The Net Asset Value ("NAV") of Aker ASA and holding companies ("Aker") was NOK
63.9 billion at the end of the second quarter 2024, after NOK 1.15 billion of
dividends paid, compared to NOK 60.4 billion at the end of the first quarter
2024. The first half of 2024 was a dynamic period with high activity across the
portfolio as Aker continued to execute on its strategy, streamline the portfolio
and deliver value to shareholders.
During the first half of 2024, Aker paid a dividend of NOK 15.50 per share based
on the 2023 annual accounts. This represented a total dividend distribution of
NOK 1.15 billion to Aker's shareholders.
"The first half of 2024 was marked by high activity across the Aker portfolio,
and we continued to progress on our strategy and took actions to further focus
and streamline our portfolio. We announced several important transactions and
strategic partnerships during the period, demonstrating our more focused
approach in creating shareholder value, as previously announced," said Øyvind
Eriksen, President & CEO of Aker ASA.
Some of the main developments in the period included the completion of the
refinancing of Solstad and establishment of Solstad Maritime, crystallizing
value through the formation of a global carbon capture player in a JV between
Aker Carbon Capture and SLB and realizing value through the agreement to sell
Philly Shipyard to Hanwha, with expected closing in the fourth quarter.
Furthermore, Aker BP delivered solid production in the first half and increased
its production guidance, Cognite continued to accelerate its positive commercial
development with annual recurring revenue (ARR) and monthly active users
reaching record-highs and Aker Solutions posted improved financial results for
the period.
After quarter-end, Aker BioMarine announced the agreement to sell its ownership
position in the Feed Ingredients business to American Industrial Partners and
Aker Capital. Following the sale, the company estimates to pay an extraordinary
dividend of NOK 35-45 per share, corresponding to around half the company's
market value at the time of the announcement.
"We will continue our focused approach moving forward, devoting more time and
resources to larger portfolio companies where Aker's industrial ecosystem can
make a difference in driving shareholder value. When allocating capital, we are
prioritizing cash-yielding investments that contribute meaningfully to our
objective of increased and diversified upstream cash," said Eriksen.
Key financials - second quarter 2024
. GAV: NOK 75.1 billion
. Industrial Holdings: NOK 62.8 billion
. Financial Investments: NOK 12.2 billion
. NAV: NOK 63.9 billion
. NAV per share: NOK 860
. Share price: NOK 615
. Dividend paid: NOK 15.50 per share
. Liquidity: NOK 5.8 billion* of which NOK 0.5bn cash
*incl. undrawn credit facilities
For further information or questions following the presentation, please email
the relevant contact below. The quarterly presentation and material are
available at www.akerasa.com and www.newsweb.no
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Media contact
Atle Kigen, Head of Media Relations and Public Affairs Aker ASA
Tel: +47 90 78 48 78
E-mail: atle.kigen@akerasa.com
Investor contact
Fredrik Berge, Head of Investor Relations Aker ASA
Tel: +47 45 03 20 90
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 July 17, 2024, at 07:00 CEST.