Category: Corporate

  • Pak Suzuki Motors posts hefty loss of Rs2.5 billion in third quarter

    Pak Suzuki Motors posts hefty loss of Rs2.5 billion in third quarter

    Pak Suzuki Motors Company Limited (PSMC) on Wednesday declared massive loss of Rs2.5 billion for third quarter (July – September) 2022.

    According to financial results submitted to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company announced its third quarter of current year results where it posted loss after tax of Rs2.5 billion compared with profit of Rs443 million in the second quarter. The loss per share of the company came at Rs30.2 as compared with earnings per share Rs5.4 during the period under review.

    The cumulative loss for nine months of current year (January – September 2022) to Rs2.5 billion with loss per share of Rs30.5/-.

    Analysts at AKD Securities Limited said that earnings for the quarter are well below industry expectations due to finance costs going through the roof, clocking in at Rs4.8 billion for the quarter.

    Revenue for the quarter has decreased by 54 per cent quarter on quarter (QoQ) to reach Rs29.8 billion, while also down by 41 per cent year on year (YoY).

    The gross margin in third quarter of the current year clocked in at 5.2 per cent in contrast to the 4.4 per cent in the second quarter of the year. Despite significant currency depreciation, the company has hiked its prices in accordance, with the revised prices of June effective on some of the cars delivered, the analysts added.

    They further said that finance costs have beaten expectations by a mile. With the Rs4.8 billion consisting of hefty compensation on late deliveries, likely north of Rs3 billion. The rest of the distance consists of exchange losses due to the revaluation of foreign trade creditors.

    The company has sustained its strong other income in the quarter, clocking in at Rs1.1 billion owing to strong income from cash balance. The amount is significantly lower than the estimates, primary due to cash balance being diminished by the hefty payments on late deliveries.

  • MCB Bank declares highest ever quarterly profit before tax

    MCB Bank declares highest ever quarterly profit before tax

    LAHORE: MCB Bank Limited on Wednesday announced the highest ever quarterly profit before tax of Rs19.05 billion in the third quarter ended September 30, 2022.

    With strong build up in core earnings, MCB’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) for the nine months period ended September 30, 2022 increased to Rs 51.6 billion against PBT of Rs 38.3 billion of corresponding period last year.

    The Board of Directors of MCB Bank Limited (MCB) in its meeting under the Chairmanship of Mian Mohammad Mansha, on October 26, 2022, reviewed the performance of the Bank and approved the interim financial statements for the nine months period ended September 30, 2022.

    The Board of Directors has declared a 3rd interim cash dividend of Rs. 5.0 per share i.e. 50 per cent, in addition to 90 per cent already paid, bringing the total cash dividend for the nine months period ended September 30, 2022 to 140 per cent.

    Retrospective application of tax amendments along with higher tax rates for current period enacted through Finance Act, 2022 resulted into 62 per cent average tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared to average tax rate of 41 per cent for the corresponding period last year. Profit After Tax (PAT) registered a decline of 12 per cent from Rs. 22.6 billion to Rs. 19.9 billion; translating into Earning Per Share (EPS) of Rs. 16.75 compared to an EPS of Rs. 19.03 in corresponding period last year.

    On the back of strong volumetric growth in current account and favourable yield curve movements, net interest income for nine months period ended September 2022 increased by 29 per cent over corresponding period last year. Average current deposits of the Bank registered a growth of Rs. 91.6 billion (+17 per cent) YoY.

    Non-markup income registered a growth of 41 per cent and reported a base of Rs. 20.25 billion against Rs. 14.38 billion in the corresponding period last year. The contribution from foreign exchange line, debit cards, trade business and home remittances remained strong during the period.

    Despite exceptionally high inflation, impact of currency devaluation and continued investments in human resources, branch network and technological upgradation, operating expenses of the Bank were recorded at Rs. 30.52 billion, growing by a modest 16 per cent year on year, while the cost to income ratio significantly improved to 37.3 per cent from 42.5 per cent reported in corresponding period last year.

