CMA CGM shows strong operating performance

The Board of Directors of France’s CMA CGM, the world’s third largest container shipping group, met under the chairmanship of Jacques R. Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to review the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Consolidated revenue rose by 7% in 2012, to $15.9 billion from $14.9 billion in 2011, led by the 6% growth in volumes carried, to 10.6 million TEU from 10.0 million in 2011.

During the year, CMA CGM successfully implemented its action plan, which generated $800 million in savings, well ahead of the initial target.

As a result, EBITDA improved by a sharp 82% year-on-year to $ 1,324 million, for an operating margin (EBIT) of 6.3%, the industry’s highest (as yet announced). Consolidated net profit stood at $361 million for the year.

In addition to this robust operating performance, CMA CGM has significantly strengthened its balance sheet with:

- Signing of the sale of 49% of Terminal Link for ?400m.
- Closing of $100 million equity injection from Yildirim.
- Signing of $150 million equity injection from FSI (Fonds Stratégique d’Investissement).
- Closing of the agreement with its banks regarding its debt restructuring.

In early 2013, freight rates levels are higher than in early 2012. World demand is expected to vary by region, remaining weak inbound Europe, but showing more positive trends elsewhere, especially in the United States, Russia and emerging markets (particularly in Asia, Africa and Latin America).

With its extensive coverage of the global market and improved cost efficiency, CMA CGM expects an operating performance for 2013 in line with 2012, based on current market conditions.

Rodolphe Saadé, CMA CGM’s Executive Officer, said, “2012 was an important year for CMA CGM, which delivered a very good performance. As we had announced, we also completed our financial restructuring and significantly strengthened our balance sheet with the sale of a new equity interest to FSI and an additional stake to Yildirim. We have therefore begun 2013 on solid foundations from which to pursue our growth.” < Korea Shipping Gazette >