The operating result (Group EBITDA) climbed markedly by 12.5 percent to over 1.1 billion euros. The Group result (net profit) rose even stronger, by 40 percent to 505.7 million euros.
Boards propose dividend increase to 2 euros – Outlook remains positive In the 2018 fiscal year (ending December 31), Fraport AG continued on its growth path, achieving new records in revenue and earnings. Supported by strong passenger growth at its Frankfurt Airport home base and its Group airports worldwide, revenue climbed by 18.5 percent to nearly 3.5 billion euros. After adjusting for revenue related to capital expenditure for expansion measures at the international Group companies (based on IFRIC 12), revenue rose 7.8 percent to over 3.1 billion euros. About two-thirds of this increase can be attributed to Fraport's international portfolio – with the airports in Brazil and Greece, in particular, making a significant contribution.
Fraport AG's executive board chairman Dr. Stefan Schulte said: "We are pleased to look back on another very successful year, especially for our Group airports around the world. Here in Frankfurt, however, 2018 presented challenges due to the constraints in European airspace and the strong traffic demand. For the medium and long term, we are very well positioned both at Frankfurt Airport and in our international business. Moreover, we are laying the foundations for
further long-term growth by implementing our expansion projects."
Revenue and earnings targets achieved
The operating result (Group EBITDA) climbed markedly by 12.5 percent to over 1.1 billion euros. The Group result (net profit) rose even stronger, by 40 percent to 505.7 million euros. This includes earnings gained from the sale of Fraport's stake in Hanover Airport, which contributed 75.9 million euros. However, even without the positive effects from the Hanover transaction, Fraport already achieved its revenue and earnings targets. Operating cash flow slightly dipped by 2.0 percent to 802.3 million euros. This was mainly due to changes in the net current assets related to the reporting date. After adjusting for these changes, operating cash flow rose by 18.8 percent to 844.9 million euros. In line with expectations, free cash flow fell sharply by 98.3 percent, because of more extensive capital expenditure for Frankfurt Airport and Fraport's international business, while remaining in positive territory at 6.8 million euros.
Given the positive business development, the Executive Board and Supervisory Board will propose to the Annual General Meeting that the dividend be raised to EUR2.00 per share for the 2018 fiscal year (2017 fiscal year: EUR1.50 per share).
Passenger traffic rises noticeably at FRA and internationally
Serving some 69.5 million passengers, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) achieved a new passenger record in 2018 and growth of 7.8 percent compared to 2017.
CEO Schulte commented: "We are pleased that the airlines have significantly expanded their flight offerings at Frankfurt Airport for the second year in a row, thus improving connectivity and prosperity for businesses far beyond the Frankfurt Rhine-Main Region. Until the first pier of the new Terminal 3 opens in late 2021, we will focus on maintaining a high level of service quality at Frankfurt Airport – while dealing with the constraints affecting the entire aviation industry. In particular, enhancing the situation at the security checkpoints will be a top priority for us."
In response to strong passenger growth, Fraport hired over 3,000 new staff members at Frankfurt Airport in 2018. Despite the constraints experienced at some central process points in the terminals during peak periods – particularly at the security checkpoints – global satisfaction of passengers with Frankfurt Airport was at 86 percent in 2018 – thus even posting a slight increase compared to the previous year (2017: 85 percent). To provide additional space for security checkpoints, Fraport is investing in an extension to Terminal 1 for installing seven extra security lanes in the summer of 2019.
Fraport's international portfolio also posted a significant gain in passenger traffic during 2018. In Brazil, the two airports of Porto Alegre and Fortaleza reported a 7.0 percent increase to 14.9 million passengers in 2018 – Fraport Brasil's first year of operating these airports. At the 14 Greek airports, traffic rose by almost 9 percent to 29.9 million passengers. Antalya Airport in Turkey grew by a significant 22.5 percent to 32.3 million travelers, a new historic passenger record.
Outlook: Growth expected to continue
Fraport is forecasting sustained growth at all of the Group airports in fiscal year 2019. At Frankfurt Airport, passenger volume is expected to rise between around two and roughly three percent.
Fraport expects consolidated revenue to increase slightly up to around 3.2 billion euros (adjusted for IFRIC 12). Group EBITDA is expected to reach a range of around 1,160 million euros and approximately 1,195 million euros, despite the non-recurring revenue from the sale of Fraport's stake in Hanover Airport. The application of the IFRS 16 accounting standard – which changes the accounting rules for leases – will not only make a positive contribution to Group EBITDA, but will also lead to much higher depreciation and amortization in fiscal year 2019. As a result, Fraport expects Group EBIT to be in the range of about 685 million euros and around 725 million euros. The company also expects to post a Group result (net profit) of around 420 million euros and about 460 million euros. The dividend per share is expected to remain stable at the higher level of 2 euros for the 2019 fiscal year.
Fraport's four business segments at a glance
Revenue in the Aviation segment increased by 5.5 percent to slightly over 1 billion euros. This was due partly to higher revenue from airport charges resulting from increased passenger traffic at Frankfurt Airport. At 277.8 million euros, segment EBITDA increased by 11.3 percent year-on-year, while segment EBIT rose 6.5 percent to 138.2 million euros.
Revenue from the Retail & Real Estate segment dropped 2.8 percent year-on-year to 507.2 million euros. A major reason for this drop was significantly fewer proceeds from the sale of land (1.9 million euros in the 2018 fiscal year versus 22.9 million euros for the same period in 2017). In contrast, parking income (+8.3 million euros) and retail revenue (+ 0.8 million euros) grew. Net retail revenue per passenger fell 7.4 percent year-on-year to 3.12 euros. Segment EBITDA increased by 3.4 percent to 390.2 million euros, while segment EBIT climbed 2.8 percent to 302.0 million euros.
Revenue in the Ground Handling segment rose by 5.0 percent year-on-year to 673.8 million euros. The strong growth in passenger traffic resulted, in particular, in stronger revenue from ground services and higher infrastructure charges. On the other hand, passenger growth also led to higher personnel expenses at the FraGround and FraCareS subsidiaries. Accordingly, segment EBITDA declined by 7.0 million euros to 44.4 million euros. Segment EBIT dropped considerably by 94 percent, but at 0.7 million euros still remained in positive territory.
At nearly 1.3 billion euros, the International Activities and Services segment significantly advanced by 58 percent compared to the previous year. After adjusting for the 359.5 million euros in revenue related to IFRIC 12, the segment's revenue rose by 20.1 percent to 931.4 million euros. This revenue growth received major contributions from the Group subsidiaries in Fortaleza and Porto Alegre (+90.9 million euros), as well as Fraport Greece (+53.2 million euros). Segment EBITDA increased a noticeable 28.3 percent to 416.6 million euros, while segment EBIT jumped 40.7 percent to 289.6 million euros.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
