SAL's 2023 profit growth driven by cost control, higher revenues: CEO

Faisal Albedah, CEO of Saudi Logistics Services Co. (SAL)

The rise in Saudi Logistics Services Co.'s (SAL) net profit for 2023 came thanks to cost control efforts and higher revenues, CEO Faisal Albedah told Argaam.

According to the top executive, the company's revenues neared SAR 1.5 billion in 2023, up 19% year-on-year (YoY). They also advanced at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23% against the previous three years.

SAL's net profit exceeded SAR 500 million in 2023, growing by over 40% YoY, at a CAGR of more than 35% over three years, Albedah noted.

He stated that the company’s volume of cargo handling rose by 11.5% in 2023, compared to 2022. Further, revenues of the logistics solutions segment neared SAR 250 million in 2023, up 50% YoY.

Moreover, the logistics solutions segment represented 16% of revenues last year. Earnings per share rose to SAR 6.37 by the end of 2023, compared to SAR 4.5 in 2022, he added.

The CEO also indicated that the company aims to continue expanding its cargo handling segment in terms of handling volumes and revenues. It also eyes making the logistics solutions segment an enabler of promising projects and sectors, including sports, entertainment, arts, medicines, and aircraft & engine maintenance.

He revealed that SAL seeks to activate the storage and distribution segment in 2024. It signed an agreement with the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) to lease a land area of 54,000 square meters in the Jeddah Islamic Port to be a distribution hub with international specifications.

SAL also aspires to contribute to achieving the national strategy for transport, logistics and special economic zones in terms of investment and capacity expansion, according to the top executive.

The company posted a 41% profit increase to SAR 509.7 million in 2023, compared to SAR 362.4 million in the year before. Q4 profit amounted to SAR 180.6 million, a growth of 60% YoY, according to Argaam's data.

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