|
10th September 2009 |
|
AIM: RUR |
Rurelec PLC
Interim results for the 6 months ended 30th June 2009
Rurelec PLC ('Rurelec' or 'the Company'; AIM: RUR), the electric utility focused on the development of power generation capacity and rural electrification projects in Latin America, announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2008.
Financial Highlights:
Revenues increased by 50% to £18.5m (2008: £11.9m), an increase of 36% on like-for-like accounting basis
First half operating loss of £0.7m (2008: £1.3m profit)
Placings of 119.6m new ordinary shares in aggregate completed in the first half year
Debt reduction at PLC level associated with disposal of 50% interest in Argentine subsidiary
Bolivian bond financing closed at $24m
Operational Highlights:
Record levels of generation in Bolivia and new, increased capacity prices effective from April
Argentine expansion project completed, with 60 MW of new capacity on line from May
New capacity and export initiative to Brazil underlines co-operation with Government of Bolivia
Commenting on these results, Peter Earl, Rurelec's Chief Executive, said:
'Due to upheavals in the global economy, the Company has been concentrating on consolidating its cash position. With 60 MW of new capacity having entered commercial operations in Argentina during the first half and a further 100 MW of new capacity due to come online in Bolivia early 2010, we are looking forward to the enhanced revenue earning potential of the Group in the coming months.'
For further information please contact:
Rurelec PLC |
Daniel Stewart |
Blythe Weigh Communications |
Peter Earl, CEO |
Stewart Dick |
Ana Ribeiro/Tim Blythe |
+44 (0)20 7793 5610 |
+44(0) 20 7776 6550 |
+44 (0) 20 7138 3204 |
|
|
Mob: 07980321505 / 07816924626 |
Chairman's Statement
I am pleased to report the results of Rurelec PLC ('Rurelec' or the 'Company') for the half year to 30th June, 2009. Although the loss for the period reported is disappointing, since the end of June there have been a number of encouraging factors for the company and others which are planned. These are described in some detail below.
Rurelec recorded a loss after tax for the period of £3.4 million (2008: £0.84m profit) on revenues of £18.5 million (2008: £11.95 million). Operating loss for the period was £0.7 million compared to an operating profit of £1.3 million for the same period in 2008. The principal reasons for the deterioration in operating margins are the increase in gas costs in Bolivia and the delay in bringing the combined cycle expansion project into commercial operations in Argentina. The increased interest expense and the foreign exchange losses, both of which are largely attributable to the now unwound acquisition of the balance of shares in Argentina were offset by a gain on its sale. Revenue has increased by 50%, but when compared with the previous year on a like-for-like accounting basis, i.e., recognising only 50 per cent. of revenues from EdS, the year on year increase falls to 36%.
Such a dismal opening to the year does not reflect the strength of the power generation business of Rurelec power plants in Argentina and Bolivia. The underlying business of producing electricity in Latin America is at an all time high and the outlook for the future is stronger still. Empresa Guaracachi S.A. ('Guaracachi'), our Bolivian subsidiary has beaten previous half-year generation records. The Board of Rurelec therefore regards the current set of results as a watershed as the world banking crisis begins to abate and focus returns to the performance of primary industries in the real world.
The factors that contributed to the first half loss are now largely reversed: Bolivian operations have seen an increase in the capacity price from April this year; the plant in Argentina achieved commercial operations in May and the disposal of the 50 per cent. interest in Energia del Sur ('EdS') has removed the interest cost associated with its acquisition.
The share issues in April and June allowed us to move towards resolving the funding challenges the Company faced, like many others, in the latter part of 2008 and in early 2009 as the global economy battled the credit crisis. The funds were used to provide a portion of the funds required to refinance the plant in Argentina, funds that would normally be obtainable from the banking system. As indicated in the documentation sent to shareholders, this did not complete the funding programme.
While Rurelec experienced funding problems for its 60 MW of additional combined cycle capacity in Argentina, its 96 MW combined cycle expansion project in Bolivia was successfully financed from project loans and bond issues placed exclusively with local and regional banks and bondholders. In the last week Guaracachi has announced that it has closed out the last of its bond placings at US $24 million instead of the US $20.2 million previously announced. Guaracachi has been able to successfully tap funding sources based on its position as Bolivia's largest and most reliable power company.
