Amanat Holdings narrows losses in third quarter on rise in operating income

Company reports a loss of Dh1.7m as income from investments made last year increases

DUBAI, UAE. April 14, 2015 - Students learn more about Middlesex University Dubai during GETEX, aka the Gulf Education and Training Exhibition 2015 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Dubai, April 14, 2015. (Photos by: Sarah Dea/The National, Story by: Nadeem Hanif, News
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Amanat Holdings, the Dubai-listed investment firm that specialises in health care and education, narrowed losses for the third quarter on the back of a rise in operating income and finance income.

Losses for the three months to the end of September reduced to Dh1.7 million, from Dh3.6m during the same period last year, the company said in a filing to the Dubai Financial Market, where its shares are traded. Operating income in the third quarter rose to Dh16.4m from Dh3m during the same period last year and finance income rose 24 per cent to Dh10.5m during the period.

“In line with our commitment to creating long-term value for our shareholders, the management has been consistent in delivering on strategic improvements across our healthcare and education platforms which is reflected in the company’s solid performance,” said Hamad Al Shamsi, chairman of Amanat, in a statement.

Amanat successfully deployed Dh1.2 billion in 2018 across multiple healthcare and education assets, “strongly backing the increase in income from investments”, Mr Al Shamsi said.

“This is testament to the strength of our investment strategy and further paves our roadmap towards building on our strong portfolio of assets,” he added.

During the nine-month period, the company reported a 38 per cent increase in net profit year-on-year to Dh33.4m. Revenue at the end of nine-month period stood at Dh89.3m and operating income rose to Dh22.51m, from Dh4.6m during the same period last year.

The increase in income from investments in the nine months of 2019 was led by a strong contribution at its education platform, driven by a positive performance from Middlesex University Dubai, which the company bought from the liquidators of private equity firm Abraaj Group in June last year. The asset brought in Dh18.3m in income, the company said.

Finance lease income from the real estate assets of the North London Collegiate Schools Dubai also brought in Dh20.6m in the nine month period, it added.