REG-Half-year report
28/08/2025 07:00
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Thursday 28 August 2025
HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL REPORT
for the half year ended 30 June 2025
Irish Continental Group plc (ICG), the leading Irish-based maritime transport
group, reports its financial performance for the half-year ended 30 June 2025.
This half-yearly financial report references Alternative Performance Measures
(APMs) which are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards
and which are explained in the Appendix to the half-year result.
Highlights
Financial summary
HY 2025* HY 2024** Change %
Revenue €309.9m €285.5m +8.5%
EBITDA*** €54.9m €49.7m +10.5%
Operating profit €24.6m €17.4m +41.4%
Profit before tax €20.5m €14.6m +40.4%
Basic earnings per share 11.80c 8.30c +42.2%
Interim dividend 5.37c 5.11c +5.1%
Net debt*** €224.1m €211.7m +5.9%
Net debt (pre-IFRS 16)*** €121.1m €98.4m +23.1%
* HY 2025: Half Year up to 30 June 2025, ** HY 2024: Half Year up to 30 June
2024
*** Additional information in relation to these APMs is disclosed in the
Appendix
Volume movements
HY 2025 ’000 HY 2024 ’000 Change %
Cars 264.9 277.2 (4.4%)
RoRo freight 393.3 384.8 +2.2%
Containers shipped (teu*) 192.9 154.7 +24.7%
Port lifts 182.4 165.8 +10.0%
*teu: twenty-foot equivalent units
The HY 2025 result is reported against the background of fleet development and
the consolidation of our position on the Dover – Calais route. The Group has
continued to focus on strategic development and has maintained a strong
liquidity position.
Key highlights in HY 2025 include;
* Group revenue generated was €309.9 million, €24.4 million higher than HY
2024.
* Operating profit generated was €24.6 million, compared to an operating
profit of €17.4 million in HY 2024.
* EBITDA generated of €54.9 million, compared to EBITDA of €49.7 million
in HY 2024.
* Gross cash balances of €17.8 million (31 December 2024: €41.3 million).
* Net debt at €224.1 million, €61.9 million higher than at the beginning
of the year primarily due to the purchase of the James Joyce cruise ferry (ex
Star 1) and a container vessel, the CT Endeavor.
* The Directors have declared an interim dividend of 5.37 cent per share
(2024: 5.11 cent) payable on 3 October 2025 to shareholders on the register on
12 September 2025.
* On 2 April 2025, the Group announced the purchase of the James Joyce cruise
ferry. The vessel was previously on charter with the Group and re-entered
service in May on the Dublin – Holyhead route. All eight ferries operated by
the Group are now owned or under purchase obligation.
Commenting on the results, Chairman John B. McGuckian noted;
Despite a difficult start, HY 2025 has been a successful period for the Group.
The closure of Holyhead Port in December 2024 negatively impacted volumes in
the Ferries Division at the beginning of 2025. However, following its partial
reopening during January of this year, we have seen a return to more
normalised volumes without RoRo carryings to 30 June up 2.2%. Car volumes to
30 June were 4.4% behind the prior period, however this is mainly due to a
reduction in sailings on the Dover – Calais route and the Holyhead
disruption. While we welcome the partial reopening of Holyhead Port, the risk
remains of delays to its full reopening. Completion of repairs by the port
owner will require further operational restrictions during September and
October of this year and in Q1 2026, though it is expected that full services
will operate on a modified timetable.
In our Container and Terminal Division, containers shipped have increased by
24.7% versus the prior period and port lifts have increased by 10.0%.
We continue to build on the progress made in the prior year with a
continuation of our space charter agreement with P&O Ferries on the Dover –
Calais route. This allows for the sharing of space for freight traffic on both
parties’ vessels. In addition, we are seeing the benefit of the additional
freight capacity provided by the introduction of the Oscar Wilde onto the
route in 2024. The vessel entered service with Irish Ferries in June 2024 and
has enhanced both our customer offering on the route and increased capacity.
On 2 April 2025, the Group signed an agreement with Tallink for the purchase
of the vessel MV James Joyce (ex Star 1). The vessel was previously on charter
to the Group. The vessel entered service with Irish Ferries on the Dublin –
Holyhead route in May of this year. The purchase of this vessel follows the
acquisition of the Oscar Wilde (ex Spirit of Britain) in 2024 by way of a
two-year charter with a purchase obligation in 2026. The combination of these
two acquisitions result in the Group being in ownership of all vessels in
service under the Irish Ferries brand and has eliminated the necessity for
chartering in passenger ships. For a number of years, this has been a key
ambition for the Group and it is a significant step forward to complete it
this year.
The Group continues to focus on sustainability across all of our operations,
and we continue to invest in sustainable initiatives where we believe it is
appropriate to do so. 2025 has seen the introduction of the FuelEU regulation,
which is aimed at reducing the carbon intensity of marine operations. This is
in addition to the phased implementation of the inclusion of marine emissions
to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), with 70% of emissions coming into
scope of the scheme in 2025. We again take this opportunity to state the
importance of the levies raised from these schemes to be reinvested into the
research and development of commercially viable alternative fuels and
technologies. In the current period, the Dublin Swift and Isle of Inisheer
have been operating on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which can reduce
carbon emissions by as much as 80% compared with conventional fuels. While the
use of HVO has been successful for the Group, without the reinvestment of ETS
and FuelEU levies, alternative fuel supply is unlikely to keep up with demand.
Enquiries:
Eamonn Rothwell, Chief Executive Officer Tel: +353 1 607 5628 Email: info@icg.ie
David Ledwidge, Chief Financial Officer Tel: +353 1 607 5628 Email: info@icg.ie
Media enquiries:
Q4 Public Relations Tel: +353 1 475 1444 Email: press@q4pr.ie
Results
Financial Highlights
HY 2025 HY 2024 Change % FY 2024*
Revenue €309.9m €285.5m +8.5% €603.8m
EBITDA €54.9m €49.7m +10.5% €133.5m
Operating profit €24.6m €17.4m +41.4% €69.1m
* FY 2024 = Year End up to 31 December 2024
The Group recorded revenue of €309.9 million compared with €285.5 million
in HY 2024, an increase of 8.5%. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation
and amortisation (EBITDA) were €54.9 million compared with €49.7 million
in HY 2024. Group fuel and emissions costs decreased by €0.8 million (1.5%)
to €54.0 million from €54.8 million. Operating profit was €24.6 million
compared to €17.4 million in HY 2024. A profit before tax of €20.5 million
is reported compared with a profit before tax of €14.6 million in HY 2024.
There was a net finance charge of €4.1 million (2024: €2.8 million) which
includes net bank interest payable of €2.6 million (2024: €2.3 million),
lease interest €2.5 million (2024: €1.2 million) and net pension interest
income of €1.0 million (2024: €0.7 million). The tax charge amounted to
€1.2 million (2024: €0.9 million). Basic EPS was 11.8c compared with 8.3c
in HY 2024. Adjusted Basic EPS amounted to 11.2c versus 7.9c for HY 2024.
Operational Review
Ferries Division
Financial Summary
HY 2025 HY 2024 Change % FY 2024
Revenue* €206.0m €197.6m +4.3% €433.5m
EBITDA €40.0m €37.4m +7.0% €109.8m
Operating profit €14.1m €9.5m +48.4% €54.4m
* Includes intersegment revenue of €14.8 million (HY 2024: €14.7 million)
(FY 2024: €32.0 million)
The division comprises Irish Ferries, a leading provider of passenger and
freight ferry services between Ireland / UK, Ireland / France and UK / France
as well as the chartering of vessels.
Revenue in the division was €206.0 million (2024: €197.6 million) while
EBITDA was €40.0 million (2024: €37.4 million). Operating profit was
€14.1 million compared to €9.5 million in HY 2024. This represents a
strong performance for the division, particularly in light of the disruption
at Holyhead Port in the early part of the year which had a negative impact on
volumes.