    Proactive monitoring and recovery efforts led to a net provision reversal against non-performing loans (NPLs) which aggregated to Rs. 1,883 million for the period under review. Persistent focus on maintaining a robust risk management framework encompassing structured assessment models, effective pre-disbursement evaluation tools and an array of post disbursement monitoring systems has enabled MCB to effectively manage its credit risk. The Non-performing loan (NPL) base of the Bank was reported at Rs. 52.47 billion. The Bank has not taken FSV benefit in calculation of specific provision against its NPLs. The coverage and infection ratios of the Bank were reported at 85.14 per cent and 8.37 per cent, respectively.

    On the financial position side, the total asset base of the Bank grew by 5.4 per cent and was reported at Rs. 2,076 billion. Gross advances registered a slight decline of Rs. 9 billion (-1 per cent), whereas the consumer lending book grew by Rs. 4.8 billion (+12 per cent).

    During the period under review, MCB’s strategic objective of achieving growth in no-cost current account base was reinforced by an uncertain and volatile interest rate scenario, leading to persistent re-pricing gaps between the earning assets and liabilities. Hence, the Bank registered a growth of 21 per cent in non-remunerative deposits to close the period at Rs. 680.33 billion. CASA mix was reported at an industry leading level of 93.73 per cent which reflects customer loyalty earned by the Bank over 75 years through sustained provision of quality services.

    MCB attracted home remittance inflows of USD 2,666 million, during the period under review with market share of 11.5 per cent as an active participant in SBP’s cause for improving flow of remittances into the country through banking channels.

    During the ongoing year, the Bank celebrates successful completion of 75 years of its banking services to the nation. From modest beginnings, the Bank has transformed into a dynamic and innovative organization; overcoming a multitude of challenges along the way with resolve and fortitude. Recognition by the globally coveted Asia Money awards as ‘Pakistan’s Best Corporate Bank of the Year’ in 2022 is a testament to its legacy of posting consistent and exceptional performance for its stakeholders.

    While complying with the regulatory capital requirements, the Bank’s total Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is 17.6 per cent against the requirement of 11.5 per cent (including capital conservation buffer of 1.50 per cent as reduced under the BPRD Circular Letter No. 12 of 2020). Quality of the capital is evident from Bank’s Common Equity Tier-1 (CET1) to total risk weighted assets ratio which comes to 16.47 per cent against the requirement of 6 per cent. Bank’s capitalization also resulted in a Leverage Ratio of 5.62 per cent which is well above the regulatory limit of 3.0 per cent. The Bank reported Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) of 203.85 per cent and Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) of 134.66 per cent against requirement of 100 per cent.

    Pakistan Credit Rating Agency re-affirmed credit ratings of MCB at “AAA / A1+” for long term and short term respectively, through its notification dated June 23, 2022.

    The Bank on consolidated basis is operating the 2nd largest network of more than 1,600 branches in Pakistan and remains one of the prime stocks traded in the Pakistani equity market, with 2nd highest market capitalization in the industry.

  • HBL announces fall in net profit to Rs23.63 billion in nine months

    HBL announces fall in net profit to Rs23.63 billion in nine months

    Habib Bank Limited (HBL) on Wednesday announced 12.42 per cent decline in net profit to Rs23.63 billion for nine months period ended September 30, 2022 as compared with Rs26.98 billion in the same period of the last year.

    Earnings per share (EPS) fell to Rs15.95 for the period as compared with Rs18.21 in the same period of the last year, according to consolidated financial accounts submitted to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

    Board of Directors of Habib Bank Limited met on October 26, 2022 to approve the financial results for nine months and third quarter ended September 30, 2022. The board recommended an interim cash dividend for the third quarter ended September 30, 2022 at Rs1.50 per share i.e. 15 per cent. This is in addition to the interim cash dividend already paid at Rs3.75 per share i.e. 37.5 per cent.

