By Dominic Chopping
STOCKHOLM--Investor AB posted a lower total shareholder return for the fourth quarter of 2023 amid continuing geopolitical headwinds.
The company said on Friday that total shareholder return for the period stood at 12%, compared with 16% for the prior-year's period. For the whole year, the company posted a total shareholder return of 24% versus 15% in 2022.
Investor's net asset value per share rose to 234 Swedish kronor ($22.32) at the end of December from SEK197 a year earlier. On an adjusted basis, NAV per share stood at SEK267, while net profit attributable to shareholders rose to SEK59.94 billion in the fourth quarter from SEK51.53 billion a year earlier.
Investor said that many global challenges remain, with a difficult geopolitical situation that could cause renewed disturbances in global supply chains. In addition, the major economies China and Germany are showing weakness, and consumers are still under pressure, it added.
"In today's complex environment, our focus remains on future-proofing our companies through strategic initiatives," Chief Executive Johan Forssell said. "Due to continued strong cash flow, our financial position is strong entering 2024."
The company proposed a full-year dividend of SEK4.80 for 2023 compared with SEK4.40 the previous year.
Investor AB is the investment vehicle of Sweden's prominent Wallenberg family.
Write to Dominic Chopping at dominic.chopping@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
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