Saudi 'Arabian Drilling Company' Raises $533 Million

Saudi 'Arabian Drilling Company' Raises $533 Million
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Saudi 'Arabian Drilling Company' Raises $533 Million

Saudi 'Arabian Drilling Company' Raises $533 Million

The Arabian Drilling Co., a Saudi-based drilling company, has successfully raised SAR2 billion ($533 million) from the local debt market.

The transaction attracted large demand from various investor groups.

The final order booked amounted to more than SAR5.5 billion, which allowed the company to increase the issuance size from its original plan of less than SAR1.6 billion to SAR2 billion.

The demand also allowed the Sukuk pricing to land at Saudi Interbank Offered Rate (Sibor) 1.6%, which was the minimum pricing range in a five-year period.

HSBC Saudi Arabia acted as lead coordinator of the transaction, whereas HSBC Saudi and Fransi Capital were the joint lead managers for the issuance.

Riyad Capital was appointed as the Sukuk holders’ agent and payment administrator.

“ADC has enjoyed a solid reputation in the oil industry for many years,” said Ali al-Ghamdi, managing director administration of Arabian Drilling Company.

“The Sukuk issuance was mainly designed to expand the awareness of ADC impressive operational and financial track record to the wider market,” he added.

Established in 1964, the Arabian Drilling Company is a joint stock company owned by Schlumberger and Taqa, which is 45% owned by PIF.

ADC is specialized in onshore and offshore drilling and owns a fleet of 45 active rigs.



Saudi Minister of Finance Approves 2025 Annual Borrowing Plan

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister of Finance Approves 2025 Annual Borrowing Plan

A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A night view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Abdullah Al-Jadaan approved on Sunday the Annual Borrowing Plan for the fiscal year 2025, following its endorsement by the Board of Directors of the National Debt Management Center.

The plan highlights key developments in public debt for 2024, initiatives related to local debt markets, and the funding plan and its guiding principles for 2025, in addition to the 2025 issuances’ calendar for the Local Saudi Sukuk Issuance Program in Saudi Riyal.

According to the plan, the projected funding needs for 2025 are estimated at approximately SAR139 billion. The amount is intended to cover the anticipated budget deficit of SAR101 billion for the fiscal year 2025, as outlined in the Ministry of Finance’s Official Budget Statement, and the principals’ repayment of the debts maturing in the current year, 2025, amounting to approximately SAR38 billion.

To boost the sustainability of the Kingdom's access to various debt markets and broaden the investor base, Saudi Arabia aims in 2025 to continue diversifying local and international financing channels to efficiently meet funding needs.

This will be achieved through the issuance of sovereign debt instruments at fair pricing, guided by well-defined and robust risk management frameworks.

Additionally, the Kingdom plans to benefit from market opportunities by executing private transactions that can promote economic growth, such as export credit agency financing, infrastructure development project financing, capital expenditure (CAPEX) financing, and exploring tapping into new markets and currencies based on market conditions.