Revenue - Total
HY 2025 HY 2024 Change % FY 2024
Passenger €84.5m €77.8m +8.6% €196.5m
Freight €100.8m €99.4m +1.4% €194.2m
Charter €20.7m €20.4m +1.5% €40.9m
Other - - - €1.9m
Total €206.0m €197.6m +4.3% €433.5m
Volumes - Total
HY 2025 HY 2024 Change % FY 2024
Car volumes (‘000) 264.9 277.2 (4.4%) 707.3
Passenger volumes (‘000) 1,284.5 1,331.4 (3.5%) 3,062.2
RoRo freight volumes (‘000) 393.3 384.8 +2.2% 767.2
In HY 2025, total cars carried were 264,900, down 4.4% on the same period in
HY 2024. Total passenger carryings were 1,284,500, a decrease of 3.5% on HY
2024. Despite this, passenger revenues increased by 8.6% over HY 2024.
Freight carryings in HY 2025 were 393,300 units, an increase of 2.2% over HY
2024. Freight revenues increased by 1.4% compared with HY 2024.
In addition to the eight ferries operating under the Irish Ferries brand, the
division owns nine container vessels, six of which are chartered intra Group
and three chartered externally to third parties. Charter revenue increased by
1.5% over HY 2024 primarily due to the addition of a new container vessel
during the period.
Costs
HY 2025 HY 2024 Change % FY 2024
Depreciation and amortisation €25.9m €27.9m (7.2%) €55.4m
Employee benefits expense €11.2m €10.8m +3.7% €21.5m
Other operating costs €154.8m €149.4m +3.6% €302.2m
Total operating costs €191.9m €188.1m +2.0% €379.1m
Costs in the division increased by €3.8 million in HY 2025 compared to HY
2024. This increase was primarily due to higher port and catering costs. Total
divisional fuel and emissions costs decreased to €43.1 million in HY 2025
from €46.3 million in HY 2024 due to lower global fuel prices over the
period, however this was partially offset by higher EU ETS costs.
Container and Terminal Division
Financial Highlights
HY 2025 HY 2024 Change % FY 2024
Revenue* €119.3m €103.2m +15.6% €203.5m
EBITDA €14.9m €12.3m +21.1% €23.7m
Operating profit €10.5m €7.9m +32.9% €14.7m
* Includes intersegment revenue of €0.6 million (HY 2024: €0.6 million)
(FY 2024: €1.2 million)
Operational Highlights
HY 2025 HY 2024 Change % FY 2024
Volumes ’000 ’000 ‘000
Containers shipped (teu) 192.9 154.7 +24.7% 317.8
Port lifts 182.4 165.8 +10.0% 339.4
The Container and Terminal Division includes the intermodal shipping line
Eucon as well as the division’s strategically located container terminals in
Dublin and Belfast.
Revenue in the division increased by 15.6% to €119.3 million (2024: €103.2
million), EBITDA increased to €14.9 million (2024: €12.3 million), while
operating profit increased to €10.5 million (2024: €7.9 million).
Total containers shipped by Eucon were up 24.7% at 192,900 teu (2024: 154,700
teu). Containers handled at our container terminals in Dublin and Belfast were
up 10.0% to 182,400 lifts (2024: 165,800 lifts). Dublin Ferryport Terminals’
activity was up 17.0%, and lifts at Belfast Container Terminal were down 2.0%.
Fuel and emissions costs increased to €10.9 million from €8.5 million in
HY 2024 due to higher activity levels and increased costs associated with the
EU ETS. The volume increases in this division are a welcome continuation of
the volume increases that developed in the second half of 2024. However,
unlike in 2024, profits in the division have increased alongside the volume
growth in a challenging rate environment.
Statement of Financial Position
A summary Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2025 is presented
below:
30 Jun 2025 30 Jun 2024 31 Dec 2024
€m €m €m
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 419.2 365.0 354.7
Right-of-use assets 100.9 114.1 106.3
Retirement benefit surplus 56.1 49.6 52.3
Other assets 103.5 99.3 84.5
Cash and bank balances 17.8 51.2 41.3
Total assets 697.5 679.2 639.1
Non-current borrowings 131.6 92.3 89.1
Non-current lease liabilities 21.1 102.5 99.6
Retirement benefit obligations 0.5 0.4 0.5
Other non-current liabilities 14.9 11.0 5.9
Current borrowings 7.3 57.3 7.3
Current lease liabilities 81.9 10.8 7.5
Other current liabilities 136.3 125.3 106.9
Total liabilities 393.6 399.6 316.8
Total equity 303.9 279.6 322.3
Total equity and liabilities 697.5 679.2 639.1
The analysis of key movements in the period since 31 December 2024 is set out
below.
Aside from depreciation, the primary movement in property, plant, equipment
and intangible assets relates to the addition of the James Joyce (ex Star 1)
cruise ferry and the CT Endeavor container vessel.
The increase in other current assets is attributable to increased trade
debtors relating to higher freight revenues, the seasonal increase in tourism
debtors as well as higher EU Allowance (EUA) carbon credits held in
inventories. The increase in other current liabilities mainly relates to the
seasonal increase in passenger deferred revenue balances. Other non-current
liabilities have increased due to the impact of higher EU ETS obligations.
The assumptions used to measure retirement benefit obligations were reviewed
against the background of market conditions as at 30 June 2025. This review
resulted in a change in discount and inflation rate assumptions while other
assumptions were retained at 31 December 2024 levels. A net actuarial gain of
€3.3 million arose in HY 2025, driven primarily by a fall in the value of
the retirement benefit scheme liabilities.
Shareholders’ equity decreased to €303.9 million from €322.3 million
over the period. The movements primarily comprised of the profit for the
financial period of €19.3 million, net actuarial gains of €3.3 million
arising on retirement benefit schemes less payment of the 2024 final dividend
of €16.9 million and share buybacks totalling €22.7 million.
Cash Flow and Financing
A summary of cash flows in the half year to 30 June 2025 is presented below:
HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
€m €m €m
Operating profit 24.6 17.4 69.1
Depreciation and amortisation 30.3 32.3 64.4
EBITDA* 54.9 49.7 133.5
Working capital movements 1.8 10.8 5.3
Retirement benefit scheme movements 0.1 0.1 0.7
Share-based payment expense 2.0 1.8 3.6
Increase / (decrease) in provisions 8.9 4.7 (0.6)
Cash generated from operations 67.7 67.1 142.5
Interest paid (4.9) (4.4) (8.6)
Tax paid (0.4) (0.8) (2.1)
Capital expenditure excluding strategic capital expenditure (12.0) (14.1) (16.6)
Free cash flow before strategic capital expenditure* 50.4 47.8 1 15.2
Strategic capital expenditure (78.2) (6.3) (15.8)
Free cash flow after strategic capital expenditure* (27.8) 41.5 99.4
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 7.3 1.5 3.2
Share issue 5.5 0.4 0.7
Settlement of employee equity plans through market purchases (7.6) (3.7) (3.7)
Dividends paid (16.9) (16.3) (24.7)
Share buyback (22.7) (9.0) (9.0)
Net cash flows (62.2) 14.4 65.9
Opening net debt (162.2) (143.7) (143.7)
Lease liability non-cash movements (0.1) (82.9) (84.4)
Translation / other 0.4 0.5 -
Closing net debt (224.1) (211.7) (162.2)
*Additional information in relation to these Alternative Performance Measures
(APMs) is disclosed in the Appendix.
The Group funds its activities from a combination of cash generated from
day-to-day operating activities and borrowings, including revolving credit
facilities, term loans, loan notes and leasing arrangements. Net debt at 30
June 2025 increased to €224.1 million from €162.2 million at 31 December
2024.
Cash generated from operations in the period amounted to €67.7 million,
which was €0.6 million higher than the prior period. Total capital
expenditure amounted to €90.2 million. Overall, there were net cash outflows
of €62.2 million which resulted in the net debt at 30 June 2025 increasing
to €224.1 million.
An analysis of the movements in net debt are set out in the table below.
