HAMBURG (dpa-AFX) - Lottery broker Zeal Network wants to significantly increase its dividend after a jump in profits in 2022. A payment of 3.60 per share is to be proposed to the annual general meeting, the SDax-listed company announced in Hamburg on Thursday. This is 1.50 euros more than last year. The dividend would consist of a basic dividend of 1.00 euros and a special dividend of 2.60 euros. This was well received on the stock market: The shares gained a good one percent in the morning to 34.50 euros. On this basis, the dividend yield is a good ten percent.

In 2022, the company had - as already known - above all strongly increased sales, while the growth in operating profit had not increased quite as significantly due to higher marketing costs. The bottom line last year was 16.5 million euros, 45 percent more than in the previous year. Due to continued high costs for customer loyalty, the company also held out the prospect of a possible decline in operating profit as early as February. The outlook was confirmed on Thursday.

Accordingly, sales are expected to rise to between 110 and 120 million euros in 2023. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) are expected to total 30 to 35 million euros, compared with 31.7 million euros last year. To attract customers, the management wants to invest 34 to 39 million euros./mis/zb/stk