Rurelec now intends to adopt the same regional funding strategy in Argentina which it has successfully pursued in Bolivia. EdS is currently working on its first ever debt rating for an Argentine peso based bond issue to be placed in Buenos Aires with Argentine pension funds. This landmark step is expected to set a benchmark for the full refinancing of EdS based on a commercially operating plant benefitting from enhanced operating margins and CER revenues, the latter being generated during the last quarter. From 2010 onwards, when the new Guaracachi CCGT plant comes fully on line, Rurelec power plants will be producing nearly half a million CERs a year.
Today, Rurelec has controlling stakes in 590 MW of nominal generation capacity with net ownership of 298 MW. Capacity increases recently announced in San Matias and the combined cycle development in Santa Cruz will increase capacity by a further 101 MW (nominal), and 51 MW (net).
As we release the first half's figures, there are two important developments taking place in Bolivia to which shareholders' attention should be drawn.
The first is the expansion announced in the last few days whereby Guaracachi will install its first isolated generation capacity in San Matias, working at the request of the Government of Bolivia and as the partner of the Government. Guaracachi has been authorized to take administrative control of the San Matias electricity distribution network and to expand power supplies both to the surrounding region in Bolivia and to the immediate border area in Brazil.
An initial project to add 1.4 MW new capacity in San Matias announced on 24th August was formally inaugurated on 3rd September. A further addition of a second Deutz gas engine as well as new 60 Hz generation capacity based in Bolivia but serving Brazil has also been agreed an announced. This will increase the overall project to around 5 MW and will be a flagship example of a new public-private partnership with the Government of Bolivia. It will also be Guaracachi's first export of electricity to a neighbouring country.
The second development is the planned change-over to a new way of working with the Government of Bolivia. Rurelec is in discussions that could lead to a new form of public- private partnership being established with the Government of Bolivia on a national basis for which the San Matias project is a working study. Guaracachi is currently at the limit permitted by Bolivian law for control of generation capacity on the grid and yet Rurelec is the only power company operating in Bolivia which has consistently added to generation capacity each year and which has a proven and respected power development team in situ. Our shareholders will receive further information regarding these possible developments as it becomes available.
Having survived a torrid first half which will inevitably still be evident in the full year results, I am looking forward to and improved second half performance from the underlying businesses. I expect to be in a position to make an announcement regarding dividends in the coming months.
Jimmy West
Chairman
RURELEC PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (unaudited)
for the half year ended 30 June 2009
(expressed in thousands of pounds)
|
|
|
|
|
6 months to |
6 months to |
12 months to |
|
30/06/09 |
30/06/08 |
31/12/08 |
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
18,476 |
11,950 |
29,133 |
|
|
|
|
Cost of sales |
(16,672) |
(9,156) |
(24,719) |
|
|
|
|
Gross profit |
1,804 |
2,794 |
4,414 |
|
|
|
|
Administrative expenses |
(2,506) |
(1,501) |
(3,174) |
|
|
|
|
(Loss) / profit from operations |
(702) |
1,293 |
1,240 |
|
|
|
|
Foreign exchange losses |
(2,674) |
(183) |
(1,390) |
|
|
|
|
Finance income |
40 |
41 |
203 |
|
|
|
|
Finance expense |
(2,163) |
(676) |
(3,283) |
|
|
|
|
Other income |
2,361 |
1,279 |
- |
|
|
|
|
(Loss) / profit before tax |
(3,138) |
1,754 |
(3,230) |
|
|
|
|
Tax expense |
(236) |
(910) |
(923) |
|
|
|
|
(Loss) / profit after tax |
(3,374) |
844 |
(4,153) |
|
|
|
|
Attributable to: |
|
|
|
Equity interests |
(3,105) |
108 |
(4,157) |
Minority interests |
(269) |
736 |
4 |
|
(3,374) |
844 |
(4,153) |
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted loss per share |
(2.99p) |
0.15p |
(5.23p) |
RURELEC PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)
for the half year ended 30 June 2009
(expressed in thousands of pounds)
|
|
|
|
|
6 months to |
6 months to |
12 months to |
|
30/06/09 |
30/06/08 |
31/12/08 |
|
|
|
|
(Loss) / profit after tax attributable |
(3,105) |
108 |
(4,157) |
to equity interests for the period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revaluation on acquisition |
