Amstelveen,
18
February
2016
|
07:15
Europe/Amsterdam

Air France KLM - Full Year 2015 Results.

Summary

FULL YEAR 2015

  • Revenues of 26.1 billion euros, up 4.6%, down 3.2% like-for-like[1]
  • EBITDA[2] of 2,447 million euros, a reported increase of 858 million euros and up 576 million euros like-for-like
  • Operating result of 816 million euros, up 945 million euros and up 698 million euros like-for-like; net income of 118 million euros
  • Unit costs[3] down 0.6% like-for-like
  • Significant reduction in net debt2, from 5.4 billion euros at end 2014 down to 4.3 billion euros at 31 December 2015

 

[1] Like-for-like: excluding currency and September 2014 pilot strike impact (425 million euros in operating result). Same definition applies in rest of press release unless otherwise stated.

 

[2] See definition in appendix

[3] On a constant currency, fuel-price and pension related basis. See computation in appendix

FOURTH QUARTER 2015

  • Revenues of 6.3 billion euros, up 2.2%, down 3.4% like-for-like.
  • Negative impact on revenues of the Paris terrorist attacks estimated at 120 million euros
  • EBITDA of 551 million euros, up 188 million euros like-for-like
  • Operating result of 150 million euros, up 284 million euros like-for-like

OUTLOOK

  • High level of uncertainty regarding fuel price and unit revenue due to geopolitical context and industry capacity environment
  • Impact of fuel savings on P&L expected to be significantly offset by downward pressure on unit revenue and negative currency impacts
  • Continued progress in unit cost reduction targeted between 0.8% and 1.2% in 2016
  • Free operating cash flow generation after disposals between 0.6 billion euros and EUR 1.0 billion euros in 2016
  • Further significant net debt reduction

The Board of Directors of Air France-KLM, chaired by Alexandre de Juniac, met on 17 February 2016 to approve the accounts for Full Year 2015.

We are very pleased to post positive results and a reduced net debt for the Group in 2015, reflecting the efforts of all the staff and the loyalty of our passengers. The measures deployed with Transform 2015 have paid off and we are delivering the strategy implemented in the Perform 2020 plan, with focused growth in long haul, E&M and the European low-cost operations while restructuring loss-making businesses and reducing unit costs. In spite of the favorable environment created by lower fuel prices, we will not reduce our ambition to improve our competitive position while economic and geopolitical uncertainties remain high.
Alexandre de Juniac, Chairman and CEO of Air France-KLM

Key data

 

Fourth quarter

Full Year

2015

2014

Change

2015

2014

Change

Passengers (thousands)

21,323

21,047

+1.3%

89,821

87,358

+2.8%

Capacity (EASK m)

81,639

81,565

+0.1%

337,993

332,602

+1.6%

Revenues (€m)

6,346

6,212

+2.2%

26,059

24,912

+4.6%

Change like-for-like (%)

 

 

-3.4%

 

 

-3.2%

EBITDAR (€m)

816

543

+273

3,474

2,462

+1,012

EBITDA (€m)

551

316

+235

2,447

1,589

+858

EBITDA margin

8.7%

5.1%

+3.6 pt

9.4%

6.4%

+3.0 pt

EBITDA change like-for-like (€m)

 

 

+188

 

 

+906

Operating result (€m)

150

-169

319

816

-129

945

Operating margin

2.4%

-2.7%

+5.1 pt

3.1%

-0.5%

+3.6 pt

Operating result like-for-like (€m)

 

 

+284

 

 

+698

Net result, group share (€m)

276

308

-32

118

-225

+343

Restated net result, group share (€m)

23

-307

+330

220

-540

+760

Earnings per share (€)

0.93

1.07

-0.14

0.34

-0.75

+1.09

Diluted earnings per share (€)

0.93

0.78

+0.15

0.34

-0.75

+1.09

Adjusted earnings per share (€)

0.77

-1.03

+1.80

0.68

-1.82

+2.50

Diluted adjusted earnings per share (€)

0.77

-1.03

+1.80

0.68

-1.82

+2.50

Operating free cash flow (€m)

73

-101

+174

606

-164

+770

Net debt at end of period (€m)

 

 

 

4,307

5,407

-1,100

The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been revised as of 1st January 2015 in order to improve their clarity. The changes are:

  • In view of its rapid development, Transavia is now presented as a separate business segment. The passenger business segment is thus renamed from “passenger” to “passenger network”.
  • Capitalized production costs are no longer deducted from individual cost lines in the profit and loss statement, but are instead fully allocated to the “Other income and expenses” line. The impact per quarter of this restatement is provided in the appendix.
  • Foreign currency effects on provisions are no longer recorded in “Amortization, depreciation and provisions” but in “Other financial income and expenses”. The closing exchange rate is used to convert provisions at the closing date. Previously, the Group used the average rate of the US dollar to convert maintenance provisions. The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014 have been restated for reason of comparison. The impact of this restatement is provided in the appendix.
  • The costs of temporary staff are no longer recorded in “External expenses” but in “Salaries and related costs”.

Full year 2015

Full Year 2015 total revenues stood at 26.1 billion euros versus 24.9 billion euros in 2014, up 4.6%. Corrected for the strike impact, revenues increased by 2.5% mainly as a result of a strong currency tailwind. Total revenues were down 3.2% like-for-like.

The Fourth Quarter 2015 results were affected by the Paris terrorist attacks in November. The estimated impact in the Fourth Quarter 2015 revenues was 120 million euros.

Total operating costs were up +0.8% year-on-year and 5.8% lower on a like-for-like basis. Ex-fuel, they increased by 3.5% and by 1.1% on a like-for-like basis. Unit cost per EASK was reduced by 0.6%, on a constant currency, fuel price and pension basis, against capacity measured in EASK up by +0.2%, corrected for the strike.

