09.03.2016
Deutsche Post AG DE0005552004
Deutsche Post AG: Deutsche Post DHL Group meets 2015 earnings forecast with record operating performance in the fourth quarter
DGAP-Media / 09.03.2016 / 07:00
Deutsche Post DHL Group meets 2015 earnings forecast with record operating
performance in the fourth quarter
- Operating profit of EUR 2.41 billion in full-year 2015
- EUR 957 million EBIT in fourth quarter of 2015 - strongest operating
quarter in company history , thanks to growth in e-commerce and
improvement in Global Forwarding, Freight
- Very strong cash flow performance
- Group proposes unchanged dividend of EUR 0.85 per share
- Share buy-back program announced
- EBIT target of EUR 3.4 billion to EUR 3.7 billion for 2016 confirmed
- CEO Frank Appel: "We have ended 2015 with strong earnings momentum and
significant progress achieved on strategic initiatives."
Bonn, 9 March 2016: Deutsche Post DHL Group, the world's leading mail and
logistics company, increased revenue in 2015 and met its forecast for
operating profit. Following a very strong fourth quarter, operationally the
best in the company's history1, consolidated EBIT for full-year 2015
amounted to EUR 2.41 billion. The Group had targeted a figure of at least
EUR 2.4 billion. The EBIT contribution of the Post - eCommerce - Parcel
(PeP) division amounted to EUR 1.1 billion, as forecast, and the DHL
divisions generated an operating profit of EUR 1.66 billion. The full year
decline in EBIT compared with the prior year (2014: EUR 2.97 billion) was
attributable to one-off expenses and investments recognized by the Group
including expenses related to the new direction of the IT renewal in the
Global Forwarding business unit. The Group had adjusted its earnings
guidance in October 2015 due to one-off charges.
Across all divisions, the Group laid important groundwork in a year of
transition from Strategy 2015 to Strategy 2020 to position the company for
profitable growth in 2016 and beyond. For example, the Post - eCommerce -
Parcel division has invested heavily in expanding its parcel network, both
nationally and internationally, in order to realize even greater benefits
from the global boom in e-commerce. The wage agreement reached with the
company's social partner in Germany and the increase in letter postage
prices at the start of the current year also reinforce the foundation for
future growth. The Express division has further bolstered its leading
market position by making additional significant investments in its network
infrastructure and quality. The Global Forwarding, Freight division
achieved a notable improvement in its operating business development in the
second half of 2015 while at the same time defining a new approach to the
division's IT renewal. The Supply Chain division made significant progress
on its planned optimization program by investing substantially in
restructuring activities in 2015.
"In 2015 we have made significant progress against our strategic
initiatives. Over the entire year, we have worked hard to pave the way for
sustainable success in the future. The positive earnings momentum we have
seen in the fourth quarter once again confirms the fundamental strength of
our business. We are firmly on track with our strategy," stated Frank
Appel, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL Group.
Outlook: Guidance for 2016 and long term objectives confirmed
The structural and operating improvement in the business divisions together
with moderate economic growth are expected to contribute to a significant
increase in earnings in the current year. For 2016, Deutsche Post DHL Group
has therefore re-confirmed its EBIT forecast of between EUR 3.4 billion and
EUR 3.7 billion. The PeP division is expected to contribute EBIT of more
than EUR 1.3 billion to the 2016 earnings target and the DHL divisions
between EUR 2.45 billion and EUR 2.75 billion.
The Group is also maintaining its targets beyond 2016: Deutsche Post DHL
Group continues to forecast an increase in operating profit by an average
of more than 8% annually during the period from 2013 to 2020 (CAGR). The
DHL divisions are expected to contribute to the improvement with average
EBIT growth of 10% per year. Operating profit for the PeP division is
expected to increase by an average of around 3% per year. The Group
additionally targets expenses for Corporate Center/Other at less than 0.5%
of consolidated revenue by 2020.
