Expansion Plans, High Returns Raise Profits of Saudi Real Estate Companies

The real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is heading towards recovery. (Photo: SPA)
The real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is heading towards recovery. (Photo: SPA)
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Expansion Plans, High Returns Raise Profits of Saudi Real Estate Companies

The real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is heading towards recovery. (Photo: SPA)
The real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is heading towards recovery. (Photo: SPA)

Experts said that the real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is heading towards recovery thanks to the implementation of expansion plans, improved operating profits, and high investment returns and revenues.
They added that the sector continues to maintain annual growth levels due to the high volume of demand, compared to the supply.
Real estate companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) achieved a significant 258 percent jump in their net profits by the end of 2023, reaching about SAR 3 billion ($800 million) during the past year, compared to SAR 831 million ($221 million) during 2022.
In this context, the CEO of Menassat Realty Co, Khaled Almobid, said that the real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is witnessing a state of recovery in terms of price as an asset value, as well as the high demand for various real estate products.
He added that the upcoming indicators are positive, especially with expectations of a cut in interest rates during the coming period and the giant projects announced in a number of cities, as well as Riyadh’s hosting the Expo 2030 exhibition and two important football tournaments, the Asia Cup 2027 and the World Cup 2034.
For his part, Financial Analyst Tariq Al-Ateeq told Asharq Al-Awsat that the most important factors that contributed to achieving a significant jump in the profits of real estate sector companies were represented by the implementation of strong expansion plans, the increase in profit margins, and improved operating profits, as well as the high fair value gains from investment properties.
He added that the real estate market in Saudi Arabia is promising for investment and profitability, given its potential as the largest among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

 

 



Revenue Growth, Improved Operational Efficiency Boost Profitability of Saudi Telecom Companies

A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
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Revenue Growth, Improved Operational Efficiency Boost Profitability of Saudi Telecom Companies

A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)

Telecommunications companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) achieved a 12.46 percent growth in their net profits, which reached SAR 4.07 billion ($1.09 billion) during the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 3.62 billion ($965 million) during the same period last year.

They also recorded a 4.76 percent growth in revenues during the same quarter, after achieving sales worth more than SAR 26.18 billion ($7 billion), compared to SAR 24.99 billion ($6.66 billion) in the same quarter of 2023.

The growth in the revenues and net profitability is the result of several factors, including the increase in sales volume and revenues, especially in the business sector and fifth generation services, as well as the decrease in operating expenses and the focus on improving operational efficiency, controlling costs, and moving towards investment in infrastructure.

The sector comprises four companies, three of which conclude their fiscal year in December: Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Mobily, and Zain Saudi Arabia. The fiscal year of Etihad Atheeb Telecommunications Company (GO) ends on March 31.

According to its financial results announced on Tadawul, Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily) achieved a 33 percent growth rate of profits, bringing its profits to SAR 661 million by the end of the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 497 million during the same period in 2023. The company also achieved a 4.59 percent growth in revenues to reach SAR 4.47 billion, compared to SAR 4.27 billion in the same quarter of last year.

The Saudi Telecom Company achieved the highest net profits among the sector’s companies, at about SAR 3.304 billion in the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 3.008 billion in the same quarter of 2023. The company registered a growth of 4.52 percent in revenues.

On the other hand, the revenues of the Saudi Mobile Telecommunications Company (Zain Saudi Arabia) increased by about 6.69 percent, as it recorded SAR 2.55 billion during the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 2.39 billion in the same period last year.

Commenting on the quarterly results of the sector’s companies, and the varying net profits, the head of asset management at Rassanah Capital, Thamer Al-Saeed, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Saudi Telecom Company remains the sector leader in terms of customer base expansion.

He also noted the continued efforts of Mobily and Zain to offer many diverse products and other services.

Financial advisor at the Arab Trader Mohammed Al-Maymouni said the financial results of telecom sector companies have maintained a steady growth, up to 12 percent, adding that Mobily witnessed strong progress compared to the rest of the companies, despite the great competition which affected its revenues.

He added that Zain was moving at a good pace and its revenues have improved during the second quarter of 2024. However, its profits were affected by an increase in the financing cost by SAR 26.5 million riyals and a rise in interest, while net income declined significantly compared to the previous year, during which the company made exceptional returns.