Equinor ASA's Commitment to Employee Incentives
Equinor ASA has always placed a strong emphasis on fostering a positive work environment for its employees. A significant part of this commitment is the introduction of a buy-back program targeting shares for the benefit of its employee incentive programs.
Details of the Buy-back Program
The buy-back program was officially announced on February 7, 2024, signaling Equinor's intention to empower its workforce. Running from February 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, the program aims to reacquire shares totaling NOK 1,774,000,000.
Objectives of the Buy-back
The primary goal of this buy-back initiative is to acquire up to 16,800,000 shares, with a phased approach where approximately 7,400,000 shares can be bought from mid-February to mid-May 2024. The remaining shares will be purchased from mid-May 2024 until January 2025. This approach is strategic to ensure a phased and effective buy-back process.
Previous Adjustments in Financial Allocations
While the previous announcement indicated a budget of NOK 1,156,000,000 for share buy-backs, Equinor has clarified that the total allocation under the current program now stands corrected at NOK 1,774,000,000, reflecting a more robust financial strategy.
Recent Transactions Overview
On November 15, 2024, Equinor successfully purchased 552,227 of its own shares at the Oslo Stock Exchange, with the shares being acquired at an average price of NOK 264.3840 each. This transaction is part of the broader plan to manage the company’s share capital effectively.
Daily Transactions Summary
This buy-back initiative has resulted in an accumulated total of 4,701,608 shares previously disclosed under this program, with an average share price of NOK 283.0944, amounting to a total transaction value of approximately NOK 1,330,998,808. To date, Equinor has carried out a total buy-back of 5,253,835 shares, maintaining an average price of NOK 281.1277, resulting in an aggregate transaction value nearing NOK 1,476,998,791.
Cumulative Impacts of Share Ownership
Following these transactions, Equinor retains ownership of a total of 53,759,167 shares, which represents about 1.92% of the company's total share capital. This ownership contributes to the strategic reduction of issued share capital, further enhancing shareholder value.
Compliance and Regulatory Information
The information regarding these buy-back transactions is made public in compliance with EU Market Abuse Regulation and Norwegian Securities Trading Act regulations, ensuring transparency in Equinor's financial practices.
Contact Information for Investor Relations
For further inquiries, the investor relations team at Equinor can provide detailed insights. Bård Glad Pedersen serves as the Senior Vice President for Investor Relations and can be reached at +47 918 01 791.
Media Relations
For media-related queries, Sissel Rinde, Vice President of Media Relations, is available for contact at +47 412 60 584.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Equinor ASA's buy-back program?
The buy-back program aims to acquire shares primarily for employee incentive programs, supporting their financial wellbeing and long-term commitment.
How many shares does Equinor plan to buy back?
Equinor has targeted the acquisition of up to 16,800,000 shares under this buy-back program.
When was the buy-back program announced?
The buy-back program was announced on February 7, 2024.
What is the total budget for the buy-back program?
The total budget allocated for the buy-back program is NOK 1,774,000,000.
Who can be contacted for more information?
Bård Glad Pedersen handles investor relations inquiries, and media inquiries can be directed to Sissel Rinde.
