Top 10 Stocks to Buy When Inflation is High

Posted by: Aamir Hayat 0

Top 10 Stocks to Buy When Inflation is High

Introduction

High inflation is one of the toughest environments for investors. It erodes the purchasing power of cash, pushes up interest rates, and squeezes margins for businesses that cannot pass on rising costs. But for investors who know where to look, inflationary periods also create clear winners. The companies that perform best during inflation tend to share a few key characteristics: pricing power in their core market, earnings in foreign currencies, hard assets that hold value, or diversified income streams that cushion against sector-specific shocks. In Pakistan’s current economic environment, these qualities are not just desirable — they are essential. In this article, we profile ten stocks on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) that are well-positioned to protect and grow investor wealth during periods of high inflation. Each profile is drawn exclusively from the latest available quarterly results and corporate briefing data for 2026.

At a Glance: The 10 Stocks and Their Inflation Hedge

#CompanyTickerInflation Hedge
10Haleon Pakistan LimitedHALEONOTC pharma market leader; 47% ROE; export expansion
9Systems LimitedSYS91–93% USD revenue; 25% 5-yr revenue CAGR; AI-led model
8Lucky Cement LimitedLUCKCost-efficient via renewables; export growth; EV & mining
7Hub Power CompanyHUBCUSD-indexed earnings; 9% dividend yield; BYD J
6Pakistan Petroleum LimitedPPLCash-rich; Reko Diq stake; strong production pivot
5OGDCOGDCLargest E&P; improving collections; high-impact discovery
4Mari Energies LimitedMARIReserve strength; data centers; lowest circular debt exposure
3Engro Fertilizers LimitedEFERTWorld’s largest single-train urea plant; feedstock security
2Fauji Fertilizer CompanyFFCDominant urea/DAP producer; pricing power & diversified income
1Engro Holdings LimitedENGROHDiversified conglomerate — fertilizers, LNG, telecom, energy

10. Haleon Pakistan Limited (HALEON)

Haleon Pakistan is the leading player in the self-care and over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical segments. It owns some of Pakistan’s most recognizable consumer healthcare brands, including Panadol with more than 40% share in analgesics, Sensodyne with more than 70% share in oral care, and CaC-1000 Plus with a 30–35% share in bone and joint health. Essential medicines with high brand loyalty are among the most reliable businesses during inflationary periods, as consumers prioritize healthcare spending regardless of economic conditions.


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Company Profile and Inflation Hedge Characteristics

  • Market Leadership: Category-leading brands including Panadol (>40% market share in analgesics), Sensodyne (>70% in oral care), and CaC-1000 Plus (30–35% in bone and joint health).
  • Revenue Mix: OTC pharmaceuticals contribute 85% of revenue and FMCG contributes 15%. Within the Panadol brand, 45% of sales are classified as essential segment products.
  • Financial Profile: Haleon maintains the highest Return on Equity (ROE) among its peers at 47%, with a very clean balance sheet and a debt-to-equity ratio of just 1.0%.
  • Operational Strategy: The company is shifting toward a volume-led growth strategy, identifying volume as the primary driver for acquiring new consumers.

Latest Corporate Briefing Data (April 2026)

  • Manufacturing Milestones: Commercial production for Panadol Regular at the company’s expanded facility is scheduled to commence in 4QCY26.
  • Capacity Expansion: Total production capacity for Panadol is being increased from 6 billion units to 9 billion units to meet rising domestic demand and support international export goals.
  • Local Production Strategy: The company is in discussions with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to manufacture nutraceuticals locally, such as the multivitamin brand Centrum, in its pharmaceutical facilities. This is expected to structurally enhance margins.
  • Export Push: Haleon aims to establish a 5% export base within the next five years. Product registrations are currently in progress for 18–20 international markets, primarily focusing on Southeast Asia and Africa.
  • Margin Sustainability: Management intends to sustain and improve gross margins through continuous cost optimization and efficiencies, and plans to counter potential volume losses from higher pricing through increased marketing and trade investments.
  • Energy Integration: As part of its efficiency initiatives, the company’s Jamshoro plant has integrated solar power to help mitigate rising energy costs.

9. Systems Limited (SYS)

Systems Limited is Pakistan’s largest publicly listed IT company and one of the most structurally sound inflation hedges available on the PSX. With 91% to 93% of revenue denominated in foreign currencies (USD, Euro, and GBP) and only 42% to 43% of costs in foreign currency, the company benefits directly from local currency depreciation — one of the most common side effects of high inflation.