Net debt
Cash €m Origination Fees €m Bank Loans €m Lease Liabilities €m Net Debt €m
At 31 December 2024 41.3 0.9 (97.3) (107.1) (162.2)
Lease liability non-cash movements - - - (0.1) (0.1)
Cash flows (23.5) - (42.7) 4.0 (62.2)
Translation / other - 0.2 - 0.2 0.4
At 30 June 2025 17.8 1.1 (140.0) (103.0) (224.1)
The borrowing facilities available to the Group at 30 June 2025 were as
follows;
Borrowing Facilities
Facility Committed Committed facilities drawn Committed facilities undrawn
€m €m €m €m
Revolving credit 150.0 125.0 102.5 22.5
Private placement loan notes 234.6 - - -
Bank loans 37.5 37.5 37.5 -
Lease liabilities 103.0 103.0 103.0 -
Overdraft and other 19.4 19.4 - 19.4
544.5 284.9 243.0 41.9
At 30 June 2025, the Group had total lending facilities of €544.5 million
available, of which €284.9 million were committed facilities and €259.6
million represented uncommitted facilities subject to lender approval. Of the
committed facilities, €243.0 million were drawn, while €41.9 million was
undrawn with utilisation dates expiring between two and four years. During the
period, the Group increased its committed facility under its revolving credit
facility by €25.0 million.
Dividend
The Company paid a final dividend in respect of financial year 2024 of 10.43
cent per ordinary share on 6 June 2025 to shareholders on the register at the
close of business on 16 May 2025. The total amount paid was €16.9 million.
The Directors have declared an interim dividend of 5.37 cent per share (2024:
5.11 cent) payable on 3 October 2025 to shareholders on the register on 12
September 2025. The estimated amount payable will be €8.7 million.
Fuel and Emissions Costs
HY 2025 HY 2024 Change % FY 2024
Fuel and emissions costs €54.0m €54.8m (1.5%) €109.5m
Group fuel and emissions costs in the first half of 2025 amounted to €54.0
million (2024: €54.8 million). The movement in fuel costs was due to a
decrease in average global fuel prices versus the same period last year.
However, this was offset by an increase in costs associated with the EU
Emission Trading System (EU ETS). The amount of allowances to be surrendered
increased to 70% of reported emissions for FY25, up from 40% in 2024.
The Group has in place fuel surcharge mechanisms for freight customers, which
mitigate the effects of euro movements in fuel and emission costs. The Group
has invested in exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) on three of its cruise
ferries and five of its container vessels, while the recently acquired CT
Endeavor container vessel is also equipped with an EGCS. EGCS allow the
consumption of lower cost fuels while meeting all current emission
regulations. Other vessels are required to consume higher cost fuels to meet
the same regulations.
The Group will continue to monitor developments in this area and comply with
all current fuel and emissions regulations. While the Group acknowledges the
role it must play in protecting the environment, the level of surcharges may
have to be adjusted to pass any increased compliance costs through the supply
chain. During the current year, the Dublin Swift and the Isle of Inisheer have
been operating on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which can reduce emissions
by as much as 80% compared with conventional fuels, demonstrating the
potential for lower-emission alternatives.
In addition to the EU ETS, a UK equivalent scheme (UK ETS) is expected to take
effect from July 2026. Unlike the EU ETS, its initial scope is expected to
cover domestic UK voyages and port calls. Scope details remain under
development by the UK authorities, but it is likely that our emissions in UK
ports will be in scope for this scheme.
In the reporting period, the Group did not engage in financial derivative
trading to hedge its fuel costs.
Strategic Developments
Fleet
On 2 April 2025, the Group completed the purchase of the James Joyce (formerly
Star 1) from Tallink. This vessel was previously on charter to the Group. The
consideration for this vessel was paid in cash funded from existing loan
facilities. The vessel entered service with Irish Ferries on the Dublin –
Holyhead route in May of this year. The James Joyce is the largest (by
passenger capacity) and fastest passenger cruise ferry on the Irish Sea with
capacity for over 2,000 passengers. In addition, the vessel has the largest
shopping space of any cruise ferry on the Irish Sea with more than 17,000
square feet of retail space. The vessel was built in Aker Finnyards in Finland
in 2007.
Following commencement of service of the James Joyce, the Isle of Inisheer was
redeployed on the Dublin – Cherbourg route, which now allows Irish Ferries
to offer daily sailings to and from France in combination with the WB Yeats
cruise ferry.
This purchase follows the acquisition of the Oscar Wilde (ex Spirit of
Britain) through a bareboat charter agreement with a purchase obligation. The
vessel was delivered to the Group on 17 May 2024 and following commissioning
works entered service on the Dover – Calais route on 19 June 2024 and has
been in operation on the route since. The Oscar Wilde was built by STX Europe
in Finland in 2010, and previously served the Dover – Calais route in the
service of P&O Ferries.
The Group purchased the CT Endeavor on 29 April. This ship was built in 2005
and has been put into service in the Container and Terminal Division with
Group subsidiary Eucon.
Belfast Container Terminal
During HY 2025, the Group reached agreement with Belfast Harbour Commissioners
for the extension of our concession for the operation of Belfast Container
Terminal for a further six years to 2032. This extension is testament to our
operational excellence in terminal operations and will allow us to build upon
the productive partnership that we have shared with Belfast Harbour
Commissioners since the concession’s inception in 2015.
Sustainability
Maritime Operations
The Group continues to operate in an evolving regulatory landscape, where
carbon pricing and fuel regulations are expected to materially influence
operating costs over the coming years.
From 2024, shipping came under the scope of the EU Emissions Trading System
(EU ETS), with coverage rising to 70% of emissions in 2025 and full scope
applying from 2026. Compliance costs depend on the market price of EU
Allowances (EUAs), and to manage this exposure the Group has implemented
transparent ETS surcharge mechanisms to recover associated charges.
A UK equivalent scheme (UK ETS) is expected to take effect from July 2026.
Unlike the EU ETS, its initial scope is expected to cover domestic UK voyages
and port calls. Scope details remain under development by the UK authorities,
but it is likely that our emissions in UK ports will be in scope for this
scheme.
The EU’s FuelEU regulation has applied since 1 January 2025, requiring
gradual reductions in the greenhouse gas intensity of fuels through to 2050.
The Group is committed to full compliance with this regulation by pursuing a
range of options.
Looking forward, access to alternative fuels remains a sector-wide challenge
creating uncertainty for future planning. During the current year, the Dublin
Swift and the Isle of Inisheer have been operating on Hydrotreated Vegetable
Oil (HVO), which can reduce emissions by as much as 80% compared with
conventional fuels, demonstrating the potential for lower-emission
alternatives. The Group reiterates the importance of EU and national
government reinvestment of carbon levies into research and development of
commercially viable alternative fuels and technologies.
Land Based Operations
Building on recent terminal electrification progress, 80% of the Group’s
heavy terminal equipment is now powered by renewable electricity. We are
planning to achieve full electrification of the remaining heavy terminal
equipment in line with asset replacement timelines, as assets reach the end of
their life over the next few years. In the immediate term, our focus has
shifted to reducing emissions from mobile light plant and machinery, which are
now the largest source of terminal emissions.
A biofuel trial for mobile plant is currently underway, while the Group is
also reviewing supplier innovations such as battery-powered tugs to accelerate
the transition to lower-emission solutions. These initiatives remain central
to achieving the Group’s Net Zero 2030 target for terminal operations.
Reporting Developments
Following the EU’s “stop the clock” legislation, which temporarily
pauses the application of certain sustainability reporting rules, and the
Omnibus proposals, the Group will continue to monitor developments of the
Omnibus process at EU and national level and, in particular, thresholds for
CSRD reporting which may take the Group outside of the scope of CSRD
reporting.
Related Party Transactions
There were no related party transactions in the half year that have materially
affected the financial position or performance of the Group in the period
other than in respect of remuneration paid to key management personnel.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The Group has a risk management structure in place which is designed to
identify, manage and mitigate the threats to the business on an ongoing basis.
The principal risks and uncertainties faced by the Group as set out in detail
on pages 72 to 77 of the 2024 Annual Report are categorised as: commercial and
market, economic and political, business continuity, health and safety,
operational compliance, environmental protection, human capital, information
security and cyber threats, financial loss, fraud, volatility, retirement
benefit scheme and financial compliance.
These risks areas remain the most likely risks to affect the Group during the
second half of the financial year and the Group will actively manage these and
all other risks through its risk management structure.
Going Concern
After making enquiries, the Directors have reasonable expectation that the
Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for a period
of at least 12 months. In forming this view, the Directors have considered the
future cash requirements of the Group’s business in the context of the
economic environment over the next 12 months, the principal risks and
uncertainties facing the Group, the Group’s budget plan and the medium term
strategy of the Group, including capital investment plans. The future cash
requirements have been compared to bank facilities which are available or
expected to be available to the Group on normal commercial terms. On this
basis the Directors continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing
this half-year financial report.
