Pakistan Cement: Demand remains strong – By Foundation Research

Jan 6 2026


Foundation Securities


  • Cement sector dispatches rose by 2.3% YoY in Dec’25 to 4.3Mn tons, while capacity utilization increased to a mere of 59.1% vs. a muted 57.4% in the SPLY. Despite winter season, local sales exhibited a surge of 7.4% YoY to 3.7Mn tons, showing demand recovery trend amid improved macros. However, exports declined by a sizable 20.7% YoY to reach 0.6Mn tons. Decline in exports were on account of high base effect from South exports, absence of North exports due to Afghan border closure and compensating rise in domestic demand post floods.
  • Demand continues its uptrend where local dispatches grew by 4.9% MoM despite the winter season as historically cement sales dip during these months. Local demand continued to show early signs of recovery in the aftermath of floods, aided by improved macros. However, exports were significantly impacted, owing to Afghan border closure given absence of North exports and improved local sales.
Automobile Assemblers: Pakistan Car sales in Dec 2025 up 35% YoY and down 14% MoM to 13,280 units – By Topline Research

Jan 12 2026


Topline Securities


  • Pakistan Car sales (as reported by PAMA) clocked in at 13,280 units in Dec 2025, reflecting a 35% YoY rise and 14% MoM decline. This took 1HFY26 sales to 88,322 units, a 46% YoY rise from 60,676 units in 1HFY25.
  • The yearly growth numbers are fueled by new entrants alongside lower interest, easing inflation, and improving macroeconomic sentiments.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Evening Chronicle – By AHCML Research

Jan 12 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The KSE-100 Index experienced a volatile session, hitting an intraday high of 184,439.06 before closing at 182,384.14, down 2,026 points (-1.10%) as profit-taking set in. Selling pressure was evident across key sectors, particularly Commercial Banks, Oil & Gas E&P, Technology & IT Services, and Fertilizer, as investors trimmed exposure at elevated valuations.
  • On the macro front, Prime Minister has said concerted efforts are being made to transform Pakistan into a regional hub for Information Technology. Separately, international Oil prices dipped on Monday, after Iran said it had “total control” following weekend violence, easing some concerns over supply from the OPEC producer, while investors also weighed efforts to resume oil exports from Venezuela. Among major laggards, SYS, UBL, MEBL, ENGROH and FFC, which cumulatively shaved -782.51 points off the benchmark. FFL led trading with 65.62 million shares, as total market turnover reached 1,055.68mn shares.
Pakistan Market Wrap: A Tactical Pause: Profit-Taking Dominates After Strong Upside – By HMFS Research

Jan 12 2026


HMFS Research


  • Profit-taking dominated trading at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, as investors moved to lock in gains following the recent sharp rally and elevated valuations. The selling pressure was further amplified by heightened international uncertainty and ongoing geopolitical tensions, which weighed on broader risk appetite. Despite these near-term headwinds, Pakistan’s underlying economic fundamentals remain relatively stable, supporting expectations of market sustainability over the medium to long term. The correction—widely viewed as overdue—was led by the Banking and Fertilizer sectors, which exerted the most pressure on the benchmark.
  • Although the KSE-100 briefly ventured into positive territory during the session, posting a marginal intra-day gain of 29 points, renewed selling interest dragged the index lower by close. The benchmark ultimately settled at 182,384, reflecting a decline of 2,026 points. Trading activity remained steady, with 419mn shares exchanged on the KSE-100 and approximately 1.1bn shares traded across the broader market. Volume leaders for the session included FFL (66mn), WTL (51mn), and HASCOL (47mn). Looking ahead, the market is likely to remain susceptible to profit-taking pressures, particularly amid lingering geopolitical concerns. However, any easing on this front—alongside expected defence engagements of Turkey and Pak-Saudi Arabia pact—could help restore confidence. Moreover, the upcoming corporate results season may act as a near-term catalyst, offering selective support to market momentum. Investors are advised to maintain a measured approach, avoid reactive trading, and focus on fundamentally strong stocks offering sustainable long-term growth potential.
Pakistan Market Wrap: KSE-100 closes at 182,384 down 2,026 points – By Alpha-Akseer Research

Jan 12 2026


Alpha Capital


  • The equity market began the session on a subdued note and remained under pressure throughout the day. The KSE-100 Index touched an intraday high of 184,439 and a low of 182,304 before closing at 182,384, registering a decline of 2,026 points. Total traded volume on the main board amounted to 418.8 million shares, with a traded value of PKR 33.7 billion.
  • The downturn was largely attributed to selling in index-heavy stocks, particularly SYS (-3.6%, -178.4 points), UBL (-1.2%, -167 points), MEBL (-2.2%, -163 points), ENGROH (-1.9%, -155 points), and FFC (-0.7%, -120 points). On the volume front, FFL and BOP dominated trading activity, with volumes of 65.6 million and 45.6 million shares, respectively.
Pakistan Market Wrap: The benchmark index closed on a negative not – By IIS Research

