Saudi Aramco’s 2022 net profit zooms 46% to $161 billion as oil demand rises

Update Saudi Aramco’s 2022 net profit zooms 46% to $161 billion as oil demand rises
The Riyadh-based firm also reported a total comprehensive income of SR622.63 billion in 2022, up 48.15 percent compared to 2021.  (Shutterstock)
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Updated 13 March 2023

Saudi Aramco’s 2022 net profit zooms 46% to $161 billion as oil demand rises

Saudi Aramco’s 2022 net profit zooms 46% to $161 billion as oil demand rises
  • Without material transition, it will be difficult to achieve aspirations of climate change, says energy giant’s chief

RIYADH: Energy giant Saudi Arabian Oil Co.’s net profit in 2022 soared 46.46 percent year-on-year to SR604.01 billion ($161 billion), driven by higher oil prices, increased volumes sold and improved margins for refined products, according to a bourse filing.   

In 2021, Saudi Aramco’s total net profit was SR412.4 billion.   

The Riyadh-based firm also reported a total comprehensive income of SR622.63 billion in 2022, up 48.15 percent compared to 2021. 

Commenting on the financial results, Aramco President and CEO Amin H Nasser said: “Aramco delivered a record financial performance in 2022, as oil prices strengthened due to increased demand around the world. We also continued to focus on our long-term strategy, building both capacity and capability across the value chain with the aim of addressing energy security and sustainability.”   

As the profit soared, Saudi Aramco’s board of directors also announced a total cash dividend of SR73.15 billion for the fourth quarter of 2022, a 4.0 percent increase compared to the previous quarter, according to a statement given to the Saudi Stock Exchange, also known as Tadawul.   

HIGHLIGHTS

Aramco’s capital expenditure increased 18 percent year-on-year in 2022 to hit SR141.19 billion.

The firm also reported a total comprehensive income of SR622.63 billion in 2022, up 48.15 percent compared to 2021.

In the statement, Aramco noted that the cash dividends will be paid in the first quarter of 2023, while bonus shares will be given to eligible shareholders.  

“The Board of Directors also recommended the distribution of bonus shares to eligible shareholders in the amount of one share for every 10 shares held, subject to required Extraordinary General Assembly and regulatory approvals,” said Aramco in the statement.  

In 2022, Aramco’s total revenue surged 49 percent year-on-year to SR2 trillion, compared to $1.3 trillion in 2021.  

Nasser further noted that Aramco’s focus is not only on “expanding oil, gas and chemicals production, but also investing in new lower-carbon technologies with the potential to achieve additional emission reductions — in our own operations and for end users of our products.”  

Aramco’s CEO added that the firm’s capital expenditure increased 18 percent year-on-year in 2022 to hit SR141.19 billion.  

“Given that we anticipate oil and gas will remain essential for the foreseeable future, the risks of underinvestment in our industry are real — including contributing to higher energy prices. To leverage our unique advantages at scale and be part of the global solution, Aramco has embarked on the largest capital spending program in its history, and last year our capex rose by 18.0 percent to reach $37.6 billion,” added Nasser.  

In the statement, Aramco added that it expects capital expenditure to be approximately between SR168 billion to SR206 billion including external investments.  

According to the statement, the oil major’s free cash flow reached a record of SR557 billion in 2022, compared to SR401 billion in 2021. 

Oil prices had surged in March last year as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine upended global crude flows, with international benchmark Brent reaching $139.13 a barrel, the highest since 2008. Prices, however, cooled rapidly in the second half of 2022 as central banks hiked interest rates and fanned worries of recession. 

Aramco’s profit follows similar reports in February from international peers BP, Shell, Exxon Mobil and Chevron which have mostly posted record profits for last year.  

Saudi Aramco also outlined its operational highlights during the year 2022 in the statement.  

According to the statement, Aramco’s average hydrocarbon production was 13.6 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, including 11.5 million barrels per day of total liquids. 

The statement also pointed out that upstream continues to execute its growth plans to promote the long-term productivity of Saudi Arabia’s reservoirs and is proceeding with implementing the Kingdom’s mandate to increase Aramco’s crude oil MSC to 13.0 mmbpd by 2027.  

Aramco added that it completed an energy infrastructure deal in February 2022 resulting in a consortium of investors, led by BlackRock Real Assets and Hassana Investment Company, acquiring a 49 percent stake in a newly formed subsidiary, Aramco Gas Pipelines Company (AGPC), for $15.5 billion.  

Aramco said its construction and engineering activities for the Marjan and Berri crude oil increments continue to progress. They are expected to add a production capacity of 300,000 barrels per day and 250,000 bpd, respectively, by 2025.  

The company also reiterated it would continue to invest to increase its maximum production capacity to 13 million barrels a day by 2027. 

Talking about the company’s sustainability efforts, Aramco said that it established a $1.5 billion Sustainability Fund to invest in the technology needed to support a stable and inclusive energy transition.  

