-Revenue growth and EBITDA margin in line with management guidance-
-Total revenue growth of 44%-
-Net loss of EUR 39 million due to financial charges-
Reykjavik, Iceland 13 March 2008 - Hf. Eimskipafelag Islands (OMX: HFEIM), the
international shipping and logistics company, today announces its results for
the first quarter ended 31 January 2008.
Highlights
Revenue in the first quarter increased by 44.0% to EUR 440.8 million (Q1 2007:
EUR 306.2 million), reflecting a strong performance from the logistics division
in North America. Underlying Group revenue for the quarter increased by
approximately 10%, which is in line with management‘s expectations. For
reporting purposes, operating activities are divided into two main business
areas; Shipping and Logistics.
o Revenue from Shipping Services was EUR 149.2 million (Q1 2007: EUR 131.0
million). This represents a year over year increase of close to 14% for the
quarter, due to strong performance in the North Atlantic and Baltic region.
o Revenue from Logistics Services was EUR 294.2, which represented a year over
year decrease of approximately 9% for the quarter. Performance was impacted by
the UK market being slightly below expectations. However, strong performance
continued in the US, Canada and Asia, providing a good platform for future
growth.
• Operating expenses totalled EUR 423.1 million (Q1 2007: EUR 294.7 million),
representing a 43.6% increase, resulting from the acquisition of Versacold in
Canada in Q4 2007 and the subsequent larger revenue base.
• EBITDA margin was 9.0% in the quarter, in line with management expectations;
EBITDA increased by 55.6% and totalled EUR 39.7 million.
• A net loss of EUR 38.9 million was recorded in the quarter, compared to a EUR
5.6 million loss from the same period in the previous year. The loss was
primarily due to an unusually high impact from financial items in the quarter,
including:
o EUR 39.1 million in financing costs. As of Q3 2008, the interest expense will
be significantly reduced, following the asset sale in North America in second
quarter.
o EUR 17.9 million in currency exchange loss
Eimskips President & CEO, Stefan Agust Magnusson, commented:
“We have seen a solid start to the year with both revenues and EBITDA margins
in line with our expectations. The underlying business continues to perform
well, but earnings have been adversely impacted by external financing costs in
the quarter. Going forward, we expect to see significantly reduced financing
costs from Q3 2008 onwards, following the completion of our asset sales in
North America.
Along with the solid growth in our underlying business, we will continue to
integrate the acquired companies into the Group and work towards our previously
identified synergy targets.”
Enquires and presentation of financial results:
Halldor Kristmannsson, Executive VP of Corporate Communications
Tel: (+354) 525 7000 / (+354) 840 3425
E-mail: halldor@eimskip.is
Dogg Hjaltalin, Director of Investor Relations
Tel: (+354) 525 7000 / (+354) 825 7225
E-mail: dogg@eimskip.is
