncoated packaging boards for folding carton needs; machine-finished writing and printing papers for the publishing, exercise books, computer stationery, photocopying, inkjet/laser printing, and general printing markets; machine-glazed papers designed for foil/poly lamination and wrappings; and corrugated boxes.
  • CEPB has annual capacities of 280,000MT for paper and paper board production and 35,000 for their conversion. In FY25, it produced 157,285MT (down 12%YoY) and converted 24,353MT (up 11%YoY) of paper and board.
Interloop Limited (ILP): FY25 Corporate Briefing Takeaways – By Taurus Research

Oct 30 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Sales clocked in at PKR 173Bn as compared to PKR 156Bn, up 11% in FY25, attributable to a multi-category strategy. Gross margin decreased ~8ppts arriving at 20% primarily due to inflationary pressure of costs, high energy costs, PKR depreciation and higher costs of ramp up phase of apparel division. Finance costs declined ~6%YoY driven by lower interest rates.
  • Consequently, PAT clocked in at PKR 5Bn as compared to PKR 16Bn, down 69%. As a result, EPS arrived at PKR 3.84/sh. ILP also announced a dividend of PKR 1/share for FY25.
The Hub Power Company Limited (HUBC): 1QFY26 Result Review – By Taurus Research

Oct 30 2025


Taurus Securities


  • Net sales declined 46%YoY to PKR 17.4Bn, mainly due to the absence of the base plant’s earnings and lower tariffs for NEL. On a QoQ basis, revenue fell 7%, reflecting lower plant utilization at Laraib.
  • Earnings from associates came around PKR 10.8Bn, up 4%YoY, primarily due to better profit contribution from CPHGC. However, sequentially, contribution from Mega Motors is also likely to have increased.
  • Finance costs declined 54%YoY to PKR 2.5Bn, driven by lower interest rates and debt repayments on loans previously taken for Chinese IPPs, which have eased borrowing pressures. The Company continues deleveraging its balance sheet, containing finance charges.