stc Group announced its preliminary financial results for the first half (H1) of 2024, ending June 30, with data indicating a 4.79% increase in revenues compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching 38.255 million Saudi Riyals. The increase is mainly attributed to a 0.6% rise in overall revenues, supported by a 6.0% increase in customer unit revenues and a 0.2% increase in carrier and wholesale unit revenues. Meanwhile, the company's subsidiary revenues rose by 13.4%. stc stated that the total profit during the first six-month period of 2024 rose by 3.88% compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching 18.957 million Saudi Riyals. The earnings before interest, taxes, zakat, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) also increased by 5.96% during the same period, reaching 12.889 million Saudi Riyals. Net profit increased by 7.73% to reach 6.590 million Saudi Riyals. stc announced the distribution of 0.40 Riyals per share for the second quarter of 2024, in line with the dividend dist ribution policy approved by the General Assembly. stc Group stated that the increase in net profit solidifies its position as the most influential local brand in Saudi Arabia, according to the 2023 Ipsos global index. Such success reflects the effectiveness of its expansion and growth strategy, as well as its provision of advanced digital solutions and services. Eng. Olayan bin Mohammed Alwetaid, stc Group's chief executive, commended the efforts made by the group's various sectors and subsidiaries to enhance its position in a competitive market. He added that these endeavors were achieved through the commitment of the group to its "Dare 2.0" strategy, resulting in outstanding financial performance during H1 2024. Alwetaid highlighted the role of the comprehensive cost efficiency program adopted by the group to enhance profit margins through operational efficiency enhancement and cost control. He added that the program helped strengthen the company's financial position and its ability to seize available opportunities and continue investing in digital infrastructure, further supporting the company's position as the leading digital enabler in the Kingdom. Alwetaid praised the efforts made by Saudi Arabia to provide the best services and facilities for Hajj pilgrims and improve their experience. In this regard, he underscored the group's commitment to leveraging its technological expertise to ensure the comfort and safety of Hajj pilgrims. Such services included providing standard internet speeds to 1.8 million users of the stc network in the holy sites, as well as increasing voice call volume by 65% compared to the previous season. He affirmed stc's dedication to supporting the objectives of Vision 2030, aiming to turn the Kingdom into a global destination for gaming and eSports. To achieve this, stc signed a strategic partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation to become the elite and founding partner of the Esports World Cup. Through the partnership, stc will provide high-quality telecommunications and information technology services to cover all event facilities and areas. It will offer advanced communication and internet technologies to support the tournament and provide the best digital infrastructure for participating players, in line with the "Dare 2.0" strategy. Alwetaid affirmed that stc will continue its efforts to support the digitization of operational processes and enhance the implementation of modern technologies in several strategic projects in line with Vision 2030. One example is the partnership with the Saudi Ports Authority, the Saudi Global Ports Company, and the Red Sea Gateway Terminal, through which stc provides various digital services and solutions for the transportation and port sectors its Carrier and Wholesale Unit. The partnership contributes to enhancing performance, improving operations and economic competitiveness, reducing costs, and increasing the safety of workers. Source: Saudi Press Agency