The Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ) share price is edging higher in morning trade today, currently trading up 0.13% at $3.85.
Aurizon shares are on the move despite there being no market-sensitive news out of the company’s corner today.
However, it earlier released its 2021 sustainability report to the market.
Here’s what we know.
What did Aurizon release?
Aurizon, Australia’s largest rail freight operator, released its 2021 sustainability report, highlighting its performance in this domain for the year.
In its report, the company explained that 80% of its employee base is in regional Australia while 23% of its workforce is female, up from 22% the year prior.
In addition, the company has launched its climate strategy and action plan which includes a net-zero operational emissions target by 2050.
The company said it achieved a 2% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions intensity from the year prior while also supporting 46 charities through its “Community Giving Fund”.
Additionally, Aurizon highlighted how it “create[s] tangible and sustainable value for [its] primary stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees, and the community”.
It measures this from its dividend and share buyback programs which, the company says, “ha[ve] been significant and provide a platform for the future”.
To date, Aurizon has provided a “stable cash flow” to investors, delivering more than $4 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.
For instance, in FY21, the company returned almost $530 million to its shareholders and completed a $300 million share buyback of its own shares.
According to the company, this “increased shareholders’ effective interest by approximately 4%”.
Aurizon also detailed its climate action program where it has already made a 20% reduction in its “locomotive carbon footprint since 2010”.
It is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 and is investing $50 million over the next 10 years to achieve a reduction target of 10% by 2030.
Aurizon share price snapshot
The Aurizon share price has had a difficult year to date, posting a loss of 0.5% since January 1.
Over the last 12 months, things haven’t been any better with Aurizon shares slipping a further 9% out of the money.
These results are well behind the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO)’s climb of 25% during this time.
The post Aurizon (ASX:AZJ) share price lifts following sustainability report appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
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The author Zach Bristow has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Aurizon Holdings Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.
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