Latest news with #HBL
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
HBL wins ‘Best Bank in Pakistan 2025' award
KARACHI: Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025 has awarded HBL the accolade of 'Pakistan's Best Bank'. The Bank has also won 'Pakistan's Best Bank for Large Corporates' and 'Pakistan's Best Investment Bank'. Euromoney is a global English-language publication focused on business and finance. These awards are the most prestigious recognition in the banking industry, globally. The Euromoney citation acknowledges that 'HBL remains an undisputed leader as Pakistan's best bank, demonstrating once again standout financial growth and continuous improvement in the digital space.' The citation went on to note, 'HBL remains one of the key players in Pakistan's agriculture sector, a vital part of the country's economy, highlighting the Bank's commitment to the economic development of Pakistan.' Commenting on the recognition, Muhammad Nassir Salim, President & CEO – HBL said, 'HBL is proud to serve its valued clients who have made these wins possible. These wins are a tribute to our millions of clients' continued trust and confidence in HBL.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
15-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Record-breaking bull run continues as index crosses 137,000
Listen to article The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its upward momentum for a second consecutive session on Tuesday, with the benchmark index rising by 641.87 points, or 0.47%, the current index at 137,144.40 during intra-day trading. The market touched an intraday high of 137,727.63 and a low of 136,498.16, reflecting stable investor sentiment. Tuesday's gains follow a positive close on Monday, signalling sustained buying interest. Total traded volume reached 118,048,153 shares, while the overall value of traded securities stood at Rs. 8.92 billion. The previous session closed at 136,502.53. Analysts attributed the continued gains to improving corporate outlooks and positive cues from regional markets. Read: In fresh peak, PSX rises past 136,000 mark Earlier on Monday, PSX surged past the 136,000 mark amid encouraging economic developments and strong interest from mutual funds and institutional investors. The benchmark KSE-100 index added another 2,202.77 points, or 1.64%, to settle at 136,502.54 at the close of trading. Since the commencement of the session, the market began its gradual ascent and didn't look back, reaching the intra-day high at 136,841 just before the end of the day's proceedings. Banking sector heavyweights led the momentum, with UBL, HBL, Fauji Fertiliser Company, Bank AL Habib and MCB Bank collectively contributing 1,443 points to the benchmark index. Arif Habib Limited (AHL), in its report, called Monday's trading a very strong start to the week with the KSE-100 gaining 1.64% day-on-day to clear the 136k level. Some 62 shares rose while 36 fell on the index, where UBL (+5.45%), HBL (+9.43%) and Fauji Fertiliser Company (+1.67%) contributed the most to index gains. In contrast, Pakistan Petroleum (-0.69%), PSO (-0.91%) and National Foods (-2.47%) were the biggest drags, it said.
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
In fresh peak, PSX rises past 136,000 mark
Continuing its remarkable rally, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) touched another all-time high on Monday as it surged past 136,000 points over encouraging economic developments and robust interest from mutual funds and institutional investors. The benchmark KSE-100 index added another 2,202.77 points, or 1.64%, to settle at 136,502.54 at the close of trading. Since the commencement of the session, the market began its gradual ascent and didn't look back, reaching the intra-day high at 136,841 just before the end of the day's proceedings. According to Topline Securities, the KSE-100 index surged to intra-day high of 2,542 points before closing at a new all-time peak of 136,503, registering a remarkable gain of 2,203 points, or 1.64%. "The rally was fuelled by strong participation from local mutual funds and institutional investors," it said in a report. Banking sector heavyweights led the momentum, with UBL, HBL, Fauji Fertiliser Company, Bank AL Habib and MCB Bank collectively contributing 1,443 points to the benchmark index. Overall market activity remained vibrant where trading volumes surpassed 841 million shares, while the total traded value climbed to Rs37 billion. Crescent Star Insurance emerged as the volume leader, which saw trading in 47 million shares, Topline added. Arif Habib Limited (AHL), in its report, called Monday's trading a very strong start to the week with the KSE-100 gaining 1.64% day-on-day to clear the 136k level. Some 62 shares rose while 36 fell on the index, where UBL (+5.45%), HBL (+9.43%) and Fauji Fertiliser Company (+1.67%) contributed the most to index gains. In contrast, Pakistan Petroleum (-0.69%), PSO (-0.91%) and National Foods (-2.47%) were the biggest drags, it said. Among major economic news, it cited that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had expressed satisfaction with Pakistan's economic progress as its Resident Representative Mahir Binici described the country's performance under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) as "strong so far". Earlier, Pakistan and Vietnam agreed to launch negotiations for a preferential trade agreement in 2025, following the revival of high-level economic dialogue between the two countries. Among corporate developments, Honda Atlas Cars (+2.45%) is set to introduce its first-ever hybrid SUV in Pakistan – the HR-V e:HEV. This launch marks Honda's official entry into the hybrid C-segment SUV, where the HR-V e:HEV will compete directly with established players. Concluding its report, AHL expected further gains in the stock market with near-term support rising to 135k. During the day, shares of 475 companies were traded. Of these, 264 stocks closed higher, 195 decreased and 16 stood unchanged. Among the volume leaders, Crescent Star Insurance registered trading in 47.2 million shares, rising 97 paisa to close at Rs4.34. It was followed by K-Electric, which recorded trading in 42.8 million shares and gained 26 paisa to Rs5.33. First Dawood Properties was the third in the list, which saw trading in 35.6 million shares, up 64 paisa to close at Rs5.55. Foreign investors were sellers of shares worth a net Rs16.7 million.
