“Our dividend proposal takes into account the healthy earnings performance of our operating business, and we want our shareholders to benefit from this,” said Dr. Jochen Weyrauch, CEO of Dürr AG. He also referred to the high cash flow in 2023: “We were able to increase free cash flow to nearly €130 million and therefore have sufficient scope to keep the payout consistent.”
The dividend proposal of €0.70 per share results in a total payout of €48.4 million. The payout ratio, based on Group earnings after tax, increased from 36% in the previous year to 44%. It thus slightly exceeds the top end of Dürr AG's usual range of 30% to 40%. Group earnings after tax stood at €110.2 million in 2023, after reaching €134.3 million in the previous year. The decline in earnings was not due to operational reasons but resulted from increased extraordinary expenses of €89.0 million (2022: €26.3 million).
Profit-sharing bonus for employees rises by 20%
The profit-sharing bonus for employees will be increased by 20% due to the improved operating performance. Pay-scale employees in Germany will receive a profit-sharing bonus of €1,500, up from €1,250 in the previous year. “All five Group divisions increased their operating earnings more sharply than sales in 2023. For this outstanding performance, our employees deserve thanks and respect as well as financial recognition,” said CEO Dr. Jochen Weyrauch.