Abu Dhabi's International Holding Company said its net profit more than tripled in the first nine months of 2021 from a year ago, boosted by a two-fold increase in gains during the third quarter driven by a series of acquisitions and a strong performance across it subsidiaries.
Profit in the nine months to the end of September surged 308 per cent to Dh7.2 billion ($1.96bn) and third-quarter profit doubled to Dh2.87bn ($781.5 million). The multi-sector conglomerate's revenue leapt 297 per cent year-on-year to Dh18.31bn ($5bn) in the nine-month period, while revenue in the third quarter jumped 290 per cent to Dh8.39bn ($2.28bn), it said in a filing to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, where the company's shares trade.
IHC’s strategic acquisitions strengthened its balance sheet, which reached Dh64.4bn ($17.54bn), surging 356 per cent from Dh14bn ($3.8bn) at the end of December 2020. Its total assets rose by Dh6.1bn ($1.66bn) during the third quarter.
"Our investments in the third quarter, including strategic add-on acquisitions, have driven IHC's growth and enhanced our market position and future growth trajectory. These results reflect the underlying strength of our business verticals, particularly in the construction sector, where we have expanded significantly in recent months," Syed Basar Shueb, chief executive officer and managing director of IHC, said.
"We continue to maintain a strong appetite for further expansion locally and internationally while retaining specific value creation objectives at the core of our acquisition strategy. There’s more to come for IHC growth, and I believe we have the right strategy in place to unlock the company’s full potential and create significant shareholder value.”
IHC's portfolio significantly grew in 2021 as it ramped up its investments and acquisitions across key industries. In April, it completed a 45 per cent stake purchase in Alpha Dhabi Holding, one of the fastest-growing construction companies in the Middle East. Alpha Dhabi listed on the ADX in June, helping IHC shares surge and pushing the ADX's market value past Dh1 trillion ($272.3bn) for the first time.
Last month, IHC's subsidiary Multiply Group, a holding company that invests in tech-focused scalable businesses, signed a merger agreement with Ben Suhail Group to create a beauty sector joint venture - Omorfia Group - in the UAE. Another Abu Dhabi holding company ADQ, in October bought a 50 per cent stake in IHC unit Eltizam Asset Management.
Also in October, Mr Shueb said IHC was planning to list Multiply on the ADX later this year. Another IHC subsidiary, Theta Bidco, agreed last month to take over UK events services business Arena for a recommended cash offer of Dh359m ($98m).
We continue to maintain a strong appetite for further expansion locally and internationally while retaining specific value creation objectives at the core of our acquisition strategy. There’s more to come for IHC growth
Syed Basar Shueb,
chief executive officer and managing director of IHC
IHC said that its net margin for the nine-month period stood at 39.5 per cent, an increase of 1.04 percentage points year-on-year. Gross profit margin was at 41.2 per cent, up 6.3 percentage points.
"Pragmatic business combinations, tactical acquisitions, strategic investments, rational decision-making along with the rapid growth jointly contributed to the strong growth of the diversified company for the period ended September 2021," IHC said in its report to the ADX.
"As an emirate, Abu Dhabi also has a positive fiscal outlook for 2021. IHC has played a pivotal role in helping the UAE economy to achieve growth."
IHC's portfolio includes more than 200 entities, more than 48,000 employees and operations across seven primary business segments, including real estate, healthcare, food, utilities, industrials, digital and capital. Its footprint spans across the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Profile
Name: Carzaty
Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar
Launched: 2017
Employees: 22
Based: Dubai and Muscat
Sector: Automobile retail
Funding to date: $5.5 million
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,200m
Winner: Shafaf, Sam Hitchcott (jockey), Ahmed Al Mehairbi (trainer)
5,30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m
Winner: Noof KB, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: The President’s Cup Listed (TB) Dh380,000 1,400m
Winner: Taamol, Jim Crowley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
6.30pm: The President’s Cup Group One (PA) Dh2,500,000 2,200m
Winner: Rmmas, Tadhg O’Shea, Jean de Roualle
7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Listed (PA) Dh230,000 1,600m
Winner: Ihtesham, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: AF Mekhbat, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel
Points to remember
- Debate the issue, don't attack the person
- Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
- Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
- Listen actively without interrupting
- Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
