PSX record rally: more Pakistani companies join billion-dollar club

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PSX record rally: more Pakistani companies join billion-dollar club
  • Number of companies with over billion-dollar capitalisation increases from six in May 2024 to 11 in December 2024
Ali Ahmed
Published December 16, 2024

Image generated by AI

Image generated by AI

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has been on a record-breaking spree in recent weeks with its benchmark KSE-100 Index sitting above 116,000 at the close of trading on Monday.

The remarkable bull run has been fueled by a combination of factors including exchange rate stability, smooth transition from one $3-billion Stand-By Arrangement to another larger, longer facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), improvement in index-heavy sector’s earnings, and a general mood for stocks after monetary easing.

The recent surge has been further driven by a lower inflation reading in November, which clocked in at 4.9%, raising hopes for a significant policy rate cut in the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled for December 16 (Monday).

The KSE-100 has offered a nearly 180% since June 1, 2023, when it was at 41,273.20, to settle at 116,169 as of December 16, 2024.

“This marks the best comeback in Pakistan stock market’s 75-year history, tripling in value and showcasing unmatched resilience,” said Topline Securities in a note earlier.


Pakistani companies with market cap of over $1bn at PSX


With the growth of the KSE-100 – widely seen as a benchmark for market performance – Business Recorder is listing companies with the highest market capitalisation with the figure of $1 billion used as a qualification criterion.

As of December 16, 2024, a total of eleven companies listed at the PSX have a market capitalisation of $1 billion or more. MARI currently leads the list with a market cap of $3.53 billion.

  • Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MARI) ($3.53 billion)
By operating the country’s largest gas reservoir at Mari Gas Field, Daharki, Sindh, Mari Petroleum Company Limited (PSX: MARI) is the second largest producer of natural gas.

A public limited company incorporated in Pakistan in 1984, Mari Petroleum is an integrated oil and gas exploration and production company and around 70% exploration success rate, which is much higher than industry averages of around 33% national and 14% international.

Mari’s key customers include fertiliser manufacturers, power generation companies, gas distribution companies; and refineries.

For the financial year 2024, MARI posted a profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs77.28 billion in 2024, up nearly 38% year-on-year (YoY) compared to PAT of Rs56.13 billion in the same period of the previous year.

The Board of Directors (BoD) announced a final cash dividend for the year at Rs134/- per share i.e. 1,340%.

Moreover, the BoD also announced the issue of bonus shares for the year June 30, 2024, of 800% i.e. eight shares for every one share held, from the Capital Redemption Reserve Fund and the balance from Revenue Reserves.

“The issuance of bonus shares is a reflection of the increasingly strong balance sheet of the company with a view to grow and diversify further,” the company said back then.

The market capitalisation of MARI at the PSX stands at $3.53 billion. Its share was priced at Rs899.73 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

“Within the KSE-100 Index, MARI now holds the second-largest weight at 5.60%,” said Arif Habib Limited (AHL).

  • Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) ($3.45 billion)
Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (PSX: OGDC) is the largest exploration and production (E&P) company in Pakistan with operations including exploration, drilling operation services, production, reservoir management, and engineering support.

The company has the most extensive exploration acreage in Pakistan, covering over 40% of the country’s total acreage awarded with net hydrocarbons of oil and gas.

With over 67%, the Government of Pakistan is the largest shareholder in OGDC, followed by the OGDC Employee Empowerment Trust and Privatisation Commission of Pakistan.

Its profile on the PSX says the company was incorporated on October 23, 1997 under the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (now the Companies Act, 2017).

The company was established to undertake the exploration and development of oil and gas resources, including production and sale of oil and gas and related activities formerly carried on by Oil and Gas Development Corporation, which was established in 1961.

For the financial year 2023-24, OGDC posted a profit-after-tax (PAT) reported a profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs208.98 billion.

Earnings registered a decline of nearly 7% as compared to Rs224.62 billion in the same period of the previous year (SPLY).

The market capitalisation of OGDC at the PSX stands at $3.45 billion. Its share was priced at Rs233.29 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) ($1.97 billion)
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PSX: PPL) is a key supplier of natural gas in the country. The company is one of the largest and leading exploration and production companies engaged in conducting exploration, prospecting, development and production of oil and natural gas resources.

The company contributes over 20% of the country’s total natural gas supplies besides producing crude oil, Natural Gas Liquid and Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

For the financial year 2023-24, PPL saw its profit-after-tax (PAT) jump nearly 19% to clock in at Rs115.48 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.

The market capitalisation of PPL at the PSX stands at $1.97 billion. Its share was priced at Rs211.40 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) ($1.83 billion)
Fauji Fertilizer Company (PSX: FFC) is one of Pakistan’s largest fertilizer producers.

FFC is a public company incorporated in Pakistan under the Companies Act, 1913, (now the Companies Act, 2017).

The principal activity of the company is manufacturing, purchasing and marketing fertilizers and chemicals, including investment in other fertilizers, chemicals, cement, energy generation, food processing and banking operations.

As per the latest financial results, the company posted a consolidated profit-after-tax of Rs22.59 billion in the quarter ended September 30, 2024, up nearly 45% compared with Rs15.62 billion in the same period of the previous year.

