In the first nine months of 2012, net sales at Alpiq fell by 5.3% to CHF 9.7 billion due to reduced demand and lower electricity prices. Excluding special effects, EBITDA amounted to CHF 721 million (-13.3% versus the prior-year period), with EBIT at CHF 368 million (-12.0%) and Group profit at CHF 144 million (-20.0%). In the third quarter 2012, the special income from the sale of the energy transmission technology business, coupled with the compensation payment expected from arbitration proceedings concerning a contract with the Polish PGE Group and other one-off effects, led to a net improvement of around CHF 200 million in operating income (EBIT). Taking the special effects into account, Group profit for the first nine months of 2012 according to IFRS amounted to CHF 171 million. As announced earlier, the 2012 year-end operating result will be much lower than the prior-year figure.
In 2011 Alpiq recognised impairments amounting to CHF 1.7 billion. Exceptional events such as the cancellation announced in July 2012 of the long-term contract with Hidroelectrica, as well as adjusted expectations of price trends, may result in further impairments which could have a significant impact on the 2012 year-end results.
Reinforcement of restructuring programme In view of the deterioration in market conditions, the Board of Directors and Executive Board believe it is necessary to reinforce the restructuring programme launched in November 2011. Additional measures are currently being examined. The current divestment programme will be continued, added to which the possibility of selling the Kladno/Zlin coal-fired power plants in the Czech Republic will also be explored. The Board of Directors and Executive Board will continue work on the company's realignment.
Transfer of the grid to Swissgrid approved The Board of Directors has also approved the contribution agreement for the transfer of grid facilities to Swissgrid. The transfer will take place on 31 December 2012.
| Key figures of the Alpiq Group | Operating results before special effects | Results after special effects | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9M 2011 | 9M 2012 | Δ % | 9M 2011 | 9M 2012 | |
| Energy sales (TWh) | 117 823 | 102 819 | -12.7 | 117 823 | 102 819 |
| Net revenue (CHF millions) | 10 210 | 9 670 | -5.3 | 10 210 | 9 670 |
| Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) (CHF millions) | 832 | 721 | -13.3 | 832 | 874 |
| Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) (CHF millions) | 418 | 368 | -12.0 | 383 | 445 |
| Group profit (CHF millions) | 180 | 144 | -20.0 | 152 | 171 |
As at 30 September 2012 the number of Alpiq Group employees was 3,164 lower at 8,044 (31 December 2011: 11,208 employees) especially due to the sale of the energy transmission technology business (part of Alpiq Anlagentechnik).