The consolidated gross profit before tax can be split into operational profit, profits from foreign subsidiaries, and other profits.

The operational profit (including non-product-related subsidies) in the fourth quarter of 2024 was 74.6 billion euros, which is 5.0 billion euros more than in the fourth quarter of 2023. The profit from wholesale and machinery industries was notably higher. Profits from foreign subsidiaries were 1.3 billion euros higher than a year earlier, while other profits were 0.9 billion euros lower.

More Taxes Paid, More Investments, Less Dividend

Companies pay taxes on profits, such as corporate tax. In the fourth quarter of 2024, non-financial companies paid 1.4 billion euros more in taxes than in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The profit after taxes can be used for investments and savings, or for dividend payouts to shareholders. Investments in fixed assets increased by 3.1 billion euros. However, non-financial companies paid 0.5 billion euros less in dividends than in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Profit Margin Slightly Higher

The profit margin, operational profit as a percentage of added value, was 44.0 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024, slightly higher than in the same quarter of 2023 (43.8 percent). Operational profits grew slightly stronger than added value.