Saudi shipping giant Bahri approves SR1.38 billion dividend, highest in 30 years
Bahri shareholders will receive a historic SR1.38 billion interim dividend based on a net profit that rose 420 percent year on year.
Saudi National Shipping Co., known as Bahri, has approved an exceptional interim cash dividend for the first half of 2026 totaling SR1.38 billion ($367.7 million). This distribution marks the largest cash payout since 1996, surpassing the previous record of SR984 million reached in 2015 and 2016. The decision followed an unusually strong first half where net profit hit SR4.9 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 420 percent. This interim profit exceeded double the company's full-year profit from the prior fiscal year, according to analysis by Al-Eqtisadiah. Bahri officials stated the move aims to share the strength of the current profit cycle with shareholders rather than establish a new long-term policy. When combined with the previous annual dividend paid in 2026, eligible investors will receive a total of SR2.5 per share, making 2026 the most generous year for Bahri shareholders regarding cash distributions.