The market capitalisation of FFC at the PSX stands at $1.83 billion. Its share was priced at Rs420.11 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • United Bank Limited (UBL) ($1.52 billion)
United Bank Limited (PSX: UBL) is one of Pakistan’s largest commercial banks.

The bank is a subsidiary of Bestway (Holdings) Limited which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bestway Group Limited.

As per the bank’s latest financial results, UBL posted a consolidated profit-after-tax of Rs18.32 billion, for the third quarter ended 30 September 2024.

The bank announced an interim cash dividend for the third quarter ended 30 September 2024 at Rs11/- per share i.e.110% this is an addition to the interim dividend already paid at Rs22/- per share i.e. 220%.

The market capitalisation of UBL at the PSX stands at $1.52 billion. Its share was priced at Rs341.39 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL) ($1.47 billion)
Meezan Bank Limited (PSX: MEBL), Pakistan’s first and largest Islamic bank, is a public limited company incorporated in the country in 1997.

The bank formally commenced its operations in 2002 after being issued the first-ever Islamic commercial banking licence by the State Bank of Pakistan. Currently, the bank is engaged in corporate, commercial, consumer, investment and retail banking activities.

As per data available on MEBL’s website, it has a retail banking network of more than 1,000 branches across the country. MEBL’s branch network is supported by banking services that include over 950 ATMs, VISA and MasterCard Debit cards, a call center, internet banking, mobile application and SMS banking facility.

In 3Q2024, Meezan posted consolidated earnings of Rs26.36 billion for the third quarter that ended September 30, 2024, a little over 1% higher from the profit-after-tax Rs25.99 billion in the same period of the preceding year.

The Board of Directors also announced a cash dividend for the period ended September 30, 2024 at Rs7 per share i.e. 70%. This was in addition to the interim dividend already paid at Rs14 per share i.e. 140%.

The market capitalisation of MEBL at the PSX stands at $1.47 billion. Its share was priced at Rs224.47 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Colgate-Palmolive (Pakistan) Limited (COLG) ($1.35 billion)
Colgate-Palmolive Pakistan Limited (PSX: COLG) was set up in 1977 as a public limited company by the name “National Detergents Limited”. It was renamed to what it is now in 1990 when it entered a Participation Agreement with Colgate-Palmolive Company, USA.

The company manufactures and sells detergents, personal care and other related products.

The market capitalisation of COLG at the PSX stands at $1.35 billion. Its share was priced at Rs1,534.69 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Lucky Cement (LUCK) ($1.32 billion)
Lucky Cement is one of Pakistan’s largest cement manufacturers.

The company was incorporated in Pakistan on September 18, 1993 under the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (now the Companies Act, 2017). The principal activity of the company is manufacturing and marketing of cement.

Lucky Cement’s profit-after-tax amounted to Rs72.34 billion, an increase of over 21% during the year 2024, compared with Rs59.54 billion in the previous year on account of higher revenue and lower cost of sales.

The market capitalisation of LUCK at the PSX stands at $1.32 billion. Its share was priced at Rs1,238.84 as of closing on December 13, 2024.

  • Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited (PAKT) ($1.21 billion)
Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited is among the biggest cigarette makers in the country,

PAKT is a public limited company incorporated in Pakistan on November 18, 1947 under the Companies Act, 1913 (now the Companies Act, 2017).

The company is a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited, United Kingdom, whereas its ultimate parent company is British American Tobacco p.l.c, United Kingdom.

The market capitalisation of PAKT at the PSX stands at $1.21 billion. Its share was priced at Rs1,352.44 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Nestle Pakistan Limited (NESTLE) ($1.21 billion)
Nestle Pakistan Limited (PSX: NESTLE) is a subsidiary of Nestle S.A based in Vevey, Switzerland and is the leading company in Pakistan in the food and beverages category.

They operate in various segments such as dairy, juices, drinks, nectars, coffee, breakfast cereals, and infant nutrition.

For the nine-month period ending September 30, 2024, the company posted a profit of Rs12.3 billion, reflecting a decline of 22% compared to the same period last year.

The market capitalisation of NESTLE at the PSX stands at $1.21 billion. Its share was priced at Rs7,586.36 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • MCB Bank Limited (MCB) ($1.12 billion)
MCB is one of Pakistan’s largest commercial banks.

The public limited company reported a profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs18.13 billion in the quarter ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of nearly 8% against Rs19.66 billion recorded in the same period of the previous year (SPPY).

The market capitalisation of MCB at the PSX stands at $1.12 billion. Its share was priced at Rs258.79 as of closing on December 16, 2024.


For the purpose of this calculation, the exchange rate has been used at Rs278 to 1 US dollar.

Story produced with assistance from brokerage house Arif Habib Limited
 
The stock exchange is doing great. It has surprised everyone. Pakistan’s economy seems to be heading to right direction. It just needs consistency and if the security issues are resolved, we will see significant increase in foreign direct investment
 
PSX record rally: more Pakistani companies join billion-dollar club
  • Number of companies with over billion-dollar capitalisation increases from six in May 2024 to 11 in December 2024
Ali Ahmed
Published December 16, 2024

Image generated by AI

Image generated by AI

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has been on a record-breaking spree in recent weeks with its benchmark KSE-100 Index sitting above 116,000 at the close of trading on Monday.