Financial year 2015: Earnings in line with expectations
Consolidated revenue in 2015 climbed by 4.6% compared with the prior year
to EUR 59.2 billion (2014: EUR 56.6 billion). The DHL divisions contributed
to the revenue increase with growth of 5.3% and the PeP division with an
improvement of 2.8%. The German parcel business and the international
express business continued to generate dynamic growth. Adjusted for
positive currency effects, organic Group revenues were approximately at
prior year levels at -0.4%. After further adjustment for other factors
including lower fuel surcharges and a change in revenue recognition in a
customer contract (NHS) in the Supply Chain division, revenue was up 2.6%
on the previous year.
Consolidated EBIT amounted to EUR 2.41 billion in financial year 2015
(2014: EUR 2.97 billion), fulfilling the revised earnings guidance of a
minimum of EUR 2.4 billion. The EBIT contribution of the Post - eCommerce -
Parcel division amounted to EUR 1.1 billion (2014: EUR 1.3 billion), and
the DHL divisions generated an operating profit of EUR 1.66 billion (2014:
EUR 2.02 billion). With this performance, the results of PeP and DHL were
also in line with the expectations communicated last October. Corporate
Center/Other costs were stable at around EUR 350 million.
The decline in consolidated EBIT of EUR 554 million, or 18.7%, to EUR 2.41
billion compared with the prior year was largely a reflection of one-off
expenses, including a EUR 336 million charge largely attributable to the
write-downs and provisions recognized in connection with the IT renewal in
Global Forwarding. As announced in October 2015, the Group additionally
recognized one-off charges in the amount of around EUR 200 million. EUR 81
million of that amount was recognized in the PeP and Global Forwarding,
Freight divisions in the third quarter. In the final quarter of the year,
EUR 57 million of the one-off expenses was attributable to the PeP division
and EUR 66 million to the Express division. In the full year 2015, the
Group also continued to make substantial investments to position its four
divisions for the successful execution of Strategy 2020.
The tax rate increased slightly to 16.4%, as expected (2014: 15.5%).
Consolidated net profit declined by 25.6% to EUR 1.54 billion in 2015
(2014: EUR 2.07 billion). Basic earnings per share similarly decreased from
EUR 1.71 in the previous year to EUR 1.27.
Dividend: Group proposes stable dividend of EUR 0.85
In light of the Group's operating performance in the past year, the Board
of Management and the Supervisory Board will propose a dividend of EUR 0.85
per share to the Annual General Meeting on 18 May, unchanged from the
previous year. Subject to approval by the shareholders, the Group would
then pay out a total amount of EUR 1,031 million. With regard to
consolidated net profit adjusted for one-off effects, the current dividend
proposal reflects a payout ratio of 46%. This figure puts the company well
in the range of the target corridor of 40% to 60% established in 2010
within the finance strategy introduced at that time.
At the same time, due to the strong free cash flow performance and the
expected improvement of the operating performance, the Management Board and
the Supervisory Board have announced the initiation of a one-billion Euro
share buy-back program.
Fourth quarter of 2015: Strong final quarter with double-digit EBIT growth
for PeP
Fourth-quarter revenues were close to the prior-year level, decreasing by
0.2% to EUR 15.3 billion (2014: EUR 15.4 billion). Adjusted for positive
currency effects, organic revenue was 3.3% below last year's figure. Along
with lower fuel surcharges, the aforementioned contractual changes
involving a customer in the Supply Chain division had a negative impact:
The change in revenue recognition in the contract with the UK National
Health Service (NHS) reduced consolidated revenue by EUR 465 million in the
fourth quarter. Adjusted for all the positive and negative effects
mentioned above, Group revenues increased by 2.3% year-on-year in the
period from October to December 2015. The performance of the eCommerce -
Parcel business was especially encouraging with a reported revenue increase
of 12.0%.
