Pakistan Stock Exchange witnesses 22 percent decline in daily trading volume

With a modest recovery in the first couple of days, the benchmark index of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), lost most of the gains posted recently. The week ended 7th September closed at 40,855 points, down 2.1%WoW. Showcasing all the tell-tale signs of a highly volatile, illiquid (average daily trading volume shrinking  by 22%WoW) and dampened near term outlook, investors remained cautious. The news impacting the market included: 1) a number of crucial and time sensitive decisions for the new government where clarity is awaited and 2) growing risk of a cyclical downturn in consumption led demand where monetary tightening and high fuel prices suggest reduced spending. Other news affecting investors’ sentiments were: 1) US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo stating that his visit to Islamabad led to an agreement that it’s time for the United States and Pakistan to deliver on their commitments, 2) the central bank announcing auction of Rs5.15 trillion worth Market Treasury Bills and Pakistan Investment Bonds during the four remaining months of the current calendar year, 3) Prime Minister Imran Khan approving 46% increase in gas prices as proposed by OGRA, along with ordering steps to control annual gas theft of Rs50 billion and 4) President on the advice of the Prime Minister reconstituting the Council of Common Interests (CCI), and constituting the Cabinet Committee on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CCoCPEC). Volume leaders for the week were: BOP, KEL, AGL and EPCL. While the gainers were led by: ABL, KAPCO, UBL, KEL, the laggards included: PIOC, DGKC, CHCC and NCL. Volatility is expected to mar investors’ sentiments over the coming weeks because of some difficult to comprehend decision, also lacking prudent thinking. Accumulating positions on dips and tactical sector switching could yield returns. Overall, market participants will be closely monitoring policy decisions, particularly regarding gas and electricity tariff hikes (proposed by OGRA and NEPRA with ECC's formal decisions pending) and near term measures to curtail the external account deficit.

Ballooning current account deficit (CAD) due to the hefty debt repayments have led to a mammoth external financing gap (US$20.42 billion for FY18) as insufficient external inflows (US$14.35 billion loans in FY18) plunged the foreign exchange reserves held by State Bank of Pakistan to US$9.79 billion, down US$6.34 billion during FY18. Going forward, an estimated CAD of US$17.8 billion for FY19 with additional drags from upcoming redemption of Eurobond and commercial borrowing repayments are likely to push gross external financing to US$22.44 billion for FY19. In this regard, inadequate external inflows estimated at US$13.45 billion (excluding bailout financing should translate into a net shortfall of US$8.84 billion by the end of FY19, plunging the reserves to unsustainable levels. Moreover, for recent policy makers, the path to possible remedies for the prevailing BoP shortfall include: 1) approaching international debt market, 2) investments from non-residential Pakistanis, 3) Chinese bailout, 4) 'gifts' from friendly countries, and 5) eventual IMF financing facility. With each mode of financing carrying inherent benefits and associated risks, GoP conceding to another IMF financing facility along with accompanying caveats (with the sole purpose of improving on external vulnerabilities). Under an IMF facility, GoP could likely tap in other external avenues as well as fetch better yields in international debt market to create a blend of financing to bridge the external gap.

Pakistan’s largest exploration and production company OGDC has announced its FY18 earnings at Rs78.74 billion (EPS: Rs18.31) as compared to R63.80 billion (EPS: Rs14.84) for FY17, up 23%YoY. The Board of Directors has also approved payment of a final dividend of Rs2.5/share, taking the cumulative full year payout to Rs10/share for the year. The results are above market expectations on account of higher gross profit, translating into higher profitability. Net sales were up 19%YoY mainly due to the hike in international oil prices by 25%YoY and depreciation of Pak rupee by more than5%, despite falling hydrocarbon volumes. Exploration expense were reported at Rs16.19 billion, may be due to recording of a previously suspended well at Ranipur. The quantum of other income was almost at the level of previous year. During 4QFY18 fourth earnings rose to Rs21.92 billion (EPS: Rs5.10) from R16.21 billion (EPS: Rs3.77), on the back of favorable macro/oil price shifts, overcoming the drop in volumetric output (gas volumes were stagnant but oil volumes declined by more than 7%YoY). At present the scrip is being traded at a heavy discount to its 3 year historical price. While the likely positive is further hike in international oil price, the dry wells in Baluchistan or a decline in global oil prices could pose risks to the profitability of the Company.

