21. Equity

The company's authorised share capital amounts to three hundred million euros (€ 300,000,000) and is divided into three hundred million (300,000,000) ordinary shares of one euro (€ 1.00). Of these shares, 149,682,196 shares with a total nominal value of € 149,682,196 have been issued and fully paid up.

The share premium reserve is recognised for tax purposes.

The proposed dividend distribution for 2023 is based on 50% of the profit from ordinary activities after tax. The proposed dividend distribution is paid to the shareholders as an exact amount in proportion to the number of shares. All ordinary shares are entitled to dividends. The proposed dividend distribution for 2023 amounts € 0.24 per share (2022: € 1.29 per share). The proposed dividend payment amounts to € 36 million; and, as a result, the reservation to be credited to the general reserve amounts to € 36 million. This profit appropriation proposal has not been taken into account in the balance sheet as at 31 December 2023.

The result before taxes for the financial year 2023 presented on the income statement exclusively relates to realised results. At year-end 2023, equity amounted to € 5,320 million (2022: € 5,441 million). At year-end 2023, total equity per share amounted to € 35.55 (2022: € 36.35).

Reference is made to the consolidated statement of changes in equity for further details.