Abu Dhabi’s Taqa returns to profit in first quarter

Capital expenditure increased 18 percent to 1.3 billion dirhams. (Supplied)
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Updated 05 May 2021
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Abu Dhabi’s Taqa returns to profit in first quarter

  • Global oil companies have reported strong first quarter earnings helped by a stronger oil price

RIYADH: Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) reported first quarter net income of 1.44 billion dirhams ($392 million) as a stronger oil price boosted performance.
It had reported a loss of 548 million dirhams in the year-earlier period. Group revenues rose 3 percent to 10.3 billion dirhams.
Capital expenditure increased 18 percent to 1.3 billion dirhams, but from a low base as projects were delayed or postponed at the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
“Looking forward, the conditions are more optimistic as we see the demand for utilities and commodities bounce back after the universal challenges brought on from the pandemic,” said TAQA CEO Jasim Husain Thabet. “As the market continues its recovery, both in the UAE and abroad, TAQA is well placed to continue on its trajectory for growth as the recognized low carbon power and water champion of Abu Dhabi,” he added.

Global oil companies have reported strong first quarter earnings helped by a stronger oil price that has been propelled by the gradual re-opening of the global economy and resumption of international travel.

Saudi Aramco, the world’s biggest oil company, on Tuesday beat analyst expectations with a profit of $21.7 billion in the first quarter of 2021.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 10,818 

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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 10,818 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index dipped on Thursday, losing 126.83 points, or 1.16 percent, to close at 10,818.32. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.5 billion ($1.2 billion), as 26 of the listed stocks advanced, while 233 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index decreased, down 15.78 points, or 1.07 percent, to close at 1,457.04. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 137.69 points, or 0.58 percent, to close at 23,413.78. This comes as 26 of the listed stocks advanced, while 40 retreated. 

The best-performing stock was Alistithmar AREIC Diversified REIT Fund, with its share price surging by 3.81 percent to SR7.36. 

Other top performers included Etihad GO Telecom Co., which saw its share price rise by 3.08 percent to SR91.90, and Consolidated Grunenfelder Saady Holding Co., which saw a 2.55 percent increase to SR9.65. 

On the downside, Thimar Development Holding Co. was among the weaker performers, with its share price falling 6.52 percent to SR33. 

Baazeem Trading Co. fell 4.94 percent to SR6.35, while Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co. slipped 4.05 percent to SR18.02. 

On the announcements front, Saudi Electricity Co. has officially commenced the offering of a US dollar-denominated senior unsecured sukuk, following its earlier announcement. 

The two-day offering, running from Jan. 15 to Jan. 16, will be carried out through a special purpose vehicle and is open to eligible local and international investors. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the final amount, pricing, and maturity terms of the sukuk will be determined based on prevailing market conditions, with a minimum subscription set at $200,000. 

SEC has mandated a consortium of sixteen global and regional financial institutions, including J.P. Morgan, HSBC, and Standard Chartered Bank, as Joint Lead Managers for the issuance. Upon completion, the sukuk are expected to be listed on the London Stock Exchange’s International Securities Market. 

This issuance falls under SEC’s international sukuk program and is being offered in reliance on Regulation S, meaning it will be sold exclusively outside the US to non-US persons. 

SEC’s shares traded 0.07 percent higher on the main market to reach SR14.08.