Inflation Hedge Profile

  • Natural Currency Hedge: 91% to 93% of total revenue is in foreign currencies, while only 42% to 43% of costs are foreign currency-linked, creating a significant margin push during periods of PKR devaluation.
  • Recurring Revenue Base: 93% of revenue is recurring, supported by a loyal client base with long-term relationships exceeding five years.
  • Vertical Diversification: Operations are diversified across high-growth sectors, with the Banking and Financial Services vertical (30%) and Telecommunications vertical (25%) acting as primary revenue drivers.
  • Cost Efficiency: 82% of resources are based in Pakistan, allowing the company to leverage a structurally lower labor cost base relative to regional and global peers.

Latest Corporate Briefing Data (April 2026)

  • Inorganic Growth: The company recently completed the strategic acquisitions of Confiz and BAT Shared Services. The full financial impact of these acquisitions is expected to materialize throughout 2026.
  • North American Expansion: The acquisition of Confiz provides direct access to high-value North American enterprise clients in the retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors, including major chains such as Walmart and Nordstrom.
  • Strategic Hubs: While Pakistan remains the primary delivery hub, the company is actively expanding its resource centers in the UAE and Egypt to better support international clients and tap into Arabic-speaking talent pools.
  • Financial Management: Management has stated a priority for free cash flow over absolute profit to ensure the company can continue to fund dividends and future acquisitions organically without relying on debt.
  • AI Integration: The company is protecting profitability through AI-led process automation and cost optimization initiatives, helping to counter domestic inflationary headwinds.

Forward-Looking Data (2026–2027)

  • 2026 Earnings Estimates: EPS is projected to range between PKR 9.75 and PKR 11.73 per share.
  • 2027 Earnings Estimates: EPS is forecasted to range between PKR 12.43 and PKR 15.19 per share.
  • Revenue Growth Outlook: A robust five-year forward revenue CAGR of 25% is projected, underpinned by accelerating global digital transformation and supportive domestic export policies.
  • Market Share: The company’s share in national IT exports is expected to increase to over 7% by 2027, supported by government initiatives targeting US$10 billion in total IT exports by 2029–30.

8. Lucky Cement Limited (LUCK)

Lucky Cement is Pakistan’s largest cement manufacturer with a domestic capacity of 15.7 million tons — an 18% capacity-based market share. Beyond cement, the company has built a significant presence in automotive, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, power, electronics, and mining. Its strong balance sheet, aggressive renewable energy adoption, and diversification into EVs and mining make it a well-rounded inflation-resistant holding.

Latest Quarterly Results (3QFY26)

  • Earnings Performance: Consolidated EPS for the third quarter of FY26 was PKR 14.39. On an unconsolidated basis, Profit After Tax (PAT) stood at PKR 7,350 million.
  • Revenue and Margins: Standalone sales revenue grew 9.7% year-over-year to PKR 33,148 million. Gross margins improved to 36.5%, up from 33.2% in the same period last year, supported by high utilization of renewable energy.
  • Operational Volumes: Local dispatches totaled approximately 1.56 million tons, while export dispatches grew 10.31% to reach 788,796 tons.
  • Financial Efficiency: Finance costs declined 14.8% year-over-year, benefiting from lower interest rates and reduced overall debt.

Latest Corporate Briefing Data (May 2026)

  • Energy Infrastructure: The company successfully integrated a new 15 MW solar asset at its Karachi facility, bringing total solar capacity to 89.3 MW. Green renewable sources now power 56–57% of the total energy mix.
  • Technological Advancement: Deployment of UC3 technology at the Karachi plant has increased clinker output while reducing coal consumption, allowing for the use of more cost-competitive, lower-quality coal.
  • Automotive Segment: Lucky Motor Corporation (LMC) expanded its portfolio by entering an exclusive partnership with the GAC automotive brand and recently launched four new vehicle models with a strategic focus on the Electric Vehicle (EV) category.
  • International Expansion: The company announced a 1.6 million ton per annum expansion at its manufacturing facility in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which will effectively double its capacity in that region.
  • Power and Fuel Transition: Lucky Electric (LEPCL) is on track to transition its fuel configuration to 100% local Thar coal by the first quarter of fiscal year 2027.
  • Mining and Diversification: Through its joint venture National Resources Limited (NRL), the company is progressing with resource drilling following a discovery of copper and gold mineralization in Balochistan. Lucky Cement is also part of a consortium actively bidding for the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

7. The Hub Power Company Limited (HUBC)

Hub Power Company is Pakistan’s largest Independent Power Producer (IPP), with a total generation capacity of 2,289 MW, representing approximately 5% of the country’s total installed base. What makes HUBC a standout inflation hedge is that 75% to 85% of its earnings are dollar-indexed through tariff indexation and backed by sovereign guarantees, giving investors built-in protection against currency devaluation. The company is also transitioning into a high-growth conglomerate.

