OREANDA-NEWS. Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company B.S.C. (“BCFC”) has reported outstanding results in 2015. The total consolidated net profits of BD 17.4 million are 20% higher than the BD 14.5 million earnings of 2014. These results represent a return of 15.6% on shareholders’ equity (2014: 14.3%) with per share earnings at 108 fils, increased from 90 fils in 2014. The Ordinary Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 22nd March 2016 approved a cash dividend of 45% (45 fils) of the paid up capital of BD 7,251,440 to shareholders (2014: 45%), after obtaining the CBB’s prior approval.

Mr. Abdulrahman Fakhro, the Chairman of the Board, stated that “It’s pleasing to note that the profits of 2015 are, yet again, the highest in the Company’s history, attributable mainly to the relentless efforts of the BCFC Group which is continuously refining its core competencies and further strengthening its solid and successful business model".

Commenting on the exceptional results, Dr. Adel Hubail, Chief Executive Officer stated that “The Group’s sustained growth and profitability reflects the clarity of its unique value proposition in the niche markets identified in all its businesses, synergy amongst all its business segments and continuity in its practices”.

Then, he highlighted the business performance of each line of business. Bahrain Credit, achieved a net profits of BD 12.2 million (2014: 9.8 million) and new loans of BD 139 million (2014: BD 115 million) resulting in 16% growth in the loan portfolio to BD 230 million (2014: BD 198 million). Meanwhile, imtiaz continued to build on its success and now has more than twenty five thousand credit card customers. The quality of the portfolio remained a key priority with the nonperforming loans at 2.8% of the total loan portfolio which are adequately provided.

National Motor Company W.L.L. (“NMC”) registered a consolidated net profit of BD 2.1 million for the year ended 31 December 2015 (2014: BD 2.0 million). In Bahrain operations, NMC has further refined its brand focused strategy and continued to fine tune its after sales service operations to improve customers overall car ownership experience to increase customer satisfaction and retention. Against this backdrop, NMC Bahrain achieved a net profit of BD 3.1 million. The consolidated results are net of losses of NMC’s wholly owned subsidiary Tas’heelat for General Trading and Cars W.L.L. (“TGTC”).

T’asheelat Real Estate Services Company S.P.C. (“TRESCO”) had an outstanding year and registered a net profit of BD 2.1 million (2014: BD 1.9 million). With this result, TRESCO has become an important contributor to the Group’s profitability and has largely established itself as a trusted provider for affordable housing solutions to the citizens. It has also developed regular and annuity kind of returns from its portfolio of selected investment properties, which are providing steady and reliable rental yield. The company also provide evaluation and brokerage services.

Tas’heelat Insurance Services Company W.L.L. (“TISCO”) showed further growth in its operations and achieved a net profit of BD 1,010 thousand (2014: BD 813 thousand). In 2015, TISCO provided a wide range of insurance broking services and arranged in excess of twenty three thousand motor insurance policies. Such results were achieved due to excellent relationship with all the partnered insurance companies which continue to provide tailor-made products to the company based on its requirements. The company aspire to be the first choice of customers for their insurance needs through providing innovative solutions.

During 2015, BCFC achieved a key initiative that led to the introduction of high quality Chinese automotive brand “GAC Motors” in the Bahrain automotive market under the umbrella of its newly established subsidiary Tasheelat Automotive Company S.P.C. (“TAC”). The initial response to this brand from customers is highly favorable.

The Group’s liquidity position remained strong and healthy. During the year, BCFC further bolstered its liquidity position through successfully replacing a USD 100 million syndicated loan with a new USD 125 million 5 year syndicated loan. The Group is operating at a low leverage of 1.7 which will facilitate further expansions and growth plans.

At the end of his statement, Dr. Hubail affirmed that the Group has delivered a steady growth in all the businesses and profitability in challenging economic conditions. The Group companies shall further enhance their business model through continuous refinement in its service offerings and the introduction of new initiatives identified in the newly approved 3 years strategic plan for 2016-2018. He also stressed that going forward, the Group, in line with its new strategic plan, will continue to focus on its key markets and look for opportunities that will further increase the shareholders’ value. He then expressed his appreciation to the Board of Directors for their unlimited support and guidance, to all the employees for their commitment and hard work that has resulted in this excellent performance and the continuing support and co-operation received from the government ministries and organizations of Bahrain, most particularly the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Central Bank of Bahrain.