DGAP-News: Software AG intends increasing dividend fifth time in succession

Software AG intends increasing dividend fifth time in succession

- Dividend set to increase to EUR 0.71 (PY: 0.65) Euro per share

- Total payout exceeds EUR 52 million

Darmstadt, Germany, March 22, 2019 - Once again, Software AG's (MDAX, ISIN DE000A2GS401 / SOW) Management Board and Supervisory Board will propose a dividend increase to the Annual General Meeting on May 28, 2019, reaching a record high with a dividend proposal of EUR 0.71 per share (PY: EUR0.65) for fiscal 2018.

After several dividend increases over the past years, Software AG's Management and Supervisory Board have decided today to again raise the dividend proposal for fiscal 2018. A record dividend amounting to EUR 0.71 per share (PY: EUR0.65) will be proposed to the Annual General Meeting which will take place in Darmstadt, Germany, on May 28, 2019.

Based on the approximately 74.0 million shares currently entitled to a dividend payment, the total payout would increase to EUR 52.5 million (PY: EUR 48.1). As measured by the free cash flow, the payout ratio would be more than 28 percent. Software AG consistently generates high free cash flow results and uses it for a continuous dividend development as well as for financing growth by acquisitions or for distributing for shareholders by means of share buy-back programs.

Based on the 2018 closing share price (Xetra-closing share price as of December 28, 2018: EUR 31.6), this corresponds to a dividend yield of 2.2 percent.

Software AG's shareholders thus highly participate in the successful development of the company. By proposing another higher dividend payment, Software AG's Management signals a strong commitment to the value oriented shareholder policy. Additionally, the realignment of the strategy ("HELIX"), dedicated to revenue growth has the objective to generate a strong and even cash flow position. Thereby, the attractive dividend policy will be ensured.

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