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REG - Public Power Corp - 1H2017 Financial results of PPC S.A. <Origin Href="QuoteRef">DEHr.AT</Origin>

RNS Number : 8197R
Public Power Corporation S.A.
26 September 2017


PUBLIC POWER CORPORATION S.A.

TREASURY AND INVESTOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

Athens, September 26, 2017

PPC Group 1H2017 financial results

Group Summary Financial Results including IPTO S.A. until 15.6.2017


1H2017

1H2016

(%)

Turnover

2,484.3 m.

2,664.5 m.

-6.8%

TotalOperatingExpenses (excl. Depreciationandnetfinancialexpenses)

2,199.6 m.

2,129 m.

3.3%

EBITDA

284.7 m.

535.5 m.

-46.8%

EBITDA margin

11.5%

20.1%


Depreciation, total net financial expenses, share of profit/ (losses) in associated companies

414.6 m.

443 m.

-6.4%

Income from the sale of IPTO S.A.

172.2 m.

-


Pre-tax profits / (Losses)

42.3 m.

92.5 m.

-54.2%

Net income / (Loss)

14.4m.

57.1 m.

-74.8%


2Q2017

1Q2017

Turnover

1,115.5 m.

1,368.8 m.

-18.5%

Total Operating Expenses (excl. Depreciation and net financial expenses)

954.4 m.

1,245.2 m.

-23.4%

EBITDA

161.1 m.

123.6 m.

30.3%

EBITDA margin

14.4%

9%


Depreciation, total net financial expenses, share of profit/ (losses) in associated companies

202.9 m.

211.7 m.

-4.2%

Income from the sale of IPTO S.A.

172.2 m.

-


Pre-tax profits / (Losses)

130.4m.

( 88.1 m.)


Net income / (Loss)

88.7m.

( 74.3 m.)




Group Key financial figures from continued operations, excluding IPTO S.A.


1H2017

1H2016

Turnover

2,460.8 m.

2,629.5 m.

-6.4%

Total Operating Expenses (excl. Depreciation and net financial expenses)

2,258.7 m.

2,197.0 m.

2.8%

EBITDA

202.1 m.

432.5 m.

-53.3%

EBITDA margin

8.2%

16.4%


Depreciation, total net financial expenses, share of profit/ (losses) in associated companies

343.2 m.

377.6 m.

-9.1%

Income from the sale of IPTO S.A.

172.2 m.

-


Pre-tax profits / (Losses)

31.1 m.

54.9 m.

-43.4%

Net income / (Loss)

6.4m.

30.4m.

-78.9%

In 1H2017, EBITDA decreased by 250.8 m. (46.8%) compared to 1H2016, with the respective EBITDA margin standing at 11.5% compared to 20.1%. This reduction is attributed to the negative impact - of a total amount of 274.6 m. - from exogenous factors, such as the additional cost due to the energy crisis, the charge for the cover of the deficit of the Special Account for Renewables, as well as the NOME type auctions at prices below cost. It must be noted however, that the negative impact of these factors was significantly higher in the first quarter of 2017 (196.7 m.) compared to the second quarter ( 77.9 m.).

It is also important that in the second quarter, the increase in bad debt provisions was zero for the first time in recent years compared to 104.7 m. increase in 1Q2017 and 180 m. in 2Q2016, resulting to a significant rebound of EBITDA to 161.1 m. and of the respective margin to 14.4% compared to 1Q2017 when EBITDA was 123.6 m. and the respective margin 9%.

Excluding the negative impact from the deficit of the Special Account for Renewables and the NOME type auctions, EBITDA in the second quarter of 2017 would be 239 m., recording an increase of 48.7 m. or 25.6% compared to the respective period of 2016 and the EBITDA margin would be 21.4% compared to 15.2% last year.

In the second quarter, a 198.6 m profit was recorded in the results of the Parent Company from the sale of IPTO, which on a Group level was 172.2 m due to the difference between the value of participation of IPTO S.A. in the Parent Company and the Group.

Pre - tax profits in 1H2017 stood at 42.3 m. compared to 92.5 m. in 1H2016. Respectively, net income stood at 14.4 m. compared to 57.1 m.

