KARACHI: Pakistan’s banking sector remained sound and stable in 2017, with total assets growing to Rs18.34 trillion ($159.5 billion) from Rs15.83 trillion the previous year.
However, in its latest Quarterly Performance Review of the Banking Sector — covering the final quarter of 2017 and published on March 21 — the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) revealed the number of loss-making banks rose to five, from three in 2016.
“Two additional loss-making banks posted marginal profits in 2016 and they belong to the lowest quartile of the banking sector in terms of asset base,” said SBP. “Rising cost of operations has compelled these banks to incur losses in 2017.”
Equity increased by Rs36.7 billion (2.7 percent) during the quarter, compared with Rs28.4 billion (2.1 percent) during the same period in 2016.
“Banks have added 305 branches and 416 ATMs during the fourth quarter of calendar year 2017, while 304 additional branches have been linked to the online network,” SBP noted. “There has also been a rise in point of sales machines and plastic cards.”
In terms of assets, the sector performed as per trend during the quarter. They increased by 4.5 percent, compared with 4.6 percent quarterly growth recorded a year earlier. About 70 percent of the growth in total assets came from net advances and net investments.
On a year-on-year basis, assets grew by 15.9 percent in 2017 compared with 11.9 percent the previous year. Net advances grew by 18.4 percent, and net investments by 16.2 percent.
As for liabilities, growth in deposits was subpar, the central bank said. During the quarter, banks recorded a 3.2 percent increase in deposits, and an annual increase of 10.3 percent. These compare with 2016 figures of 6.4 percent in the fourth quarter, and 13.6 percent for the year. As a result, borrowing by banks substantially increased to Rs280.1 billion, compared with retirement of Rs69.4 billion during the same period last year.
Islamic banking institutions, which represent 12.4 percent of banking-sector assets, contributed 24.1 percent (Rs 188.6 billion) of asset growth during the quarter, compared with the same period a year earlier. Year on year, they accounted for 16.7 percent (Rs 418.8 billion) of total asset growth.
The seasonal pick up in private-sector advances stands at 7.3 percent for the quarter, down from 10.6 percent in the final quarter of 2016.
“This is on account of a decline in advances to the chemical and pharmaceuticals sector, and lower advances flows to sugar and energy sectors,” SBP noted. “Within the chemical and pharmaceuticals sector, fertilizer companies have retired their advances during [the quarter]. Higher cash flows resulting from release of the stocks accumulated since 2016, and lower fertilizer production in 2017 due to higher liquefied natural gas prices and its limited availability have led to the decline in advances by fertilizers.”
In the case of sugar, the availability of unsold stock resulting from a bumper crop in 2016, and a delay in sugarcane crushing, due to a dispute over prices between farmers and producers, explain the slump in demand for advances.
Private-sector advances to the textiles sector — the largest recipient of advances — continued to increase during the quarter. Analysis of the figures suggests this increase might be linked to growth of 37.3 percent in working-capital advances to small and medium enterprises.
Rising exports to eurozone and North America during the quarter explains the higher demand for advances by the textiles sector. Moreover, the government recently announced an incentive package for the sector, which is likely to further boost exports.
The analysis of investments by banks in the corporate sector reveals a decline in equity/listed shares of Rs18.5 billion and Rs31.2 billion quarter on quarter and year on year, respectively.
“The slowdown in the capital market during the reviewed quarter seems to drive down banks’ equity investments”, SBP said.
Deposit growth slowed during the quarter. Fixed deposits increased by Rs89.8 billion, compared with Rs135.4 billion in the same period a year earlier. Similarly, savings deposits rose by Rs31.4 billion, compared with Rs89.5 billion in the final quarter of 2016.
Year-to-date profits before tax of the banking sector fell by 15 percent year on year, primarily due to a one-off settlement payment made by a large bank during the third quarter of 2017. If that is excluded, the decline is 7.5 percent, which is still greater than the 4.5 percent drop in 2016.
