AKD Quotidian about — Pakistan Market: Apr’13 Review and Outlook

Karachi, May 02, 2013 (PPI-OT): The KSE-100 Index gained 5.2% in Apr’13 to close at 18,982 points, bringing CYI3TD gains to 12.3%.

According to AKD Securities the strong gains during the month coincided with the corporate result season, where resilient profitability overcame macroeconomic and political concerns. Market volumes during Apr’13 came in at 194mn shares, with average daily traded value at US$77.6mn. Foreign interest in the market also continued to be strong, with cumulative CVI 3TD net inflows clocking in at US$98mn. Among major gainers, Food Producers and Automobiles remained in the limelight while Telecom sector companies largely underperformed. Going forward, although corporate profitability should continue humming, market gains could remain in check with general elections and a potential re-entry into the IMF being key concerns. That said, AKD Securities would take any correction as an opportunity to build fresh positions. AKD Securities revised end-Dec’13 Index target is 19,950 where AKD Securities tops picks are ENGRO, POL, KAPCO, NML and UBL.

Apr’13 Review: After a subdued performance in Mar’13, the KSE-100 rebounded with a return of 5.2% in Apr’13, bringing CYTD gains to 12.3%. Strong gains coincided with results season where generally resilient profitability enabled the market to overcome headwinds emanating from contracting fx reserves, deterioration in law and order conditions and a shakeup in the market’s own dynamics with change in top SECP management. Overall market volumes came in at l94nin shares with average daily traded value clocking in at U$$776mn. Foreign interest continued to be strong, with Apr’13 net FPI of US$2Bmn.

The main category of sellers was Banks/DFIs with net sell of US$1 5.5mn. Sectors and Stocks: Within main board sectors, top gainers during the month under review included Food Producers (+15%M0M primarily on ULEVER’s run-up to buyback price), Automobiles (+12%M0M on improved outlook) and Textiles (+7%MoM). On the flipside, main decliners included Fixed Line Telecoms (-8.6%M0M due to CCP action) and Multiutilities (- 4.9%MoM on UFG uncertainty). Within the AKD Universe, notable gainers

during Apr13 included PSMC (+46%M0M on a strong sequential turnaround in 1QCY13), EFOODS (+12%M0M) and AICL (+1fJ%MOM in Lockstep with the market). Laggards included PTC (-1O%M0M), AKBL (-9%MOM after book closure of tender offer) and HBL (-8%M0M).

Outlook: The benchmark Index trades at a forward PIE of 7.95x and D/Y of 7.3%. Although corporate profitability remains resilient and valuations are not stretched, with the result season now over the market will likely enter a tough period with key upcoming checkpoints including general elections and a likely re-entry into an IMF program. This may give the market reason to take a temporary breather although AKD Securities would take any correction as an opportunity to build fresh positions. AKD Securities revised end- Dec13 Index target is 19,950 where AKD Securities tops picks are ENGRO, POL, KAPCO, NML and UBL.

Warid introduces Election 2013 updates service

Lahore, May 02, 2013 (PPI-OT): Warid Telecom, leading the way of innovation in Pakisatan’s telecom industry, has begun its latest services for prepaid and post-paid customers in view of the upcoming elections.

Warid Telecom subscribers can now receive information related to the 2013 elections via SMS by sending ELC to 2602 or dialing 77713. Customers will be able to receive news and updates regarding election oriented television shows, polling station locations, campaign and candidate news and updates straight from the polling booths.

Users can also find out the details of any particular constituency by sending the constituency number to the short code 2228. For instance the constituency number for National Assembly will be NA-000 e.g. NA-201or PA – 000 e.g. PA – 240 for Provincial Assemblies.

In addition, users can avail a feature that allows them to search a party or candidate’s political history, election results and manifesto. They can also participate in a one of the kind election quiz and join chat-rooms to discuss the elections with other users. The service is available to all Warid customers

For more information, contact:
Shahzad Ahmad
Public Relations Department
Warid Telecom (Pvt.) Limited
Phone: +92 322–4257777
Email: pr@waridtel.com
URL: www.waridtel.com

Capital markets players in SAARC region support agenda of the regional financial integration within south asia

Lahore, May 02, 2013 (PPI-OT): “SAFE’s project on developing a harmonized regulatory framework shall serve as a first step towards building a financially integrated south Asian region”, said Mr. Aftab Ahmad Ch., MD Lahore Stock Exchange and Secretary General SAFE during a press briefing session held by SAFE of its USAID Small Grants Program funded project on developing a regionally harmonized regulatory framework.

Mr. Aftab, in his speech, emphasized on the need to increase cross boarder financial activities within the South Asian region to create strong intraregional links and an integrated economic region. “Multiple success stories of cross border linkages of exchanges in European Union (EU), North America and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been witnessed”, said Mr. Aftab.

He also thanked the U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), working towards securing a self-sustaining economic future of Pakistan by nurturing more efficient economic environment.

