Zurich (awp) – The Valais operator of railways and ski lifts BVZ saw its financial indicators improve last year, driven by the recovery in tourism. Shareholders will be entitled to a dividend of one franc, at 16 Swiss francs per share.
Having transported more than 10 million people for the first time, the Zermatt group recorded a turnover of 205.9 million Swiss francs, representing a growth of 13.3%, according to the press release published on Friday. The operating profit before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased by 33.6% to 36.9 million. Net profit, described as a “record”, grew by a quarter to 29.6 million.
The number of passengers on the Gornergrat railway jumped by more than a quarter to 841,400, generating revenues close to 45 million Swiss francs (+34%). Regional transport carried a total of 8.68 million passengers, while the Glacier Express transported more than 281,300 people, an increase of a third.
The company at the foot of the Matterhorn expanded its workforce, particularly locomotive drivers and train staff, as well as maintenance personnel, totaling 685 full-time positions for 725 employees.
Referring to the current year, the company believes that results can at least be maintained and that there is “solid potential for further growth in operating income”. For CEO Fernando Lehner, “travel remains a priority for tourists worldwide, and there is still a catch-up effect felt.”
The board of directors also proposes the election of former Seco boss Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, who already sits on the boards of Nestlé and La Mobilière, Carole Schmied-Syz, a member of the board of the Zurich private bank Maerki Baumann, and Matthias In-Albon, CEO of Bergbahnen Destination Gstaad, at the next general meeting. Brigitte Hauser-Süess will not stand for re-election.
ck/vj
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