Waha net rises 43% to Dh306.4m

Waha Capital PJSC, a leading investment company based in Abu Dhabi, announced its preliminary financial results, reporting a net profit of Dh306.4 million for 2013, compared to Dh214.4 million in 2012, marking a year-on-year increase of 43 per cent and the company’s highest results since its establishment.

The growth in net profit was driven by increased returns from Waha Capital’s key direct investments, including New York-listed aircraft leasing company AerCap Holdings and UAE consumer finance company Dunia Finance, as well as the strong performance of the company’s capital markets division.
 
The value of Waha Capital’s assets increased 18 per cent as of December 31, 2013 to reach Dh5.24 billion, up from Dh4.44 billion a year earlier.
 
The preliminary results were announced following a Board meeting in Abu Dhabi chaired by His Excellency Hussain Jasim Al Nowais, Chairman of Waha Capital.
 
“Waha Capital has achieved strong financial results in 2013 with record net income, thanks to the implementation of the sound investment strategy the company adopted a few years ago,” said Al Nowais. “Although we are very pleased with our results and the growth indicators, we view this accomplishment as a small step towards achieving greater profits and continuing to increase long-term shareholder value through investment in high potential sectors. Our strong track record helps position Waha Capital as the investment partner of choice in the region.”
 
Waha Capital’s results translate into earnings per share of Dh0.16 in 2013, compared to Dh0.11 a year earlier, with return on equity rising to 12.6 percent from 9.4 percent. Shareholder equity increased by 8.4 percent in 2013 to reach Dh2.53 billion up from Dh2.33 billion in 2012.
 
Commenting on the results, Salem Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO and Managing Director, said, “Our return on equity is extremely encouraging, given the historical uncertainty in the global economy, and compares favourably with our peers. Thanks to our strong balance sheet, we are well positioned to make further investment in attractive sectors across the region and to continue delivering solid returns for our shareholders and investment partners. Our strategy is to acquire majority stakes in companies where value can be added through our principal investments division, while increasing exposure to debt and equity markets through our capital markets unit in order to enhance liquidity in our diversified portfolio.”
 
In mid-2013, Waha Capital made its first investment in the healthcare sector by acquiring Anglo Arabian Healthcare (AAH), a healthcare group established to own and operate hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and diagnostic centres across the United Arab Emirates. This investment broadens Waha Capital's asset mix, marking its entry into an area that holds high growth potential and is a priority for the UAE.

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