Most Important News

1. Sources: Mediators on Iran Issue Make Final Push for 45-Day Ceasefire Agreement;
2. OPEC+ to Increase Oil Output by 206,000 bpd in May;
3. stc EGM to Vote on Share Buyback for Employee Incentive Program;
4. MESC Expands Credit Facilities with Alinma Bank to SAR 250M;

Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Shares Index(TASI.SA) edged up 0.03% to close at 11,271.96, while the Parallel Market Capped Index (NomuC)(NOMUC.SA) dropped 0.12% to 22,524.08. The top performer was Saudi Arabian Amiantit Co.(2160.SA), with shares soaring 9.99% to SR15.63. Almarai Co. reported a net profit of SR732 million for the first quarter, marking a 0.14% increase from the previous year, according to Tadawul.

Trump has intensified threats, demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran stated that the strait "will not return to previous conditions" and vowed to counter any attacks on its infrastructure firmly. Despite the escalating rhetoric, market focus remains on the outcomes of ongoing negotiations. As of the latest update, U.S. stock futures showed slight declines.

Sources: Mediators on Iran Issue Make Final Push for 45-Day Ceasefire Agreement

The US and Iran are currently negotiating the specific terms of a potential 45-day ceasefire agreement, aimed at paving the way to end the war. Analysts note that the likelihood of reaching a partial agreement within the next 48 hours remains slim, but this effort is the only chance to prevent further escalation. Brent crude's intraday gains narrowed to 0.55%.

Saudi Arabia's Imports Rise 7% in January 2026

Saudi Arabia's merchandise imports increased by 7% year-on-year to SAR 81.4 billion in January 2026, according to the General Authority for Statistics. Compared to December 2025, imports decreased by 3%, or SAR 2.7 billion. Machinery, electrical equipment, and parts were the largest import category, totaling SAR 24.7 billion (30% of total imports). Vehicles and transport equipment followed at 14%. China was the top importer, contributing SAR 25.2 billion (31%), with the UAE and the US following at SAR 6.3 billion and SAR 5.7 billion, respectively. The top 10 exporters accounted for 71% of total imports, amounting to SAR 57.7 billion.

OPEC+ to Increase Oil Output by 206,000 bpd in May

Eight OPEC+ members, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, will raise oil production by 206,000 barrels per day starting May 2026. This move is part of reversing a 1.65 million bpd cut from April 2023. The group stated that adjustments could be made based on market conditions. They aim to stabilize the oil market and ensure compliance with production agreements, with monthly reviews planned.

KSA Stocks

BAAN Holding Group Announces Capital Increase via Asset Acquisition

BAAN Holding Group Co.(1820.SA) issued a circular detailing its capital hike through acquiring real estate assets from Al Oula Real Estate and Alhokair Holding. The company will issue 65.58 million shares for SAR 65.58 million to Al Oula and 239.39 million shares for SAR 239.39 million to Alhokair, acquiring three hotels and related assets. The circular outlines transaction details, conditions, and risks.

stc EGM to Vote on Share Buyback for Employee Incentive Program

Saudi Telecom Co.(7010.SA) (STC) will hold an extraordinary general meeting on May 6 to vote on repurchasing 26 million shares for an employee incentive program. The buyback, representing 0.52% of stc’s total shares, will be funded from internal resources. The board is authorized to complete the repurchase within 18 months, and the shares can be held as treasury stock for up to seven years.

MESC Expands Credit Facilities with Alinma Bank to SAR 250M

Middle East Specialized Cables Co.(2370.SA) (MESC) increased its credit facilities with Alinma Bank(1150.SA) from SAR 150 million to SAR 250 million. The agreement, effective April 5, 2026, extends until August 31, 2028. A SAR 275 million promissory note was provided as security. The funding aims to support MESC's working capital and performance bank guarantees. No related parties are involved.

NCLE Adjusts Project Timelines Without Impacting Returns

National Company for Learning and Education(4291.SA) (NCLE) CEO Mohammed Al Khudair stated that changes to the opening timelines for the Dhahrat Laban and Obhur North projects will not affect investment feasibility, IRR, or cash flows. The Dhahrat Laban project will now open in the 2026/27 academic year due to faster construction progress, while the Obhur North project is delayed to 2027/28 due to permit-related delays. Financial impact from Dhahrat Laban is expected in Q1 2026/27.

Avalon Pharma Receives Approval for Capital Increase via Bonus Shares

Middle East Pharmaceutical Industries Co.(4016.SA) has obtained approval from the Capital Market Authority (CMA) to increase its capital by 75%, raising it from SAR 200 million to SAR 350 million. This will be achieved through a 3-for-4 bonus share issue, funded by a transfer of SAR 150 million from retained earnings. Shareholders registered with Edaa by the second trading day after the upcoming extraordinary general meeting (EGM) will be eligible. The EGM must occur within six months of the approval. The total outstanding shares will increase from 20 million to 35 million.

Riyad Bank Shareholders Approve Capital Increase Proposal

Riyad Bank(1010.SA)'s shareholders approved a 33.33% capital increase via a 1-for-3 bonus share issue, raising the capital to SAR 40 billion. This involves capitalizing SAR 10 billion from reserves. Additionally, a SAR 0.55 per share cash dividend for H2 2025 was approved. The record date for both the bonus issue and dividend is April 5, with payments starting April 16. The EGM also authorized interim dividend distributions for 2026. New shares will be deposited by April 8.

• Solutions Appoints Alhuzaimi as New Board Director
• Americana Restaurants Announces New Executive Management Appointment

USA Stocks

Microsoft, Google in Talks with SK Hynix for DRAM Supply Deal  

Driven by AI infrastructure demand, Microsoft Corporation(MSFT.US)and Alphabet Inc. Class C(GOOG.US) are negotiating a three-year DRAM supply agreement with SK Hynix. The deal includes a floor price guarantee and 10%-30% advance payments, breaking industry norms to secure supply. With DDR4 prices surging nearly tenfold in a year, memory chips have become strategic assets, boosting Q1 earnings forecasts for Samsung and SK Hynix to record highs.

Meta Forms Hardware Team for Superintelligent AI Division

Meta Platforms(META.US)'s superintelligent AI division is assembling a dedicated hardware team, led by experienced engineer Rui Xu. Known for its smart glasses and VR headsets, Meta's Reality Labs hints at plans for new AI devices. Rui Xu previously led hardware at AI startup Dreamer, whose founding team was acquired by Meta last month.