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Saudi Petrochemical Companies Projected to Increase Profitability Over Next Two Quarters

SABIC accounted for approximately 69% of the sector’s net profits in Q2 2024, with an 85% growth. (SABIC)
SABIC accounted for approximately 69% of the sector’s net profits in Q2 2024, with an 85% growth. (SABIC)
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Saudi Petrochemical Companies Projected to Increase Profitability Over Next Two Quarters

SABIC accounted for approximately 69% of the sector’s net profits in Q2 2024, with an 85% growth. (SABIC)
SABIC accounted for approximately 69% of the sector’s net profits in Q2 2024, with an 85% growth. (SABIC)

Economic analysts predict that Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical companies will continue to post strong profits in their financial results for the next two quarters of 2024.

They noted that the financial results from the previous two quarters demonstrated solid operational efficiency, increased sales, and the sector’s ability to adapt to changing market conditions. This positive outlook is also supported by improving market conditions and rising demand for petrochemical products.

Companies in the petrochemical sector listed on the Saudi stock exchange (Tadawul) saw a significant increase in net profits by the end of Q2 2024, with a 62% rise to SAR 3.18 billion ($800 million), compared to SAR 1.96 billion ($500 million) during the same period in 2023—an increase of SAR 1.22 billion ($326 million).

This growth in profits is attributed to improved profit margins, higher average prices for key petrochemical products, and an increase in both production and sales volumes.

The sector comprises 11 companies, including SABIC, SABIC Agri-Nutrients, Yansab, Sipchem, Saudi Group, Nama Chemicals, Tasnee, Advanced, Alujain, Chemanol, and Kayan Saudi.

According to their financial disclosures on Tadawul, all sector companies posted net profits in the second quarter of 2024, except for Kayan Saudi and Chemanol, which reported losses of 36% and 177%, respectively.

SABIC accounted for approximately 69% of the sector’s net profits in Q2 2024, with an 85% growth, raising its profits to SAR 2.18 billion, compared to SAR 1.18 billion in Q2 2023. SABIC Agri-Nutrients ranked second in terms of profits, achieving SAR 705 million by the end of Q2 2024, up from SAR 651 million in the same period of 2023.

Yansab saw the highest profit growth among sector companies, with a remarkable 720% increase, reaching SAR 224.8 million in Q2 2024, compared to SAR 27.4 million in the same quarter of 2023.

Mohamed Hamdy Omar, CEO of G-World, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the petrochemical sector is crucial to the Saudi market. The sharp rise in net profits in Q2 2024, led by SABIC, reflects strong recovery and growth, with the sector reporting a 62.4% increase in profits.

He further expected this performance to boost investor confidence and align with Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification goals. However, he emphasized the need for sustained growth to confirm the positive trend, especially given the sector’s sensitivity to external factors such as global economic conditions, oil prices, and geopolitical developments. These factors must be closely monitored for a more comprehensive outlook.

Financial markets expert Obeid Al-Muqati predicted that some stocks within the sector, currently trading at lower market values, could achieve new highs.

He also noted that SABIC, as the leading stock in the sector, tends to reach new highs every two to three years.

He described SABIC as an attractive acquisition target, with the petrochemical sector poised for significant growth in the coming years, potentially surpassing its previous highs.

SABIC’s movement typically influences other companies in the sector, including those in cement, gas, and manufacturing, which are all part of the Basic Materials Index, comprising 45 companies, he added.

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FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
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FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)

Dr. Abdul Hakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), stated that the organization will take an active role at COP16, the UN conference on combating desertification, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in early December.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he expressed confidence that the conference—the first of its kind in the Middle East—would produce significant outcomes.

Elwaer’s comments came during a roundtable organized by FAO’s regional office in Cairo, attended by a select group of media representatives. The session focused on FAO’s participation in the upcoming conference and the importance of the Rio Trio —the integrated framework of the three major UN conventions addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, and desertification.

Fida Haddad, FAO’s Program Officer for Land Rehabilitation and Climate Change, highlighted the interconnectedness of the three conventions and noted that COP16 would place a strong emphasis on land and water rehabilitation and their sustainable management.

Haddad pointed out that approximately 90% of the Middle East is affected by arid conditions. Despite this, local communities and Arab governments have made notable progress in addressing desertification and drought. She also announced that, for the first time, FAO has successfully placed food systems on the COP16 agenda, enabling discussions on how land rehabilitation can enhance food supply chains and systems.

Elwaer underscored FAO’s central role in achieving the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): eradicating hunger. He emphasized that FAO actively engages in the UN conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification, which collectively contribute to this mission.

FAO’s focus, according to Elwaer, is on transforming food and agricultural systems to become more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable, aiming for better production, nutrition, and livelihoods. He highlighted the organization’s success in integrating these priorities into the agendas of the three conventions and collaborating with host countries on joint initiatives.

He further noted that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 is particularly significant for the region, which faces pressing challenges such as water scarcity, desertification, and food insecurity. The conference presents an opportunity for Middle Eastern nations to highlight these issues, explore solutions, and ensure their inclusion in global environmental discussions, not only at this event but in future COP sessions, he underlined.

Elwaer emphasized the growing global attention on desertification, as it is now impacting regions previously unaffected, such as southern Europe and parts of Latin America. These areas are witnessing alarming declines in arable land and forests, prompting them to seek lessons from the Arab world, which has developed resilience strategies to combat desertification over centuries.

FAO will have a strong presence at COP16, with two dedicated pavilions—one in the Blue Zone for official delegations and another in the Green Zone to engage civil society and conference participants, he said.

He added that in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and the UN, FAO will lead coordination on Food Day and Governance Day, scheduled for December 5 and 6, respectively. The organization will also participate in other specialized sessions throughout the conference.