Tadawul Q3 earnings indicate strong growth in non-oil sectors

Emphasizing the Kingdom’s drive for economic diversification, banking, transportation, telecommunication services, and healthcare and equipment services all reported increased profits over the three months to the end of September. File
Short Url
Updated 19 November 2023
Follow

Tadawul Q3 earnings indicate strong growth in non-oil sectors

  • Kingdom’s banking industry registered net income totaling SR17.65 billion

RIYADH: Tadawul All Share Index earnings data for the third quarter of 2023 revealed profit growth in non-oil sectors when compared to the corresponding period last year, according to data compiled by Arab News.

Emphasizing the Kingdom’s drive for economic diversification, banking, transportation, telecommunication services, and healthcare and equipment services all reported increased profits over the three months to the end of September.

The primary stock market index of Saudi Exchange employs a sophisticated methodology to assign weights to each sector within the index.

Even though the energy sector claims the highest market capitalization, primarily influenced by Aramco with a substantial SR8.47 trillion ($2.26 trillion) market cap, it does not command the highest weight. This is due to the capped indices calculation methodology, with the banks sector surpassing it in terms of weight.

This methodology is used to prevent any single security from having a dominating influence on an index, and it is part of the Financial Sector Development Program’s key initiative under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to enhance the exchange’s product offering.

Looking at the net income by sector for the third quarter, as per data from Bloomberg and analyzed by Arab News, the energy sector emerged as the leader with SR122.82 billion. 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Looking at the net income by sector for the third quarter the energy sector emerged as the leader with SR122.82 billion. 
  • The telecommunication services sector disclosed the third-highest net income across all sectors, reaching SR5.75 billion.
  • The transportation sector experienced the highest growth rate, surging by 169 percent to SR223 million in net income.
  • The healthcare equipment and services sector emerged as a promising industry, registering a positive growth of 38 percent.
  • The Kingdom is committed to expanding digital health usage, involving a $1.5 billion investment in health information technology.

However, this figure indicates a 21 percent decline compared to the same quarter of the previous year, primarily attributed to diminished oil prices and a reduction in sales volumes.

Aramco, being the largest entity in this sector, reported a net profit of SR123.53 billion during the same period, indicating a 21 percent decrease from the previous year.

The decline in growth can be attributed to the Kingdom’s commitment to reduce oil output by 500,000 barrels per day, initially announced in April and extended until December 2024. 

Additionally, an extra cut of 1 million bpd, implemented in July and set to persist until December 2023, further contributed to this decrease.

The banking industry registered the second-highest net income among the indexed sectors, totaling SR17.65 billion. This represents an 8.3 percent growth compared to the corresponding period last year.

Considering the inclusion of sukuk and treasury bonds costs, Al Rajhi Bank recorded the highest net income among all banks at SR3.9 billion, but faced an 8 percent decline in this period.

Conversely, Alinma Bank showcased the highest growth, achieving a net income of SR1.33 billion, indicating a 34 percent increase from the third quarter of 2022.

The telecommunication services sector disclosed the third-highest net income across all sectors, reaching SR5.75 billion, reflecting a 43 percent growth in this period. This notable increase can be largely attributed to the performance of Saudi Telecom Co., which experienced a 38 percent growth, culminating in a total net income of SR4.89 billion in the third quarter of this year.

Zain KSA, the Mobile Telecommunications Company Saudi Arabia, experienced growth of 234 percent, reaching SR285 million during this period. This substantial increase is attributed primarily to the expansion in business-to-business activities, the uptake of 5G services, digital packages, and wholesale services.

Additionally, the growth of Tamam, a Shariah-compliant micro-lending service provider based in Saudi Arabia and a subsidiary of Zain, played a significant role in this positive financial performance.

The “Vision 2030” initiative recognizes the pivotal role of the telecom industry in enhancing living standards and driving economic growth. It aims to promote competition, elevate service standards, and increase the sector’s contribution to gross domestic product.

The robust performance of this sector is attributed to increasing subscriptions, the expansion of digital banking in the Kingdom, and diversification of services.

Significantly, the telecommunications sector witnessed strong growth during the Hajj season, capitalizing on a notable surge in its customer base.

During this period, the transportation sector experienced the highest growth rate, surging by 169 percent to SR223 million in net income.

United International Transportations Co. led this sector with the highest share, reporting a net income of SR71 million, marking a 12 percent increase from the same quarter last year.

