In the 1st quarter of 2008 DSB achieved the best punctuality in eight years. The positive development is primarily attributable to a focused effort to improve punctuality. DSB's profit before tax totalled DKK 153 million, which is DKK 26 million lower than the same period last year. The result is in accordance with expectations.

Passenger revenues increased by 8 per cent
Passenger revenues totalled DKK 1,088 million, which is an increase of DKK 80 million or 8 per cent compared with the 1st quarter 2007. The increase is primar-ily attributable to an increase in the sale of long-distance journeys and journeys on DSB 1'.

Profit before depreciation and write-downs decreased by 4 per cent
The decrease can primarily be ascribed to decreasing revenues from traffic con-tracts and increased production and energy costs.

Significant improvement in punctuality in the 1st quarter
Punctuality in the 1st quarter of 2008 increased from 91.0 to 94.3 per cent for long-distance and regional trains and from 93.1 to 93.8 per cent for S-trains compared with the same period in 2007. The improvements are partly attribut-able to the implementation of a number of initiatives with a view to increase punctuality and partly fewer track works and the mild winter weather in the 1st quarter of 2008.

IC4 status
Currently DSB has 4 train sets, which have been approved for operation with passengers on the line Lindholm- Aalborg - Århus - Fredericia - Padborg. Next phase in the approval process is an actual type approval of the IC4 for commis-sioning as single operating train sets in national traffic. AnsaldoBreda has applied for this approval with Trafikstyrelsen on 4 March 2008. In connection with this, further test runs need to be carried out before a type approval can be issued. These test runs have been initiated and the first train set is ready for commis-sioning for service in national traffic as soon as the approval has been given by the authorities. DSB expects to make a statement about the IC4 this week.

The change management programme "Sporskifte 2010" ("Switching 2010")
In February 2008 DSB outlined a new strategy and launched a change manage-ment programme called Sporskifte 2010, which is intended to make the organi-sation more efficient and strengthen our position where we meet the customers.

Expectations to profits before tax in 2008 adjusted upwards
Profits before tax in 2008 are expected to be in the region of DKK 750 million including sale of fixed assets (approx. DKK 180 million). The upgraded outlook is based on expected sale of land and buildings, which will be realised later in 2008.