At Rs71.4 billion, the profits generated during the fourth quarter alone were lower than the previous three year’s average of Rs76.2 billion.
Regarding the future outlook of the sector, the central bank said profitability will depend on the momentum of advances, developments in the foreign-exchange market and performance of the capital market.
Solid performance by Pakistan’s banking sector in 2017, State Bank reports
Solid performance by Pakistan’s banking sector in 2017, State Bank reports
Oil Updates – prices ease but remain near 2-week highs on Russia, Iran tensions
SINGAPORE: Oil prices retreated on Monday following 6 percent gains last week, but remained near two-week highs as geopolitical tensions grew between Western powers and major oil producers Russia and Iran, raising risks of supply disruption.
Brent crude futures slipped 26 cents, or 0.35 percent, to $74.91 a barrel by 7:40 a.m. Saudi time, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were at $70.97 a barrel, down 27 cents, or 0.38 percent.
Both contracts last week notched their biggest weekly gains since late September to reach their highest settlement levels since Nov. 7 after Russia fired a hypersonic missile at Ukraine in a warning to the US and UK following strikes by Kyiv on Russia using US and British weapons.
“Oil prices are starting the new week with some slight cool-off as market participants await more cues from geopolitical developments and the Fed’s policy outlook to set the tone,” said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG.
“Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have edged up a notch lately, leading to some pricing for the risks of a wider escalation potentially impacting oil supplies.”
As both Ukraine and Russia vie to gain some leverage ahead of any upcoming negotiations under a Trump administration, the tensions may likely persist into the year-end, keeping Brent prices supported around $70-$80, Yeap added.
In addition, Iran reacted to a resolution passed by the UN nuclear watchdog on Thursday by ordering measures such as activating various new and advanced centrifuges used in enriching uranium.
“The IAEA censure and Iran’s response heightens the likelihood that Trump will look to enforce sanctions against Iran’s oil exports when he comes into power,” Vivek Dhar, a commodities strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia said in a note.
Enforced sanctions could sideline about 1 million barrels per day of Iran’s oil exports, about 1 percent of global oil supply, he said.
The Iranian foreign ministry said on Sunday that it will hold talks about its disputed nuclear program with three European powers on Nov. 29.
“Markets are concerned not only about damage to oil ports and infrastructure, but also the possibility of war contagion and involvement of more countries,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.
Investors were also focused on rising crude oil demand at China and India, the world’s top and third-largest importers, respectively.
China’s crude imports rebounded in November as lower prices drew stockpiling demand while Indian refiners increased crude throughput by 3 percent on year to 5.04 million bpd in October, buoyed by fuel exports.
For the week, traders will be eyeing US personal consumption expenditures data, due on Wednesday, as that will likely inform the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting scheduled for Dec. 17-18, Sachdeva said.
Saudi Arabia’s private debt market targets over $1.77bn by Q3 2024: report
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s private debt market is experiencing significant growth, with eight active funds targeting to raise over $1.77 billion in capital by the third quarter of 2024, according to a new report.
This growth is driven by a sharp rise in investor confidence, with 97 percent of Middle East-based institutional investors now viewing the Kingdom as the most promising market for private debt in the coming year, up from 82 percent in 2023, based on Preqin survey data.
The report, titled “Territory Guide: The Rise of Private Debt Funds in Saudi Arabia 2024,” was published in collaboration with Saudi Venture Capital Co. It highlights the increasing interest from both regional and global investors, fueled by the positive outcomes of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 reforms.
The findings align with the fact that Saudi Arabia accounts for up to 27.5 percent of private debt fund transactions in the Middle East and North Africa region between 2016 and the third quarter of 2024.
In 2022, private debt funds focused on Saudi Arabia raised a record $335 million in total capital, a sharp rise from the $32 million raised by a single fund in 2003.
“This first-of-its-kind report highlights the emergence of private debt funds as a key asset class in Saudi Arabia, driven by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its ambition to diversify the economy,” said Nabeel Koshak, CEO and board member at SVC.
