
Cash flow and free cash flow increase; downstream earnings surge 234%; Zuluf project begins production
AI-generated summary
Saudi Aramco released its third-quarter 2026 financial results on Tuesday, reporting adjusted net income of SR117 billion, up 9% year-on-year, with cash flow from operating activities of SR145.2 billion and free cash flow of SR105.8 billion.
DHAHRAN — Saudi Aramco’s adjusted net income increased by 9 percent year-on-year to SR117 billion in the third quarter of 2026, compared with SR107.2 billion during the same period in 2025.
According to the company’s third-quarter financial results released on Tuesday, cash flow from operating activities reached SR145.2 billion, compared with SR135.4 billion in the third quarter of 2025, while free cash flow rose to SR105.8 billion from SR88.4 billion during the same period.
Aramco also reported a decline in its gearing ratio to 5.5 percent as of September 30, 2026, compared with 6.2 percent at the end of June.
Meanwhile, the company’s Board of Directors announced base dividends of SR82.1 billion for the third quarter of 2026, representing a 3.5 percent annual increase, with payments scheduled for the fourth quarter.
The company also recorded a 234 percent year-on-year increase in adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes and zakat in its downstream segment, driven by improved refining margins.
In its upstream operations, Aramco announced the start of production at the Zuluf crude oil increment project, while major projects, including Jafurah Phase Two, the Fadhili Gas Plant expansion and the Dammam field development, remained on schedule.
The East-West Pipeline continued to provide flexibility in export operations, with Aramco exploring additional overseas storage capacity and alternative export routes to strengthen its global supply network.
The company also announced the acquisition of a 49 percent stake in HUMAIN, involving asset transfers and cash contributions valued at approximately SR9.9 billion, expanding its presence in the artificial intelligence sector.
Aramco also signed a shareholders’ agreement to establish a joint venture focused on mineral exploration and hard-rock mining, leveraging its upstream expertise to expand into an adjacent sector.
Commenting on the results, Aramco President and CEO Amin H. Nasser highlighted the dedication of the company’s workforce, operational excellence and the strength of its supply chain, which he said enabled Aramco to maintain reliable supplies to customers despite regional developments.
Nasser reaffirmed the company’s focus on executing priority projects and using advanced technologies to enhance performance, explore new opportunities and meet growing global energy demand while delivering value to shareholders and customers.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Aramco will continue executing priority projects including Jafurah Phase Two, Fadhili Gas Plant expansion, and Dammam field development on schedule
Likely · Within months

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