STC's Financial Results Improve in H1 2018

STC's Financial Results Improve in H1 2018
TT

STC's Financial Results Improve in H1 2018

STC's Financial Results Improve in H1 2018

Saudi Telecoms achieved positive growth in their announced results for the first half of 2018, with an improvement of 3.33 percent compared to the same period of 2017.

Saudi Telecom Company (STC) supported the improvement in the financial results of the Telecom sector.

It announced achieving a total profit of SR5.03 billion ($1.34 billion) during the first half of 2018, recording a positive growth rate of 2.87 percent.

Zain Saudi Arabia, for its part, showed a remarkable improvement in the level of revenues achieved during the first half of 2018, which confirms the company's ability to move forward in expanding its market share and increase the efficiency of its operational capabilities.

While Saudi Arabia's Mobily reported a 51.2 percent improvement in reduction of losses in the first half of 2018 compared to the same period last year.

The Saudi Telecom sector is expected to play a significant role in enhancing the investment attractiveness of the Saudi stock market, especially that the financial results of the sector have started to improve significantly since the Kingdom decided to reorganize the sector through a package of incentive legislation over the past two years.

These developments come as the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) is working to raise the quality of telecommunications services in the country.

It has recently announced a new update to regulate the quality of service provided by licensed telecommunications service providers, explaining that the new update will enter into force starting from the fourth quarter of 2018.

"This update aims to develop CIT services, provide high-quality communication services to subscribers, stimulate competition among service providers and enhance customer transparency by disseminating the comparative data of service providers and ensuring a minimum quality of telecommunications services to subscribers," CITC said in this regard.

It stressed that these moves will stimulate digital transformation to achieve the objectives of the National Transformation Program 2020 and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.



Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
TT

Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)

As Saudi companies start reporting their Q2 financial results, experts are optimistic about the transport and logistics sector. They expect a 10% annual growth, with total net profits reaching around SAR 900 million ($240 million), driven by tourism and an economic corridor project.

In Q1, the seven listed transport and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia showed positive results, with combined profits increasing by 5.8% to SAR 818.7 million ($218 million) compared to the previous year.

Four companies reported profit growth, while three saw declines, including two with losses, according to Arbah Capital.

Al Rajhi Capital projects significant gains for Q2 compared to last year: Lumi Rental’s profits are expected to rise by 31% to SAR 65 million, SAL’s by 76% to SAR 192 million, and Theeb’s by 23% to SAR 37 million.

On the other hand, Aljazira Capital predicts a 13% decrease in Lumi Rental’s net profit to SAR 43 million, despite a 44% rise in revenue. This is due to higher operational costs post-IPO.

SAL’s annual profit is expected to grow by 76% to SAR 191.6 million, driven by a 29% increase in revenue and higher profit margins.

Aljazira Capital also expects a 2.8% drop in the sector’s net profit from Q1 due to lower profits for SAL and Seera, caused by reduced revenue and profit margins.

Mohammad Al Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector’s continued profit growth is supported by seasonal factors like summer travel and higher demand for transport services.

He predicts Q2 profits will reach around SAR 900 million ($240 million), up 10% from Q1.

Al Farraj highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), linking India with the GCC and Europe, is expected to boost sector growth by improving trade and transport connections.

However, he warned that companies may still face challenges, including rising costs and workforce shortages.