Foreign Investor Shares in Saudi Stock Market Settle Above 5%

A Saudi trader monitors stocks at the Saudi stock market in Riyadh. Reuters/Faisal Nasser
A Saudi trader monitors stocks at the Saudi stock market in Riyadh. Reuters/Faisal Nasser
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Foreign Investor Shares in Saudi Stock Market Settle Above 5%

A Saudi trader monitors stocks at the Saudi stock market in Riyadh. Reuters/Faisal Nasser
A Saudi trader monitors stocks at the Saudi stock market in Riyadh. Reuters/Faisal Nasser

The shares of foreign investors in the Saudi stock market reached 5.06 percent end of August, exceeding five percent for the second month in a row.

The market value of the shares has inched close to SAR100 billion (USD26.6 billion), reaching at the end of August tradings to SAR95.9 billion (USD25.5 billion).

The data comes as a report by the Saudi Ministry of Commerce and Investment revealed a growth in the profitability of the Saudi private sector in 2017. Sectors that enjoyed the most growth were administrative consultations, manufacturing of equipment, mining, recycling, natural gas, financial consultation activities, training, education, maintenance, agricultural activities, administrative facilities and warehouses of medical and pharmaceutical products.

Qawaem 2017 report revealed that the growth included revenues of the refined oil products industry, chemical products industry, education, agriculture, fishing, medicines, pharmaceuticals, health, food products, media, and publishing.

All institutions of the private sector are compelled to provide Qawaem with financial lists of 2017, within a determined period after the end of the fiscal year. The program aims to improve and increase work efficiency and take advantage of the financial statements to provide information and services unique to the beneficiaries, stakeholders, and shareholders.

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

The economy expanded at an annual rate of 1.2 percent in the first quarter, according to the authority. 



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.