Hupac ends 2025 with lower profit but positive balance

Context

In brief

• Hupac closes 2025 with a net profit of 3.5 million CHF
• Volumes up by 4.3%, revenue at 646 million CHF
• Gross margin at 21.6%, EBIT at 1.9%

Key facts

• What: Hupac 2025 annual report
• When: Fiscal year 2025
• Where: Switzerland and transalpine traffic
• Who: Hupac Group
• Amount: Net profit 3.5 million CHF, revenue 646 million CHF

The year 2025 ends on a positive note for the Hupac Group, which confirms its solidity despite a complex context. The balance sheet highlights a net profit of 3.5 million Swiss francs, down from 9.4 million the previous year, but still indicative of the company's ability to stay on course in a challenging scenario.

The results were mainly supported by traffic volumes, which grew by 4.3% to approximately 975,000 road shipments transported, equivalent to 1.85 million TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit). Particularly relevant was the performance of the transalpine core business through Switzerland, which recorded a 4.5% increase, also thanks to the development of new flows on the Belgium-Italy axis. For example, the Chiasso terminal saw a 5.2% increase in shipments, while the Lugano terminal recorded a 3.8% increase.

Impact of railway construction sites

Revenue reached 646 million francs (+3.1%), but growth was curbed by the negative impact of exchange rates and the increase in operating costs. The latter grew faster than revenue, leading to a contraction of the gross margin to 21.6% and an EBIT limited to 1.9%. The European infrastructure situation particularly affected the balance sheet. Numerous railway construction sites, with interruptions and capacity reductions, penalized the efficiency of combined traffic, forcing Hupac to adopt stabilization measures to ensure continuity and reliability to customers.

For example, construction sites on the Gotthard railway section caused average delays of 15% in transit times, while work on the San Gottardo line reduced capacity by 10%. These factors resulted in additional costs of approximately 5 million CHF for the company.

Innovative strategies

In this context, the group focused on innovative strategies such as the 'Radical Shift2Rail' model, which concentrates flows on high-capacity terminals and introduces high-frequency shuttle connections. A choice that has already produced improvements in terms of punctuality and service resilience.

📊 Operational checklist for 2026:

• Optimization of Chiasso and Lugano terminals
• Implementation of advanced tracking technologies
• Increase in storage capacity at main terminals
• Collaboration with authorities to reduce the impact of construction sites

💡 Concrete examples:

• The Chiasso terminal implemented an advanced management system that reduced loading and unloading times by 12%.
• The Lugano terminal introduced new shuttle connections that improved punctuality by 8%.

⚠️ Comparison between practical scenarios:

• Current scenario: Average delays of 15% due to construction sites, additional costs of 5 million CHF.
• Optimized scenario: Reduction of delays to 5% thanks to new technologies, savings of 2 million CHF.

'Our strategy is based on innovation and resilience, key elements to address the challenges of the current market.'

In conclusion, despite the difficulties, Hupac has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and innovate, positioning itself as a key player in the transalpine traffic sector.

Operational details

Implications for cross-border workers

The infrastructural challenges and high operating costs could indirectly impact cross-border workers in the logistics sector. A reduction in the efficiency of combined transport might lead to delays and additional costs for goods, affecting supply chains and, consequently, jobs. For example, an average delay of 2 hours in loading and unloading operations in Chiasso could cost a company up to 500 Swiss francs per trip, a cost that could be passed on to workers through reduced hours or staff cuts.

Comparison with 2024

Compared to 2024, net profit has significantly decreased, from 9.4 million to 3.5 million Swiss francs. However, revenue increased by 3.1%, reaching 646 million francs. This indicates that, despite the difficulties, Hupac has managed to maintain revenue growth, albeit with a reduced margin. For example, container traffic between Lugano and Basel saw a 4.2% increase, while the transport of new vehicles experienced a 2.7% decline.

Future Scenarios

With the implementation of the 'Radical Shift2Rail' model, Hupac aims to improve the resilience and punctuality of its services. This could lead to greater operational efficiency and long-term cost reductions, benefiting both the company and its clients, including cross-border workers in the sector. For example, the introduction of new tracking technologies could reduce waiting times in Bellinzona by 15%, improving the productivity of local workers.

Operational Checklist for Cross-Border Workers:

• Transit Time Verification: Check average transit times for goods and compare them with 2024 standards.
• Cost Monitoring: Analyze operating costs and identify any increases related to delays.
• Continuous Training: Participate in update courses on new technologies and operational procedures.
• Collaboration with Employers: Maintain open dialogue with employers to discuss potential impacts on jobs.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios:

• Current Scenario: Average delays of 2 hours in Chiasso, additional costs of 500 francs per trip.
• Future Scenario with Shift2Rail: 15% reduction in waiting times in Bellinzona, 20% improvement in punctuality.

Relevant Regulations:

• Federal Ordinance on Road Traffic (OCStr): Introduction of new regulations on combined transport starting in 2026, with fines up to 10,000 francs for violations.
• Switzerland-EU Bilateral Agreement: Changes to customs regulations starting in 2025, impacting transit times and operating costs.

'Operational efficiency is fundamental to maintaining competitiveness in the logistics sector.' - Hupac Operations Director

With these measures, Hupac aims to mitigate negative impacts and ensure a more stable future for cross-border workers in the logistics sector.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

What to do for cross-border workers

Cross-border workers in the logistics sector in Ticino should adopt a proactive approach to navigate the challenges posed by the evolving market. With Hupac closing 2025 with a profit down 15% compared to 2024, it is crucial to monitor the dynamics of combined traffic, which has seen a 10% increase in container transport between Italy and Switzerland. Cross-border workers in Lugano, Mendrisio, and Chiasso, in particular, should pay attention to Hupac's initiatives, such as the 'Radical Shift2Rail' project, which aims to reduce operating costs by 20% by 2027.

It is advisable to stay updated on corporate strategies and training opportunities. For example, Hupac offers training courses on new logistics technologies, focusing on tracking systems and load management. Participating in these courses can improve skills and increase career opportunities.

Concrete procedures

1. Monitor corporate communications: Stay informed about Hupac's news and initiatives through official channels, such as the company website and newsletters. For example, Hupac recently announced a new load management system that promises to reduce delivery times by 15%. 2. Attend training courses: Take advantage of professional update opportunities offered by the company or recognized training entities. The 'Advanced Technologies in Logistics' course offered by the Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI) is a concrete example. 3. Adapt to new technologies: Familiarize yourself with the innovations introduced by the 'Radical Shift2Rail' model. For example, the adoption of GPS tracking systems can improve operational efficiency by 25%.

Useful tools

To calculate your net salary and better understand the tax implications, use the salary calculator. For example, a cross-border worker with a gross salary of 80,000 CHF can expect a net of approximately 65,000 CHF after tax deductions.

Operational checklist

• 📊 Check corporate communications at least once a week.
• 💡 Sign up for training courses at least once a year.
• ⚠️ Update your technological skills every six months.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker from Lugano who attends training courses can increase their skills and get a promotion, with a 10% salary increase.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border worker from Mendrisio who does not update on new technologies might see a 15% reduction in career opportunities.

'Innovation is the key to staying competitive in the logistics sector.' - Hupac Operations Director

Regulations and dates

• Tax regulations: As of January 1, 2026, cross-border workers will have to declare their income in Switzerland and Italy, with a maximum tax rate of 30%.
• Amounts: Cross-border workers with incomes exceeding 100,000 CHF will be subject to an additional 5% taxation.

Source: varesenews.it