The remarkable bull run has been fueled by a combination of factors including exchange rate stability, smooth transition from one $3-billion Stand-By Arrangement to another larger, longer facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), improvement in index-heavy sector’s earnings, and a general mood for stocks after monetary easing.

The recent surge has been further driven by a lower inflation reading in November, which clocked in at 4.9%, raising hopes for a significant policy rate cut in the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled for December 16 (Monday).

The KSE-100 has offered a nearly 180% since June 1, 2023, when it was at 41,273.20, to settle at 116,169 as of December 16, 2024.

“This marks the best comeback in Pakistan stock market’s 75-year history, tripling in value and showcasing unmatched resilience,” said Topline Securities in a note earlier.


Pakistani companies with market cap of over $1bn at PSX


With the growth of the KSE-100 – widely seen as a benchmark for market performance – Business Recorder is listing companies with the highest market capitalisation with the figure of $1 billion used as a qualification criterion.

As of December 16, 2024, a total of eleven companies listed at the PSX have a market capitalisation of $1 billion or more. MARI currently leads the list with a market cap of $3.53 billion.

  • Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MARI) ($3.53 billion)
By operating the country’s largest gas reservoir at Mari Gas Field, Daharki, Sindh, Mari Petroleum Company Limited (PSX: MARI) is the second largest producer of natural gas.

A public limited company incorporated in Pakistan in 1984, Mari Petroleum is an integrated oil and gas exploration and production company and around 70% exploration success rate, which is much higher than industry averages of around 33% national and 14% international.

Mari’s key customers include fertiliser manufacturers, power generation companies, gas distribution companies; and refineries.

For the financial year 2024, MARI posted a profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs77.28 billion in 2024, up nearly 38% year-on-year (YoY) compared to PAT of Rs56.13 billion in the same period of the previous year.

The Board of Directors (BoD) announced a final cash dividend for the year at Rs134/- per share i.e. 1,340%.

Moreover, the BoD also announced the issue of bonus shares for the year June 30, 2024, of 800% i.e. eight shares for every one share held, from the Capital Redemption Reserve Fund and the balance from Revenue Reserves.

“The issuance of bonus shares is a reflection of the increasingly strong balance sheet of the company with a view to grow and diversify further,” the company said back then.

The market capitalisation of MARI at the PSX stands at $3.53 billion. Its share was priced at Rs899.73 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

“Within the KSE-100 Index, MARI now holds the second-largest weight at 5.60%,” said Arif Habib Limited (AHL).

  • Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) ($3.45 billion)
Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (PSX: OGDC) is the largest exploration and production (E&P) company in Pakistan with operations including exploration, drilling operation services, production, reservoir management, and engineering support.

The company has the most extensive exploration acreage in Pakistan, covering over 40% of the country’s total acreage awarded with net hydrocarbons of oil and gas.

With over 67%, the Government of Pakistan is the largest shareholder in OGDC, followed by the OGDC Employee Empowerment Trust and Privatisation Commission of Pakistan.

Its profile on the PSX says the company was incorporated on October 23, 1997 under the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (now the Companies Act, 2017).

The company was established to undertake the exploration and development of oil and gas resources, including production and sale of oil and gas and related activities formerly carried on by Oil and Gas Development Corporation, which was established in 1961.

For the financial year 2023-24, OGDC posted a profit-after-tax (PAT) reported a profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs208.98 billion.

Earnings registered a decline of nearly 7% as compared to Rs224.62 billion in the same period of the previous year (SPLY).

The market capitalisation of OGDC at the PSX stands at $3.45 billion. Its share was priced at Rs233.29 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) ($1.97 billion)
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PSX: PPL) is a key supplier of natural gas in the country. The company is one of the largest and leading exploration and production companies engaged in conducting exploration, prospecting, development and production of oil and natural gas resources.

The company contributes over 20% of the country’s total natural gas supplies besides producing crude oil, Natural Gas Liquid and Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

For the financial year 2023-24, PPL saw its profit-after-tax (PAT) jump nearly 19% to clock in at Rs115.48 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.

The market capitalisation of PPL at the PSX stands at $1.97 billion. Its share was priced at Rs211.40 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) ($1.83 billion)
Fauji Fertilizer Company (PSX: FFC) is one of Pakistan’s largest fertilizer producers.

FFC is a public company incorporated in Pakistan under the Companies Act, 1913, (now the Companies Act, 2017).

The principal activity of the company is manufacturing, purchasing and marketing fertilizers and chemicals, including investment in other fertilizers, chemicals, cement, energy generation, food processing and banking operations.

As per the latest financial results, the company posted a consolidated profit-after-tax of Rs22.59 billion in the quarter ended September 30, 2024, up nearly 45% compared with Rs15.62 billion in the same period of the previous year.

The market capitalisation of FFC at the PSX stands at $1.83 billion. Its share was priced at Rs420.11 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • United Bank Limited (UBL) ($1.52 billion)
United Bank Limited (PSX: UBL) is one of Pakistan’s largest commercial banks.

The bank is a subsidiary of Bestway (Holdings) Limited which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bestway Group Limited.