The 2015 fuel bill amounted to 6,183 million euros, down 6.7% and 22.3% like-for-like. Based on the forward curve at 5 February 2016, the Full Year 2016 fuel bill could amount to 4.5 billion euros[1]

Total employee costs including temporary staff were up 2.8% to 7,852 million euros. They included a non-cash increase of 139 million euros in pension related expenses at KLM due to changes in actuarial assumptions (lower discount rate). On a constant scope and pension expense basis and adjusted for the strike, they increased by 0.7%. Excluding the profIt sharing scheme, net employee costs decreased by 0.2%.

In Full Year 2015, the positive currency impact on revenues reached 1,510 million euros. In spite of the higher profits on currency hedging, the negative impact on costs reached 1,688 million euros. The net impact of currencies on the operating result thus amounted to a negative 178 million euros.

EBITDAR amounted to 3,474 million euros, a reported increase of 1,012 million euros. Like-for-like, EBITDAR increased by 585 million euros, mainly driven by good second half trading. Over the Full Year 2015, 30% of the savings achieved on the fuel bill were retained; positive 1,721 million euros excluding currency was partially offset by pressure on unit revenues (negative 1,028 million euros excluding currency) and currency impacts (negative 178 million euros).

EBITDA amounted to 2,447 million euros, an increase of 858 million euros. Like-for-like, EBITDA increased by 576 million euros, mainly as a result of the strong Passenger network performance, which improved by 625 million euros like-for-like over the full year.

 

Full Year

EBITDA per business (€m)

2015

2014ex strike

Change like-for-like

Passenger network

2,124

1,617

+625

Cargo

-210

-126

-43

Maintenance

453

464

-49

Transavia

2

-8

+41

Other

78

67

+2

Total

2,447

2,014

+576

Full Year 2015 EBITDA improved by 341 million euros like-for-like at Air France and 221 million euros like-for-like at KLM. EBITDA margins were up at both airlines, reaching 9.3% at Air France and 9.2% at KLM.

 

Full Year

EBITDA per airline (€m)

2015

2014ex strike

Change like-for-like

Air France

1,525

1,282

+341

EBITDA margin

9.3%

8.0%

+1.1 pt

KLM

911

722

+221

EBITDA margin

9.2%

7.5%

+1.9 pt

Other/ eliminations

11

9

+14

Total

2,447

2,014

+576

The Full Year 2015 operating result stood at 816 million euros versus -129 million euros in 2014, a 945 million euro increase. Like-for-like, the operating result increased by 698 million euros, corrected for the strike (impact of 425 million euros) and currency effects (negative impact of 178 million euros).

The net result, group share stood at 118 million euros against a loss of 225 million euros a year ago. It included notably the non-current result related to the capital gain on the sale of Amadeus shares (+218 million euros) and the London Heathrow slots (+230 million euros), offset by the change in value of the hedging portfolio (-225 million euros), the unrealized foreign exchange loss (-360 million euros) and restructuring costs (-159 million euros). On an adjusted basis, the net result, group share stood at 220 million euros against -540 million euros in 2014, an 760 million euro increase.

Earnings and diluted earnings per share stood at 0.34 euros (-0.75 euros in 2014), and at0.68 euros on an adjusted basis (-1.82 euros in 2014). The Board of Directors decided not to submit a proposed dividend distribution to the next Annual General Meeting.

The return on capital employed2 (ROCE) increased by 3.4 points to 8.6% at year end 2015.

[1] 2016 average Brent price of USD 37, average jet fuel market price of USD 365 per ton, assuming average exchange rate of 1.10 USD per euro for January-December 2016.

Fourth Quarter 2015

In the Fourth Quarter 2015, total revenues stood at 6.3 billion euros versus 6.2 billion euros in 2014, up 2.2%, but down -3.4% on a like-for-like basis. Currencies had a positive 276 million euro impact on revenues, primarily due to the strengthening of the dollar against the euro.

EBITDAR stood at 816 million euros, up by 273 million euros versus 2014. EBITDA amounted to 551 million euros, up by 235 million euros. On a like-for-like basis, EBITDA increased by 188 million euros, primarily driven by the strong increase of the passenger network performance.

The operating result stood at 150 million euros versus -169 million euros in 2014. Currencies had a 59 million euro negative impact on the operating result in Fourth Quarter 2015.

Passenger network[1]

Passenger network

Full Year 2015

Full Year 2014

Change

Change

like-for-like

Passengers (thousands)

79,016

77,450

+2.0%

 

Capacity (ASK m)

276,899

270,789

+2.3%

+0.7%

Traffic (RPK m)

235,715

229,347

+2.8%

+1.2%

Load factor

85.1%

84.7%

+0.4 pt

+0.4 pt

Total passenger revenues (€m)

20,541

19,570

+5.0%

-2.6%

Scheduled passenger revenues (€m)*

19,707

18,740

+5.2%

-2.6%

Unit revenue per ASK (€ cts)

7.12

6.92

+2.8%

-3.3%

Unit revenue per RPK (€ cts)

8.36

8.17

+2.3%

-3.7%

Unit cost per ASK (€ cts)

6.81

6.95

-2.0%

-6.7%

Operating result (€m)

842

-83

+925

+687

Of which long-haul (estimated)

1,140

740

+400

 

Of which medium-haul hub feeding (est.)

-230

-320

+90

 

Of which medium-haul point-to-point (est.)

-70

-120

+50

 

* FY 2014 restated for change in revenue allocation (45 million euros transferred from “other passenger” to “scheduled passenger revenues”)

Full Year 2015 total passenger revenues amounted to 20,541 million euros, up 5.0% and down 2.6% like-for-like. The operating result of the passenger business stood at 842 million euros, versus a loss of 83 million euros over the Full Year 2014, an increase of 925 million euros. Like-for-like, the operating result improved by 687 million euros.

