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Saudi Stocks Record Best Closure in 6 Months

Saudi stocks record best closure in six months. (Reuters)
Saudi stocks record best closure in six months. (Reuters)
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Saudi Stocks Record Best Closure in 6 Months

Saudi stocks record best closure in six months. (Reuters)
Saudi stocks record best closure in six months. (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share rose 0.9 percent on Tuesday and closed at 8,347 points, rising 77 points. This was the highest closure in around six months amid trading value of around SAR3.2 billion (USD853.3 million).

Variable gains were witnessed among the 98 companies that are listed in the market. This reflects investor confidence in capital market trading and the listed Saudi firms’ capability to achieve better results than the positive ones reached in 2018.

In addition, the market value of Saudi stocks rose to SAR1.96 trillion (USD522.6 billion) – a figure close to the level achieved a year ago.

The shares market is among the world’s most growing markets, gaining 600 points in recent days alone.

The Saudi economy is forecast to reach more positive growth rates in 2019 compared to 2018 in line with the Kingdom’s package of economic reforms that seek to diversify the economy and bolster investment.

Listed firms are expected to announce their results for the fourth quarter of 2018 and they are projected to be better than the figures achieved in 2017.

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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)
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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.