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SABIC Returns to Profitability in Q3 as Revenues and Earnings Improved

The headquarters of Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) is seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (File photo: Reuters) 
The headquarters of Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) is seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (File photo: Reuters) 
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SABIC Returns to Profitability in Q3 as Revenues and Earnings Improved

The headquarters of Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) is seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (File photo: Reuters) 
The headquarters of Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) is seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (File photo: Reuters) 

The Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) returned to profitability in the third quarter of 2026, reporting a net profit of $133 million (SAR 499 million), compared to $116 million (SAR 434 million) in the same period last year.

The improvement was driven by higher selling prices for its products and stronger results from investments in affiliates and joint ventures, despite ongoing geopolitical challenges and pressure on supply chains.

Financial results for the third quarter of 2026, showed that revenue increased 14% quarter on quarter to $7.51 billion (SAR 28.17 billion), up 13.5% compared to the second quarter, when revenue totaled $6.62 billion (SAR 24.81 billion).

However, it reported a 3.1% year-over-year revenue decline, from $7.75 billion (SAR 29.08 billion) in the third quarter of 2025.

Improved Adjusted EBITDA

SABIC highlighted an Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of $1.27 billion (SAR 4.75 billion), an increase of 40% Q-o-Q.

Meanwhile, the company registered an Adjusted EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) of $579 million (SAR 2.17 billion), an increase of 434% Q-o-Q, in addition to an Adjusted Net Income of $222 million (SAR 840 million).

SABIC attributed the improvement in its Q3 results to a $153 million (SAR 575 million) increase in gross profit, in addition to a $432 million (SAR 1.62 billion) improvement in results from non-integrated joint ventures and associates mainly due to the reversal of impairment losses on listed equity investments in Europe following an increase in share prices.

These positive factors were partially offset by losses related to discontinued operations amounting to around $263 billion (SAR 985 million) in relation to the reclassification of foreign currency translation from equity to the income statement following the successful completion of the sale of SABIC's thermoplastics engineering businesses in North America, South America and Europe as part of the company's portfolio optimization program.

Also, net financial results declined by around $95 million (SAR 358 million,) mainly due to the fair-value valuation of derivative instruments recognized in equity in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, which are non-cash in nature.

9-Month Losses Narrow

The net loss for the nine months of 2026 narrowed to around $85 million (SAR 320 million), compared with a net loss of $1.29 billion (SAR 4.84 billion) for the corresponding period of 2025.

SABIC recorded a revenue of $21.10 billion (SAR 79.13 billion) for the first nine months of 2026, marking a 10.7% decrease compared to the $23.62 billion (SAR 88.57 billion) reported during the same period in 2025.

It also reported year-on-year declines in gross profit to $4.24 billion (SAR 15.91 billion), compared with $4.57 billion (SAR 17.12 billion) a year earlier.

Operating profit fell to $1.13 billion (SAR 4.22 billion), from $1.40 billion (SAR 5.25 billion).

SABIC said the narrower net loss was primarily attributable to an $819 million (SAR 3.07 billion) reduction in losses from discontinued operations, alongside a $648 million (SAR 2.43 billion) improvement in results from joint ventures and associates.

It then reported an increase of a $333 million (SAR 1.25 billion) in selling and distribution expenses during the first nine months of 2026 compared to the same period in the previous year, as well as a $323 million (SAR 1.21 billion) decline in gross profit, driven by lower sales volumes.

Focus on Operational Efficiency

SABIC reaffirmed its commitment to operational efficiency, portfolio optimization and selective growth, while maintaining the operational flexibility needed to navigate geopolitical and logistical challenges, according to its earnings statement.

“In Q3 2026, Sabic demonstrated exceptional resilience, despite geopolitical developments and market headwinds, coupled with a clear and robust forward-looking vision and continued focus on strategic objectives, namely portfolio optimization, transformation and selective growth, in efforts to support the company’s long-term profitability and value creation for shareholders, building on its historic journey of more than five decades,” said Sabic chief executive Faisal M Alfaqeer.

In terms of cash flow, net cash generated from operating activities after capital expenditure reached approximately $1.50 billion (SAR 5.61 billion) in the first nine months of the year, compared with around $1.05 billion (SAR 3.94 billion) in the same period in 2025.

The company cut its full-year capital expenditure guidance to between $3 billion and $3.3 billion from its previous estimate of $3.5 billion and $4 billion, according to its latest presentation.

