Tecom Group, the creator of specialised business districts and vibrant communities, reported a record nine-month (9M) result, with a 10% rise in revenue to AED1.7 billion and a 23% increase in net profit to AED943 million ($257 million).
Underpinned by strong demand from existing and new customers, Tecom Group also reported its record third-quarter performance, with quarterly revenues increasing 12% YoY to AED611 million and quarterly net profit rising 20% YoY to AED340 million.
“Our record nine-month and third-quarter performance demonstrates Tecom Group’s commitment to delivering sustainable, long-term growth by harnessing Dubai’s pro-business framework,” said Abdulla Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer of Tecom Group.
High occupancy
“We have achieved significant growth in revenue and profitability, driven by high occupancy rates across our diversified portfolio of premium commercial, industrial, and land lease assets. This performance further underscores our ability to attract and retain top companies across six vital sectors. Our prudent financial strategies and proactive cost management initiatives have also contributed significantly to our impressive bottom-line performance and enhanced our shareholder value.”
Revenue increase was driven by new customers, sustained growth in rental rates, and healthy occupancy levels across all business segments.
Occupancy across the group’s commercial and industrial assets grew YoY from 88% to 94%, while land occupancy reached 90% at the end of September 2024, driven by healthy demand for premium Grade-A office spaces, in addition to storage and logistics facilities, as Dubai continues to attract global businesses and talent.
Customer numbers grew by 9% to reach more than 11,800, with global industry leaders such as Hisense and OZON Pharmaceuticals among the Group’s new customers.
Retention rates in the commercial and industrial sectors stood at 90% and 95% respectively as of September 30, 2024, highlighting the group's exceptional value proposition and its track record of exceeding customer expectations.
Increase in EBITDA
EBITDA increased by 13% YoY to AED1.4 billion with the EBITDA margin expanding by 2% to reach 79% in the first nine months of 2024, driven mainly by improved revenue quality and cost savings in line with group’s strategy to optimise its core business.
Net profit growth reflects positive financial performance across all areas of the business as Dubai’s growing attractiveness to investors. Funds from operations (FFO) grew by 20% YoY to more than AED1.2 billion, attributable to the improved performance of income-generating assets and enhanced operational effectiveness across the portfolio yielding positive results.
Q3 2024
Revenue grew by 12% YoY to AED611 million in Q3 2024 – the Group’s highest third-quarter results – as the Group responded to Dubai’s robust economic fundamentals and addressed growing demand for premium commercial and industrial real estate assets in the city.
EBITDA noted YoY growth of 22% to AED500 million and EBITDA margin increased to 82% in Q3 2024, reflecting strong revenue growth and enhanced operational efficiencies.
Net profit increased by 20% YoY to AED340 million in Q3 2024, underpinned by healthy revenue growth and the optimisation of operating costs, alongside lowered costs due to prudent cash management measures.
Strategic asset investments highlights
Tecom Group completed AED2 billion worth of strategic asset investments in the first nine months of 2024, including the acquisition of a land bank spanning 13.9 million sq.ft. for industrial leasing at Dubai Industrial City and two operational Grade-A office buildings, as well as the launch of Innovation Hub Phase 3 within Dubai Internet City, and the launch of Phase 2 of Dubai Design District (d3).
The investments are aligned with the group’s strategic roadmap for sustainable growth through targeted acquisitions and the development of high-quality commercial real estate. The investments were further uplifted by the acquisition of Office Park, which upon initiation during Q3 2024 raised Tecom Group’s total asset investments during 2024 to AED2.7 billion.
The group will continue to focus on project delivery across its business districts, with Phase 2 of Innovation Hub, which is fully leased out, on track to be handed over by the first quarter of 2025. The second phase of storage and logistics spaces under development at Dubai Science Park are set for delivery in Q1 2025. Pre-construction work is also underway on Phase 3 of Innovation Hub at Dubai Internet City and Phase 2 of Dubai Design District (d3).--TradeArabia News Service