As per the bank’s latest financial results, UBL posted a consolidated profit-after-tax of Rs18.32 billion, for the third quarter ended 30 September 2024.

The bank announced an interim cash dividend for the third quarter ended 30 September 2024 at Rs11/- per share i.e.110% this is an addition to the interim dividend already paid at Rs22/- per share i.e. 220%.

The market capitalisation of UBL at the PSX stands at $1.52 billion. Its share was priced at Rs341.39 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL) ($1.47 billion)
Meezan Bank Limited (PSX: MEBL), Pakistan’s first and largest Islamic bank, is a public limited company incorporated in the country in 1997.

The bank formally commenced its operations in 2002 after being issued the first-ever Islamic commercial banking licence by the State Bank of Pakistan. Currently, the bank is engaged in corporate, commercial, consumer, investment and retail banking activities.

As per data available on MEBL’s website, it has a retail banking network of more than 1,000 branches across the country. MEBL’s branch network is supported by banking services that include over 950 ATMs, VISA and MasterCard Debit cards, a call center, internet banking, mobile application and SMS banking facility.

In 3Q2024, Meezan posted consolidated earnings of Rs26.36 billion for the third quarter that ended September 30, 2024, a little over 1% higher from the profit-after-tax Rs25.99 billion in the same period of the preceding year.

The Board of Directors also announced a cash dividend for the period ended September 30, 2024 at Rs7 per share i.e. 70%. This was in addition to the interim dividend already paid at Rs14 per share i.e. 140%.

The market capitalisation of MEBL at the PSX stands at $1.47 billion. Its share was priced at Rs224.47 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Colgate-Palmolive (Pakistan) Limited (COLG) ($1.35 billion)
Colgate-Palmolive Pakistan Limited (PSX: COLG) was set up in 1977 as a public limited company by the name “National Detergents Limited”. It was renamed to what it is now in 1990 when it entered a Participation Agreement with Colgate-Palmolive Company, USA.

The company manufactures and sells detergents, personal care and other related products.

The market capitalisation of COLG at the PSX stands at $1.35 billion. Its share was priced at Rs1,534.69 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Lucky Cement (LUCK) ($1.32 billion)
Lucky Cement is one of Pakistan’s largest cement manufacturers.

The company was incorporated in Pakistan on September 18, 1993 under the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (now the Companies Act, 2017). The principal activity of the company is manufacturing and marketing of cement.

Lucky Cement’s profit-after-tax amounted to Rs72.34 billion, an increase of over 21% during the year 2024, compared with Rs59.54 billion in the previous year on account of higher revenue and lower cost of sales.

The market capitalisation of LUCK at the PSX stands at $1.32 billion. Its share was priced at Rs1,238.84 as of closing on December 13, 2024.

  • Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited (PAKT) ($1.21 billion)
Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited is among the biggest cigarette makers in the country,

PAKT is a public limited company incorporated in Pakistan on November 18, 1947 under the Companies Act, 1913 (now the Companies Act, 2017).

The company is a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited, United Kingdom, whereas its ultimate parent company is British American Tobacco p.l.c, United Kingdom.

The market capitalisation of PAKT at the PSX stands at $1.21 billion. Its share was priced at Rs1,352.44 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Nestle Pakistan Limited (NESTLE) ($1.21 billion)
Nestle Pakistan Limited (PSX: NESTLE) is a subsidiary of Nestle S.A based in Vevey, Switzerland and is the leading company in Pakistan in the food and beverages category.

They operate in various segments such as dairy, juices, drinks, nectars, coffee, breakfast cereals, and infant nutrition.

For the nine-month period ending September 30, 2024, the company posted a profit of Rs12.3 billion, reflecting a decline of 22% compared to the same period last year.

The market capitalisation of NESTLE at the PSX stands at $1.21 billion. Its share was priced at Rs7,586.36 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • MCB Bank Limited (MCB) ($1.12 billion)
MCB is one of Pakistan’s largest commercial banks.

The public limited company reported a profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs18.13 billion in the quarter ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of nearly 8% against Rs19.66 billion recorded in the same period of the previous year (SPPY).

The market capitalisation of MCB at the PSX stands at $1.12 billion. Its share was priced at Rs258.79 as of closing on December 16, 2024.




Story produced with assistance from brokerage house Arif Habib Limited

The stock exchange is doing great. It has surprised everyone. Pakistan’s economy seems to be heading to right direction. It just needs consistency and if the security issues are resolved, we will see significant increase in foreign direct investment

The stock market is not the economy, albeit somewhat aligned. Oftentimes, a strong stock market can mask weak economies, while the reverse could also be true.
 
The stock market is not the economy, albeit somewhat aligned. Oftentimes, a strong stock market can mask weak economies, while the reverse could also be true.
Explain
 
Shaikh Chilli Logic on Pakistani Economy

2018-2022: If the stock doesn't grow at all and the Nominal GDP takes a dive as well, that's a sign of true economic growth.

2022-2024: If the stock market breaks records for more than 70 times and Nominal GDP recovers back to at least the 2018 levels, that's fake and data manipulation.

Anyone who doesn't follow the Great Shaikh Chilli Logic is a slave.
 

