Norwegian salmon farmer SalMar will not pay out a promised NOK 2.37 billion (€205 million/$224 million) dividend to shareholders for 2019 due to uncertainty over the consequences Covid-19.
"The Board of Directors of SalMar is committed to taking the necessary steps to secure the company going forward, both operationally, strategically and financially," the company announced to its investors.
Not paying dividends is a proper measure to maintain the interests of both society and the company's shareholders, the company said.
Last week, markets around the world suffered sharp losses after President Donald Trump announced a travel ban from Europe and as increasingly draconian measures were taken globally to control the spread of the coronavirus.
The ban puts salmon in a tricky spot, and analysts told IntraFish it spells bad news for the industry across the board.
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