It would probably seem out-of-place not to mention the COVID-19 pandemic we are currently experiencing. All of our efforts and operations have certainly been affected by this new situation throughout each of the markets where we operate. Despite this, we still wanted to publish our 2019 annual report in which, as has been tradition, we review some of the most significant milestones during the year. Through other media and channels, the company is continuing to set out its position and activity in relation to the current situation. And, in the 2020 report, we will also have the opportunity to go back over these messages.
2019 was a year for consolidation and innovation. We strengthened our market position: globally, revenue continued to grow above 11%; and traffic continued to grow steadily, at around 3%. For the first time, we exceeded €400 million in revenue, underlining the strength of our asset portfolio.;
Our teams are focused on two strategic priorities: optimising the value of existing assets and seeking new profitable business opportunities in the long term. But this year we also took another significant step: creating the company’s Innovation area, in order to continue offering the best solutions to clients and users.
Europe, development and lessons
In 2019, we completed our first full year of operations in Portugal, with very positive experiences which bolstered our knowledge of this important market for the company. The Portuguese market is a country where ROADIS wants to gain a foothold for future transactions.
Traffic in Spain, where we continue to operate the A4 through a shadow toll model in the section between Madrid and Ocaña, has remained stable.
Asia, new market alliances
In India, ROADIS has remained the leading European highway operator for another year; traffic using our assets in India continues to increase above 3%.
In 2019, we signed a major agreement with the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF): a sovereign wealth fund owned by the Government of India, with the intention to create a jointly-held platform.
Mexico, a new adventure
In Mexico, the year was clearly defined by a new project: the Santa Catarina Viaduct. It is a 7.9 km extension of the Monterrey-Saltillo highway; an investment of more than MXN 7,000 million; and it underlines our commitment to the country, where we intend to remain as a key company which supports the country’s economic and social development.
In operational terms, the Mexican assets offer further proof of consolidation: revenue is growing with double-digit figures and traffic is continuing to grow above 6%.
Brazil, waiting for the five-year rebalancing process
In 2019, ROADIS reiterated its commitment to the country with the development of numerous initiatives. For years our message in this market has been clear: we are relying on the five-year rebalancing process in the VIABAHÍA concession contract. This would certainly be the milestone to help boost our investment capacity, in the state of Bahía and Brazil itself.
Despite these contractual challenges, VIABAHÍA traffic has continued to grow, above 13,000 vehicles per day, keeping the roads managed by the concessionaire with good|excellent classifications.
Creating value through profitable investments
Another ROADIS strategic pillar is the quest for new investment objectives. In 2019, we focused our ability to analyse business opportunities on developed markets like the United States, Colombia, Spain, Greece or Portugal, in order to identify and prioritise opportunities where we could demonstrate our competitive advantages.
For another year, I want to highlight the company’s corporate responsibility strategy, given that it has become one of the activity pillars at ROADIS in 2019. Both in the central offices and the different countries where we operate, we have intensified our efforts, significantly increasing the number of initiatives..
A good example of this strategy was the launch of the global road safety campaign “Your safety, our priority”. This campaign will continue during 2020. It has already managed to reach over one million of our road users.
A good year
For these reasons, I can confirm that 2019 has been a good year, and ROADIS has once again demonstrated the stability of its business. We are aware that achieving these objectives is only possible thanks to the commitment and dedication of each and every person in the ROADIS team. We will continue to work with drive and enthusiasm to ensure that 2020 is another year which will make us proud.
“Many thanks to all the employees, partners and collaborators which are part of the big ROADIS family for their effort and commitment this year. And thank you to our shareholder, PSP Investments, for their support in developing this strategy.”