“At SVC, we continue our commitment to support the development of such reports that provide policymakers, investors, and founders with insights and data to inform strategic decisions and policies to nurture the private capital ecosystem further,” Koshak added.
David Dawkins, lead author of the report at Preqin, commented: “Global investment firms are not alone in closely watching the growth and evolution of Saudi Arabia’s nascent private debt industry.”
Dawkins also noted: “For other developing economies in the Middle East and beyond, Saudi Arabia’s success in this area will strengthen the impetus for improving transparency to secure the capital needed for sustainable growth in a net-zero world.”
The study further revealed that among all private debt funds with investments tied to Saudi Arabia that concluded between 2016 and the third quarter of 2024, mezzanine funds accounted for 50 percent of total exposure, with direct lending and venture debt funds closely following at 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively.
Support for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises in the Kingdom is also reflected in the high proportion of venture debt, which represents 75 percent of all funds in the market with Saudi Arabia exposure.
The report also highlighted that private debt marked its second consecutive year as the asset class with the highest proportion of Middle Eastern investors intending to increase their investments in the coming year. Nearly 58 percent of investors expressed this sentiment, up from 50 percent in 2023.
The percentage of investors considering private debt the most promising asset class in the region rose by 12 percentage points, from 31 percent in 2023.
Private debt is expected to further bolster Saudi Arabia’s growing entrepreneurial community as the nation advances toward its Vision 2030 goals. Since 2018, new regulatory frameworks have been implemented, ushering in an era of increased transparency and equity within the private debt sector, closely aligned with the Kingdom’s broader investment vision.
Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 11,864
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Sunday, gaining 24.38 points, or 0.21 percent, to close at 11,864.90.
The benchmark index recorded a trading turnover of SR4.22 billion ($1.12 billion), with 124 stocks advancing and 99 declining.
The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also posted gains, climbing 345.06 points, or 1.13 percent, to close at 30,885.34, as 49 stocks advanced and 32 declined.
The MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 4.74 points, or 0.32 percent, to close at 1,491.56.
The best-performing stock of the day was Arabian Contracting Services Co., whose share price surged 9.97 percent to SR167.60.
Other notable gainers included Saudi Reinsurance Co., rising 4.97 percent to SR45.45, and Saudi Public Transport Co., which climbed 3.98 percent to SR23.00.
Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. led the decliners, falling 6.06 percent to SR0.31. Aldrees Petroleum and Transport Services Co. dropped 4.33 percent to SR123.60, and Batic Investments and Logistics Co. declined 3.23 percent to SR3.59.
Leejam Sports Co. announced the opening of four new fitness centers. These include a men’s center and the first ladies’ center in Al-Rass city, Qassim Province, as well as the first men’s and ladies’ centers in Al-Qunfidah city, Makkah Province.
Branded under “Fitness Time” and “Fitness Time - Ladies,” the centers will feature state-of-the-art facilities, high-spec sports equipment, and modern designs.
The financial impact of these openings is expected to reflect in the fourth quarter of 2024. Despite the announcement, Leejam Sports Co. closed the session at SR180, down 0.34 percent.
Obeikan Glass Co. reported a net profit of SR29.89 million for the nine months ending Sept. 30, a 58.3 percent drop from the same period in 2023. The decline was attributed to lower average selling prices due to global market conditions and increased administrative expenses related to a new investment in a subsidiary, Saudi Aluminum Casting Foundry.
The stock ended at SR49.60, down 1.59 percent.
United Mining Industries Co. announced the issuance of two exploration licenses for gypsum and anhydrite ore from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. The company plans to conduct studies to determine the availability of raw materials, with financial impacts to be announced upon completion.
Its stock closed at SR39.60, up 0.26 percent.
Morgan Stanley receives approval to establish regional HQ in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: US-based investment bank Morgan Stanley has been granted approval to establish its regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom continues to attract international investment.
