Saudi Arabia sweetens huge Aramco IPO with tax cut
The royal decree sets a tax rate of 50% from 85% for national oil giant ahead of an IPO expected to value the company at above $2-trillion
Jeddah — Saudi Arabia’s government has cut the income tax paid by national oil giant Saudi Aramco to smooth the company’s initial public offer of shares next year, which is expected to be the world’s largest equity sale. A royal decree on Monday, retroactive to January 1, set a tax rate of 50% for the firm. Previously, Aramco had paid 85 percent tax, plus a 20% royalty levied at a different stage; the decree did not mention the royalty. The step appeared likely to reduce Aramco’s tax burden by "tens of billions of dollars", which could make the firm much more attractive to private investors. Saudi authorities had been considering such a change for months, sources said. "The royal order is a milestone in setting the stage for the world’s biggest IPO. I am sure there will be more such moves to follow in coming weeks and months," an oil industry executive said. "It shows the Saudi government is serious about the IPO of Saudi Aramco, and this is a very strong message to those who doubte...
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