Industry, Logistics & Shipping

DP World revenues up 31.9pc in H1 to $3.46bn

Dubai-based global marine terminal operator DP World has reported achieving a revenue of $3.463 billion during the first half of 2019, a growth of 31.9 per cent, compared to $2.626 billion during the same period in 2018.

Profit for the period attributable to owners of the company increased by 26.8 per cent to $753 million. Profit attributable to owners of the company before separately disclosed items rose 26.8 per cent on a reported basis and grew 22.2 per cent on a like-for-like basis.

DP World Group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem credited the company’s strategy of developing innovative new products and services and prudent management for its impressive half-year results.

Bin Sulayem added that DP World’s excellent performance against the backdrop of challenging global economic conditions is a testament to the company’s resilience, sound growth strategy and the diversification of its global investment portfolio across energy, maritime and sustainable mobility amongst others.

The statement was made as global trade enabler DP World announced strong financial results today for the six months ending June 30 2019 with reported adjusted EBITDA and attributable earnings growth of 21.9 per cent and 26.8 per cent respectively.  

Bin Sulayem said that the group’s half-year financial results have been in line with its expectations. He highlighted that DP World continues to be guided by deep market understanding, innovation and operational excellence across 45 countries worldwide. Despite uncertainty from the trade war and challenging regional geopolitical realities, DP World has been able to deliver and excel a broadly impressive performance in the first half of 2019.

The group’s revenue growth of 31.9 per cent was supported by acquisitions and growth in non-containerised revenue. Like-for-like revenue increased by 10.8 per cent driven by growth in non-container revenue.

Adjusted EBITDA of $1.611 billion and adjusted EBITDA margin of 46.5 per cent. Adjusted EBITDA grew 21.9 per cent, and EBITDA margin for the half-year stood at 46.5 per cent. Like-for-like adjusted EBITDA increased by 9.9 per cent with a margin of 51.4 per cent.

EBITDA margin declined due to a change in the mix with the consolidation of lower margin Logistics and Maritime services businesses.

Cash from operating activities remains strong at $1.046 billion in H1 of 2019. Leverage (net debt to annualised adjusted EBITDA) increased to 3.0 times (Pre-IFRS16) from 2.8 times at FY2018. On a post-IFRS16 basis, net leverage stands at 3.7 times.

DP World credit rating was kept at BBB+ by Fitch with a stable outlook citing the resilient and diversified nature of the portfolio.

Raised $1.3 billion through the issuance of long-term bonds at record low rates. Further strengthens the balance sheet and offers financial flexibility.

Ports and terminals investments include two new assets in Chile, Fraser Surrey Docks8 (Canada) and consolidation of assets in Australia. Logistics and maritime investment include acquisition of Pan-European logistics platform of P&O Ferries and marine logistics operator, Topaz Marine & Energy8.

Capital expenditure of $636 million invested across the existing portfolio during the first half of the year.

Capital expenditure guidance for 2019 remains unchanged at up to $1.4 billion with investments planned into UAE, Posorja (Ecuador), Berbera (Somaliland), Sokhna (Egypt) and London Gateway (UK).

Posorja8, the only deep-water port in Ecuador with a capacity of 750,000 TEU opened on time and budget.

Acquisitions performing in line with expectations and logistics solutions offering now established Unifeeder is delivering in line with expectations and continuing to benefit from structural changes in the market.

DP World now a significant operator of inland logistics in India, offering end-to-end solutions.
 
The container trade grew by low single digits in the first half of 2019, but concerns around the trade war continue to weigh on the outlook. We continue to focus on delivering operational excellence and maintaining our disciplined approach to investment to ensure we remain the trade partner of choice.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem noted: “DP World is pleased to report like-for-like earnings growth of 22 per cent in the first half of 2019 and attributable earnings of $753 million. This strong financial performance has been delivered in an uncertain trade environment, once again highlighting the strength of our portfolio.”

“We have continued to make progress on our strategy to become a trade enabler and solutions provider as we look to participate across a wider part of the supply chain. We have invested significantly across our ports, logistics and maritime services businesses,” he said.

“The aim is to connect directly with customers to offer logistics solutions and remove inefficiencies in the supply chain to accelerate trade. We are seeing positive signs of progress in our new businesses that give us encouragement for the future,” he added.

Bin Sulayem continued: “Our balance sheet remains strong, and we continue to generate high levels of cash flow, which gives us the ability to invest in the future growth of our current portfolio. Going forward, we aim to integrate our new acquisitions and deliver synergies with the objective of providing smart end-to-end solutions, which will improve the quality of our earnings and drive returns.”

“While the near-term trade outlook remains uncertain with global trade disputes and regional geopolitics causing uncertainty to the container market, the strong financial performance of the first six months also leaves us well placed to deliver full-year results slightly ahead of market expectations,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service