German exchange operator Deutsche Börse said it will keep its dividend stable for 2013, although net profit fell short of the company's latest guidance.

"Despite challenging conditions, we generated overall stable net revenue in the past financial year," said chief executive Reto Francioni. "At the same time, we made good progress in tapping new growth areas by systematically expanding our investment program." He added that the exchange operator is confident about its growth prospects, partly because the macroeconomic environment in Europe is showing signs of improvement.