JEDDAH – Saudi Savola Group posted a 48 percent rise in its second quarter net profit, beating analyst forecasts on improved profitability in the food sector and its increased market share in the retail sector, a bourse statement Saturday. The firm, which owns the Middle East's biggest sugar refining business, made SR341.3 million ($90.9 million) in the three months ending June 30, compared with SR230.7 million in the same period a year earlier. “The reason for the rise in profits for this quarter... is mainly the turnaround in profitability of its operations in the food sector, and the continued growth and increased market share in the retail sector," the statement said. Savola expects to post a net income of SR340 million, before capital gains, for the third-quarter, it added. Savola said it plans to issue a SR0.3 dividend for the second quarter. The firm's operational profit for the second-quarter rose by 42.6 percent to SR603.8 million. Revenues for the six month period reached SR13.57 billion, up 13.6 percent. – SG
