Casablanca – The performance of listed companies on the Casablanca Stock Exchange showed contrasting results in the third quarter of 2024, according to the latest report from BMCE Capital Global Research. Overall, total revenue for listed companies surged by 4.7%, reaching $23.8 billion, driven by strong results in the financial sector and moderate growth in industrial sectors.

Winners: Strong growth in financials and key industrials

The financial sector was the standout performer, contributing significantly to the overall growth. The net banking income of financial institutions increased by 11.5%, reaching $7.2 billion. This was fueled by a favorable monetary policy from Bank Al-Maghrib and improved margins in interest and commissions. The interest margin rose by 5.1%, totaling $4.3 billion, while market operations results saw a remarkable 47.6% jump to $1.26 billion. The commission margin also grew by 5.7%, reaching $1.24 billion, with Attijariwafa Bank contributing significantly to this growth.

The industrial sector also showed progress, albeit at a slower pace, with a modest 1.9% revenue increase, totaling $14.75 billion. Key players such as TGCC, which reported a 17.4% rise in operating income to $597 million, and Jet Contractors, whose revenue surged by 53.5% to $206 million, helped bolster the sector’s performance. Akdital, a leader in healthcare services, saw impressive growth of 51.7%, reaching $206 million, driven by the opening of new clinics in 2022 and 2023.

Losers: Struggles in Energy and Agri-food Sectors

Despite the overall positive trend, some companies faced substantial challenges. Taqa Morocco, a major player in the energy sector, saw a 22% decline in revenue, falling to $834 million, due to lower energy prices and reduced availability of production units. Similarly, Lesieur Cristal, a key company in the agri-food sector, reported a 17.6% drop in sales, reaching $381 million, as raw material prices fell and the competitive market environment intensified.

In another setback, LafargeHolcim saw its revenues decrease by 4.6%, totaling $597 million, as a result of reduced export demand for clinker and the impact of new cement production capacities on the domestic market.

Sector contributions: Banks drive growth

Sectoral contributions show that the banking sector remains the primary driver of revenue growth. The banking industry contributed an additional $743 million to net banking income. Other sectors contributing positively include construction and healthcare, which added $165 million and $98 million, respectively, to overall revenues.

Conversely, sectors such as energy and agri-food had negative contributions. The electricity sector’s performance dropped by $237 million, while the agri-food sector saw a decline of $52 million, highlighting ongoing challenges in these industries.

Continued investment and capital expenditures

Despite mixed performances, listed companies continue to invest heavily in their future. Capital expenditures across the market rose by 17.3%, totaling $1.48 billion, with strategic investments concentrated in infrastructure, mining, and healthcare sectors. Notable investors include Managem, which allocated $444 million to key projects such as its gold mining project in Senegal, and Marsa Maroc, whose investments surged by 93%, reaching $40.4 million for the modernization of its port infrastructure.

Outlook: Cautious optimism amid challenges

Looking ahead, the outlook for the Casablanca Stock Exchange remains cautiously optimistic. While the financial sector continues to show robust growth, industrial sectors like construction and healthcare are proving resilient, and companies are positioning themselves for future expansion. However, sectors like energy and agri-food face significant headwinds, particularly in the face of fluctuating raw material prices and competitive pressures.

As companies continue to navigate these challenges and seize opportunities for strategic investments, the Casablanca Stock Exchange will likely remain a reflection of Morocco’s broader economic dynamics in 2024 and beyond.