Net profit of SAR 76 million for Q1 2024 compared to a net profit of SAR 6 million for Q1 2023 is due to the following main reasons: a) Gross profit increased to SAR 107 million in Q1 2024 from SAR 24 million in Q1 2023, as a result of the increase in volume mainly due to consolidating the results of GPC in Q1 2024, and improved mix of products sold. b) Selling, marketing and distribution expenses decreased to SAR 6 million in Q1 2024 from SAR 8 million in Q1 2023 mainly as a result of a non-recurrent logistics charge recorded in Q1 2023. c) Trade receivables bad debt provision decreased to SAR 0.2 million in Q1 2024 from SAR 2 million in Q1 2023. The above-listed positive changes were partially offset by an increase in financial charges to SAR 9 million in Q1 2024 from SAR 3 million in Q1 2023 as a result of consolidating GPC results in Q1 2024 and an increase in administrative expenses to SAR 12 million in Q1 2024 from SAR 6 million in Q1 2023 mainly as a result of consolidating GPC results in Q1 2024. In addition, Q1 2023 included a share of profit in an affiliate amounting to SAR 4 million related to the previously held 35% interest in GPC accounted for using the equity method. The EBITDA represents earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization. SSP recorded an EBITDA of SAR 106 million in Q1 2024, compared to SAR 17 million in Q1 2023. Due to the increase in working capital, SSP recorded a negative free cash flow of SAR (33) million in Q1 2024 compared to a positive free cash flow of SAR 38 million in Q1 2023. Net debt increased to SAR 350 million at the end of Q1 2024 from SAR 106 million at the end of Q1 2023 due to consolidating the financial position of GPC in Q1 2024. |