DGAP-News

Wacker Neuson SE: Wacker Neuson optimistic for 2017 - Seite 2

The Group made a number of key investments in 2016. "Despite economic headwinds, we initiated important projects last year to create an even more solid foundation for our future success. We continued to expand our international reach in 2016, by opening a new production plant in Brazil and by starting construction on a production facility in China. We firmly believe that a regional presence - on both the development and production front - is essential to successfully develop these fast-growing markets in the long term," says Peksaglam. The Group also implemented other forward-looking projects, including the consolidation of the spare parts business from all compact equipment plants in Europe at a central warehouse in Nuremberg, the launch of a new e-commerce platform for dealers and end customers, the expansion of the zero-emissions product line and the relocation of the R&D center for light equipment from Munich to the production site at Reichertshofen. As such, the Group was able to strengthen its organization and performance as a whole to more effectively master the increasing global challenges over the coming years.

Dividend proposal

The Executive Board and Supervisory Board will propose a dividend of EUR 0.50 per eligible share at the AGM to be held on May 30, 2017 in Munich. This is the same as the dividend payouts made in the previous two years and corresponds to a total payout in the amount of EUR 35.1 million. This, in turn, represents a distribution ratio of approximately 62 percent based on Group profit 2016. "This underscores our commitment to ensuring continuity for our shareholders, even during a strained period in company history," explains Peksaglam.

Optimistic outlook for 2017

The Group has its sights set on further expansion and expects to develop positively in 2017. "We are optimistic about 2017 because customer confidence has increased overall. We believe that key markets such as North America will start to develop much more positively for us," continues Peksaglam. "Our markets are without doubt cyclical and we are used to peaks and troughs. After a challenging past 18 months, we expect 2017 to be a year of growth for us - also in terms of earnings. Our order books are very healthy," concludes Peksaglam.