    READ MORE: HBL says allegations meritless

    The decline in net profit of the bank may be attributed to massive increase in tax payment during the period. HBL paid an amount Rs31.97 billion as income tax during January – September 2022 as compared with Rs19.39 billion in the corresponding period of the last year.

    Net mark-up / interest income of the bank grew to Rs116.04 billion in nine months period ended September 30, 2022 when compared with Rs97.15 billion in the same period of the last year.

    READ MORE: HBL comes under scrutiny for assisting terror organizations

    The bank booked huge earnings from foreign exchange income. The foreign exchange income of the bank sharply increased to Rs12.72 billion during January – September 2022 as compared with Rs2.91 billion in the same period of the last year.

    However, the bank incurred massive loss from derivatives which recorded at Rs3.41 billion during the period under review as compared with Rs77 million in the same period of the last year.

    Total income of the bank increased to Rs151.64 billion for nine months ended September 30, 2022 when compared with Rs122.87 billion in the same period of the last year.

    Operating expenses of HBL rose to Rs90.93 billion during first nine months of the year 2022 when compared with Rs70.01 billion in the same period of the last year.

    The bank declared profit before tax at Rs59.19 billion for nine months period ended September 30, 2022 when compared with Rs51.87 billion in the corresponding period of the last year.

  • Ismail Industries posts 150% growth in after tax profit for 1QFY23

    Ismail Industries posts 150% growth in after tax profit for 1QFY23

    KARACHI: Ismail Industries Limited has announced massive 150 per cent growth in its after tax profit for the first quarter (July – September) of the fiscal year 2022-2023.

    According to consolidated financial results shared with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company announced profit after tax at Rs1.21 billion for the three months period ended September 30, 2022 as compared with Rs485 million in the corresponding period of the last year.

    Earnings per share both basic and diluted is at Rs18.61 for the period under review as compared with Rs7.57 in the same period of the last year.

    Ismail Industries Limited is one of the largest food companies in Pakistan, manufacturing a wide range of confectionery, biscuits, snacks and packaging films under the brand names of CandyLand, Bisconni, SnackCity and Astro Films respectively.

    Board of Directors of the company met on October 24, 2022 approved the financial results and announced no interim cash dividend / bonus shares for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

    Net sales of the company grew to Rs21.94 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 as compared with Rs14.57 billion in the corresponding quarter of the last fiscal year.

    Cost of sales came at Rs15.45 billion for the quarter under review as compared with Rs10.43 billion in the same quarter of the last year.

    The company recorded selling and distribution expenses at Rs1.74 billion for the quarter July – September 2022 as compared with Rs1.22 billion in the corresponding quarter of the last year.

    Administrative expenses of the company were at Rs301 million for the period of three months ended September 30, 2022 as compared with Rs226 million in the same period of the last year.

    Profit before taxation recorded at Rs1.46 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 as compared with Rs709 million in the same quarter of the last fiscal year.

  • Unilever Pakistan forecasts erosion in consumer purchasing power

    Unilever Pakistan forecasts erosion in consumer purchasing power

    KARACHI: Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited – fast-moving consumer goods company – on Monday said that high inflation to erode purchasing power of consumers.

    While presenting financial results for nine months period ended September 30, 2022, the company said Pakistan’s economic and operating environment remains challenging as the country continues to grapple with sustained double-digit inflation, low foreign exchange reserves and aftermath of recent floods.

    “The above factors are expected to result in a considerable overall economic slowdown and further erosion of purchasing power of the consumers.”

    It said that in the midst of the situation, the management remains committed to navigating the challenges and staying relevant to the consumer by leveraging the power of its brands, delivering delightful innovations and driving cost transformation. “We are confident that we will continue to deliver competitive, consistent, responsible and profitable growth benefitting all stakeholders,” the company added.

