Riyadh - Mubasher: Alinma Bank’s performance is forecast to see further improvement in 2018, encouraged by the growth of net commissions of all operational activities as the Saudi government continues issuing bonds during the year, Alistithmar Capital said in a report on Tuesday.

The Saudi Arabia-based investment bank expected Alinma Bank’s net profits to increase by 19.6% to SAR 2.41 billion in 2018, compared to SAR 2 billion a year earlier.

Operation income of the kingdom's ninth-largest bank by assets may rise to SAR 4.96 billion in the current year versus SAR 4.37 billion the year before, the report showed.

Similarly, the lender’s deposits may level up to SAR 98.9 million in 2018 from SAR 89.1 million the previous year, SAIB's wholly owned firm mentioned.

Alistithmar Capital maintained its neutral outlook for Alinma Bank over the medium- and long-term, the report added.

Moreover, the bank’s profits hiked 43.6% to SAR 560 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, in line with Alistithmar Capital’s forecast.

Alinma Bank’s stock declined 0.1% on Monday, closing at SAR 20.57.