Events after the Reporting Period
There have been no material events affecting the Company since 30 June 2025.
Current Trading and Outlook
Trading volumes in the period 1 July to 23 August 2025 are as follows:
H2 2025 Trading to date
1/7/25 – 23/8/25 1/7/24 – 23/8/24 Change %
Volumes ’000 ’000
Cars 202.0 210.5 (4.0%)
RoRo freight units 123.3 111.5 +10.6%
Containers shipped (teu) 52.3 48.3 +8.3%
Port lifts 52.1 52.6 (1.0%)
Cumulatively to 23 August 2025, trading volumes are:
FY 2025 Trading to date
1/1/25 – 23/8/25 1/1/24 – 23/8/24 Change %
Volumes ’000 ’000
Cars 466.9 487.7 (4.3%)
RoRo freight units 516.6 496.3 +4.1%
Containers shipped (teu) 245.2 203.0 +20.8%
Port lifts 234.5 218.4 +7.4%
Despite the difficult start to the year following the closure of Holyhead
Port, freight volumes in the Ferries Division have recovered strongly. We have
also seen a strong recovery of car carryings on the Irish Sea and Ireland
France routes, however our carryings on the Channel have reduced due to
capacity changes on the route. While we welcome the partial reopening of
Holyhead Port, the risk remains of delays to its full reopening. Completion of
repairs by the port owner will require further operational restrictions during
September and October of this year and in Q1 2026, though it is expected that
full services will operate on a modified timetable.
The EU ETS increased in 2025, with 70% (previously 40%) of emissions being in
scope. The additional cost arising out of the EU ETS has been passed onto
customers. In addition, FuelEU regulations were introduced in 2025. We would
encourage the EU and national governments to reinvest the substantial levies
generated from these carbon taxes into research and development, with the aim
of developing alternative fuels and technologies that are cost effective for
the maritime industry.
During the current year, the Dublin Swift and the Isle of Inisheer have been
operating on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which can reduce emissions by
as much as 80% compared with conventional fuels.
This year has seen the launch of a daily service in both directions on our
Dublin – Cherbourg route. This service increases both capacity and
flexibility on the route. In addition, to this the acquisition of the cruise
ferry James Joyce allows Irish Ferries to offer our customers a second
conventional ferry full time on the Dublin – Holyhead route.
Later this year, the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) will be phased in on
the Dover–Calais route, requiring biometric checks (fingerprints and facial
images) for all non-EU/EEA passengers at their first entry into the Schengen
area. The system replaces manual passport stamping and will also apply on
Ireland–France routes for non-EU nationals, such as UK citizens. Irish and
other EU citizens are exempt as they remain entitled to use EU/EEA lanes.
Implementation will begin gradually to avoid peak disruption, with additional
facilities and staffing being put in place at Dover, Calais and Cherbourg.
Nonetheless, the process will lengthen border checks initially, and we are
working closely with UK, Irish, and French authorities via the ports to
minimise any impact.
The UK Government has signalled its intention to move towards closer
regulatory alignment with the EU on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks.
Since Brexit, most UK ports have lacked fully functioning Border Control Posts
(BCPs), meaning that checks have been carried out at EU ports of entry, adding
time and cost to cross-Channel and Ireland–UK trade. Greater alignment would
reduce the requirement for these checks at the EU end, improving flow and
efficiency, and also make travelling with pets simpler. However, this will
depend on the UK adopting equivalent regulatory standards, a process that will
take time to negotiate and implement.
During the period, ICG announced the extension of our concession for the
operation of Belfast Container Terminal for a further six years to 2032. This
further extension is testament to our operational excellence in terminal
operations and will allow us to build upon the productive partnership that we
have shared with Belfast Harbour Commissioners since the concession’s
inception in 2015.
Auditor Review
This half-yearly financial report has not been audited or reviewed by the
auditors of the Group.
Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains certain forward-looking statements. These statements are
made by the Directors in good faith based on the information available to them
up to the time of their approval of this report. These forward-looking
statements should be treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties,
including both economic and business risk factors, underlying any such
forward-looking information.
This report has been prepared for the Group as a whole and therefore gives
greater emphasis to those matters which are significant to Irish Continental
Group plc and its subsidiaries when viewed as a whole.
Website
This half-yearly financial report is available on the Group’s website
www.icg.ie.
John B. McGuckian
Chairman
27 August 2025
RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Half-Yearly Financial Report
in accordance with the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007
(as amended), the related Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland
and IAS 34, ‘Interim Financial Reporting’ as adopted by the European
Union.
Each of the Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge and belief:
* the Group Condensed Financial Statements for the half year ended 30 June
2025 have been prepared in accordance with the International Accounting
Standard applicable to interim financial reporting (IAS 34 Interim Financial
Reporting) adopted pursuant to the procedure provided for under Article 6 of
the Regulation (EC) No. 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and the Council
of 19 July 2002;
* the Interim Management Report includes a fair review of the important events
that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year, their
impact on the Group Condensed Financial Statements for the half year ended 30
June 2025, and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the
remaining six months; and
* the Interim Management Report includes a fair review of related party
transactions that have occurred during the first six months of the current
financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or the
performance of the Group during that period, and any changes in the related
parties transactions described in the last Annual Report that could have a
material effect on the financial position or performance of the Group in the
first six months of the current financial year.
On behalf of the Board
Eamonn Rothwell Director David Ledwidge Director
27 August 2025
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Notes HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
€m €m €m
Revenue 4 309.9 285.5 603.8
Depreciation and amortisation (30.3) (32.3) (64.4)
Employee benefits expense (13.9) (13.5) (27.0)
Other operating expenses (241.1) (222.3) (443.3)
Operating profit 24.6 17.4 69.1
Finance income 1.0 0.8 1.6
Finance costs (5.1) (3.6) (8.5)
Profit before taxation 20.5 14.6 62.2
Income tax expense (1.2) (0.9) (2.3)
Profit for the financial period: all attributable to equity holders of the parent 4 19.3 13.7 59.9
Earnings per ordinary share – expressed in cent per share
Basic 6 11.8c 8.3c 36.3c
Diluted 6 11.6c 8.2c 35.6c
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Notes €m €m €m
Profit for the financial period 19.3 13.7 59.9
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (1.2) 1.3 2.0
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Actuarial gain on defined benefit pension schemes 13 3.3 9.3 11.4
Deferred tax on defined benefit pension schemes (0.1) (0.2) (0.2)
Other comprehensive income for the financial period 2.0 10.4 13.2
Total comprehensive income for the financial period: all attributable to equity holders of the parent 21.3 24.1 73.1
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 30 JUNE 2025
30 Jun 25 30 Jun 24 31 Dec 24
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Notes €m €m €m
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 7 416.3 362.9 351.9
Right-of-use assets 8 100.9 114.1 106.3
Intangible assets 2.9 2.1 2.8
Retirement benefit surplus 13 56.1 49.6 52.3
Deferred tax asset 0.3 0.2 0.2
576.5 528.9 513.5
Current assets
Inventories 16.8 8.0 11.1
Trade and other receivables 86.4 91.1 73.2
Cash and cash equivalents 10 17.8 51.2 41.3
121.0 150.3 125.6
Total assets 697.5 679.2 639.1
Equity and liabilities
Equity
Share capital 10.5 10.7 10.7
Share premium 27.0 21.3 21.6
Other reserves (6.0) (5.6) (3.2)
Retained earnings 272.4 253.2 293.2
Equity attributable to equity holders 303.9 279.6 322.3
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 10 131.6 92.3 89.1
Lease liabilities 10 21.1 102.5 99.6
Deferred tax liabilities 5.4 5.0 5.3
Provisions 9.5 6.0 0.6