Revenues

Turnover decreased in 1H2017 by 180.2 m. or 6.8% and amounted to 2,484.3 m. compared to 2,664.5 m. in 1H2016, due to the reduction in revenues from electricity sales by 199.4 m. ( 2,332 m. compared 2,531.4 m.).

This decrease is attributed to the following:

the loss of market share

the reward of customers who pay on time by providing tariff discounts and

the increase in the percentage ratio for the recording of non-technical losses (power thefts).

The reduction of revenues from electricity sales due to the above mentioned factors was partially offset by the increase in domestic demand by 3.4%.

1H2017 turnover, includes an amount of 28.8 m. regarding network user's participation for their connection to the network, which posted a reduction of 2.5 m. compared to last year.

In detail:

Domestic electricity demand increased by 3.4% in 1H2017 to 28,053 GWh compared to 27,122 GWh in 1H2016, an increase mainly attributed to bad weather conditions in the first quarter of 2017 (especially in January and February) compared to the respective period of 2016. In 2Q2017 domestic electricity demand remained at the same level as in the respective period of 2016, while compared to 1Q2017 it was reduced by 11.8%.

Total electricity demand (including exports and pumping) increased by 5.6% since during the first half of 2017 there were increased exports from third parties through interconnections in northern Greece towards Central Europe electricity markets, due to the more attractive prices as well as the possibility of exports of the NOME auctioned quantities.

Despite the abovementioned increase in electricity demand, PPC sales declined in 1H2017 due to the reduction of PPC's average market share in the supply market. Specifically, PPC's average retail market share in the country, in terms of GWhs and not in terms of number of clients, declined to 88.2% in 1H2017 compared to 93.4% in 1H2016.

In particular, in the Interconnected System, PPC's average market share was contained to 85.5% from 90.3% in June 2016, while PPC's average market share per Voltage was 98.6% in High Voltage, 66.6% in Medium Voltage and 90.6% in Low Voltage, compared to 99.9%, 75.6% and 94.2% in June 2016, respectively.

PPC's electricity generation and imports covered 57% of total demand in 1H2017 (54.2% in the Interconnected System), while the corresponding percentage in 1H2016 was 52.2% (49% in the Interconnected System). PPC's market share in electricity generation, as a percentage of the total load of the Interconnected System was 51% compared to 45% in 1H2016.

Said increase is attributed to the fact that in 1H2017, PPC's generation covered the largest part of the aforementioned increase in demand by increasing its generation by 17.8% while generation by third parties increased only by 5.5%. It is noted that during the same period, electricity imports from third parties decreased by 23.2% compared to the respective period of 2016, since certain traders opted for exports to Central Europe electricity markets due to higher prices. Consequently, PPC was burdened with addressing the problems stemming from the emergency status in the National Natural Gas System during the period 20.12.2016 - 12.02.2017, as it was obliged to operate the natural gas fired units of Komotini and Lavrio IV burning diesel oil instead of natural gas.

Lignite fired generation in 1H 2017 increased by 23.4% (1,525 GWh) from 6,512 GWh in1H2016 to 8,037 GWh in 1H2017, while generation from natural gas fired units increased by 62.2% (1,432 GWh) from 2,303 GWh in 1H2016 to 3,735 GWh in 1H2017.

As far as hydro generation is concerned, the overutilization of hydro reserves was requested in January, following the relevant decisions of the Gas Coordination Group in order to address the aforementioned energy crisis. Following that, hydro generation was contained in order to secure the minimum necessary reserves in view of the summer season. Consequently, hydro generation in 1H2017 decreased by 29.5%. The considerably low level of hydro reserves at the beginning of the year compared to the respective period in 2016, combined with the substantially lower hydro inflows resulted to hydro reserves settling at 2,160 GWh at the end of June, that is a reduction of 21.7% compared to June 2016.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses before depreciation increased by 70.6 m. (3.3%), from 2,129.0 m. in 1H2016, to 2,199.6 m. in 1H2017, mainly due to the charge for the cover of the deficit of the RES account, the cost of the energy crisis as well as NOME auctions.

Is noted though that, in the second quarter the abovementioned expenses decreased by 107.2 m. compared to the respective period in 2016, mainly due to the aforementioned zero increase in bad debt provisions.