Earlier in November 2022, a joint development agreement between Aramco and the Ministry of Energy was signed to construct one of the largest planned carbon capture and storage hubs in the world in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, with a storage capacity of up to 9 million tons of carbon dioxide a year by 2027. 

 


GCC, Iraq electrical interconnection project enhances energy security: Saudi minister

GCC, Iraq electrical interconnection project enhances energy security: Saudi minister
Updated 08 June 2023

GCC, Iraq electrical interconnection project enhances energy security: Saudi minister

GCC, Iraq electrical interconnection project enhances energy security: Saudi minister
  • Project is ‘dream become reality,’ Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman says

RIYADH: The electrical interconnection project between Saudi Arabia and Iraq will support the Iraqi electrical grid, according to Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.

In an interview with Al-Arabiya, the prince said the connection was a dream that had become a reality and would achieve tangible economic benefits and enhance energy security.

Speaking on the sidelines of the OPEC+ meeting in Vienna, he said: “We have no complexes about speculation in the oil market,” and the decision to cut oil production was a “precautionary” one.

“Everyone agreed to cut production and we did not force anyone,” he said.

The prince said the oil market needed reassurances and measures to prevent fluctuations.

“We have no interest in the fluctuation of the oil market, whether in the short or long term,” he said.

The aim was to give the oil market clear data for stability and there were independent bodies that would work with the OPEC+ countries to evaluate their production in 2024, he said.

“The task of the independent bodies is to ensure the reliability of data for the oil market,” he said, adding that those parties would end the previous controversy over production data in OPEC+.

The minister said they had discussed with Russia the issue of its production and requested it clarify its data.

“Moscow’s decision not to publish production data leaves doubts about its volume,” he said.

“Independent parties contacted Russia about its production and got the numbers, and we have strengthened transparency with Russia over its oil production numbers.”


Saudi Arabia’s voluntary production cuts support oil prices

Saudi Arabia’s voluntary production cuts support oil prices
Updated 08 June 2023

Saudi Arabia’s voluntary production cuts support oil prices

Saudi Arabia’s voluntary production cuts support oil prices

RIYADH: Oil prices rose on Thursday as tighter supply resulting from Saudi Arabia’s pledged production cut and a potential pause to US interest rate hikes offset worries over demand weakness and a global economic slowdown.

At a recent meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, Saudi Arabia said it will cut its crude output by 1 million barrels per day in July on top of a broader deal to limit supply into 2024 as the producer group seeks to boost flagging prices.

Brent crude rose 25 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $77.20 a barrel by 1328 GMT. US West Texas Interme- diate crude gained 20 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $72.73.
“With the OPEC+ meeting out of the way, focus is now shifting toward the next move the Fed will make when it meets next week,” said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM.
There is growing consensus that the central bank will skip a rate hike, which could lift oil prices even before falling supply starts draining global oil inventories, Varga added.
OPEC+ cooperation praised
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman praised their collaboration during a phone call on Wednesday in a discussion of the work of OPEC+, the Kremlin said.
“The topic of ensuring stability on world energy markets was discussed in detail,” according to a Kremlin statement on the Telegram messaging app.
“Both sides praised cooperation within the framework of OPEC+, allowing for the adoption of timely and effective steps to ensure a balance between supply and demand for oil.”
The statement noted the impor- tance of agreements reached at the group’s meeting this week.
UAE ship insurance rules
Tougher requirements for some ship insurers covering the UAE ships are aimed at boosting environmental safety amid growing concerns over unregu- lated shipping, reported the state- run news agency WAM.
The UAE’s Energy and Infrastructure Ministry, in a June 2 circular, announced it would tighten insurance criteria for vessels registered under its flag for insurers that are not part of the leading ship insurers, known as the International Group of Protec- tion and Indemnity Clubs, which cover 90 percent of the world’s ocean-going fleet.
“By prioritizing stringent P&I standards, we ensure the safety, financial security, and environ- mental stewardship of our maritime activities, attracting reputable investors,” said Hessa Al Malek, adviser to the minister for maritime transport affairs.
The WAM report added that the move would reduce the risk of accidents and oil spills, leading to a safer and more secure marine environment.


Saudi Arabia’s M3 money supply jumps 4.7% since Dec. 31

Saudi Arabia’s M3 money supply jumps 4.7% since Dec. 31
Updated 08 June 2023

Saudi Arabia’s M3 money supply jumps 4.7% since Dec. 31

Saudi Arabia’s M3 money supply jumps 4.7% since Dec. 31

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s M3 money supply has surged 4.71 percent since December 2022, according to data released by the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA.

The M3 money supply — the broadest measure of liquidity in the monetary system — reached SR2.61 billion ($697 billion) in the week ending June 1, up from SR2.5 billion on Dec. 31.