This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s regional headquarters program, which offers businesses various incentives, including a 30-year exemption from corporate income tax and withholding tax on headquarters activities, as well as access to discounts and support services.
Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih confirmed the progress of this initiative in October, stating that the Kingdom has successfully attracted 540 international companies to set up regional headquarters in Riyadh—exceeding its 2030 target of 500.
“Establishing a regional HQ in Riyadh reflects the growth and development of Saudi Arabia and is a natural progression of our long history in the region,” said Abdulaziz Alajaji, Morgan Stanley’s CEO for Saudi Arabia and co-head of the bank’s Middle East and North Africa operations, according to Bloomberg.
Morgan Stanley first entered the Saudi market in 2007, launching an equity trading business in Riyadh, followed by the establishment of a Saudi equity fund in 2009.
This approval follows a similar move by Citigroup earlier this month, with the bank also receiving approval to establish its regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia.
Fahad Aldeweesh, CEO of Citi Saudi Arabia, emphasized that this development would support the firm’s future growth in the Kingdom.
Goldman Sachs, another major Wall Street bank, also received approval in May to set up its regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia.
Prominent international firms that have already established regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia include BlackRock, Northern Trust, Bechtel, PepsiCo, IHG Hotels and Resorts, PwC, and Deloitte.
In addition, a recent report from Knight Frank noted that Saudi Arabia's regional headquarters program has led to increased demand for office space in Riyadh, with the city’s office stock expected to grow by 1 million sq. meters by 2026.
In August, Kuwait’s Markaz Financial Center echoed this sentiment, predicting a significant uptick in the Kingdom’s real estate market during the second half of the year, driven by the regional headquarters program.
QatarEnergy strengthens global footprint with offshore expansion in Namibia
RIYADH: QatarEnergy has expanded its portfolio through a new agreement with TotalEnergies to increase its ownership stakes in two offshore blocks in Namibia’s Orange Basin.
According to a press release, the state-owned energy firm will acquire an additional 5.25 percent interest in block 2913B and an additional 4.7 percent interest in block 2912 under the new deal, subject to customary approvals.
Once finalized, QatarEnergy’s share in these licenses will rise to 35.25 percent in block 2913B and 33.025 percent in block 2912.
Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar’s minister of state for energy affairs and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: “We are pleased to expand QatarEnergy’s footprint in Namibia’s upstream sector. This agreement marks another important step in working collaboratively with our partners toward the development of the Venus discovery located on block 2913B.”
TotalEnergies, the operator of both blocks, will retain 45.25 percent in block 2913B and 42.475 percent in block 2912. Other partners include Impact Oil & Gas, which holds 9.5 percent in both blocks and the National Petroleum Corp. of Namibia, which owns 10 percent in block 2913B and 15 percent in block 2912.
Located about 300 km off the coast of the African country, in water depths ranging from 2,600 to 3,800 meters, these blocks host the promising Venus discovery. The Venus field has attracted considerable attention as a significant find that could impact Namibia’s energy future.
This offshore acquisition complements QatarEnergy’s recent ventures into renewable energy. In October, the company announced a 50 percent stake in TotalEnergies’ 1.25-gigawatt solar project in Iraq.
The initiative, part of Iraq’s $27 billion Gas Growth Integrated Project, aims to enhance Iraq’s energy self-sufficiency by addressing its reliance on electricity imports and reducing environmental impacts.
The solar project, set to deploy 2 million bifacial solar panels, will generate up to 1.25 GW of renewable energy at peak capacity, supplying electricity to approximately 350,000 homes in Iraq’s Basra region.
QatarEnergy will share equal ownership of the project with TotalEnergies, which retains the remaining 50 percent.
The firm’s dual focus on traditional and renewable energy highlights its strategic approach to meeting global demands while addressing sustainability concerns.
Its involvement in Namibia’s offshore blocks and Iraq’s shift toward renewable energy highlights a well-rounded portfolio that includes fossil fuels and clean energy investments.