Group EBIT rose by 5.7% to EUR 957 million in the fourth quarter of 2015
(2014: EUR 905 million). This was the best quarterly result on an operating
basis in the history of the Group1. This development reflects growth of
14.6% to EUR 487 million (2014: EUR 425 million) in the Post - eCommerce -
Parcel division, which is attributable in particular to the success of the
Parcel and eCommerce business during the December holiday season. In the
Express division, operating profit declined by 8.3% to EUR 319 million
(2014: EUR 348 million) due to the one-off charge of EUR 66 million
mentioned previously. EBIT was 10.6% over the prior-year figure adjusted
for that charge. EBIT in Global Forwarding, Freight rose by 39.4% to EUR 99
million (2014: EUR 71 million), above all due to the implementation of
turnaround measures. The Supply Chain division registered an improvement in
operating profit with a rise of 9.3% to EUR 176 million (2014: EUR 161
million). Initial positive results from the optimization program and higher
income from real estate transactions more than offset restructuring costs
of EUR 39 million.
In the fourth quarter, consolidated net profit increased by 4.7% to EUR 670
million (2014: EUR 640 million), mainly due to the rise in EBIT. This
equates to basic earnings per share of EUR 0.55 (2014: EUR 0.53).
Capital expenditure: Group reinforces its foundation for growth with
further significant investments
In order to further reinforce its foundation for future growth, the Group
stepped up investments by 7.9% to EUR 2.02 billion in 2015 (2014: EUR 1.88
billion). That figure is in line with the guidance of around EUR 2.0
billion. Investments were made in all four divisions with a focus on
positioning the Group for long-term growth. For example, the Group expanded
its national and international parcel infrastructure, in addition to
modernizing the aircraft fleet and expanding global and regional hubs in
the Express division. The Group is planning to invest around EUR 2.2
billion in 2016.
Cash flow: Very strong year-end performance in 2015
The company focused very successfully on cash flow generation in 2015:
operating cash flow increased by 13.3% over the prior year to EUR 3.44
billion. The Group's free cash flow rose to EUR 1.72 billion, surpassing
both the prior-year figure of EUR 1.35 billion and meeting the target of at
least covering the dividend of EUR 1.03 billion paid out for 2015. The
positive trend reflects the higher cash inflows from working capital in
particular.
Thanks to the strong cash flow performance, net debt declined by around EUR
400 million to EUR 1.1 billion at year-end.
Post - eCommerce - Parcel: More than 1.1 billion parcels in Germany in 2015
Revenue in the Post - eCommerce - Parcel division grew by 2.8% in 2015 to
EUR 16.1 billion (2014: 15.7 billion) - adjusted for currency effects,
revenues were up 1.7% compared to last year. Of the divisional revenue, EUR
6.3 billion was generated by the eCommerce - Parcel business unit, which
continued to see strong growth of 11.9% over the prior-year period. The
increase was based on revenue gains of 9.5% for Parcel Germany, 8.7% for
Parcel Europe and 23.5% for eCommerce, the latter being supported by
significant currency effects. The PeP division processed more than 1.1
billion parcels in Germany in full-year 2015, 8.7% more than the previous
year. This development is another reflection of the successful positioning
of the Group in the dynamically growing e-commerce market, both in Germany
and, to an increasing extent, internationally. In order to further build on
this position, the Group is continuing to make significant investments in
the development of its national and international parcel infrastructure. It
expanded its parcel and e-commerce activities to the Austrian, Slovakian
and Swedish markets in 2015 and so far in 2016 already entered the markets
in Thailand and France.
In contrast with eCommerce - Parcel, revenues in the Post business unit
declined by 2.3% to EUR 9.8 billion in 2015. The structural decline in
volumes within the Mail Communication and Dialogue Marketing segments was
accelerated by the effects of the strike associated with the wage
negotiations held in the middle of the year. The negative effects could
only be partly mitigated by price increases for postal products in Germany.