However, the money supply for the week ending June 1 dropped 0.29 percent compared to $2.62 billion in the week ending June 25.

The SAMA data also showed that the money supply has been stable at SR2.6 billion in the past six weeks.  

Central banks use M3 money supply figures to direct monetary policy, thereby controlling inflation, consumption, growth, and liquidity over medium- and long-term periods.

Meanwhile, the M2 money supply recorded a 4.53 rise compared to Dec. 31 and a 0.57 percent weekly increase. 

The M2 poses a measurement of the nation’s money supply that estimates all the cash individuals have in hand or short-term bank deposits. It is usually used to indicate possible increases or decreases in inflation levels.

As for the M1 money supply during the week ending June 1, it jumped 1.45 percent from the end of December 2022 and 1.52 percent against the preceding week.

The M1 money supply comprises currency, demand and other liquid deposits.

It contains currency and assets that can be quickly converted to cash.


Closing bell: Saudi bourses end the week in green

Closing bell: Saudi bourses end the week in green
Updated 08 June 2023

Closing bell: Saudi bourses end the week in green

Closing bell: Saudi bourses end the week in green

After rising for four consecutive days, Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index ended the week in green, as it gained 24.31 points, or 0.21 percent, to close at 11,397.14.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index hit SR7.14 billion ($1.90 billion), as 113 stocks advanced, while 94 retracted. 

While parallel market Nomu gained 368.10 points to close at 21,849.68, MSCI Tadawul Index increased 0.16 percent to end the day at 1,509.41.

The top-performing stock on Thursday was Arabian Contracting Services Co., whose share price went up 7.5 percent to SR154.80. 

HIGHLIGHTS

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index hit SR7.14 billion ($1.90 billion), as 113 stocks advanced, while 94 retracted on Thursday.

The worst performer of the day was Leejam Sports Co., whose share price dipped by 4.2 percent.

Etihad Atheeb Telecommunication Co. and Astra Industrial Group were top performers, whose share prices soared by 5.63 percent and 5.18 percent, respectively.

The worst performer of the day was Leejam Sports Co., whose share price dipped by 4.2 percent. 

On the announcements front, Saudi Arabian Mining Co. said its shareholders approved the board’s recommendation to increase capital by 50 percent through a bonus share distribution.

According to a Tadawul statement, the mining giant will distribute one share for every two shares held, thus capitalizing SR12.31 billion from the statutory reserve and retained earnings. The company’s share price went down by 0.69 percent to SR43.85. 

Meanwhile, National Medical Care Co., also known as Care, announced that it had signed a share purchase agreement to acquire the entire share capital of Jiwar Medical Services Co. 

In a statement to Tadawul, Care noted that the acquisition deal was made after obtaining all approvals from competent authorities. The company’s share price dropped by 2.36 percent to SR116.


Saudi Arabia launches ‘visiting investor’ visa to boost foreign investments 

Saudi Arabia launches ‘visiting investor’ visa to boost foreign investments 
Updated 08 June 2023

Saudi Arabia launches ‘visiting investor’ visa to boost foreign investments 

Saudi Arabia launches ‘visiting investor’ visa to boost foreign investments 

RIYADH: A new business visa for investors has been announced by Saudi Arabia as part of the Kingdom’s drive to attract foreign funding into the economy. 

The “visiting investor” visa is being launched by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment, which worked closely with the Kingdom’s Foreign Affairs department to develop the new permit. 

Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a keen interest in streamlining the process for investors and international companies looking to expand their portfolios within the Kingdom, as part of the Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy away from oil. 

“The launch of the visiting investor business visa service comes within the framework of the success of cooperation and integration of efforts between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Investment,” Khalid Al-Falih, minister of investment, said in a tweet.  

FASTFACTS

The Kingdom’s industrial sector is among several witnessing a significant influx of foreign investments, which comprise 37 percent of the industry’s total funding.

The ‘visiting investor’ visa, a brainchild of the Kingdom’s Investment Ministry, was launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He further noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs backs the efforts of the Ministry of Investment in simplifying the process for investors interested in discovering business opportunities in the Kingdom.  

“I thank His Highness the Minister and the brothers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for supporting the efforts of the Ministry of Investment to facilitate the journey of the investor wishing to learn about the environment and investment opportunities in the Kingdom,” Al-Falih added.  

Foreign investments in Saudi Arabia rose by 2 percent in 2022 to SR2.4 trillion ($640 billion), up from SR2.36 trillion in 2021, according to the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA.  

SAMA’s report indicated that foreign direct investments constituted 42 percent of the total inflow of international funds into the Kingdom, amounting to SR1.01 trillion.  

In March, Al-Falih indicated that multinational companies moving their headquarters to Saudi Arabia in 2023 to secure government contracts might be eligible for tax exemptions.  

The Kingdom’s industrial sector is among several witnessing a significant influx of foreign investments, which comprise 37 percent of the industry’s total funding.