Revealed: Top 10 companies in Bahrain in 2018

The second half of 2018 started on a positive note for GCC stock markets, driven by the strong performance of banking stocks across the Gulf.

Major banks in the region posted solid growth in earnings for Q2, with their profitability being boosted by rising interest rates, an uptick in economic activity, and increased government spending.

Despite the positive signs however, stock market liquidity in most GCC markets has deteriorated due to declining investor sentiments. Increased risk perception and a lack of new IPO issues continues to act as an impediment in a market that is largely dominated by retail participants.

TOP 10 COMPANIES IN BAHRAIN BY MARKET CAP
(By market capitalisation as of September 11, 2018. Source: Reuters Eikon, Markaz Research)

1. Ahli United Bank

Market capitalisation: $5.34bn

Sector: Banking and Financial Services

Change in ranking: -1

2. Aluminium Bahrain

Market capitalisation: $2.39bn

Sector: Mineral Resources

Change in ranking: 14

3. National Bank of Bahrain

Market capitalisation: $2.21bn

Sector: Banking and Financial Services

Change in ranking: 5

4. GFH Financial Group

Market capitalisation: $1.42bn

Sector: Banking and Financial Services

Change in ranking: -3

5. BBK

Market capitalisation: $1.26bn

Sector: Banking and Financial Services

Change in ranking:  NA

6. Arab Banking Corporation

Market capitalisation: $1.23bn

Sector: Banking and Financial Services

Change in ranking: NA

7. United Gulf Holding Company

Market capitalisation: $1.23bn

Sector: Banking and Financial Services

Change in ranking: NA

8. Bahrain Telecommunications Company

Market capitalisation: $1.10bn

Sector: Telecommunication

Change in ranking: NA

9. Investcorp Bank

Market capitalisation: $750m

Sector: Banking and Financial Services

Change in ranking: NA

10. Al Salam Bank Bahrain

Market capitalisation: $580m

Sector: Banking and Financial Services

Change in ranking: NA

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