The decline in petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL) sales plunged by 18% MoM/46%YoY during August 2018 as volumetric offtake declined to 1.35 million tons, proving to be the lowest monthly for sales since February 2007. The lofty decline was observed in FO sales falling by 46%MoM/79%YoY. Along with this retail fuel segment also tapered (HSD and MOGAS sales also posted decline of 20%MoM/38%YoY and 1%MoM/11%YoY) respectively, the 8MCY18 cumulative volumes also declined by 18% YoY. Among all the products, only MOGAS recorded a 3%YoY increase, while HSD/FO offtake declined 7%MoM/45%YoY, sapping growth from overall sales. Sizeable shifts in market share PSO, APL, and HASCOL during 8MCY18 was observed as smaller unlisted players were seem to be claiming bigger chunk in the pie.

Some of the worth mentioning corporate announcements were: 1) National Foods (NATF) announced its 4QFY18 result posting consolidated EPS of Rs4.37 up 100% YoY as compared to EPS of Rs2.19 for the corresponding quarter last year. Sales improved by 13% YoY, while distribution cost declined by 18% YoY. Earnings were considerably up despite 1) increase in administrative expenses by 75% YoY, 2) hike in financial charges by 37% YoY, 3) decline in gross margins and 4) fall in other income by 65% YoY. NATF also announced cash dividend of Rs3.75 per share along with issue of 20% bonus shares. 2) Engro Polymer and Chemicals (EPCL) informed PSX that the Company has decided to enter Hydrogen per Oxide business through a Greenfield manufacturing facility with a CAPEX of US$23 million, funded through internal cash generation. 3) Pak Suzuki Motor announced that it would stop production of its much sought-after and low-priced Mehran from next year.

Reinvigorating capital market of Pakistan

The newly installed government in Pakistan faces a mammoth task of reinvigorating capital market of the country. This should be among the top five most important items of the economic agenda. The fiscal consolidation requires some other unpopular measures that include: 1) improving tax collection to bridge budget deficit, 2) containing extravaganzas for spending more on development, 3) boosting exports by making Pakistani manufacturers/exporters competitive in the global markets and 4) privatizing state own enterprises to save one trillion rupees which these units swallow annually. Since the role of the government is to facilitate the business community in making fresh investment for the creation of new job, stock exchange is one of the most important institutions that play a key role in the mobilization of capita. An effort has been made to review the factors affecting the performance of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) and suggest the impetus to make it more vibrant. To read details please click http://www.pakistaneconomist.com/2018/09/03/reinvigorating-capital-market-of-pakistan/

Pakistan Stock Exchange Benchmark Index Inching Towards 52,000 Level

Pakistan Stock market continued its rally ahead of the MSCI EM inclusion announcement with the benchmark index closing at the all‐time high level of 51,751points (gaining 3.81% WoW) for the week ended 12^th May 2017. Investors’ participation improved, evident from average daily trading volumes for the week increasing by 34.6%WoW to over 355 million shares. Major news flows during the week included: 1) the Federal Cabinet approved the Budget Strategy Paper for FY18 targeting 6% GDP growth along with plan to bring down fiscal deficit to 4% of GDP by FY20, believing that PML-N rule may continue post 2018 election, 2) Board of Directors of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PMX) approved the sale of remaining 20% shares of the exchange to the general public through IPO with floor price of Rs28/share, 3) trade deficit widened 40.12%YoY to US$26.5bn in 10MFY17 while remittances declined 2.79%YoY to US$15.596 billion in the same period, 4) budget deficit escalated to 3.7% of GDP in 9MFY17 (3.4% in 9MFY16) indicating that GoP will miss its 3.8% target for the current financial year and 5) cement dispatches during April’17 grew by 1.7%YoY to 3.57 million tons with cumulative 10MFY17 dispatches rising to 33.88 million tons. Major gainers during the week were: AICL, MCB, PPL, POL and NML; while losers were: LOTCHEM, HASCOL, AGTL, HCAR and MEBL. Foreign selling eased slightly with net outflows of US$2.46 million compared to US$19.27 million a week ago. Analysts maintain a positive outlook on market’s performance with Pakistan’s formal graduation to the EM space in the MSCI Semi‐Annual Review to be announced on 15^th of this month. In this backdrop, analysts favor (OGDC, HBL, UBL, MCB, LUCK, PSO, HUBC, ENGRO and NML). Moreover, incoming proposals for the upcoming Budget FY18 are likely to keep investors’ interest robust.

