ZURICH, March 25 (Reuters) - Swiss automobile components maker Saia-Burgess Group said on Tuesday 2002 net profit rose 23.1 percent to 22.9 million Swiss francs ($16.52 million).
The company proposed keeping its dividend steady at 10 francs per share.
According to a Multex consensus, analysts had expected net income of 23 million francs in 2002.
The firm reiterated it expected sales and earnings to rise slightly this year if there are no great changes in underlying market conditions or exchange rates.
The firm had said in February sales rose 2.2 percent to 469 million francs.
Its margin on earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA) rose to 9.1 percent from 8.7 percent.
The firm's shares have fallen by around a fifth so far this year, having lost 30 percent of their value last year.
(US$1 = 1.386 Swiss Franc)