Aramco kicks off giant share sale in test of investor appetite

Saudi Arabia is looking to attract more international shareholders after Aramco’s mega IPO five years ago turned out to be largely a local affair. Investors will need to weigh a $124 billion annual dividend payout, one of the world’s heftiest, against shares that are far more expensive than other energy supermajors. Government control and the demand outlook for oil in the face of climate change also present long-term risks.