Declining oil prices eroded the global commodity index by 2.1%MoM during April'17. Oil prices declined due to the high stockpiles and abundant supplies despite the OPEC's cut in place. Following on, similar price trend was seen across major commodities with Steel (down 15%MoM on declining Chinese exports amid surging inventory levels), Urea (down 9%MoM on continuous capacity additions) and FAO Dairy index (down 3.3%MoM on account of peaking seasonal production) losing out the most. Cotton prices remained flat on strong demand from cotton importing countries, currently standing at their 3yr high. Going into May'17, oil producers meeting regarding extension of the agreed supply cut holds significant importance with implications spilling on to overall commodity price trend.

The significant rise in current account deficit (2% of GDP in 9MFY17 vs. 0.83% in comparable period) has emerged as a serious concern for the external account. This downward spiral is expected to continue in remainder of the fiscal year, with CAD expected to reach 2.7% of GDP‐ highest since FY09. This revision in CAD estimates is driven by: 1) worsening trade balance (projected decline of 34%YoY in FY17F) and 2) falling remittances (‐1.3%YoY in FY17). In addition, respite from this trend seems unlikely with CAD projected to further widen to 3.8% of GDP in FY18 in line with a growing trade deficit (19.7%YoY in FY18) due to higher petroleum and development‐related imports. This in turn remains a key concern for foreign exchange reserves which are projected to end FY17/FY18 at US$21 billion/US$17.5 billion as compared to US$23.1 billion in FY16), opening room for currency depreciation.

In line with ENGRO's diversification􀆟on strategy to realign towards relatively higher yielding energy vertical, the company through its subsidiary Kolachi Portgen (Pvt) Ltd ‐ KPL (100% stake) has recently filed a tariff petition with NEPRA for approval of US$392.3 million, 450MW (441.77MW net capacity) RLNG based Power Plant at Port Qasim, Karachi. Expected to commence commercial operations by the end of CY19 (27 months construction period from financial close), the project is expected to deliver IRR of 23.5% by transmitting 100% net capacity to KEL under a power purchase agreement (Letter of inter‐LOI issued by KEL) at an expected levelized tariff (at base case ‐ RLNG without compressor) of Rs7.09/KwH for a period of 30-years at 92% load factor.

Pakistan Stock Market Fails in Breaching 50,000 mark

At Pakistan Stock Exchange, bullish sentiment resurfaced in the later part of the week ended 5^th May 2017. The rally was driven by upbeat about earning of listed companies and offtake announcements by Cements, Urea & POL products). This elevated the benchmark index by paltry 1.1%WoW to close at 49,851 points, a little shy of 50,000 mark. Bearish sentiments plunged average daily turnover by 26.4%WoW to nearly 264 million shares.

Key news flows during the week were: 1) CPI based inflation for April’17 declining to 4.78%YoY as compared to 4.92%YoY a month ago, 2) Ministry of Finance agreed to release Rs104 billion to settle pending power subsidy claims for the current financial year, 3) SECP announced the criteria for mutual funds’ investment in the listed companies, restricting investments in illiquid and unprofitable stocks and 4) Supreme Court of Pakistan formed the joint investigation team (JIT) comprising of six members from various agencies to investigate aspects of the Panama papers case against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family.

Stock leading the bourse included: NCL, BAFL, EPCL, LUCK, whereas the laggards were: AGTL, PIOC, SNGP and PTC. FIPI data points to foreign investors pulling out US$19.28 million during the week accelerating their exit over last week’s net outflow of US$10.71 million. The month of May remains a critical for markets as 15^th May approaches closer, for the MSCI revision. Additionally, CPEC summit around middle of this month in Beijing is expected to boost investors’ sentiment for Construction and Materials sector. Investors also await the federal and provincial budgetary incentives expected for the final budget before next election. 

