Based on the provisions of the Ljubljana Stock Exchange Rules and applicable legislation, Luka Koper d.d. publishes the Summary of the Business Plan of Luka Koper d.d. and Luka Koper Group for 2025 and the Performance Estimate for 2024.

The Supervisory Board of Luka Koper approved the performance estimate for 2024 and the business plan for 2025 today.

Performance Estimate: Financial Indicators Above Initial Plans

Despite moderate economic growth and uncertainties in the Middle East, Luka Koper Group is performing well and is expected to close 2024 above expectations.

The exception is net sales revenue, which is expected to reach €318.5 million, 2% (€6 million) below the 2024 plan but 2% (€5.8 million) higher than in 2023. Compared to 2023, revenue from maritime throughput, container handling services, and other services will increase, while revenue from storage fees decreased due to faster cargo turnover.

Operating profit (EBIT) is expected to exceed the plan by 9% (€4.3 million), reaching €54.7 million by the end of the year, although this represents a 10% decline compared to 2023. Labour costs increased due to new hires and salary adjustments for inflation. The Group is expected to close the year with a net profit of €50.2 million, 11% less than in 2023 but 5% (€2.2 million) above the 2024 plan.

The year will also end with higher throughput at the container terminal, reaching 1.106 thousand TEUs, a 4% increase compared to 2023 and 1% above the plan. This marks a new absolute record, surpassing last year's record of 1.066 thousand TEUs. Car throughput is expected to be 6% lower, at 860 thousand vehicles by year-end. General and liquid cargo throughput, driven by steel products, petroleum derivatives, and organic chemicals, will increase compared to 2023, while bulk cargo (coal) throughput will slightly decline. Total maritime throughput is estimated at 22.5 million tonnes, 1% more than in 2023 and in line with the 2024 plan.

2025: Planned Business Growth and Higher Maritime Throughput

Global economic growth is expected to resume gradually in 2025, with the Eurozone forecasted to grow at a moderate 1.2%, driven by higher exports and domestic demand. Inflation is projected to decline to 3.5%, while Slovenia is expected to achieve GDP growth of 2.4% and investment growth of 3.5%.

The 2025 business plan assumes that unrest in the Middle East will not be prolonged and will not significantly impact business volumes. However, ongoing investment and maintenance work on Slovenia’s rail network, which will continue until the second track is completed in 2026, will affect the Group’s operations, as it has in 2023.

Despite these challenges, the Group forecasts 6% growth in net sales revenue to €337.8 million, driven by higher throughput and slightly increased sales prices. Operating profit (EBIT) is expected to rise by 1% to €54.3 million, despite higher operating costs due to additional hiring (an 11% increase). The Group plans to employ fewer agency workers, reducing costs in this area.

Excess cash will primarily fund investments, leading to 83% lower income from loans (€2.7 million). This will result in a lower financing result and a net profit of €49.2 million, 2% lower than the 2024 estimate.

Growth is expected across both total maritime throughput and strategic cargo categories. Total maritime throughput is projected to reach 23.1 million tonnes, a 3% increase compared to 2024. The container terminal is expected to handle 1.162 thousand TEUs (5% growth), while the car terminal is projected to handle 885 thousand vehicles (3% growth).

Investment Plan for 2025

The investment plan for Luka Koper d.d. and Luka Koper Group aligns with the Strategic Business Plan. Key projects include:

• Expanding storage areas for cars and general cargo,
• Constructing a passenger terminal,
• Installing photovoltaic plants on warehouse roofs,
• Acquiring additional equipment.

The Group will allocate €40.5 million to sustainability and social responsibility projects in 2025, representing 35% of total planned investments.

Initiating a Development Cycle for Container Capacity

The Supervisory Board also reviewed the economic feasibility study for increasing the container terminal’s capacity to 1.8 million TEUs annually, with a planned investment of over €400 million.

The investment includes:

• Extending the northern part of Pier I,
• Procuring additional quay cranes and equipment,
• Extending terminal rail tracks,
• Expanding container storage capacity in the terminal’s hinterland.

This development cycle will coincide with the construction of the second rail track between Divača and Koper. The northern extension of Pier I is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with remaining investments finalised by 2030.