The German economy is showing strengths of a robust recovery. German exports and imports in March reached record levels. From a press release by the Federal Statistics Office:

Germany exported commodities to the value of Euro 98.3 billion and imported commodities to the value of Euro 79.4 billion in March 2011. As further reported by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) on the basis of provisional data, German exports increased by 15.8% and imports by 16.9% in March 2011 on March 2010. That was the highest monthly figure recorded for both exports and imports since the collection of foreign trade statistics had started in the Federal Republic of Germany in 1950. The former all-time high of exports, which amounted to Euro 88.8 billion, was observed in April 2008, that of imports in November 2010 (Euro 74.1 billion).

In addition to strong trade figures, the unemployment rate in Germany is also relatively less at 7.3% in April. With a stable democratic political system, high savings rate and home to world-class companies Germany has the potential for high economic growth in the next few years. Germany is also able to cater to the needs of the growing Chinese economy and hence take advantage of the high growth there. As a result of rising trade between China and Germany, China replaced the U.S. as the largest trade partner of Germany at the end of last year.

Hence it is not surprising to see many experts raising their projections for German economic growth. Christian Schulz, an economist at Berenberg Bank, the country’s oldest private bank commented that “Germany is on the verge of a golden decade”.

Ten large-size German companies are listed below for further research and consideration:

1.Company: Continental AG (CTTAY)
Dividend Yield: N/A
Sector: Tires

2.Company:BASF SE (BASFY)
Dividend Yield: 3.24%
Sector: Chemical Manufacturing

3.Company:Linde AG (LNEGY)
Dividend Yield: 1.33%
Sector: Chemical Manufacturing

4.Company:Siemens AG (SI)
Dividend Yield: 2.69%
Sector:Electronic Instrumentation & Controls

5.Company:Deutsche Bank AG (DB)
Dividend Yield:1.77%
Sector: Financial Services

6.Company:Fresenius Medical Care AG (FMS)
Dividend Yield: 1.29%
Sector: Healthcare

7.Company:Adidas AG (ADDYY)
Dividend Yield: 0.58%
Sector:Footwear

8.Company:K+S AG (KPLUY)
Dividend Yield: 1.90%
Sector: Chemical Manufacturing

9.Company: Volkswagen AG (VLKAY)
Dividend Yield: 1.78%
Sector:Auto & Truck Manufacturers

10.Company:Allianz (AZSEY)
Dividend Yield: 4.60%
Sector:Nonlife Insurance

Disclosure:  No Positions

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Regional focus: Germany