The Group maintained its strict capacity discipline, increasing total passenger capacity by 0.7% excluding the strike impact. Unit revenue per Available Seat Kilometer (RASK) remained volatile, up 2.0% in nominal value strike corrected and down by 3.3% on a like-for-like basis.

On the long-haul network, the capacity measured in ASKs was up 3.0%, while unit revenue was down 4.4% excluding currency impact, affected by the capacity-demand imbalances observed on different parts of the network, and by the large drop in demand out of Brazil and Japan. In addition, several routes were affected by travel budget reductions implemented by oil and gas related customers, notably to Africa. Nevertheless, the estimated long-haul operating result was up 400 million euros to 1,140 million euros.

As planned, medium-haul point-to-point capacity (excluding the Paris and Amsterdam hubs) was further reduced by 11.5%, leading to a significant improvement in unit revenue of +7.0% like-for-like contributing to the improvement of the point-to-point operating result by 50 million euros. The medium-haul feeding activity (the Paris and Amsterdam hubs) unit revenues decreased by 1.6% like-for-like. The medium-haul hub feeding estimated operating result stood at a loss of 230 million euros, an improvement of 90 million euros versus Full Year 2014.

The unit cost per Available Seat Kilometer (CASK) was further reduced by 6.7% like-for-like. Excluding the positive impact of the fuel bill and the additional pension charges, the CASK decreased by 0.5% over the year.

Over the Full Year 2016, the Group will maintain its strict capacity discipline in the passenger business, with planned stable capacity.

Passenger network

Q4 2015

Q4 2014

Change

Change

Like-for-like

Passengers (thousands)

19,156

19,095

+0.3%

 

Capacity (ASK m)

67,636

67,019

+0.9%

+0.9%

Traffic (RPK m)

56,719

55,763

+1.7%

+1.7%

Load factor

83.9%

83.2%

+0.7 pt

+0.7 pt

Total passenger revenues (€m)

4,983

4,861

+2.5%

-2.7%

Scheduled passenger revenues (€m)*

4,787

4,648

+3.0%

-2.3%

Unit revenue per ASK (€ cts)

7.08

6.94

+2.1%

-3.2%

Unit revenue per RPK (€ cts)

8.44

8.34

+1.3%

-4.0%

Unit cost per ASK (€ cts)

6.85

7.19

-4.8%

-9.9%

Operating result (€m)

156

-171

+327

+292

* Q4 2014 restated for change in revenue allocation (16 million euros transferred from “other passenger” to “scheduled passenger revenues”)

In the Fourth Quarter of 2015, passenger revenues amounted to 4,983 million euros, up 2.5%, but down 2.7% like-for-like. The revenues were impacted by the terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015, with an estimated negative impact of 120 million euros. The operating result of the passenger business stood at 156 million euros, versus -171 million euros in the same period last year, up 327 million euros on a reported basis and up 292 million euros like-for-like.

Unit revenue per Available Seat Kilometer (RASK) increased by 2.1% and decreased by 3.2% like-for-like.

Cargo business

Cargo

Full Year 2015

Full Year 2014

Change

Change

Like-for-like

Tons (thousands)

1,206

1,303

-7.5%

 

Capacity (ATK m)

14,908

15,608

-4.5%

-5.8%

Traffic (RTK m)

9,008

9,843

-8.5%

-10.0%

Load factor

60.4%

63.1%

-2.6 pt

-2.7 pt

Total external revenues (€m)

2,425

2,681

-9.5%

-17.4%

Scheduled cargo revenues (€m)

2,263

2,509

-9.8%

-17.8%

Unit revenue per ATK (€ cts)

15.18

16.08

-5.6%

-12.8%

Unit revenue per RTK (€ cts)

25.12

25.49

-1.4%

-8.8%

Unit cost per ATK (€ cts)

16.82

17.43

-3.5%

-10.8%

Operating result (€m)

-245

-212

-33

-14

The Group continued to restructure its Cargo activity to address weak global trade from/to Europe and structural air cargo industry overcapacity. During Full Year 2015, full-freighter capacity was reduced by more than 23%, leading to a strike-adjusted decrease in total capacity of 5.8%. Revenue per Available Ton Kilometer (ATK) was down by 12.8% like-for-like, reflecting the persistently weak demand.

Cargo unit cost was down 10.8% like-for-like, as a result of the lower fuel price and of the good cost performance. Unit cost excluding fuel price and currency was down 2.5% in spite of the capacity reduction. Headcount was reduced by 8.8% over the course of the year.

Within the framework of Perform 2020, the Group phased out 5 full-freighters during 2015 and plans to operate only 5 full-freighters by summer 2016. This reduction should enable the full-freighter business to return to operating breakeven in 2017. The loss for the full-freighter activity was reduced to 42 million euro, a significant decrease by 55 million euros during Full year 2015.

Cargo

Q4 2015

Q4 2014

Change

Change

Like-for-like

Tons (thousands)

309

334

-7.7%

 

Capacity (ATK m)

3,631

3,944

-7.9%

-7.9%

Traffic (RTK m)

2,297

2,546

-9.8%

-9.8%

Load factor

63.3%

64.6%

-1.3 pt

-1.3 pt

Total Cargo revenues (€m)

612

714

-14.3%

-19.5%

Scheduled cargo revenues (€m)

567

676

-16.1%

-21.3%

Unit revenue per ATK (€ cts)

15.62

17.14

-8.9%

-14.6%

Unit revenue per RTK (€ cts)

24.68

26.55

-7.0%

-12.8%

Unit cost per ATK (€ cts)

16.25

17.90

-9.2%

-14.9%

Operating result (€m)

-23

-31

+8

+9

In the Fourth Quarter of 2015, cargo revenues amounted to 612 million euros, down 14.3%. On a like-for-like basis, revenue were down by 19.5% and unit revenue per Available Ton Kilometer (RATK) decreased by 14.6%.

