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.

Attock Petroleum profit up by 92 percent

One of Pakistan’s leading oil marketing companies, Attock Petroleum Limited (APL) has reported better than expected financial results, mainly because of reversal of WWF expenses amounting to Rs621 million in 2QFY17. APL has posted profit after tax of Rs3.16 billion (EPS: Rs38.06) for the six-month period ended 31st December 2016 (1HFY16), up by 92%YoY, where ex-reversal earnings were Rs2.72 billion (EPS: Rs32.83) up by 66%YoY due to: 1) increase in gross margins to 6.4% as compared to 3.9% for 1HFY16 but lower sequentially as input costs rose, 2) profit from other associates recording a strong uptick (Rs68 million as compared to Rs14 million for the corresponding period last year and 3) finance costs rising 58%YoY as the company embarks on ambitious CAPEX plans.

Pakistan Oilfield earnings up by 3 percent

Pakistan Oilfield Limited (POL) has announced its second quarter, ended 31st December 2016 (2QFY17) financial results It has posted profit after tax of Rs2.34 billion (EPS: Rs9.88), up 3%YoY/1%QoQ. The earnings came slightly higher than expectation primarily due to better topline resulting from improved hydrocarbon flows. This took 1HFY17 earnings to Rs4.66 billion (EPS: Rs19.68), up 27%YoY. POL also announced an interim dividend of Rs15/share. Result highlights include: 1) topline up by 9%YoY to Rs7.08 billion in 2QFY17 owing to 19%YoY increase in average oil price to US$48/bbl and relatively improved hydrocarbon flows, 2) gross profit grew by 18%YoY to Rs3.48 billion during the quarter owing to growth in topline together with 10%YoY decline in operating costs, 3) exploration costs jumped to Rs126 million due to higher exploration activity during the period, and 4) pre-tax earnings grew by 16%YoY to Rs3.15 billion. However, 76%YoY higher tax expense at Rs806 million due to higher effective tax rate of 26% as compared to 17% in 2QFY16 kept earnings growth in check at 3%YoY.

                               

Pakistan Stock Exchange fails to sustain 50,000 levels

During the week ended 27^th January 2017, benchmark index of Pakistan Stock Exchange managed to cross 50,000 levels. It failed to sustain the level due to due to profit taking and closed the week at 49,964 points, up 1.21%WoW. Earnings and corporate announcements remained at the center of investor interest with major highlights including: 1) CHCC announcing capacity expansion of 2.1 million tons per annum, 2) PSMC’s plan to enter in to a JV to manufacture automobile glass and 3) ISL disclosing plans to enhance capacity. Volumes improved considerably during the week with daily average rising to 523.4 million shares, up 34.7%WoW with foreign outflows also tapering to US$13.7 million as compared to US$46.6 million a week ago. Top gainers were: EPCL, KEL, HUBC and BAFL, while laggards were: ASTL, SSGC, NCL and MTL.

Major news flows for the week were: 1) SECP constituted a committee to review matters of in‐house financing, 2) the ECC extended cash subsidy on domestic fertilizer sales and approved 0.3 million tons of urea till 28^th April, 3) CCP imposed fines of Rs62.3 million on EFOODS, Rs2 million on FFL and Rs0.5 million on Shakarganj Foods for deceptive marketing of dairy products as milk with EFOODS denying these allegations later, 4) FBR exempted sales tax on machinery imports by textile units and customs duty on import of 13 items for textiles till 30^th June 2018, 5) SBP raised Rs39.39 billion through PIB auction and 6) GoP signed implementation and power‐purchase agreements with two Chinese companies and HUBCO for setting up 1320MW coal plant at Hub and 330MW coal plant in Thar. With no excitement expected in the monetary policy review over the weekend, the market is likely to retain its focus on results announcements with major names in Sugar, Fertilizer, Foods and Autos reporting earnings. January CPI data due next week can prove a key in setting expectations for future interest rate trajectory. On the global front, the US FOMC is also scheduled to announce its interest rate policy, with broader anticipations of no change in the Fed rate.

Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim (FFBL) is scheduled to announce its full year financial results for CY16 on Monday 30^th January. The companies is forecast to post profit after tax of Rs678 million (EPS: Rs0.73) in CY16F as compared to net profit of Rs4.06 billion (EPS: Rs4.35) in CY15, down 83%YoY). This decline in earnings is expected on the back of: 1) gross margin (GM) coming off by 15.7% (including subsidy) on account of significant reduction in DAP prices (down 14%YoY) due to depressed international price trends, 2) a 39%YoY lower other income (excluding subsidy) on account of lower dividend payout from associated companies and reduction in term deposit placements, and 3) 19%YoY higher finance cost owing to increased borrowing to manage working capital requirements. Sequentially, analysts expect earnings to post a turnaround recording profit of Rs1.73 billion (EPS: R1.15) in 4QCY16 against net loss of Rs159 million (LPS: Rs0.17) in 3QCY16 on the back of 1.3xQoQ growth in topline to PkR23.7bn on account of increase in DAP offtake to 483,000 tons, courtesy the Rabi season. Along with the result we also expect a cash dividend of Rs0.60/ share. While earnings turnaround in 4QCY16 is expected to be led by strong volumetric growth, we feel an improvement in international pricing dynamics would be necessary for sustainability of the earnings trend, going forward.

Lucky Cement (LUCK) announced its 2QFY17 result posting consolidated/unconsolidated earnings of R4.34 billion/ Rss3.80 billion (EPS: Rs13.43/Rs11.75) in 2QFY17, up 16%YoY/12%YoY. The consolidated earnings came in line with the expectation of Rs4.27 billion (EPS: Rs13.21) where unconsolidated earnings of AKD Securities higher than our expectation owing to better than expected GM during the period. This was in spite of 68%YoY/30%QoQ surge in average coal price to US$85/ton suggesting LUCK utilized cheaper coal inventory during the period. On a cumulative basis, consolidated/unconsolidated earnings grew by 13%YoY/13%YoY to in 1HFY17. Growth in earnings was led by 1) Topline grew by 12%YoY/22%QoQ led by 16%YoY/19%QoQ growth in dispatches to 2.03 million tons in 2QFY17 as compared to 1.753 million tons/1.703 million tons in 2QFY16/1QFY17, (2) Gross Profit increased by 16%YoY/18%QoQ led by improved topline and 1.61ppt YoY GM expansion to 49.05% in 2QFY17, and (3) Other income growth  by 64%YoY/10%QoQ to Rs498 million in 2QFY17 owing to relatively higher cash and STI of Rs32.1 billion (Rs99.28/share).

                                                                 

                

United States: Boon or busted after Trump

As a student of Geopolitics in South Asia and MENA, I have repeatedly held the United States responsible for the turmoil in the region. I had even gone to the extent of saying that United States is the biggest warmonger. The super power loves to initiate a conflict that goes to the extent of anarchy and civil war.

This also invites other contenders to take part in proxy wars. While the sole purpose of United States is to sell its arms, it wants to keep others countries busy in fighting wars, rather than focusing on the welfare of their people. This also gives it a chance to keep the countries dependent on the World Bank and the IMF.

After having gone through what has been happening in the United States, after Donald Trump taking oath as new President, I am obliged to say that till recently the United States has been fanning hatred in the world, but now it is facing the same. Demonstration on the inaugural day and subsequent events clearly shows ‘Emergence of anarchy in the United States’. There are growing fears within the United States these demonstrations may turn violent.

Over the years the United States has been breading militants and using them in various countries to promote its agenda of keeping the countries in constant state of war. The worst examples are Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. The blood thirsty mercenaries from around the world have landed in these countries. It may also be said that these militants have been moved from one country to another only to promote sale of arms.

One often wonders how the rebel groups get money. Even a cursory look at Afghanistan and MENA shows that poppy and petrodollars are used for purchasing arms. Various oil fields have been taken over by rebels, who are selling oil to the developed nations. The center of drug has shifted from golden triangle to Afghanistan.

Spy agencies of the United States have been alleging Russia for rigging election. This on one hand proves the failure of these agencies and on the other hand breakout of anarchy in the country that has been creating turmoil around the world.

Over the years, United States has been ringing alarm of nuclear assets going into the control of militants in various countries. One may ask the same question, will nuclear assets of United States be in safe hands, if the present demonstrations turn violent?