The notable growth in this sector is primarily attributed to the strong performances of Saudi Public Transport and Saudi Ground Services Companies, which reported net incomes of SR20.2 million and SR59.9 million, respectively.

According to the state media, the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services is pivotal to Saudi Vision 2030 through its National Transport and Logistics Strategy launched in mid-2021.

Aimed at enhancing global logistics standing and fostering economic diversification, the strategy focuses on initiatives like global logistical platforms, improved port infrastructure, and increased cross-border trade. 

The goal is to elevate the transport sector’s GDP contribution from 6 percent to 10 percent and secure top global rankings in logistical performance, cross-border trade, and road network connectivity.

The healthcare equipment and services sector emerged as a promising industry, registering a positive growth of 38 percent during this period and accumulating a total net income of approximately SR966 million.

Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group claimed the highest share in the healthcare equipment and services sector, reporting a net income of SR544.76 million, reflecting a 30 percent growth during this timeframe.

According to the International Trade Administration, Saudi Arabia aims to invest over $65 billion in healthcare infrastructure as part of Vision 2030, with a focus on increasing the private sector’s contribution from 40 percent to 65 percent.

The plan includes the privatization of 290 hospitals and 2,300 primary health centers. To enhance accessibility, the Saudi Ministry of Health plans to establish “health clusters” serving around 1 million people each.

Additionally, the Kingdom is committed to expanding digital health usage, involving a $1.5 billion investment in health information technology and increased adoption of telemedicine.


Saudi PIF on track to reach $2tn in AuM, 2nd-largest globally by 2030

Updated 10 January 2025
Follow

Saudi PIF on track to reach $2tn in AuM, 2nd-largest globally by 2030

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is set to be ranked second among the world’s sovereign wealth bodies by 2030 with $2 trillion in assets under management, according to monitoring organization Global SWF.

A report from the firm forecasts PIF will more than double its current AuM value of $925 billion by the end of the decade, and rise from its 2024 ranking of sixth among global state-owned investor funds.

According to projections from the institute, PIF’s AuM in 2030 will represent 10.5 percent of the global sovereign wealth funds’ total assets, which are set to reach $19 trillion, as it rises from sixth place

Diego Lopez, founder and managing director at Global SWF, said: “Capital attracts capital — so international financial institutions are attracted in partnering with a player with such a huge balance sheet and role in the economic development.”

According to the report, to achieve its ambitious goal of reaching $2 trillion by 2030, the PIF will depend on a combination of strategies. These include oil revenue allocations, which refer to the portion of the Kingdom’s oil earnings transferred to the PIF, debt issuance, and returns generated from its investments.

“Saudi Arabia needs to make its capital base sustainable, diversified and resilient to lower levels of oil prices,” Lopez told Arab News.

“That means raising debt, as PIF has been doing, and eventually raising equity through subsidiaries that can act as asset managers — we see this working very well in Abu Dhabi with Mubadala Capital, Lunate, etc,” he added.

According to the report, the PIF’s 10-year annualized return from 2013 to 2022 stood at 6.9 percent, outperforming the sovereign wealth fund average of 5.7 percent annually.

In 2024, the global economy showed resilience despite geopolitical risks and market uncertainties, with global GDP growth projected at 3.2 percent, slightly improving to 3.3 percent in 2025, according to the OECD.

The International Monetary Fund forecasts a subdued five-year outlook of 3.1 percent, reflecting weaker growth in China, Latin America, and the EU. Developed markets are facing slower growth due to tightening monetary policies, while developing economies maintain greater stability.

Central banks, led by the US Federal Reserve, began easing rates in 2024, responding to reduced inflationary pressures. According to the report, as the global economy adapts, sovereign wealth funds are increasingly focused on capital preservation and stimulating foreign direct investment, with those in the Middle East and North Africa region entering a new phase of growth.

Saudi Arabia offers robust economic expansion fueled by diversification initiatives and ambitious mega-projects like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya.  

PIF’s investments are strategically positioned to capitalize on these high-growth areas, making it a gateway for investors seeking exposure to dynamic emerging market opportunities.

GCC sees greater international attention

According to the report, global sovereign wealth funds have, for the first time, surpassed $13 trillion in assets under management, with capital heavily concentrated in two key regions — the Gulf Cooperation Council, holding 38 percent of the total, and Southeast Asia at 10 percent.

Interest in these powerful global investors remains strong, the report said, drawing heightened international attention to the GCC, a region with fewer than 60 million residents.