The Group continued its efforts to reduce unit costs, down 14.9% on a like-for-like basis. The operating result improved by 9 million euros like-for-like.

Maintenance

Maintenance

Full Year 2015

Full Year 2014

Change

Change

Like-for-like

Total revenues (€m)

4,012

3,392

+18.3%

 

Third party revenues (€m)

1,577

1,251

+26.1%

7.3%

Operating result (€m)

214

174

+40

-20

Operating margin (%)

5.3%

5.1%

+0.2 pt

-0.8 pt

Full Year 2015 third party maintenance revenues amounted to 1,577 million euros, up 26.1% and by 7.3% like-for-like. Revenues benefited not only from the strong dollar relative to the euro and from the contracts gained in previous years.

Over the period, the Group recorded a 12% increase in its order book to 8.4 billion dollars, including significant contract wins with contracts for GE90 engines and B787 components.

The operating result amounted to 214 million euros, up 40 million, corresponding to an operating margin of 5.3%. Like-for-like, the operating results decreased by 20 million euros.

Maintenance

Q4 2015

Q4 2014

Change

Change

Like-for-like

Total revenues (€m)

1,080

919

+17.5%

 

Third party revenues (€m)

429

356

+20.5%

6.0%

Operating result (€m)

47

61

-14

-23

Operating margin (%)

4.4%

6.6%

-2.3 pt

-2.7 pt

In the Fourth Quarter of 2015, third party maintenance revenues were 429 million euros, up 20.5% and up 6.0% like-for-like. The operating result decreased by 14 million euros to 47 million euros.

Transavia

Transavia

Full Year 2015

Full Year 2014*

Change

Passengers (thousands)

10,805

9,908

+9.1%

Capacity (ASK m)

22,432

21,299

+5.3%

Traffic (RPK m)

20,169

19,136

+5.4%

Load factor

89.9%

89.8%

+0.1 pt

Total passenger revenues (€m)

1,099

1,056

+4.1%

Scheduled passenger revenues (€m)

1,086

1,046

+3.8%

Unit revenue per ASK (€ cts)

4.84

4.92

-1.6%

Unit revenue per RPK (€ cts)

5.38

5.48

-1.7%

Unit cost per ASK (€ cts)

5.00

5.09

-1.8%

Operating result (€m)

-35

-36

+1

* FY 2014 restated for change in revenue allocation (45 million euros transferred from “other passenger” to “scheduled passenger revenues”)

In the Full Year 2015, as planned within the Perform 2020 framework, Transavia capacity was up by 5.3%, reflecting the accelerated development in France (capacity up by 24.6%) and the ongoing repositioning in the Netherlands (with scheduled capacity up 17% and charter capacity down 13%). Traffic rose by 5.4% and passengers approached 11 million. The load factor remained high (89.9%, up 0.1 point) despite the strong increase in capacity.

Total revenues stood at 1,099 million euros, up 4.1%. Unit revenue per ASK decreased by 1.6% while unit cost per ASK decreased by 1.8%. The operating result was -35 million euros, up 1 million euro.

The development of Transavia will further accelerate in 2016 with overall ASK + 15%, with the main contributions being the growth in capacity in Transavia France and the opening of the new Munich base in March 2016, starting with 4 B737-aircraft serving 18 destinations.

Transavia

Q4 2015

Q4 2014*

Change

Passengers (thousands)

2,167

1,952

+11.0%

Capacity (ASK m)

4,592

4,316

+6.4%

Traffic (RPK m)

4,006

3,794

+5.6%

Load factor

87.2%

87.9%

-0.7 pt

Total passenger revenues (€m)

207

193

+7.2%

Scheduled passenger revenues (€m)

205

191

+7.3%

Unit revenue per ASK (€ cts)

4.45

4.47

-0.4%

Unit revenue per RPK (€ cts)

5.10

5.09

+0.3%

Unit cost per ASK (€ cts)

5.25

5.25

+0.1%

Operating result (€m)

-37

-34

-3

* Q4 2014 restated for change in revenue allocation (10 million euros transferred from “other passenger” to “scheduled passenger revenues”)

In the Fourth Quarter of 2015, Transavia capacity was up 6.4%. Traffic rose by 5.6% resulting in a load factor decrease of 0.7 point to 87.2%. Unit revenue per ASK was down 0.4%. Transavia’s total revenue stood at 207 million euros, up 7.2%. The operating result was -37 million euros, down 3 million euros year-on-year.

Other business: Catering

Catering

Full Year 2015

Full Year 2014

Change

Total revenues (€m)

947

871

+8.7%

Third party revenues (€m)

374

311

+20.3%

EBITDA (€m)

62

42

+20

Operating result (€m)

37

18

+19

In Full Year 2015, third party catering revenues amounted to 374 million euros, up 20.3%, reflecting the signature of new contracts and the launch of new operations in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The operating result stood at 37 million euros, up 19 million euros.

Financial situation

In € million

Full Year 2015

Full Year 2014

Change

Cash flow before change in WCR and Voluntary Departure Plans, continued operations

+1,997

+1,039

+958

Cash out related to Voluntary Departure Plans

-172

-154

-18

Change in Working Capital Requirement (WCR)

+75

+113

-38

Operating cash flow

+1,900

+998

+902

Net investments before sale & lease-back

-1,294

-1,360

+66

Cash received through sale & lease-back transactions

-

+198

-198

Net investments after sale & lease-back

-1,294

-1,162

-132

Operating free cash flow

+606

-164

+770

Of which intangible asset disposal (LHR slots)

+246

-

+246

Adjusted operating free cash flow

+360

-164

+524

In Full Year 2015, the operating cash flow before change in working capital requirement (WCR) and cash out related to Voluntary Departure Plans increased by 958 million euros to 1,997 million euros, .