Pakistan stock market remains under pressure

The benchmark index of Pakistan Stock Exchange remained volatile during the week owing to political developments related to Panama case. With changing tone of the Supreme Court bench in favor of Prime Minister, the market reversed its earlier losses and closed at 49,365 levels, up 0.31%WoW. Textiles, Autos and Steels were the major driving sectors owing to announcement of textile package, early models launch/robust sales, and imposition of anti‐dumping duty on CRC imports, respectively. As against this, E&Ps and Banks provided major drag on Index due to foreign selling as Privatization Commission approved divestment of OGDC, and expectations of delay in interest rate liftoff, respectively. Average daily traded volumes fell by 20%WoW to 489 million shares where volume rankings continued to be occupied by second tier scrips such as: TELE, FABL, KEL, SSGC and BOP. Volume leaders during the outgoing week included: MTL, SNGP, HCAR, PSMC and ICI, while laggards included: OGDC, ASTL, HBL, UBL and PSO. Key developments during the week included: Prime Minister restored subsidy on fertilizer which was earlier withdrawn by the Ministry of Food, 2) SECP proposed setting requirement all equity funds and funds of funds would have to maintain at least 5% of net assets in cash and cash equivalents, 3) NTC imposed anti‐dumping duty of 13.17%‐19.04% on imports of cold rolled coils/sheets from China and Ukraine for a period of 5 years, 4) Privatization Commission approved initiation of capital market transaction of OGDC’s with divestment of up to 5% stake, and 5) The cut‐off yield declined slightly at the latest Treasury Bills auction with heavy participation of Rs1.071 trillion, while bids valued Rs538 billion were accepted. The market is expected to remain volatile in near term due to political risk associated with ongoing Panama case hearings. Possible selling spree of mutual funds to meet proposed SECP requirement can create additional pressures. Expectations of delay in interest rate liftoff may continue to keep banking sector under pressure. While analysts expect status quo in upcoming Monetary Policy announcement later this month, it can shed further light on interest rate outlook. However, analysts also believe that Textiles, Autos and Steels to remain in limelight due to aforementioned developments. Telecom/IT sector may also garner investors’ interest as the government plans to announce tax relief package for Telecom/IT sector.

With a sharp rise in December'16 (US$1.08 billion), current account deficit in 1HFY17 has accumulated to US$3.58 billion, higher than the deficit recorded for the last fiscal year. The deterioration in 1HFY17 reflects weak trade dynamics (trade deficit up 15.6%YoY) on declining exports and tepid remittances. Going forward, analysts expect the trend to continue with FY17 current account deficit at 1.85% of GDP on account of anticipated increase in imports as crude oil prices stabilize at higher levels and remittances failing to provide support. Concerns also remain on foreign investments as FDI from China has remained lower this year (down 54%YoY in 1HFY17) with the 10%YoY increase in 1HFY17 reflecting US$462 million flows under EFOODS's acquisition. Within this backdrop, analysts highlight mounting risks on foreign exchange reserve with upcoming external repayments (cumulative US$1.5 billion‐ US$1.75 billion under Eurobond, Paris Club and China SAFE debt retirement) largely funded through debt flows.

Lucky Cement (LUCK) is scheduled to announce its 2QFY17 result on 26^th of this month and expected to post consolidated/unconsolidated earnings of Rs4.27 billion/Rs3.48 billion (EPS: Rs13.21/Rs10.78), up 10%YoY/6%YoY from Rs3.87 billion/Rs3.29 billion (EPS: Rs11.97/Rs10.16) for 2QFY16. The growth in earnings is expected to be led by growth in topline owing to 11.3%YoY growth in dispatches as domestic dispatches are expected to go up 23.3%YoY backed by stronger domestic demand and additional sales of clinker to FCCL. However, increase in average coal price by 68%YoY is expected to shrink gross margin (GM) to 43% limiting gross profit growth to +1%YoY. Inter alia, 17%YoY decline in distribution cost due to fall in export dispatches by 28.5%YoY, and 76%YoY higher other income due to higher cash base is expected to result in further earnings growth. Consolidated earnings are expected to get a further boost from operations of 50MW wind farm and 1.18 million tpa cement plant in Congo.

AKD Securities has revisited its investment case for ASTL owing to recent increase in re‐bar prices by Rs3,000/ton. The increase in re‐bar prices is attributable to the rise in imported scrap prices and Chinese re‐bars prices. In this backdrop, ASTL has rallied 44% during January’16 so far, while further increase in domestic re‐bars prices is anticipated. In this regard, analysts estimate Rs1,000/ton increase in re‐bars prices to potentially raise earnings. However, they highlight that the local re‐bars prices are being raised to pass on cost of scrap where US$10/ton increase in scrap price is expected to dampen earnings by Rs0.88/share while it will require Rs1,300/ton increase in re‐bars price to completely pass on this cost. They also believe that ASTL's price rally has been overdone.

Pakistan Petroleum FY16 profit declines by 55 percent

Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has posted below expectation profit for financial year 2015-16 (FY16) but has not disappointed the shareholders. The Board of Directors has approved payment of final dividend of Rs3.50/share in addition to an interim dividend of Rs2.25/share. This takes the full year dividend to Rs5.75/share.

