Hamburger Hafen und Logistik : HHLA achieves positive 2020 result in a challenging year

Unprecedented measures were introduced around the globe in an effort to contain the spread of the pandemic. Given the uncertain conditions, it is therefore not possible to make a reliable forecast. This applies in particular to the intensity and timing of the economic recovery.

According to these assumptions, HHLA expects to see a moderate year-on-year increase for the Port Logistics subgroup, both in terms of container throughput and container transport, for the current financial year. A moderate year-on-year increase is also expected in terms of revenue. After the operating result (EBIT) in the financial year 2020 was burdened by net provisions amounting to approximately € 43 million for an efficiency programme in the Container segment, EBIT for the Port Logistic subgroup in the range of € 140 to 160 million is targeted for the current financial year.

A slight year-on-year increase in revenue is considered possible for the Real Estate subgroup with an operating result (EBIT) on par with the previous year.

At Group level, a moderate increase in revenue and an operating result (EBIT) in the range of € 153 million to € 178 million is anticipated.

In order to further increase productivity in the Container and Intermodal segments, capital expenditure at Group level is expected to be in the range of € 250 to 280 million in 2021. The Port Logistics subgroup will account for the major share of these investments (€ 220 to 250 million). The main focus of capital expenditure in the Container segment will be on the implementation of a restructuring and efficiency programme and in the Intermodal segment on the renewal and expansion of the Group's own transport and handling capacities.

HHLA remains committed to its profit-oriented dividend policy, which aims to pay out between 50 and 70 percent of annual net profit after minority interests in the form of dividends.