Saudi Arabia: Market Value Jumps to $576 Bn

Man monitoring Saudi Market (File Photo: AFP)
Man monitoring Saudi Market (File Photo: AFP)
TT

Saudi Arabia: Market Value Jumps to $576 Bn

Man monitoring Saudi Market (File Photo: AFP)
Man monitoring Saudi Market (File Photo: AFP)

Saudi stock market index continued its positive gains for the seventh week in a row recording its best weekly closing price in almost four years, meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance announced strong growth in first quarter revenues for the year 2019.

Investors are especially interested in the Saudi financial market, while the market trading record new gains every week, which pushed the index to close above 9270 points, amid a more positive cash flow.

Companies and banks dividend yield will improve in line with the positive growth of the Saudi economy, in addition to the country's announcement of the largest spending budget, which exceeds the barrier of SR1.1 trillion, according to current year's budget.

Over the past 30 days, figures show that the market index managed to achieve gains above the 7 percent mark, while the market value of transactions jumped to $576.2 billion.

Total transactions of the last week increased significantly reaching about $4.91 billion, compared with $4.46 billion during the previous week, recording a liquidity rate of 10.2 percent on a weekly basis.

Since the beginning of the year, the Saudi stock market index recorded gains of about 18.5 percent, which demonstrates the vitality and effectiveness of the financial market in the country, and further, attracts investment.

Saudi stock market is one of the world’s best performing financial markets in the first months of 2019. Listed companies are to complete their first quarter financial results, with financial institutions predicting positive results.

So far, about 40 companies listed in the Saudi stock market announced their Q1 results for 2019, with 25 companies showing a remarkable increase in profitability. Major companies are expected to start announcing their financial results on Sunday.

Meanwhile, during the Financial Sector Conference, the Ministry of Finance announced Q1 results which showed a surplus of $7.42 billion dollars.

This surplus demonstrates the feasibility of the economic reforms undertaken by Saudi Arabia in light of Vision 2030, while revenues achieved a new growth rate during Q1 of 2019, at about 48 percent, and expenditure levels increased 8 percent compared with the same period in 2018.

The Financial Sector Conference recorded over 4,000 participants from 80 countries, which witnessed 21 main and experts’ sessions. It is considered a leading financial forum benefiting domestic and international financial sectors, where the platform was announced through 42 ads with 22 signed agreements, and the number of bilateral meetings reached 179.

The Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Ministry of Finance Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Furaih described the conference as the largest financial dialogue platform in the Middle East, supporting innovation, stimulating partnerships, and building relationships between financial institutions and investors.

He also noted that the Conference contributed to the development of new standards for the financial sector in Saudi Arabia and the region, drawing attention to the importance of the Kingdom's competitive position of the financial sector globally and in the Middle East.



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.