“We believe that SAFE’s project shall serve as a landmark initiative to achieve economic growth, not only in Pakistan, but all across the South Asian region”, he said. He further thanked the people of United States of America for their commitment to assist Pakistan to further develop its economic sector and economic sustainability.

SAFE’s prime consultant Mr. Amir Raza Khan gave an informative presentation on the project progress till date. Main focus of the presentation was to appraise the audience about the second phase of the international travel, which was undertaken in mid of April 2013, to hold meetings with the Asset Management Companies (AMCs), Brokerage Firms and Investment Banks (IBs) in the SAARC region which includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh

The concept for this project, entitled, “Regional Financial Integration – Developing a Harmonized Regulatory Framework for the Capital Markets in Pakistan and South Asia”, has been developed under the specific needs identified by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Secretariat of facilitating regional financial integration.

The objectives of the project are to develop harmonized market regulations for the capital markets; to standardize self regulatory framework for the management and the operations of the markets in the region; to enhance market integrity and investor confidence; to introduce consistent and common reporting standards; to improve the governance and transparency norms for the listed sector; to facilitate easy capital raising on regional basis and the promotion of cross border listings; to deepen and broaden the region’s securities markets; to assist in, relatively, free movement of capital and portfolio investments; and to promote the greater integration of the South Asian capital and financial markets. The project calls for submission of six (6) reports in total, visits to regional countries and international federations and exchange bodies, and conducting regional advocacy moots.

This project is made possible with the help of American people though Small grants and Ambassador’s Fund Program (SGAFP), a grant program launched by USAID Pakistan to help Pakistani communities implement their initiatives.

As part of its commitment to the Pakistani people, the U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks to secure a self-sustaining economic future of Pakistan by nurturing more efficient economic environment. USAID Pakistan believes that SAFE’s project shall serve as a landmark initiative to achieve economic growth, not only in Pakistan, but all across the South Asian region.

SAFE is a cooperative platform launched by the bourses in South Asia with a purpose to promote the development and harmonization of the securities markets in the region. SAFE is a not for profit association having Recognized Body status of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and is a network exchange association of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE).

The operations, activities, and the programs of Federation are primarily funded by its member exchanges, while some specific projects get sponsorships from some multilateral donor/development agencies. As of January 2013, SAFE comprises of thirty four (34) member entities from the SAARC Region (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) as well as from Kazakhstan, Mauritius and UAE.

For more information, contact:
Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE)
19, Khayaban-e-Aiwan-e-Iqbal,
P.O. Box: 1315,
Lahore-54000, Pakistan
Tel: +9242 636 8000
FAX: +9242 636 484 -85
E-mail Address: info@LahoreStock.com
Web Site: http://www.lse.com.pk

Now Karachi is just 17 hours away by train – Pak-Business Express makes another record

Lahore, May 02, 2013 (PPI-OT): Pak-Business Express, the most modern, well furnished and well equipped, private-sector run train after completion of one year of its successful operations has curtailed its travel time by one hour, now it is reaching the destination in record 17 hours instead of 18 hours. The train plying between Lahore and Karachi with only nine coaches, has contributed a staggering amount of Rs.100 crore to the national exchequer in just a little over one year.

In a statement issued here, Director Pak-Business Express Mian Shafqat Ali said that the nine-coach train is the smallest one but it is the biggest earning hand of Pakistan Railways. He said that the train has attained the status of role model and an ample proof of private sector’s abilities to turn even loss making entities into a profit-making institution.

He said that no other train is contributing such a big revenue to Pakistan Railways. Mian Shafqat Ali said that the Pak-Business Express had not committed any default as all dues are being paid well in time to the satisfaction of concerned authorities. He said that success of the train could be gauged from the fact that there is a great passenger pressure and occasionally tickets are often sold in advance.

The success of Pak Business Express added a new page to public-private partnership (PPP) as the private sector-run train is earning huge money at this point when PR is facing a huge deficit and suspension of trains on a large number of routes has become order of the day.

Mian Shafqat Ali said that the very objective behind this venture was revival of PR and bringing back the lost glories once attached to it. The amount Pak Business Express has so far paid to PR is bigger than the grand total what the railway authorities are getting from all other trains.

He said that Pak Business Express has so far spent a huge amount to ensure comfort to passengers from buying tickets to their destination. Pak Business Express spent a big amount to reduce travel time between Lahore and Karachi. Pak Business Express is the only train that is travelling in between Lahore and Karachi in record time, he added.

“Time was the biggest issue for the train travellers and the management of Pak Business Express has focused on this issue vigorously and this is the only reason that the occupancy of this private sector run train is improving with every passing day.” Ali said that the success of Pak Business Express has opened up new doors of Public-Private Partnership.