Sorry for the delay in responding; I was busy at work. To answer your question, the stock market is just a tool for raising capital and making forward-looking projections on the growth and value of the companies listed.

In Pakistan, there are approximately 500 publicly traded entities, 220,000+ privately held companies on record, and many more privately held not on record. Between the PSX, ISE, and KSE, less than 3% of Pakistanis invest in the markets. There are 12 leading brokerage houses (whales) that, in a sense, control the market, and a mere 40 million dollar movement can shift the market. Not to forget, with the currency impact, the PSX is still half of what it was in 2017 in dollar terms, market cap-wise.

So, how can a mere 500 companies determine and show you the economy's health when Pakistan is rampant with inflation and increased costs of goods and services across the board? Factories are shutting down. No country will give you a line of credit until IMF funding is secured. You are talking about a country struggling to raise a billion dollars not long ago, unable to launch bonds to raise capital due to ratings, and whose national carrier no one wants to touch, as one example.

Now:

1) Real estate has slowed, and excess capital is being shifted to banks and markets for interest and dividend income returns.
2) Whitewashing of money was very common in the past and is currently being used as such.
3) No increase in tax bracket for capital income out of the stock market.

The third is the main point from the whale's perspective and the elites invested in the market. While the salaried class and others had increased tax rates, among other charges, the capital returns on the market weren't touched. Hence, smart money will go where the least tax is paid.

Food for thought: On average, the U.S. markets peaked 8 months before a recession. Why did it follow a recession if it peaked and all was well? Out of the 31 recessions since the Civil War, it returned positive results 16 times during the recession. How does that make sense? You see, it doesn't. Market players maneuver funds, making forward-looking projects.

Lastly, U.S. publicly traded companies employ 1/6th of the workforce while the private sector employs the rest. So, does this reflect the health of the U.S. economy and have a strong correlation? Nope. In Pakistan, less than 10% of the workforce is employed by publicly traded firms. What does this show? It shows the impact is more local, from the private sector, small businesses, retail, and manufacturing, which will tell you about the economy's health. In Pakistan, more private mills are laying off workers than publicly traded, which often goes unreported.

One last thing about the market: PSX and KSE are weighted indexes based on market capitalization. Larger, influential companies have more weight on the index's market cap. For example, in the SP500 Index, the magnificent seven tech companies make up 35% of the value of the index; a shift in those seven companies will significantly impact the index, positively or negatively, based on market sentiment.

Now, if we look at the Russell 2000, which includes small-cap companies, there is an almost even split between positive and negative earnings.

The market is a study in itself. I play it aggressively in the U.S., futures, options, forex, etc. What I stated is just very general; if you listen to the resident retarded Noon-League Space Agency, one would end up looking like Nawaz Shariff's bottom.
 
Last edited:
PSX record rally: more Pakistani companies join billion-dollar club
  • Number of companies with over billion-dollar capitalisation increases from six in May 2024 to 11 in December 2024
Ali Ahmed
Published December 16, 2024

Image generated by AI

Image generated by AI

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has been on a record-breaking spree in recent weeks with its benchmark KSE-100 Index sitting above 116,000 at the close of trading on Monday.

The remarkable bull run has been fueled by a combination of factors including exchange rate stability, smooth transition from one $3-billion Stand-By Arrangement to another larger, longer facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), improvement in index-heavy sector’s earnings, and a general mood for stocks after monetary easing.

The recent surge has been further driven by a lower inflation reading in November, which clocked in at 4.9%, raising hopes for a significant policy rate cut in the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled for December 16 (Monday).

The KSE-100 has offered a nearly 180% since June 1, 2023, when it was at 41,273.20, to settle at 116,169 as of December 16, 2024.

“This marks the best comeback in Pakistan stock market’s 75-year history, tripling in value and showcasing unmatched resilience,” said Topline Securities in a note earlier.


Pakistani companies with market cap of over $1bn at PSX


With the growth of the KSE-100 – widely seen as a benchmark for market performance – Business Recorder is listing companies with the highest market capitalisation with the figure of $1 billion used as a qualification criterion.

As of December 16, 2024, a total of eleven companies listed at the PSX have a market capitalisation of $1 billion or more. MARI currently leads the list with a market cap of $3.53 billion.

  • Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MARI) ($3.53 billion)
By operating the country’s largest gas reservoir at Mari Gas Field, Daharki, Sindh, Mari Petroleum Company Limited (PSX: MARI) is the second largest producer of natural gas.

A public limited company incorporated in Pakistan in 1984, Mari Petroleum is an integrated oil and gas exploration and production company and around 70% exploration success rate, which is much higher than industry averages of around 33% national and 14% international.

Mari’s key customers include fertiliser manufacturers, power generation companies, gas distribution companies; and refineries.

For the financial year 2024, MARI posted a profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs77.28 billion in 2024, up nearly 38% year-on-year (YoY) compared to PAT of Rs56.13 billion in the same period of the previous year.

The Board of Directors (BoD) announced a final cash dividend for the year at Rs134/- per share i.e. 1,340%.

Moreover, the BoD also announced the issue of bonus shares for the year June 30, 2024, of 800% i.e. eight shares for every one share held, from the Capital Redemption Reserve Fund and the balance from Revenue Reserves.

