Investor AB Raises Dividend After Investments Generated 4Q Shareholder Return of 21%

By Dominic Chopping

STOCKHOLM--Investor AB on Friday proposed a dividend increase after the value of its investments rose sharply during the fourth quarter, generating total shareholder return of 21% compared with 2% for the same period the previous year.

Total shareholder return for the year rose to 55% from 19%.

Investor's net asset value per share rose to 223 Swedish kronor ($24.40) at the end of December from SEK151. On an adjusted basis, NAV per share stood at SEK248, while net profit attributable to shareholders rose to SEK81.1 billion in the fourth quarter from SEK7.65 billion a year earlier.

"Entering 2022, there is no lack of challenges and uncertainty," Chief Executive Johan Forssell said.

"In our portfolio we have great companies with leading positions in attractive markets, led by top-quality people. We also have a strong financial position, enabling us to act on attractive opportunities that arise," he said.

The company proposed a full-year dividend of SEK4 for 2021 compared with SEK3.50 the previous year.

Investor is the investment vehicle of Sweden's prominent Wallenberg family and owns stakes in some of the country's largest companies, including telecom giant Ericsson AB, home appliance manufacturer Electrolux AB and lender Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB.

Write to Dominic Chopping at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

01-21-22 0304ET