Retirement benefit obligations 13 0.5 0.4 0.5
168.1 206.2 195.1
Current liabilities
Borrowings 10 7.3 57.3 7.3
Lease liabilities 10 81.9 10.8 7.5
Trade and other payables 135.7 124.8 106.3
Provisions 0.6 0.5 0.6
225.5 193.4 121.7
Total liabilities 393.6 399.6 316.8
Total equity and liabilities 697.5 679.2 639.1
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025 (UNAUDITED)
Share
Share Share Capital Options Translation Retained
Capital Premium Reserve Reserve Reserve Earnings Total
€m €m €m €m €m €m €m
Balance at 1 January 2025 10.7 21.6 9.0 7.8 (20.0) 293.2 322.3
Profit for the financial period - - - - - 19.3 19.3
Other comprehensive income - - - - (1.2) 3.2 2.0
Total comprehensive income for the financial period - - - - (1.2) 22.5 21.3
Employee share-based payments expense - - - 2.0 - - 2.0
Share issue 0.1 5.4 - - - - 5.5
Dividends - - - - - (16.9) (16.9)
Share buyback (0.3) - 0.3 - - (22.7) (22.7)
Settlement of share options through market purchase - - - - - (7.6) (7.6)
Transfer to retained earnings on exercise of options - - - (3.9) - 3.9 -
Transactions with shareholders (0.2) 5.4 0.3 (1.9) - (43.3) (39.7)
Balance at 30 June 2025 10.5 27.0 9.3 5.9 (21.2) 272.4 303.9
FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 (UNAUDITED)
Share
Share Share Capital Options Translation Retained
Capital Premium Reserve Reserve Reserve Earnings Total
€m €m €m €m €m €m €m
Balance at 1 January 2024 10.8 20.9 8.9 7.0 (22.0) 256.7 282.3
Profit for the financial period - - - - - 13.7 13.7
Other comprehensive income - - - - 1.3 9.1 10.4
Total comprehensive income for the financial period - - - - 1.3 22.8 24.1
Employee share-based payments expense - - - 1.8 - - 1.8
Share issue - 0.4 - - - - 0.4
Dividends - - - - - (16.3) (16.3)
Share buyback (0.1) - 0.1 - - (9.0) (9.0)
Settlement of share options through market purchase - - - - - (3.7) (3.7)
Transfer to retained earnings on exercise of options - - - (2.7) - 2.7 -
Transactions with shareholders (0.1) 0.4 0.1 (0.9) - (26.3) (26.8)
Balance at 30 June 2024 10.7 21.3 9.0 6.1 (20.7) 253.2 279.6
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (AUDITED)
Share
Share Share Capital Options Translation Retained
Capital Premium Reserve Reserve Reserve Earnings Total
€m €m €m €m €m €m €m
Balance at 1 January 2024 10.8 20.9 8.9 7.0 (22.0) 256.7 282.3
Profit for the financial period - - - - - 59.9 59.9
Other comprehensive income - - - - 2.0 11.2 13.2
Total comprehensive income for the financial period - - - - 2.0 71.1 73.1
Employee share-based payments expense - - - 3.6 - - 3.6
Share issue - 0.7 - - - - 0.7
Dividends - - - - - (24.7) (24.7)
Share buyback (0.1) - 0.1 - - (9.0) (9.0)
Settlement of employee equity plans through market purchase - - - - - (3.7) (3.7)
Transfer to retained earnings on exercise of options - - - (2.8) - 2.8 -
Transactions with shareholders (0.1) 0.7 0.1 0.8 - (34.6) (33.1)
Balance at 31 December 2024 10.7 21.6 9.0 7.8 (20.0) 293.2 322.3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
Unaudited Unaudited Audited
Notes €m €m €m
Profit for the financial year 19.3 13.7 59.9
Adjustments for:
Finance costs (net) 4.1 2.8 6.9
Income tax expense 1.2 0.9 2.3
Retirement benefit scheme movements 14 0.1 0.1 0.7
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 24.5 24.4 46.9
Amortisation of intangible assets 0.2 0.2 0.5
Depreciation of right-of-use assets 5.6 7.7 17.0
Share-based payment expense 2.0 1.8 3.6
Increase / (decrease) in provisions 8.9 4.7 (0.6)
Working capital movements 14 1.8 10.8 5.3
Cash generated from operations 67.7 67.1 142.5
Income taxes paid (0.4) (0.8) (2.1)
Interest paid (4.9) (4.4) (8.6)
Net cash inflow from operating activities 62.4 61.9 131.8
Cash flow from investing activities
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment 7.3 1.5 3.2
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 14 (90.2) (17.8) (29.9)
Lease inception costs - (2.6) (2.5)
Net cash outflow from investing activities (82.9) (18.9) (29.2)
Cash flow from financing activities
Share buyback (22.7) (9.0) (9.0)
Dividends 5 (16.9) (16.3) (24.7)
Repayment of lease liabilities 14 (4.0) (6.7) (14.6)
Proceeds on issue of ordinary share capital 5.5 0.4 0.7
Repayments of bank loans (16.3) (15.8) (94.0)
Drawdown of bank loans 59.0 12.5 37.5
Settlement of employee equity plans through market purchases (7.6) (3.7) (3.7)
Net cash outflow from financing activities (3.0) (38.6) (107.8)
Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents (23.5) 4.4 (5.2)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 41.3 46.8 46.8
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes - - (0.3)
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 10 17.8 51.2 41.3
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
1. General information
The Group Condensed Financial Statements are considered non-statutory
financial statements for the purposes of the Companies Act 2014 and in
compliance with section 340(4) of that Act we state that:
* the Group Condensed Financial Statements for the half year ended 30 June
2025 have been prepared to meet our obligation to do so under the Transparency
(Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 (as amended);
* the Group Condensed Financial Statements for the half year ended 30 June
2025 do not constitute the statutory financial statements of the Group;
* the figures disclosed relating to 31 December 2024 have been derived from
the statutory financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December
2024 which were audited, received an unqualified audit report and have been
filed with the Registrar of Companies; and
* the interim figures included in the Group Condensed Financial Statements for
the half year ended 30 June 2025 and the comparative amounts for the half year
ended 30 June 2024 have been neither audited nor reviewed by the auditors of
the Group.
2. Accounting policies
The Group Condensed Financial Statements for the six months ended 30 June 2025
have been prepared in accordance with the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC)
Regulations 2007 (as amended), the Central Bank (Investment Market Conduct)
Rules 2019 and with IAS 34 ‘Interim Financial Reporting’ as adopted by the
European Union.
The accounting policies and methods of computation applied in preparing these
Group Condensed Financial Statements are consistent with those set out in the
Group Annual Report for the financial year ended 31 December 2024, which is
available at www.icg.ie.
Amendments to accounting standard IAS 21 became effective for the Group
commencing 1 January 2025. The adoption of these amendments did not have a
material impact on these financial statements. Information about the impact of
new accounting standards that are not effective for the current reporting
period are set out on page 147 of the Group's Annual Report for the year ended
31 December 2024.
3. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements
In the application of the Group’s accounting policies, the Directors are
required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities. In preparing these Condensed Financial
Statements, the approach to the making of these judgements, estimates and
assumptions is consistent with that used in the Group Annual Report for the
financial year ended 31 December 2024. Key sources of estimation uncertainty
relate to post-employment benefits and assessment of useful lives for
property, plant and equipment. Critical accounting judgements are made in
respect of identifying indications of impairment and adoption of the going
concern assumption.
In relation to the valuation of retirement benefit obligations set out in note
13 to these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements there have been
changes made to the discount rate and inflation assumptions compared to those
used at 31 December 2024 which have resulted in a material reduction in the
valuation of retirement benefit obligations reflected through an actuarial
credit which together with experience adjustments on both scheme obligations
and assets resulted in a €3.3 million actuarial gain being recorded in the
Statement of Comprehensive Income. Other than noted in the foregoing, there
have been no material changes to key estimates that had previously been made
in the prior year financial statements to 31 December 2024.
Impairment
Management performed an assessment of the existence of possible indicators of
impairment as at 30 June 2025. This was performed both for the ferry and
container vessel fleets and focused on the economic performance of the fleet,
technological developments, new rules and regulations including environmental
regulation, movements in second-hand values, charter rates and shipbuilding
costs. A comparison of aggregate carrying value versus market capitalisation
of the Group was also considered. Management further reviewed its own internal
valuation models prepared at 31 December 2024 and was satisfied that there was
no material changes required to the assumptions based on conditions at 30 June
2025.