Express Tribune
11-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Banks' profits to drop 14% QoQ
Listen to article Pakistan's banking sector is expected to report a subdued financial performance for the second quarter of 2025 (2QCY25), with profitability likely to decline by around 1% year-on-year (YoY) and 14% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) for major banks following a drop in yields and a 100-basis-point (bps) cut in policy rate by the State Bank in May. "We estimate profitability of ISL coverage banks – HBL, UBL, MCB Bank, Meezan Bank and Bank Alfalah – to decline by 1% YoY and 14% QoQ," noted Insight Securities. "The decline is primarily attributable to the falling yield, resulting in net interest margins (NIMs) compression along with moderation in capital gains." Additionally, non-markup income is projected to decline due to normalisation of capital gains, which were elevated in the previous quarters. Despite margin pressures, some support to earnings is expected from volumetric growth and a stronger focus on mobilising zero-cost deposits. Banks are also expected to maintain healthy dividend payouts, aided by decent profitability and strong capital buffers. According to estimates, HBL, UBL, MCB Bank, Meezan Bank and Bank Alfalah are projected to post earnings per share (EPS) of Rs9.5, Rs11.3, Rs9.9, Rs11.4 and Rs4.9, respectively. Dividend per share (DPS) forecasts for the same banks stand at Rs4.5, Rs7, Rs9, Rs7 and Rs2.5, with UBL likely to stand out due to robust earnings and above-average deposit growth. Sector-wide trends show banking deposits reaching Rs35 trillion, marking a significant increase of 12.5% YoY and 10.7% QoQ. Notably, a sharp 7% week-on-week growth was observed in the latest data. However, advances declined 4.1% QoQ to Rs12.9 trillion, pulling down the sector's advances-to-deposit ratio (ADR) by roughly 570 bps. On the other hand, investments grew 12.8% QoQ to Rs36.5 trillion, reflecting continued preference for government securities, while borrowings remained stable at around Rs14.8 trillion. Provisioning expenses are expected to rise sequentially, reversing the trend from the previous quarter, when banks booked reversals after trimming advances to meet end-of-year ADR thresholds. Despite the uptick in provisioning, the sector's overall financial health remains sound and banks are expected to continue rewarding shareholders with steady dividends. However, Topline Securities expects banks under its coverage – Bank Alfalah, Bank AL Habib, HBL, MCB Bank, Meezan Bank and UBL – to post 7% YoY earnings growth in 2Q2025, led by higher net interest income (NII) and non-interest income. Despite a drop in average policy rate from 21.5% to 11.3%, NII is projected to rise 12% YoY to Rs303 billion, supported by strong deposit growth and higher returns on older investments. Non-interest income is expected to grow 14% YoY to Rs84 billion, driven by increased fee income and gains on securities. Expenses are forecast to rise 8% YoY to Rs161 billion, in line with inflation and branch expansion. Provisions are likely to jump up to Rs9.1 billion from Rs5.9 billion last year. Among individual banks, UBL is projected to lead with 148% YoY earnings growth, followed by HBL with 4% growth. However, sector earnings are expected to decline 5% QoQ due to lower NII and higher provisions, noted Topline. For 1H2025, cumulative earnings are estimated at Rs210 billion, up 10% YoY. Dividend payouts are expected to remain strong, with UBL's DPS likely rising to Rs8 from Rs5.5 in the previous quarter. Topline maintains a market-weight stance on the sector, with HBL and Bank Alfalah being preferred picks. Meanwhile, after hitting decade-low levels, Pakistan's banking sector has witnessed a strong and consistent rebound in its price-to-book (P/B) ratio since late 2023, reflecting improved investor sentiment and sector performance, according to Optimus Capital Management. As of June 2025, the sector's P/B ratio climbed to 1.24 times, crossing its historical average and median of 1.0 times for the first time in years. The recovery signals growing investor confidence, underpinned by strong profitability metrics, stabilising macroeconomic conditions and a more favourable interest rate environment. The rebound marks a sharp reversal from the sustained downward trend seen over the past decade, which was driven by inflationary pressures, regulatory tightening and macroeconomic uncertainty.
