Empresas y finanzas

Daimler dividend above expectations, outlook upbeat



    FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Daimler proposed a higher-than-expected annual dividend on Wednesday, predicting a considerable gain in earnings this year on better sales of its Mercedes premium cars and a turnaround at its trucks business.

    Daimler plans to pay 1.85 euros ($2.50) per share for the 2010 business year, it said.

    The Reuters poll mid-range estimate predicted a dividend of 1.75 euros per share, above the 10-year average of 1.58 when excluding last year -- the first time Daimler had to scrap a payout since 1995.

    The company said 2011 earnings before interest and tax would be significantly above last year's figure, having previously said 2011 would be a "very good" year.

    (Reporting by Ludwig Burger)