Eshraq Investments records net operating income of Dh14.31m in 2020

Eshraq Investments, the Abu Dhabi-based investment company listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, has announced its final financial results for 2020, with the company reporting a net operating income of Dh14.31 million, and a net loss of Dh80.03 million for the full year period ended on December 31, 2020.

Eshraq’s real estate, finance and dividend generating investments maintained their steady profitability even during the Covid-19 pandemic related disruptions. These operations generated Dh23.5 million in cash income for the full year period, and the company’s equity portfolio recovered Dh25 million of the non-cash losses incurred on account of the Covid-19 related market downturn in the first quarter of 2020.

Eshraq’s leasing and hospitality businesses maintained its outperformance, achieving occupancy rates of 97 per cent and 79 per cent respectively due to the company’s proactive and agile leasing strategy.

On the development front, the company’s mixed-use project Marina Rise at Reem Island is on schedule for completion in the second quarter of 2021 and the company is coordinating with various authorities for completion related formalities. Upon completion, Marina Rise will be the first development to contribute to Eshraq’s future bottom line.

The addition of Eshraq to the list of shariah approved tradable shares on the ADX demonstrates the board’s efforts to ensure Eshraq’s Shariah compliant status. The shares can now be traded through ADIB Securities and other sharia compliant brokerages. This addition is expected to enhance the liquidity of trading in Eshraq shares.

Jassim Alseddiqi, Eshraq’s chairman, said: “2020 was a year full of challenges, but Eshraq was able to overcome them as we, as a Board remain committed to diversifying Eshraq’s income generating asset base. The focus continues to be on profitability and cash generation potential. Signs of recovery were evident in the last quarter of the year as the United Arab Emirates continues its remarkable efforts against the pandemic.”

business@khaleejtimes.com