Increase in revenue by 66% and proposed dividend distribution of QAR 1.25 per share
United Development Company (UDC), a leading Qatari shareholding company, announces its financial results for the year 2016, reporting net profit of QAR 681 million while net profit attributable to owners of the company stood at QAR 623 million, and earnings per share at QAR 1.76.
UDC Chairman HE Turki bin Mohammed Al Khater said:
We should particularly remember 2016 as a year that saw our flagship project, The Pearl-Qatar, increasingly become a living, functional and dynamic entity as UDC has pumped investments into accelerating the pace of construction works laying the foundations for rewarding and sustainable returns for coming years. Our positive financial performance therefore leads the Company to propose dividend distribution of QR 1.25 per share.’
Al Khater also highlighted that in the year 2016, UDC has seen an increase in the Company’s revenue and operating profit, closely associated with UDC’s strategic emphasis on generating value to shareholders through focusing on core business functions. As such, revenue increased by 66% compared to last year and operating profit increased by 9% from last year.
Al Khater added:
We are committed to working hard in order to provide long-term value for our shareholders as we remain focused on improving our business and creating profitable investment opportunities for shareholders.’
Ibrahim Al Othman, UDC President & CEO Ibrahim Al Othman stated that the year 2016 witnessed the execution of the first phase of the Company’s five-year business plan. He said:
This was achieved through the conclusion of a series of agreements to develop in The Pearl, attract more residents and retailers and promote investment opportunities. This shows that The Pearl-Qatar constitutes an integrated investment product for investors who are seeking to increase their returns and diversify their portfolios.’
‘In 2016, UDC sold two plots of land for the development of residential towers in Viva Bahriya and completed the sale transaction of The Pearl Tower 2. The residential leasing volume witnessed an increase of 8%, while volume of residential sales in 2016 increased by 81%, compared to 2015. The volume of leased retail properties during the year 2016 also increased by 32% compared to last year.’
Al Othman concluded:
There is no doubt that the outcome of relentless work done by UDC in 2016, will reflect on the Company’s projects and investments during 2017, where we look forward to continuing the development of Al Mutahidah Towers, with construction works already launched in 2016, as well as developing the infrastructure and ten villas in Giardino Village, in addition to a school and hospital projects. Also in 2017, UDC will particularly concentrate on retail operations and vital utilities in Qanat Quartier, which is increasingly being recognized as a distinct destination of The Pearl.’
The Board of Directors has decided to hold the annual general assembly meeting on 13 March 2017 at 4 pm at The Pearl-Qatar’s Marsa Malaz Kempinski Hotel, Palazzo Ballroom. In the absence of a quorum, the alternative meeting will be held on 20 March 2017 in the same place and time.
UDC targets investment opportunities in real estate, urban development and infrastructure with positive returns to shareholders.