Saudi Basic Industries Corporation — Cyborg Score 6/10

Solid
Petrochemicals & Specialty Chemicals

Strategic Profile

70% of SABIC's shares are owned by Saudi Aramco, providing significant strategic backing and access to hydrocarbon resources. SABIC is a market leader in key products such as ethylene, ethylene glycol, methanol, MTBE and polyethylene. The company operates in over 50 countries worldwide and owns more than 60 manufacturing plants in over 40 countries.

Cyborg Score Rationale

In 2023, SABIC reported a loss of 2.77 billion SAR, marking the first annual loss for the company in 17 years, indicating current headwinds. However, its global scale, Saudi Aramco backing, and market-leading positions in key chemicals provide underlying strength despite near-term challenges.

Top Insights

  • Recognized as the world's second most valuable brand in the chemicals industry by Brand Finance in 2021.
  • Second largest global ethylene glycol producer; third largest polyethylene manufacturer; world's largest producer of mono-ethylene glycol, MTBE, granular urea, polycarbonate, polyphenylene and polyether imide.
  • SABIC moved its European headquarters from Sittard to Amsterdam in 2024.
  • Diversified portfolio across chemicals, polymers, fertilizers and specialty products serving automotive, electronics, construction and agriculture sectors globally.

Named Competitors

  • BASF — Global chemical and plastics manufacturing leader
  • Dow — Integrated petrochemical and materials science company
  • LyondellBasell — Polyolefins and specialty chemicals producer
  • Huntsman — Specialty chemicals and pigments manufacturer

Recent Developments

  • (2024) Relocated European headquarters from Sittard to Amsterdam
  • (2023) Reported first annual loss in 17 years at 2.77 billion SAR due to market conditions
  • (2020) Saudi Aramco completed acquisition of 70% stake in SABIC from Public Investment Fund for $69.1 billion

Open the full interactive Saudi Basic Industries Corporation report

Strategic research, analyst-debate audio, full Cyborg Score breakdown across 11 dimensions, and saved-company audio playlists.

Open report →