German state-owned transport group Deutsche Bahn (DB), which owns Arriva, remains on track for the year 2011 – according to its half-year results.
During the first six months of 2011 the firm recorded the highest revenues it has ever earned in a half-year period, along with a surge in profits and a renewed increase in the number of passengers.
Revenues rose by €2.8bn, or 17.2% over the same period last year to €18.9bn. The increase is significantly higher than the additional €1.5bn in revenues contributed by the latest addition to the Group, Arriva.
Dr. Rüdiger Grube, CEO and chairman of the Management Board of DB AG, said: “The figures confirm we have been on the right track and also signal that we should continue on as we have. Above all else we want to become more customer- and environmentally friendly while raising our levels of service and quality. Open and honest communication with our customers is very important for us.”
DB says all business units contributed to the favorable results. Adjusted results from operations (adjusted EBIT) rose to €1.1bn, or €287m (+34%) more than the same figure a year ago. Net financial debt increased by €351m between December 31, 2010 and June 30, 2011 to €17.29bn. DB paid a first-time dividend of €500m to the Federal Republic of Germany in 2011.
The number of bus passengers remained unchanged at 408.5m. However, volumes declined by 1.2% or 56m to 4.72bn passenger kilometers. DB says this is as a result of, among other reasons, the declining number of school children.
By contrast, the number of passengers traveling via DB trains rose again during the first half of the year and increased by 1.9% or 18.4m to 972.5m. Volumes achieved in the rail passenger transport segment were almost unchanged at 38bn passenger kilometers (Pkm).
