HeidelbergCement, the German cement product manufacturer, is to increase its dividend for 2006 from 1.15 euros to 1.25 euros. On average, analysts had expected a dividend of 1.39 euros per share.  
 
The company has already announced a record net profit of around 1bn euros for the year under review, more than double the figure generated in 2005. According to a company source, the sum to be paid out will be increased from 132m euros to 144m euros in a year-on-year comparison. Results are due to be published today.  
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