Saudi Arabian food group Savola has reported a 96% fall in first-quarter net profit.

Savola said net profit fell to SAR4.8m (US$1.2m) in the period ended 31 March compared to the corresponding period last year. The group said the fall was due to lower sales and lower retail sector margins, “higher zakat [Islamic almsgiving], tax and higher share of minority”.

The fall in net income was despite a non-recurring net positive impact for the group of SAR30m from the recognition of dilution gain upon the de-consolidation of its United Sugar Company (USC) subsidiary, Savola said.

Operational profit tumbled to SAR138.9m, a drop of nearly 59% over the year-ago period.

Net sales for the first quarter were SAR5.8bn, compared to SAR6.4bn for the same quarter last year. Savola’s statement did not provide reasons for the fall in sales and the company could not be reached for immediate comment.

In January, Savola reported a fall in annual sales and earnings from its food division in 2016 to SAR11.8bn from SAR13.1bn amid an impairment on the group’s food manufacturing business in Egypt.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.