Jan 12 2026


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • The benchmark index closed on a negative note, with the session remaining volatile as profit taking emerged while investors locked in recent gains. Activity was also focused on stocks with automobile exposure, with trading shifting between scrips following the launch of new competitively priced vehicle variants. Trading volumes increased to 419mn shares today as compared to 393mn shares in the previous session. Today, the KSE-100 index lost 2,026 points to close at 182,384 level, down by -1.10% DoD. Commercial Banks, Oil & Gas Exploration Companies, and Cement sectors were the major laggards in today's session, cumulatively shedding 1019 points from the index.
Pakistan Cements: Acquisitions and expansion; Implication for the sector – By Insight Research

Jan 12 2026


Insight Securities


  • The cement sector remains in the spotlight following recent industry acquisitions, as major players are focusing on consolidation. While, new capacity expansion has been announced by one manufacturer, at a time when industry capacity utilization is already below psychological threshold of 60%. Encouragingly, demand indicators have begun to show signs of recovery, with local cement dispatches posting a growth of 13% during 6MFY26. Nevertheless, domestic consumption remains below FY22 levels, highlighting the substantial demand potential. The key uncertainty, however, revolves around the timing and magnitude of this demand recovery.
  • The announcement of capacity expansion in the northern region has reignited concerns around the possibility of a price war. We believe such risks remain remote at this stage, despite sub optimal utilization levels. This view is supported by the industry’s strong pricing discipline, which has remained intact since last three years, despite utilization level standing below 60%, in contrast to earlier cycles. Furthermore, ongoing consolidation has materially enhanced the industry structure, as reflected in the market share of the top five manufacturers, which increased from ~54% in FY17 to ~65% in FY22, and is now expected to rise further to ~76% following recent acquisitions and post capacity addition. Given this backdrop, we continue to prefer cement manufacturers with strong balance sheets, lower leverage and diversified revenue streams, which are better positioned to navigate near term volatility.
Technical Outlook: KSE-100; Indicators are overbought – By JS Research

Jan 12 2026


JS Global Capital


  • The KSE-100 index extended the decline to close at 184,410 level, down 1,133 points DoD. Volumes stood at 1,034mn shares versus 1,434mn shares traded previously. If the decline continues, the next target will be at 182,427 which may be extended to 179,043 level. However, any upside will face resistance in the range of 184,760-186,180 levels, respectively. Though, a break above that will resume the uptrend towards 188,870 level. The RSI and the Stochastic Oscillator are overbought, warranting a cautious stance. We recommend investors to stay cautious at current level. The support and resistance are at 183,347 and 185,826 levels, respectively.
Morning News: Urgent reforms proposed to avert another IMF loan – By Alpha-Akseer Research

Jan 12 2026


Alpha Capital


  • A body constituted by the prime minister and led by Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has called for urgent reforms to improve the ease of doing business and for a serious restructuring and rationalization of tariffs — both energy prices and trade duties — to more than double exports to over $60 billion within three years.
Morning News: Turkey Said to Seek Membership of Saudi-Pakistan Defense Pact – By Shajar Research

Jan 12 2026


Shajar Capital


  • Turkey is seeking to join the defense alliance between Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan, according to people familiar with the matter, paving the way for a new security alignment that could shift the balance of power in the Middle East and beyond. (Bloomberg)
  • The air force chiefs of Pakistan and Bangladesh held talks on a potential pact covering the sale of JF 17 Thunder fighter jets to Dhaka, Pakistan's military said, as Islamabad widens its arms supply ambitions and beefs up ties with Bangladesh. (Reuters)
Morning News: Pakistan nears $1.5 billion deal to supply weapons, jets to Sudan, sources say – By Vector Research

Jan 12 2026


Vector Securities


  • Pakistan is in the final phases of striking a $1.5-billion deal to supply weapons and jets to Sudan, a former top air force official and three sources said, promising a major boost for Sudan's army, battling the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. (Reuters)
  • Turkey is seeking to join the defense alliance between Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan, according to people familiar with the matter, paving the way for a new security alignment that could shift the balance of power in the Middle East and beyond. (Bloomberg)
Pakistan Cement: Demand remains strong – By Foundation Research