Operating profit in the PeP division contracted by 15.0% to EUR 1.1 billion
in full-year 2015 (2014: EUR 1.3 billion). In addition to higher expenses
for materials and personnel, the decline primarily reflects the higher
investments made in expanding the national and international parcel
infrastructure and the effects of the strike in Germany. In addition, EUR
99 million of the approximately EUR 200 million charges in Group EBIT
communicated last October was attributable to the PeP business.
Express: Revenue and earnings once again increased
The Express division continued to perform well in terms of volumes, revenue
and earnings in 2015. Revenue climbed by 9.4% to EUR 13.7 billion in
full-year 2015 (2014: EUR 12.5 billion). Adjusted for currency effects the
increase was 2.3%. Without these positive currency effects and lower fuel
surcharges, divisional revenue rose by 7.2% compared to last year. Once
again, the main driver of the revenue increase was the strong growth
achieved in international time definite (TDI) shipments, where volumes grew
by 8.7% over the prior-year period.
EBIT in the Express division grew by 10.4% to EUR 1.4 billion (2014: EUR
1.3 billion). The division again achieved a good operating performance
despite currency headwinds and significant investment in the air and road
network. Thanks to strong time definite international shipment growth and
effective yield management, the EBIT margin improved to 10.2% for 2015 as a
whole (2014: 10.1%). The division's results include one-off expenses of EUR
66 million that are part of the one-off charges in the amount of around EUR
200 million announced in October 2015 and were recognized in the fourth
quarter.
Global Forwarding, Freight: Improvement in operating performance
Revenue in the Global Forwarding, Freight division was on the prior-year
level at EUR 14.89 billion in 2015 (2014: EUR 14.92 billion). Adjusted for
currency effects the decrease in revenue amounted to 3.9%. Without these
positive currency effects and lower fuel surcharges, it was 0.5% below last
year's figure. Apart from the weak market environment, the main reason for
the revenue decline was the division's selective market strategy.
Divisional EBIT dropped to EUR -181 million for the full year (2014: EUR
293 million), above all due to the negative one-off effects of EUR 336
million associated with the IT renewal. This result also reflects the
weaker operating trend in the first half of the year compared with the
prior-year period, which could not be fully offset by the earnings
stabilization seen in the third quarter and the improvement in earnings
performance in the final quarter.
Supply Chain: Optimization program shows first positive effects
Revenue in the Supply Chain division increased by 7.2% to EUR 15.8 billion
in financial year 2015 (2014: EUR 14.7 billion). This development reflects
positive currency effects, lower fuel surcharges and the change in revenue
recognition in the contract with the UK National Health Service (NHS) in
the fourth quarter. The latter caused a decrease in divisional revenue by
EUR 465 million. Adjusted for all positive and negative factors described
above, revenue was 2.7% over the prior year. All in all, the Supply Chain
division concluded additional contracts worth around EUR 1.35 billion with
both new and existing customers in 2015.
Operating profit for the period from January to December declined by 3.4%
to EUR 449 million (2014: EUR 465 million). The planned restructuring costs
of around EUR 150 million relating to the division's optimization program
were almost fully compensated. Positive effects of the program were already
visible in the fourth quarter. In addition to the positive effects, the
higher income from real estate transactions partially offset the one-off
charges.
- End -
Note to editors: An interview with CEO Frank Appel can be found at
www.dpdhl.de. The Group's investor conference call will be webcast
beginning at 2 p.m. (CET).
Media contact
Deutsche Post DHL Group
Media Relations
Dan McGrath/Christina Neuffer
Phone: +49 228 182-9944
E-mail: [email protected]
On the Internet: www.dpdhl.com/press
Follow us: www.twitter.com/DeutschePostDHL
Deutsche Post DHL Group is the world's leading mail and logistics company.
The Group is focused on being the first choice for customers, employees and
investors in its core business activities worldwide. It makes a positive
contribution to the world by connecting people and enabling global trade
while being committed to responsible business practices and corporate
citizenship.
