AS Tallink Grupp Unaudited Consolidated Interim Report Q1 2017
In the first quarter (1 January – 31 March) of the 2017 financial year AS Tallink Grupp and its subsidiaries (the Group) carried 1.9 million passengers which is 0.7% less compared to the first quarter last year. The Group’s unaudited revenue for the first quarter decreased by 0.7% to the total of EUR 191.5 million. Unaudited EBITDA for the first quarter was EUR 5.5 million (EUR 16.3 million, Q1 2016) and unaudited net loss was EUR 20.3 million (EUR 12.0 million, Q1 2016 net loss).
In the first quarter, which is also the low season, the Group’s revenue and operating result was impacted by following operational factors:
- The new LNG fast ferry Megastar started to operate the Tallink Shuttle service on Tallinn-Helsinki route.
- Scheduled maintenance of five cruise ferries in the first quarter of 2017, the service breaks totalled to 52 days.
- In financial year 2017 the Easter holidays seasonal traffic fell into the beginning of the second quarter, compared to the first quarter last year.
- Charter and charter related revenue reduced compared to the same period last year due to fewer ships in charter. After the rerouting of ships in December 2016, the carriage capacity increased on number of operated routes.
Delivery of Megastar
On 24 January 2017 Tallink Grupp AS’s subsidiary Tallink Line Ltd. took delivery of the new LNG fast passenger ferry Megastar from Meyer Turku Oy shipyard in Turku, Finland.
The 212 metres long Megastar has capacity for 2 800 passengers and car deck for 800 passenger vehicles. The ship has modern dual-fuel engines capable of running on LNG (liquefied natural gas) and marine diesel oil. Using LNG as a main fuel enables to lower emissions and reduce energy consumption. Megastar complies with the current and known future emission regulations for the ECAs (Emission Control Area), including the Baltic Sea.
On board of the Megastar, there are four different travel classes – standard Star Class, upgraded Comfort Class, exclusive Business Lounge and a new area, Sitting Lounge. There is 2 800 sq.m Traveller Superstore shopping area through two decks with new self-service solutions, seven restaurants, cafes and bars. A special area with a playroom is available for the kids and on garage level a kennel for the pets.
The cost of the ship was over EUR 230 million and the purchase was financed with a loan of EUR 184 million from Finnish Export Credit Ltd. and arranged by Nordea Bank Finland Plc. The maturity of the loan is twelve years and bears OECD Commercial Interest Reference Rate (CIRR) based fixed interest rate.
Megastar started operation on Tallink Shuttle service on 29 January 2017, travelling between Helsinki and Tallinn, she is the most advanced ferry in the Baltic Sea.
Sales and segments
The Estonia-Finland routes first quarter revenue increased by 5.0% compared to same period last year, the increase is driven mainly by growth in the passenger number and cargo volume that was supported by added capacity. In the end of January the new LNG fast ferry Megastar started operating the Tallink Shuttle service on the Tallinn-Helsinki route next to fast ferry Star and replaced fast ferry Superstar, which was returned to its owners. The new ship accommodates approximately 40% more passengers and the car deck capacity is almost doubled compared to the replaced ship. The Group carried out successful marketing campaigns to introduce the new ship and its updated services to its customers in Estonian and Finnish markets. The start of operations was executed according to set plans with smooth service throughout its first two months of operations in the first quarter. The feedback on the new ship has been very positive from all customer groups and partners, thus assuring the successful launch of the new ship. The Estonia-Finland segment result for the first quarter was lower compared to the same period last year due to onetime launching costs related to the delivery of the new ship to the route.
The Finland-Sweden routes first quarter revenue decreased by 3.5% compared to same period last year, due to decline in the passenger number. The number of cargo units transported increased by 8.0%.
The Estonia-Sweden route first quarter revenue increased by 3.4% compared to same period last year, the growth was mainly supported by the higher shop and restaurant sale per passenger. The number of cargo units transported increased by 5.2%.
The Latvia-Sweden route first quarter revenue increased by 26.7% compared to same period last year, starting from December 2016 two ships are operating on the route compared to one ship in the first quarter last year. The number of cargo units transported increased by 20.8%.
The charter and charter related revenue decreased by EUR 5.4 million as fewer ships were chartered out compared to the first quarter in previous year. Three Superfast ferries remain chartered out.
Earnings
In the first quarter of the 2017 financial year the Group’s gross profit decreased by EUR 11.6 million compared to the same period last year and amounted to EUR 14.9 million. The first quarter EBITDA decreased by EUR 11.0 million and was EUR 5.3 million. The first quarter profitability was impacted by lower passenger number from holiday season effects, less revenue from chartering, higher fuel cost and higher ships operating costs from more ships in operations.
The total finance costs decreased by EUR 3.9 million compared to the first quarter last year, there are EUR 3.5 million lower losses from exchange rate differences and cross currency and interest derivatives revaluations and EUR 0.4 million lower interest cost compared to same period last year.
The unaudited net loss for the first quarter of the 2017 financial year was EUR 20.3 million or EUR 0.03 per share compared to the loss of EUR 12.0 million or EUR 0.018 per share in the same period last year.
Financial position
In the first quarter the Group’s net debt increased by EUR 210.8 million to a total of EUR 690,9 million, of which EUR 184.0 million from drawdown of the new LNG fast ferry loan. The net debt to EBITDA ratio was 4.99 at the end of the first quarter.
The total liquidity, cash and unused credit facilities, at the end of the first quarter was EUR 74.7 million (EUR 136.3 million, 31 March 2016) providing a sound financial position for sustainable operations. The Group had EUR 72.2 million (EUR 91.7 million, 31 March 2016) in cash and equivalents and the total of unused credit lines were at EUR 2.5 million (EUR 44.6 million, 31 March 2016).
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