Latest Quarterly Results (2QFY26 and 1HFY26)

  • Quarterly Earnings Growth: For 2QFY26, HUBC reported consolidated net earnings of PKR 10.6 billion, a 152% year-over-year increase.
  • Quarterly EPS: EPS for 2QFY26 surged to PKR 8.2, compared to PKR 3.3 in the same period of the previous year.
  • Half-Year Performance (1HFY26): Consolidated net earnings for the first half reached PKR 22.8 billion, with a cumulative EPS of PKR 17.6.
  • Support from Associates: Earnings were bolstered by dividend receipts including PKR 4 billion from TELNOVA and PKR 1 billion from Thar Energy (TEL).

Latest Corporate Briefing Data (2026)

  • Automotive Transformation (BYD Partnership): In January 2026, the company reached financial close for a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) assembly plant — a 50/50 joint venture with Mega Motors to produce BYD vehicles — with a Commercial Operations Date targeted for the second half of 2026.
  • EV Infrastructure Leadership: Through its subsidiary Hubco Green, the company has established a nationwide charging corridor with 16 DC fast chargers (60kW to 120kW) operational as of early 2026. EV connectivity was expected to reach Peshawar by end of February 2026.
  • Mining and Exploration Ventures: HUBC has completed seismic surveys for the offshore gas block Zin and plans to commence drilling by late 2026 or early 2027. Exploration at Ark Metals has identified promising reserves of copper, gold, lithium, and antimony.
  • Shareholding Confidence: Mega Conglomerate increased its stake in HUBC to 19.5% in early 2026, signaling strong institutional conviction.

2026–2027 Financial Projections

  • Projected Earnings: Consolidated EPS for FY26 is estimated at PKR 35.4 to 35.6, rising to PKR 43.6 in FY27.
  • Dividend Engine: Total Dividend Per Share (DPS) for FY26 and FY27 is projected at PKR 20.00, supported by dollar-indexed returns.
  • Projected Dividend Yield: Approximately 9.0%.
  • Free Cash Flow to Equity (FCFE) Yield: Estimated at 11%.
  • Return on Average Equity (ROAE): Projected at 21%.
  • Conglomerate Evolution: By 2030, non-power ventures are projected to contribute 17% to the consolidated bottom line.

6. Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL)


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Pakistan Petroleum Limited is one of the country’s most established exploration and production companies. It combines a strong cash position, a significant stake in the transformational Reko Diq copper-gold project, and a rapidly improving production profile, making it a credible inflation hedge for long-term investors.

2026 Financial Projections

  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): Forecasts for FY26 range between PKR 27.3 and PKR 32.2.
  • Dividend Per Share (DPS): Projected to be between PKR 7.50 and PKR 11.00.
  • Net Sales: Expected to reach approximately PKR 235.6 billion to PKR 262.5 billion.
  • Profit After Tax (PAT): Estimated at roughly PKR 74.2 billion to PKR 87.5 billion.
  • Dividend Yield: Anticipated at approximately 3% to 5% for the period.

Latest Corporate Briefing Data (2026)

  • Strong Liquidity Position: PPL holds a robust cash balance of PKR 89 billion (equivalent to PKR 33 per share) as of early 2026.
  • Circular Debt Catalyst: The company’s exposure to gas sector circular debt stands at PKR 599 billion (PKR 220 per share). Its resolution is considered the primary catalyst for unlocking significant liquidity.
  • Major Hydrocarbon Discovery: PPL (30% stake) reported a significant discovery at Baragzai X-01 in the Nashpa Block, with test flows of 13,470 bopd of oil and 36.46 mmcfd of gas, projected to add roughly PKR 5.04 per share to EPS.
  • Strategic Mining Exposure: The company holds an effective 8.33% stake in the world-class Reko Diq copper-gold project, estimated to contribute a valuation of PKR 118 per share to PPL’s long-term outlook.
  • Frontier Expansion: Management has entered a mining collaboration (49% stake) for mineral exploration in EL-207 (Chagai region) and maintains a 25% stake in Abu Dhabi’s Offshore Block 5.
  • Risk Management: PPL has diluted its working interest in the technically complex Eastern Offshore Indus C Block to 35% to reduce capital intensity while preserving significant upside potential.