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Business

Stock Markets Mixed ahead of Tech Earnings, Central Bank Decisions

Traders are looking ahead to the release of key earnings reports and central bank meetings. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
Traders are looking ahead to the release of key earnings reports and central bank meetings. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
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Stock Markets Mixed ahead of Tech Earnings, Central Bank Decisions

Traders are looking ahead to the release of key earnings reports and central bank meetings. Daniel ROLAND / AFP
Traders are looking ahead to the release of key earnings reports and central bank meetings. Daniel ROLAND / AFP

Equity markets were mixed on Monday as investors geared up for a crucial run of central bank decisions and tech earnings, while oil prices retreated from a six-month high.

AI-linked firms continued to struggle amid worries about the sustainability of the colossal investment boom that pushed stock markets to multiple record highs in the first half of the year.

Traders are growing increasingly worried about when the vast sums pumped into the sector will see returns, if any, while rising interest rates and bond yields are now calling companies' finances into question, reported AFP.

This week sees the release of earnings from US titans and Magnificent Seven members Amazon, Microsoft and Alphabet, as well as South Korean chipmakers SK hynix and Samsung.

Results from Tesla and Meta last week further stoked spending worries and helped drag stocks lower.

"The AI complex remains under a microscope ahead of what may be the most important stretch of earnings season so far," said SPI Asset Management's Stephen Innes.

"Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon are about to walk on stage, and this is not one of those quarters where a company can simply beat the number, raise the guidance by a whisker and expect applause. Investors want proof now.

"They want to know whether the billions going into the compute buildout are building a durable earnings machine or just a shinier version of the same old capex furnace."

All three main indexes ended in the red on Wall Street on Friday, and Asia followed suit at the open on Monday, although some staged a recovery.

Seoul, seen by many as a barometer of the AI trade, sank more than one percent, while there were also losses in Tokyo, Singapore, Manila and Jakarta.

Tech firms were among the biggest losers, with SK hynix and Samsung down, along with Kioxia, Advantest and SoftBank in Japan.

However, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Mumbai and Bangkok edged up, while London opened on the front foot along with Paris and Frankfurt.

- Deal or no deal? -

Oil prices dropped more than one percent following Friday's surge of more than three percent fueled by supply concerns amid the Middle East and Ukraine crises, with the northern hemisphere heading into winter.

Speculation has been brewing that Donald Trump will ramp up his war on Iran after next Tuesday's midterm elections, with some officials warning that the months leading up to the new Congress could be particularly dangerous.

The US president did little to allay those fears, telling Fox News on Sunday: "I have a decision to make: Do I finish it off, which would be very easy to do, or do I make a deal? That's all."

Additional forces, including a third aircraft carrier group, have been sent to the region, while US staffing levels have also been reduced.

Also in view this week are policy decisions by the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of Japan.

While the Fed is expected to hold borrowing costs, traders will be keen to get an insight into its thinking following last month's hike and as inflation remains well above its two percent target.

"With market-based measures of inflation expectations well anchored and financial conditions tightening, Fed Chair (Kevin) Warsh can afford to remain patient," wrote Karsten Junius, chief economist at Bank J. Safra Sarasin.

"Still, demand remains too strong for inflation to return to two percent without further tightening. As a result, we continue to expect a gradual hiking cycle, with a 25-basis-point increase in December, followed by three quarterly hikes next year."

Business

Saudi Arabia Revises Electricity, Water Tariffs, Announces Monthly Support

A Saudi Energy employee at work. (SPA)
A Saudi Energy employee at work. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Revises Electricity, Water Tariffs, Announces Monthly Support

A Saudi Energy employee at work. (SPA)
A Saudi Energy employee at work. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia will revise electricity, water and wastewater tariffs from January 1, 2027, to improve consumption efficiency and sustain essential services, while introducing monthly financial support for eligible citizens to ease the impact on living costs.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz ordered the support measures following a proposal by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The package includes SAR 500 ($133) in monthly assistance for eligible groups and a phased increase in the minimum wage required for Saudi employees to count fully toward Saudization quotas under the Nitaqat program.

Saudi Energy and the National Water Company announced the tariff revisions, covering residential, non-residential and government customers, in accordance with procedures governing adjustments to energy and water prices.

The companies said customers could review the revised rates on their official websites.

Improving consumption efficiency

The two new tariffs are designed to boost consumption efficiency for electricity and water while ensuring service sustainability.

Government support for the water sector will continue to cover capital expenditures, which account for more than half the cost of each cubic meter delivered to consumers.

According to the latest statistics, 99% of residential water customers have connections with diameters ranging from zero to 40. For customers consuming no more than 30 cubic meters, the increase in their bill will not exceed SAR 67, including value-added tax.

