Development in the first half of 2019
- Positive momentum from the market and competitive environment as well as from timetable measures and expansion of supply.
- Punctuality at the level of the first half of 2018.
- Revenues and operating profit continue to improve.
DB Long-Distance | H1 | Change | |||
2019 | 2018 | absolute | % | ||
Punctuality (rail) (%) | 77.2 | 77.4 | – | – | |
Passengers (rail) (million) | 71.8 | 70.9 | + 0.9 | + 1.3 | |
Passengers (long-distance bus) (million) | 0.3 | 0.3 | – | – | |
Volume sold (rail) (million pkm) | 20,894 | 20,615 | + 279 | + 1.4 | |
Volume sold (long-distance bus) (million pkm) | 83.0 | 82.7 | + 0.3 | + 0.4 | |
Volume produced | 73.0 | 71.0 | + 2.0 | + 2.8 | |
Load factor % | 53.3 | 54.6 | – | – | |
Total revenues (€ million) | 2,392 | 2,255 | + 137 | + 6.1 | |
External revenues (€ million) | 2,310 | 2,177 | + 133 | + 6.1 | |
EBITDA adjusted (€ million) | 367 | 328 | + 39 | + 11.9 | |
EBIT adjusted (€ million) | 224 | 206 | + 18 | + 8.7 | |
Gross capital expenditures (€ million) | 169 | 380 | – 211 | – 55.5 | |
Employees as of Jun 30 (FTE) | 16,938 | 16,432 | + 506 | + 3.1 | |
By the end of May, it was possible to increase punctuality compared to the first half of 2018 due to the implementation of measures from the Agenda for a Better Railway. However, punctuality was only on a par with the first half of 2018 overall due to the weather-related difficulties in June.
The performance development in rail transport was predominantly positive:
- The number of passengers and the volume sold in - creased, mainly as a result of timetable measures and the extension of offers. Economic stimuli and the absence of storm effects from the first half of 2018 also had a positive effect. In contrast, high levels of construction activity in the network slowed down development.
- The increase in volume produced also resulted mainly from the expansion. The Berlin—Munich line, the Sylt route and the Essen — Stuttgart line were the main drivers.
- Despite the increase in capacity due to the expansion of supply, the load factor remained almost stable.
In bus transport, supply adjustments and growth on individual lines led to a slightly positive overall performance. The economic development is pleasing: the operating profit development improved as a result of the significant increase in revenues.
- Revenues developed better due to pricing and performance. Supportive effects also resulted from the positive economic environment.
- The increase in other operating income (+12.4%/€ +11 million) is essentially due to the sale of vehicles and compensation for damage.
On the expense side, there were noticeable additional charges:
- The increase in cost of materials (+5.4%/€ +69 million) was mainly driven by price and performance-related higher infrastructure expenses (most of all for train paths and energy) and maintenance services.
- The increased personnel expenses (+8.0%/€ +38 million) resulted from tariff increases and a higher number of employees.
- Other operating expenses (+1.5%/€ +4 million) also increased. This was mainly due to higher expenses for vehicle rentals and IT services.
- The significant increase in depreciation (+17.2%/€ +21 million) is mainly attributable to the ICE4 and IC 2 trains procured in the previous year.
Capital expenditure activity fell significantly. The temporary cessation of the acceptance of ICE4 trains and interim interruption of the redesign of ICE 3 trains in particular had an impact in this area.
The number of employees as of June 30, 2019 is performance-driven and increased based on implementation of measures for improvement of service, comfort and quality.