Management noted that a value in use exercise had been undertaken at 31
December 2024 in relation to its container vessel fleet as they had identified
movements in charter rates as a possible indicator of impairment. Management
reviewed the assumptions used in that modelling exercise and were satisfied
that charter rate developments in the first six months supported the
assumptions used.
Having considered the above, the Directors concluded that there were no
indicators of impairment relating to fleet assets at 30 June 2025 and
consequently no impairment testing was necessary.
Going Concern
The Company had previously reported in its 2024 Annual Report that the
Directors had considered a number of trading scenarios. The base scenario had
assumed a moderate level of growth across the Group’s businesses whereas the
downside scenario had assumed lower levels of activity related to
macro-economic uncertainty around growth rates in the economies in which we
provide services together with inflationary pressures. The Group has extended
the outlook period for these projections to August 2026 based on economic
conditions existing at 30 June 2025, the principal risks and uncertainties
facing the Group, the Group’s budget plan and the medium term strategy of
the Group, including capital investment plans. These projections indicate that
the Group expects to generate sufficient cash from operations to enable it to
retain sufficient liquidity to operate and meet its financial obligations for
at least the period up to August 2026. The Directors therefore considered it
appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern assumption in the
preparation of these Condensed Financial Statements.
4. Segmental information
The Executive Board is deemed the chief operating decision maker within the
Group. For management purposes, the Group is currently organised into two
operating segments; Ferries and Container and Terminal. These segments are the
basis on which the Group reports internally and are the only two revenue
generating segments of the Group.
The Ferries segment derives its revenue from the operation of combined RoRo
passenger ferries and the chartering of vessels. The Container and Terminal
segment derives its revenue from the provision of door-to-door and feeder LoLo
freight services, stevedoring and other related terminal services.
Segment information about the Group’s operations is presented below.
i) Revenue Analysis
By business segment:
HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
€m €m €m
Ferries
Passenger 84.5 77.8 196.5
Freight 100.8 99.4 194.2
Charter 20.7 20.4 40.9
Other - - 1.9
206.0 197.6 433.5
Container and Terminal
Freight 119.3 103.2 203.5
Inter-segment revenue (15.4) (15.3) (33.2)
Total 309.9 285.5 603.8
Revenues increased in HY 2025 over HY 2024 primarily due to higher volumes in
the Container and Terminal Division.
As revenues are recognised over short time periods of no more than days, a key
determinant to categorising revenues is whether they principally arise from a
business to customer (passenger contracts) or a business to business
relationship (freight and charter contracts) as this impacts directly on the
uncertainty of cash flows. On this basis, revenue by business segment is a
reasonable approximation of revenue disaggregation.
By geographic origin of booking:
HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
€m €m €m
Ireland 105.2 92.3 189.8
United Kingdom 80.7 76.3 180.8
Netherlands 53.7 50.7 100.9
Belgium 22.6 18.7 37.2
France 16.5 13.6 27.6
Poland 7.8 7.7 15.7
Germany 3.8 3.0 8.2
Austria 3.9 4.6 9.3
Other 15.7 18.6 34.3
309.9 285.5 603.8
No single external customer in the current or prior financial periods amounted
to 10 per cent of the Group’s revenues.
ii) Profit for the financial year
Ferries Container and Terminal Group Total
HY 2025 €m HY 2024 €m FY 2024 €m HY 2025 €m HY 2024 €m FY 2024 €m HY 2025 €m HY 2024 €m FY 2024 €m
Operating profit 14.1 9.5 54.4 10.5 7.9 14.7 24.6 17.4 69.1
Finance income 1.0 0.8 1.6 - - - 1.0 0.8 1.6
Finance costs (4.6) (3.0) (7.3) (0.5) (0.6) (1.2) (5.1) (3.6) (8.5)
Profit before tax 10.5 7.3 48.7 10.0 7.3 13.5 20.5 14.6 62.2
Income tax expense (0.7) (0.4) (1.5) (0.5) (0.5) (0.8) (1.2) (0.9) (2.3)
Profit for the financial year 9.8 6.9 47.2 9.5 6.8 12.7 19.3 13.7 59.9
iii) Statement of Financial Position
Ferries Container and Terminal Group Total
30 Jun 25 €m 30 Jun 24 €m 31 Dec 24 €m 30 Jun 25 €m 30 Jun 24 €m 31 Dec 24 €m 30 Jun 25 €m 30 Jun 24 €m 31 Dec 24 €m
Assets
Segment assets 567.9 515.1 494.5 111.8 112.9 103.3 679.7 628.0 597.8
Cash and cash equivalents 10.5 48.8 30.6 7.3 2.4 10.7 17.8 51.2 41.3
Consolidated total assets 578.4 563.9 525.1 119.1 115.3 114.0 697.5 679.2 639.1
Liabilities
Segment liabilities 103.4 101.4 78.1 48.3 35.3 35.3 151.7 136.7 113.4
Borrowings and lease liabilities 216.7 233.3 176.0 25.2 29.6 27.4 241.9 262.9 203.4
Consolidated total liabilities 320.1 334.7 254.1 73.5 64.9 62.7 393.6 399.6 316.8
iv) Seasonality
Group revenue and profit before tax is weighted towards the second half of the
year principally due to passenger revenue patterns in the Ferries Division
whereas operating costs are more evenly distributed over the year.
5. Dividends paid
HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
€m €m €m
Interim dividend (Re current financial year) - - 8.4
Final dividend (Re prior financial year) 16.9 16.3 16.3
Total dividends paid in period 16.9 16.3 24.7
The Company paid a final dividend in respect of financial year 2024 of 10.43
cent per ordinary share on 6 June 2025 to shareholders on the register at the
close of business on 16 May 2025. The total amount paid was €16.9 million.
The Directors have declared an interim dividend of 5.37 cent per share (2024:
5.11 cent) payable on 3 October 2025 to shareholders on the register on 12
September 2025.
6. Earnings per share
HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
Number of shares ‘000 ‘000 ‘000
Shares in issue at the beginning of the year 164,581 166,217 166,217
Effect of shares issued during the year 1,061 89 161
Effect of share buybacks and cancellation in the year (2,070) (1,187) (1,543)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of basic earnings per share 163,572 165,119 164,835
Dilutive effect of employee equity plans where vesting conditions not met 2,328 2,637 3,203
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of diluted earnings per share 165,900 167,756 168,038
The denominator for the purposes of calculating both basic and diluted
earnings per share has been adjusted to reflect shares issued during the
period and excludes treasury shares.
Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to
the ordinary equity holders of the parent is based on the following data:
HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
Earnings €m €m €m
Earnings for the purpose of basic and diluted earnings per share – Profit for the financial period attributable to equity holders of the parent 19.3 13.7 59.9
Effect of net interest income on defined benefit pension schemes (1.0) (0.7) (1.4)
Earnings for the purpose of adjusted earnings per share 18.3 13.0 58.5
Cent Cent Cent
Basic earnings per share 11.8 8.3 36.3
Diluted earnings per share 11.6 8.2 35.6
Adjusted basic earnings per share 11.2 7.9 35.5
Adjusted diluted earnings per share 11.0 7.7 34.8
7. Property, plant and equipment
Assets under construction Vessels Plant, Equipment and Vehicles Land and Buildings Total
€m €m €m €m €m
Cost
At 31 December 2024 1.6 568.1 79.6 30.7 680.0
Additions - 88.1 1.4 0.4 89.9
Disposals - (8.5) (0.1) - (8.6)
Reclassification (1.6) 1.6 - - -
Currency adjustment - (1.8) (0.1) - (1.9)
At 30 June 2025 - 647.5 80.8 31.1 759.4
Accumulated depreciation
At 31 December 2024 - 268.8 47.2 12.1 328.1
Charge for period - 22.3 1.9 0.3 24.5
Disposals - (8.5) (0.1) - (8.6)
Currency adjustment - (0.8) (0.1) - (0.9)
At 30 June 2025 - 281.8 48.9 12.4 343.1
Carrying amount
At 30 June 2025 - 365.7 31.9 18.7 416.3
At 31 December 2024 1.6 299.3 32.4 18.6 351.9
At 30 June 2024 1.3 309.8 33.4 18.4 362.9
8. Right-of-use assets
Vessels Plant and Equipment Land and Buildings Total
€m €m €m €m
Cost
At 31 December 2024 99.8 15.3 33.1 148.2
Additions 0.3 - 0.1 0.4
Derecognition on lease expiry (16.3) - - (16.3)
Currency adjustment - (0.1) (0.1) (0.2)
At 30 June 2025 83.8 15.2 33.1 132.1
Accumulated depreciation
At 31 December 2024 18.1 9.3 14.5 41.9
Charge for period 3.0 1.1 1.5 5.6
Derecognition on lease expiry (16.3) - - (16.3)
Currency adjustment - - - -
At 30 June 2025 4.8 10.4 16.0 31.2
Carrying amount
At 30 June 2025 79.0 4.8 17.1 100.9
At 31 December 2024 81.7 6.0 18.6 106.3
At 30 June 2024 88.3 5.8 20.0 114.1
Additions of right-of-use assets include €nil million (2024: €2.6 million)
of directly attributable costs relating to new leases commenced in the period.
