Highlights of Q2 2020 results
Highlights of 6M 2020 results
VILHELM MÁR THORSTEINSSON, CEO
“I am quite pleased with the second quarter results which is above management expectation at the beginning of the quarter especially given the situation regarding COVID-19 pandemic. Improved profitability can e.g. be seen in the adjusted EBITDA which increased by 7,6% between years. I am very proud and thankful for the relentless effort of our dedicated employees during this challenging period. Their contribution was the key to secure customer service and maintain an unbroken logistic chain.
We are really seeing operational improvements from our streamlining efforts in the last 6-12 months where we have e.g. reduced number of FTE’s by 10% from year-end 2019, adjusted our container and reefer sailing systems and integrated offices. This has been an important factor in offsetting a negative development in cargo volume and impact of COVID-19 and we are determined to make these improvements sustainable going forward.
We had a good performance in our International operation during the quarter, especially in the reefer forwarding services which is a focus area of our forwarding business and contributes higher margins than dry forwarding. Our Domestic operations also performed well during the quarter with a favorable volume mix in trucking and leveraging on a disciplined operation. However, profitability in our container liner system needs to improve and will continue to be a special focus area in coming months. In addition, I would like to mention that while COVID-19 affects tourism in Iceland it will negatively affect our cruise agency and ferry operation in Iceland.
It was a great milestone for Eimskip when Dettifoss, our new container vessel, came into service in July and we formally started the co-operation with Royal Arctic Line under the Vessel Sharing Agreement, a first for Eimskip. I would especially like to thank the crew of Dettifoss and employees within Eimskip’s operations for travelling to China under challenging circumstances due to COVID-19 and to secure a safe delivery of our new vessel. Greenland is now gaining access to international markets via Eimskip’s Trans-Atlantic sailing system. We see an increasing interest from Icelandic companies to export goods to Greenland and expect trade between the two countries to increase. We expect delivery of Brúarfoss, our second new build, in early Q4 and formally into scheduled service later that quarter.
In June we consolidated our headquarters under one roof creating a modern and more dynamic activity-based work environment. At the same time we decreased office space by 50% or 3200m2. This has been well received by our employees and I am happy to see the positive impact it has on our company culture already.”
ONLINE INVESTOR MEETING 28 AUGUST 2020
The Board of Directors of Eimskipafélag Íslands hf. approved the company’s Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for the second quarter of 2020 at its meeting on 27 August 2020. Investors and market participants are invited to a meeting on Friday 28 August 2020 at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will only be webcasted live in Icelandic at www.eimskip.com/investors. Vilhelm Már Thorsteinsson, CEO will present the company’s financial results for the second quarter of 2020. Investor presentation and a recording of the meeting (in Icelandic) will be available on the company’s investor relations website, www.eimskip.com/investors.
FURTHER INFORMATION
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements contained in this financial press release that refer to the company’s estimated or anticipated future results or future activities are forward-looking statements which reflect the company’s current analysis of existing trends, information and plans. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially depending on factors such as the availability of resources, the timing and effect of regulatory actions and other factors. Eimskip undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after this press release. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
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