MAIL

Demand declines in cyclical business units

In the first quarter of 2009, revenue decreased by 4.5% to €3,486 million (previous year: €3,649 million) despite 0.6 additional working days. In areas sensitive to economic developments, revenue remained below the prior-year figures due to the economic crisis. Exchange rate gains amount to €9 million.

Private customers posting fewer letters

Revenue in the Mail Communication Business Unit declined from €1,544 million to €1,508 million. The market is shrinking steadily as a result of increasing use of electronic means of communication. The economic crisis is most evident amongst private customers, who posted fewer letters. Sales volumes amongst our business customers were on par with last year despite the extra 0.6 working days. In the regulated mail sector, we kept prices stable although the inflation rate underlying the price cap procedure increased. We secured market shares with competitive products and services, and regained lost customers.

Customers modify their advertising behaviour

In times of economic difficulty, customers change their advertising behaviour. This is becoming apparent at present in the Dialogue Marketing Business Unit. In light of the current climate, mail-order companies in particular are investing less in advertising. Volumes declined for both addressed and unaddressed advertising mail. Quarterly revenues fell from €724 million in Q1 2008 to €683 million in Q1 2009, a decrease of 5.7%. 

Newspapers and magazines have fewer pages and less weight

Revenue in the Press Services Business Unit amounted to €211 million, nearly the same as the prior-year figure of €212 million. Both the number of pages and the weight of newspapers and magazines have decreased due to diminishing advertising content. As a result, the average prices for these items have fallen. We have been able to compensate for this with higher sales volumes, however.

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