Wiesbaden, 18 February 2019 – Based on preliminary unaudited results for the 2018 financial year, the Management Board of Aareal Bank at its meeting today resolved to consider a dividend payment proposal in the amount of €2.10 per share in the resolution on the appropriation of profits. The proposal is to be submitted to the Supervisory Board with respect to the 2019 Annual General Meeting. This translates into a pay-out ratio at the upper end of the range between 70 per cent and 80 per cent, which was communicated as part of the Bank’s dividend policy – based on earnings per ordinary share (EPS), excluding the positive non-recurring effect (negative goodwill) resulting from the acquisition of Düsseldorfer Hypothekenbank (DHB), closed at year-end. The Bank has submitted a corresponding application to the ECB for inclusion of profits for the 2018 financial year into Aareal Bank Group's consolidated CET1 capital.
At the current share price, the distribution proposed would result in a dividend yield of 7.6 per cent. The final appropriation of profits for the 2018 financial year is subject to the approval by the Annual General Meeting.
Hermann J. Merkens, Chairman of the Management Board of Aareal Bank AG, commented: “Aareal Bank Group once more remained firmly on track during the past financial year, proceeding with its positive business development. Our dividend proposal for 2018 strikes a balance between shareholder interests and the increasingly uncertain market environment. At the same time, this will allow us to realise existing potentials and future opportunities."
Aareal Bank will publish its preliminary, unaudited figures for the 2018 financial year on 27 February 2019, as announced.
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