Latest Quarterly and Operational Results (2026)

  • Improved Collections: PPL achieved robust collection rates of 96% during 1QFY26 and 93% during 2QFY26.
  • Production Pivot: For the first five months of the fiscal year, strong crude oil growth of 21.9% and a modest natural gas production increase of 5.3% were recorded.
  • Easing Curtailments: Overall production is expected to rebound further in 2026 as LNG cargoes are diverted to international markets, easing domestic pipeline congestion and allowing higher offtake from PPL’s fields.
  • Operational Resilience: Despite intermittent system curtailments, volumes from the Sui field remained relatively stable compared to other system-connected assets.

5. Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC)

OGDC is Pakistan’s largest oil and gas exploration company. Its dominant market position, government backing, and improving cash collection cycle make it one of the most resilient names on the PSX during periods of economic uncertainty and high inflation.

Latest Quarterly Results (9MFY26)

  • Net Sales: Reported at PKR 300 billion for the nine months ending March 2026.
  • Profit After Tax (PAT): PKR 115.3 billion.
  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): PKR 26.8 for the first three quarters of the fiscal year.
  • Liquidity Improvement: The company achieved a robust collection rate of 130% during 2QFY26.
  • Receivables Management: OGDC is currently the only sector player to achieve an absolute contraction in total receivables, which were down 4% as of 1Q26.
  • One-off Inflows: During FY26, the company is expected to receive PKR 92 billion from TFC interest settlements and approximately PKR 90 billion in arrears from Uch Power.

2026 Financial Projections

  • Net Sales: Estimated to reach between PKR 382.5 billion and PKR 416.9 billion.
  • Profit After Tax (PAT): Projected at approximately PKR 141 billion to PKR 149.2 billion.
  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): Full-year forecasts range from PKR 33.7 to PKR 36.2.
  • Dividend Per Share (DPS): Expected to range between PKR 13.50 and PKR 16.30.
  • Payout Ratio: Anticipated at 40% to 50% during 2026.

Latest Corporate Briefing Data (May 2026)

  • Production Targets: Management is targeting oil production levels of 48,000 to 50,000 barrels per day (bpd) by December 2026.
  • Circular Debt Resolution: A formal resolution proposal for gas circular debt has been submitted to the IMF, which is viewed as a major catalyst for unlocking significant liquidity.
  • Tight Gas Strategy: OGDC is actively evaluating 80 wells for tight gas potential, which offers immediate revenue uplift due to premium pricing structures.
  • Reko Diq Progress: Civil works are currently underway for the world-class Reko Diq copper-gold project, in which OGDC holds an effective 8.33% stake.
  • International and Renewable Diversification: The company is expanding its footprint through the Abu Dhabi Offshore Block 5 and has formally entered the green energy space via its subsidiary, OGDC Renewable Energy Private Limited (OREL).

4. Mari Energies Limited (MARI)

Formerly known as Mari Petroleum, the company has rebranded as Mari Energies Limited to reflect a broader mandate that extends well beyond traditional hydrocarbons. For inflation-hedging purposes, MARI offers hard assets, a strong reserve base, and the lowest exposure to gas sector circular debt among its peers.

2026 Financial Projections

  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): Forecasted to be approximately PKR 49.4 to PKR 50.0.
  • Dividend Per Share (DPS): Expected to range between PKR 20.0 and PKR 22.2.
  • Net Sales: Projected to reach approximately PKR 202 billion.
  • Profit After Tax: Forecasted at roughly PKR 59.3 billion.
  • Dividend Yield: Estimated at 2.9% to 3.2% for the 2026 period.

Latest Corporate Briefing Data (2026)

  • Strategic Rebranding: The company has formally rebranded as Mari Energies Limited to reflect its expanding mandate beyond traditional hydrocarbons into mining and technology.
  • Technology and Data Centers: Through its subsidiary Sky47 Limited, the company is developing two Tier-III certified 5MW data centers in Islamabad and Karachi. This segment is expected to contribute between 8% and 10% to the bottom line at scalable utilization.
  • Mining Diversification: Its subsidiary, Mari Minerals (Pvt) Limited, is exploring copper and gold in the Chagai district of Balochistan, with multiple exploration licenses and controlling interests in several high-potential blocks.
  • Offshore Expansion: In a major 2026 milestone, MARI secured stakes in all 23 awarded offshore blocks in the recent bidding round, signaling a bold shift toward high-impact prospects.

