Saudi Institutions Increase Purchases in Local Stock Market

A money exchanger counts Saudi riyals in Riyadh. (Reuters)
A money exchanger counts Saudi riyals in Riyadh. (Reuters)
TT

Saudi Institutions Increase Purchases in Local Stock Market

A money exchanger counts Saudi riyals in Riyadh. (Reuters)
A money exchanger counts Saudi riyals in Riyadh. (Reuters)

Domestic institutions have surged around SAR1.07 billion (USD285.3 million) in the Saudi stocks market during the past week, while foreign investor property in the local market rose 4.73 percent at the end of last week’s trade compared to 4.71 percent the week before.

According to Tadawul, Saudi investor net purchases reached around SAR488.7 million (USD130.3 million) and the foreign investor possession marked a progress.

The Tadawul All Share fell 2.1 percent, closing at 7,497 points amid trading approximately worth SAR3 billion (USD800 million).

Opening the oil markets is expected to have a positive impact with the commencement of next week’s trading.

During the past days, prices witnessed a sharp drop, leaving Brent crude to close at 67 dollars per barrel, while the crude oil dropped below 57 dollars per barrel.

Furthermore, Saudi banks listed in the local financial market posted huge profits of SAR37.7 billion (USD10.05 billion) in the first nine months of 2018.

According to the financial results, 10 Saudi banks listed on the local financial market announced a new growth in profits for the first nine months of this year with one bank’s growth rate reaching up to 27.9 percent. Only two banks announced a decline in profits by 2 and 18 percent.

Saudi Arabia's government revenues hit an increase of 57 percent during the third quarter of 2018 compared to the same period last year. Revenues in the first nine months increased by nearly 47 percent to SAR663.1 billion (USD176.8 billion) compared to the same period in 2017.

The Saudi finance ministry has published the quarterly report of the state budget performance of the third quarter of 2018 on its website.



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.