Jan 6 2026


Foundation Securities


  • Cement sector dispatches rose by 2.3% YoY in Dec’25 to 4.3Mn tons, while capacity utilization increased to a mere of 59.1% vs. a muted 57.4% in the SPLY. Despite winter season, local sales exhibited a surge of 7.4% YoY to 3.7Mn tons, showing demand recovery trend amid improved macros. However, exports declined by a sizable 20.7% YoY to reach 0.6Mn tons. Decline in exports were on account of high base effect from South exports, absence of North exports due to Afghan border closure and compensating rise in domestic demand post floods.
  • Demand continues its uptrend where local dispatches grew by 4.9% MoM despite the winter season as historically cement sales dip during these months. Local demand continued to show early signs of recovery in the aftermath of floods, aided by improved macros. However, exports were significantly impacted, owing to Afghan border closure given absence of North exports and improved local sales.
Oil Marketing Companies (OMC): Volumetric growth rebounds – By Foundation Research

Jan 5 2026


Foundation Securities


  • Petroleum sales reversed the decline of last month to post positive growth of 6% YoY (down 5% MoM) at 1.4Mn tons despite decline in HSD sales of 4% YoY (down 19% MoM) given the 10-day dealer strike in Dec’25. Whereas MS/FO sales rose 11/40% YoY in the outgoing month. During 1HFY26, sales witnessed an increase of 2% YoY to 8.2Mn tons despite low utilization of FO. Company-wise analysis depicts that PSO/APL volumes fell 7/7% YoY, respectively, while WAFI/HASCOL volumes enhanced 10/9% YoY during Dec’25.
  • White oil: Domestic petroleum sales (ex-non Energy) depicted a 6% YoY incline during the month, while white oil sales climbed 4% YoY (down 9% MoM). Product wise, MS sales increased 11% YoY (up 3% MoM) to clock-in at 628K tons. Whereas, HSD sales dropped 4% YoY (down 19% MoM) to 553K tons during Dec’25. During 1HFY26, sales accelerated 2% YoY due to an increase of 3% YoY in White oil sales given improved macros. Whereas MS/HSD sales boosted 3/3% YoY in 1HFY26. Prices of MS/HSD moderated by 0.7/3.1% MoM to average Rs265.2/274.3/liter, respectively, during Dec’25.
Lucky Cement Limited (LUCK): 1QFY26 Analyst Briefing Takeaways – By Foundation Research

Dec 30 2025


Foundation Securities


  • Lucky Cement Limited (LUCK PA) conducted its 1QFY26 analyst briefing today to discuss financial/operational performance and outlook of the company. Below are key takeaways from the session.
  • To recall, Lucky Cement Limited’s (LUCK PA) consolidated profitability clocked-in at PKR 23.6Bn (EPS PKR 15.01, up 19/10% YoY/QoQ) in 1QFY26 against a profit of PKR 19.8Bn (EPS PKR 12.24) in 1QFY25.
  • On a standalone basis, profitability was recorded at PKR 14.62Bn in 1QFY26 translating into an EPS of PKR 9.98, against PAT and EPS of PKR 6.5Bn and PKR 4.48, respectively, in the SPLY (up 2.23/2.54x YoY/QoQ).
Fatima Fertilizer Company Ltd. (FATIMA): 9MCY25 Analyst Briefing Key Takeaways – By Foundation Research

Dec 26 2025


Foundation Securities


  • Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited (FATIMA PA) held its analyst briefing on 24 December 2025 to discuss its 9MCY25 financial/operational results and outlook of the company. Following are the key takeaways.
  • Total fertilizer industry volumes declined 3.5% YoY during 9MCY25 as nitrogen fell 1.7% YoY and phosphate plummeted 8.7% YoY. FATIMA increased its market share by 4.6/4.2ppts YoY in Nit/Phos to 26.9/40.9% respectively.
Pakistan Economy: MPS Surprise 50bps cut in policy rate – By Foundation Research

Dec 15 2025


Foundation Securities


  • Today, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to cut the policy rate by 50bps to 10.5%. The decision was made considering inflation remained within the target range of 5-7% during 5MFY26, despite relatively sticky core inflation. The MPC believes economic activity is gaining traction, driven by improvements in key indicators like large-scale manufacturing. However, global challenges, particularly for exports, may impact the macroeconomic outlook. The MPC noted the available space to reduce the policy rate to support growth on a sustainable basis while maintaining price stability.
  • MPC noted several key developments. The FY25 Labor Force Survey indicates an increase in the unemployment rate from FY21, despite faster employment growth. SBP's FX reserves have risen to USD 15.8Bn, aided by a USD 1.2Bn IMF receipt. Consumer confidence has improved, while business confidence has moderated slightly. The overall and primary fiscal balances recorded surpluses in 1QFY26, led by a sizable SBP profit transfer. Globally, commodity prices are supportive, but financial conditions remain challenging with evolving tariff dynamics.
Pakistan Economy: IMF: Further reforms needed – By Foundation Research

