The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects are expected to continue to be felt – both in society and economically – in the coming quarters. Although it is impossible to predict the extent and duration of the impact, Boskalis has a strong basis with its well-filled order book and extremely sound balance sheet.
Based on the fleet planning and projects in the order book and barring unforeseen circumstances in particular COVID-19 related, the Board of Management expects that the 2020 EBITDA, adjusted for the extraordinary charges taken in the first half of 2020, will match the level achieved in 2019.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 Boskalis has further increased its strong focus on cash management. Various initiatives have been taken aimed at limiting non-project-related expenses, optimizing working capital and safeguarding the company’s strong financial position. It was announced in early April that the capital investment program for 2020 was halved. In addition, no dividend was paid out for the 2019 financial year and the share buy-back program was suspended. The combined effect of these measures is a positive cash flow impact of approximately EUR 300 million in 2020. With its available cash and bank facilities Boskalis has a direct financing capacity of around EUR 0.9 billion.
Capital expenditure in 2020 is expected to be slightly higher than EUR 200 million, including dry dockings. This projection does not include any acquisitions, such as the purchase of the remaining interest in Horizon at the end of January.
