APM Terminals posts Q3 results
APM Terminals’ result for the period was affected by the slowdown in the major Asia-Europe trade lane, which affected port volumes and results in most of the larger terminals in both Asia and Europe. Positive developments in Africa and Americas secured overall volume growth.
The global container terminal market measured in TEU increased by 4% during the three quarters of 2012. The growth rate was stronger during first half of 2012 than during Q3, where the market growth rate dropped to 3%. The trade lane from Asia to Europe in particular softened during Q3, which affected port volumes in both Asia and in Europe.
The number of containers handled by APM Terminals (measured in crane lifts weighted with APM Terminals’ ownership interest) increased by 4% compared to Q3 2011. Excluding the impact of portfolio changes, volumes were up 2%. Container throughput increased by 7% in the first nine months of 2012 compared to the same period of 2011.
Volumes from independent customers reached 50% in the 3rd quarter of 2012 compared to 46% in Q3 2011.
Despite the slower market growth, APM Terminals delivered a profit of USD 160m (USD 173m) and a return on invested capital above 12.4% (13.4%).
CEO Kim Fejfer commented on the Q3 result: “It is positive that we have been able to secure a 50 pct. share of independent customers as well as a return above 12 pct. - despite pressure from the sluggish Asia-Europe trade. This is the result of a well diversified portfolio, positive developments in Africa and Americas and hard work and determination from our 25.000 employees in 65 countries.”
APM Terminals announced the following developments with portfolio implications in Q3:
• A new strategic partnership in Russia. This involves the acquisition of 37.5% of the publicly listed company Global Ports, whereby APM Terminals becomes a partner in this leading operator of container terminals in Russia and the Baltics. The cost of the acquisition is USD 860m. As a result, APM Terminals will add three container terminals in Russia, two container terminals in Finland, one inland container depot in the vicinity of St. Petersburg and a major oil and oil products terminal in Estonia to its global network. Subject to regulatory approvals, closing is expected before year end.
• Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven (CTW) opened on 21 September 2012. APM Terminals holds a 30% share in Germany’s only deep-water terminal. CTW is a EUR 1bn facility with 2.7m TEU capacity.
• Brasil Terminal Portuario (BTP) in Santos, Brazil, received cranes and other crucial equipment in its finalizing phase. The joint venture will result in a 2.2m TEU facility with a 15 meter draft to accommodate the larger vessels coming into the South American trade lanes. The terminal is expected to begin operations in Q1 of 2013. APM Terminals holds a 50% share of BTP.
• APM Terminals’ proposal to operate all Port of Virginia facilities in Hampton Roads, USA under a long-term concession agreement with the VirginiaPort Authority (VPA) was met with competing proposals submitted by the existing operator Virginia International Terminals (VIT) as well as infrastructure investment units of two financial services and investment firms. The VPA is currently considering all proposals.
APM Terminals has continued focus on eliminating accidents and high severity incidents and advancing the safety management culture.