Qurain Petrochemical Industries Company KSC (QPIC) has announced its financial results for the nine month period ended 31st December, 2013.
The company posted net profit of $32 million, compared to $13 million during the same period last year, reflecting an increase of 143% or $19 million. Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter stood at $2.9 cents compared to $1.2 cents per share for the same period last year.
QPIC’s Chairman, Sheikh Mubarak Abdullah Al Mubarak Al Sabah said, “Total assets stood at $1,189 million as of December 31st 2013 compared to $1,058 on the 31st March 2013, which represents an increase by 12% or $131 million. Investments in associate companies have jumped by 155% or $270 million during the same period, which is attributed to the 29% stake acquisition in Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO), in addition to the increase in share of profits from Kuwait Aromatics Company (KARO). He further added, “QPIC is actively seeking new local and regional investments opportunities particularly across the Petrochemical Industries as well as within the Energy & Industry sectors, in collaboration with world leading investment banks and consultants.”
Moreover, QPIC’s Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sadoun Ali said, “Kuwait Aromatics Company (KARO) was the main driver in exceeding our expectations during the quarter, resulting in achieving a higher share of income due to favorable market conditions, in addition to our share of income from our newassociate, SADAFCO”. With regards to the Aromatics project (KPPC), Mr. Ali added: “Despite the improved performance during the year owing to favorable market conditions, profits are expected to diminish due to the anticipated reversal in market trends.
QPIC is exploring ways to improve the performance of the project to align it with similar projects around the world. This is being done in coordination with KARO’s management and our project partners, Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC)and Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), which resulted in noticeable but not significant improvements in the project’s net returns. However, QPIC is awaiting Kuwait Petroleum Company’s (KPC’s) effective intervention to resolve pending issues to prevent a significant impact on the project’s economics..”