OCAC recorded April'17 POL industry sales of 2.22 million tons rising 16%MoM/11%YoY beating the average seasonal uptick, based on strong retail fuels sales growth (MOGAS/HSD sales up 12/11%MoM and 14/5%YoY respectively) and increased generation on furnace oil (FO). From a cumulative perspective 10MFY17 industry sales now stand at their highest recorded mark of 21.04 million tons (up 12%YoY) where retail fuel growth led the charge (MOGAS/HSD sales growth of 17/12%YoY), supported by FO sales growth of 10%YoY. Growth in all three of these segments, which make up 96% of total industry volumes, bodes well for market penetrating OMCs focusing on these segments for growth.

CPPA reported generation numbers for February/March of 2017 where 6.38/7.62TwH were generated. The weighted average cost of generation during the months stood at Rs5.18/6.22/KwH up 31/12%YoY marking a general rise in the cost of generation in the public sector. Cumulative 9MFY17 generation amounts to 76.54TwH rising 5.8%YoY, aided in large part by 5.2%/65.2%YoY increases in FO/Nuclear generation, at a total net dependable capacity of 11,812MW (50% load factor on nameplate generation capacity of 23,623MW). Thermal sources for generation supplied 67% of total units produced where FO/HSD based generation persisted (30.1/1.2%). In a power policy backdrop riddled by long standing, systemic impediments, a one-off payment before summer, is a stop-gap measure at best, kicking the can down the road. Investors agree, as evidenced by the 9.2%CYTD (ex-KEL) decline in the sector's performance, where an investment case for KAPCO on yield remains compelling, while a 'chink' in NEPRA's tariff setting authority may give long term space to push through lucrative tariff for an extension.

Power mix remain steady as generation from renewable, ex-hydel showed a marked rise with Solar/Wind/Bagasse based projects increasing units generated by 310/69/63%YoY, but maintain meager shares of 0.6/1.0/0.8% in the national power mix during 9MFY17. Thermal sources for generation supplied 67% of total units produced as compared to 65% in 9MFY16, where FO/HSD based generation persisted (30.1/1.2% vs. 30.2/1.7% during 9MFY16). RLNG's share in the power mix continued to climb (4.9% as of 9MFY17) leading to decline in the share of units produced from gas, and is expected to continue tracking upwards as public sector RLNG projects near completion. Moreover, RLNG's cost of generation for 9MFY17 averages at Rs7.0/KwH, while March'17 cost of generation stood at Rs7.93/KwH, making RLNG based generation 23.2/49.0% cheaper than FO/HSD sourced units during the month.

Over the period, combined weighted cost of units generated by state-owned power plants inched up by 3%YoY, despite a 12%YoY increase in cost of generated units on FO (Rs8.8/KwH for 9MFY17). Additional allowances for debt repayment, higher repatriation of funds to provinces has also pulled up the cost of generation on Hydel by 21%YoY to Rs0.12/KwH, still the cheapest source of energy in the country. Feb/March'17 weighted average cost of generation stood at Rs5.18/6.22/KwH up 31/12%YoY marking a general rise in the cost of generation by public sector GENCOS.

Prominent power sector developments include: 1) Ministry of finance giving a nod to pay Rs104 billion as part of FY17's provisioned power sector, consumer subsidy, 2) Prime Minister M expressing dissatisfaction over persistent power blackouts, burdened by soaring shortfalls (5000-6500MW) and 3) CCI in its latest meeting approving amendments to NEPRA Act 1997 curtailing powers of the regulator when setting consumer/power tariffs. In a power policy backdrop riddled by long standing, systemic impediments, a one-off payment before summer, is a stop-gap measure at best, kicking the can down the road. Investors agree, as evidenced by the 9.2%CYTD (ex-KEL) decline in the sector's performance, where an investment case for KAPCO on yield (FY17/18F D/Y of 11.9/12.2%) remains compelling, while a 'chink' in NEPRA's tariff setting authority may give long term space to push through lucrative tariffs for an extension.

Pakistan stock market performance in April 2017 and outlook

Pakistan stock market suffered from two contentious issues, political uncertainty and SECP probe of the erring brokers. The market posted 2.2%MoM paltry gains. While Supreme court judgment fell short of disqualifying the prime minister, investigations against certain brokers, dented investors’ confidence.