“The issuance of bonus shares is a reflection of the increasingly strong balance sheet of the company with a view to grow and diversify further,” the company said back then.

The market capitalisation of MARI at the PSX stands at $3.53 billion. Its share was priced at Rs899.73 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

“Within the KSE-100 Index, MARI now holds the second-largest weight at 5.60%,” said Arif Habib Limited (AHL).

  • Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) ($3.45 billion)
Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (PSX: OGDC) is the largest exploration and production (E&P) company in Pakistan with operations including exploration, drilling operation services, production, reservoir management, and engineering support.

The company has the most extensive exploration acreage in Pakistan, covering over 40% of the country’s total acreage awarded with net hydrocarbons of oil and gas.

With over 67%, the Government of Pakistan is the largest shareholder in OGDC, followed by the OGDC Employee Empowerment Trust and Privatisation Commission of Pakistan.

Its profile on the PSX says the company was incorporated on October 23, 1997 under the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (now the Companies Act, 2017).

The company was established to undertake the exploration and development of oil and gas resources, including production and sale of oil and gas and related activities formerly carried on by Oil and Gas Development Corporation, which was established in 1961.

For the financial year 2023-24, OGDC posted a profit-after-tax (PAT) reported a profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs208.98 billion.

Earnings registered a decline of nearly 7% as compared to Rs224.62 billion in the same period of the previous year (SPLY).

The market capitalisation of OGDC at the PSX stands at $3.45 billion. Its share was priced at Rs233.29 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) ($1.97 billion)
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PSX: PPL) is a key supplier of natural gas in the country. The company is one of the largest and leading exploration and production companies engaged in conducting exploration, prospecting, development and production of oil and natural gas resources.

The company contributes over 20% of the country’s total natural gas supplies besides producing crude oil, Natural Gas Liquid and Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

For the financial year 2023-24, PPL saw its profit-after-tax (PAT) jump nearly 19% to clock in at Rs115.48 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.

The market capitalisation of PPL at the PSX stands at $1.97 billion. Its share was priced at Rs211.40 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) ($1.83 billion)
Fauji Fertilizer Company (PSX: FFC) is one of Pakistan’s largest fertilizer producers.

FFC is a public company incorporated in Pakistan under the Companies Act, 1913, (now the Companies Act, 2017).

The principal activity of the company is manufacturing, purchasing and marketing fertilizers and chemicals, including investment in other fertilizers, chemicals, cement, energy generation, food processing and banking operations.

As per the latest financial results, the company posted a consolidated profit-after-tax of Rs22.59 billion in the quarter ended September 30, 2024, up nearly 45% compared with Rs15.62 billion in the same period of the previous year.

The market capitalisation of FFC at the PSX stands at $1.83 billion. Its share was priced at Rs420.11 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • United Bank Limited (UBL) ($1.52 billion)
United Bank Limited (PSX: UBL) is one of Pakistan’s largest commercial banks.

The bank is a subsidiary of Bestway (Holdings) Limited which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bestway Group Limited.

As per the bank’s latest financial results, UBL posted a consolidated profit-after-tax of Rs18.32 billion, for the third quarter ended 30 September 2024.

The bank announced an interim cash dividend for the third quarter ended 30 September 2024 at Rs11/- per share i.e.110% this is an addition to the interim dividend already paid at Rs22/- per share i.e. 220%.

The market capitalisation of UBL at the PSX stands at $1.52 billion. Its share was priced at Rs341.39 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL) ($1.47 billion)
Meezan Bank Limited (PSX: MEBL), Pakistan’s first and largest Islamic bank, is a public limited company incorporated in the country in 1997.

The bank formally commenced its operations in 2002 after being issued the first-ever Islamic commercial banking licence by the State Bank of Pakistan. Currently, the bank is engaged in corporate, commercial, consumer, investment and retail banking activities.

As per data available on MEBL’s website, it has a retail banking network of more than 1,000 branches across the country. MEBL’s branch network is supported by banking services that include over 950 ATMs, VISA and MasterCard Debit cards, a call center, internet banking, mobile application and SMS banking facility.

In 3Q2024, Meezan posted consolidated earnings of Rs26.36 billion for the third quarter that ended September 30, 2024, a little over 1% higher from the profit-after-tax Rs25.99 billion in the same period of the preceding year.

The Board of Directors also announced a cash dividend for the period ended September 30, 2024 at Rs7 per share i.e. 70%. This was in addition to the interim dividend already paid at Rs14 per share i.e. 140%.

The market capitalisation of MEBL at the PSX stands at $1.47 billion. Its share was priced at Rs224.47 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Colgate-Palmolive (Pakistan) Limited (COLG) ($1.35 billion)
Colgate-Palmolive Pakistan Limited (PSX: COLG) was set up in 1977 as a public limited company by the name “National Detergents Limited”. It was renamed to what it is now in 1990 when it entered a Participation Agreement with Colgate-Palmolive Company, USA.

The company manufactures and sells detergents, personal care and other related products.

The market capitalisation of COLG at the PSX stands at $1.35 billion. Its share was priced at Rs1,534.69 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Lucky Cement (LUCK) ($1.32 billion)
Lucky Cement is one of Pakistan’s largest cement manufacturers.

