Riyad Capital Keeps Sabic at Neutral After Q1 Results
Riyad Capital affirmed its investment case for Saudi Basic Industries (SASE:2010), d/b/a Sabic, after the petrochemicals manufacturer published its first-quarter results."SABIC reported net profit of SAR 0.01 bln, a strong reversal of losses both Y/Y and Q/Q, deviating from our more conservative estimate, mostly because we had accounted for residual fair value adjustments on the EP and ETP carve-outs, which had been flagged as incomplete at year-end 2025 but were ultimately not recognized in the quarter. Within the petrochemicals segment, however, subsidiary Kayan's separately-reported 1Q26 numbers show a -SAR 489 mln Y/Y finished-goods inventory build alongside flat gross margins (-19.1% vs -18.9%), suggesting March demand softened materially as the early-quarter butane tailwind faded, and tempering our conviction on the durability of the petrochemicals' recovery," the research firm said Monday, noting the group's performance offset its subsidiary's weakness.Meanwhile, Sabic's sales decreased 11% year over year to 26.15 billion Saudi riyals, against Riyad Capital's estimate of 24.30 billion riyals. On a quarterly basis, the company saw lower revenue in its petrochemicals and agrinutrients units, with the specialties segment recording nearly 1% growth.The stock is still rated at neutral, with a price target of 60 riyals.
