Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange-listed International Holding Company (IHC) announced on 5 November 2026 that its profit after tax increased 87% year-on-year to AED 32.5 billion for the first nine months of 2026, while revenue surged 33.2% to AED 100.5 billion. The results marked a significant milestone for the Abu Dhabi-based investment group, supported by international expansion, portfolio growth and contributions from its diversified operating businesses.
IHC’s gross profit increased 35.4% to AED 25.3 billion, while profit before tax rose 84.2% to AED 35.1 billion. Earnings per share increased 129.6% to AED 9.71, and return on equity reached 20.8%. The reported year-on-year growth rates are based on continuing operations, an important distinction when comparing the group’s performance across reporting periods.
Real Estate and Construction remained IHC’s largest revenue-generating segment, contributing AED 33.3 billion, up 12.8% year-on-year. Marine and Dredging generated AED 22.4 billion, increasing 3.7%, while Energy and Mining revenue surged 295.1% to AED 19.3 billion, supported by expanded minerals, metals and hydrocarbon trading activities. Seven of IHC’s eight business segments reported revenue growth during the period.
Other businesses also delivered substantial expansion, with Hospitality and Leisure revenue increasing 93.7% to AED 7.8 billion and Financial Services revenue rising 53.7% to AED 4.4 billion. Food revenue grew 25.7% to AED 5.1 billion, while Technology revenue increased 20.5% to AED 2.9 billion. Investment income within Financial Services contributed to overall profitability, while the seven other segments collectively increased profit by 37.5% to AED 12.6 billion.
IHC’s total assets reached AED 485.9 billion as of 30 September 2026, representing a 13.4% increase, while total equity rose 9.9% to AED 275.4 billion. Equity attributable to owners increased 11.5% to AED 170.5 billion. Cash and bank balances stood at AED 76.6 billion, while net debt increased to AED 30.4 billion as the group deployed approximately AED 25 billion into associates, joint ventures, financial assets and investment properties.
The group continued expanding its international investment portfolio, including increased exposure to technology companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Cerebras. IHC also reported unlocking liquidity from its earlier investment in SpaceX and announced a proposed acquisition of an 80% stake in Marlan Holding, subject to regulatory approvals. Through Marlan Space and international partners, the group also advanced a USD 1 billion initiative to develop satellite-based artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Financial services and infrastructure investments remained central to IHC’s expansion strategy. The group acquired a 26.67% interest in India’s Sammaan Capital as part of a broader USD 1 billion investment programme and completed the acquisition of Pakistan’s First Women Bank. Other developments included ePointZero’s completed USD 2.25 billion acquisition of Traverse Midstream Partners and strategic initiatives involving aluminium production, energy storage, industrial chemicals and international power generation.
IHC also continued returning capital to shareholders through its second AED 5 billion share-buyback programme. The company commenced the first AED 1.8 billion tranche in June 2026 and had repurchased approximately 1.9 million shares for AED 705 million by the end of September. The buyback forms part of its broader capital allocation strategy, alongside investments intended to strengthen existing businesses and expand its international portfolio.
Chief Executive Officer Syed Basar Shueb highlighted the group’s achievement of surpassing AED 100 billion in revenue, supported by growth across seven of its eight business segments and international revenue more than doubling. Looking ahead, IHC intends to maintain selective capital deployment, strengthen portfolio-company performance and pursue opportunities across technology, infrastructure, financial services and other sectors while managing geopolitical and financial-market uncertainties.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, or legal advice.
