Daimler hit a record profit for 2015

The German auto giant Daimler reported new levels of sales and earnings in 2015. The earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of the Mercedes manufacturer has increased in 2015 over the previous year whit whole 36 % and reached 13.8 billion euros.

The company announced today that sales rose 15 % reaching 149.5 billion euros.

"Daimler grew profitably once again in 2015 and once more achieved record levels of unit sales and revenue, as well as (underlying) and net profit, with contributions from all divisions," the group said in a statement.

"For the year 2016 ... the group assumes that it will profit to an above-average extent from the anticipated slight growth in global demand for automobiles, thus strengthening its position in major markets and further increasing its unit sales. Accordingly, further growth is expected in revenue" and underlying profit, Daimler said.

In 2015, net profit jumped by 23 percent to 8.9 billion euros ($9.9 billion).

Operating profit was up 36 percent at 13.8 billion euros and revenues climbed by 15 percent to 149.5 billion euros.

Daimler said that worldwide vehicle sales were up 12 percent at 2.853 million units.

"2015 was a good year for Daimler," said chief executive Dieter Zetsche. "And everything indicates that 2016 will be another good year."

In view of such confidence, Daimler said it would increase its payout to shareholders.

"At the annual shareholders' meeting on April 6,the board of management and the supervisory board will propose the distribution of a dividend of 3.25 euros per share from 2.45 euros per share," said finance chief Bodo Uebber.

"With thedividend again increased and thus the highest ever profit distribution byDaimler, we will as usual let the shareholders participate in the company'ssuccess, while expressing our confidence about the ongoing course ofbusiness," Uebber said.