PPL’s FY16 earnings declined by 55%YoY to Rs17.24 billion (EPS: Rs8.74/share) for FY16 as compared to Rs38.40 billion (EPS: Rs19.47) for FY15. This decline can be attributed to: 1) topline declined by 24%YoY to Rs80.15 billion for FY16 from Rs104.84 billion due to 44%YoY plunge in average oil price to US$41/bbl in FY16 as against US$73/bbl in FY15,  (2) field expenditures grew to Rs44.95 billion in FY16, up by 6%YoY due to aggressive exploration activity, and (3) Other Income declined to Rs5.42 billion in FY16 YoY from to Rs7.61 billion in FY15, a decline of 29%YoY.

The company did not book further impairment loss associated with MND Exploration & Production Limited in FY16 which was expected to amount up to Rs4.00 billion. Nonetheless, lower than expected earnings have been attributable to higher than anticipated field expenditures and effective tax rate of 35%.

Pakistan stock market closes flat

With bouts of profit‐taking dampening an otherwise strong rally, the benchmark index of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed almost flat at 49,211 for the week ended 13^th January 2017. Price increases from steel manufacturers, rally in dividend paying stocks before results season, announcement of an export promotion textile package and reversal in fertilizer subsidies revived investor participation, raising average daily turnover for the week by 19.7%WoW. Key news flows included: 1) ECC approving the summary regarding the Prime Minister's Package of Incentives for Exporters with an estimated outlay of Rs180 billion, 2) data showing that during November’16 large scale manufacturing sector grew 8 percent, 3) car sales during December’16 declining to 16,042/14,024 units, lower by 10.2%YoY/12.4%MoM, 4) GoP withdrew the cash subsidy on fertilizers, which was offered to the industry in the budget for FY17, and 5) HUBC has increased stake to 47.5% from 26% in the joint venture of setting up a 1,320MW power project on imported coal at an estimated cost of over US$2 billion . Leaders at the bourse were: ASTL, EPCL, SNGP, and KAPCO, whereas laggards were: PPL, EFERT, NML, and AICL. Volume leaders for the week were KEL, TRG, EFERT and ANL. As results season approach, stocks undergoing price performance stand to lose if earnings growth fails to match investor expectations. Additionally, any reversal in the GoP's annulment of the fertilizer subsidy may allow for pairing back losses.

During December’16 total industry/car sales were recorded at 16,042/14,024 units, lower by 10.2%/12.4%MoM, while the high base from the Rozgar scheme kept industry sales lower by 11.6%YoY. The full year (CY16) industry/car sales at 203,633/177,363 units tapered 9.2%/2.7%YoY, whereas ex‐Rozgar, car sales jumped 26%YoY.  Impressive offtake of Civic drove HCAR sales higher by 24.1%YoY, while PSMC sales ex‐Rozgar tracked up 19% YoY, whereas INDU marked a fall of 3.9%YoY.  Segment‐wise, growth was seen continuing in 1000CC segment up 26%YoY, 1300CC and above increasing by 4%YoY), while the Rozgar‐led high of (68%YoY growth in CY15) cooled in the 1000CC and below segment.  

The CY16 turned out to be an eventful year for commodities. All the major commodities including Oil (up 77%YoY on production cut agreement), Steel (up 85%YoY on increased protectionism and demand stabilization), Coal (up 73%YoY on supply tightening from China), Sugar (up 44%YoY on sustained import demand), Dairy (up 28% YoY on EU intervention price) and Cotton (up 13%YoY on weather related crop shortfall). The exception in this regard was Urea with prices for the commodity down 1.5%YoY however recovering well to US$232/ton currently. Going forward, prices for most commodities, including Oil, are expected to rise, carrying on the momentum from CY16 as markets re-balance. That said, high global stock levels particularly with China and currency uncertainty following Trump's presidency can throw a spanner in the works.   

Chinese have submitted the highest bid for buying controlling stake in Pakistan’s largest integrated utility, K-Electric. Developments surrounding the sponsor hand-off at the utility continue to drive sentiment, while minor price slippages signal growing impatience. Concrete developments include: 1) passing of resolution by shareholders of Shanghai Electric Power Co. Ltd (SEP) approving acquisition of 66.2% shares in the Company, 2) submission of documents and supporting financial reports of SEP to NEPRA for approval, and 3) news reports regarding the approval process for sale, ongoing negotiations, sum up the long and arduous process for change in sponsors. Highlighting the operational credentials of SEP, analysts reiterate the benefits from this planned change in ownership, using past actions by the entity as a blueprint for possible actions by SEP post acquisition in the Company.

Pakistan Petroleum profit likely to plunge by 40 percent

One of Pakistan’s pioneer exploration and production (E&P) Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) is scheduled to announce its FY16 financial results on 17^th January 2017. During this period global crude oil price hovered at low levels. Therefore, the investors/shareholders await the result anxiously.