    The board of directors of the company met on October 24, 2022 and approved the un-audited condenses interim financial information for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

    According to the company, despite challenging economic and political environment, the business continued its positive momentum and delivered a growth of 36.6 per cent with a healthy mix of pricing and volume.

    The growth was broad based with both retail and food solution business delivering consistent performance on the back of strong brand equity, innovations and wider distribution.

    “Inflationary headwinds resulted in a gross margin dilution of 202 basis points to 41.4 per cent. However, earnings per share grew by 33.3 per cent led by strong topline growth,” the company added.

  • Business leaders stress collaboration for Pakistan’s growth

    Business leaders stress collaboration for Pakistan’s growth

    Pakistan needs collaboration for economic growth, business leaders stressed this at the inaugural launch and dialogue of Marketing Association of Pakistan (MAP) on the theme of “Imagining the Unimaginable” a day earlier.

    Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Former State Minister and Chairman Board of Investment (BOI), President Marketing Association of Pakistan (MAP) said the prevailing economic situation in the country is short-lived but it has to be revived in months to come considering the billions of dollar potential exist in every sector of economy.

    He said Pakistan is a very attractive market for foreign investors even in this situation which is evident that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is willing to initiate a dialogue with Pakistan for exploring various venues of investment on a long-term basis.

    He said that MAP’s role is very meaningful in the contribution of the private sector and the economy of the country however it needs to enhance its footprint through various chapters and the new membership of experienced members and leaders including women professionals.

    Quoting a theme imagine the unimaginable, Faysal Bank Limited CEO & President Yousaf Hussain said the Faysal Bank has been converted to a full-fledged Islamic bank by the end of 2022, which was a dream of its board of directors eight years ago.

    The bank will enhance its presence with nearly 700 branches converted by the end of 2022 to be the second largest Islamic of the country with wide range of innovative products including a Sharia-compliant credit card.

    Muhammad Aurangzeb, President and CEO Habib Bank Limited and Chairman Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA) said Pakistan’s exit from FATF’s grey list is the prime example of the benefits a united efforts by the policymakers, state institutions and the private secto can bring and this should be replicated with the same spirit for addressing the core macroeconomic issues.

    He added that the Charter of Economy is a workable idea at a national level to address the selected areas of the economy by all these key stakeholders on a sustainable basis.

    Ghias Khan, President Overseas Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) and Engro Corporation said the government should devise a comprehensive policy environment that can give a boost to productive sectors and industries rather than unproductive sectors like real estate.

    He also said that the government should also realize that the country’s economic growth is bound to regional growth like in the case of the GCC and ASEAN, hence, bilateral trade with neighboring countries should be promoted in the future. 

    Maheen Rahman, CEO InfraZamin said that Pakistan stands among the five most populous countries in the world but its contribution is negligible in the global economy whereas 60  per cent GDP of the world is contributed by 10 most populous countries and unfortunately we being part of this select group only contribute 0.4 per cent

    She highlighted that Pakistan can double its share in the global economy by doubling its GDP, labour productivity, and women’s participation in the workforce. In this regard, investment in human capital is indispensable mainly in the areas of health, education and skilled development. 

    Aamir Paracha, CEO Unilever Pakistan Limited said the government policy should also consider its focus from GDP growth rate to the development of Human Development Index (HDI), which we as a country stand among the lowest across the world.

    He further said that the government and NGOs could not fill the gap between society and the economy but the private sector should also take ownership for the development of the socio-economic situation of the country, he further said.

    Former Information Minister Javed Jabbar said Pakistan has immense potential to develop on the face of the world with various unique derivatives, lots of opportunities, and its geographical presence.

    The formation of Pakistan can also be attributed as imagining the unimagine as not only British Empire but congress and Muslim scholars were against Quad-e-Azam, the founder of Pakistan, he added.

    Country Manager SAP Pakistan was the moderator of the dialogue.

