Most Important News

1. CMA Approves Al-Watani Sukuk Fund Public Offering;
2. Saudi German Health 2024 Profit Hits 282M SAR;
3. Burgerizzer’s 2024 Profit Falls 31% to 8.4M SAR;

1. Market Summary

Saudi Arabia's Tadawul All Shares Index(TASI.SA) decreased by 0.63% and the Parallel Market Capped Index (NomuC)(NOMUC.SA) increased by 0.57% on Sunday. Saudi Cable Co.(2110.SA) emerged as the top performer, while SAL Saudi Logistics Services Co.(4263.SA) witnessed the most significant drop.

As of Friday's close, the S&P 500 INDEX(SPX.US) rose 1.59% to 5,954.5 points; the NASDAQ(IXIC.US) gained 1.63% to 18,847.28 points; and the Dow Jones Industrial Average(DJI.US) increased by 1.39% to 43,840.91 points.

2. Quick News

Saudi Consumer Spending Hits 126.9 Billion Riyals in January 2025

Saudi Arabia’s total consumer spending rose to 126.9 billion riyals in January 2025, an 11% increase from 114.2 billion riyals in the same period last year. The spending includes cash withdrawals, point-of-sale transactions, and e-commerce sales, with point-of-sale sales growing 8% to 58.2 billion riyals. Over 938.5 million transactions were recorded across more than 2 million devices.

Saudi Bank Loans Exceed $800bn, Driven by Corporate Lending Surge

Saudi bank loans surpassed SR3 trillion ($801.6 billion) for the first time in January 2025, marking a 14.7% annual increase, driven by an 18.5% rise in corporate lending. Real estate led business loans, accounting for 21.1% of total corporate credit, while wholesale, retail, and manufacturing also saw significant growth. The expansion reflects strong economic activity and Vision 2030 initiatives.

Saudi Arabia Emerges as Global Leader in Renewable Energy Growth

HAALA Energy CEO Faris Al-Sulayman stated that Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy market is among the most promising globally, driven by abundant land, high solar radiation, and strong government support. The kingdom is rapidly advancing in utility-scale and industrial solar projects, supported by initiatives like the "Mutajadeda" program and "Shamsi" qualifications, positioning it as a key player in the global solar energy sector.

3. Stocks To Watch

KSA Stocks

TMC Health Partners with NEOM to Operate Clinics in Region

Twareat Medical Care Co.(9627.SA) (TMC Health) signed a 12-month MoU with NEOM to provide comprehensive healthcare services, including primary, urgent, and occupational care, across NEOM’s residential and project sites. The agreement emphasizes innovative technologies, regulatory compliance, and community health programs, with financial impact tied to potential sales from NEOM contractors.

CMA Approves Al-Watani Sukuk Fund Public Offering

The Capital Market Authority (CMA) approved Watani Wealth Management Co.’s public offering of Al-Watani Sukuk Fund, urging investors to review the fund’s terms, conditions, and risks before investing. The approval confirms compliance with Capital Market Law but does not constitute a recommendation to subscribe.

Al Othaim to Acquire 51% Stake in Ebdaa Al Qasr

Abdullah Al Othaim Markets Co.(4001.SA) signed a 90-day renewable MoU to acquire a 51% stake in Ebdaa Al Qasr Marketing LLC, which operates 11 Manuel-branded retail stores in Jeddah and Riyadh. The deal is contingent on due diligence, evaluations, and regulatory approvals, with financial impact to be determined post-share purchase agreement.

Saudi German Health 2024 Profit Hits 282M SAR  

Middle East Healthcare Co.(4009.SA)’s 2024 net profit surged to 282 million SAR from 17 million SAR in 2023, driven by higher patient volumes, increased capacity, and a 19.6 million SAR land sale gain. Q4 profit rose 141.5% to 107.14 million SAR, with revenues up 4% to 748.88 million SAR. Shareholders' equity grew to 1,626.11 million SAR.

Burgerizzer’s 2024 Profit Falls 31% to 8.4M SAR

Shatirah House Restaurant Co.(6016.SA)’s 2024 net profit dropped 31% to 8.4 million SAR, despite a 6.6% revenue rise to 299.58 million SAR, driven by higher delivery and administrative costs. Q4 2024 saw a 1.17 million SAR loss, compared to a 4.97 million SAR profit in Q4 2023. Shareholders’ equity increased to 72.059 million SAR, with 106 branches now operating.

USA Stocks

Walmart CEO Warns of Consumer Strain from High Food Prices

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.(WMT.US) CEO Doug McMillon highlighted growing consumer pressure due to rising food costs, noting that many shoppers are struggling to make ends meet and resorting to smaller purchases by month-end.  

Amazon Expands Haul to Compete with Temu, Shein

Amazon.com, Inc.(AMZN.US)’s value platform, Haul, is set to expand into Europe and Mexico this year, targeting low-price markets to counter competition from Temu and Shein. Launched in the U.S. in November 2023, Haul aims to bolster Amazon’s position against emerging discount retailers.  

Microsoft to Retire Skype in May 2025

Microsoft Corporation(MSFT.US) announced it will discontinue Skype in May 2025, migrating users to its enterprise collaboration tool, Microsoft Teams. Acquired in 2011 for $8.5 billion, Skype’s shutdown marks the end of an era for the video messaging service.

4. Saudi Stock Calendar