Category: Corporate

  • Habib Bank posts 33% decline in half year profit

    Habib Bank posts 33% decline in half year profit

    KARACHI: Habib Bank Limited (HBL), one of the largest banks in Pakistan, has posted 33 per cent decline in profit for the half year ended June 30, 2022.

    According to financial results submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the bank declared profit after tax at Rs12.11 billion for the half year ended June 30, 2022 as compared with Rs18.03 billion in the same half of the last year.

    READ MORE: FFBL declares Rs1.7 billion in 2QCY22

    The sharp decline in net profit may be attributed to significant rise in payment of taxes. The bank paid an amount of Rs22.48 billion as taxes during the half year ended June 30, 2022 as compared with Rs13.17 billion in the same half of the last year, showing an increase of 71 per cent.

    The HBL issued the condensed interim consolidated profit and loss account (unaudited) for the six months ended June 30, 2022. It declared basic and diluted earnings per share at Rs8.10 for the half year ended June 30, 2022 as compared with EPS of Rs12.04 in the same half of the last year.

    READ MORE: Hyundai announces second quarter financial results

    Net mark-up income of the bank increased to Rs73.89 billion for the first half (January – June) 2022 as compared with Rs64.86 billion in the same half of the last year.

    Total non-mark up income of the bank also increased to Rs23.67 billion for the half year under review as compared with Rs17.61 billion in the same half of the last fiscal year.

    READ MORE: PTCL declares 39% growth in half year net profit

    This brings the total income of the HBL at Rs97.57 billion for the half year ended June 30, 2022 as compared with Rs82.47 billion in the same half of the last year.

    The operating expenses of the bank increased to Rs59.05 billion during the half year under review as compared with Rs46.85 billion in the same half of the last year.

    READ MORE: Honda Cars declares 40% surge in annual profit

  • Suzuki Motors warns plant shutdown in Pakistan

    Suzuki Motors warns plant shutdown in Pakistan

    KARACHI: Suzuki Motors Co. Ltd. on Thursday warned shutting down its production plant in Pakistan due to import restrictions.

    In a communication sent to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the auto manufacturer said that State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had introduced a mechanism for prior approval for import under HS Code 8703 category (including CKD) vide circular No. 09 of 2022 dated May 20, 2022.

    READ MORE: Indus Motors rebuts plant shutdown reports

    “Restrictions had adversely impacted clearance of import consignments of the company from the ports which might result in shutdown of the plant in near future,” the company said, adding that Pak Suzuki has stopped bookings of its products since July 01, 2022.

    The company further clarified that at present it had not plan to shut down the plant. “The production schedule of the company and any non-production days remain contingent on a number of external factors,” it said.

    READ MORE: Toyota Indus Motors offers 100% refunds on booking cancellation

    The company is actively monitoring its production and operations and is closely working with the government of Pakistan and the central bank to alleviate the present challenges.

    A day earlier, Indus Motors Company– the manufacturers of Toyota cars in Pakistan, also issued a statement in this regard.

    READ MORE: Toyota lowers July production in Japan

    The IMC said that the auto sector was facing unprecedented difficulties in its operations due to ongoing economic challenges and factors beyond the control of automobiles manufacturers.

    “The unprecedented devaluation of Pakistan Rupee (PKR), coupled with restrictions imposed by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) regarding prior LC approval for Completely Knocked Down (CKD) imports and continuing financing instability has radically impacted the auto industry,” the IMC said.

    The company clarified that as of today (July 27, 2022), there are no plans fixed for complete plant shutdown for more than two weeks in the month of August 2022.

    READ MORE: COVID-19 cases reported at Toyota work sites

  • Indus Motors rebuts plant shutdown reports

    Indus Motors rebuts plant shutdown reports

    KARACHI: Indus Motors Company Limited (IMC), the manufacturer of Toyota motors in Pakistan, on Wednesday strongly rebuts the news reports about complete shutdown of its plants.

    In a communication sent to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company said IMC acknowledged the auto sector is facing unprecedented difficulties in its operations due to ongoing economic challenges and factors beyond the control of automobiles manufacturers.

    READ MORE: COVID-19 cases reported at Toyota work sites

    “The unprecedented devaluation of Pakistan Rupee (PKR), coupled with restrictions imposed by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) regarding prior LC approval for Completely Knocked Down (CKD) imports and continuing financing instability has radically impacted the auto industry,” the company said.

    The company clarified that as of today (July 27, 2022), there are no plans fixed for complete plant shutdown for more than two weeks in the month of August 2022.