Previously named the “Region of the Year” by Global SWF, the GCC has seen a wave of global asset managers and bankers establishing local offices to capitalize on burgeoning opportunities. According to the report, the GCC-Southeast Asia axis is expected to continue driving growth across the sovereign wealth landscape.

PIF represented 7.11 percent of MENA’s sovereign wealth funds’ AuM, with assets totaling $925 billion. 

Leading the rankings is Abu Dhabi Investment Authority at $1.11 trillion, followed by Kuwait Investment Authority with $969 billion.

Global sovereign wealth fund investments totaled $136.1 billion across 358 transactions in 2024. The “Oil Five” — ADIA, ADQ, PIF, QIA, and Mubadala — maintained their dominance, together accounting for 60 percent of the total investment value, amounting to $82 billion. As a result, they secured positions among the top 19 dealmakers of the year.

This marks a significant rise from $74 billion in both 2023 and 2022, $41 billion in 2021, $39 billion in 2020, and $28 billion in 2019, reflecting the accelerating investment momentum of these sovereign wealth giants.

While some Gulf sovereign wealth funds leaned toward emerging markets, including their domestic economies, developed markets remained the dominant choice for most global sovereign investors.

Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Abu Dhabi’s ADQ, and Qatar’s QIA exhibited a preference for emerging markets, reflecting their strategic focus on regional and high-growth economies.

PIF investments

According to the report, a significant factor driving the PIF’s growth is its projected boost in domestic spending to $70 billion annually by 2025.

The fund’s investment strategy is focused on high-growth sectors, including infrastructure, digitalization, AI, and renewable energy.

Among the top 15 largest global investments by sovereign wealth funds in 2024 was PIF’s $3 billion acquisition of a 51 percent stake in Saudi Arabia’s TAWAL and $2.16 billion of a 40 percent stake in Selfridges in the UK.

Other significant investments for the PIF include a 15 percent stake in Heathrow Airport for $1.8 billion.

According to the institute, the largest deals are consistently pursued by a select group of funds known for their substantial firepower and risk appetite. This group includes the top 10 spenders, with the GCC’s “Big 5” leading the way.

Mubadala emerged as the leading sovereign investor in 2024, deploying $29.2 billion across 52 deals, a 67 percent increase from the previous year. It was followed by GIC at $26.6 billion, CPP with $21.1 billion, PIF at $19.9 billion, and ADIA at $17.1 billion.

PIF has also ventured into artificial intelligence and space, co-investing in Databricks and launching Neo Space Group to advance Saudi Arabia’s satellite industry.

These initiatives reflect the fund’s commitment to positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in global digital and technological innovation.

PIF saw a 24 percent decline in its US equity portfolio, the report said. At the beginning of 2024, the fund sold shares in 18 companies worth nearly $13 billion, including pandemic-era investments like gaming giant Activision Blizzard, cruise leader Carnival, and entertainment company Live Nation, which yielded strong returns.

According to Lopez: “The sale of the listed equities was about monetizing a huge upside from their purchase during covid, rather than about decreasing the overseas portfolio.”

The expert noted the importance to recognize that while PIF’s domestic portfolio may be growing relative to its international holdings, the overall assets under management continue to expand, with significant investments being made outside the Kingdom.

PIF has also made significant investments in the electric vehicle sector, despite facing challenges with earlier ventures.

In 2019, PIF divested from Tesla but doubled down on Lucid Motors, placing a major bet on the EV manufacturer.

This strategic move has required substantial funding, including $2.8 billion in 2024 alone. Despite the financial commitment, PIF remains focused on its long-term vision for Saudi Arabia, supporting Lucid’s growth with a manufacturing facility in King Abdullah Economic City.

In January, Lucid Motors became the first global automotive company to join the Kingdom’s “Made in Saudi” program, reinforcing the country’s push to strengthen its industrial capabilities.

The program also supports Vision 2030’s goals of attracting investments, boosting non-oil exports, and creating sustainable jobs, while positioning Saudi Arabia as a hub for innovation and manufacturing in the EV sector.

PIF’s debt financing

On Jan. 6, PIF announced the completion of its inaugural $7 billion murabaha credit facility, supported by a syndicate of 20 international and regional financial institutions.

This Shariah-compliant financing structure is part of the fund’s medium-term capital raising strategy, aimed at diversifying its funding sources to support transformative investments both globally and within Saudi Arabia.

According to another report published by Global SWF in January, PIF’s use of debt financing mirrors a growing trend among sovereign wealth funds and public pension funds, which have raised around $700 billion over the past two decades.

