Highlights:
· Q2 revenues of NOK 510m (+35%)
· Q2 diluted EPS of NOK 0.16 (+129%)
· H1 revenues of NOK 913m (+13%)
· H1 diluted EPS of NOK 0.27 (+42%)
CEO comment:
As we are entering the summer period, we are pleased to report a strong
performance, with Q2 profit before tax of NOK 118m (+132%) and revenues of NOK
510m (+35%). H1 revenues totalled NOK 913m (+13%), which is the second-highest
revenue recorded since 2007.
During the quarter, we completed more than 40 transactions, with all business
lines and geographies contributing well to the strong performance, and with the
business mix remaining balanced and diversified.
Revenues from M&A have continued to grow from strong levels, and the positive
sentiment in Q1 in DCM accelerated into Q2. We note strong demand from credit
investors, and there is an increasing share of new issuers entering the market.
Further evidence of peaking interest rates and signs of declining inflation have
had a positive effect on investor confidence and risk appetite. While activity
in ECM was muted in Q1, we are now seeing indications of a return to normality,
with several transactions executed in the second quarter. While the IPO window
is so far only just ajar, ABGSC has advised on two out of the three main Nordic
market IPO's this year, and we see that the interest among corporates and
investors to execute transactions is picking up.
Our strong position as a trading counterparty and preferred advisor to both
local and international investors active in the Nordic markets is evident in our
Brokerage and Research operations, as they continue to be a consistent
contributor to our top line.
While we are dedicated to providing the best possible execution and outcomes for
our clients, we have also managed to build our mandate backlog. The current
pipeline is diverse across products, industries and geographies and has grown
during the quarter. This, coupled with a gradually improving ECM market, puts us
in a position to continue to deliver good earnings over the coming quarters.
For further information:
Jonas Ström, CEO +46 8 566 294 68
Geir B. Olsen, CFO +47 22 01 60 35
Please find attached the Q2 Interim Report. A presentation will be held as a
webcast at 09:00 CEST and can be accessed through a weblink or call-in details
presented on our corporate website www.abgsc.com.
This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU
Market Abuse Regulation article 7 and is subject to the disclosure requirements
pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock
exchange announcement was submitted for publication, through the agency of the
contact persons set out above, at 08:00 CEST on 5 July 2024.