Following the unprecedented health crises that we have been experiencing, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Keolis’ teams who have worked tirelessly and proved reactive and resilient in fulfilling our public service mission.
Since the crisis began, the Group has worked hand-in-hand with public transport authorities to implement the necessary safety measures to protect passengers and employees and to adapt the transport offer wherever necessary. We were able to mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic by implementing rigorous action plans, which allowed us to preserve our balance sheet and contain our debt. All these actions will enable us to approach 2021 with confidence in order to return to the path of growth.
Convinced of the key role that public transport will play in an economic, inclusive and sustainable recovery, and determined to put our expertise to work to meet these challenges, we have set out a corporate purpose that reflects our commitments.
In 2020, Keolis recorded revenues of €6.1 billion, down 7.5%, following a year marked by the pandemic.
The Group’s operational profitability (recurring EBITDA) amounted to €532 million, down 24%, penalised by the impact of the health crisis and by the decline in the number of passengers in the networks. After the implementation of action plans, the net impact of the health crisis was -€189 million.
As a result, recurring net profit is -€101 million (vs. €47 million in 2019). Through rigorous management, the company has succeeded in maintaining its debt at €1,034 million, slightly lower than in 2019.
International activity was very strong from a commercial point of view, in particular with the award of the Group’s first commuter rail contract in Australia, in Adelaide, and the extension of the Boston commuter rail contract in the United States.
Activity in France has allowed Keolis to consolidate its leadership in urban transport with the renewal of several networks including Alès, Blois and Dreux and to consolidate its market share in suburban transport.
In 2020, Keolis continued its actions to support the energy transition, illustrated in particular by the launches of two major electric bus networks: the largest in Europe in the Netherlands (246 vehicles) and in Bergen, Norway (102 vehicles).
To strengthen its commitment to the challenges that face society, the Group’s actions are now reflected in its corporate purpose, which is set out today:
Enhance everyday life in cities and communities by imagining and operating safe, smart and sustainable mobility solutions accessible to each and everyone.