Hydro's share price closed at NOK 27.74 at the end of 2011. The return for 2011 was negative, amounting to NOK 14.87, or 35 percent. Hydro's Board of Directors proposes to pay a dividend of NOK 0.75 per share for 2011, for approval by the Annual General Meeting on May 8, 2012, reflecting the company's strong commitment to provide a cash return to its shareholders. The dividend reflects the operational performance for 2011 and a strong financial position, also taking into consideration the uncertain market outlook.
There were 2,036,459,019 outstanding shares at the end of 2011. Hydro had 54,625 registered shareholders as per the Norwegian Central Securities Depository. The Ministry of Trade and Industry of Norway was the largest of these with a shareholding of 34.26 percent of the total number of ordinary shares authorized and issued.
Hydro's shares are, in addition to the Oslo Stock Exchange, also listed in London while our American Depositary Shares (ADSs) trade on OTCQX International in the U.S., the premium over-the-counter market tier.
