Most Important News

1. Brent Crude Prices Surpass $109 Amid US-Iran Tensions;
2. Leejam Sports Q1 2026 Profit Drops 31% Amid Higher Costs and Seasonal Impact;
3. Electrical Industries Q1 2026 Profit Jumps 55% to SAR 190.8M;
4. Saudi Azm Posts Q1 2026 Results with 37% Profit Growth;

At the close of 27/04/2026, the Tadawul All Shares Index(TASI.SA) rose by 0.42%, closing at 11168.51 points; the Parallel Market Capped Index (NomuC)(NOMUC.SA) rose by 0.68%, closing at 22949.23 points.

On Monday, US stock indices showed varied movements. The Dow Jones Industrial Average(DJI.US) weakened in late trading, closing down by 0.13%. In contrast, the S&P 500 index(SPX.US) rose 0.12%, and the NASDAQ(IXIC.US) increased 0.2%, both reaching new highs for the second consecutive day.

Brent Crude Prices Surpass $109 Amid US-Iran Tensions

Brent crude rose 1.2% to $109.53 per barrel as diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran stalled, keeping the Strait of Hormuz nearly closed. WTI increased 1.15% to $97.50. US President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's proposal, which omitted nuclear program discussions. The American Petroleum Institute's crude inventory report is awaited, with official data from the US Energy Information Administration due April 29.

Vision 2030 Drives Economic Transformation: Analysts

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 report highlights progress in economic transformation, emphasizing growth in the non-oil sector. Economist Ahmed Alshehri noted that non-oil activities now contribute over 55% to GDP, with private-sector involvement at 51%, boosted by SMEs and PIF investments. Analysts predict continued diversification and resilience despite oil price volatility, driven by regulatory reforms and strategic sector investments. The transition to Vision 2030's third phase in 2026 aims to consolidate gains and enhance high-impact sectors.

Iran Considers US Talks Amid Hormuz Dispute

Iran's foreign minister said on Monday that the US has requested negotiations, and Tehran is considering the option. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Rubio deemed Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under strict conditions unacceptable. According to the New York Times, President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's latest offer to reopen the Strait and end the conflict, following a security team meeting at the White House.

KSA Stocks

Leejam Sports Q1 2026 Profit Drops 31% Amid Higher Costs and Seasonal Impact

Leejam Sports Co.(1830.SA) posted Q1 2026 revenue of SAR 369M, unchanged from Q1 2025, but net profit dropped 31% to SAR 49M. The decline was attributed to seasonal factors, higher costs from new centers, and increased finance expenses. Despite stable subscription revenues, personal training fell 10%. Female center revenues rose 4%, while male center revenues dropped 4%. The company opened 8 centers and repurchased 598,427 shares.

And the company will distribute cash dividends totaling SAR 29.3M for Q1 2026. Shareholders owning 50,549,300 shares will receive SAR 0.58 per share, representing 5.8% of the share par value. 

Electrical Industries Q1 2026 Profit Jumps 55% to SAR 190.8M

Electrical Industries Co.(1303.SA) announced Q1 2026 revenue of SAR661.4M, up 30.54% YoY but down 5.26% QoQ due to seasonal factors. Net profit surged 54.56% YoY to SAR190.8M, driven by higher sales and product diversification, despite increased selling expenses. Total shareholders' equity rose 44.74% YoY to SAR1.35B. The company noted no changes in project costs or auditor concerns, with an unmodified report issued. Earnings per share reached SAR 0.17.

Saudi Azm Posts Q1 2026 Results with 37% Profit Growth

Saudi Azm for Communication and Information Technology Co.(7211.SA) reported a 17.55% YoY rise in Q1 2026 revenue to SAR75.78M, driven by new projects and higher revenue from existing contracts. Net profit rose 36.70% YoY to SAR 10.95 M, supported by increased gross profit and lower tax expenses, despite higher operating costs. Total shareholders' equity grew 25.07% YoY to SAR160.17M. Earnings per share improved to SAR 0.59.

Astra Net Profit up 1% at SAR 173.1M in Q1 2026

Astra Industrial Group(1212.SA) reported a slight decline in Q1 2026 revenue, down 5.14% YoY to SAR790.91M, mainly due to decreased sales in the steel and specialty chemical segments, offset by a slight increase in pharmaceuticals. Despite this, net profit rose by 0.74% YoY to SAR173.14M, driven by higher gross profits in pharmaceuticals and steel, and reduced finance costs in specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Total shareholders' equity increased by 16.07% YoY to SAR3.13B. Earnings per share were SAR2.16. 

Saudi Chemical Company Holding Updates on Military Industries Complex Project Progress

Saudi Chemical Co.(2230.SA), through its subsidiary Saudi Chemical Company Limited (SCCL), announced the successful completion of the trial phase for the TNT production line within the Military Industries Complex Project. The first batch was produced in compliance with international military standards after all necessary tests. Preparations are underway for the commercial production phase. There have been no cost changes, and no financial impact is expected at this time. Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.