Latest Operational Results (2026)

  • Production Resilience: While the broader industry faced significant curtailments, MARI sustained a stable production profile, acting as a system balancer in the national gas network.
  • New Production Streams: The Spinwam field (Waziristan Block) is now contributing approximately 70 mmscfd of gas and 700 bopd of condensate, accounting for roughly 9% of current total production.
  • Shawal/Ghazij Potential: These reservoirs currently produce 48 mmscfd, with a ramp-up plan to reach 220 mmscfd by the second half of 2028 to support domestic fertilizer plants.
  • Liquidity and Debt Exposure: MARI maintains one of the lowest exposures to gas sector circular debt among its peers, with only 45% of its sales tied to gas utilities.
  • Production Trends (5MFY26): For the first five months of the fiscal year, gas production remained broadly stable at the aggregate level, with only a minor adjustment of 2.8%.

3. Engro Fertilizers Limited (EFERT)

Engro Fertilizers operates the EnVen plant — one of the world’s largest single-train urea production facilities — supplying approximately one-third of Pakistan’s total urea output. In an inflationary environment, its scale advantage, gas security initiatives, and focus on high-margin speciality products make it a compelling name.

Latest Quarterly Results (1QCY26)

  • Profitability Growth: The company delivered a Profit After Tax (PAT) of PKR 3.3 billion for the first quarter of 2026, representing a 15% year-over-year increase.
  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): Consolidated EPS for the quarter was recorded at PKR 2.49.
  • Revenue Expansion: Net sales surged to PKR 37.79 billion, a robust 25% increase compared to the same period of the previous year.
  • Sales Performance: Urea sales reached 279,000 tons during the quarter, reflecting 7% volume growth.
  • Margin Drivers: Performance was supported by an increase in urea and DAP offtakes along with improved margins in the phosphate segment.

Latest Corporate Briefing Data (2026)

  • Gas Infrastructure Upgrades: EFERT is a primary participant in the US$300 million industry-wide Production Enhancement Facility (PEF) at the Mari gas field. Phase 1 (piping) is already complete, and Phase 2 (compressors) is expected to be finalized by late Q3 or early Q4 of 2026, ensuring long-term gas deliverability.
  • Feedstock Security: The company has been allocated 79 MMscfd of indigenous gas from the Mari field for its base plant, intended to reduce reliance on more expensive alternative fuel sources.
  • Strategic Liability Management: Management has retained significant cash reserves to settle a PKR 19.6 billion GIDC liability and group-level super tax obligations, resulting in a sustainable dividend payout ratio of approximately 80–89%.
  • Product Diversification: The company is aggressively marketing Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) as a cost-effective alternative to traditional DAP, aiming to capture higher-margin niche segments in the agricultural market.
  • Direct-to-Farmer Reach: Expansion of the Engro Markaz network continues, with over 2,400,000 tons of fertilizer now flowing through these centers and more than 1,300 farmers onboarded during recent pilot phases.
  • Gas Contract Milestone: A significant upcoming event is the expiry of the current gas contract with SNGPL in March 2027, which management is monitoring closely and planning for proactively.

2. Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC)

FFC is Pakistan’s largest urea producer and the fertilizer sector’s primary price setter. With more than 40% of total industry output, 100% of domestic DAP production capacity (following its merger with FFBL and acquisition of Agritech), and a growing direct-to-farmer network, FFC has substantial pricing power, a critical quality during inflationary periods.

Latest Quarterly Results (1QCY26)

  • Profitability Surge: FFC reported an unconsolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) of PKR 17.5 billion for the first quarter of 2026.
  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): Quarterly EPS stood at PKR 12.14, a 32% increase compared to the same period last year.
  • Revenue Growth: Net sales climbed to PKR 95.2 billion, reflecting robust 50% year-over-year growth driven by significantly higher fertilizer volumes.
  • Dividend Announcement: The Board declared a first interim cash dividend of PKR 8.50 per share for the quarter.
  • Margin Expansion: Gross margins improved to 30.6%, driven by the withdrawal of urea discounts in January 2026 and firmer phosphate prices.
  • Market Leadership: The company sold 601,000 tons of urea (+12% YoY) and 181,000 tons of DAP (+105% YoY), lifting its market share to 58% in urea and 63% in DAP.
  • Other Income: Non-core income surged to PKR 10.7 billion, bolstered by dividend inflows including PKR 5 billion from Thar Energy Limited and PKR 2 billion from Askari Bank.