More specifically:

Energy mix expenditure

Expenditure for liquid fuel, natural gas, third parties fossil fuel, CO2 and energy purchases increased by 375.1m. (36.4%) compared to 1H2016.

In detail:

Liquid fuel expense increased by 122.6 m. (61.4%), from 199.6 m. in1H 2016 to 322.2 m. in 1H2017 and is attributed to :

- the increase of liquid fuel consumption due to the increased generation of electricity by 140 GWh, in order to meet higher demand in the Non Interconnected Islands as well as the consumption of diesel for the operation of the natural gas fired units of Komotini and Lavrio IV, in order to address the energy crisis at the beginning of the winter period.

- the increase of heavy fuel oil and diesel prices expressed in Euros (not including the Special Consumption Tax) by 39.6% and 16.7%, respectively and,

- the increase in theexpense for the Special Consumption Tax on liquid fuel, by 42.3 m. from 60.5 m. in 1H2016 to 102.8 m. in 1H2017, due to the aforementioned increase in fuel quantities as well as the increase of the unit charge of the Special Consumption Tax in diesel from 330/kL to 410/kL since 1.1.2017.

Natural gas expense increased to 211.6 m. (72%), from 123 m. in 1H2016, due to the significant increase in natural gas generation in order to meet increased demand, which to a large extent was caused by increased exports from third parties by 113.5%, as well as the increased natural gas price for electricity generation by 17.9%. Following the abolition of the Special Consumption Tax on natural gas for electricity generation since 1.6.2016, the relevant expense was zero in 1H2017 compared to 22.7 m. in 1H2016.

Third parties fossil fuel expense increased by 18 m. and amounted to 29.2 m.

Energy purchases expense from the System and the Network increased by 26.6%, from 586.7 m. in 1H2016 to 742.9 m., despite the lower volume in energy purchases by 24.8%, due to :

- the additional negative impact of 170,3 m. from the charge imposed on suppliers for the cover of the deficit of the RES Account,

- the significant increase of the average System Marginal Price (SMP) to 53.1/MWh from 42.5/MWh and

- the net expense of 34.3 m. which is attributed to the negative effect from electricity auctions at prices below SMP.

Energy purchases expense includes an additional amount of 22.9 m. which is the net impact from the Transitory Capacity Payment Mechanism, which was in effect from 1.5.2016 until 30.4.2017.

Expenditure for PPC electricity imports, excluding expense for interconnection rights, decreased by 3.3 m. (12.4%) settling at 23.4 m., mainly as a result of the reduction in the volume of imports by 168 GWh (16.7%), as well as in the relevant prices by 3% due to already contracted quantities. Due to the lower volume of imports, the expense for interconnection rights settled at 2.5 m. in 1H2017 compared to 3.3 m. in 1H2016.

Expenditure for CO2 emission rights decreased by 7 m. compared to 1H2016 settling at 77.5 m. due to lower average price of CO2 emission allowances by 24.7% from 6.8 / tn to 5.12 / tn.

Payroll cost

The total payroll cost, including IPTO payroll until 15.6.2017, capitalized payroll and payroll of seasonal personnel and other personnel related benefits, remained practically stable at 477.2 m. in 1H2017 from 478.7 m. in 1H2016. Excluding employers' contributions and other personnel related benefits, total payroll cost amounts to 363.5 m. and 364.9 m., respectively.

The number of permanent employees on payroll - including IPTO - increased by 315 employees, to 19,057 on 30.6.2017 from 18,742 on 30.6.2016. The number of permanent employees on payroll, following the ownership unbundling of IPTO, amounts to 17,663 employees on 30.6.2017 compared to 17.342 on 30.6.2016.

Provisions

In 1H2017, there was a decline by 239.7 m in the rate of increase of bad debt provisions to 103.7 m compared to 343.4 m. in 1H2016. In particular, in 2Q2017, the increase in provisions was practically zero compared to a 104.7 m. increase in 1Q2017.

Adding provisions for litigation and slow moving materials, the increase of total provisions was 114.6 m. in 1H2017 compared to 341.7 m. in 1H2016.