Despite strong credit ratings from Moody’s and Fitch, PIF faces pressure from surging domestic investment in giga-projects like NEOM and Qiddiya, with annual funding needs expected to rise from $40 billion in 2023 to $70 billion by 2025.

Sustaining investor confidence will depend on its ability to manage financial obligations and execute Vision 2030 goals.

While markets currently support PIF’s sovereign-backed debt, delays or disruptions could strain resources and affect its ambitious agenda, making its financing strategy critical for both national economic transformation and global sovereign investment trends.

However, PIF’s diversified funding strategy, coupled with its ability to attract global partnerships, positions it as a transformative force capable of reshaping Saudi Arabia’s economic future and reinforcing its role as a leading driver of global investment innovation.


Oil Updates — crude jumps on concerns about more sanctions on Russia and Iran

Updated 10 January 2025
Follow

Oil Updates — crude jumps on concerns about more sanctions on Russia and Iran

LONDON: Oil prices surged on Friday and were on track for a third straight week of gains as traders focused on potential supply disruptions from more sanctions on Russia and Iran.

Brent crude futures gained $2.50, or 3.3 percent, to $79.42 a barrel by 3:48 p.m. Saudi time, reaching their highest in more than three months. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures advanced $2.39, or 3.2 percent, to $76.31.

“There are several drivers today. Longer term, the market is focused on the prospect for additional sanctions,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank. “Short term, the weather is very cold across the US, driving up demand for fuels.”

Ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, expectations are mounting over potential supply disruptions from tighter sanctions against Iran and Russia while oil stockpiles remain low.

This could materialize even earlier, with US President Joe Biden expected to announce new sanctions targeting Russia’s economy before Trump takes office. A key target of sanctions so far has been Russia’s oil industry.

The US weather bureau expects central and eastern parts of the country to experience below-average temperatures. Many regions in Europe have also been hit by extreme cold and are likely to continue to experience a colder than usual start to the year, which JPMorgan analysts expect to boost demand.

“We anticipate a significant year-over-year increase in global oil demand of 1.6 million barrels a day in the first quarter of 2025, primarily boosted by ... demand for heating oil, kerosene and LPG,” they said in a note on Friday.

Meanwhile, the premium on the front-month Brent contract over the six-month contract reached its widest since August this week, potentially indicating supply tightness at a time of rising demand.

Inflation worries are also delivering a boost to crude oil prices, said Saxo Bank’s Hansen. Investors are growing concerned about Trump’s planned tariffs, which could drive inflation higher. A popular trade to hedge against rising consumer prices is through buying oil futures.

Oil prices have rallied despite the US dollar strengthening for six straight weeks, making crude oil more expensive outside the US.


SABIC, Almarai, SEC able to absorb fuel price hike: S&P Global

Updated 09 January 2025
Follow

SABIC, Almarai, SEC able to absorb fuel price hike: S&P Global

RIYADH: Major Saudi companies, including chemical company SABIC, dairy firm Almarai, and Saudi Electric Co., are well-positioned to handle the impact of higher fuel and feedstock prices introduced on Jan. 1, according to a new report.

Released by capital market economy firm S&P Global, the analysis reveals that those corporates will be able to absorb the marginal increase in production costs by further improving operational efficiencies as well as potentially via pass-through mechanisms.

This came after Saudi Aramco increased diesel prices in the Kingdom to SR1.66 ($0.44) per liter, effective Jan. 1, marking a 44.3 percent rise compared to the start of 2024. The company has kept gasoline prices unchanged, with Gasoline 91 priced at SR2.18 per liter and Gasoline 93 at SR2.33 per liter.

Despite the hike, diesel prices in Saudi Arabia remain lower than those in many neighboring Arab countries. In the UAE and Qatar, a liter of diesel is priced at $0.73 and $0.56, respectively, while in Bahrain and Kuwait, it costs $0.42 and $0.39 per liter.

“For SABIC and Almarai, the increase in feedstock prices will not affect profitability significantly. In the case of utility company, SEC, additional support will likely come from the government if needed,” the report said.

The capital market economy firm projects that SABIC will continue to outperform global peers on profitability.

“We don’t expect the rise in feedstock and fuel prices to materially affect profitability, since the company estimates it will increase its cost of sales by only 0.2 percent,” the report said.

It further highlighted that SABIC is considered a government-related entity with a high possibility of receiving support when needed.

