According to a study by the consulting firm EY, the largest German stock exchange groups are paying despite this economic crisis Record dividends to their shareholders. In total, the 40 DAX companies are expected to pay out around 55.3 billion euros. That is 5.9 percent more than in the previous year (52.2 billion euros) and a new record. 25 DAX companies paid out more dividends for the past financial year than in the previous year, while ten companies paid out more.
The dividend king remains alliance with a dividend total of 6.5 billion euros, followed by the German Telecom (4.8 billion euros) and Siemens (4.2 billion euros). Come afterwards Mercedesthe reinsurer Munich Re and SAP.
The crisis-hit area in particular is pouring less water than in the previous year Auto industry from: According to EY, Mercedes-Benz reduces the dividend amount by 19 percent Porsche Automobil Holding is down 21 percent.
Dividends, on the other hand, are rising particularly sharply at the engine manufacturer MTU Aero Engines (plus 64 percent). Deutsche Bank (plus 44 percent) and the Commerzbank (plus 61 percent) who, as does the federal governmentagainst a takeover by Unicredit. Annual reports, press releases and invitations to general meetings were evaluated for the study. In many cases, the dividend plans still have to be approved at general meetings, but that is a formality.
Trend towards decline
With dividends, companies allow shareholders to participate in their business success. The German economy is in crisis, but the DAX companies are making the majority of it sales abroad. Sectors such as banks and insurance posted record results in 2025.
According to EY, shareholders should not expect a new dividend record next year. Many DAX companies are doing well, but industrial companies in particular are in a state of deep change. Investors should prepare for declines.