METRO intends to pay an attractive dividend. As stated in the securities prospectus, METRO’s dividend policy provides for a payout ratio of 45 to 55% of earnings per share.
For financial year 2016/17, the earnings per share before special items are adjusted one last time. Starting in financial year 2017/18, the reported earnings per share are key factors.
The Management and Supervisory Boards of METRO AG will therefore propose to the Annual General Meeting of METRO AG on 16 February 2018 to pay a dividend of €0.70 per ordinary and preference share. The payout ratio corresponds to 45.2% based on earnings per share before special items in the amount of €1.55 per ordinary share.
Based on the closing prices on 30 September 2017, the dividend yields are as follows: 3.9% for METRO ordinary shares and 4.2% for METRO preference shares.
Earnings per share (basic/diluted)
Earnings per share (basic) is the indicator that relates profit or loss for the period attributable to the shareholders of METRO AG to the average number of ordinary shares. Earnings per share (diluted) additionally take into account the effect of so-called potential ordinary shares (for example, stock options issued).
Business transactions or a number of uniform business transactions that do not recur regularly, that are reflected in the income statement and that have a significant impact on business activities are classified as special items. As a result, the presentation of special items better reflects ordinary business performance and contributes to a better understanding of the earnings position.
Earnings per share (basic) is the indicator that relates profit or loss for the period attributable to the shareholders of METRO AG to the average number of ordinary shares. Earnings per share (diluted) additionally take into account the effect of so-called potential ordinary shares (for example, stock options issued).