The Group disbursed 172 million euros for Voluntary Departure Plans. The change in WCR contributed 75 million euros to operating cash flow. Net investments stood at 1,294 million euros, including the disposal of the London Heathrow slots amounting to 246 million euros. Excluding the slots, net investments stood at 1,540, an increase of 378 million euros.

As a result, operating free cash flow amounted to 606 million euros, versus a negative 164 million euros a year earlier.

Operating free cash flow does not include free cash flow from financial investments, including the cash-in of 327 million euros from the sale of Amadeus shares in January and the hybrid bond transaction in April raising 600 million euros.

Net debt amounted to 4.3 billion euros at 31 December 2015, versus 5.4 billion euros at 31 December 2014. The 12 months trailing adjusted net debt / EBITDAR ratio stood at 3.3x at 31 December 2015 compared to 4.0x at 31 December 2014 excluding strike impact.

The balance sheet pension situation moved from a net liability of 710 million euros at 31 December 2014 to a net liability of 222 million euros at 31 December 2015, an improvement of 488 million euros as a result of changes in actuarial assumptions (pension indexation) and 10 year discount rate (1.65% to 1.80%).

The Group continues to enjoy a good level of liquidity, with net cash of 3.8 billion euros at 31 December 2015, and undrawn credit lines of 1.78 billion euros that were renewed in 2015.

Outlook

The Group is currently deploying all the operational initiatives planned within the framework of the strategic plan Perform 2020:

  • The continuous development of the passenger network business based on an upgraded product offer, an increased customer focus, a stronger positioning of brands and the reinforcement of strategic partnerships.
  • The further optimization of its Air France point-to-point operations, with the creation of a single structure, aiming at a return to operating breakeven by 2017.
  • A new step in the accelerated development in the European leisure market, under the Transavia brand, growing by 20% on the French market in 2016 and the opening of the new Munich base in March 2016 with 101 weekly flights throughout the 2016 summer season
  • The finalisation of the cargo repositioning with a fleet reduced to 5 full-freighter as per June 2016
  • The continuous development of the maintenance business

In parallel, a structured approach to achieve unit cost reduction is being deployed across all entities of the Group, and cost reduction initiatives are being rolled out.

The global context in 2016 remains highly uncertain regarding fuel prices, the continuation of the overcapacity situation on several markets and the geopolitical and economic context in which we operate. In consequence, the Group expects the expected savings on the fuel bill to be significantly offset by unit revenue pressure and negative currency impacts.

Under these conditions, the Group is expecting for 2016:

  • Free operating cash flow generation after disposals between 0.6 billion euros and 1.0 billion euros. The 2016 investment plan (between 1.6 billion euros and 2.0 billion euros) and disposals programme (between 0.2 billion euros and 0.5 billion euros) will be adjusted depending upon operating cashflow generation
  • 2016 unit cost reduction target around 1%
  • Further significant reduction in net debt

Based on current market conditions and without any major adverse event, the Group is retaining its unit cost reduction target being an average of 1.5% per year, amending the related period from 2015-2017 to 2016-2018.

The Group is maintaining its medium term financial targets:

  • Adjusted net debt2/EBITDAR ratio of around 2.5 by end 2017
  • Base businesses to consistently generate annual positive free cash flow
  • ROCE of 9% to 11% in 2017

.

*****

The audit procedures for the consolidated accounts have taken place. The certification report will be published following the completion of procedures necessary for the filing of the Registration Document.

The results presentation is available at www.airfranceklm.com on 18 February 2016 from 7:15am CET.

A press conference will be held on 18 February 2016 at 10.30 CET at the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel hotel, 18, avenue de Suffren (75015 Paris).

A live webcast of the press conference will also be available on the website (password AFKL).

[1] Air France, KLM and HOP!. Transavia is reported in its own business segment.

INCOME STATEMENTS

 

 

Fourth Quarter

Full Year

 

