Profits of Industrial Investment Companies Jump 57% in Saudi Arabia

Profits of Industrial Investment Companies Jump 57% in Saudi Arabia
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Profits of Industrial Investment Companies Jump 57% in Saudi Arabia

Profits of Industrial Investment Companies Jump 57% in Saudi Arabia

Industrial investment companies, whose shares are listed in the Saudi exchange market, achieved a remarkable leap on the level of profits during the first half of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017.

According to results, profits of industrial investment companies grew 57 percent while the accumulated profits of 16 listed companies reached around SAR1.46 billion (USD390 million).

Maaden achieved during the first half of the year profits of SAR1.15 billion (USD306.6 million); an 83 percent of growth compared to the same period in 2017.

A total number of 10 listed companies in the industrial investment sector reached a remarkable progress in the outcome of the first half of 2018, while profits of six other companies dropped.

A report by Qawaem in 2017 revealed that the growth included the revenues of refined oil products industry, chemical products industry, industry sector, education sector, fishing sector, medicines and pharmacies, health sector, food products sector, and the sector of media and publishing.

It is obligatory that all institutions of the private sector provide Qawaem with financial lists of 2017, within a determined period after the end of the fiscal year.

The Saudi economy has achieved a positive growth in the first quarter of the current year, which is a direct impact of the economic reforms' efficiency.

According to General Authority for Statistics, the domestic product of non-oil sector in Saudi Arabia achieved more positive growth averages during the first quarter of the current year, a growth of 1.6 percent, while the public non-oil sector growth reached around 2.7 percent during the same period.



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)
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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.