ABU DHABI: ADNOC Distribution today organised an Investor Day, providing the market with an update on the Company’s achievements and strategic growth initiatives.

The Company, which successfully delivered on its previous commitment of reaching US$1 billion in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) in 2023, will deliver further EBITDA growth in the 2024-2028 period, while it positions itself as a multi-energy, convenience and mobility leader.

ADNOC Distribution is scaling up its portfolio of low-carbon energy solutions including biofuels, EVs and hydrogen to support the decarbonisation of the transport industry and expand its non-fuel retail offerings.

Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution, said, ‘ADNOC Distribution has demonstrated a robust track record of value creation through its smart growth strategy, pursuing new opportunities in domestic as well as international markets.

Since its market debut in late 2017, the Company has delivered robust financial performan
ce and doubled shareholder value. 2023 was a transformative year for ADNOC Distribution, with the Company generating EBITDA of over US$1 billion, an increase of 33 percent compared to 2018.

The company is well-positioned to take advantage of evolving energy markets and enter a new growth phase. We remain committed to a disciplined capital allocation and delivering attractive and visible shareholder returns.’

During 2023, the Company witnessed double-digit growth in total fuel volumes across the GCC markets, as well as in its non-fuel retail business, achieving a four-year-high fuel-to-convenience store conversion rate of 25 percent. As part of its new business strategy, ADNOC Distribution will continue to invest in the growing and highly attractive core UAE market.

The Company also aims to unlock incremental value from its existing network by growing its non-fuel retail business and optimising real estate assets. This will position ADNOC Distribution as the brand of choice for retail and commercial custome
rs.

As part of its new growth strategy, the Company plans to increase the contribution from international operations in Saudi Arabia and Egypt while exploring accretive inorganic opportunities supported by a robust balance sheet and strong cash flow generation.

Moreover, the Company aims to improve its operational efficiency further, targeting up to $50 million in additional savings by 2028 on top of the US$130 million in like-for-like cost savings already delivered in 2019-23.

ADNOC Distribution is prioritising innovation and enhancing customer experience in line with its strategic objectives. A renewed focus on driving seamless customer journeys through digital and hyper-personalisation will drive improved brand engagement and increased footfall.

ADNOC Distribution is placing sustainability at the core of its day-to-day operations, reducing its carbon footprint while exploring emerging opportunities and enabling customers to decarbonise.

The Company also aims to lead the energy transition through a tar
geted roll-out of EV chargers. It will build a network of over 500 fast and superfast charging points across the UAE by 2028 to unlock new revenue streams and further future-proof its business.

New dividend policy proposal will provide payback visibility and dividend upside from future earnings growth

To recognise the Company’s strong financial position and confidence in future cash flow generation, the Board of Directors has recommended the introduction of a new dividend policy for 2024-28 based on paying an annual dividend of $700 million or a minimum of 75 percent of net profit, whichever is higher, which is subject to shareholders’ approvals.

This policy represents a balance between growth investments and sustainable shareholder payback.

ADNOC Distribution had $870 million of cash on its balance sheet with a ratio of net debt to EBITDA at 0.62x as of 31 December 2023, offering additional leverage capacity. The new dividend policy will be presented to shareholders for approval during the upcoming Gener
al Assembly Meeting scheduled in March 2024.

Source: Emirates News Agency