  • Manufacturing Panadol on negative margins unsustainable: GSK Pakistan

    Manufacturing Panadol on negative margins unsustainable: GSK Pakistan

    GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan on Friday declared force majeure due to negative margins for manufacturing of Panadol tablets in the country.

    The company in a statement said we are one of the few multinational companies left operating in the country.

    However, due to the challenges stated above, manufacturing of the Panadol range on negative margins is unsustainable, and despite exhaustive efforts of the Company to mitigate this matter through dialogue, the situation is now beyond our control.

    “We are thus forced to declare force majeure regarding the production of Panadol Tablets, Panadol Extra Tablets and Children’s Panadol Liquid Range.”

    The company said this is further to our several letters to various government stakeholders regarding the critical issue of extraordinary and rapid increase in paracetamol (raw material) prices in Pakistan, and our appeals to the Federal Government to accord approvals for the adjustments to the selling price(s) of the captioned Panadol range of products, all of which are Paracetamol based.

    We had obtained the approval in the 50th Drug Pricing Committee (DPC) of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), held on 12 January 2022 which were recommended by the DPC for the approval of the Cabinet. But, according to media reports, the same have been rejected after a prolonged delay by the latter without any intimation of reason(s) given to the Company.

    Also, although the company has received a routine Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) adjustment for the year 2022 from DRAP on 25 August 2022, the same is not commensurate with the debilitating increase in the prices of the raw material of Paracetamol.

    The Company has been an integral part of the pharmaceutical / industrial sector and has made substantial contributions to the economic growth and stability of Pakistan. We have created thousands of jobs, pay taxes, and save Pakistan foreign exchange through import substitution or earned for Pakistan as a result of the exports of its products.

    The Company is proud to supply reliable, efficacious and high-quality products with an established safety profile, which have become household names, with the captioned Panadol range being no exception. As a responsible corporate citizen, the Company holds the trust of its patients, consumers, healthcare practitioners, shareholders and all other stakeholders in the highest of regard. During the last twelve (12) months, the Company produced nearly 5,400 million tablets of Panadol 500mg and Panadol Extra to serve its customers, consumers and patients in need.

    The Company has played a critical, consumer / patient focused and responsible role during the COVID-19 pandemic, dengue fever crisis and floods across Pakistan, by ensuring continuous supplies of the Panadol range; this despite incurring heavy financial losses on the production of the said Panadol range due to an increase in the price of Paracetamol raw ingredients and in the absence of due approval by the Federal Government of the recommendation of the DPC / DRAP.

    We remain keen to meet you to resolve the situation – so that we can continue to deliver everyday healthcare to Pakistani people. We urge the Federal Government to take urgent action to rationalise the prices of the impacted Panadol range commensurate with the increase in the price of the impacted raw material and as recommended by the Drug Pricing Committee of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, so as to enable the Company to continue supporting the government to ensure an ongoing supply to all patients and consumers in need.

  • Allied Bank’s profit declines in 9MCY22 as tax payment surges by 129%

    Allied Bank’s profit declines in 9MCY22 as tax payment surges by 129%

    KARACHI: Allied Bank of Pakistan (ABL) has declared fall in net profit to Rs12.63 billion during nine months period ended September 30, 2022 as tax payment of the bank surged by 129 per cent.

    According to financial results submitted to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Thursday, the bank declared Rs12.63 billion profit after tax during January – September 2022 as compared with Rs13.07 billion in the same period of the last year.

    The fall in profit may be attributed to massive increase in tax liability during the period. Allied Bank paid an amount of Rs20.39 billion as income tax for the nine months period ended September 30, 2022 as compared with Rs8.90 billion in the corresponding months of the last year.

    As per the unconsolidated results, the bank announced earnings per share at Rs11.03 for the nine months period ended September 30, 2022 as compared with Rs11.41 in the same period of the last year.

    The board of directors of Allied Bank Limited met on October 20, 2022 and approved an interim cash dividend for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 at Rs2 per share i.e. 20 per cent. This is in addition to interim dividend already paid at Rs4 per share i.e. 40 per cent.

