airberlin records profit in 2012
airberlin, the second largest German airline, has returned to profitability. Air Berlin PLC recorded an operating profit before interest and tax (EBIT) of EUR 70.2 million in 2012, reflecting a significant improvement of EUR 317.2 million as compared to 2011.
The Company’s net income of EUR 6.8 million marks a return to profitability for the first time since 2007 and follows a loss of EUR -420,4 million in 2011 (restated, reported: EUR – 271.8 million). In the past year, airberlin successfully increased its group revenue to EUR 4.31 billion (2011: EUR 4.23 billion).
airberlin’s CEO, Mr Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, commented: “We were able to conclude the past year with an operating profit. Moreover, we are also pleased to have returned a net profit. We managed to accomplish this despite increased competition and the continued extremely challenging environment. Nevertheless, we have not yet reached our target and are mindful that non-recurring events also contributed to result of the 2012 financial year.
“We are confident that our recently launched turnaround programme, Turbine, will enable airberlin to be competitive in the future and achieve sustainable profitability. One of the programme’s key elements is a focus on cost efficiency which involves implementing a range of initiatives, including a staff reduction.”
EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) improved from EUR -161.6 million for the 2011 financial year, to EUR 144.3 million in 2012. EBITDAR (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and leasing expenses) improved from EUR 425.9 by 72.9 per cent to EUR 736.4 million in the same period.
Earnings per share based on an annual average of 114.552.461 shares outstanding amounted to EUR 0.06 (undiluted and diluted) compared to EUR -4.94 in financial year 2011 (restated, previously reported EUR -3.12).
The financial result has improved from EUR -111.9 million to EUR -73.6 million, and was driven in particular by a small gain in foreign exchange.
Due to a retroactive adjustment of deferred tax assets, airberlin has corrected the EUR -271.8 million net result in fiscal year 2011 by EUR -148.6 million to EUR -420.4 million. In connection with this value adjustment the EUR 253.7 million equity reported as of 31 December 2011 was reduced to EUR 105.2 million.
The German Financial Reporting Enforcement Panel (DPR e.V.) requested information on the valuation of deferred tax assets. In this context, Air Berlin PLC has decided that deferred tax assets as at 31 December 2011 will be restated retroactively. This restatement is non-cash relevant, independent from management’s assessment of expected business developments and takes account of the strict requirements of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) regarding deferred tax assets.
Total assets of Air Berlin PLC as at 31 December 2012 amounted to EUR 2.217,6 million (previous year: EUR 2,125.6 million), total equity amounted to EUR 130.2 million (previous year: following value adjustment EUR 105.2 million), its cash position amounted to EUR 327.9 million (2011: EUR 239.6 million) and net debt amounted to EUR 770.2 million (previous year: EUR 813.0 million).
While the number of passengers decreased in 2012 by 5.5 per cent to 33.3 million (previous year: 35.3 million), capacity utilisation increased by 1.6 percentage points to 79.80 per cent (previous year: 78.21 per cent). This was achieved by a further reduction of the fleet by 15 aircraft to 155 aircraft and optimising the flight schedule. Yield (revenue per passenger) improved by 7.7 percent to EUR 120.05 (previous year: EUR 111.43).
The efficiency programme Shape & Size contributed significantly to the positive developments, generating significant earnings contribution of EUR 250 million. This contribution has helped to considerably offset an increase in fuel prices of EUR 80 million.
Source/Photo: airberlin
