Companies
IKEA expects profit decline over supply chain crisis, cost
Published
3 years agoon
IKEA, the world’s largest furniture group, has said it expects a decline in profits for the next two years due to a potential price hike of its products amid the global supply chain crisis and increasing cost of raw materials.
The Netherlands-headquartered multinational conglomerate’s net profit in the year ended August decreased 17 per cent to 1.4 billion euros
The Netherlands-headquartered multinational conglomerate’s net profit in the year ended August decreased 17 per cent to 1.4 billion euros despite a record 6 percent growth in online and in-store sales across its franchise system to 41.9 billion euros. The company’s profit was down 4 percent in the pre-pandemic fiscal 2019.
The company, which makes money mainly from sales of goods to its franchisees, said in October retailers’ sales totalled a record 41.9 billion euros, up 6 percent on the year and up 1 percent from fiscal 2019 as locked-down consumers spent more than ever on their homes, and despite product shortages.
Privately-held Inter IKEA said in its annual summary that the coronavirus pandemic affected its operating income in FY21. The biggest cause was the steep increase in transport and raw material prices in the second half of the financial year, it added.
In an interview, Martin van Dam, Inter Ikea’s chief financial officer, said that the company is expecting supply disruption to continue along with the increase in raw material and energy prices during the fiscal year 2022.
He added that the fiscal year 2022 will not be easier than the previous fiscal year.
The company would increase prices for the first time since 2019. Van Dam said they want to stay as low-priced as possible, adding that the move does not necessarily mean surges for customers as this depended on how much retailers such as Ingka Group passed on and how much they adopted.
However, he said the hike in prices is unavoidable because of the severity of problems in supply chains.
Inter Ikea spent 250 million euros to mitigate supply chain disruptions, from buying its containers to moving goods by trains rather than by ship.
Announcements
UAE fuel prices announced for September 2024
Published
1 week agoon
August 31, 2024By
SudhashreeThe UAE fuel price committee on Saturday announced petrol and diesel prices for the month of September 2024.
Super 98 petrol will cost Dh2.90 a litre, compared to Dh3.05 a litre in August, while Special 95 will cost Dh2.78 a litre, compared to Dh2.93 a litre the previous month. E-Plus category petrol will be available for Dh2.71 a litre, compared to Dh2.86 a litre in August, while diesel will now cost Dh2.78 a litre, compared to Dh2.95 a litre the previous month.
UAE Fuel Price Committee announces prices for September#WamNewshttps://t.co/Jwis5fd2Ah pic.twitter.com/qOspYYVge4
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) August 31, 2024
he UAE has been revising retail petrol prices on the last day of the month ever since the government deregulated oil prices in August 2015 to bring them at par with the global rates.
The approved fuel prices by the Ministry of Energy, according to the average global price of oil, whether up or down, after adding the operating costs of distribution companies.
Announcements
Secure Connection Brings Honeywell-Licensed Solutions to Saudi Market in Landmark Move
Published
3 weeks agoon
August 15, 2024By
SudhashreeSecure Connection, the Hong Kong-based electronic products manufacturer, announced its strategic expansion into the Saudi Arabian market with its complete range of Honeywell-licensed products. Secure Connection is an authorized trademark licensee for Honeywell International Inc. and has exclusive rights to manufacture, market, sell, and support a wide range of Honeywell-licensed products in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Middle East Asia & Africa, covering a wide array of product categories such as Air Purifiers, Home and Personal Audio products, Mobile and IT accessories, and Structured Cabling Systems.
Mr. Mohit Anand, CEO, Secure Connection Limited, shared insights on the significance of this market expansion, stating, “Saudi Arabia presents an exciting opportunity for us. Saudi Arabia is known for its vibrant economy and dynamic consumer landscape and presents tremendous opportunities for our Honeywell-licensed product range. We are confident and excited about our launch in the Kingdom and look forward to delighting the consumers with our comprehensive product offerings. We are extremely happy to have partnered with SAMIR Trading & Marketing Company as our distribution partner in Saudi Arabia”.
Samir Trading & Marketing company a leading technology product distributor in Saudi Arabia who aligns with Secure Connection’s long-term vision and shares the commitment to deliver exceptional consumer experiences. Mr. Saed Al-Hindi, CEO, SAMIR Trading & Marketing Company “We are excited to embark on this partnership with Secure Connection. Our shared commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences aligns perfectly. Together, we will introduce innovative Honeywell-licensed products that cater to the evolving needs of Saudi consumers.”
This move represents a noteworthy step for Secure Connection’s global growth plans by exemplifying its dedication to pursuing new prospects and business opportunities. Secure Connection is committed to the Saudi Arabian market and is demonstrating this by investing resources to help create a robust business and footprint across the country.
Announcements
Burjuman or Union ? RTA reveals Dubai’s busiest metro station
Published
4 weeks agoon
August 12, 2024By
SudhashreeThe Dubai Metro was the top choice of public transport in the emirate, accounting for 37 per cent of all commuters in the first half of 2024. Overall public transport ridership clocked 361.2 million in the first six months of the year — a 6 per cent increase over the same period in 2023. BurJuman and Union stations saw the highest number of passengers, with BurJuman recording 7.8 million users and Union station 6.3 million users.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) counts Metro, Tram, public buses, marine transport, taxis, e-hail vehicles, smart rental vehicles, and on-demand buses while computing public transport ridership numbers. BurJuman and Union stations saw the highest number of passengers, with BurJuman recording 7.8 million users and Union station 6.3 million users.
#RTA announced that the number of users of public transport and shared mobility in Dubai—including Metro, Tram, public buses, marine transport, Taxis, e-hail vehicles, smart rental vehicles, and on-demand buses—reached about 361.2 million in the first half of 2024. This… pic.twitter.com/nirGThtXOT
— RTA (@rta_dubai) August 11, 2024
Announcing these figures on Sunday, theDubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said the number of users of public transport and shared mobility means in Dubai, including Metro, Tram, public buses, marine transport, taxis, e-hail vehicles, smart rental vehicles, and on-demand buses—reached saw a six per cent increase compared to around 340.5 million users in the first half of 2023. The daily average number of riders in the first half of this year reached 1.98 million, compared to 1.88 million in the same period in 2023.
His excellency Mattar Al Tayer, director general, chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA said the authority plans to improve public transport even further. He said: “RTA’s strategic and operational plans are based on achieving multi-modal integration of all public transport and shared mobility means to ensure smooth mobility across Dubai. This included developing and expanding road networks and all elements of public transport — metro, tram, buses, marine transport, first and last-mile solutions, and shared mobility— along with an enhanced and integrated pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
“The RTA also focuses on traffic management systems to maximise the efficiency of roads and public transport and implements policies to encourage the public to reduce reliance on private vehicles and increase the use of public and shared transport,” the RTA chief added.