Pakistan’s leading brokerage house, AKD Securities has released its forecast hinting towards a decline in Earnings per Share (EPS) by 40 percent. The brokerage house attributes this potential decline to 44 percent decline in international oil prices. It has also hinted towards some other positives.

According to the brokerage house, PPL profit after tax for the period under revive is estimated to decline to Rs20.40 billion (EPS: Rs10.35) as compared to net profit of Rs34.25 billion (EPS: Rs17.37) for a year ago, a plunge of 40 percent.

Brokerage house has attributed this decline primarily to a 44 percent decline in average international crude oil price of USD41/barrel in FY16 as compared to USD73/barrel during FY15.

The report also suggests that PPL may also announce a final cash dividend of Rs2.75/share that would the full year payout to Rs5.00/share for FY16.

The story would begin with an expected fall in topline by 24 percent, to Rs79.13 billion in FY16 from Rs104.02 billion in FY15.  Other income is expected to decline by 30 percent to Rs5.32 billion owing to decline in short-term investments. Finance cost is expected to go up by 24 percent to Rs688 million owing to greater real discount rate set for the decommissioning obligations.

A decline in royalty expenses is likely to provide some relief. However, slide in crude oil price remains a key risk to declining revenues/earnings and consequently valuations.

Anti Iran stance of western media

In one of my previous blogs I had accused western media of being dishonest. Some of my readers termed it a ‘sweeping statement’. Since then, I have been reading news pertaining to Muslim countries more carefully and dispassionately and also avoiding giving any immediate response. However, today I read news released by Reuters captioned “Exclusive: Iran capitalizes on OPEC oil cut to sell millions of barrels” submitted by Jonathan Saul.

This report talks about Iran has selling more than 13 million barrels of oil that it had long held on tankers at sea, capitalizing on an OPEC output cut deal from which it is exempted to regain market share and court new buyers, according to industry sources and data.

In the past three months, Tehran has sold almost half the oil it had held in floating storage, which had tied up many of its tankers as it struggled to offload stocks in an oversupplied global market.

The amount of Iranian oil held at sea has dropped to 16.4 million barrels, from 29.6 million barrels at the beginning of October, according to Thomson Reuters Oil Flows data. Before that sharp drop, the level had barely changed in 2016; it was 29.7 million barrels at the start of last year, the data showed.

Unsold oil is now tying up about 12 to 14 Iranian tankers, out of its fleet of about 60 vessels, compared with around 30 in the summer, according to two tanker-tracking sources.

I would like to reiterate that this news pertains to 2016 and any details about 2017 are yet to come. During December 2016 both Saudi Arab and Russia have produced oil at record levels and more shale oil rigs have resumed production in the US. Therefore, it may be said that Iran was not alone in capitalizing on its crude inventories. It only followed the footprints of Saudi Arabia, Russia and the US.

Pakistan Stock Exchange inching closer to 50,000 mark

The benchmark index of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its upward journey towards 50,000 mark during the week ended 6^th January 2017. It posted a gain of 2.58%WoW, and closed the week at 49,038. Exercising of pricing power by cements, expectations of turnaround in margins for steels, expectations of the textile policy and the Supreme Court's move to re‐examine beneficial owners of holding companies, helped boost a broad based rally where average volumes for the week were up 42.3%WoW, 408 million shares. Key new flows included: 1) cement dispatches grew by 8.65%YoY to 19.81 million tons in 1HFY17, led by growing demand in the domestic market, while local cement sales increasing by 11.07%YoY during the period, 2) the GoP decided to keep petroleum prices unchanged for two weeks during the ongoing month, 3) domestic petroleum products sales during the 1HFY16 increased by more than 18% to 13 million tons. POL sales during December'16 rose to 2 million tons, reflecting a growth of 23% YoY/1.8%MoM and 4) news reports stated that KEL has shelved plans for converting its BQPS‐1, with 420MW capacity to low‐priced coal after the utility failed to secure cost‐effective tariffs from the regulator. Stocks outperforming over the week were: ASTL, FFC, NCL and PTC, while laggards were: MEBL, AGTL, EPCL and KEL. Volume leaders were: DSL, ASL, KEL and, BOP. News flows and preliminary data on output figures from OPEC nations is expected to greatly sway global oil prices. While the index is at all‐time highs, profit taking cannot be ruled out. In the run‐up to results season, dividend paying stocks are expected to remain in the limelight. 

