SEB

SEB’s operating profit for the fourth quarter 2023 amounted to SEK 11.3bn, with a return on equity of 15.2 per cent, a CET1 capital ratio of 19.1 per cent, and a capital management buffer of 440 basis points. Asset quality remained robust.

“We report a solid result with a return on equity that is in line with our long-term aspiration. After a year of exceptional macroeconomic circumstances, we are now starting to see a normalisation of our operating environment. Interest rates started to plateau towards the end of the year and the positive effect on our results experienced earlier in 2023 continued to abate. We continue to execute our business plan and develop the business in accordance with our 2030 Strategy, which is possible due to our financial strength,” says SEB’s President and CEO Johan Torgeby.

SEB’s Board of Directors proposes an ordinary dividend of SEK 8.50 per share and a special dividend of SEK 3.00 per share. The Board has also resolved to utilise the authorisation granted by the 2023 Annual General Meeting to initiate a share buyback programme of SEK 1.75bn, which will end on 18 March 2024 at the latest.

“SEB's dividend is an important contribution to society, not least in tough economic times. Through our owners, who mostly consist of pension funds and fund companies, it benefits millions of pensioners and households. Among our shareholders there are also more than 250,000 private individuals who have chosen to invest part of their savings in SEB shares. Through our largest shareholder, Investor AB, part of our dividend also goes to research and education via the Wallenberg Foundations. In addition, we are a large employer and taxpayer and pay interest to customers and bondholders. In this way, we create long-term value for all our stakeholders – customers, employees, shareholders, and the communities in which we operate,” says Johan Torgeby.