While AKD Securities termed investors’ participation healthy with daily trading volume for the month averaging at 240 million shares, activity remaining concentrated in mid-tier stocks. The volume leaders emerged: ASL, TRG and EPCL. In terms of price performance at the main board, Automobiles and Parts were clearly ahead gaining 21.8%MoM on above expected financial results coupled with new model launches, while trailing far behind were Oil & Gas, Cements and Textiles.

The triggers included formal MSCI EM inclusion in May'17 and expectations of populist budgetary measures; any further regulatory tightening by SECP continues to hang in the balance. The brokerage house continues to advocate scrips potentially making it to MSCI EM index (OGDC, HBL, UBL, MCB, LUCK, PSO, HUBC, ENGRO and NML) while also favoring Auto names like INDU and PSMC. However, foreigners continued to sell (April'17 net outflow of US$36.3 million) taking CYTD outflows to US$198.7 million. Going into May'17, AKD Securities expects formal MSCI EM inclusion and anticipated populist budgetary measures to catalyze performance. However, further regulatory tightening along with political noise are key concerns.

Pakistan Stock Market witnesses over 37 percent decline in daily traded volume

Trading at Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained lackluster for the large part of the week. During the week ended 7^th Aptil’17, the benchmark index closed at 48,156 points with average daily turnover during the week falling 37.36% WoW to 155.75 million shares. Volume leaders during the week were:  ASL ANL, BOP, BYCO and TRG. Key news flows during the week were: 1) headline inflation for March’17 rising to 4.94%YoY, 2) GoP raising petroleum prices, 3) INDU unveiled investment plan of Rs3 billion for debottlenecking of its paint shop, 4) IMF concluded its consultation with GoP, opining cautious stance on fiscal and external account while maintaining 5% GDP growth target, 5) Commerce Minister hinting disbursal of the first installment under the Rs180 billion textile package shortly and 6) SSGC approved  Rs64.9 billion additional gas pipeline development project to transfer 1.2bcfd RLNG from Bin Qasim to Sawan  with expected COD October’18. Stocks leading the bourse were: SSGC, INDU, MEBL, LUCK, and HCAR, while laggards were: NBP, NCL, AICL, ENGRO and SNGP. Foreign interest was positive during the week with net inflow of US$9.25 million compared to US$19.04 million net outflow a week ago. With high political uncertainty and delayed in implementation of in‐house financing product, market is expected to remain under pressure. However, commencement of results season may lend some support to the market. On the global front, recent U.S missile attack at Syria escalated tensions in the Middle East can that is likely to push crude oil prices higher, which can lend support to market.

The IMF recently concluded its Article IV staff‐level discussions with Pakistan, adopting a cautious tone on the country's ability to sustain recent macroeconomic gains. While similar to earlier reviews lagging fiscal and reform implementation efforts were counted as potential disruptive factors, looming external account threats also became a highlight. In this regard, the Fund has sharply increased its FY17 current account deficit projection to 2.9% of GDP (1.2% of GDP in FY16) on weak trade dynamics. On the fiscal front, GoP is expected to miss its deficit target of 3.8% of GDP with IMF forecasting the same at 4.1% owing to slow revenue collection (Rs2.2 trillion in 9MFY17 against Rs3.6 trillion target for FY17). Urging fiscal consolidation and greater tax collection, the Fund has also highlighted lack of progress on structural reforms in the energy sector. On a positive side, GDP growth for FY17 is expected to rise to 5.0% as compared to 4.7% for FY16 on CPEC led investment. IMF has appreciated controlled inflation levels, though advising a prudent monetary stance keeping in view fiscal and external risks.

Due to high political uncertainty, Pakistan market witnessed 0.8% MoM erosion during March'17, trimming down its CYTD return to a mere 0.7%. While foreign selling continued unabated during the month (FIPI outflow of US$22.8 million in March'17), participation of local players also remained lean, with volumes coming down by 31%MoM. Buying activity of Mutual Funds came down to around US$19.1 million as compared to US$47.9 million and US$44.1 million in February'17 and January'17). Banks and Individuals sold US$16.1 million and US$35.1 million worth of equities respectively. Barring Textiles, all main-board sectors posted negative returns with the highest decline seen in Cements and the index heavyweights Oil and Gas and Commercial Banks. Going into April'17 is likely to hold key importance in determining the market's direction. In addition, other points of significance include: 1) foreign flow trend a month prior to inclusion in MSCI EM index next month, 2) commencement of results season, 3) preliminary budgetary news flow and 4) inflation number this month to set the tone for interest rate hike during the year. 