Recent recovery in international urea price to US$240/ton (up 42% since July'16) presents a lucrative opportunity for local manufacturers to export excess urea inventory (November'16 urea inventory in the system stands reported at 1.45 million tons, down 15%MoM/ up 56%YoY). Weakening demand (poor farm dynamics) along with record level urea production has led to high inventory build‐up in the system which is likely to persist in the near‐term with urea inventory forecasted at 1.2 million to 1.8 million tons by the end of CY16/CY17 respectively. In this backdrop, the GoP is expected to allow export of 0.8 million tons of urea in line with a proposal of Ministry of Industries. In such a scenario, Engro fertilizer remains a key beneficiary on account of its low cost/bag and healthy market share, followed by FFC owing to market leadership in urea sales.  

Robust growth in demand for POL products, underpins December'16 total volumetric offtake of over 2 million tons, climbing 1.4%MoM/21.6%YoY. Furnace oil sales rose by 35.5% MoM/30.4%YoY, followed by HSD sales up 23.7%YoY but dipped 20%MoM, whereas MOGAS demand continued to rise (growing 16.7%YoY), yet remaining tepid sequentially (0.3%YoY increase). 1HFY17 volumes point to 18%YoY growth in total volumes, led by 20%/16%/20%YoY growth in FO/HSD/MOGAS offtake. The picking up of volumes at this pace is likely to slow. That said, 2HFY17 is likely to be slightly better (5-year average 2HFY sales make up 53% of annual offtake), led by strong growth in retail fuels from May’17 onwards. Premium fuels sales continue to soar, where 1HFY17 sales of 29,547 tons marks a 37%YoY increase, making FY16 full year sales of 41,067 tons pale in comparison. Renewed force to regain market share remains prominent in PSO's numbers, where the OMC is slated to benefit from its vast retail network.

According to an AKD Research report, cement prices in the North Region have likely been increased in the range of Rs10‐20/bag whereas the cement prices in the South Region remain unchanged and are not expected to be raised anytime soon. The brokerage house believes that the hike in cement prices (not incorporated in base estimates yet) should allow cement manufacturers to maintain margins whereas gross margin of AKD Cement Universe is likely to improve by 54 bps/100 bps to 38.76%/43.77% in FY17/FY18.

Pakistan Stock Exchange outperforms global equity markets

Inching towards another milestone of 48,000 level, benchmark of Index of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed the week ended on 30^th December 2016 at an all‐time high of 47,807, up 2.52%WoW. Activity at the bourse tapered 15.06%WoW with average daily volume at 286 million shares. The volume leaders were DSL, BOP, KEL, DCL and TRG.

Key news flows during the week included: 1) Ogra recommended increase in POL prices, 2) CNG prices increased across Sindh, the first hike following the GoP’s decision to deregulate the country’s CNG market, 3) GoP rejected all the bids in PIB auction, 4) ECC of the cabinet approved export of 225,000 tons of sugar without any rebate and allocation of 26MMCFD gas to EFERT old plant and 5) Lahore High Court nullified the auction of DTH license carried out by PEMRA after striking down the rules and regulations which barred broadcasters from applying/participating in the bidding process.

Performance leaders during the week were: EFOODS, HCAR, FCCL, SHEL and SNGP; while laggards included: HMB, AICL, PSMC, POL and PTC. Foreign participation continued its negative trend with US$17.9 million outflows compared to US$45.5 million in the last week.

After a phenomenal end to the calendar year, PSX posted remarkable return of 45.7% in CY16, outperforming the world equity markets. The market is likely to continue its positive trend in the near term in the absence of any negative trigger. However, room for volatility in the next week remains where risk could emerge in the form of: 1) international oil price swings on potential concerns on the rising US inventories and 2) resumption of Panama leak case proceedings.  

Following its previous month performance, fertilizer offtake remained promising during November'16 as well on the arrival of Rabi season coupled with continued support from subsidy package announced in FY17 budget. After declining significantly during 5MCY16 (down 32%YoY), fertilizer offtake rose 28%YoY during June‐November 2016. According to latest figures released by NFDC for November'16, total fertilizer sales increased to 1.58 million tons against 1.32 million tons sold in November'15, up 20%YoY/68%MoM). Urea sales increased to 764,000 tons during November'16, up 23%YoY. On a cumulative basis, total fertilizer sales posted a growth of 3%YoY to 7.83 million tons during 11MCY16, whereas urea offtake was 4.59 million tons (down 4%YoY). On arrival of Rabi season, DAP sales continue to show great strength in November'16, registering an increase of 17%YoY/32%MoM to 631,000 tons, of which imported DAP sale was 421,000 tons (up 10%YoY/61%MoM). Near‐term factors affecting fertilizer industry are: 1) Rabi season to continue driving demand, 2) favorable ruling from SHC against GIDC imposition, 3) international pricing dynamics (urea prices rebounded to US$235/ton in December’16 and 4) decision on export of excess urea inventory.

