The Company recorded a significant improvement in operating profitability as well, with the Return on Sales ratio (ROS) reaching 40.1% in 2021 versus 24.3% last year, the Return on Equity ratio (ROE) reaching 18.2% versus 10%, and the Return on Assets ratio (ROA) reaching 15.8% versus 8.6%. The dividend that has been decided to be distributed to shareholders is set at 4.19 euros per share.
The afore mentioned strongly profitable results of 2021 constitute a consequence of, among other things, an increase of 17% in the total number of invoiced transactions on an annual basis, as well as a decrease of 5.4% in total expenses. As a result of these changes, the net profit margin index reached 40% in 2021 versus 24% in 2020 and the fees DIAS charges the Payment System members significantly decreased effective from 01/01/2022.
At the Ordinary Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, held on June 30th, 2022, DIAS’ CEO, Stavroula Kampouridou, stated:
“In 2021 we managed not only to meet, but far exceed the goals, set for this year. Our primary aim was to seize the opportunities arising of the continuously and rapidly changing payments ecosystem, by investing in innovation, reliability and efficiency of our operation. Therefore, the number of transactions, particularly the instant ones, settled through DIAS, increased, many new members adhered to DIAS, the Company was digitally transformed, it developed a strong presence for its public image and managed to strengthen its corporate governance framework.
Our powerful growth continues in 2022. According to data recorded for the first five months of 2022, the number of transactions increased by 10% and by 23% compared to the corresponding time-period of 2021 and 2020 accordingly. During the period from 01/01/2022 to 29/06/2022, the company has settled 182 billion euros (which exceeds by 20% the corresponding period last year).
For 2022, we aim to expand the number of Payment Service Providers that connect to the ECB's instant payment system through DIAS as well as to further upgrade the functionality of the IRIS payments product, to develop the interbank IBAN verification service, that will contribute to the verification of the beneficiary of interbank payments and to implement projects aiming to upgrade the Company's cyber security, among others. In addition, the widespread acceptance of electronic payments by Greek citizens is a trigger for us to consider expanding our services to third European countries, such as Cyprus, which does not have a domestic ACH interconnected with TIPS."
For more information read the Financial Annual Report 2021.