Volkswagen's 2014 ends with record sales, turnover and profitability. In fact, sales grew by 4,2% year-on-year to 10,14 million units, while revenues increased by 2,8% to 202,5 billion euros and operating profit rose from 11,7 billion euros in 2013 to 12,7 billion.
In addition, the company's pre-tax profit rose to 14,8 billion (from 12,4 billion in 2013), while the return on sales before tax at 7,3% (from 6,3%) and profit net increased from 9,1 to 11,1 billion. The Wolfsburg house also announced its intention to propose to the shareholders' meeting a dividend of 4,8 euros for each ordinary share and 4,86 euros for each preference share, with an increase of 20% on an annual basis.
The group's forecasts for 2015, however, are rather cautious and speak of a growth in turnover "up to a maximum of 4%" due to the difficult economic situation, while the operating return on sales is forecast between 5,5 and 6,5%. It is precisely these estimates that, following the publication of the results, sank Volkswagen's stock on the Stock Exchange, which, after the announcement, lost more than 3% in Frankfurt.
