Last checked at 13 Apr 2023 16:31
April 13, 2023
NLB Group: Creating Better Footprints - for today and tomorrow
Pursuant to the Rules of the Ljubljana Stock Exchange relating to Article 158 of the Market Financial Instruments Act NLB d.d., Trg republike 2, 1000 Ljubljana, announces:
In the dynamic circumstances of the year 2022 the systemically important role of the banks in the NLB Group and the footprints we create in our home region of South-Eastern Europe (SEE) came to the forefront once again. In 2022, we have created many better footprints for today, as demonstrated in the NLB Group Annual Report 2022, as well as for tomorrow, reflected in the NLB Group Sustainability Report 2022, both published today.
The NLB Supervisory Board namely met today at its 2nd regular meeting of the year and examined the NLB Group Annual Report 2022, which includes auditor's report prepared by Ernst & Young, as well as NLB Group Sustainability Report 2022. Both reports were approved and subsequentially published. Along with the Investor presentation they are as of now available to all interested stakeholders:
· NLB Group Annual Report 2022
· NLB Group Sustainability Report 2022
· Investor Presentation
Record business result of 2022 …
Let's re-emphasize: 2022 was the best year in the history of NLB Group, evidenced by the highest absolute net income of any business group headquartered in Slovenia. The Group generated EUR 446.9 million in profit after tax (89% higher year on year, with the EUR 172.8 million negative goodwill from the N Banka acquisition in March 2022 significantly influencing the full-year business results of the Group), and also enhanced market shares in all key segments.
Strong business results translated itself into added value for our shareholders, with a substantial dividend pay-out in two tranches in the total amount of EUR 100 million. The Group remains committed to justify stakeholder expectations, and projects a total capital return through solid cash dividends in the cumulative amount of EUR 500 million (including 2022 pay-outs) by 2025.
The Group's business results, although remarkable and unprecedented thus far, are by no means the only indicator of the vital role the Group holds in SEE. At least equally important is our goal of improving the quality of lives and business environment in our home region. Guided by this objective, it is not surprising that we have put sustainability in its broadest sense at the heart of our business decisions and actions, our efforts, for instance, reflected in joining the Net Zero Banking Alliance, lowering of carbon footprint, and substantial progress made in sustainable finance, operations, and contribution to society, all of which was also recognized by our first ESG rating.
We wish to present our activities in the field of sustainability to all interested stakeholders, that is why we kindly invite you to NLB Group Sustainability Report 2022 Webcast - Creating Better Footprints, which will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 15:30 CET/13:30 GMT and available here: https://www.nlb.si/ir-events. We invite you to register upfront and send any questions you might have whether via web app or to email address IR@nlb.si.
… are a solid basis for future challenges and opportunities
"Looking at all these achievements and results of the Group in the past year, it can-not be denied that they are impressive and make us feel extremely proud. However, with an entrepreneurial mindset being amongst our core values, we are not the ones to sit idly, resting on our laurels. Circumstances have arisen where it is essential to look into the future. In it, we see plenty of new challenges, but, above all, plenty of opportunities. The Group is extremely well positioned. We will do our best to live up to the expectations of all our stakeholders - shareholders, employees, clients, and the public - to seize all opportunities and thereby create better footprints in the region which is our home," emphasized NLB Management Board in the Annual Report.
General Meeting of NLB d.d. scheduled for June 19
At today's meeting, the Supervisory Board also confirmed the Management Board's proposal to convene the 40th General Meeting of Shareholders of NLB d.d., which is planned to take place on June 19, 2023. More information will be available in the convocation.
The Supervisory Board of NLB d.d. also took note of the reports submitted by the Bank's experts and granted consent to the transactions requiring approval of the Supervisory Board of NLB d.d.
This announcement will be available on the NLB's website (www.nlb.si) as of 13 April 2023 for a period of at least 5 years.