    The net mark-up/interest income of the bank rose to Rs45.44 billion during January – September 2022 as compared with Rs34.68 billion in the same period of the last year.

    Total non mark-up/interest income grew to Rs16.33 billion for the period under review as compared with Rs11.73 billion in the corresponding period of the last year. Out of this, the foreign exchange income massively increased to Rs7.14 billion as compared with Rs1.11 billion.

    Operating expenses of the bank grew to Rs28.47 billion during first nine months of the current year as compared with Rs24.42 billion in the same period of the last year.

    The bank declared Rs33 billion as profit before tax for nine months ended September 30, 2022 as compared with Rs21.97 billion in the corresponding months of the last year.

  • Suzuki Pakistan announces plant shutdown on inventory shortage

    Suzuki Pakistan announces plant shutdown on inventory shortage

    KARACHI: Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited on Thursday announced a temporary plant shutdown due to shortage of inventory after conditions imposed by the central bank.

    In a communication sent to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company stated that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had introduced a mechanism for prior approval for importer under HS Code 8703 category, including CKDs through a circular No. 09 issued on May 20, 2022.

    READ MORE: Suzuki Motors extends plant shutdown in Pakistan

    “Restriction had adversely impacted clearance of import consignment which resultantly affected the inventory levels,” it added.

    Therefore, due to shortage of inventor level, the management of the company has decided to shut down automobile plant for period extending from October 24, 2022 to October 26, 2022. “However, motorcycle plant will remain operative,” it said.

    READ MORE: Suzuki Motor Pakistan continues plant shutdown

    The company for the last several months is making similar announcement due to shortage of inventory and raw material for the locally manufactured cars.

    READ MORE: Suzuki Motor announces further plant shutdown in Pakistan

    According to latest data of locally assembled car sales, Pak Suzuki witnessed sharp decline during the first quarter (July – September) of fiscal year 2022/2023. The car sales of Pakistan Suzuki fell to 16,639 units during the first quarter of the current fiscal year as compared with 38,431 units in the same quarter of the last fiscal year.

    READ MORE: New prices of Suzuki cars in Pakistan from August 16, 2022

  • UBL announces 18% decline in net profit on huge tax payment

    UBL announces 18% decline in net profit on huge tax payment

    KARACHI: United Bank Limited (UBL) has posted 18 per cent decline in net profit to Rs18.76 billion for the nine months period ended September 30, 2022.

    The profit after tax of the bank was Rs22.76 billion in the same months of the last year, according to financial results of the bank submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

    Bank has declared earnings per share for the period at Rs15.33 as compared with EPS of Rs18.59 in the nine months period ended September 30, 2021.

    The decline in net profit may be attributed to massive surged in payment of income tax during the period. The bank paid an amount of Rs31.89 billion for the period January – September 2022 when compared with Rs16.56 billion in the same period of the last year.

    Board of directors of the bank met on Wednesday October 19, 2022 to approve the financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The board approved an interim cash dividend for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 at Rs4 per share i.e. 40 per cent. This is in addition to interim dividend already paid at Rs9 per share i.e. 90 per cent.

    According to the financial results, the bank recorded an increase in net mark-up/interest income to Rs72.77 billion during first nine months of the current year as compared with Rs53.68 billion in the same months of the last year.

    Total non mark-up / interest income also increased to Rs22.12 billion as against Rs17.28 billion. Out of non mark-up/interest income the bank made huge gain of Rs7.63 billion as foreign exchange income during first nine months of the current year as compared with Rs2.56 billion in the same period of the last year.

    Total income of the bank rose to Rs94.89 billion when compared with Rs70.97 billion.

    Operating expenses of the bank grew to Rs37.77 billion from Rs31.2 billion. The bank recorded profit before tax at Rs50.65 billion during January – September 2022 as compared with Rs39.32 billion in the same period of the last year.