Extraordinary events contributed to a strong financial performance for Eksportfinans in 2016. The company enters 2017 with investment grade ratings (BBB+ with stable outlook) from Standard & Poor’s
Ratings Services.
Net interest income for 2016 decreased to NOK 260 million from NOK 374 million for 2015. This was expected and a result of a lower level of interest generating assets.
Profit, excluding unrealized gains and losses on financial instruments and excluding realized losses hedged by the Portfolio Hedge Agreement, amounted to NOK 177 million for 2016, compared to NOK 172 million for 2015. The increase was mainly a result of two extraordinary events in the second quarter; a gain on the sale of Eksportfinans’ office property and provisions made in connection with the judgment regarding the 108 agreement with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.
Comprehensive income according to IFRS was negative NOK 345 million for 2016, compared to negative NOK 351 million for 2015. The negative figures were primarily due to the reversal of previously unrealized gains on Eksportfinans’ own debt.
Total assets amounted to NOK 33 billion at December 31, 2016, compared to NOK 65 billion at December 31, 2015. The reduction was in line with expectations and due to the limitations on new lending business as well as repayments on the current debt portfolios.
The core capital ratio was 61.0 percent at December 31, 2016, compared to 36.5 percent at December 31, 2015. At year-end 2016 the company had liquidity reserves totaling NOK 9.8 billion.
Facts about Eksportfinans ASA
Eksportfinans manages a solid portfolio of loans to the Norwegian export industry and foreign buyers of Norwegian capital goods. The loans are guaranteed by GIEK (The Norwegian Guarantee Institute for Export Credits) and/or banks. The company also manages a substantial portfolio of international securities. The business is funded through bonds and
commercial paper issued in the international capital markets. Eksportfinans was established in 1962 and is owned by banks operating in Norway and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries on behalf of the Norwegian government. Entering 2017 total assets amounted to approximately NOK 33 billion. The company is staffed by highly skilled individuals and is located in Dronning Maud’s gate (Vika) in central Oslo.
Forward‐looking statements
Some of the information herein constitutes "forward‐looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward‐looking statements rely on a number of ssumptions concerning future events. These forward‐looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of Eksportfinans’ control, which may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied from the forward‐looking statements. As a result, any forwardlooking statements included herein should not be regarded as a representation that the plans, objectives, results or other actions discussed will be achieved.
Please see the company's Annual Report on Form 20‐F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of certain factors that may cause actual results, performance or events to be materially different from those referred to herein. Eksportfinans disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.