The report also underlines that Almarai anticipates an additional SR200 million in costs for 2025, driven by higher fuel prices and the indirect effects of increased expenses across other areas of its supply chain.

“We believe Almarai will continue focusing on business efficiency, cost optimization, and other initiatives to mitigate these impacts,” the release stressed.

With regards to SEC, S&P said that an unrestricted and uncapped balancing account provides a mechanism for government support, including related to the higher fuel costs.

“We believe any increased fuel cost will be covered by this balancing account,” the report said.

The study further highlights that the marginal increase “could significantly affect wider Saudi corporations’ profit margins and competitiveness.”

The S&P data also suggests that additional costs will be reflected in companies’ financials from the first quarter of 2025.

“Saudi Arabia is continuing its significant and rapid transformation under the country’s Vision 2030 program. We expect an acceleration of investments to diversify the Saudi economy away from its reliance on the upstream hydrocarbon sector,” the report said.

“The sheer scale of projects — estimated at more than $1 trillion in total — suggests large funding requirements. Higher feedstock and fuel prices would help reduce subsidy costs for the government, with those savings potentially redeployed to Vision 2030 projects,” it added.


Lenovo to produce ‘Saudi Made’ PCs by 2026 following $2bn Alat deal closure

Updated 09 January 2025
Follow

Lenovo to produce ‘Saudi Made’ PCs by 2026 following $2bn Alat deal closure

RIYADH: Chinese tech giant Lenovo is set to manufacture millions of computer devices in Saudi Arabia by 2026, following the completion of a $2 billion investment deal with Alat, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund. 

First announced in May, the partnership has now received shareholder and regulatory approvals, paving the way for Lenovo to establish a regional headquarters and a manufacturing facility in the Kingdom. 

The deal marks a significant step in aligning Lenovo’s growth ambitions with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification, innovation, and job creation, the company said in a press release. 

The factory will manufacture millions of PCs and servers every year using local research and development teams for fully end-to-end “Saudi Made” products and is expected to begin production by 2026, it added. 

“Through this powerful strategic collaboration and investment, Lenovo will have significant resources and financial flexibility to further accelerate our transformation and grow our business by capitalizing on the incredible growth momentum in KSA and the wider MEA region,” Yang said. 

He added: “We are excited to have Alat as our long-term strategic partner and are confident that our world-class supply chain, technology, and manufacturing capabilities will benefit KSA as it drives its Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification, industrial development, innovation, and job creation.” 

Amit Midha, CEO of Alat, underscored the significance of the partnership for both Lenovo and the Kingdom. 

“We are incredibly proud to become a strategic investor in Lenovo and partner with them on their continued journey as a leading global technology company,” said Midha. 

“With the establishment of a regional headquarters in Riyadh and a world-class manufacturing hub, powered by clean energy, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we expect the Lenovo team to further their potential across the MEA region,” he added. 

The partnership is expected to generate thousands of jobs, strengthen the region’s technological infrastructure, and attract further investment into the Middle East and Africa, according to the press release. 

In May, Lenovo raised $1.15 billion through the issuance of warrants to support its future growth plans. The initiative, which was fully subscribed by investors, signals confidence in Lenovo’s strategic approach and its plans for global expansion. 

The investment deal was advised by Citi and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton for Lenovo, while Morgan Stanley and Latham & Watkins represented Alat. 


Lebanon’s bonds climb as parliament elects first president since 2022

Updated 09 January 2025
Follow

Lebanon’s bonds climb as parliament elects first president since 2022

LONDON: Lebanon’s government bonds extended a three-month long rally on Thursday as its parliament voted in a new head of state for the crisis-ravaged country for the first time since 2022.

Lebanese lawmakers elected army chief Joseph Aoun as president. It came after the failure of 12 previous attempts to pick a president and the move boosts hopes that Lebanon might finally be able to start addressing its dire economic woes.

Lebanon’s battered bonds have almost trebled in value since September when the regional conflict with Israel weakened Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, long viewed as an obstacle to overcoming the country’s political paralysis.

Most of Lebanon’s international bonds, which have been in default since 2020, rallied after Aoun’s victory was announced to stand between 0.8 and 0.9 cents higher on the day and at nearly 16 cents on the dollar.

They have also risen almost every day since late December, although they remain some of the lowest priced government bonds in the world, reflecting the scale of Lebanon’s difficulties.

With its economy still reeling from a devastating financial collapse in 2019, Lebanon is in dire need of international support to rebuild from the war, which the World Bank estimates to have cost the country $8.5 billion.