SABIC-

Saudi Basic Industries Corp’s (Sabic) net income turned positive in 2024 with SAR 1.54 bn, reversing its first recorded net loss of SAR 2.77 bn the year prior, the company said in an earnings release (pdf). Revenues declined 1% y-o-y to SAR 139.98 bn, driven by a 2% drop in sales volumes, partially offset by a 1% increase in average selling prices. The petrochemicals giant fell short of expectations amid ongoing industry challenges, according to Bloomberg analysts.

The drivers: The lower sales were primarily recorded in chemical products, while polymer sales increased, contributing to the higher average selling price. Persistent overcapacity — especially in polymers —and slower ethylene demand growth continue to pressure utilization rates, CEO Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh said in the release. “Additionally, the continued geopolitical situation has sustained uncertainty, exposing the industry to further challenges,” Al-Fageeh told Bloomberg.

In 4Q 2024, Sabic posted a SAR 1.89 bn net loss, widening from SAR 1.73 bn a year earlier, it said in a separate release (pdf). The quarterly results were significantly below Bloomberg analyst expectations, which put the company in the black at SAR 951.7 mn. Meanwhile, revenues for the quarter fell slightly to SAR 34.7 bn in the same period, compared to SAR 35 bn in 4Q 2023, as oversupply and weak petrochemical demand pressured prices.

IN CONTEXT– Global chemical companies have been facing rising costs and shrinking margins, with supply growth in China and potential trade wars adding to recovery challenges, Bloomberg reported.

Market reax: Sabic shares fell 2.14% to SAR 64.00, their lowest level since 2020, Bloomberg reports.

Looking ahead: Despite the challenging outlook, analysts point to Sabic’s operational efficiency, strong balance sheet, and government support as key strengths. The company projects its capital expenditure between USD 3.5-4 bn in 2025, amid a capital efficiency program it already launched in a bid to boost competitiveness while it looks for “selective investment” opportunities, Executive Vice President for Corporate Finance Salah Al Hareky told reporters, according to Reuters.

Highlights of the year: Moody’s upgraded Sabic’s credit rating to AA3, citing competitive costs and strong liquidity. The company raked in some SAR 3.6 bn from selling its entire 20.62% stake in Aluminium Bahrain to Ma’aden. Sabic also shelled out USD 6.4 bn in January to develop a refining hub in China’s Fujian, and opened the world’s first pilot plant for steam cracker furnaces powered by renewable energy. Sabic distributed USD 2.7 bn in dividends in 2024.

STC-

PIF-backed Saudi Telecom Company’s (STC)’s net income increased 85.7% y-o-y to SAR 24.7 bn in 2024, it said in an earnings release (pdf). Almost a third of the income came from transferring a 51% stake in Tawal to parent company PIF for SAR 8.9 bn. Meanwhile, Revenues were up 5.7% y-o-y to SAR 75.9 bn, driven by a 0.9% increase in revenue from STC KSA and a 16.4% rise in subsidiary revenues.

On a 4Q basis: The telecom giant saw its net income increase 487% y-o-y to SAR 13.5 bn. Meanwhile, revenues increased 9% y-o-y to SAR 19.3 bn in the same period.

ALSO- The company’s board is distributing SAR 10 bn in special dividends for 2024 at SAR 2.00 a piece, pending shareholder approval at the next General Assembly meeting, it said in a disclosure to Tadawul. The eligibility date will be the second trading day after the meeting, with the distribution date to be announced later.

STC will also distribute a SAR 2.7 bn interim dividend for 4Q 2024 at SAR 0.6 per share, according to a separate disclosure. Eligibility is due Monday, 3 March, while distributions are set for Monday, 24 March.

ALMOOSA HEALTH-

Almoosa Health’s net income decreased 3.8% y-o-y to SAR 94.4 mn in 2024, driven by higher finance costs and depreciation as the new rehabilitation and long-term care hospital became operational, it said in an earnings release (pdf). Meanwhile, the company reported a 22.8% y-o-y increase in revenues to SAR 1.2 bn, on the back of a 108.6% growth in rehabilitation revenues.

ALSO- The company’s BoD recommended the distribution of SAR 44.3 mn in dividends at SAR 1.00 per share for 2024. Eligibility criteria will be announced in the upcoming general assembly meeting.

HALWANI BROTHERS-

Halwani Brothers returned to the black, reporting a net income of SAR 44.7 mn in 2024, compared to a net loss of SAR 98 mn in 2023, it said in a disclosure to Tadawul. The company attributed the recovery to an improved sales mix, higher sales in the Kingdom and rising overall exports.

MEANWHILE- Revenues were up 9.8% y-o-y to SAR 969.1 mn in the same period, pushed by geographical expansion facilitated by growing sales channels and restructuring of the sales department, the disclosure said.

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