9. Lease receivable
30 Jun 25 30 Jun 24 31 Dec 24
€m €m €m
Current finance lease receivable - 9.0 7.3
Non-current finance lease receivable - - -
Total - 9.0 7.3
Beginning of reporting period 7.3 10.5 10.5
Amounts received (7.3) (1.7) (3.6)
Net benefit recognised in period - 0.2 0.4
End of reporting period - 9.0 7.3
The lease receivable related to amounts due under a bareboat hire purchase
sale agreement for the disposal of the vessel GNV Allegra in FY 2019. The
deferred consideration has been treated as a finance lease receivable at an
amount equivalent to the net investment in the lease. Capital amounts received
in the financial period are classified as net proceeds on disposal of
property, plant and equipment in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash
Flows.
10. Net debt and borrowing facilities
i) The components of the Group’s net debt position at the reporting date
and the movements in the period are set out in the following table:
Cash Bank loans Loan notes Lease liabilities Origination fees Total
€m €m €m €m €m €m
At 1 January 2025
Current assets 41.3 - - - - 41.3
Creditors due within one year - (7.5) - (7.5) 0.2 (14.8)
Creditors due after one year - (89.8) - (99.6) 0.7 (188.7)
41.3 (97.3) - (107.1) 0.9 (162.2)
Movements during the period
Cash flow changes
Repayments - 16.3 - 4.0 - 20.3
Drawdowns - (59.0) - - - (59.0)
Other movements (23.5) - - - 0.3 (23.2)
Non cash flow changes
Amortisation - - - - (0.1) (0.1)
Lease liabilities recognised - - - (0.1) - (0.1)
Currency adjustment - - - 0.2 - 0.2
(23.5) (42.7) - 4.1 0.2 (61.9)
At 30 June 2025
Current assets 17.8 - - - - 17.8
Creditors due within one year - (7.5) - (81.9) 0.2 (89.2)
Creditors due after one year - (132.5) - (21.1) 0.9 (152.7)
17.8 (140.0) - (103.0) 1.1 (224.1)
At 30 June 2024
Current assets 51.2 - - - - 51.2
Creditors due within one year - (7.5) (50.0) (10.8) 0.2 (68.1)
Creditors due after one year - (93.0) - (102.5) 0.7 (194.8)
51.2 (100.5) (50.0) (113.3) 0.9 (211.7)
ii) The maturity profile and available borrowing and cash facilities
available to the Group at 30 June 2025 are set out in the following table:
Maturity Profile
Facility Undrawn On-hand / drawn Less than 1 year Between 1 – 2 years Between 2 – 5 years More than 5 years
€m €m €m €m €m €m €m
Cash - - 17.8 - - - -
Committed lending facilities
Bank overdrafts 19.4 19.4 - - - - -
Bank loans 162.5 22.5 140.0 7.5 7.5 125.0 -
Loan notes - - - - - - -
Leases 103.0 - 103.0 81.9 2.2 3.0 15.9
Origination fees (1.1) - (1.1) (0.2) (0.2) (0.7) -
Committed lending facilities 283.8 41.9 241.9 89.2 9.5 127.3 15.9
Uncommitted lending facilities
Bank loans 25.0
Loan notes 234.6
Uncommitted lending facilities 259.6
Bank overdrafts are stated net of trade guarantee facilities utilised of
€0.6 million.
At 30 June 2025 and the date of approval of these Condensed Financial
Statements, the Group satisfies the conditions for drawing under the committed
facilities.
Obligations under the Group borrowing facilities have been cross guaranteed by
the parent company and certain subsidiaries but are otherwise unsecured except
for lease obligations which are secured by the lessors’ title to leased
assets.
11. Tax
Corporation tax for the interim period is estimated based on the best estimate
of the weighted average annual corporation tax rate expected to apply to each
taxable entity for the full financial year.
The Company and subsidiaries that are Irish Resident for tax purposes have
elected to be taxed under the Irish tonnage tax scheme. Under the tonnage tax
scheme, taxable profit on eligible activities is calculated on a specified
notional profit per day related to the tonnage of the ships utilised.
12. Financial instruments and risk management
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks, including
market risk (such as interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, commodity
price risk), liquidity risk and credit risk. The Group’s funding, liquidity
and exposure to interest and foreign exchange rate risks are managed by the
Group’s treasury and accounting departments. Treasury management practices
are used to manage these underlying risks.
These interim Condensed Financial Statements do not include all financial risk
management information and disclosures required in the annual financial
statements, and should be read in conjunction with the 2024 Annual Report.
There have been no changes to the risk management procedures or policies since
the 2024 year end.
i) Carrying value and fair value estimation of financial assets and
liabilities
The table below sets out the carrying value and fair values of the Group’s
financial assets and liabilities at the reporting date.
30 Jun 25 30 Jun 24 31 Dec 24
Carrying value Fair value Carrying value Fair value Carrying value Fair value
€m €m €m €m €m €m
Financial assets
Lease receivable - - 9.0 9.0 7.3 7.3
Trade and other receivables 84.5 84.5 82.2 82.2 61.2 61.2
Cash and cash equivalents 17.8 17.8 51.2 51.2 41.3 41.3
Total financial assets 102.3 102.3 142.4 142.4 109.8 109.8
Financial liabilities
Borrowings 138.9 137.2 149.6 145.5 96.4 94.3
Trade and other payables 100.2 100.2 89.7 89.7 94.3 94.3
Total financial liabilities 239.1 237.4 239.3 235.2 190.7 188.6
ii) Fair value hierarchy
The Group has adopted the following fair value measurement hierarchy for
financial assets and liabilities:
* Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets
and liabilities.
* Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs that have a significant
effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly (i.e. as
prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
* Level 3: techniques that use inputs which have a significant effect on the
recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.
The Group did not hold any financial assets or financial liabilities at the
reporting dates required to be carried at fair value in the Condensed
Statement of Consolidated Financial Position.
iii) Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities
measured at amortised cost
With the exception of the financial liabilities related to borrowings set out
in the table at (i) above it is considered that the carrying amounts of
financial assets and financial liabilities recognised at amortised cost in
these half year financial statements approximate their fair values.
iii) Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities
measured at amortised cost - continued
The fair value of borrowings are classified within Level 3 of the fair value
hierarchy. Fair value has been estimated based on discounted cash flow
analysis with the most significant input being the discount rate reflecting
the Group’s own credit risk. The discount rate is derived from observable
market interest rates at the reporting date and observable credit spread
market movements since inception of the borrowings. For lease liabilities the
Group considers that the incremental borrowing rate used to calculate the
carrying value includes a fair estimate of counterparty risk and the carrying
value approximates fair value.
iv) Derivative financial instruments
At 30 June 2025, 31 December 2024, and 30 June 2024, the Group did not hold
any positions relating to derivative financial instruments.
13. Retirement benefit schemes
The assumptions used to value pension obligations were reviewed against the
background of market conditions as at 30 June 2025, leading to a change in
discount and inflation rate assumptions, while demographic and other
assumptions were retained at 31 December 2024 levels. Scheme assets have been
valued as per investment managers’ valuations at 30 June 2025. In
consultation with the actuary to the principal Group defined benefit pension
schemes, the discount rate used in relation to the pension scheme liabilities
is 3.75% for Euro liabilities (31 December 2024: 3.45%) and 5.55% for Sterling
liabilities (31 December 2024: 5.45%).