Upsides in HASCOL are due to superior volumetric growth (CY17‐21 CAGR of 9.7%)  outpacing the industry, with requisite CAPEX dovetailing an aggressive retail push (adding 16 pumps per quarter for CY16) and storage infrastructure (planned addition of 350,000MT operational by 1QCY18). In this backdrop, AKD Securities has raise its CY17‐19 earnings by 11%, on the back of revised volumetric growth and increasing long term CPI assumption to 4%. However, with ambitious growth targets, the risks from a volatile oil price environment and associated inventory losses are hard to rule out. Ramping up of supply is also expected to strain liquidity while a commensurate increase in below the line expenses may drag profitability. Compared to listed peers, HASCOL’s books have better liquidity with room available to handle planned CAPEX. At current levels, the market seems to be under pricing growth.

Pakistan Stock Exchange witnesses 30 percent decline in daily traded volume

The benchmark index of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) once again failed in crossing 50,000 barrier but managed to close at 49,556, ending its last 10-week bullish run. This slow down could be attributed to rumors of action by SECP against brokers that were warned recently over compliance issues primarily related to financing. Activity at the bourse tapered almost 30%WoW with average daily traded volume declining to slightly less than 370 million shares. The volume leaders were: KEL, TRG, DSL, LOTCHEM and ASL. Key news flows during the week included: 1) GoP initiated the process for sale of its 18.39% shareholding in MARI at 7.5% discount to the closing market price of MPCL shares of 27^th January this year of Rs1,402.9/share, 2) Sindh Bank Limited and Summit Bank begun due diligence process for merger, 3) Cabinet Committee on Privatization (CCoP) deferred the divestment of GoP's 5% stake in OGDC on the stock exchange until its share price touches Rs200/share, 4) SBP sold Rs589.7 billion worth of papers at the MTB auction held on 1^st February, where cut off yields on 3, 6 and 12 months increased and 5) GoP raised prices of petroleum products. Performance leaders for the week were: LOTCHEM, PSO, EPCL, ENGRO and MTL; while laggards included: APL, FFBL, INDU, MCB and FATIMA. Foreign participation continued its negative trend with US$15.31 million outflows compared to US$13.67 million a week ago. Going forward, the market is likely to take its direction from the ongoing results season where strong earnings growth by Banks, Cements and Autos is likely to provide impetus to market performance. Major results announcement next week includes MCB, ABL, PRL, PTC, CHCC, LOTCHEM and EPCL.  

Engro Fertilizer (EFERT) is scheduled to announce its CY16 financial results on Wednesday 8^th February. Analysts expect the Company to profit after tax of Rs10.79 billion (EPS: Rs8.11) for CY16 as compared to net profit of Rs15.03 billion (EPS: Rs11.29) for CY15, a fall of 28%YoY. The decline in earnings is expected on the back of: 1) gross margin (GM) sliding to 33.2% (including subsidy) on account of reduction in urea prices (down 9%YoY) due to depressed farm economics and low international price down 28%YoY to an average US$213/ton during the year under review, 2) 73%YoY decline in other income on account of reduction on term deposits and 3) 28%YoY decrease in finance cost on account of swift  deleveraging and low interest rate environment. However sequentially, analysts expect an increase of 79%QoQ in profit to Rs5.13 billion (EPS: Rs3.86) for 4QCY16 on the back of 61%QoQ growth in topline to Rs30 billion due to the increase in urea/imported DAP offatke to 630,000/292,000 tons due to Rabi season. Along with the result analysts expect a cash dividend of Rs2.50/share that could take full year payout to Rs6.9/share.

Pakistan’s largest oil marketing company, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) is scheduled to announce its 1HFY17 result on 6^th February where analysts expect it to post earnings of Rs9.67 billion (EPS: Rs35.61) marking an increase of 44%YoY led by 1) inventory gains of Rs1.2 billion (Rs4.42/share) as against inventory losses of Rs0.91 billion (Rs3.39/share) for 1HFY16, and 2) a 20%YoY growth in overall volumes.

