ESSEN (dpa-AFX) - The energy group RWE has performed better than expected in the past year. Above all, the businesses with water, biomass and gas, which are part of the core business, as well as energy trading had developed better than expected at the end of the year, the group announced surprisingly in Essen on Wednesday afternoon. Based on preliminary figures, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (adjusted Ebitda) amounted to 6.31 billion euros. In its forecast, management had assumed a maximum of 5.5 billion euros. Last year, the Essen-based company's core business, which also includes onshore and offshore wind power and solar energy, accounted for this much alone.

Adjusted net income was around 3.2 billion euros, according to the statement. A maximum of 2.6 billion euros had been expected. Shares in the DAX-listed group rose two and a half percent at times in response, but gave back most of the gains. The dividend target for fiscal 2022 remains unchanged at 0.90 euros per share, it said. RWE plans to present its final figures on March 21./lew/nas