In million euros

2015

2014*

Change

2015

2014*

Change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales

6,346

6,212

2.2%

26,059

24,912

4.6%

Other revenues

2

1

100%

3

18

-83%

External Expenses

-3,812

-3,890

-2.0%

-15,682

-15,171

3.4%

Aircraft fuel

-1,363

-1,703

-20%

-6,183

-6,629

-6.7%

Chartering costs

-105

-109

-3.7%

-430

-438

-1.8%

Landing fees and en route charges

-469

-455

3.1%

-1,947

-1,840

5.8%

Catering

-161

-147

9.5%

-655

-591

11%

Handling charges and other operating costs

-389

-377

3.2%

-1,536

-1,476

4.1%

Aircraft maintenance costs

-715

-480

49%

-2,372

-1,729

37%

Commercial and distribution costs

-193

-205

-5.9%

-896

-870

3.0%

Other external expenses

-417

-414

0.7%

-1,663

-1,598

4.1%

Salaries and related costs

-1,980

-1,891

4.7%

-7,852

-7,636

2.8%

Taxes other than income taxes

-37

-39

-5.1%

-167

-169

-1.2%

Other income and expenses

297

150

98%

1,113

508

119%

EBITDAR

816

543

50%

3,474

2,462

41%

Aircraft operating lease costs

-265

-227

17%

-1,027

-873

17%

EBITDA

551

316

74%

2,447

1,589

54%

Amortization, depreciation and provisions

-401

-485

-17%

-1,631

-1,718

-5.1%

Income from current operations

150

-169

NA

816

-129

NA

Sales of aircraft equipment

-2

5

NA

-6

0

NA

Sales of subsidiaries

0

0

NA

224

185

21%

Other non-current income and expenses

217

805

-73%

81

695

NA

Income from operating activities

365

641

-43%

1,115

751

48%

Income from cash and cash equivalents

16

19

-16%

63

76

-17%

Cost of financial debt

-82

-109

-25%

-373

-446

-16%

Net cost of financial debt

-66

-90

-27%

-310

-370

-16%

Foreign exchange gains (losses), net

-40

-20

-100%

-360

-199

-81%

Change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities

46

54

-15%

-178

-92

-94%

Other financial income and expenses

0

-31

NA

-67

-68

-1.5%

Income before tax

305

554

-45%

200

22

808%

Income taxes

-29

-216

-87%

-43

-195

-78%

Net income of consolidated companies

276

338

-18%

157

-173

NA

Share of profits (losses) of associates

4

-24

NA

-30

-39

23%

Income from continuing operations

280

314

-11%

127

-212

NA

Net income from discontinued operations

0

0

NA

0

-4

NA

Net income for the period

280

314

-11%

127

-216

NA

Minority interest

-4

-6

-33%

-9

-9

0.0%

Net income for the period - Group

276

308

-10%

118

-225

NA

               

* Restated, see page 17

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

Assets

In million euros

December 31,

2015

December 31, 2014*

Goodwill

247

243

Intangible assets

1,018

1,009

Flight equipment

8,743

8,728

Other property, plant and equipment

1,670

1,750

Investments in equity associates

118

139

Pension assets

1,773

1,409

Other financial assets

1,224

1,502

Deferred tax assets

702

1,042

Other non-current assets

295

243

Total non-current assets

15,790

16,065

Assets held for sale

4

3

Other short-term financial assets

967

787

Inventories

532

538

Trade accounts receivables

1,800

1,728

Other current assets

1,138

961

Cash and cash equivalents

3,104

3,159

Total current assets

7,545

7,176

Total assets

23,335

23,241

* Restated, see page 17

Liabilities and equity

In million euros

December 31,

2015

December 31, 2014*

Issued capital

300

300

Additional paid-in capital

2,971

2,971

Treasury shares

(85)

(86)

Perpetual

600

-

Reserves and retained earnings

(3,561)

(3,877)

Equity attributable to equity holders of Air France-KLM

225

(692)

Non-controlling interests

48

39

Total Equity

273

(653)

Pension provisions

1,995

2,119

Other provisions

1,513

1,404

Long-term debt

7,060

7,994

Deferred tax liabilities

11

14

Other non-current liabilities

484

536

Total non-current liabilities

11,063

12,067

Provisions

742

731

Current portion of long-term debt

2,017

1,885

Trade payables

2,395

2,444

Deferred revenue on ticket sales

2,515

2,429

Frequent flyer programs

760

759

Other current liabilities

3,567

3,330

Bank overdrafts

3

249

Total current liabilities

11,999

11,827

Total liabilities

23,062

23,894

Total equity and liabilities

23,335

23,241

* Restated, see page 17

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS  

In million euros

2015

2014*

Net income from continuing operations

127

(212)

Net income from discontinued operations

-

(4)

Amortization, depreciation and operating provisions

1,631

1,725

Financial provisions

59

68

Result on disposals of tangible and intangible assets

(224)

(19)

Result on disposals of subsidiaries and associates

(224)

(184)

Derivatives – non monetary result

91

73

Unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses, net

294

163

Share of (profits) losses of associates

30

39

Deferred taxes

4

158

Impairment

5

114

Other non-monetary items

32

(1,042)

Subtotal

1,825

879

Of which discontinued operations

-

(6)

(Increase) / decrease in inventories

36

(24)

(Increase) / decrease in trade receivables

(55)

98

Increase / (decrease) in trade payables

(62)

29

Change in other receivables and payables

156

10

Change in working capital from discontinued operations

-

20

Net cash flow from operating activities

1,900

1,012

Acquisition of subsidiaries, of shares in non-controlled entities

(7)

(43)

Purchase of property plants, equipments and intangible assets

(1,647)

(1,431)

Proceeds on disposal of subsidiaries, of shares in non-controlled entities

342

354

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

353

269

Dividends received

5

20

Decrease / (increase) in net investments, more than 3 months

(208)

285

Net cash flow used in investing activities of discontinued operations

-

(20)

Net cash flow used in investing activities

(1,162)

(566)

Capital increase

1

-

Perpetual

600

-

Sale of minority interest without change in control

4

-

Issuance of debt

1,077

1,583

Repayment on debt

(1,549)

(2,024)

Payment of debt resulting from finance lease liabilities

(664)

(565)

New loans

(89)

(10)

Repayment on loans

140

36

Dividends paid

(24)

(3)

Net cash flow from financing activities

(504)

(983)

Effect of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts

(43)

(77)

Change in cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts

191

(614)

Cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at beginning of period

2,910

3,518

Cash and cash equivalents and bank overdrafts at end of period

3,101

2,910

* Restated, see page 17

KEY FINANCIAL INDICATORS

EBITDA and EBITDAR

In million euros

Q4 2015

Q4 2014*

FY 2015

FY 2014*

Income/(loss) from current operations

150

(169)

816

(129)

Amortization, depreciation and provisions

401

485

1,631

1,718

EBITDA

551

316

2,447

1,589

Aircraft operating lease costs

(265)

(227)

(1,027)

(873)

EBITDAR

816

543

3,474

2,462

* Restated, see page 17

Adjusted net income

 

Q4 2015

Q4 2014*

FY 2015

FY 2014*

Net income/(loss), Group share (in €m)

276

308

118

(225)

Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations (in €m)

0

0

0

4

Deferred tax linked to legal modification pension plan Netherlands

0

206

206

Unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses, net (in €m)

26

(14)

294

163

Change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities (derivatives) (in €m)

(67)

(61)

91

73

Non-current income and expenses (in €m)