Deutsche Post DHL Group operates under two brands: Deutsche Post is
Europe's leading postal service provider. DHL is uniquely positioned in the
world's growth markets, with a comprehensive range of international
express, freight transportation, e-commerce and supply chain management
services.
Deutsche Post DHL Group employs approximately 500,000 employees in over 220
countries and territories worldwide. The Group generated revenues of more
than 59 billion Euros in 2015.
Die Post für Deutschland. The logistics company for the world.
Group financial highlights for 2015
Change in million euros 2014 2015 in % Revenues 56,630 59,230 4.6 - of which international 39,263 41,737 6.3 Profit from operating activities (EBIT) 2,965 2,411 -18.7 Consolidated net profit1) 2,071 1,540 -25.6 Basic earnings per share (in euros) 1.71 1.27 -25.7 Diluted earnings per share (in euros) 1.64 1.22 -25.6Divisional revenues for 2015 Share of Share of Change in million euros 2014 total revenue 2015 total revenue in % Post - eCommerce - Parcel 15,686 27.7% 16,131 27.2% 2.8 Express 12,491 22.1% 13,661 23.1% 9.4 Global Forwarding, Freight 14,924 26.4% 14,890 25.1% -0.2 Supply Chain 14,737 26.0% 15,791 26.7% 7.2 Corporate Center/Other and -1,208 n.a. -1,243 n.a. -2.9 Consolidation Group 56,630 100% 59,230 100% 4.6Divisional EBIT for 2015 Change in million euros 2014 2015 in % Post - eCommerce - Parcel 1,298 1,103 -15.0 DHL 2,019 1,659 -17.8 - Express 1,260 1,391 10.4 - Global Forwarding, Freight 293 -181 <-100 - Supply Chain 465 449 -3.4 Corporate Center/Other and -351 -351 0.0 Consolidation Group 2,965 2,411 -18.71) After non-controlling interests Group financial highlights for the fourth quarter of 2015 4th quarter 4th quarter Change in million euros 2014 2015 in % Revenues 15,365 15,339 -0.2 - of which international 10,563 10,484 -0.7 Profit from operating activities (EBIT) 905 957 5.7 Consolidated net profit1) 640 670 4.7 Basic earnings per share (in euros) 0.53 0.55 3.8 Diluted earnings per share (in euros) 0.50 0.53 6.0Divisional revenues in the fourth quarter of 2015 4th Share of 4th Share of quarter total quarter total Change in million euros 2014 revenue 2015 revenue in % Post - eCommerce - 4,353 28.3% 4,513 29.4% 3.7 Parcel Express 3,411 22.2% 3,638 23.7% 6.7 Global Forwarding, 3,960 25.8% 3,736 24.4% -5.7 Freight Supply Chain 3,953 25.7% 3,799 24.8% -3.9 Corporate Center/ -312 n.a. -347 n.a. -11.2 Other and Consolidation Group 15,365 100% 15,339 100% -0.2Divisional EBIT in the fourth quarter of 2015 4th quarter 4th quarter Change in million euros 2014 2015 in % Post - eCommerce - Parcel 425 487 14.6 DHL 580 595 2.6 - Express 348 319 -8.3 - Global Forwarding, Freight 71 99 39.4 - Supply Chain 161 176 9.3 Corporate Center/Other and -100 -124 -24.0 Consolidation Group 905 957 5.71) After non-controlling interests End of Media Release --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Issuer: Deutsche Post AG Key word(s): Enterprise 09.03.2016 Dissemination of a Press Release, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Media archive at www.dgap-medientreff.de and www.dgap.de --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Company: Deutsche Post AG Charles-de-Gaulle-Straße 20 53113 Bonn Germany Phone: +49 (0)228 182 - 63 100 Fax: +49 (0)228 182 - 63 199 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.dpdhl.com ISIN: DE0005552004 WKN: 555200 Indices: DAX Listed: Regulated Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt (Prime Standard), Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart; Terminbörse EUREX End of News DGAP Media --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 443549 09.03.2016
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