SGS Wins SAR 314.9M Contract with Riyadh Airports

Saudi Ground Services Co.(4031.SA) won a SAR314.9M contract with Riyadh Airports Co. for operating and maintaining passenger boarding bridges at King Khalid International Airport. The five-year contract, starting May 1, 2026, may be extended for three more years. SGS, holding a 51% stake in Jusoor Airports Operation and Maintenance Co., expects financial impacts from Q2 2026. Necessary licenses and approvals are pending, with no related parties involved.

SRMG Signs Framework Agreements with Saudi Authority

Saudi Research and Media Group(4210.SA) has signed two framework agreements with a Saudi government authority, granting enablers related to taxes, fees, and costs in exchange for commitments to enhance the local media ecosystem. The financial impact is expected from Q2 2026, though precise quantification is challenging due to unforeseeable factors. The agreements aim to support SRMG's future financial results.

Saudi Basic Industries Shareholders Approve 2026 Dividend Authorization

Saudi Basic Industries Corp.(2010.SA) shareholders approved on April 27, allowing the board to distribute interim dividends semi-annually or quarterly in 2026, the company announced to Tadawul. Additionally, all other agenda items were approved. For 2025, $SABIC distributed cash dividends at 30% of capital, equivalent to SAR3 per share, as per Argaam data.

UCIC Q1 2026 Profit Rises 29.5% to SAR 24.2M

United Carton Industries Co.(1323.SA) announced its Q1 2026 financial results, showing a 1.0% increase in revenue to SAR353.49 million due to higher sales volumes, despite Eid holidays. Net profit rose 29.5% to SAR24.15 million, driven by reduced paper costs. The company declared a SAR0.5 per share dividend for Q4 2025, totaling SAR1.5 per share for FY 2025. Geopolitical impacts remain minimal.

Edarat Completes Acquisition of 40% Stake in MIS Subsidiary

Edarat Communication and Information Technology Co.(9557.SA) has finalized the acquisition of a 40% stake in Al Moammar Information Systems Co.(7200.SA)'s subsidiary, National Excellence Data Centers Co. Regulatory procedures were completed on April 27, 2026. MIS had previously approved Edarat as a partner in October 2025. MIS owns a 30% stake in Edarat, with 1.51 million shares.

Umm Al Qura Cement Profit Soars 126% to SAR 24.6M in Q1 2026

Umm Al-Qura Cement Co.(3005.SA) reported a 46.1% YoY revenue increase in Q1 2026, reaching SAR88.34 million, driven by higher sales volumes and improved selling prices. Net profit surged 125.9% YoY to SAR24.65 million, supported by lower financing costs. QoQ, net profit rose 87.3%, aided by reduced expenses. Earnings per share climbed to SAR0.45 from SAR0.2 a year earlier, while shareholders’ equity grew 7.2% to SAR883.68 million.

Umm Al-Qura Cement Board Recommends Withholding Dividend for 2025

Umm Al-Qura Cement Co.(3005.SA) announced its board's decision to withhold dividends for 2025 to bolster its financial position. This recommendation will be voted on at the upcoming general assembly meeting. The company's net profit dropped to SAR 45.8 million in 2025 from SAR 47.7 million in 2024. The last dividend distribution was 2.5% of capital, or SAR 0.25 per share, for the second half of 2021.

Read more:

• BRIEF-flynas And Airbus Sign An Agreement To Implement Latest Pilot Training Program
• ZAWYA-PROJECTS: Saudi Petro Rabigh CEO says operations not affected by regional war: Report

USA Stocks

NVIDIA Hits New High, Market Cap Surpasses $5.2 Trillion

On Monday, NVIDIA Corporation(NVDA.US) stock surged 4%, reaching a record closing price of US$216.61, with its market cap climbing to US$5.26 trillion, over US$1 trillion more than Alphabet Inc. Class A(GOOGL.US). Over the past year, NVIDIA's stock has risen 93%, with revenue up 65%. Bank of America maintains a "buy" rating with a target price of US$300. Tech giants' earnings this week will be crucial for AI commercialization insights.

Microsoft and OpenAI Announce New Phase in Partnership

Microsoft Corporation(MSFT.US) and OpenAI have outlined the next stage of their collaboration. Microsoft will cease paying revenue shares to OpenAI, with current payments continuing until 2030, unaffected by OpenAI's technological advancements and capped at a maximum amount. Microsoft will retain non-exclusive IP licenses for OpenAI's models and products until 2032. Despite these changes, Microsoft remains OpenAI's primary cloud partner, with OpenAI products prioritized for release on Azure unless Microsoft is unable or chooses not to support necessary features. As a major shareholder, Microsoft continues to play a direct role in OpenAI's growth.

Critical Metals to Fully Acquire Greenland's Tanbreez Rare Earth Project

Critical Metals(CRML.US) announced an all-stock acquisition of European Lithium for approximately US$835M, securing full ownership of the Tanbreez rare earth deposit in Greenland. The deal removes barriers to financing and large-scale development. European Lithium's 7.5% stake in the project will transfer to $CRML upon completion. Following the news, Critical Metals(CRML.US) shares surged 25%.