- |
2,800 |
3,150 |
|
|
|
|
Exchange differences on translation |
(6,745) |
37 |
13,120 |
of foreign operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other comprehensive income |
(6,745) |
2,837 |
16,270 |
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income for the |
(9,850) |
2,945 |
12,113 |
Period attributable to equity interests |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RURELEC PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (unaudited)
at 30 June 2009
(expressed in thousands of pounds)
|
|
|
|
|
30/6/09 |
30/6/08 |
31/12/08 |
Assets |
|
|
|
Non-current assets |
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment |
132,735 |
113,763 |
168,053 |
Intangible assets |
4,003 |
8,959 |
9,335 |
Trade and other receivables |
4,713 |
12 |
4,793 |
Deferred tax assets |
1,158 |
705 |
1,112 |
|
142,609 |
123,439 |
183,293 |
|
|
|
|
Current assets |
|
|
|
Inventories |
2,673 |
3,139 |
3,817 |
Trade and other receivables |
11,021 |
8,474 |
9,939 |
Current tax assets |
2,599 |
6,549 |
4,154 |
Cash and cash equivalents |
7,382 |
7,126 |
5,031 |
|
23,675 |
25,288 |
22,941 |
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
166,284 |
148,727 |
206,234 |
|
|
|
|
Equity and liabilities |
|
|
|
Shareholders' equity |
|
|
|
Share capital |
4,108 |
1,716 |
1,716 |
Share premium account |
38,182 |
31,608 |
31,558 |
Foreign currency reserve |
825 |
(5,513) |
7,570 |
Other reserves |
1,575 |
2,800 |
3,150 |
Profit and loss reserve |
6,494 |
14,434 |
8,024 |
|
|
|
|
Total equity attributable to |
51,184 |
45,045 |
52,018 |
Shareholders of Rurelec PLC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interests |
32,288 |
27,603 |
37,116 |
|
|
|
|
Total equity |
83,472 |
72,648 |
89,134 |
|
|
|
|
Non-current liabilities |
|
|
|
Trade and other payables |
296 |
225 |
290 |
Deferred tax liabilities |
2,153 |
3,379 |
4,052 |
Borrowings |
49,082 |
31,469 |
47,264 |
|
51,531 |
35,073 |
51,606 |
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities |
|
|
|
Trade and other payables |
18,266 |
20,038 |
27,185 |
Current tax liabilities |
1,395 |
1,887 |
2,347 |
Borrowings |
11,620 |
19,081 |
35,962 |
|
31,281 |
41,006 |
65,494 |
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
82,812 |
76,079 |
117,100 |
|
|
|
|
Total equity and liabilities |
166,284 |
148,727 |
206,234 |
RURELEC PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (unaudited)
for the half year ended 30 June 2009
(expressed in thousands of pounds)
Attributable to equity shareholders |
||||||||
|
Share |
Share |
Foreign |
Retained |
Other |
Total |
Minority |
Total |
|
capital |
premium |
currency |
earnings |
reserves |
|
interest |
equity |
|
|
|
|
reserve |
|
|
|
|
|
|
£'000 |
£'000 |
£'000 |
£'000 |
£'000 |
£'000 |
£'000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at 1.1.08 |
1,466 |
23,983 |
(5,550) |
14,326 |
- |
34,225 |
28,681 |
62,906 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allotment of shares |
250 |
7,875 |
- |
- |
- |
8,125 |
- |
8,125 |
Share issue costs |
- |
(250) |
- |
- |
- |
(250) |
- |
(250) |
Minority dividend |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(1,814) |
(1,814) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit for period |
- |
- |
- |
108 |
- |
108 |
736 |
844 |
Exchange differences |
- |
- |
37 |
- |
- |
37 |
- |
37 |
Revaluation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
on acquisition |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2,800 |
2,800 |
- |
2,800 |
Total recognised income |
- |
- |
37 |
108 |
2,800 |
2,945 |
736 |
3681 |
and expense for the period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at 30.6.08 |
1,716 |
31,608 |
(5,513) |
14,434 |
2,800 |
45,045 |
27,603 |
72,648 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share issue costs |
- |
(50) |
- |
- |
- |
(50) |
- |
(50) |
Minority dividend exchange |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
adjustment |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
(692) |
(692) |
Equity dividend |
- |
- |
- |
(2,145) |
- |
(2,145) |
- |
(2,145) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for period |
- |
- |
- |
(4,265) |
- |
(4,265) |
(732) |
(4,997) |
Exchange differences |
- |
- |
13,083 |
- |
350 |
13,433 |
10,937 |
24,370 |
Total recognised income |
- |
- |
13,083 |
(4,265) |
350 |
9,168 |
10,205 |
19,373 |
and expense for the period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at 31.12.08 |
1,716 |
31,558 |
7,570 |
8,024 |
3,150 |
52,018 |
37,116 |
89,134 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allotment of shares |
2,392 |
7,178 |
- |
- |
- |
9,570 |
- |
9,570 |
Share issue costs |
- |
(554) |
- |
- |
