Results for the fourth quarter 2020
“Income from our operating activities were on par with the previous quarter,” says Thomas Wilhelmsen, group CEO. From the core operating activities, Wilhelmsen highlights slow, but positive development in maritime services: “Marine products and ships agency continued their recovery but are still below pre-pandemic levels mainly due to low cruise activities. Sales of non-marine products were down for the quarter. With further growth in offshore wind activities, our ship management activities saw positive development in top line.”
The group delivered a total income of USD 202 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, up 2% from the previous quarter. Share of profit from associates was USD 20 million, mainly from the 37.8% shareholding in Wallenius Wilhelmsen ASA. Change in fair value of financial assets was positive with USD 215 million, mainly due to a strong increase in the value of the group’s Hyundai Glovis shareholding through Treasure ASA. The quarter ended with a net profit to equity holders of the company of USD 198 million, equal to USD 4.45 earnings per share (EPS).
The board will propose to the annual general meeting scheduled 22 April 2021 to pay a dividend of NOK 5 per share and authorise the board to declare a second dividend of up to NOK 3 per share. “In 2020, the annual general meeting decided to pay only NOK 2 per share given uncertainties related to the impact of COVID-19 on our global businesses. Our year-end result showed a slight increase of 3% in net profit and thus a proposal to pay a higher first dividend,” says Wilhelmsen.
Without revealing specific future investments, Wilhelmsen confirms: “Our ambition is to play an active part in accelerating the energy infrastructure transformation and contribute to decarbonisation. We showed our commitment to this through several activities last year, the investment in Edda Wind, the presentation of HySHIP and Topeka, partnership with thyssenkrupp related to 3D printing and exploration of carbon capture storage opportunities. Similar opportunities related to renewable energy and other sustainable products and solutions will surface in the years ahead. We are uniquely positioned to leverage our in-depth knowledge of the maritime industry and utilise this expertise to play an active role in, for us, new segments, or the development of new business models.”
About the short-term outlook for the group, the board says: Measures taken around the world to contain COVID-19 will continue to impact global economic activity. The extent of its future impact on operating income, results and asset prices remains uncertain. The group retains its robustness and capacity to meet this uncertainty.
For further information, contact
Åge S Holm, IRO
tel: +47 900 87 670
aage.s.holm@wilhelmsen.com
Benedicte Teigen Gude, SVP HR and communications
tel: +47 959 07 951
benedicte.teigen.gude@wilhelmsen.com
About Wilhelmsen
Wilhelmsen is a global maritime industry group founded in 1861. We have the biggest maritime network in the world, with a presence in over 2 200 locations globally. We serve over half of the worldwide merchant fleet with products and services, and supply crew and technical management for some of the most complex vessels in the world. We also develop new and daring solutions, shaping the maritime industry for the future. Our investments seek to explore and develop new opportunities within the energy-, offshore- and maritime industry. With thousands of colleagues in more than 70 countries, we take competence, sustainability, innovation and unparalleled customer experiences one step further. For more information, please visit www.wilhelmsen.com