Stock Story: Getlink's Channel Tunnel - Dominance in Transport and Resilient Returns
The Channel Tunnel connecting France and the United Kingdom is widely recognised as one of the world's ultimate engineering marvels. The 50 km tunnel, which includes a 38 km stretch that runs beneath the seabed, is recognised by most travelling on the Eurostar high-speed rail or using the car-shuttle service between Folkestone and Coquelles (near Calais). For investors, many recognise the Channel Tunnel as Getlink's core asset – offering highly attractive and resilient returns, diversified revenue streams, a long concession extending to 2086, and entrenched competitive advantages over alternative sea and air transport options. Getlink’s revenue is derived from several complementary services, which include:
LeShuttle: A roll-on service for passenger vehicles, enabling seamless connections between terminals and the national highway networks.
LeShuttle Freight: A specialised service offering swift and reliable transport for freight vehicles.
Rail Services: Operating under a long-term contract, Eurostar is the key user, operating high-speed rail services.
ElecLink: A significant addition since 2022, this 1 GW high-voltage electric cable connects the UK and French power markets, allowing for trading between the two nations.
Euroports: Provides rail freight services across France and neighbouring countries.
The Channel Tunnel enjoys material competitive advantages over other transport modes. In the passenger vehicle segment, LeShuttle offers faster, more reliable travel compared to car ferry services across the Straits of Dover, allowing it to command a price premium and market share of around 60%. In the freight transport segment, high-value or perishable goods benefit from the tunnel’s reliability and time savings, making it the preferred choice for trucking. For rail services, there is no alternative to the tunnel, but its users (Eurostar) compete indirectly with air travel. However, we find rail dominates over shorter-haul trips. The advantages of city-centre-to-city-centre convenience, ease of use, and growing environmental awareness make rail increasingly attractive to travellers. This has led to a market share of 63% in the rail markets of London-Paris (77% share), and London-Brussels/Amsterdam (47% share).
While the Channel Tunnel is a dominant infrastructure asset today, its early history underscores the risks of greenfield projects. Conceived in the 1980s, the project suffered significant delays and cost overruns, opening with a strained balance sheet. Early traffic levels also fell short of forecasts, which led to the company entering bankruptcy protection in 2006 as it sought a debt restructure – highlighting the dual risks of construction and demand uncertainty. However, once the asset stabilised, its long-term earnings potential and strategic importance became clear – a textbook example of the advantages established infrastructure assets offer over new developments.
Despite challenges from COVID-19 and Brexit, Getlink has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Post-pandemic traffic patterns have shifted but the company’s strategic pricing adjustments have driven aggregate revenue and earnings beyond previous peaks. Key drivers of future growth include: (1) yield optimisation through ongoing pricing strategies that aim to enhance revenue per user, rather than focusing solely on traffic volume recovery; and (2) high-speed rail market expansion from increased competition in the rail market, which will bring down prices, and stimulating demand and adding capacity. In addition, additional services linking European cities with the UK will further bolster demand; and (3) following the success of ElecLink, the company is exploring ElecLink 2, which would expand energy capacity between the UK and France. Although a long-term project, it underscores Getlink’s ability to leverage its core infrastructure for diversified growth.
Getlink’s Channel Tunnel is an irreplaceable asset, offering stable and diversified revenue streams, a strong competitive moat and long-term growth potential. With strategic investments and operational enhancements, the company is well-positioned to adapt to evolving transport and energy demands, ensuring sustained value creation for investors.
By Ben McVicar, CFA - Portfolio Manager and Sector Head Infrastructure and Industrials
Sources: Company disclosures
Important Information: This material has been produced by Magellan Asset Management Limited trading as MFG Asset Management (‘MFG Asset Management’) and has been prepared for general information purposes only and must not be construed as investment advice or as an investment recommendation. This material does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. This material does not constitute an offer or inducement to engage in an investment activity nor does it form part of any offer documentation, offer or invitation to purchase, sell or subscribe for interests in any type of investment product or service. You should read and consider any relevant offer documentation applicable to any investment product or service and consider obtaining professional investment advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any investment decision.
This material may include data, research and other information from third party sources. MFG Asset Management makes no guarantee that such information is accurate, complete or timely and does not provide any warranties regarding results obtained from its use. Statements contained in this material that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of MFG Asset Management. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon.
Any trademarks, logos, and service marks contained herein may be the registered and unregistered trademarks of their respective owners. This material and the information contained within it may not be reproduced, or disclosed, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of MFG Asset Management.
