In spite of the sustained economical crisis and the associated difficult market situation, at the end of the third quarter of 2009 Alpiq is able to post a good result. The EBITDA at CHF 1.126 billion (+1.5 percent) and the EBIT at CHF 785 million (+0.5 percent) lie above the excellent levels of the previous year. The net turnover of CHF 10.7 billion decreased by 10.2 percent. The Group profit stands at CHF 496 million (-3.9 percent). All comparisons made at the end of September 2009 have been based on the pro-forma consolidation for 2008 of the merged activities of Atel, EOS and Emosson.
Excellent generation conditions in Switzerland The excellent generation conditions in Switzerland and the good performance of the power stations in Central Europe have contributed positively to the results. Also it was possible to increase the contributions from the Business Units in South Eastern Europe, in particular Romania, and from asset trading. The sales business units in France and Spain worked successfully.
On the other hand, the declining sales volume and lower prices in all European markets had a negative effect on the turnovers and results. Furthermore, the drop-out of a significant counterparty in the Czech Republic and the costs for the prescribed regulatory system services in Switzerland had a negative influence.
The Energy Services segment continues to enjoy a very good order situation. On the other hand, as a result of the economic situation there is significantly higher pressure on margins.
Challenging underlying conditions Alpiq anticipates continuing challenging underlying conditions for the remaining months of 2009, both in the Energy and Energy Services segments. Furthermore, the fourth quarter of the previous year benefitted from the release of accruals that were no longer required. Hence, for the full financial year 2009, Alpiq still anticipates lower results than in the corresponding pro-forma account for the preceding year.
Further information: www.alpiq.com/finance/reports