Wallenius Wilhelmsen: Results for Q1 2020
Oslo, 14 May 2020 - Wallenius Wilhelmsen reports EBITDA of USD 130 million, impacted by lower volumes in both the ocean and landbased segments related to Covid-19 and generally slower markets.
Total income was USD 834 million in the first quarter, down 18% compared to the same period last year as a result of lower revenues in both the ocean and landbased segments, caused by lower volumes. Ocean volumes were down 20% compared to same period last year, driven by a combination of impact from the Covid-19 pandemic and generally slower markets for both auto and high & heavy going into 2020, and some impact from relinquished volumes. The landbased revenue is down on lower volumes due to OEM plant closures combined with generally slower markets.
"Our industry is caught in an unprecedented situation where business volumes are driven sharply down by closures and cuts in customer production due to Covid-19 measures and weakened demand. We have taken a range of actions to adjust capacity, reduce costs and protect our cash position through this turbulent phase. Combined with our strong financial situation going into this, I am confident that we will see through this crisis," says Craig Jasienski, President & CEO of Wallenius Wilhelmsen.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen is taking a preventative and proactive approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, with priority on the welfare of our employees and community, as well as the needs of our customers.
Prospects In the very near term the company will be impacted by a sharp drop in volumes driven by measures taken globally to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. The current drop in volumes has created excess capacity in the industry, which is likely to persist for some time and delay any rate improvements. Measures taken to recycle, lay-up, idle and slow-steam ships will go some way in countering this effect.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen is undertaking significant measures to reduce costs and strengthen liquidity. Together with an efficient and flexible cost base and starting from a strong financial situation going into this, the company is well prepared to manage through this unprecedented market situation.
About Wallenius Wilhelmsen The Wallenius Wilhelmsen group (OEX: WALWIL) is a market leader in RoRo shipping and vehicle logistics, transporting cars, trucks, rolling equipment and breakbulk around the world. The company operates around 125 vessels servicing 15 trade routes to six continents, and a global inland distribution network, 120 processing centres, and 11 marine terminals. The Wallenius Wilhelmsen group consist of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Solutions, EUKOR and ARC. The group is headquartered in Oslo, Norway with 9 500 employees in 29 countries worldwide. Read more at walleniuswilhelmsen.com
For further information, please contact: Astrid Martinsen, Head of Group Treasury & IR Tel +47 958 45 255 email: astrid.martinsen@walleniuswilhelmsen.com Anna Larsson, Head of Corporate Communication Tel: +47 484 06 919 email: anna.larsson@walleniuswilhelmsen.com