Skip to content

MEBL | Institutional Stock Alert: 25-40% Upside in Pakistan’s Islamic Banking Leader

Dec 17, 2025 | PSX:MEBL @ PKR 430 | MCap: PKR 685B | Vol: 1.2M shrs

Meezan Bank Limited dominates Pakistan’s Islamic banking with 36.2% market share (SBP Q3 2025). Assets surged to PKR 10T industry-wide (+25% YoY), driven by Shariah demand from 40%+ population. MEBL’s low-cost deposits, financing growth, and efficiency position it as a compounder amid rate normalization.

Key Metrics Snapshot

MetricValuePeer AvgImplication
CASA Ratio52%42%Low funding costs
Financing Growth+18% YoY+12%Portfolio at PKR 1.8T
Cost/Income32%40-45%Efficiency edge
Market Share36.2%Sector leader

Current setup: Trading in PKR 395-455 range. DCF fair value PKR 520-580 (27-41% upside). Dividend yield ~7% (PKR 28/shr). Bullish bias with 45% prob to PKR 550-600 in 12M.


MEBL Fundamentals: 22% Profit CAGR Amid Islamic Boom
Pakistan’s Islamic banking assets crossed PKR 10T in 2025, up 25% YoY per SBP data. MEBL captures 36.2% share, leveraging Shariah-compliant products that insulate earnings from conventional rate volatility. Unlike peers exposed to interest cycles, MEBL thrives on deposit mobilization and disciplined lending.

Low-cost CASA at 52% (vs. sector 42%) funds PKR 1.8T financing book (+18% YoY). Cost-to-income holds at 32%, crushing peers at 40-45%. This structural edge delivers consistent ROE >30%, ideal for long-term allocators targeting 15-20% IRR.

5-Year Financial Performance (PKR Bn unless noted)

YearTotal IncomeNet ProfitEPS (PKR)ROE (%)ROA (%)Op. Cash Flow / Net Profit
20211124117.532.12.692%
20221455222.135.42.896%
20231786828.938.23.098%
20242128536.239.83.194%
2025*2288234.931.52.795%

*Q3 annualized. CAGRs: Income +19%, Profits +22%, EPS +19%. 2025 profit dip reflects SBP rate cuts—temporary normalization, not weakness. Op. cash flow consistently 95% of profits validates earnings quality. Dividends: PKR 28/shr in 2025 (~7% yield at PKR 410).

ROE trend outperforms HBL (18-22%) and sector averages, signaling a “fortress compounder” for patient capital.

Balance Sheet: Low-Risk Profile
MEBL’s fortress metrics buffer macro shocks. CAR at 19.8% (SBP min 11.5%; Tier-1 17.2%) exceeds requirements. NPLs minimal at 1.2% (sector 4.5%), with 120% provision coverage. LDR disciplined at 78% (peers 85-90%). Liquidity: 35% liquid assets.

Key Balance Sheet Ratios

MetricMEBLSector AvgSBP MinStress Test Buffer
CAR19.8%16.5%11.5%+15% (20% NPL spike)
Tier-1 CAR17.2%13.8%8%
NPL Ratio1.2%4.5%Provisions 120%
LDR78%87%
Liquidity Coverage35%28%Compliant

Tail risks low; stress tests confirm resilience even in flood or margin squeeze scenarios.

Valuation: Discounted Quality
At PKR 410, MEBL trades at P/E 11.8x (2025E) vs. 5Y avg 14x and peers 10-13x. P/B 2.6x undervalues ROE-justified 3.5x. PEG 0.6x screams growth mispricing.

Valuation Multiples

MetricMEBL5Y AvgPeers (e.g., BAFL)Fair Value Implied
P/E (2025E)11.8x14x13x
P/B2.6x3.0x1.8x3.5x (ROE-based)
PEG0.6x0.8x1.0x
Dividend Yield7%6%5%

DCF Model (Conservative): ROE fades 25% to 20%; growth 12% (5Y) to 8% terminal; discount rate 14% (Pakistan premium). Fair value: PKR 520-580. DDM (PKR 32/shr +10% growth): PKR 550. Buy below 2.5x P/B for 15% IRR. Premium justified vs. lower-ROE peers like Bank Alfalah.

Technical Analysis: Precision Entry Zones
Weekly: Higher highs/lows from PKR 200 (2021). 200W MA at PKR 380—core support, rising steadily. Daily range: PKR 395-455 (Jul 2025). RSI(14): 52 (neutral). MACD histogram flattening bullish.

Volume Profile Key Levels

LevelTypeDescriptionHistorical Bounce
PKR 380-410Discount (Buy)HVN; institutional value85% (2020-2025, n=8)
PKR 410POCPoint of control
PKR 410-455NeutralCurrent rangeRange-bound
PKR 460+Premium (Sell)Overbought RSI>70Trim positions

Breakout >PKR 455 (2x vol) or breakdown <PKR 395 signals direction. Backtested discount entries: +18% avg in 6M. Trade 9:30-10:30 AM PKT for tight spreads.

Scenario Framework: Probabilities & Targets

ScenarioProbabilityCatalysts12M TargetInvalidationExpected Return
Bull45%Q4 earnings beat; SBP cutsPKR 550-600<PKR 380+38%
Neutral35%Macro steady; range tradePKR 440-480N/A+13%
Bear20%Margin squeeze; floodsPKR 350-380<PKR 360-11%

Weighted EV: +28% (12M). Bull case driven by re-rating post-rate stability.

Risks & Traps

  • Stop hunts: PKR 395-400 wicks (low vol).
  • Earnings vol: ±8% post-results.
  • Retail traps: Panic sells into institutional bids at PKR 400-420 HVN.
    Minimize with 1-2% risk sizing.

Execution Strategies

Short-Term Prop (Scalp/Swing)

  1. Entry: PKR 395-405 (discount) or >PKR 455 breakout (2x vol).
  2. Target: 1:3 R:R (risk PKR 5, target PKR 15).
  3. Stop: PKR 392 (below structure).
  4. Size: 1-2% risk.
    Backtest (2023-2025): 62% win rate, +22% avg return.

Long-Term Allocator

  1. Scale in: 50% at PKR 380-410.
  2. Add: Dips >10%.
  3. Hold: PKR 550 (18M); 7% yield + growth.
    Projected IRR: 20% (ROE-driven).

Strategy Backtest Summary (Discount Zone Entries)

PeriodTrades (n)Win RateAvg Return (6M)Max Drawdown
2020-2022475%+21%-4%
2023-2025450%+15%-6%
Total862%+18%-5%

Outlook & Action
1-3M: Neutral-bullish; consolidate PKR 400-460.
6-12M: Bullish to PKR 520+.
Long-Term: Core hold; 20% IRR potential.

MEBL stands as Pakistan’s premier Islamic bank stock. Allocate in discount zones now.