Express Tribune
07-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Bank stocks, Pak-US deal propel PSX to record
A stock broker reacts while monitoring the market on the electronic board displaying share prices during trading session at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, in Karachi on July 3, 2023. Photo: Reuters Bulls once again took charge at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday as the benchmark KSE-100 index ended the trading session with a rise of 1,421 points, or 1.08%, settling at a new record high at 133,370.15. The market enjoyed a strong rally throughout the day, fuelled by robust performance of bank stocks amid expectations of handsome earnings and dividend payouts for the June quarter, analysts commented. Apart from that, Pakistan has reached a trade and tariffs deal with the US – a significant development in negotiations between the two countries. Optimism surrounding the deal supported the advancement of textile stocks during the day. According to Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corp, stocks closed at a new all-time high in an earnings season rally on receding fears of US tariffs as a trade agreement had been reached, preventing the earlier anticipated 29% duties on exports to the US. Surging foreign exchange reserves, rupee stability and the proposed privatisation of state enterprises played the role of catalysts in record close at the PSX, he added. In its review, Topline Securities commented that the KSE-100 index ended the trading session at 133,370, marking a gain of 1,421 points, or 1.08%. The rally continued throughout the day, with the index hitting intra-day high of 133,862, fuelled by strong performance of bank stocks amid expectations of robust earnings and dividend payouts for the June quarter. Textile stocks also advanced, likely supported by optimism about the tariff agreement with the US, it noted. Major contributors to the index's upward movement included HBL, Fauji Fertiliser Company, Bank Alfalah, MCB Bank and Lucky Core Industries, which added 476 points. On the flip side, the index faced some pressure from negative contributions by Adamjee Insurance, Engro Fertilisers and Mari Petroleum, Topline added. According to Arif Habib Limited (AHL), gains continued to accelerate at the PSX, where the KSE-100 closed above 133,000 points. Some 76 shares rose while 24 fell. Among the advancers, HBL (+3.67%), Fauji Fertiliser Company (+0.86%) and Bank Alfalah (+4.25%) contributed the most to index gains. On the other hand, Adamjee Insurance (-3.82%), Engro Fertilisers (-0.48%) and Mari Petroleum (-0.36%) were the biggest drags, the brokerage house said. It pointed out that Pakistan and the United States have reached an agreement on a trade and tariffs framework, ahead of the July 9 deadline. This marks a significant development in the ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations. A formal announcement is expected only after the US concludes negotiations with other trade partners. "The 130,000 level further strengthens its position as a support point against which gains should continue to accelerate," AHL stated. JS Global analyst Muhammad Hasan Ather commented that the KSE-100 index surged 1.4% to a record intra-day high of 133,862, driven by optimism about trade negotiations, macroeconomic stability and a strong corporate earnings outlook. Falling inflation, strengthening forex reserves and capital inflows were enhancing investor confidence while higher taxes on alternative assets were redirecting capital into equities, he said. "With the earnings season ahead and technical indicators breaking new ground, we expect the bullish momentum to persist in the near term," the analyst added. Overall trading volumes increased to 919.9 million shares compared with Friday's tally of 733.1 million. The value of shares traded was Rs45.3 billion. Shares of 479 companies were traded. Of these, 299 stocks closed higher, 155 fell and 25 remained unchanged. Image Pakistan was the volume leader with trading in 48.1 million shares, gaining Rs3.08 to close at Rs36.32. It was followed by The Bank of Punjab with 42.5 million shares, rising Rs0.21 to close at Rs11.87 and WorldCall Telecom with 36.9 million shares, remaining unchanged at Rs1.55. Foreign investors sold shares worth Rs708.4 million, the National Clearing Company reported.
