Veidekke published its annual and sustainability report for 2021 today. The
group achieved solid results, and proposes to distribute the entire annual
profit for 2021 in dividends to shareholders.
In 2021, Veidekke increased its profit to almost the same level as before the
property development operation was divested. Veidekke is now a streamlined
contractor, with operational focus and a shorter path between management and
projects. The reorganisation into construction and infrastructure operational
units in Norway and Sweden emphasizes this focus.
The group entered 2022 with an order book that provides a solid basis for
keeping up activity levels in the year ahead. With a strong balance sheet,
Veidekke is well-positioned for further profitable growth, although more
uncertainty is attached to future market developments following the invasion of
Ukraine.
"After two years of pandemic, came the cruel attack on Ukraine, leading to great
suffering for those affected and new uncertainty about the future. In addition
to the enormous humanitarian consequences, lasting impact of the war on the
world economy and the global risk situation appears inevitable, and we are, as a
matter of course, closely monitoring developments, says Jimmy Bengtsson, Group
CEO in Veidekke.
Construction and civil engineering are human resource-intensive industries that
include potentially hazardous work. After several years of highly targeted
efforts related to improving work safety through procedures, equipment and
attitudes, Veidekke reached an important milestone in 2021.
"Veidekke recorded no serious occupational injuries in 2021, which has been a
key goal for us. Although injury prevention efforts will always be necessary,
zero serious injuries in 2021 shows that working systematically towards
ambitious objectives secures results, and that we are on track, says Bengtsson.
In 2015, Veidekke was among the first companies listed on the Oslo Stock
Exchange to adopt the climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement. In 2021, the
group raised its climate target to achieving net zero emissions throughout its
supply chains by 2045. Veidekke has implemented a greenhouse gas budget and is
monitoring its climate targets in the same way as financial and occupational
health and safety targets.
"Veidekke has a clearly stated strategy of taking an active role in the
transition to a carbon-neutral society, and we fulfil this ambition by helping
our clients make good climate choices in their projects. Identifying the most
effective solutions requires early cooperation between client, advisers and
contractor, and we seek to connect our experts with clients who have high
ambitions," says Bengtsson.
Veidekke's annual and sustainability report for 2021 (pdf) is attached to this
release and is also available for download (http://veidekke.com/en/reports-and
-presentations/). The report meets all regulatory content requirements for
annual reports and accounts, in addition to information concerning corporate
governance, shareholder information and sustainability. The company's annual
financial statements in European Single Electronic Format (ESEF) are available
in Norwegian on the group's website.
This information is subject to a disclosure duty pursuant to section 5-12 of the
Securities Trading Act.
For more information, contact:
Lars Erik Lund, EVP, +47?413 31 369
Jørgen Wiese Porsmyr, CFO,+47?907 59 058
Veidekke press photos (https://veidekke.fotoware.cloud/fotoweb/archives/5028
-Pressebilder-Veidekke/)
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Veidekke is one of Scandinavia's largest contractors. In addition to undertaking
all types of building and civil engineering assignments, the group also
maintains roads and produces asphalt and aggregates. Veidekke emphasises
stakeholder involvement and local experience. Its annual turnover is
approximately NOK 38 billion, and half of its 7,800 employees own shares in the
company. Veidekke is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, and has posted a profit
every year since its inception in 1936.