In conclusion,

In 1H2017, 55.5% of total revenues were expensed for fuel, CO2 and energy purchases compared to 38.3% in 1H2016, mainly due to the aforementioned charge for the cover of the deficit of the Renewables Account and the additional cost due to the energy crisis. Regarding the evolution of provisions, these represent 4.6% of total revenues compared to 12.8% last year. The corresponding percentage for payroll increased to 17.4% compared to 16.3% last year, mainly due to aforementioned turnover reduction.

Other Financial information

Depreciation expense in1H2017 marked a slight reduction settling at 350.4 m. compared to 363.5 m. in 1H2016.

Net financial expenses decreased by 13.3m. and settled at 66.8 m. in 1H2017, compared to 80.1 m. in 1H2016, mainly due to lower debt level.

Capex

Capital expenditure, excluding IPTO S.A., amounted to 203.6 m. in 1H2017 compared to 193.4 m. in 1H2016.

Capital expenditure also includes network users' participation for their connection to the network, which stood at 28.8 m. (compared to 31.3 m. in 1H2016).

Net capex of PPC Group, that is capital expenditure excluding aforementioned participations, increased by 12.7 m. or 7.8% and amounted to 174.8 m. in 1H2017 compared to 162.1 m. in 1H2016.

The composition of the main net capex (in million euros) is as follows:


1H2017

1H2016

Mining projects

50

40

10

Conventional Generation & RES projects

79

55

24

Distribution network

43

63

-20

Net debt / Overdue Payables

Net debt, excluding IPTO S.A., was 3,803 m. on 30.06.2017, a reduction of 519.8 m. compared to 31.12.2016 and 499.2 m. compared to 30.6.2016.

Net Debt evolution

(in m)

30.6.2017

31.12.2016

30.6.2016

Gross Debt (1)

4,419.1

4,642.1

4,745.1

Cash and cash equivalents & Restricted cash (2)

613

318

439.6

Available for sale financial assets (3)

3.1

1.3

3.3

Net Debt (4) = (1) - (2) - (3)

3,803

4,322.8

4,302.2

Besides net debt reduction, a decrease of 83 m. was also recorded in overdue payables towards other creditors of the Parent Company. Specifically, total overdue payables declined at 676 m on 30.06.2017 compared to 759 m. at the end of 2016.



Commenting on the financial results of the period, Mr. Emmanuel Panagiotakis, Public Power Corporation's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said:

"In the second quarter of 2017, a significant rebound of the operational profitability of the Parent Company was recorded, with EBITDA reaching 110.4 m compared to 56.1 m in the first quarter and the respective margin reaching 10.2% from 4.2%. This rebound is attributed to a large extent to the initiatives and actions undertaken by the Company for addressing the issue of strategic defaulters. As a result, bad debt provisions were zero in the second quarter.

On the contrary, there is still significant pressure on the profitability of the Company by exogenous factors, such as the charge for the cover of the Renewables account deficit and electricity auctions. Without these factors, EBITDA would settle at 188 m. in the second quarter and the respective margin at 17.4%. It is further noted that the charge imposed on electricity suppliers for the cover of the Renewables Account deficit has a negative impact on the opening of the market.

In April, the 200 m international bond was repaid, whereas in July, the ownership unbundling of IPTO was concluded and the Company received the relevant proceeds from State Grid and the Greek State.

Net debt of the Parent Company decreased by 501.3 m compared to the end of 2016.

Collection data for the 7 month period of 2017 convey positive signs, since receipts from customers are only 1.5% below the figures of the respective period of 2016, when the market share of the Company was approximately 6% higher, while at the same time the 15% discount for consistent customers was not in place. Nevertheless, there are still issues with collections and more drastic measures are needed. Within the coming days, we will proceed to the hiring of the specialized advisor, with a certain delay compared to initial planning, due to the complex selection process.

With respect to the opening of the retail market, despite NOME type auctions, market shares have remained stable in the last three months. It is worth noting that other electricity suppliers have been starting to record bad debt provisions too, even though they had the flexibility to cherry pick their customers. Such development highlights the complexity of the electricity sector, which requires investments, strategy and risk taking, and is not a sector for the development of business activities targeting easy profit based on market distortions. For the proper opening of the electricity market, PPC has already set up a portfolio of customers to be tendered and it expects the relevant legislative measures in order to complete the process.

