Fresenius Posts Rise In Full-Year Profit, Lifts Dividend

(OTC:

) reported a rise in its profit for the full year and lifted its dividend by 6%. For the fourth quarter, the company's net profit declined 9.5% to EUR257 million from EUR284 million. Annual EPS rose 4% to 1.97 euros versus 1.89 euros. Excluding special items, earnings rose to 2.01 euros per share, from 1.96 euros per share Its annual sales surged 20% to EUR6.5 billion. Its net profit for the year climbed 6% to EUR1.07 billion, while sales rose 14% to EUR23.23 billion from EUR20.33 billion. Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes gained 4% to EUR3.16 billion. Fresenius Medical Care posted a Q4 net profit of $335 million, down from $349 million. Its revenue surged 12% to $4.32 billion. Fresenius SE shares closed at $13.78 yesterday.