Wilh. Wilhelmsen: Strong Dollar Cushions Seasonal Lull

A strong US dollar and reduced operating costs helped Norway’s Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA (WWH) offset a decrease in total income driven by seasonally lower demand for seaborne transportation, according to the company’s financial report for the quarter ended March 31.

WWH delivered a total income of USD 866 million for the first quarter, a 3% decline from the previous quarter.

The operating profit ended at USD 123 million, a reduction from the previous quarter, which was impacted by a material pension gain of 63 million.

With a net financial expense of USD 35 million and a tax expense of USD 4 million, the group delivered a net profit of USD 68 million, equal to earnings per share of USD 1.46.

”The total income for our ship operating entities reflected a seasonal decline in auto volumes and lower bunker compensation from customers,” said Thomas Wilhelmsen, group CEO at WWH.

”The effect on the top line was partly offset by a USD 26 million gain related to Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA’s share reduction in Hyundai Glovis.”

The underlying activity level and contribution from the group’s logistics activities were on par with the previous quarter.

”Income for the segments continued to be affected by a challenging market. The income from ships service improved slightly, ship management delivered a stable top line, while the technical services stream saw a drop in total income,” said Wilhelmsen.

WWH’s annual general meeting held on 23 April 2015 resolved to pay a dividend of NOK 3 per share, totalling NOK 139 million. The dividend was paid to shareholders on May 7. The board also received an authorisation to pay additional dividend limited up to NOK 3 per share, valid until the company’s annual general meeting in 2016, although not longer than 30 June 2016.

”Based on the anticipated market outlook, we expect higher auto volumes in the second quarter, while high and heavy volumes are expected to stay flat. Although the current market is challenging, a gradual increase in world trade and operating fleet, a healthy order reserve and a strong USD will have a positive effect on future earnings for our maritime services segment,” said Wilhelmsen.