The company was incorporated in Pakistan on September 18, 1993 under the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (now the Companies Act, 2017). The principal activity of the company is manufacturing and marketing of cement.

Lucky Cement’s profit-after-tax amounted to Rs72.34 billion, an increase of over 21% during the year 2024, compared with Rs59.54 billion in the previous year on account of higher revenue and lower cost of sales.

The market capitalisation of LUCK at the PSX stands at $1.32 billion. Its share was priced at Rs1,238.84 as of closing on December 13, 2024.

  • Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited (PAKT) ($1.21 billion)
Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited is among the biggest cigarette makers in the country,

PAKT is a public limited company incorporated in Pakistan on November 18, 1947 under the Companies Act, 1913 (now the Companies Act, 2017).

The company is a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (Investments) Limited, United Kingdom, whereas its ultimate parent company is British American Tobacco p.l.c, United Kingdom.

The market capitalisation of PAKT at the PSX stands at $1.21 billion. Its share was priced at Rs1,352.44 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • Nestle Pakistan Limited (NESTLE) ($1.21 billion)
Nestle Pakistan Limited (PSX: NESTLE) is a subsidiary of Nestle S.A based in Vevey, Switzerland and is the leading company in Pakistan in the food and beverages category.

They operate in various segments such as dairy, juices, drinks, nectars, coffee, breakfast cereals, and infant nutrition.

For the nine-month period ending September 30, 2024, the company posted a profit of Rs12.3 billion, reflecting a decline of 22% compared to the same period last year.

The market capitalisation of NESTLE at the PSX stands at $1.21 billion. Its share was priced at Rs7,586.36 as of closing on December 16, 2024.

  • MCB Bank Limited (MCB) ($1.12 billion)
MCB is one of Pakistan’s largest commercial banks.

The public limited company reported a profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs18.13 billion in the quarter ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of nearly 8% against Rs19.66 billion recorded in the same period of the previous year (SPPY).

The market capitalisation of MCB at the PSX stands at $1.12 billion. Its share was priced at Rs258.79 as of closing on December 16, 2024.




Story produced with assistance from brokerage house Arif Habib Limited
3 are banks whose profitability increased due to high interest rates, two are oil companies.

how many of them are exporters? and what is the situation of exports, in dollar terms, compared to imports?
 
  • Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MARI) ($3.53 billion)
  • Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC) ($3.45 billion)
  • Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) ($1.97 billion)
  • Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) ($1.83 billion)
  • United Bank Limited (UBL) ($1.52 billion)
  • Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL) ($1.47 billion)
  • Colgate-Palmolive (Pakistan) Limited (COLG) ($1.35 billion)
  • Lucky Cement (LUCK) ($1.32 billion)
  • Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited (PAKT) ($1.21 billion)
  • Nestle Pakistan Limited (NESTLE) ($1.21 billion)
  • MCB Bank Limited (MCB) ($1.12 billion)

I don't know much about these companies. Judging from the names of the companies, they all seem to be companies that are central to the economic base of some countries.

Why is Pakistan putting these types of companies in the stock market?
 
Sorry for the delay in responding; I was busy at work. To answer your question, the stock market is just a tool for raising capital and making forward-looking projections on the growth and value of the companies listed.

In Pakistan, there are approximately 500 publicly traded entities, 220,000+ privately held companies on record, and many more privately held not on record. Between the PSX, ISE, and KSE, less than 3% of Pakistanis invest in the markets. There are 12 leading brokerage houses (whales) that, in a sense, control the market, and a mere 40 million dollar movement can shift the market. Not to forget, with the currency impact, the PSX is still half of what it was in 2017 in dollar terms, market cap-wise.

So, how can a mere 500 companies determine and show you the economy's health when Pakistan is rampant with inflation and increased costs of goods and services across the board? Factories are shutting down. No country will give you a line of credit until IMF funding is secured. You are talking about a country struggling to raise a billion dollars not long ago, unable to launch bonds to raise capital due to ratings, and whose national carrier no one wants to touch, as one example.

Now:

1) Real estate has slowed, and excess capital is being shifted to banks and markets for interest and dividend income returns.
2) Whitewashing of money was very common in the past and is currently being used as such.
3) No increase in tax bracket for capital income out of the stock market.

The third is the main point from the whale's perspective and the elites invested in the market. While the salaried class and others had increased tax rates, among other charges, the capital returns on the market weren't touched. Hence, smart money will go where the least tax is paid.

Food for thought: On average, the U.S. markets peaked 8 months before a recession. Why did it follow a recession if it peaked and all was well? Out of the 31 recessions since the Civil War, it returned positive results 16 times during the recession. How does that make sense? You see, it doesn't. Market players maneuver funds, making forward-looking projects.

Lastly, U.S. publicly traded companies employ 1/6th of the workforce while the private sector employs the rest. So, does this reflect the health of the U.S. economy and have a strong correlation? Nope. In Pakistan, less than 10% of the workforce is employed by publicly traded firms. What does this show? It shows the impact is more local, from the private sector, small businesses, retail, and manufacturing, which will tell you about the economy's health. In Pakistan, more private mills are laying off workers than publicly traded, which often goes unreported.