By clicking “I Agree” you represent that you are a ‘wholesale client’ under section 761G of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the “Act”). Further, you represent that you will not directly or indirectly disseminate information contained on this website to a ‘retail client’ within the meaning of section 761G of the Act.
This website contains general information only and does not take into account any person’s investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Nothing contained in the website constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments.
Important Legal Information: The information contained in the Institutional section of this website is not intended to constitute:
any offer for sale or subscription of securities to the public in New Zealand in terms of the Securities Act 1978 of New Zealand (the 1978 Act) (or any statutory modification or re-enactment of, or statutory substitution for, the 1978 Act). Accordingly, no prospectus or investment statement for the purposes of the 1978 Act has been produced in respect of the information contained in the website and the information does not contain all the information typically included in a registered prospectus or an investment statement under the 1978 Act; or
the provision of "financial advice" under the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (the 2008 Act) (or any statutory modification or re-enactment of, or statutory substitution for, the 1978 Act).
By clicking "I agree," you agree that you have read the terms detailed below and confirm that:
1) you:
(i) are an "habitual investor" for the purposes of section 3(2)(a)(ii) of the 1978 Act. "Habitual investors" are persons whose principal business is the investment of money or who, in the course of and for the purposes of their business, habitually invest money; or
(ii) otherwise fall within one of the other categories set out in section 3(2)(a) of the 1978 Act, meaning that you are not a member of the public for the purposes of the 1978 Act; or
(iii) you are acting for a person described in (i) or (ii); and
2) you are a "wholesale client" for the purposes of the 2008 Act.
The information contained in the Institutional section of this website is intended only for institutions that are both (i) habitual investors or otherwise fall within one of the other categories set out in section 3(2)(a) of the 1978 Act and (ii) "wholesale clients" under the 2008 Act. Such persons shall be referred to as "institutional investors" herein. Persons who are not institutional investors should not review the information contained in the website. This website is supplied on the condition that it is not passed on to any person who is not an institutional investor.
Nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal, business, tax or any other type of advice. The information on this website does not take into account the particular financial and investment objectives, circumstances and needs of any person. Information on the website is not intended for investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.You are solely responsible for evaluating the risks and merits regarding the use of the website and any services provided within. Nothing contained in that website constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments.
Important Legal Information: By clicking "I agree," the user agrees that I have read the terms detailed below and confirm that I am an Institutional Investor and that I wish to proceed.
Information contained in the Institutional section of this website is not intended for institutional investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorised.
The information is intended for institutional investors and consultants to institutional investors and is published for informational purposes only. The information is directed at informing persons falling within one or more of the following categories:
1) A government, local authority, or public authority;
2) A bank or insurance company;
3) A pension fund or charity;
4) An individual who is a "qualified client" under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and has experience in investment, financial and business matters to evaluate the risks of investing in securities;
5) Persons whose ordinary activities involve or are reasonably expect to involve them, as principal or as agent, in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments for the purpose of a business carried on by them;
6) Persons whose ordinary business involves the giving of advice, which may lead to another person acquiring or disposing of an investment or refraining from so doing.
Persons who do not fall into one of the above categories should not review the information contained in this site.
Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.
Important Legal Information: By clicking "I agree," the user agrees that I have read the terms detailed below and confirm that I am an investment professional as that term is defined in the Handbook of the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") or that I am acting for an investment professional.
Information contained on the Institutional section of this website is not intended for investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution of the information or purchase is not authorized or permitted.
The information is exclusively intended for, and directed at, investment professionals and advisers to investment professionals. Any products and investment services that are referenced on this website are only available to, or will only be engaged in with, investment professionals. Investment professionals will usually fall within one or more of the following categories (terms used have the same meaning as in the FSA handbook):
1) An authorised person;
2) An exempt person;
3) A government, local authority (constituted in any jurisdiction) or an international organisation;
4) Any person whose ordinary activities involve him in carrying on an investment activity;
5) A person who is acting in their capacity as a director, officer or employee of the above.
Persons who do not fall into one of the above categories, or who do not otherwise constitute investment professionals, should not read or rely on the information contained on this website.
The information provided on this website is for information purposes only and nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal, business, tax or any other type of advice.
Any performance data shown represents past performance. Past Performance should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future performance, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding future performance. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the risks associated with investments generally and the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.
Important Legal Information: By clicking "I agree," the user agrees that I have read the terms detailed below and confirm that I am an "Accredited Investor" and that I wish to proceed.