- |
(554) |
- |
(554) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss for period Transfer on realisation of revaluation |
- - |
- - |
- - |
(3,105) 1,575 |
- (1,575) |
(3,105) - |
(269) - |
(3,374) - |
Exchange differences |
- |
- |
(6,745) |
- |
- |
(6,745) |
(4,559) |
(11,304) |
Total recognised income |
- |
- |
(6,745) |
(1,530) |
(1,575) |
(9,850) |
(4,828) |
(14,678) |
and expense for the period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at 30.6.09 |
4,108 |
38,182 |
825 |
6,494 |
1,7575 |
51,184 |
32,288 |
83,472 |
RURELEC PLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT (unaudited)
for the half year ended 30 June 2009
(expressed in thousands of pounds)
|
|
|
|
|
6 months to |
6 months to |
12 months to |
|
30/06/09 |
30/06/08 |
31/12/08 |
|
|
|
|
Result for the period before tax |
(3,138) |
1,754 |
(3,230) |
Net finance costs |
2,123 |
635 |
3,080 |
Adjustments for: |
|
|
|
Depreciation |
2,711 |
1,717 |
4,051 |
Profit on sale of 50% of EdS |
(2,361) |
- |
- |
Profit on sale of equipment |
- |
- |
(577) |
Profit on sale of land |
- |
(562) |
- |
Change in inventories |
351 |
(173) |
80 |
Change in trade and other receivables |
(3,321) |
(3,053) |
(4,209) |
Change in trade and other payables |
221 |
3,679 |
4,283 |
|
|
|
|
Cash (used in ) generated from |
(3,414) |
3,997 |
3,478 |
operations |
|
|
|
Taxation paid |
(953) |
(1,077) |
(915) |
Interest received |
40 |
41 |
203 |
Interest paid |
(827) |
(726) |
(1,418) |
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) generated from |
(5,154) |
2,235 |
1,348 |
operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
Purchase of plant and equipment |
(9,195) |
(13,095) |
(29,186) |
Sale of plant and equipment |
- |
- |
1,250 |
Sale of land |
- |
1,500 |
- |
Acquisition (net of cash) |
- |
(5,893) |
(5,989) |
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
(9,195) |
(17,488) |
(33,925) |
|
|
|
|
Net cash outflow before |
(14,349) |
(15,253) |
(32,577) |
financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
Issue of shares (net of costs) |
6,770 |
7,875 |
7,825 |
Net increase in loans |
9,930 |
5,719 |
23,835 |
Dividend paid to minorities |
- |
(1,814) |
(2,506) |
Equity dividend paid |
- |
- |
(2,145) |
|
|
|
|
Net cash generated from |
16,700 |
11,780 |
27,009 |
financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase / (decrease) in cash |
2,351 |
(3,473) |
(5,568) |
and cash equivalents |
|
|
|
Cash at cash equivalents at |
5,031 |
10,599 |
10,599 |
start of period |
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at |
7,382 |
7,126 |
5,031 |
end of period |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RURELEC PLC
Notes to the Interim Statement
for the six months ended 30 June 2009
1. Basis of preparation
The interim financial statements do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. The comparative figures for the year ended 31 December 2008 were derived from the statutory accounts for that year which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. Those accounts received an unqualified audit report which did not contain statements under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. The financial information contained in this interim statement has been prepared in accordance with all relevant International Reporting Standards ('IFRS') in force and expected to apply to the Group's results for the year ending 31 December 2009 and on interpretations of those Standards released to date.
2. Accounting policies
These condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the Group's financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2008 except for the adoption of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements (Revised 2007).
3. Other income
Other income in the six months to 30 June 2009 comprises the profit arising on the sale of 50% of Patagonia Energy Ltd, following which the Group now owns 50% of Energia del Sur, a company incorporated in Argentina.
4. Earnings per share |
6 months to |
6 months to |
12 months to |
|
30/06/09 |
30/06/08 |
31/12/08 |
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted |
|
|
|
Average number of shares |
104m |
80m |
74m |
in issue during the period |
|
|
|
Loss (profit) for the period |
(£3.1m) |
£0.1m |
(£4.2m) |
Basic and diluted (loss) / |
(2.99p) |
0.15p |
(5.23p) |
|
|
|
|
5. The Board of Directors approved this interim statement on 8 September 2009. This interim statement has not been audited.
6. Copies of this statement are being sent to all shareholders. Copies may be obtained from the company's registered office, 5th Floor, Prince Consort House, Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TJ.