Emaar Properties records net operating profit of Dhs5.573bn in first nine months of 2008; an increase of 15% from 2007

The revenue is similar to the first nine months 2007 revenue of Dhs12.727bn ($3.465bn) as higher revenues from Dubai operations were set off by decreased revenue from J L Homes in the US.

The net operating profit is higher by 15% as compared to the net operating profit of Dhs4.839bn ($1.317bn) for the same period in 2007.

The net profit for the first nine months of 2008, after considering an extra ordinary item in respect of write off of goodwill amounting to Dhs0.750bn ($0.204bn) relating to the acquisition of J L Homes in the US, was Dhs4.823bn ($1.313bn) which is similar to the net profit for the same period in 2007.

Although, the recent actions by the US Government may result in providing support to the Home Builders in the US, the write off was considered prudent in view of the current challenging times for all businesses especially the financial and real estate sector in the US.

Revenue for the third quarter of 2008 (July to September) is Dhs4.319bn ($1.176bn), which are in line with the second quarter 2008 (April to June) revenue of Dhs4.240bn ($1.154bn).

The net operating profit of Dhs2.258bn ($0.615bn), is higher by 36% as compared to the second quarter 2008 profit of Dhs1.660bn ($0.452bn) and 45% higher than the third quarter 2007 profit of Dhs1.560bn ($0.425bn).

Earnings per share (EPS) for the first nine months of the year 2008 is Dhs0.79 with the annualized EPS being Dhs1.05.

Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said:

"With projects valuing more than Dhs367bn ($100bn), Emaar is forging ahead by creating a dominant position in the real estate industry on a global scale. Emaar has created a significant brand value and recognition by delivering superior products and world class service to its customers. This brand value along with the financial strength of the company created by maintaining a low leverage on its balance sheet and reinvestment of its profits for international expansion will not only enable Emaar to move ahead with our planned projects but will also provide the requisite enablers for new profitable opportunities arising in the world to create significant value for our shareholders."

He added: "A balanced portfolio of projects primarily in the emerging growth markets has further assisted us to take advantage of various opportunities and be within the defined risk parameters. We believe that the economic fundamentals in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia region will remain sound with higher economic and population growths, resulting in domestic demand to further enable growth in the real estate sector."

For Emaar, the third-quarter of 2008 was marked by consolidation of its presence in Dubai with the launch of single family home communities and establishing the fundamentals for its expansion into hospitality & leisure and shopping malls.

In domestic operations, a highlight of the company's expansion was the completion of The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, the first hotel under The Address Hotels + Resorts brand owned and operated by Emaar Hospitality Group. Emaar also made significant strides in developing The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations, which will open on October 30, 2008.

The mall added on its second anchor store, which will be the first Bloomingdale's store in the Middle East.

Emaar gained from international markets such as Saudi Arabia, where the company's King Abdullah Economic City attracted investments worth SR 130bn this year and sales of SR1bn.

KAEC also announced plans to open a Plastics Valley, dedicated to plastics industries, apart from projects such as Healthcare City, Media City, Science Research Complex, Environment Protection Centre, Cadre Technical City for human resources development, Thunderbird Middle East University and Colombia University. Emaar also unveiled its first undertaking in the Holy City of Makkah, the fully-furnished Emaar Residences in Abraj Al Bait, which will be offered on a timeshare basis.

Another key market was Egypt, where Emaar Misr, the Egyptian subsidiary of the company, completed the renovation of the Alamein Hotel in Marassi, and launched The Address hotel in Uptown Cairo, a mixed-use community.

Emaar also launched its prestigious Armani Residences in Marassi, the first villa offering under the Armani collaboration. In India, Emaar MGF is progressing on schedule with various projects including the Commonwealth Village in Delhi.

Mr Alabbar added: "We are very confident of our company's fundamentals and future growth, which is reflected in our decision to pursue the share buy-back. We are also very confident of the economic development and prosperity of the regional markets, where we are seeking new relationships and projects such as the Rawabi Rumah mixed-use project in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

Emaar's growth strategies are centred on its Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world by developing integrated communities in significant growth markets. Emaar's unique position in property development and financial best practices was honoured with the Best Property Developer in the MENA region at the Euromoney Liquid Real Estate Awards.