    READ MORE: Hyundai, Kia sign pact to develop mobility to explore moon

    “The production schedule of the company and any non-production days remain contingent on a number of external and variable factors,” the company said.

    The company is actively monitoring its production and operations, and is closely working with the government and the SBP to alleviate the present challenges.

    The company in its communication said that in the event that there is any material update regarding the aforesaid matter, it will be timely communicated to the PSX as per the requirement of PSX regulations.

    READ MORE: Hyundai announces second quarter financial results

  • KAPCO to contest NEPRA’s show cause notice

    KAPCO to contest NEPRA’s show cause notice

    KARACHI: Kot Addu Power Company (KAPCO) on Tuesday announced to contest a show cause notice issued by a regulatory authority.

    In a communication sent to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company said it will contest the show cause notice as per law by, inter alia, submitting a detailed reply within the stipulated period and will vehemently present its case before NEPRA and all relevant forums that there is no breach by the Company of any rules and regulations under the NEPRA Act.

    READ MORE: Pakistan approves LNG at $9 per MMBTU for export sector

    The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has issued a show cause notice (received on July 25, 2022) to the Company under section 27B of Regulatory of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997 (NEPRA Act) read with relevant rules and regulations alleging prima facie violation of Regulation 6 (2) of NEPRA Interim Power Procurement (Procedures and Standards) Regulations, 2005 in respect of the extension of the Company’s Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a period of 485 days pursuant to the terms agreed between the Company and the Power Purchaser for settlement of the liquidated damages dispute between the Company and the Power Purchaser by invoking the terms of the PPA under Other Force Majeure Events (OFME).

    READ MORE: NEPRA to conduct public hearing on KE’s petition on July 28

    Through the show cause notice, NEPRA has sought reply of the Company, to be submitted not later than fifteen days of receipt of the show cause notice, as to why appropriate legal action may not be taken against the Company under relevant rules and regulations of the NEPRA Act, inter alia, including imposition of fine as prescribed.

    It is Company’s position that the extension of the PPA for 485 days is within the terms of the PPA and Company’s application for extension of generation license was filed with NEPRA within the period stipulated in the applicable regulations. Hence, there is no breach by the Company of any applicable regulations.

  • Avanceon partners to upgrade fertilizer company

    Avanceon partners to upgrade fertilizer company

    LAHORE: Avanceon Limited on Tuesday announced that it partnered with Compressor Controls Corporation (CCC) to upgrade a fertilizer company.

    In a communication sent to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Avanceon Limited said it had partnered with Compressor Controls Corporation (CCC) to retrofit a high value upgradation project for the one of the largest fertilizer companies in Pakistan.

    READ MORE: FFBL declares Rs1.7 billion in 2QCY22

    The project will entail Total Train Solution (Anti-Surge, Speed Control and Performance Control) for improvement and upgradation of critical compressor turbine systems to achieve smooth and energy efficient operations for the customer.

    Avanceon is a Channel Partner of CCC for the Pakistan region. CCC is strategically positioned around the globe to ensure its customers receive the local expertise and dedicated service they expect. Avanceon has more than three decades of expertise and experience within the industrial automation space. It is constantly looking to improve its services portfolio by collaborating with like-minded partners to create value for customers and improve operational effectiveness.

    READ MORE: Hyundai announces second quarter financial results

    Avanceon and CCC jointly aim to achieve a totally integrated system that provides safe and efficient surge protection with stable and precise process control for the customer. The scope of work for this project entails,

    • Detailed Site Audit for Reliable and Energy Efficient Operations

    • Supply, Installation, Programming, and Supervision of Compressor Control System with 1. Anti-Surge Control 2. Performance Control 3. Speed Control

    • Start Up and Performance Testing Services

    READ MORE: PTCL declares 39% growth in half year net profit

    Avanceon conducted comprehensive site surveys and discussed the operations with various personnel (Process, Operations, Machinery, and Instrumentation) to improve compressor operations. CCC proposed the control system that would address the customer’s primary control objectives.

    With this project, Avanceon and CCC aim to achieve anti surge control quality, improve compressor availability, save energy, reduce operator interventions and human error, critical event archiving for diagnostics, and improve overall plant efficiency for the customer.

    READ MORE: Pakistan banks register record profit in 1Q2022

  • Honda Cars declares 29% fall in quarterly profit

    Honda Cars declares 29% fall in quarterly profit

    KARACHI: Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited on Tuesday announced a sharp decline of over 29 per cent recorded in its net profit for the quarter ended June 30, 2022.

    READ MORE: Honda to slash production on supply constraints

    The company declared Rs658.2 million profit after tax for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 as compared with Rs928.22 million in the same quarter a year ago.

    Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited announced earnings per share (EPS) at Rs4.61 for the period under review as compared with EPS of Rs6.5 announced for the same quarter a year ago.

    READ MORE: Suzuki starts producing outboard motors with plastic collecting device

    The board of directors of the company in their meetings held on July 26, 2022 approved the results and recommended no cash dividend, bonus shares or right shares, according to financial results submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX).

    According to the financial results, the company declared sales of Rs30.24 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 as compared with Rs21.764 billion in the same quarter a year ago.

    READ MORE: Hyundai announces second quarter financial results

    The cost of sales increased to Rs28.33 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 as compared with Rs20.17 billion in the same quarter a year ago.

    This resulted in gross profit of the company at Rs1.92 billion as compared with same quarter previous year at Rs1.59 billion.

    The overall expenses of the company rose to Rs821 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 as compared with Rs231.25 million in the same quarter of the last year.

    READ MORE: Honda unveils all-new Civic Type R

  • FFBL declares Rs1.7 billion in 2QCY22

    FFBL declares Rs1.7 billion in 2QCY22

    KARACHI: Fauji Fertilizers Bin Qasim Limited (FFBL) on Tuesday declared Rs1.7 billion profit after tax (PAT) for the quarter ended June 30, 2022.

    The company announced financial results for its 2QCY22 results, where it posted unconsolidated PAT of Rs1.7 billion (EPS: 1.38), down 32 per cent YoY.

    This takes cumulative 1HCY22 PAT to Rs3.4 billion (earnings per share (EPS): Rs2.64) vs PAT of Rs3.8 billion (EPS: Rs3.0) in same period last year.

    READ MORE: Hyundai announces second quarter financial results

    The result is above our expectation due to higher other income and higher volumetric sales.

    Company posted topline of Rs46.1 billion vs Rs16.9 billion in same period last year (SPLY), depicting an increase of 173 per cent. The primary reason for higher sales is attributable to higher realized Diammonium phosphate (DAP) prices and 50 per cent increase in DAP volumetric sales.

    On QoQ basis, topline recorded a growth of 86 per cent, on the back of higher volumetric sale and fertilizer prices.

    READ MORE: PTCL declares 39% growth in half year net profit

    Gross margins clocked in at 19 per cent during 2QCY22, down the 270 basis points (bps) on QoQ basis, attributable to higher phosacid prices (up by 9 per cent QoQ).

    Finance cost witnessed a jump of 49 per cent/ 28 per cent on YoY/QoQ basis, amid rising financing cost.

    Other income clocked in at Rs3.2 billion, up by 31 per cent/ 191 per cent YoY/QoQ. The increase is mainly attributable to dividend from PMP.

    Other expenses for 2QCY22, clocked in at Rs2.9 billion, vs Rs0.94 billion in 1QCY22. The significant jump in other charges is due to exchange loss on account of trade payables.

    READ MORE: Pakistan banks register record profit in 1Q2022

    Effective tax rate for the quarter clocked in at 71 per cent, attributable to imposition of super tax and poverty alleviation tax announced in federal budget. As per management, company has recorded super tax of Rs2.7 billion in June, 2022.

  • Hyundai announces second quarter financial results

    Hyundai announces second quarter financial results

    SEOUL, South Korea: Hyundai Motor Company on Thursday announced its financial results for Q2 (second quarter) of 2022.

    The company’s revenue and operating profit from April to June rose 18.7 percent and 58 percent year-over-year to KRW 36 trillion and 2.98 trillion, respectively. 

    READ MORE: Honda unveils all-new Civic Type R

    During the three-month period, Hyundai Motor posted operating profit margin of 8.3 percent, and net profit, including non-controlling interest, increased 55.6 percent to KRW 3.08 trillion.

    Hyundai sold 976,350 units around the globe in the second quarter, a 5.3 percent decrease from the year earlier. Sales in markets outside of Korea were down by 4.4 percent to 794,052 units, and sales in Korea decreased 9.2 percent to 182,298 units. The decrease in sales volume mainly stemmed from the ongoing global chip and component shortage and geopolitical issues.

    READ MORE: Pakistan reintroduces capital value tax on motor vehicles

    A robust sales mix of SUV and Genesis luxury models, reduced incentives from a lower level of inventory, and a favorable foreign exchange environment helped lift revenue in the second quarter, despite the slowdown in sales volume amid an adverse economic environment.

    Hyundai’s EV model sales surged 49 percent from a year earlier to 53,126 units in the second quarter, accounting for 5.4 percent of its total sales volume. 

