Ackermans & Van Haaren NV (ACKB) Earnings Call Transcript & Summary

In a challenging environment, with steep cost increases, deteriorating consumer confidence and decrease in capital markets, the companies of the group have shown high resilience with the result of the core participations in line with the record result achieved in 2021. The diversified portfolio has also, once again, proven its pertinence, along products through the positive impact of the increase in raw material prices on the results of [ CP ]. We believe our participations are well positioned to be part of the solution in these challenging markets. Most of them offer innovative and cost-efficient solutions to their customers who will contribute to the energy transition to, amongst others, the installation of offshore wind parks, development of green hydrogen and intelligent solutions for optimizing buildings, energy efficiency. The more than EUR 330 million capital gain that has been realized over 2022 following the divestment of Manuchar and Anima again confirms the significant upside versus our consolidated equity and further strengthens our balance sheet.

Ackermans & Van Haaren realized a record profit of EUR 709 million over the year 2022 versus a net profit of EUR 407 million in 2021. This record result is driven by strong results in all segments of the group and by the successful exits from Anima and Manuchar. This reflects a return on equity of almost 20%. The group has a solid balance sheet with an equity of EUR 4.6 billion compared to EUR 4 billion end of 2021 and a net cash position of EUR 500 million. The Board of Directors, therefore, proposes a gross dividend of EUR 3.10 per share, up 13% compared to last year.

Together with our focus on diversification, our ESG approach, sustainability in combination with [ an I ], on the long term, instills the necessary resilience. Therefore, we are particularly pleased that this approach is also recognized by the outside world and that we were selected as one of 20 enterprises forming the new ESG index launched by Euronext having the best ESG practices with respect for people and the environment. We are proud to present record results for the past year and look forward to opportunities to invest our cash by successfully building out other companies over the long term, together with our family, shareholders and management teams. Finally, we are extremely grateful to all our colleagues in the group for their hard work, commitment and resilience. Thanks to their efforts, Ackermans & Van Haaren remains your partner for sustainable growth.