Eshraq Investments has seen its 2022 net profit zoom over 15 times to AED589.79 million ($161 million) compared to a net profit of AED38.43 million for 2021, on the back of sound financial practices and a robust strategy.

 

The company’s total investment income reached AED546.44 million, compared to the net income of AED46.09 million last year mainly due to gain resulting from the acquisition of Goldilocks and the increase in the performance of the investments forming part of Goldilocks.

 

The company's Board of Directors recommended to pay a cash dividend of 2 fils/share. The dividend recommendation will be presented to the shareholders for approval at the company’s upcoming general assembly meeting.

 

Liquidity provider

The Board also approved the appointment of a liquidity provider for the company’s shares listed on ADX and authorised the Board’s Executive Committee to execute the appointment.

 

In line with the Board's commitment to enhance shareholder returns, Eshraq repurchased an additional 37 million shares for a total value of AED18.56 million as of January 31, 2023. The share buyback has resulted in a gain to shareholders of AED26.1 million on account of share buyback at discount to Eshraq’s book value. The Board agreed to continue the share buyback programme to achieve the target of buying back 84.6 million shares (3% of capital) in its first year of buyback programme that started in August 2022.

 

Financial performance

The company reported its highest ever annual net income of AED589.79 million, a 27-fold jump year-over-year. This was primarily due to the gain of AED436.58 million to Eshraq shareholders on account of the acquisition of Goldilocks Fund and subsequent increase in performance of Goldilocks’ investments on Eshraq’s balance sheet, leading to gain of AED564.97 million as of December 31, 2022.

 

Eshraq achieved a total operating income of AED570.68 million for 2022 versus a total operating income of AED67.34 million for 2021. The increase in operating income resulted from the increase in operational revenue and gains in the investment portfolio.

 

Land monetisation programme

Eshraq has also made rapid progress on monetising its land bank and so far signed sales and purchase agreements of 7 plots representing 28% of its existing land bank by book value with total sale consideration of AED208 million. The sales further improve the liquidity and focus on profit generating financial assets, along with recurring revenues from the Company’s leasing and hospitality businesses. The sale of the land plots at a competitive valuation underscores the Company's potential to monetise the land bank via transactions that are accretive to Eshraq’s shareholders.

 

Commenting on the stellar performance, Jassim Alseddiqi, Eshraq's Chairman, said, “We are thrilled to announce exceptional growth in profitability and significant strides towards solid revenue growth in fiscal year 2022. Our outstanding performance is a reflection of our sound financial practices, robust strategy, and adaptability in the face of changing market conditions. Additionally, our land monetisation programme is already having a positive impact on Eshraq's profitability, and we are excited about the opportunities it holds for the future. Above all, we remain steadfast in our mission to drive growth and enhance value for our shareholders through our long-term strategy.”

 

Number of inititatives

Alseddiqi added: “We are diligently working to enhance shareholder returns, and in this regard, we have taken a number of initiatives in this meeting. We have proposed a cash dividend of 2 fils/share to be approved by shareholders in the AGM, and agreed to continue the share buyback programme. We have also approved appointment of a liquidity provider. We are confident that these efforts will help us strengthen our shareholder base and improve the long-term investor appetite.”-- TradeArabia News Service