Latest Corporate Briefing Data (2026)

  • PIA Acquisition Progress: FFC is the lead partner in a consortium bidding for a 75% stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The company’s shareholding in the venture is set at 34%, with a full takeover targeted by May 2027. The first payment of PKR 31 billion for this transaction is due in the April–May 2026 period.
  • Coal Gasification Initiative: FFC has completed a bankable feasibility study for a coal gasification project to convert Thar coal into gas, aiming to provide a stable and cost-efficient feedstock alternative as natural gas reserves deplete.
  • Gas Security Enhancements: FFC is participating in an industry-wide Pressure Enhancement Facility (PEF) to address falling pressure at the Mari gas field. Allocation of indigenous gas from Mari to the Port Qasim plant is expected to reduce reliance on expensive imported gas.
  • Direct Sales Network: Management is expanding its Sona Center network, with total outlets expected to rise to 270 by end of 2026, providing farmers with direct product access and integrated support services.
  • Operational Stability: A second maintenance shutdown is scheduled for September 2026 to ensure long-term production reliability.

1. Engro Holdings Limited (ENGROH)

Engro Holdings is one of Pakistan’s largest and most diversified conglomerates, with operations spanning fertilizers, petrochemicals, food, LNG, thermal energy, coal mining, and telecommunications infrastructure. This diversification makes it a natural hedge against the sector-specific shocks that often accompany high inflation.

Latest Quarterly Results (1QCY26)

  • Earnings Performance: The company reported a consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) of PKR 10.2 billion for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a significant earnings rebound.
  • Earnings Per Share (EPS): Consolidated EPS surged to PKR 8.50 for the quarter.
  • Operational Drivers: This performance was primarily driven by the reversal of prior thermal asset adjustments, the strong performance of Enfrashare, and the organic expansion and acquisition of Deodar within the connectivity portfolio.
  • Subsidiary Recovery: Engro Polymer (EPCL) returned to profitability after four consecutive loss-making quarters, and Friesland Campina Engro (FCEPL) achieved 71% year-over-year earnings growth.
  • Connectivity and Fertilizer Metrics: The connectivity vertical scaled its network to a total of 15,331 towers, while urea sales for the quarter reached 279,000 tons.

Latest Corporate Briefing Data (2026 Outlook)

  • Tower Business Scaling: Management projects the tower vertical to scale significantly throughout 2026, with an estimated incremental revenue contribution of PKR 36 billion for the year.
  • Operational Efficiency: A core focus for 2026 is optimizing tenancy ratios — recently reported at 1.25x — within the tower business to further enhance operating margins.
  • Strategic Investment: Management is actively evaluating new investment opportunities to utilize its available liquidity and diversify the group’s earnings base.
  • Energy Vertical Sustainability: While the thermal vertical remains a strong contributor, its long-term outlook is being monitored in the context of the national energy transition and regulatory changes.

Conclusion

Inflation does not affect all businesses equally. The ten companies profiled in this article share a set of qualities that help them not just survive, but potentially thrive when prices are rising. Pricing power, hard assets, foreign currency revenues, dominant market positions, and diversified income streams — these are the characteristics that separate inflation-resilient stocks from the rest. The fertilizer names FFC and EFERT benefit directly from rising food prices and have the scale and gas security to protect margins. The energy producers, MARI, OGDC, and PPL, hold real assets in the ground that appreciate with global commodity prices, while improving their cash cycles and diversifying into mining and data centres. HUBC’s dollar-indexed earnings provide a direct currency hedge, while Lucky Cement’s renewable energy leadership keeps costs in check even as energy prices rise. Engro Holdings ties all of these themes together as a diversified conglomerate with a growing telecom infrastructure. And at the opposite end of the spectrum, Systems Limited and Haleon offer pure play exposure to foreign currency earnings and essential consumer health spending, two categories that tend to hold up well regardless of the inflationary environment.

⚠️ This post reflects the author’s personal opinion and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Investing involves risk and should be done independently. Read full disclaimer →

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