(215)

(810)

(299)

(880)

Depreciation of shares available for sale (in €m)

3

1

16

30

Cargo deferred tax assets (in €m)

0

63

0

89

Adjusted net income/(loss) (in €m)

23

(307)

220

(540)

Adjusted net income/(loss) per share (in €)

0.77

-1.03

0.68

-1.82

* Restated, see page 17

Return on capital employed (ROCE)

In million euros

31 Dec. 2015

31 Dec. 2014*

31 Dec.

2014*

31 Dec. 2013**

Goodwill and intangible assets

1,265

1,252

1,252

1,133

Flight equipment

8,743

8,728

8,728

9,391

Other property, plant and equipment

1,670

1,750

1,750

1,819

Investments in equity associates, excluding Alitalia

118

139

139

177

Other financial assets excluding shares available for sale, marketable securities and financial deposits

225

152

152

129

Provisions, excluding pension, cargo litigation and restructuring

(1,558)

(1,434)

(1,434)

(1,106)

WCR, excluding market value of derivatives

(5,125)

(4,928)

(4,928)

(4,905)

Capital employed on balance sheet

5,338

5,659

5,659

6,638

Average capital employed on balance sheet

5,499

6,149

Capital employed related to flight equipment under operating leases (operating leases x7)

7,189

6,111

Average capital employed (A) excluding Alitalia

12,688

12,260

Operating result, adjusted for operating leases

1,165

168

- Dividends received

(3)

(17)

- Share of profits (losses) of associates, excluding Alitalia

(30)

(39)

- Tax recognized in the adjusted net result

(43)

100

Adjusted result after tax, excluding Alitalia (B)

1,089

212

ROCE, trailing 12 months (B/A)

8.6%

1.7%

Adjusted result after tax, excl. Alitalia, excluding strike (C)

1,089

637

ROCE excluding strike, trailing 12 monhts (C/A)

8.6%

5.2%

* Restated, see page 17

** Restated for IFRIC 21, CityJet reclassified as discontinued operation

Net debt

Balance sheet at

(In million euros)

31 December2015

31 December 2014

Current and non-current financial debt

9,077

9,879

Deposits on aircraft under finance lease

(453)

(584)

Financial assets pledged (OCEANE swap)

(393)

(196)

Currency hedge on financial debt

(40)

(21)

Accrued interest

(95)

(123)

Gross financial debt (A)

8,096

8,955

Cash and cash equivalents

3,104

3,159

Marketable securities

466

73

Cash pledges

18

399

Deposits (bonds)

204

166

Bank overdrafts

(3)

(249)

Net cash (B)

3,789

3,548

Net debt (A) – (B)

4,307

5,407

Adjusted net debt and adjusted net debt/EBITDAR ratio

 

31 December 2015

31 December 2014

Net debt (in €m)

4,307

5,407

Aircraft operating leases x 7 (trailing 12 months, in €m)

7,189

6,111

Adjusted net debt (in €m)

11,496

11,518

EBITDAR (trailing 12 months, in €m)

3,474

2,462

EBITDAR excluding strike (trailing 12 months, in €m)

3,474

2,887

Adjusted net debt/EBITDAR ratio (trailing 12 months)

3.3X

4.7x

Adjusted net debt/EBITDAR ratio, excluding strike (trailing 12 months)

3.3X

4.0x

Operating free cash flow

In million euros

FY 2015

FY 2014

Net cash flow from operating activities

1,900

998

Investment in property, plant, equipment and intangible assets

(1,647)

(1,431)

Proceeds on disposal of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets

353

269

Operating free cash flow excluding discontinued operations

606

(164)

Intangible asset disposal (LHR slots)

(246)

0

Adjusted operating free cash flow excluding discontinued operations

360

(164)

Net cost per EASK

 

Q4 2015

Q4 2014*

FY 2015

FY 2014*

Revenues (in €m)

6,346

6,212

26,059

24,912

Income/(loss) from current operations (in €m)

150

(169)

816

(129)

Total operating expense (in €m)

(6,196)

(6,381)

(25,243)

(25,041)

Passenger network business – other revenues (in €m)**

196

213

834

830

Cargo business – other revenues (in €m)

45

38

162

172

Third-party revenues in the maintenance business (in €m)

429

356

1,577

1,251

Transavia - other revenues (in €m)

2

2

13

10

Third-party revenues of other businesses (in €m)

115

88

417

354

Net cost (in €m)

5,409

5,684

22,240

22,424

Net cost excluding strike (in €m)

 

5,668

 

22,494

Capacity produced, reported in EASK

81,639

81,565

337,993

332,602

Capacity produced, reported in EASK excluding strike

 

 

 

337,352

Net cost per EASK (in € cents per EASK) excluding strike

6.62

6.95

6.58

6.67

Gross change

 

-4.7%

 

-1.3%

Currency effect on net costs (in €m)

 

278

 

1,426

Change at constant currency

 

-9.1%

 

-7.2%

Fuel price effect (in €m)

 

(539)

 

-1,721

Change on a constant currency and fuel price basis

 

-0.1%

 

0.0%

Change in pension-related expenses (in €m)

 

56

 

139

Net cost per EASK on a constant currency, fuel price and pension-related expenses basis (in € cents per EASK)

6.62

6.70

6.58

6.62

Change on a constant currency, fuel price and pension-related expenses basis

 

-1.1%

 

-0.6%

* Restated, see page 17

** Passenger other revenues restated for change in revenue allocation (16 million euros transferred from “other passenger” to “scheduled passenger revenues” in Q4, 45 million euros over the Full Year)

INDIVIDUAL AIRLINE RESULTS

Air France Group

 

FY 2015

FY 2014*

Change

Changelike-for-like

Revenue (€m)

16,477

15,582

+5.7%

-2.8%

EBITDA (€m)

