Business
Vodafone Qatar 2023 profit up
The 2023 net profit of Vodafone Qatar increased to $148 million.
- Vodafone Qatar’s net profit for the nine months ending September 2023 reached US$107 million.
- This reflects a growth of 17.3 percent compared to the same period in 2022, mainly driven by higher EBITDA.
Business
Microsoft lays off 1,900 staff
The move comes after Activision Blizzard gaming buyout.
- Alongside the layoffs, Blizzard president Mike Ybarra said he was leaving the company.
- Microsoft launched its blockbuster takeover in January 2022, an acquisition that made it the world's third-largest gaming company by revenue.
Business
EDGE bags another big order
The group will supply 200 unmanned helicopters to UAE defense ministry.
- The unmanned VTOL systems will be manufactured by Switzerland-based EDGE entity, ANAVIA.
- In November 2023, EDGE acquired a 52 percent majority shareholding in ANAVIA, which manufactures unmanned helicopters.
Business
Jabal Omar secures $509m Murabaha
The financing agreement was signed with Al Rajhi Bank.
- The term of the facility is two years, Jabal Omar said in a statement to Tadawul, according to Argaam.
- The facility will be used to accelerate the completion of project phases under construction and pay financial obligations.
Business
Nokia sees ‘challenging’ 2024
Last year, the company reported a profit of $739 million.
- Nokia and its Swedish rival Ericsson have launched cost-cutting programmes as their customers have reduced spending amid a slowing global economy.
- Nokia said last year it could cut its workforce by up to 14,000 people, reducing costs by up to 1.2 billion euros by 2026
Business
Emirates Islamic profit rises 71%
The Bank’s total income reached AED 1.2 billion ($326.69 million)
- The growth can be attributed to the upward trajectory of both funded and non-funded income, indicating enhanced business sentiment
- The Bank’s total income reached AED 1.2 billion ($326.69 million) in the fourth quarter of 2023, marking a noteworthy 24% year-on-year growth
Business
ADNOC Drilling begins use of hybrid rigs
The rigs use high-capacity battery to reduce emissions.
- In 2023, the company acquired 16 such rigs for a combined $327 million investment.
- The remaining 14 newbuild rigs are expected to join ADNOC Drilling’s operational fleet progressively throughout the year.
DIB reports $1.86bn net profit
The bank's income rose by 43% YoY to $5.4 billion.
- The bank's Balance Sheet increased to approximately $84.78 billion, up 9% YoY
- Shareholder returns continue to grow with RoTE at 20%, up 300 bps YoY
Business
P&G posts mixed quarterly results
Earnings per share dropped 12 percent to $1.40.
- The company behind Bounty paper towels, Gillette razors and Tide detergent saw its revenue rise three percent from a year ago to $21.4 billion in the quarter ending in December
- This was slightly lower than expected, and analysts are eyeing the performance of P&G and other consumer companies on whether they can keep prices up even as inflation cools
Business
Zee’s shares fall after merger fails
Disagreement over who would lead the new entity led to merger's failure.
- The initial 30 percent plunge saw Zee lose as much as 55 billion rupees ($661 million) in market value.
- "Considering that Zee still has six billion rupees cash on books... we see no bankruptcy risks," an expert said.
Company News
Meraas awards $544m contract
Business
Latest News
stc net profit for 2024 $6.58bn
Business
Most Read
Business
BYD surpasses Tesla with record revenue
The Chinese EV giant's net profit was $5.55 billion for 2024.
- The Shenzhen-based firm has emerged in recent years as the clear leader in China's highly competitive EV market, which is the largest in the world.
- BYD's publication of strong results comes after Tesla announced lower than expected profits for the fourth quarter of 2024 in late January.
Business
Al Ansari approves $85m dividend
This is approx 78% of the company's net profit after tax.
- Al Ansari Financial Services is preparing to finalize the acquisition of BFC Group Holding for AED 735 million, a move that will significantly expand its regional footprint.
- Post-acquisition, the company will emerge as the largest exchange company in Bahrain and the third largest in Kuwait.
Business
Perplexity eyes TikTok buy
TikTok faces a deadline to divest from its Chinese owner or be banned in the US.
- TikTok temporarily shut down in the United States and disappeared from app stores as the deadline for the law approached, to the dismay of millions of users.
- Trump suspended its implementation for two-and-a-half months after beginning his second term in January, seeking a solution with Beijing.