Adnoc Distribution’s earnings up 28% in Q3, strongest since IPO

Adnoc Distribution on Friday announced robust Q3 2023 results, reporting a 28% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) increase in EBITDA to $303 million (Dhs1.1 billion) and a 9% Y-o-Y increase in net profit to $227 million (Dhs835 million).

The results are among the strongest since the Company’s initial public offering (IPO) in 2017, supported by double-digit growth in fuel volumes and non-fuel business, efficiency improvement initiatives, and a growing contribution from international operations.

Adnoc Distribution witnessed a healthy 21% Y-o-Y increase and a 5% quarter-on-quarter (Q-o-Q) growth in total fuel volumes sold in the GCC region (UAE and Saudi Arabia). This growth was driven by the Company’s ongoing network expansion and sustained economic growth in the region.

Adnoc Distribution has a robust record of value creation since its IPO, pursuing new opportunities in domestic and international markets and allocating cash for growth. In Q3 2023, Adnoc Distribution generated robust free cash flow of $394 million (Dhs1,447 million) and maintained a strong balance sheet with a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 0.67x as of 30th September 2023, providing support for future growth prospects and shareholder returns.

Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of Adnoc Distribution, said, “Our impressive third-quarter results are a testament to the continuous growth of our business as we witness strong momentum across both our fuel and non-fuel retail segments. These results mark one of the strongest quarterly performances since our IPO. They are driven by our commitment to creating value and attractive shareholder returns by implementing our smart growth strategy. This strategy includes expanding our domestic and international network, operational efficiency initiatives, investments in growth, and adopting advanced technologies across our operations to deliver a superior customer experience.”

The Company’s non-fuel business recorded consistent growth in Q3 2023, with 14% Y-o-Y increase in non-fuel retail transactions, profitability, and a surge in convenience store conversion rate to 24% from 21% in Q3 2022, indicating that more of our customers are now shopping at our convenience stores when they visit to buy fuel.

Since its launch, the Adnoc Rewards loyalty programme has expanded and now reaches more than 1.8 million enrolled members, marking a 14% increase compared to Q3 2022.

The Company continued to enhance its customer value proposition and recently launched the Adnoc Rewards tiers system, introducing SILVER, GOLD, and PLATINUM tiers, each delivering an expanded suite of exciting benefits and offers to customers.

In line with its smart growth strategy, Adnoc Distribution expanded its network by opening 12 new service stations during Q3 2023, following the opening of 16 service stations in the first half of the year. This expansion brings the total network to 828, of which 585 stations are located in the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Having launched 28 new stations during the first nine months of 2023, the Company has already achieved its full-year 2023 target of adding 25-35 new stations across its network and anticipates this momentum to continue in Q4 2023 and beyond.

During Q3 2023, the first three Adnoc-branded service stations were launched in strategic locations across Greater Cairo, offering a full range of vehicle services to local communities. Additionally, plans are in place to open a further six branded stations nationwide by the end of the year.

Additionally, the Company recently launched Adnoc Voyager-branded signature range of premium and OEM-approved automotive vehicle lubricants in Egypt through its joint venture. These products will be available for Egyptian consumers to purchase at ADNOC service stations and within the wider local lubricant market.

Beyond its successful acquisition in Egypt, the Company is actively evaluating inorganic growth opportunities in international markets with a focus on efficient capital allocation for growth.

In January 2023, Adnoc Distribution announced its commitment to reduce its carbon intensity by 25% by 2030, putting sustainability at the core of its day-to-day operations. The Company has already achieved significant milestones, including having 100% of its UAE heavy fleet running on biofuel. Additionally, the installation of solar panels has begun across the Company’s Dubai service network, marking the first phase of a UAE-wide solar rollout.

The Company is actively developing innovative sustainable mobility solutions in the UAE, including electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and hydrogen refuelling. Key achievements include establishing over 40 superfast EV charging points at strategic locations, strengthening its value proposition and addressing the growing demand from EV customers. In addition, Adnoc Distribution plans to operate the first high-speed hydrogen refuelling station in the region.

Adnoc Distribution’s 2023 dividend policy sets a minimum of $700 million (Dhs2.57 billion), equivalent to 20.57 fils per share in dividend for the full year 2023, providing an annualised yield of 5.9% (at a share price of Dhs3.46 as of 9th November 2023).