euro adhoc: Jungfraubahn Holding AG
Financial Figures/Balance Sheet
The
Jungfrau Railways Group achieves best half-yearly result in its history
Disclosure announcement transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer is responsible for the content of this announcement.
6-month report
09.09.2008
Dear Shareholders In the first semester of 2008, the Jungfrau Railways Group achieved the best half-yearly result in its history. This generated a profit of CHF 9 million, equivalent to an increase of 38% on the previous year. It was possible to increase operating revenue by 11% to CHF 64 million. The basis for this excellent result was established in winter with an increase in revenue of CHF 3.6 million or 22.5% above the previous year. Traffic revenue reached CHF 51 million and was thus CHF 5 million higher that of the previous year. The operative result (EBIT) is CHF 11.6 million, equivalent to an approximate EBIT margin of 17.4%.
In the first half year, the three key business sectors of winter sport, the Jungfraujoch and excursion mountains recorded revenue growth. As expected, the Euro08 meant that we recorded slightly fewer arrivals at the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe in June. Nevertheless, with 257,800 guests in the first six months, the figure is almost identical to that of the record year of 2007 (264,000).
In the first six months of its centenary year, the Harder Railway has exceeded all expectations: with 27,600 persons, 50% more guests travelled up the Harder than in the same period last year. Similarly the Mürren Rail & Cableway (BLM), First Aerial Cableway and Wengernalp Railway also in part recorded an appreciably higher number of guests. These excursion traffic results are all the more pleasing as 2007 was a record year.
CHANGE IN SHAREHOLDING In mid-April 2008, the American investment company, Global Equity SA, which had until then held 22.5% of Jungfraubahn Holding AG shares, sold its share package. The BEKB \ BCBE took over the shares and placed 12.6% with long-term-oriented Swiss investors. The Jungfraubahn Holding AG took over 9.9% as treasury stock.
NEXT PROJECTS Jungfrau Railways in growth and earning power. The Jungfraubahn AG wants to significantly increase the output of its 100-year-old power station in Lütschental. The five old machine groups are to be replaced by two modern multi-jet machines at a cost of CHF 10 million, thus increasing electricity production by 50%. Commissioning is planned for the beginning of 2010.
Snow-making facilities in the Kleine Scheidegg ski region are currently being expanded for the coming winter and both the Fallboden and Wixi chairlifts will have a piste with technical snow. By winter 2009/2010, the Kleine Scheidegg - Eigergletscher - Lauberhorn piste carousel will be rounded off by the new Eiger North Wall six-seater chairlift including snow-making facilities.
2008 BUSINESS YEAR In July, Jungfraujoch arrival frequencies were 5.1% below those of the previous year, while in August they were 2.4% above. Development thus remains in line with the previous year. Based on the guest mix with a higher proportion of domestic guests, we anticipate slightly higher average revenue for the remaining months of 2008. In the group-travel business, the progress of bookings for the second half of the year means that Switzerland´s largest mountain rail & cableway company can look to the future with optimism. The Jungfrau Railways Group is initiating the launch of the 2012 Jungfrau Railway Centenary in its key Asian markets. An internal reorganization of the company with clearly defined responsibility for costs and customer focus will be implemented from 1 January 2009.
Investor Relations - important dates: The frequencies for the 2008 business year will be announced on 6 January 2009. The financial statement media conference for the 2008 business year will be held on 18 March 2009 in Zurich. The next AGM of Jungfraubahn Holding AG shareholders will be held on Monday, 25 May 2009 in Interlaken.
Visitor frequency 1.01 - 30.06. 2008 2007 Change Jungfraujoch-Top of Europe (arrivals Joch) 257,800 263,800 -2.3% Kleine Scheidegg (WAB frequencies) 1,307,300 1,261,200 +3.6% Grindelwald-First (from bottom station) 282,100 243,200 +16.0% Lauterbrunnen-Mürren (frequencies BLM) 268,400 230,400 +16.5% Harder Kulm (arrivals summit) 27,600 18,300 +50.8%
end of announcement euro adhoc
Contact:
Kathrin Naegeli, chief information officer, +41 33 828 72 30, +41 79 222 53 10
Branche: Railway
ISIN: CH0017875789
WKN: 001787578
Index: SPI
Börsen: BX Berne eXchange / SWX Local Caps
SWX Swiss Exchange / SWX Local Caps