Deutsche Post CFO says can’t predict 2005 dividend
Deutsche Post World Net AG is not contradicting market
expectations that the company’s full year dividend payment on 2005 earnings will rise to 0.65-0.70 eur per share from the 0.50 proposed for 2004.
In an interview with Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper, Chief Financial Officer Edgar Ernst said: ‘We cannot say now what dividend we could offer … for 2005. But … if we perform better, then shareholders should profit more.
‘The financial markets expect a stable dividend payment quota of 35 pct.
Based on our earnings forecast, this calculation means 65 to 70 cents … and we have not contradicted that.’
Ernst reiterated Deutsche Post’s full year 2005 EBITDA forecast at at least 3.6 bln eur.
Deustsche Post hints at higher 2005 dividend
Agence France-Presse English Wire 04-20-2005
FRANKFURT, April 20 (AFP) – Deutsche Post’s finance chief, Edgar Ernst, hinted in a newspaper interview Wednesday that the semi-privatised German postal service might again raise its dividend payout to shareholders this year.
“Of course, we cannot say today what dividend we’re going to offer for this year. But our principle remains valid — the better shape the company is in, the more shareholders will benefit,” Ernst told the daily Frankfurter Rundschau in an interview.
“The financial markets are counting on a stable payout ratio of 35 percent. Based on current earnings forecasts, that would result in a 65-70 (euro) cents (per share) after 50 cents for 2004. That’s what the consensus is. And we haven’t said anything to contradict that,” Ernst said.
Deutsche Post is forecasting an increase in operating profit “to at least 3.6 billion euros” (4.7 billion dollars) from 3.35 billion euros in 2004.