A rather smaller company, HASCOL is also scheduled to announce CY16 earnings of Rs1.31 billion (EPS: Rs10.84) up 15%YoY, where the normalization of taxes is likely to erode profitability significantly. Staggered rise in global oil prices and increase in HSD/Mogas retail prices, with a 13% fall in additional levies translate into higher prescribed price pass through (increasing 6.5%). On quarterly basis, 4QCY16 earnings are expected to grow by 6%YoY to Rs404 million led by 46%YoY growth in total volumes. Full year earnings are likely to be accompanied by a final dividend of Rs3.00/share that could take full year payout to Rs6.5/share.

Pakistan Stock Exchange closes January 2017 almost flat

While the benchmark index of Pakistan Stock Exchange mostly remained on upward trajectory during January 2017, various factors also plunged it down. However, the month posted a nominal increase of slightly less than 2 percent. Though, the index breached 50,000 barrier it failed in sustaining this level and the month closed at 48,758 points.

The factors keeping the market under pressure included: 1) political volatility due to Panama case, 2) deteriorating economic indicators, 3) apex regulator enforcing rules more stringently and 4) foreign investors offloading their holdings. While foreigners remained net seller, local investors bought at dips.

Barring Automobiles and Chemical, all other major sectors posted flat returns. On top of that Oil & Gas and Commercial Banks ended in the red. The performance of market was mainly led by second tier scrips. As stated earlier, local participation remained robust, with average daily trading rising to 443 million shares, a hike of 26 percent.

Foreigners continued to trim their holding as part of the global strategy, with a net outflow of almost US$111 million during the month under review, taking net outflow to a whopping US$409 million. Positions were offloaded in Power Generation, Banks and Chemicals.

Going forward, the market is likely to take direction from the ongoing results season where strong earnings growth by Banks, Cements and Autos is likely to provide impetus to the market performance.

Pakistan Stock Exchange witnesses 7 percent decline in average daily trading volume

During the week ended 18^th October, Pakistan Stock Exchange remained under pressure due to external and internal pressures. While India continued medium and heavy artillery shelling across the line of control (LoC), Panama case hearing added more confusion rather than providing clarity. As a result the benchmark Index closed 1.2%WoW lower at 42,325 points. Daily average trading volumes also declined 7.1%WoW to 458.6 million shares. Top gainers for the week included: HASCOL, EPCL, PIOC, CHCC and NCL; while losers were: INDU, ICI, ASTL, SSGC and DAWH.

Major news flow for the week included: 1) GoP rejected bids worth Rs113 billion (against a target of Rs50 billion) for this month’s auction of Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIB) as banks sought higher interest rates, 2) SBP reduced SLR for Islamic banks and banking branches by to 14% to induce liquidity near Rs225 billion Bai‐Muajjal maturity, 3) Vitol announced plans to acquire another 10% stake in HASCOL exercising its call option that would take cumulative holding to 25 percent, 4) Oman Telecommunications’ Chief reiterated plans to sell the company’s controlling stake in WorldCall Telecom, 5) Lucky Electric Power Company revised proposal for its planned 660MW power plant following a shift in fuel source to local coal with the EPC arrangement expected to be finalized by before 2016 and 6) SECMC expects to begin commercial operations for its 660MW Thar coal‐fired power project by June’19.

With room for escalation in political tensions on developments on Panama case, delayed till 29^th November, market is likely to remain lackluster. Moreover, futures rollover next week along with possible continuation of foreign outflows is likely to keep market under pressure. Anticipations regarding this month’s monetary policy statement are expected to remain in favor of a status quo, giving support to banking scrips. Continued weakness in coal prices (a decline by almost 18%WoW) can propel price performance in the cement sector while volatility in crude prices ahead of OPEC meeting scheduled on 30^th November may prompt higher activity in energy stocks.

According to AKD Securities, 9MCY16 earnings performance of Bank Alfalah (BAFL) was laudable on a number of counts, especially in terms of improvement in asset quality and effective Current Account mobilization. Flagging NPL ratio of 5.4% ‐ the lowest among ‘Big-Six), the bank's provisioning charges have come down by a sizable 79%YoY to Rs267 million, while coverage has increased to 83.1% in 9MCY16. Gaining confidence from the same, the brokerage house is now more comfortable on the bank's asset quality metrics and has lowered its provision charges. In turn, the bank's CASA hiked to 79% as compared the same period last year, lowering cost of funds. The brokerage house believes there are chances for further trimming, where apart from the aforementioned factors, CAR enhancement to 14.1% and ADR in excess of 50% depicting bank's push for loan growth are additional positives.

