NOL posts 1Q 2016 net loss of US$105 million amidst deteriorating freight rates environment

NOL Group today reported a 1Q 2016 net loss after tax of US$105 million. 1Q 2016 Core EBIT (Earnings before Interest, Taxes and Non-Recurring Items) was a loss of US$84 million. Core EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation) remained positive at US$18 million in the first quarter of 2016.

"Worsening overcapacity of shipping tonnage in 2015 hit the industry well into first quarter 2016. Freight rates which declined across major trade lanes to historic low are expected to remain weak in the face of slower demand growth," said NOL Group President and CEO Ng Yat Chung.

Against a backdrop of weak global demand and excess capacity in the industry, APL's first quarter year-on-year volume fell 6% due mainly to weak backhaul volume, while average freight rates fell 23% during the same period. As a result, APL's 1Q 2016 revenue contracted 29% from the year before to US$1.14 billion.

In this challenging environment, APL maintained prudent management of its deployed capacity, keeping its headhaul asset utilisation rate above 90%. APL also stayed focused on its rigorous cost management and yield-focused trade strategy that emphasised network rationalisation and better cargo selection.

In the first quarter of 2016, APL achieved cost savings of US$60 million. Coupled with savings through a lower bunker price, APL's total cost of sales per forty-foot-equivalent unit (FEU) reduced by 16% year-on-year.
 

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