Latest banking sector data for November'16 indicates that banks' balance sheet (BS) continues to grow at strong levels by 9%YoY to Rs12.3 trillion. With banks lowering their preference for risk‐ free GoP securities (investments down 9% since June'16, private sector credit growth picked up pace, posting an encouraging growth of 11.7%YoY during November’16. Consumer financing grew by a healthy 20.%YoY (10.3% of the private sector loans) as banks look to re‐focus on high margin auto finance and personal loans in the current lower inflationary environment. Expecting spreads to bottom out this year as interest rates rise next year, analysts retain their liking for banks due to: 1) the room to benefit from loan growth, 2) an adequate CAR buffer, 3) achieved economies of scale and 4) a strong non‐interest income franchise. Playing this theme, we like HBL and UBL however, post price‐bull run over the last 6 months.

According to provisional data, cement dispatches during December'16 declined by 0.8%YoY/8.9%MoM to 3.414 million tons. Weaker domestic demand growth during December'16 could be attributed to seasonal slowdown in construction activity and decline in PSDP expenditures in December'16. Exports also declined, likely due to the seasonality factor. While industry's dispatches growth remained dismal, CHCC dispatches were up to 119,000 tons in December'16, indicating the commencement of its 1.32 million tpa Brownfield expansion during the month. On a cumulative basis, industry's dispatches grew by 7.9%YoY in 6MFY17 as compared to 9.9% in 5MFY17 due to recent month's decline in dispatches. Seasonal slowdown in winters may keep dispatches growth rate lower, where we expect domestic demand growth to pick up ahead of summers as construction activity and PSDP releases increase.

US shale producers to gulp Saudi market share of oil

After OPEC lead by Saudi Arabia and Russia arrived at a consensus to contain oil production, I wrote that the real threat for Saudi Arabia was not Iran but the US shale producers. Some of my critics said that I suffer from US-phobia and try to portray whatever happens on the earth as part of US conspiracy.

This morning when I read a news from Reuters about increasing number of rig counts in the US, it gave me a feeling that I was not mislead by the western media but right in saying that with the hike in crude oil price, rig count in the US would jump dramatically.

According to the Baker Hughes, US energy companies have added oil rigs for an eighth week in a row as crude oil prices rose to a 17-month high. During the week ended 23^rd December 2016 the total rig count went up to 523, the most since December 2015.

The report also said that by May this year rig count had plunged to 316, from a record high of 1,609 in October 2014. This decline could be attributed to crude oil price that plunged to US$26/barrel in February 2016 from US$107/barrel in June 2014.

The report also indicated that oil and gas rigs count would average above 500 in 2016, around 750 in 2017 and above 900 in 2018. This confirms the news that while other oil producing countries curtailed fresh investment, US shale producers continued production without filing bankruptcy under Chapter 11.

The Reuters news should be an eye opener for oil producing countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq. They should not be the first to cut production and let the crude oil price go up. If they want to keep US shale producers under pressure, they will have to keep crude oil price below US$35/barrel. This may be pains taking but the only option to bring down the number of active rigs in the US. They should also keep an eye on E&P companies filing bankruptcy under Chapter 11.

In response to this I have received following response from Mark S. Christian, ​President, Chris Well Consulting.

I read your article, "US Shale Producers to Gulp Saudi Market Share of Oil". This article implies a skyrocketing North American rig count, but the U.S. did not add 523 rigs during the week ending December 23, 2016. In fact, the rig count in the U.S. is growing only modestly at the moment. Last week the U.S. added only 16 rigs in total - 13 rigs exploring for oil, and 3 rigs exploring for natural gas. This brings the total rig count to 523, but your article implied 523 rigs were added during this past week, and that is not correct. Maybe it was an editorial mistake by the publisher - which said: "During the week ended December 23, 2016 the total rig count went up by 523, the most since December 2015".It should have said ..."the total rig count went up to 523", implying the aggregate total reached this number.

I have been in the well-servicing business for more than 30 years and during this time operated workover rigs.​ A well service company provides well completion and maintenance services and​ demand for rigs go up and down with the oil price. When the oil price recently fell below $30USD/Bbl - my​ workover rigs were sitting idle. Oil companies could not afford to work on their wells, so they let them go offline. As prices moved above $45/Bbl, oil companies started calling again - and our workover rigs slowly began moving back into the field. The same holds true for American drilling rigs. Higher prices = higher U.S. rig utilization.