The electricity tariff changes are expected to have a limited impact on most industrial, commercial and agricultural activities. Water tariff adjustments will not apply to industrial or agricultural uses.

In agriculture, for example, a monthly electricity bill of SAR 5,000 ($1,333) could increase by SAR 300 to SAR 400. The impact could be reduced through more efficient electricity and irrigation water use and better scheduling of pump operations.

3 tracks

King Salman's directives encompass three tracks for citizens: an additional monthly stipend of SAR 500 for social security beneficiaries; a monthly increase of SAR500 for civil service and operational scale employees, to be added to their specified allowances; and a gradual adjustment of the minimum wage required to count a Saudi worker toward localization percentages under the "Nitaqat" program.

These measures aim to bolster the assistance provided to social security beneficiaries, increase the income of civil service and operational scale employees, and modify the mechanism for calculating Saudi workers within localization ratios under the "Nitaqat" program over two phases, thereby granting establishments sufficient time to prepare for implementation.

A fixed monthly support of SAR 500 has been allocated and added to the salaries of state employees, stemming from the government's steadfast commitment to ensuring they are shielded from any livelihood ramifications resulting from economic decisions to amend electricity and water tariffs.

This measure enhances the support provided to them and accounts for their living requirements, reflecting the state's continued backing of citizens and its mitigation of the impact of economic changes on them.

Supporting citizens and addressing their needs remains a constant priority, as the state continues to develop support programs and initiatives to ensure they reach eligible groups while considering the impact of economic changes and decisions on their livelihood.

Monthly support for citizens

For government employees, the increase will be added to a designated allowance rather than basic salaries, without affecting other allowances or financial benefits.

The measures are intended to ease the impact of higher utility costs on households and strengthen social protection.

Although the tariff revisions are expected to exert some upward pressure on inflation, the accompanying support measures are expected to help contain the impact and maintain stability in living costs.

Payments to social security beneficiaries will be based on existing records and coordination with relevant authorities to verify eligibility and prevent duplicate disbursements.

The mechanism is designed to minimize administrative requirements while ensuring assistance reaches eligible recipients.

Private sector

The package also includes a two-stage increase in the minimum wage required for a Saudi employee to count as one full worker toward a company’s Saudization quota under the Nitaqat program.

The threshold will rise to SAR 5,000 on April 25, 2027, six months after the decision, before increasing to SAR 6,000 on April 25, 2028.

The adjustment does not involve direct cash payments from the ministry to Saudi private sector employees. Instead, it changes the wage threshold used to calculate their contribution to companies’ Saudization requirements.

The phased implementation is intended to give private sector establishments sufficient time to prepare.

The tariff revisions and accompanying financial measures seek to balance more efficient resource consumption with continued support for citizens, while ensuring the sustainability of electricity and water services.

Business

Abdulaziz bin Salman: Saudi Arabia Continues to Supply Energy Markets Despite the Challenges

Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. (Reuters file)
Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. (Reuters file)
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Abdulaziz bin Salman: Saudi Arabia Continues to Supply Energy Markets Despite the Challenges

Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. (Reuters file)
Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. (Reuters file)

Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman stressed on Monday that the Kingdom has continued to supply global energy markets under difficult circumstances, which practically demonstrates the resilience of the Saudi energy system.

He pointed out that investments are continuing to maintain oil production capacity and expand into gas, renewable energy, and power grids.

In a video message during the ministerial keynote address at Singapore International Energy Week, Prince Abdulaziz stated that Saudi Arabia continues to invest in maintaining its oil production capacity alongside expanding into gas, renewable energy, and electrical grids to meet demand and enhance the energy system's capability to withstand disruptions.

The Kingdom has invested for decades in preparing to confront energy challenges by developing infrastructure, storage facilities, and local supply chains, in addition to building expertise and human capabilities in the energy sector, he added.

Prince Abdulaziz underlined the importance of the growing partnership between Saudi Arabia and Singapore, noting the available opportunity to transform shared priorities into practical cooperation in the energy field.

In this context, he said that cooperation regarding the Jurong Rock Caverns for oil storage could support Singapore's supply security and competitiveness while boosting the resilience of the Saudi supply network.

Singaporean Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng had previously announced the joint initiative between the two countries to establish an arrangement allowing the storage of Saudi crude oil in the Jurong Caverns, starting from the second half of 2027.

This initiative comes within the framework of strengthening cooperation between the two nations in the field of energy security, utilizing storage facilities and infrastructure to support the reliability and resilience of supplies.