Lack of encouraging news flows, following a shift in policy for coal fired power plant (refusal to allow imported coal projects), lack of headway on circular debt clearance and privatizations have weighted on the energy sector companies, with HUBC and KAPCO posting a decline of about 12 and 13 percent FYTD. The impact on future growth projects (limiting of size and scale of planned expansions) from an adverse policy environment may be sizeable, holding down valuations and profitability in the long run.

According to the monthly automobile sales and production data, total vehicles sold reached 16,330 units (down 1.5%MoM and 17.2%YoY) during October this year. The sale comprised of 14,796 passenger cars (increasing 1.2%MoM but down 5.8%YoY) and 1,534 LCVs (falling 22.2%MoM and 61.8%YoY). The halving of GST on tractors allowed sales to climb by 46.3%MoM/93.2%YoY to 4,642 units. Monthly numbers point to a systemic consolidation in unit sales as consumers adjust buying behavior to accommodate for new models, while OEMs phase out models (Hilux by INDU and possibly Cultus by PSMC). Buying behavior is expected to ramp‐up in the beginning of CY17 with newly registered automobiles experiencing an increase in demand, additionally, auto sales growth is expected to normalize in 2QFY17, where the high base of the Rozgar scheme sales normalizes.

Pakistan Stock Market Marred by Foreign Selling

he After recording gains for three successive weeks, the benchmark of Pakistan Stock exchange took a breather with the index closing almost flat at 41,282 points during the week ended 21^st October 2016. The correction was led by the continued rise in political tensions and foreign outflows (US$8.46 million as against an inflow of US$2.2 million during the earlier week).

Average daily trading volume rose by 16.8%WoW to 471.9 million shares, led by retail favorites: BOP, TRG, PACE and JPGL. Scrips leading the market were: EPCL, APL, SNGP, HASCOL and NML. The laggards included: ASTL, CHCC, LUCK, MLCF and DAWH.

News flows for the week included: 1) Current account deficit for September 2016 recorded at US$161 million as compared to US$612 million in July 2016 taking 1QFY17 cumulative deficit to US$1.36 billion, up 136%YoY, 2) all PIB bids were rejected in the latest auction amid weak participation as banks bid at higher yields, 3) expected approval of relief package worth Rs200 billion for exporters, particularly belonging to textile sector, 4) Atlas Honda Limited (AHL) announced expansion with a second production line at its Sheikhupura plant to double assembly capacity to 1.2 million units per annum and 5) MLCF planning to set up a 40MW coal‐fired power plant to fuel its cement manufacturing operations. The company will generate funds worth Rs5.5 billion for the project from its own resources.

Market performance is likely to be dominated by earnings announcement from major sectors next week, including Banks (MCB, NBP, BAFL), Cement (MLCF, PIOC, LUCK, DGKC, FCCL), Fertilizer (FFBL, EFERT, FFC, ENGRO) and Autos (PSMC, INDU). Additionally, the announcement of the anticipated textile package is likely to prop up performance in the sector. However, planned protests by PTI may escalate political noise and keep the market volatile. On the macro front, key events of interest include planned visit by Managing Director of International Monetary Fund and President of Asian Development Bank to the country next week.

IMF recently released its staff level review report on Pakistan at the conclusion of the last review under the 3-year EFF program. Commending GoP on sustained progress on targets, the report highlights significant improvements achieved on the economic front over program's duration. The Fund has shown optimism on the country sustaining recent gains supported by external factors, improving credit outlook and growth initiatives under CPEC. However, this remains underpinned on continued efforts to enhance fiscal management, control debt accumulation and develop business competitiveness. Going forward, analysts expect GoP to revert to populist measures as general elections draw near with further delays in privatization program and fiscal expansion likely outcomes. Moreover, deterioration in external metrics remains a key risk going forward amid a widening current count deficit and debt‐dependent foreign exchange reserve accumulation.