    The company maintains its financial guidance that was set in January for 13~14 percent of consolidated revenue growth and 5.5~6.5 percent annual consolidated operating profit margin.

    Hyundai Motor’s board today approved a plan to pay an interim dividend of KRW 1,000 per common share.

    READ MORE: Chevrolet unveils all-electric 2024 Blazer EV

    Hyundai to optimize business operations with electrification leadership around the world

    Hyundai Motor expects a gradual recovery from the global chip and component shortage. However, the company also anticipates external uncertainties to continue, including the supply chain disruption caused by the resurgence of a COVID-19 variant and fluctuation in raw material costs due to geopolitical issues.

    In addition, the company expects currency rate volatility as well as increasing marketing costs due to fiercer competition among automakers as a burden for the rest of this year.

    In order to cope with the uncertainties, the company will focus on the recovery of sales through an optimized production-sales plan in global operations that will enhance its product mix with SUVs and luxury models to secure robust profitability.

    In addition, Hyundai will continue to strengthen its global leadership position in electric vehicles with its new IONIQ 6 battery electric vehicle, which will launch in the third quarter.

  • NITL declares dividends for funds in FY22

    NITL declares dividends for funds in FY22

    KARACHI: National Investment Trust Limited (NITL) on Wednesday declared annual results for its funds under management for the fiscal year 2022.

    NITL has distributed total dividend of over Rs4.77 billion for the year FY22 representing an impressive 73 per cent growth over previous year.

    Adnan Afridi MD NITL said that, all of the fixed income and money market Funds performed well and have generated competitive returns during the year. However, due to the economic and political uncertainties overall stock market (KSE – 100 index) declined by 12 per cent in FY22, similarly our equity funds performed in line with the market.

    He further added, in pursuance of our objective to offer diversification to our unit holders through innovative products, NITL launched NIT Social Impact Fund (NIT – SIF) and NIT Islamic Money Market Fund (NIT- IMMF) in FY22.

    NIT Social Impact Fund (NIT – SIF) is an open-end Micro Finance Sector specific Income Fund that shall channelize funds for financial returns and sustainable social impact. NIT Islamic Money Market Fund would provide competitive return by primarily investing in low risk and highly liquid Shariah Compliant Money Market & Debt Instruments.

    He further said NITL is in process of launching NIT Pakistan Technology ETF which will be the first ever IT Sector ETF in Pakistan. During the year 2021-22 NITL has maintained the highest asset manager rating of AM1 by accredited rating agencies, PACRA and VIS Credit Rating Co. Ltd.  This is the top-quality asset management rating for asset management companies.

    Adnan Afridi hoped that the unit holders would continue to invest in trust and allow NITL management to manage their portfolios.

    NI(U)T Fund:

    Despite challenging macroeconomic and market conditions, NIT has maintained its 59 years history of consistently paying dividends and declared a cash dividend of Rs2.44 per unit for unit holders of NI(U)T Fund against the dividend of Rs1.61 last year i.e. an increase of 51.56 per cent from last year. The payment of dividend at Rs2.44 per unit translates to a payout of Rs2.00 billion among its unit holders.

    NIT Money Market Fund (NIT MMF):

    During FY22, NITL paid cumulative per unit cash dividend of Rs0.9789 for unit holders of NIT Money Market Fund in the form of twelve interim payouts. 

    During the year under review, the Fund yielded an annualized return of 10.79 per cent p.a. compared to the benchmark return of 9.28 per cent p.a., an outperformance by 1.51 per cent. During FY22 net assets of NIT Money Market Fund grew by almost 51 per cent to Rs18, 592 million as of 30th June 2022 as compared to Rs12, 302 million as of 30th June 2021.

    NIT Islamic Money Market Fund (NIT IMMF):

    Since its launch on September 23, 2021 till 30th June 2022, NITL paid cumulative per unit cash dividend of Rs7.3553 for unit holders of NIT Islamic Money Market Fund in the form of interim payouts. 

    During the year under review, the Fund yielded an annualized return of 10.23 per cent p.a. compared to the benchmark return of 3.78 per cent p.a. an outperformance by 6.45 per cent. Net assets of NIT Islamic Money Market Fund stood at Rs2, 603 million as of 30th June 2022.

    NIT Islamic Income Fund (NIT- IIF):

    NIT has declared a per unit cash dividend of Rs0.8374 for unit holders of NIT Islamic Income Fund for the year ended on 30th June 2022. During FY22, the Fund generated an annualized return of 9.67 per cent p.a. compared to the benchmark return of 3.34 per cent p.a. hence posted a significant outperformance of 6.33 per cent. As of 30th June 2022, the net assets of the Fund stood at Rs830 million.