For more information, contact:
Pak Business Express
Main Railway Station, Lahore
Tel: +92 42 36292391-8
Fax: +92 42 36292390
Email: info@pakbusinessexpress.com

Khushhalibank secures 1st place at Microfinance Mela 2013 hosted by State Bank of Pakistan

Islamabad, May 02, 2013 (PPI-OT): The State Bank of Pakistan hosted the Micro Finance Mela 2013 held at Craft Bazar Bahawalpur and was participated in by Micro Finance Banks from across the country such as Khushhalibank Ltd, Tameer Micro Finance Bank, NRSP Bank, The First Micro Finance Bank, NGOs such as Kashaf Foundation and Madawa Welfare Organization.

The main theme of this mela was to celebrate the work being done in the microfinance industry to alleviate the socio-economic conditions in the country and to reduced poverty and unemployment.

The unique aspect of the arrangement was that the clients of each of the participating banks displayed their products, representing the businesses that have flourished thanks to the financial support extended from the Bank. This served as a confidence builder as well as a marketing endeavor for the entrepreneurial individuals who are considered the very life blood of the economy.

Khushhalibank’s stall displayed different hand crafted garments, decoration pieces, utensils and jewellery etc created by Khushhali clients. A Multimedia and sound system was also arranged showing a documentary of Khushhalibank’s journey.

Prizes were awarded based on the quality and attraction of the stalls on display. The 1st place was secured by Khushhalibank where as the 2nd place went to First Micro Finance Bank and 3rd place was secured by Tameer Micro Finance Bank. About 5,000 people visited the mela.

For more information, contact:
Khadija Ahmad
Khushhali Bank Limited
94 West, Fourth Floor,
Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area
PO Box 3111
Islamabad – Pakistan
Telephone: +92 (51) 111 092 092
Fax: + 92 (51) 9245120

Telenor Pakistan introduces Operator Billing Service

Islamabad, May 02, 2013 (PPI-OT): In line with the vision of offering maximum benefits of telecommunication services, Telenor Pakistan has introduced operator billing service allowing its customers to buy apps online at Nokia Store by paying directly from their mobile phones.

Through this innovative offering, Telenor Pakistan’s customers can now enjoy their favourite apps without the hassle of providing credit/debit cards information. The service is available for both the prepaid and post-paid subscribers of Telenor Pakistan.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect has recently been signed between Telenor Pakistan and Nokia Pakistan.

Expressing his delight, Usman Javaid, Director Marketing, Telenor Pakistan said: “Telenor Pakistan has always been at the forefront in introducing innovative service offerings and the operator billing service is yet another testament of our customer centric approach.

The operator billing trend has gained immense popularity worldwide with its convenient, secure and fast payment option, and we are glad to introduce such a handy service here in Pakistan, which will eventually transform customers online apps buying experience.”

Telenor Pakistan’s customers can select the application of their choice from the Nokia Store and for payment they can use their phone balance instead of credit or debit cards. With one simple step they are now able to access and enjoy the world of paid application and games without any additional payment mechanism.

For more information, contact:
Shoaib Mustafa
Telenor Pakistan
Phone: +92 51 111 345 100
Fax: +92 51 2652960
Email: press.center@telenor.com.pk, sohaib.mustafa@telenor.com.pk
Cell: 0345-8502788

Sui Southern Gas Company wins Consumers Choice Award eighth time

Karachi, May 02, 2013 (PPI-OT): SSGC was conferred with the 8th Consumers Choice Award for eighth year in a row in the category of ‘Best Utility Service Provider’. Held every year under the aegis of Consumers Association of Pakistan, the Awards Ceremony recognizes the contributions of public and private sector companies for their customer-centric approach.

The Ceremony was held in a Karachi hotel on April 27, 2013. Athar Siddiqui, Chief Manager, Customer Relations Department, SSGC received the Award on behalf of the gas utility from Khalid Nawab, Caretaker Minister for Commerce and Industry.

SSGC has carved out a reputation as one of Pakistan’s best energy sector utilities driven with a passion to provide its 2.6 million customers with a service that adheres to best business practices. Through its 24/7 Contact Centre, commonly known as 1199, the Company helps its customers in solving issues related to billing as well as gas supply and pressure problems.

Its custom-made 1199 vehicles have a reputation of reaching the customers’ doorsteps in the quickest possible time for redressal of their grievances. In addition, the Company provides numerous bill payment options through its 24 Customer Facilitation Centres, located across the franchise areas of Sindh and Balochistan.

Moreover, the Company has provided its burgeoning customer base with myriad bill payment options through mobile phone operators, credit cards, internet, NADRA kiosks, ATMs of leading banks, fuel stations and post offices.

The Customer Relations Department’s efforts are supplemented by diverse media campaigns that create mass awareness about safe and judicious use of natural gas besides legal repercussions of gas theft and meter tampering.

For more information, contact:
Inayatullah Ismail
Deputy Chief Manager
Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC)
Corporate Communication Department (Media Relations)
Tel: +9221 9902 1773
Cell: +92322 222 5159
Fax: +9221 9923 1662
Email: inayatullah@ssgc.com.pk