1,525

845

+680

+341

Operating result (€m)

462

-314

+776

+470

Operating margin

2.8%

-2.0%

+4.8 pt

 

Operating cash flow before WCR and restructuring cash out (€m)

1,188

665

+523

 

Operating cash flow (before WCR and restructuring) margin

7.2%

4.3%

+2.9 pt

 

* Restated, see page 17

KLM Group

 

FY 2015

FY 2014*

Change

Changelike-for-like

Revenue (€m)

9,905

9,643

+2.7%

-3.7%

EBITDA** (€m)

911

734

+177

+221

Operating result** (€m)

384

175

+209

+255

Operating margin

3.9%

1.8%

+2.1 pt

 

Operating cash flow before WCR and restructuring cash out (€m)

746

457

+289

 

Operating cash flow (before WCR and restructuring) margin

7.5%

4.7%

+2.8 pt

 

* Restated, see page 17

** KLM EBITDA and operating result are affected by a non-cash increase of 139 million euros in pension-related expenses

NB: Sum of individual airline results does not add up to Air France-KLM total due to intercompany eliminations at Group level.

Restatement of income statement for capitalized costs

To improve the readability of its financial statements, the Group has decided, as from January 1, 2015, to isolate the items relating to capitalized production in a single line of the income statement (within “other income and expenses”) while they had previously been allocated by type of expenditure. The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014 have been restated to facilitate comparison. The impacts of this reclassification on the 2014 income statement are the following:

In million euros

Q1 2014

Q2 2014

Q3 2014

Q4 2014

FY 2014

Aircraft maintenance costs

-84

-90

-96

-103

-373

Other external expenses

-16

-18

-17

-21

-72

Salaries and related costs

-35

-30

-31

-32

-128

Other income and expenses

135

138

145

155

573

Income from current operations

0

0

0

0

0

Modification in the conversion method of provisions in foreign currencies

The Group records provisions for future expenses in foreign currency, primarily for the restitution of aircraft under operating leases. A significant portion of these provisions is made to cover the purchase of spare parts to be purchased in US dollars whatever the functional currency of the entity. To facilitate analysis of the impacts linked to the dollar variation, the Group has decided, with effect from January 1, 2015, to isolate the foreign currency effect on provisions in “Other financial income and expenses” while it had hitherto been recorded in “Amortization, depreciation and provisions”.

Moreover, the closing rate will be used to convert provisions at the closing date. Previously, the Group had used the average rate of the US dollar to convert maintenance provisions. The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2014 have been restated for reasons of comparison. The impacts of this restatement on the income statement are the following:

In million euros

Q4 2014

FY 2014

Other financial income and expenses

-12

-41

Income before tax

-12

-41

Income taxes

+4

+14

Net income for the period

-8

-27

The impacts of this restatement on the balance sheet are the following:

In million euros

1 January 2014

31 December 2014

Deferred tax assets

-3

+11

Total assets

-3

+11

Reserves and retained earnings

+6

-21

Other provisions

-9

+32

Total equity and liabilities

-3

+11

Change in the income statement presentation

The presentation of the income statement has been reviewed and the Group has decided, with effect from January 1, 2015, to integrate the cost of hired staff in “Salaries and related costs”, while it had been recorded in “External expenses”.

In million euros

FY 2014

External expenses

192

Salaries and related costs

-192

Net income for the period

0

GROUP FLEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2015

Aircraft type

AF

(incl. HOP!)

KL

(incl. KLC & Martinair)

Transavia

Owned

Financelease

Operating

lease

Total

In operation

Change / 31/12/14

B747-400

3

22

 

21

1

3

25

25

-3

B777-300

40

10

 

9

22

19

50

50

5

B777-200

25

15

 

16

11

13

40

40

 

B787-9

 

2

 

 

 

2

2

2

2

A380-800

10

 

 

1

4

5

10

10

 

A340-300

13

 

 

5

5

3

13

12

-1

A330-300

 

5

 

 

 

5

5

5

 

A330-200

15

11

 

4

7

15

26

25

-2

Total Long-Haul

106

65

-

56

50

65

171

169

1

B737-900

 

5

 

1

1

3

5

5

 

B737-800

 

25

45

8

9

53

70

70

9

B737-700

 

18

8

3

8

15

26

26

-1

A321

21

 

 

5

6

10

21

20

-4

A320

46

 

 

8

3

35

46

43

-2

A319

38

 

 

15

10

13

38

38

-3

A318

18

 

 

11

7

 

18

15

-3

Total Short and Medium-Haul

123

48

53

51

44

129

224

217

-4

ATR72-600

5

 

 

 

 

5

5

5

5

ATR72-500

6

 

 

1

3

2

6

6

-5

ATR42-500

13

 

 

5

3

5

13

13

 

Canadair Jet 1000

14

 

 

14

 

 

14

14

1

Canadair Jet 700

14

 

 

14

 

 

14

13

 

Canadair Jet 100

7

 

 

7

 

 

7

 

-4

Embraer 190

10

30

 

4

15

21

40

40

2

Embraer 170

16

 

 

8

2

6

16

16

 

Embraer 145

18

 

 

13

5

 

18

16

1

Embraer 135

5

 

 

5

 

 

5

 

-1

Fokker 70

 

18

 

18

 

 

18

16

-3

Total Regional

108

48

-

89

28

39

156

139

-4

B747-400ERF

 

3

 

2

1

 

3

3

-2

B747-400BCF

 

3

 

 

 

3

3

1

 

B777-F

2

 

 

2

 

 

2

2

 

MD-11-CF

 

5

 

3

2

 

5

3

 

MD-11-F

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-3

Total Cargo

2

11

-

7

3

3

13

9

-5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Air France-KLM

339

172

53

203

125

236

564

534

-12