    NIT Income Fund (NIT-IF):

    NIT has declared a cash dividend of Rs1.0339 per unit for unit holders of NIT Income Fund for the year ended on 30th June 2022. During FY22, NIT-IF yielded an annualized return of 10.64 per cent p.a. The net assets of the fund stood at Rs3, 716 million as of June 2022.

    NIT Government Bond Fund (NIT-GBF):

    NIT has declared a per unit cash dividend of Rs0.8753 for unit holders of NIT GBF for the year ended on 30th June 2022. During FY22, NIT GBF yielded an annualized return of 9.32 per cent p.a. The net assets of the fund stood at Rs3, 008 million as of June 2022.

    NIT – Equity Market Opportunity Fund (NIT-EMOF)

    NIT has declared a per unit cash dividend of Rs10.00 for unit holders of NIT Equity Market Opportunity Fund for the year ended on 30th June 2022. During FY22, the Net Asset of the Fund stood at Rs6, 818 million as of 30th June 2022.

    NIT – Islamic Equity Fund (NIT-IEF)

    NIT has declared a per unit cash dividend of Rs0.35 for unit holders of NIT Islamic Equity Fund for the year ended on 30th June 2022. During FY22, the net assets of the fund stood at Rs2, 574 million.

    NIT-State Enterprise Fund (NIT-SEF)

    NIT has declared a cash dividend of Rs0.64 per unit for unit holders of NIT-State Enterprise Fund for the year ended on June 30, 2022. The net assets of the fund stood at Rs1, 257 million as on June 30, 2022.

    NIT-Social Impact Fund (NIT-SIF)

    NIT has declared a cash dividend of Rs0.1615 per unit for unit holders of NIT-Social Impact Fund for the year ended on June 30, 2022. During FY22, NIT-SIF yielded an annualized return of 14.93 per cent p.a. The net assets of the fund stood at Rs735.22 million as on June 30, 2022.

  • Engro Polymer collaborates for industry-academia linkage program  

    Engro Polymer collaborates for industry-academia linkage program  

    KARACHI: Engro Polymer & Chemicals (EPCL), a subsidiary of Engro Corporation, signed a partnership on Wednesday, to understand (MoU) with the University of Engineering & Technology (UET), Lahore, to strengthen industry-academia linkage through cooperation in research and innovation along with professional development opportunities for students.

    The MoU was signed by Jahangir Piracha, CEO of EPCL and Professor Dr. Syed Mansoor Sarwar, Vice Chancellor at UET Lahore, in the presence of officials of both institutions, and Pakistan Chemical Manufacturers Association representatives Haroon Ali Khan, Vice Chairman and Abrar Ahmed, Vice President.

    READ MORE: ITMinds, Pak Qater enter into outsourcing arrangement

    Under the agreement, EPCL and UET will jointly undertake research and development initiatives at the well-equipped testing facilities of the institute’s Polymer & Process engineering faculty. This partnership will enable quantitative advancements to EPCL’s PVC production process and the Quality function.

    It will also enhance the knowledge base and availability of technical experts for EPCL’s Techno-Commercial functions. Using these facilities, EPCL may also provide technical and management consultancy and advisory services to PVC finished goods manufacturers for optimized performance and innovative solutions.

    READ MORE: SECP’s company registration goes up to 169,919 till May 2022

    For capability enhancement of UET students and faculty, EPCL will also assist students with pragmatic final year projects, will collaborate with the UET to develop and improve its curriculum, including subject matter specific to polymer industries, to ensure its alignment with the industry needs.

    Jahangir Piracha, CEO of EPCL said, “We are continuously striving to introduce new market development and awareness initiatives that enhance sustainability in the construction sector. This strategic alliance with the UET has been envisioned to promote research and development in Pakistan so that the polymer sector can evolve with innovation. Moreover, we aspire to enhance the skills of our talented youth, support their learning and development, and make them more marketable for the industry.”

    READ MORE: Honda Cars declares 40% surge in annual profit

    Syed Mansoor Sarwar, Vice Chancellor at UET Lahore added that, “The students and faculty of UET are very excited about this partnership with EPCL. With our focus on research at the UET, I am confident that the industry will also benefit from our modern testing labs to support new product development. I hope that other players in the chemical industry also step up their efforts to bridge the industry-academia gap in Pakistan.”

    As part of a Sustainable Development Initiative, the UET students will also be able to participate in EPCL’s community impact projects and gain valuable experience by solving real-world problems.