One last thing about the market: PSX and KSE are weighted indexes based on market capitalization. Larger, influential companies have more weight on the index's market cap. For example, in the SP500 Index, the magnificent seven tech companies make up 35% of the value of the index; a shift in those seven companies will significantly impact the index, positively or negatively, based on market sentiment.

Now, if we look at the Russell 2000, which includes small-cap companies, there is an almost even split between positive and negative earnings.

The market is a study in itself. I play it aggressively in the U.S., futures, options, forex, etc. What I stated is just very general; if you listen to the resident retarded Noon-League Space Agency, one would end up looking like Nawaz Shariff's bottom.
Well
You have made. Some compelling arguments

I m not an economist and don't invest in stocks
But few observations

Aren't nearly all above arguments true for most of the world?

How.come health of your 500 biggest companies as you stated irrelevant to economy?

Even. If 3% pakistanis invest in stock, given the Asian Muslim family structure of Pakistan it probably reflectsl 15% of your population (only family head and grown males will be investing, they have their whole families behind them unlike western world)

This 15% populous is providing jobs to nearly half of your eligible population, so how they are irrelevant?

The trade volumes these days are upwards of 60 mil daily so arguement of 40 mil can move stocks by 1000s I'd probably not valid



Plus if top 500 companies don't represent economy than how come state of pia does represent it?

Pakistans economic crisis was 99% due to. Mismanagement these days both primary and current accounts are positive default risk has gone down from whooping 80% to below 5%

Wont that be contributing to positive sentiment??

Rest is wait n see I guess
 
Last edited:
well what ever the case is the stock market cant do much in regards to the rampart inflation happening in Pakistan. Thanks to Army and Patwari party and its supporters.
 
Sorry for the delay in responding; I was busy at work. To answer your question, the stock market is just a tool for raising capital and making forward-looking projections on the growth and value of the companies listed.

In Pakistan, there are approximately 500 publicly traded entities, 220,000+ privately held companies on record, and many more privately held not on record. Between the PSX, ISE, and KSE, less than 3% of Pakistanis invest in the markets. There are 12 leading brokerage houses (whales) that, in a sense, control the market, and a mere 40 million dollar movement can shift the market. Not to forget, with the currency impact, the PSX is still half of what it was in 2017 in dollar terms, market cap-wise.

So, how can a mere 500 companies determine and show you the economy's health when Pakistan is rampant with inflation and increased costs of goods and services across the board? Factories are shutting down. No country will give you a line of credit until IMF funding is secured. You are talking about a country struggling to raise a billion dollars not long ago, unable to launch bonds to raise capital due to ratings, and whose national carrier no one wants to touch, as one example.

Now:

1) Real estate has slowed, and excess capital is being shifted to banks and markets for interest and dividend income returns.
2) Whitewashing of money was very common in the past and is currently being used as such.
3) No increase in tax bracket for capital income out of the stock market.

The third is the main point from the whale's perspective and the elites invested in the market. While the salaried class and others had increased tax rates, among other charges, the capital returns on the market weren't touched. Hence, smart money will go where the least tax is paid.

Food for thought: On average, the U.S. markets peaked 8 months before a recession. Why did it follow a recession if it peaked and all was well? Out of the 31 recessions since the Civil War, it returned positive results 16 times during the recession. How does that make sense? You see, it doesn't. Market players maneuver funds, making forward-looking projects.

Lastly, U.S. publicly traded companies employ 1/6th of the workforce while the private sector employs the rest. So, does this reflect the health of the U.S. economy and have a strong correlation? Nope. In Pakistan, less than 10% of the workforce is employed by publicly traded firms. What does this show? It shows the impact is more local, from the private sector, small businesses, retail, and manufacturing, which will tell you about the economy's health. In Pakistan, more private mills are laying off workers than publicly traded, which often goes unreported.

One last thing about the market: PSX and KSE are weighted indexes based on market capitalization. Larger, influential companies have more weight on the index's market cap. For example, in the SP500 Index, the magnificent seven tech companies make up 35% of the value of the index; a shift in those seven companies will significantly impact the index, positively or negatively, based on market sentiment.

Now, if we look at the Russell 2000, which includes small-cap companies, there is an almost even split between positive and negative earnings.

The market is a study in itself. I play it aggressively in the U.S., futures, options, forex, etc. What I stated is just very general; if you listen to the resident retarded Noon-League Space Agency, one would end up looking like Nawaz Shariff's bottom.
After reading that entire bongi and the uncalled for insult at that end, I guess Shaikh Chilli Logic prevails.

Great Shaikh Chilli Logic on World Economy

Stocks markets around the world are irrelevant, they're only representative of a small percentage of an economy and they're mainly used as a tool by the elites to exploit the poor.

Due to this Great Shaikh Chilli logic, it proves Cartoon-e-Azam Imran Khan was honest as during his incompetent tenure the stock market declined along with the Nominal GDP (because elites stopped exploiting the poor) and under PM Shehbaz Sharif, the stock market has broken records for at least 70 times during his second tenure along with an increase in the Nominal GDP, it just proves the rich are exploiting the poor again.
 

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