RESULT IMPACTED BY DIFFICULT START-UP IN THE CHANNEL AND RECESSION IN THE UK

| Source: DFDS A/S DFDS A/S

Copenhagen, 2012-08-21 08:07 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Announcement no. 19/2012 

  • Channel’s result impacted by difficult start-up, and full-year expected to be affected by the opening of a new, competing route
  • Volumes reduced by recession in the UK and generally weak demand
  • Expected full-year operating profit (EBITDA) reduced by 11%
  • Special items expected to increase to a cost of DKK 75m

Continued recession in several European countries reduced demand in freight and passenger markets in Q2, and the Q2 result was thus lower than expected. Moreover, market conditions for DFDS’ activities in the English Channel are expected to deteriorate in the second half-year. As a consequence, the expected operating profit (EBITDA) before special items is reduced by 11% for the full year 2012.

”Compared with last year, the quarter’s result has declined considerably, as the upswing in 2011 peaked in Q2, after which the current economic downturn began. During the next six months we therefore expect to achieve results that are closer to last year’s performance,” said CEO Niels Smedegaard.

“Despite the difficult market conditions in the freight market our transport and logistics activities made some headway in Q2, supported by our efficiency projects. Continuing growth in several of the Baltic routes is another positive element. The Channel, on the other hand, is expected to be affected in the second half-year by the opening of a new competing route, and this has been included in our revised and lower result guidance for 2012,” Niels Smedegaard added.

Quarterly revenue was DKK 2,971m (DKK 3,071m) and operating profit (EBITDA) before special items was DKK 293m (DKK 458m). DFDS’ quarterly results are impacted by seasonality, with low season in Q1 and high season in Q3.

 

DFDS key figures     Q2     Q2    
DKK m 2012 2011 Change % Change
Revenue 2.971 3.071 -3 -100
EBITDA before special items 293 458 -36 -165
EBIT before special items 125 291 -57 -166
Profit before tax and special items 90 235 -62 -145
Special items, net -67 66 -202 -133
Profit before tax 23 301 -92 -278

 

Changed outlook for 2012: Expected operating profit (EBITDA) before special items is reduced by DKK 150m to DKK 1,150-1,200m from DKK 1,300-1,350m. Special items are now expected to be a cost of DKK 75m, primarily due to write-down of sideport ships.

See page 5 for further details of the changed outlook.

 

Contact persons:

Niels Smedegaard, CEO
+45 33 42 34 00

Torben Carlsen, CFO
+45 33 42 32 01

Søren Brøndholt Nielsen, IR
+45 33 42 33 59

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