In order for the Company to collect the amounts already expensed in the previous years (post 2011) for Public Service Obligations, the relevant opinion of RAE pointing to an amount in the order of 360 m does not correspond to reality. We have already submitted our views, aiming at resolving the difference through dialogue or at least through arbitration process.

Since July, we have started the development of PPC's Strategic and Business Plan, where the optimal business model and the roadmap for the corporate transformation of the Company will be defined.

At the same time, we have already set in place measures for the optimal development of personnel and the strengthening of the management process through a new evaluation system.

PPC is intensively working on addressing the significant challenges stemming from the upcoming change of the electricity market model in our country as well as from the implementation of EU policies. In parallel, PPC will take advantage of significant growth opportunities in the field of Renewables and energy services in Greece, whereas it intensifies its efforts for business initiatives abroad".



Financial Results of the Parent Company


1H2017

1H2016

Turnover

2,416.1 m

2,605.0m

EBITDA

166.5 m

407.6 m

EBITDA margin

6.9%

15.6%

Pre-tax profits / (Losses)

6.9 m

38.6 m

Net income / (Loss)

0.5m

25.9 m

Financial Results of Subsidiaries

Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO S.A./DEDDIE)


1H2017

1H2016

Turnover

388.5 m

365.4m

EBITDA

28.8 m

17.6 m

EBITDA margin

7.4%

4.8%

Pre-tax profits / (Losses)

25.6 m

14.1 m

Net income / (Loss)

18.4 m

9.3 m

PPC Renewables S.A.


1H2017

1H2016

Turnover

11.5 m

11.5m.

EBITDA

6.6 m

7.5 m.

EBITDA margin

57.5 %

64.9%

Pre-tax profits / (Losses)

2.9 m

5.9m.

Net income / (Loss)

1.5 m

4.3 m.



Summary Financials ( m.)


1H2017
Audited

1H2016
Audited

%


1H2017
Audited

1H2016
Audited

%


GROUP


PARENT COMPANY

Total Revenues

2,484.3

2,664.5

-6.8%


2,416.1

2,605.0

-7.3%

EBITDA

284.7

535.5

-46.8%


166.5

407.6

-59.2%

EBITDA Margin

11.5%

20.1%



6.9%

15.6%


Profit/(Loss) before Taxes & Fin. Expenses (EBIT)

-65.7

172.0

-138.2%


-148.5

82.7

-279.6%

EBIT Margin (%)

-2.6%

6.5%



-6.1%

3.2%


Net Income/(Loss)

14.4

57.1

-74.8%


0.5

25.9

-98.1%

Earnings/(Losses) per share (In euro)

0.06

0.25

-76.0%


0.00

0.11

-100.0%

No of Shares (in m.)

232

232



232

232


Net Debt

3,803.0

4,574.3

-16.9%


3,879.5

4,365.2

-11.1%









Summary Profit & Loss ( m.)


1H2017
Audited

1H2016
Audited

%


1H2017
Audited

1H2016
Audited

%


GROUP


PARENT COMPANY

Total Revenues

2,484.3

2,664.5

-6.8%


2,416.1

2,605.0

-7.3%

- Revenue from energy sales

2,332.0

2,531.4

-7.9%


2,327.1

2,526.9

-7.9%

- Customers' participation

28.8

31.3

-8.0%


27.8

27.9

-0.4%

- Third Party Distribution- Transmission network fees and PSO

50.3

47.0

7.0%


0.0

20.6

-100.0%

- Other revenues

73.2

54.8

33.6%


61.2

29.6

106.8%

Total Operating Expenses (excl. depreciation)