This supports your hypothesis that - 1) the U.S. rig count is a threat to the Saudi-led production cuts and 2) American shale may be a longer term threat to OPEC's market position.  Your warning to Iraq, Iran, and Saudi that raising prices via production cuts is not in their long-term interest, is correct, although I surely hope they do not change course.

Saudi guided OPEC into underestimating the staying power of shale-focused oil companies in the United States who were built on junk bonds and high-interest debt. Most were developing fields that were not economic below $60/bbl - and the Saudi's knew this. Riyadh miscalculated by expecting these financially weak companies to fold up quickly once prices fell below lifting costs. That did not happen, many went into Chapter 11 bankruptcy which allowed them to discharge their bond debt and emerge with a cleaner balance sheet.

El Naimi expected very steep decline curves for U.S. shale production, however, this did not materialize and North American shale production turned out to be more resilient than even the American oil companies forecasted. El Naimi also expected the shale market to collapse on itself as he viewed U.S. shale production to be inefficient. It was - until market forces went to work and held the unconventional resource market together much longer than the Kingdom's cash reserves or El Naimi's ideas were able to bear. 

In November 2014, the bottom fell out of the US oil market and caused U.S. service costs to deflate - my rig rates fell 30% in 60 days. What most outside the U.S. don't understand about the American market is when things are good we can ramp up drilling and well completion quickly​, but when things turn bad - cost cutting and a lazer-focus on efficiency enable us to sacrifice profits and survive until the market rebounds.

El Naimi's low-price strategy forced American E&P's to cut wasteful spending and exercise more discipline over their profit and loss. This helped​ U.S. production become more efficient - and lowered U.S. lifting costs. Now fields that were unprofitable when crude prices fell below $60/bbl are profitable at $45/bbl.

The big question that everyone wants to know, (and relate directly to your warnings to OPEC in your recent article) is: How long will it take the​ U.S. to ramp up production enough to offset OPEC's production cuts? Can American production actually grow large enough to begin driving global oil prices down? If that happens, OPEC will no longer be the swing producer we have relied on for so many years to correct bubbles in the market.

If the U.S adds 16 rigs per week over the next 52 weeks - the resulting increase of 832 new rigs in the next year will not affect America's oil production to an extent it will make a noticeable change to the global oil market. Over the years I have noticed that the U.S. market needs 2-3 years of booming exploration and development activity before the global market takes notice. I do agree with your assumption that production growth in the U.S. may swallow up Saudi's recent production cuts, but it will take 24-36 months before many people take notice.

US troops to stay in Afghanistan forever

I started writing blogs under Geo politics in South Asia and MENA about five years back. The objective was to share my views with global readers, particularly the Think Tanks operating in the US. Most of the topics I picked up over the years were: 1) proxy wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, 2) imposition of economic sanctions on Iran for decades, 3) use of crude oil as weapon, 4) melodramas in the name of change of regime, 5) creations of phantoms like Taliban, Al Qaeda and ISIS and 6) dishonest western media.

The title of one of my second blog written in August 2012 was Will US pull troops out of Afghanistan? Despite having little knowledge about international relations or geopolitics at that time, my conclusion was that the US will never pull its troops out of Afghanistan. My conclusion was based on the fact that presence of the US troops in Afghanistan provides it a safe haven for undertaking cross border actions in Pakistan, Iran, China and some of the energy rich Central Asian countries.

I had deliberately avoided mentioning drug as one of the prime reasons for the US troops for occupying Afghanistan, but one of the readers of my blog was prompt in raising this point. If one thinks with a cool head this may be the key reason because it gives control on drug trade and also the money to be paid to militants for killing the innocents ruthlessly and to keep the world permanently under fear. It may also be said that Afghanistan has become a nursery for growing mercenaries and people from around the world get training in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan. They are also paid from the money earned from cultivation of poppy.

Having born and grown in war-ridden Afghanistan, the locals have become ‘blood thirsty’ and suffer from restlessness unless they kill a few people every day. Ironically they not only kill their own countrymen but also go to places where conflicts have been created by the super powers to satisfy their lust.

The conclusion of my today’s blog is that after fighting two world wars, super power have decided to fight proxy wars, sell arms to the governments where rebel groups have been created by them, use income from drugs and oil for buying arms. The job becomes easier through propagation of regime change mantra.

These super powers are among the sponsors of the UN, created for restoring peace in the world. However, now the only role of Security Council is to grant permission for attacking a country chosen for the proxy war. Two of the worst examples are Afghanistan and Iraq and many other countries are also the victim of super powers. Usually the military dictators are made head of state and often the drama of sham democracy is also staged.