Dividend

DIVIDEND POLICY

Our dividend policy matches our financial strategy. In the interests of all stakeholders, we aim for continuous dividend growth that allows our shareholders to participate appropriately in our business success. The proposed dividend therefore reflects our financial management objectives – in particular, ensuring a solid financial foundation as part of the implementation of our strategy.

The current dividend proposal can be found in the chapter entitled “Volkswagen AG (condensed, in accordance with the German Commercial Code)” of this annual report. The Board of Management and Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG are proposing a dividend of €7.50 per ordinary share and €7.56 per preferred share for fiscal year 2021. On this basis, the total dividend amounts to €3.8 (2.4) billion. The payout ratio is based on the Group’s earnings after tax attributable to Volkswagen AG shareholders. This amounts to 25.4 % for the reporting period and stood at 29.0 % in the previous year. A payout ratio of at least 30 % is one of our strategic goals.

DIVIDEND YIELD

Based on the dividend proposal for the reporting period, the dividend yield on Volkswagen ordinary shares is 2.9 (2.8) %, measured by the closing price on the last trading day in 2021. The dividend yield on preferred shares is 4.3 (3.2) %.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per ordinary share were €29.59 (16.60) in fiscal year 2021. Basic earnings per preferred share were €29.65 (16.66). In accordance with IAS 33, the calculation is based on the weighted average number of ordinary and preferred shares outstanding in the reporting period. Since the number of basic and diluted shares is identical, basic earnings per share correspond to diluted earnings per share.

See also “Earnings per share” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the calculation of earnings per share.