At 30 June 2025, the Group’s total obligation in respect of defined benefit
schemes totals €76.1 million (31 December 2024: €80.2 million). The
schemes held assets of €131.7 million (31 December 2024: €132.0 million),
giving a net pension surplus of €55.6 million (31 December 2024: €51.8
million).
The principal assumptions used for the purpose of the actuarial valuations at
30 June 2025 were derived using techniques consistent with those used for the
assumptions for the 31 December 2024 valuations. The assumptions, which were
set after considering independent actuarial advice and which are reflective of
market conditions that existed at 30 June 2025, were as follows:
30 Jun 25 30 Jun 24 31 Dec 24
Sterling Euro Sterling Euro Sterling Euro
Discount rate 5.55% 3.75% 5.10% 3.60% 5.45% 3.45%
Inflation rate 2.70% 2.20% 2.85% 2.30% 2.85% 2.20%
Rate of increase of pensions in payment 2.15% - 3.15% 1.20% 2.20% - 3.25% 1.30% 2.20% - 3.25% 1.20%
Rate of pensionable salary increases 1.10% 0.00% - 1.30% 1.15% 0.00% - 1.30% 1.15% 0.00% - 1.30%
The movements in the net surplus on the retirement benefit schemes were as
follows:
HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
Movement in retirement benefit schemes net surplus €m €m €m
Opening surplus 51.8 38.9 38.9
Service cost (0.3) (0.3) (0.7)
Employer contributions paid 0.2 0.2 0.4
Net interest income 1.0 0.7 1.4
Actuarial gain 3.3 9.3 11.4
Curtailment gain - - 0.6
Refund of contributions on scheme wind up - - (1.0)
Currency adjustment / other (0.4) 0.4 0.8
Net surplus 55.6 49.2 51.8
Schemes in surplus 56.1 49.6 52.3
Schemes in deficit (0.5) (0.4) (0.5)
Net surplus 55.6 49.2 51.8
The movement in the net pension surplus since 31 December 2024 includes
actuarial gains which are recognised in the Condensed Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income.
HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
Actuarial gains recognised in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income €m €m €m
Return on scheme assets excluding amounts recognised as finance income 0.3 3.5 7.2
Remeasurement adjustments on scheme liabilities
- Changes in demographic assumptions - (0.3) (0.3)
- Changes in financial assumptions 3.0 4.9 5.9
- Experience adjustments - 1.2 (1.4)
Actuarial gains recognised in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 3.3 9.3 11.4
The actuarial gain arising on scheme assets, which are mainly invested across
a number of equity and bond funds, is reflective of market movements while
there were also reductions in liabilities attributable to the change in
financial assumptions.
No provision has been made against scheme surpluses as the Group expect,
having reviewed the rules of the relevant schemes, that the surplus will
accrue to the Group in the future.
14. Cash flow components
HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
€m €m €m
Pension scheme movements
Retirement benefit obligations – current service cost 0.3 0.3 0.7
Retirement benefit obligations – curtailment gain - - (0.6)
Retirement benefit obligations – refund of contributions on scheme wind up - - 1.0
Retirement benefit obligations – payments (0.2) (0.2) (0.4)
Total retirement benefit scheme movements 0.1 0.1 0.7
Repayments of lease liabilities
Lease payments (6.5) (7.9) (18.4)
Interest element of lease payments 2.5 1.2 3.8
Capital element of lease payments (4.0) (6.7) (14.6)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (89.9) (17.7) (28.5)
Purchases of intangible assets (0.3) (0.2) (1.2)
Decrease / (increase) in capital asset prepayments - 0.1 (0.2)
Total purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (90.2) (17.8) (29.9)
Changes in working capital
Increase in inventories (5.7) (4.0) (7.1)
Increase in receivables (20.8) (16.9) (0.3)
Increase in payables 28.3 31.7 12.7
Total working capital movements 1.8 10.8 5.3
At 30 June 2025 and 30 June 2024, the overall working capital movements
amounted to €1.8 million and €10.8 million respectively, which principally
relate to seasonal working capital inflows that are expected to unwind in the
second half of the year.
During the six months ended 30 June 2025, there were no material changes to,
or material transactions between Irish Continental Group plc and its key
management personnel or members of their close family, other than in respect
of remuneration. There were no other material related party transactions in
the period.
15. Related party transactions
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related
parties, have been eliminated on consolidation.
16. Contingent assets / liabilities
There have been no material changes in contingent assets or liabilities as
reported in the Group’s financial statements for the year ended 31 December
2024.
17. Composition of the entity
There have been no changes in the composition of the entity during the half
year ended 30 June 2025.
18. Commitments
HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
€m €m €m
Commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment – approved and contracted for, but not accrued 2.3 0.4 1.4
19. Events after the reporting period
There have been no material events occurring after the period ended 30 June
2025.
20. Board approval
This interim report was approved by the Board of Directors of Irish
Continental Group plc on 27 August 2025.
APPENDIX: RECONCILIATION OF APMS
FOR THE HALF YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
Alternative Performance Measures
Certain financial measures set out in our Half-Yearly Financial Report to 30
June 2025 are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS). Presentation of these Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) provides
useful supplementary information which, when viewed in conjunction with the
Group’s IFRS financial information, allows for a more meaningful
understanding of the underlying financial and operating performance of the
Group. These non-IFRS measures should not be considered as an alternative to
financial measures as defined under IFRS.
Descriptions of the APMs included in this report are disclosed below.
EBITDA
EBITDA represents earnings before non-trading items, interest, tax,
depreciation and amortisation. As it eliminates the effects of financing and
depreciation decisions it allows for the assessment of underlying cash profit
generated from operations.
Financial Statement Reference HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
€m €m €m
Operating profit Condensed Consolidated Income Statement 24.6 17.4 69.1
Depreciation and amortisation Condensed Consolidated Income Statement 30.3 32.3 64.4
EBITDA 54.9 49.7 133.5
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow comprises net cash flow from operating activities less capital
expenditure. It is presented both before and after strategic capital
expenditure. Capital expenditure comprises purchases of property, plant and
equipment, intangible assets and lease inception costs. Strategic capital
expenditure comprises expenditure on vessels excluding annual overhaul and
repairs, and other assets with an expected economic life of over 10 years
which increases capacity or efficiency of operations.
It is presented as a measure of the availability to the Group of funds for
reinvestment or for return to shareholders.
Financial Statement Reference HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
€m €m €m
Net cash inflow from operating activities Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 62.4 61.9 131.8
Capital expenditure excluding strategic capital expenditure Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (12.0) (14.1) (16.6)
Free cash flow before strategic capital expenditure 50.4 47.8 115.2
Strategic capital expenditure Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (78.2) (6.3) (15.8)
Free cash flow after strategic capital expenditure (27.8) 41.5 99.4
The total of the capital expenditure amounts set out above is included in the
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as purchases of property, plant
and equipment and intangible assets and lease inception costs.
Net Debt
Net debt comprises total borrowings and lease liabilities included as current
and non-current liabilities less cash and cash equivalents.
Net debt is a measure of the Group’s ability to repay its debts if they were
to fall due immediately. Net debt (pre-IFRS 16) is a measure of net debt for
banking covenant purposes which excludes IFRS 16 lease liabilities.
Financial Statement Reference HY 2025 HY 2024 FY 2024
€m €m €m
Net Debt Note 10 224.1 211.7 162.2
Current lease liabilities Note 10 (81.9) (10.8) (7.5)
Non-current lease liabilities Note 10 (21.1) (102.5) (99.6)
Net Debt (pre-IFRS 16) 121.1 98.4 55.1
Adjusted Basic EPS
Basic EPS is adjusted to exclude non-trading items and net interest cost on
defined benefit obligations. Non-trading items are material non-recurring
items that derive from events or transactions that fall outside the ordinary
activities of the Group and which individually, or, if of a similar type, in
aggregate, are separately disclosed by virtue of their size or incidence.
It is used as a key indicator of long-term financial performance and value
creation of a public listed company.
The calculation of adjusted basic EPS is set out at Note 6.
In addition to the above APMs, the Group utilises additional APMs of Return on
Average Capital Employed and Schedule Integrity in relation to full year
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