Information contained in the Institutional section of this website is not intended for accredited investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
The information is intended for accredited investors and consultants to accredited investors, and is published for informational purposes only.
The term "Accredited Investor" is a defined term under the Canadian Securities Regulation and includes Institutional Investors, such as banks, insurance companies, trust and loan companies, and pension plans. It also includes individuals provided they meet certain net worth or income thresholds. For more information, refer to National Instrument 45-106 of the Canadian Securities Administrators or consult your legal adviser.
Persons who do not fall into the definition above should not review the information contained in the site.
Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.
Important Legal Information: By clicking "I agree," the user agrees that I have read the terms detailed below and confirm that I am an "Institutional Investor" and that I wish to proceed.
Information contained in the Institutional section of this website is not intended for institutional investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
The information is exclusively intended for, and directed at eligible counterparties or professional clients as defined under the German Securities Trading Act. For more information, consult your legal adviser.
Nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal, business, tax or any other type of advice. The information on this website does not take into account the particular financial and investment objectives, circumstances and needs of any person. Information on the website is not intended for investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.
You are solely responsible for evaluating the risks and merits regarding the use of the website and any services provided within. Nothing contained in that website constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments.
Important Legal Information: By clicking "I agree," the user agrees that I have read the terms detailed below and confirm that I am an "Institutional Investor" and that I wish to proceed.
Information contained in the Institutional section of this website is not intended for institutional investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
The information is intended for institutional investors and consultants to institutional investors, and is published for informational purposes only. The information is directed at non-retail clients falling within one or more of the following categories:
1) A government, local authority or public authority;
2) A bank or insurance company;
3) A pension fund or charity;
4) An individual who provides one or more investment services on a professional basis;
5) Persons whose ordinary activities involve or are reasonably expect to involve them, as principal or as agent, in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of investments for the purposes of a business carried on by them;
6) Persons whose ordinary business involves the giving of advice, which may lead to another person acquiring or disposing of an investment or refraining from so doing.
Persons who do not fall into one of the above categories should not review the information contained in the site.
Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.
Important Legal Information: By clicking "I agree," the user agrees that I have read the terms detailed below and confirm that I am an "Institutional Investor" and that I wish to proceed.
Information contained in the Institutional section of this website is not intended for institutional investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
The information is exclusively intended for, and directed at institutional investors, accredited investors and expert investors as defined under the Securities and Futures Act (Singapore) (“SFA”) For more information, refer to the SFA or consult your legal adviser.
Nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal, business, tax or any other type of advice. The information on this website does not take into account the particular financial and investment objectives, circumstances and needs of any person. Information on the website is not intended for investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.
You are solely responsible for evaluating the risks and merits regarding the use of the website and any services provided within. Nothing contained in that website constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments.
Important Legal Information: By clicking "I agree," the user agrees that I have read the terms detailed below and confirm that I am a "professional investor" as defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance of Hong Kong (the “Ordinance”) and any rules made under the Ordinance, and that I wish to proceed.
Information contained in the Institutional section of this website is not intended for institutional investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
The information is exclusively intended for, and directed at, professional investors as defined under the Ordinance and any rules made under the Ordinance or as otherwise may be permitted by the Ordinance. For more information, refer to the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong or consult your legal adviser.
Nothing on this website constitutes investment, legal, business, tax or any other type of advice. The information on this website does not take into account the particular financial and investment objectives, circumstances and needs of any person. Information on the website is not intended for investors in any jurisdiction in which distribution or purchase is not authorized.
Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate so your investment, when sold, may be worth more or less than the original cost; current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. Investors should be aware of the increased risks associated with investments in foreign/emerging markets securities, high yield securities and smaller companies.
You are solely responsible for evaluating the risks and merits regarding the use of the website and any services provided within. Nothing contained in that website constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments.
Thank you for your interest. We are committed to expanding our institutional website to meet the needs of our global investor base. We do not, however, have content approved for your location at this time. For additional information please email institutional@magellangroup.com.au
Important Information
This document does not constitute an offer of units in a Magellan Fund in any jurisdiction other than Australia or New Zealand (or in jurisdictions where it is lawful to make such an offer). Applications for units in a Magellan Fund from residents outside of Australia and New Zealand may not be accepted.
By clicking on the "I Confirm" button below you are confirming that you are a resident of Australia or New Zealand (or that you are acting on behalf of a person who is a resident in one of those jurisdictions).
