Zain Saudi Arabia (Zain KSA) continued improving its revenues and gross profit for the second quarter of 2016 ending June 30, 2016, compared to the same period last year. Reporting revenues of SR1,727 million, reflecting a 5% growth compared with SR1,649 million in Q2, 2015. Revenues for the first half of 2016 were up 6% at SR3,492 million compared with SR3,306 million for the first half of last year. Zain Saudi Arabia also reported record gross profits, reaching SR1,113 million for the second quarter of 2016 with a gross margin of 64%. Rising 17%, up from SR949 million in Q2 2015 with a gross margin of 58%, gross profit also grew by 21% during the six months' period to reach SR2,198 million up from SR1,824 million during the same period of last year. The company also reported a SR372 million EBITDA during Q2 2016, and SR817 million for the six months' period up 4% from SR782 million for the first six months of 2015. EBITDA margin reached 22% in Q2 2016 and 23% in the first half of 2016. The company recorded the highest revenues, gross profit and gross margin since inception during the first half of 2016. Hassan Kabbani, Chief Executive Officer of Zain Saudi Arabia, said "the company continues to show improvements, although the overall market conditions are challenging for all participants. During the second quarter of 2016 we successfully completed the refinancing of a SR2,250 million loan with competitive terms, which demonstrates the confidence that our lenders have in the company." Kabbani added "we realize the role Zain can play in the local economy, contributing in the transformation towards a digitally enabled and diversified economy as part of the leadership's Vision 2030 plan." "Reporting record revenues and gross profits for the six month period indicates that we are making the most of the growth opportunities that exist in the market, supported by our transformation strategy." He further said "Zain Saudi Arabia is fully committed to the implementation of the new biometric identification requirements. So far, the vast majority of our customer base has fulfilled the necessary requirements. The cost of applying the new fingerprint regulations and our investments in our network were the main reasons for the increase in the company's expenses during the period." He remarked "I am confident that with the continued support of our shareholders, Zain Group, the Board of Directors, as well as the efforts of the Zain team, we will overcome the challenges ahead."
