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percent. For the full year, the NAV decreased 1 percent, adjusted for dividend,
from NOK 69.8 billion at year-end 2021. The Board proposes to pay a cash
dividend of NOK 15.0 per share for 2022 and will propose for an authorization to
pay an additional cash dividend in the second half of 2023.
The per-share NAV amounted to NOK 900, as per 31 December 2022, compared to NOK
929 and NOK 939, as per 30 September 2022 and 31 December 2021 respectively. The
Aker share increased 4 percent in the quarter to NOK 719.5, adjusted for
dividend, compared to an 8 percent increase in the Oslo Stock Exchange’s
benchmark index (“OSEBX”). For the full year, the Aker share decreased 9
percent, including dividend, compared to a 1 percent decrease in the OSEBX.
“2022 marked one of my most eventful years at the helm of Aker so far,” said
Øyvind Eriksen, President and CEO at Aker ASA. “Like our industry peers, we are
forced to make strategic decisions under unprecedented unpredictability. We do
not know what the future holds. At times like these, I turn to three steadfast
pillars: one, Aker’s method of work - playing to our strengths and acting
countercyclically for long-term value creation; two, fostering collaborations
and partnerships for growth; and three, protecting our strong balance sheet,
which enables Aker to maintain a steady course through periods of market
volatility.”
The value of Aker’s Industrial Holdings portfolio decreased by NOK 2.2 billion
in the quarter, to NOK 64.9 billion. This was mainly driven by value reductions
of the investments in Aker BP, Aker BioMarine and Aker Horizons, in addition to
NOK 730 million in dividend received from Aker BP in the quarter. The value of
Aker’s Financial Investments portfolio stood at NOK 11.2 billion at the end of
the fourth quarter, compared to NOK 11.9 billion at the end of the third
quarter.
“As pillars of prosperity that have supported growth through several decades
crumble, Aker is actively considering the long-term impact of a ‘new world
order,’” said Eriksen. “I can hardly think of a more critical time to be
surrounded by organizations, leaders, private and public partners, and
stakeholders who share a commitment to address issues that require true
multidisciplinary, dynamic thinking. Aker companies are driving forces in both
current and future energy activities and will continue to push for continued
public-private collaboration to leverage our nation’s enormous opportunity to be
in the front seat of a new industrial era”
“In total, Norway already exports more energy per capita than Saudi Arabia. By
upgrading and expanding existing sources of energy in parallel with developing
new sources, like offshore wind, Norway’s role as a contributor to both energy
security and energy transition may be even more vital. Our nation has previously
shown its ability to pull together when it matters most. By once again uniting
politics and business, today’s demanding tasks can become tomorrow’s
opportunities.” Eriksen concluded.
Aker’s liquidity reserve, including undrawn credit facilities, stood at NOK 6.4
billion at the end of the quarter. The value-adjusted equity ratio was 88
percent, compared to 87 percent at the end of the third quarter.
Based on the company’s equity and liquidity position, Aker’s Board of Directors
proposes to pay a cash dividend to Aker’s shareholders of NOK 15.0 per share for
2022 and will propose for the Annual General Meeting in April 2023 that the
Board is authorized to pay additional cash dividend in 2023 based on the 2022
annual accounts. If an additional cash dividend is declared by the Board in the
second half of 2023, and it equals the proposed ordinary dividend for 2022 of
NOK 15.0 per share, the total dividend paid during 2023 will be NOK 30.0 per
share. This would represent a 4.2 percent dividend-yield to the share price and
3.3 percent of NAV at the close of 2022.
In 2022, Aker paid a total dividend of NOK 29.0 per share to its shareholders,
based on the 2021 annual accounts. This represented a 3.5 percent dividend-yield
to the share price and 3.1 percent of NAV per 31 December 2021.
The full report and presentation are available at www.akerasa.com and
www.newsweb.no
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact:
Media:
Atle Kigen, Head of Media Relations and Public Affairs Aker ASA
Tel: +47 907 84 878
E-mail: atle.kigen@akerasa.com
Investors:
Fredrik Berge, Head of Investor Relations Aker ASA
Tel: +47 450 32 090
E-mail: fredrik.berge@akerasa.com
This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU
Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant
to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
This stock exchange announcement was published by Laila Hop, Paralegal, Aker
ASA, on February 17, 2023, at 07:00 CET.
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