Dec 12 2025


Foundation Securities


  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released the detailed report upon approval by its Executive Board of the 2nd review of the USD 7.0Bn Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and 1st review of the USD 1.3Bn Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The IMF report cited the governments’ strong program implementation as 6 of 7 quantitative criteria, 4 of 8 indicative targets, and most continuous and other structural benchmarks were met at end-June 2025. This has maintained stability and improved financing and external conditions.
  • Pakistan’s 37-month EFF was approved on September 25, 2024, and aims to build resilience and enable sustainable growth. The program’s priorities remain centered on (i) entrenching macroeconomic stability through consistent implementation of sound macro policies, including rebuilding international reserve buffers and broadening the tax base; (ii) advancing reforms to strengthen competition and raise productivity and competitiveness; and (iii) reforming SOEs and improving public service provision, developing human and physical capital, and restoring energy sector viability.
Pakistan Cement: Soft turn out in Nov’25 – By Foundation Research

Dec 4 2025


Foundation Securities


  • Cement sector dispatches exhibited a decline of 2.4% YoY in Nov’25 to 4.1Mn tons, while capacity utilization remained muted at 57.2% vs. 57.3% in the SPLY. Local sales recorded a slight increase of 3.3% YoY to 3.5Mn tons, showing mild signs of demand recovery and improved macros. However, exports declined by a sizable 26.5% YoY to reach 0.6Mn tons. This decline is a function of improved domestic demand post floods, high base effect and complete closure of Afghan border which is evident from the slump in North exports.
  • Fall in local dispatches of 9.7% MoM is primarily due to high base effect and weather changes. Local demand continued to show early signs of recovery in the aftermath of floods, aided by improved macros. However, exports were materially impacted, owing to Afghan border closure as evident by a large MoM decline 28.9% and improved local sales.
Kohat Cement Company Limited (KOHC): FY25 Analyst Briefing Takeaways – By Foundation Research

Nov 11 2025


Foundation Securities


  • Kohat Cement Company Limited (KOHC PA) held its 1QFY26 analyst briefing today to discuss financial/operational performance and outlook of the company.
  • Kohat Cement Company Limited (KOHC PA) profitability clocked in at PKR 2.9Bn (EPS: PKR 3.20/sh) in 1QFY26 vs. PKR 3.4Bn (EPS: PKR 3.74/sh) during 1QFY25. In FY25, KOHC profitability was reported at PKR 11.6Bn (EPS: PKR 12.59/sh) as compared to PKR 8.9Bn (EPS: PKR 9.67/sh) in FY24.
  • In 1QFY26, local retention prices settled at PKR 14.6k/ton vs. cost incurred of PKR 9.6k/ton. However retention prices in FY25 stood at PKR 16.1k/ton vs. PKR 14.9k/ton in the year prior. Recently prices have increased which would offset impact of surge in coal prices thereby gross margins will sustain.
Pioneer Cement Limited (PIOC): Analyst Briefing Key Takeaways – By Foundation Research

Nov 10 2025


Foundation Securities


  • Pioneer Cement Limited (PIOC PA) held its analyst briefing today to discuss financial/operational performance and outlook of the company.
  • Pioneer Cement Limited (PIOC PA) reported a profit of PKR 1.3Bn (EPS: PKR 5.6/sh), up 25% YoY in 1QFY26, against PKR 1.0Bn (EPS: PKR 4.5/sh) in 1QFY25. The company earned a profit of PKR 4.9Bn (EPS: PKR 21.5/sh) in FY25 as against profit of PKR 5.2bn (EPS: PKR 22.8/sh) in FY24.
Oil Marketing Companies: Volumetric pick-up continues – By Foundation Research

Nov 6 2025


Foundation Securities


  • During Oct’25, POL sales remained flat YoY (up 9% MoM) to 1.5Mn tons. Whereas in 4MFY26 sales witnessed an increase of 4% YoY to 5.4Mn tons despite low utilization of FO. Product-wise data revealed that MS/HSD sales were down/up 2/4% YoY whereas FO sales nosedived 52% YoY during Oct’25. Company-wise analysis depicts that PSO/WAFI volumes fell/rose 8/14% YoY, respectively, while APL volume remained steady YoY in Oct’25.
  • White oil: Domestic petroleum sales (ex-non Energy) depicted unchanged growth YoY during the month, while white oil sales climbed 1% YoY (up 8% MoM). Product wise, HSD sales increased 4% YoY (up 21% MoM) to clock-in at 714K tons. Whereas, MS sales dropped 2% YoY (down 4% MoM) to 657K tons during Oct’25. During 4MFY26, sales accelerated 4% YoY due to an increase of 7% YoY in White oil sales given improved macros. MS/HSD sales boosted 4/11% YoY during 4MFY26. In the outgoing month, MS/HSD prices moderated by 0.4/1.7% MoM to average Rs267.0/277.7/liter, respectively.