Saudi Industrial Services Company (SISCO), a leading strategic investor in ports and terminals, has posted a revenue of SR498.1 million ($132.6 million) excluding accounting construction revenue for the first half of 2021, up 30.1% year-on-year.

The company’s second-quarter revenue increased 13.4% to SR244.5 million driven by strong performance in the ports, logistics segments and slightly in water business.

Gross profit of SR123.6 million increased by 6.6% from Q2 2020 predominantly driven by strong transshipment volumes in the ports segment and improved performance across the other segments. Gross profit decreased by 8.4% from the previous quarter due to a decline in gateway volumes and an increase in direct costs.

First half reported net income decreased by34.2% to SR54.8 million compared to the same period in the prior year and by 60.3% in Q2 2021 to reach SR22.5 million compared to the same quarter last year. This was principally due to the comparative periods in the prior year being impacted by a one-off IFRS 9 gain of SR31.9 million and a SR75 million release of asset replacement provision.

Adjusted EBITDA of SR279.1million increased by 62.6% year-on-year, at an EBITDA margin of 56.1% for the six-month period. Adjusted earnings per share (“EPS”) for Q2 2021 stood at SR0.28 as compared to SR0.13in Q2 2020, with total shareholders’ equity remaining stable at SR1.17 billion in Q2 2021.

Q2 2021 revenue from the ports and terminals segment grew by 10.0% compared to Q2 2020, reaching SR192.8 million whilst revenue from the logistics segment reached SR26.7 million, a 37.9% increase over the same period. The water solutions segment was supported by volume growth resulting in a 20% revenue increase to SR25.1 million for Q2 2021.

Mohammed Al-Mudarres, CEO at SISCO said: “SISCO delivered strong top and bottom-line results in the first half of the year with the port segment continuing to increase its market share in Jeddah Islamic Port for both gateway and transshipment volumes recording a 12% increase in total throughput year-on-year.”

“Despite the positive port segment growth, overall gateway volumes across the Kingdom came under pressure during the second quarter which led to a decline in total gateway volumes during the quarter compared to the previous quarter and prior year.

“The commendable performance by the port segment was supported by continued growth in warehouse and logistics services with water solutions business showing gradual improvement in trading performance.

“Shortly after the end of the quarter, we completed the divestment of a 21.2% direct equity stake in our subsidiary Red Sea Gateway Terminal Limited (“RSGT”) to strategic partners PIF and COSCO. The financial impact of the transaction will be reflected in our Q3 2021 financial statements.

“The review of the utilization of the proceeds from the divestment will be finalized shortly and we look forward to providing further details on this and our strategy during Q3 2021,” he added.

Financial performance highlights:

•    Total operating revenue of SR244.5 million for Q2 2021, increasing by 13.4% from Q2 2020, driven primarily by positive performance of the ports and logistics segment. First half revenue grew by 30.1%year-on-year.
•    Q2 2021gross profit increased by 6.6% compared to Q2 2020 driven primarily by top line growth. First half gross profit increased by 52.9% to SR258.4 million.
•    Investment income improved to SR6.0million compared to SR5.1million in Q2 2020
•    Operating expenses of SR39.9 million in Q2 2021 decreased from SR42.7 million in Q2 2020.
•    Net income decreased by 34.1% year-on-year for H1 2021, and by 60.3% in Q2 as a result of one-off items recorded in Q2 2020. Excluding the impact of one off items, adjusted net income in H1 2021 increased by 175.5% vs H1 2020 and by 104.8% vs Q2 2020.
•    Total assets reached SR4.4 billion at 30 June 2021. – TradeArabia News Service