2,199.6

2,129.0

3.3%


2,249.6

2,197.4

2.4%

- Payroll Expenses

433.3

433.3

0.0%


276.4

276.2

0.1%

- Third parties fossil fuel

29.2

11.2

160.7%


29.2

11.2

160.7%

- Total Fuel Expenses

533.8

322.6

65.5%


533.8

322.6

65.5%

- Liquid fuel

322.2

199.6

61.4%


322.2

199.6

61.4%

- Natural Gas

211.6

123.0

72.0%


211.6

123.0

72.0%

- Expenditure for CO2 emission rights

77.5

84.5

-8.3%


77.5

84.5

-8.3%

- Special lignite levy

16.1

23.8%


16.1

13.0

23.8%

- Energy Purchases

766.3

613.4

24.9%


774.3

625.5

23.8%

- Purchases From the System and the Network

444.2

479.3

-7.3%


449.9

485.2

-7.3%

- Imports

23.4

26.7

-12.4%


34.4

42.6

-19.2%

- Transitory Capacity Payment Mechanism

22.9

11.4

100.9%


22.9

11.4

100.9%

- Balance of clearings and other expenses

20.4

11.0

85.5%


20.4

11.0

85.5%

- Differential expense for RES energy purchases

12.2

18.4

-33.7%


12.2

18.4

-33.7%

- Special consumption tax on natural gas for IPPs

0.0

22.7

-100.0%


0.0

22.7

-100.0%

- Cover of Special RES account deficit

170.3

0.0



170.3

0.0


- Other

72.9

43.9

66.1%


64.2

34.2

87.7%

- Transmission System Usage

6.7

0.0



91.1

93.7

-2.8%

- Distribution System Usage

0.0

0.0



185.5

194.6

-4.7%

- Provisions

102.9

343.2

-70.0%


106.2

343.0

-69.0%

- Provisions for risks

11.7

-1.5

-880.0%


8.7

1.3

569.2%

- Taxes and Duties

21.2

21.9

-3.2%


17.9

17.6

1.7%

- Other Operating Expenses (including lignite)

200.9

287.4

-30.1%


132.9

214.2

-38.0%

EBITDA

284.7

535.5

-46.8%


166.5

407.6

-59.2%

EBITDA Margin (%)

11.5%

20.1%



6.9%

15.6%


Depreciation and Amortisation and impairment of fixed assets

350.4

363.5

-3.6%


315.0

324.9

-3.0%

Profit/(Loss) before Taxes & Fin. Expenses (EBIT)

-65.7

172.0

-138.2%


-148.5

82.7

-279.6%

EBIT Margin (%)

-2.6%

6.5%



-6.1%

3.2%


Total Net Financial Expenses

65.0

80.8

-19.6%


43.2

44.1

-2.0%

- Net Financial Expenses

66.8

80.1

-16.6%


45.0

43.4

3.7%

- Foreign Currency (Gains)/ Losses

-1.8

0.7

-357.1%


-1.8

0.7

-357.1%

Income from IPTO's sale

172.2

0.0



198.6

0.0


Share of profit /(Losses) in associated companies

0.8

1.3

-38.5%


0.0

0.0


Pre-tax Profits/(Losses)

42.3

92.5

-54.3%


6.9

38.6

-82.1%

Net Income/ (Loss)

14.4

57.1

-74.8%


0.5

25.9

-98.1%

Earnings/(Losses) per share (In euro)

0.06

0.25

-76.0%


0.00

0.11

-100.0%









Summary Balance Sheet & Capex ( m.)


1H2017
Audited

1H2016
Audited

%


1H2017
Audited

1H2016
Audited

%


GROUP


PARENT COMPANY

Total Assets

15,221.2

17,206.7

-11.5%


14,856.1

15,686.9

-5.3%

Net Debt

3,803.0

4,574.3

-16.9%


3,879.5

4,365.2

-11.1%

Total Equity

5,449.4

5,963.1

-8.6%


5,382.3

5,745.3

-6.3%

Capital expenditure

203.6

283.3

-28.1%


195.8

181.4

7.9%

Note (1):

Summary Balance Sheet & Capex figures for the Group in 1H2017 do not include IPTO S.A. figures, whereas in 1H2016 IPTO S.A. figures are included.

Note (2):

For further information regarding definitions of ratios included in abovementioned figures, please refer to 1H2017 Annual Financial Report (Report of the Board of Directors)

For further information please contact:

Alexandra Konida, Investor Relations & Treasury Director, Tel: +30210 5293048.

The financial data and relevant information on the Financial Statements for 1H2017, as well as the Financial Statements for 1H2017, on a standalone and on a consolidated basis shall be uploaded to the Company's web site (www.dei.gr) on September 26, 2017, after the conclusion of the Athens Stock Exchange trading session.


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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