Alternus Clean Energy Continues Deleveraging Program by Removing Additional $30 Million of Debt, Improving Shareholder Equity by Approximately $4 Million

Rhea-AI Summary

Alternus Clean Energy (NASDAQ: ALCE) has completed the sale of certain SPVs to majority shareholder Alternus Energy Group Plc, removing approximately $30 million in debt and payables while improving shareholder equity by about $4 million. The company has now reduced total debt by approximately $130 million and improved shareholders' equity by over $50 million through recent divestments. ALCE is diversifying beyond utility solar into microgrids and battery storage, and has relocated its headquarters to New York, NY to be closer to financial partners.

Positive

• Reduced total debt by approximately $130 million
• Improved shareholders' equity by over $50 million
• Removed $30 million in debt and payables through recent SPV sale
• Strategic diversification into higher margin segments (microgrids, battery storage)

Negative

• Selling assets to majority shareholder could raise conflict of interest concerns
• Divestment of revenue-generating assets may impact short-term income

Insights

Financial Analyst

This strategic deleveraging move significantly improves ALCE's financial health, removing $30 million in debt and adding $4 million to shareholder equity. The total debt reduction of $130 million and $50 million improvement in shareholders' equity marks a substantial balance sheet restructuring. The pivot from utility-scale solar to higher-margin segments like microgrids and battery storage could enhance profitability, though execution risks remain. The headquarters relocation to New York's financial district suggests a stronger focus on capital markets access, critical for funding the strategic pivot. The transaction with majority shareholder AEG raises questions about deal terms and potential conflicts of interest, but the overall impact on financial metrics is positive. The improved balance sheet structure could help maintain Nasdaq compliance and facilitate future capital raising efforts.

Energy Industry Analyst

The strategic shift from utility-scale solar to diversified clean energy operations, including microgrids and battery storage, aligns with industry trends toward integrated energy solutions. These segments typically offer higher margins and better returns on equity compared to traditional utility solar projects. The timing is opportune as the energy storage market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by grid modernization needs and renewable integration demands. However, this transition will require new technical expertise, market relationships and potentially different financing structures. The move to discontinue non-core activities shows disciplined portfolio management, though success in new segments will depend on execution capability and market penetration strategy.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - November 12, 2024) - Alternus Clean Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALCE) ("ALCE", "Company") announces that it recently completed the sale of certain of its SPVs to Alternus Energy Group Plc. ("AEG") a majority shareholder of the Company. As a result, the Company has removed approximately $30 million in debt and payables from the consolidated financials and improved ALCE's shareholder equity by approximately $4 million.

ALCE has now reduced total debt by approximately $130 million, with resultant improvement in shareholders' equity of over $50 million with recent divestments and discontinuation of non-core or no longer economic activities. The Company is moving to widen its business activities and revenue streams beyond an exclusive focus on utility solar, in high margin and equity return segments such as microgrids, battery storage and other clean energy operations.

In addition, ALCE has relocated its headquarters from Ft. Mill, SC to 17 State Street, New York, NY to be closer to its financial partners and the investment community.

Vincent Browne, Chief Executive Officer of Alternus, stated: "The sale of these assets to AEG is another step in our broader effort to reduce debt, improve shareholder equity and position the Company for growth. Solidifying our position with Nasdaq is a crucial step in ensuring we have access to the equity capital we need to execute our strategy of evolving from an exclusive focus on utility scale solar to that of a more comprehensive energy provider going forward. We are also excited to announce our move to New York, NY, which will put us close to the capital markets and investment community."

Full details of the transaction can be found in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8^th.

About Alternus Clean Energy Inc.

The Company is a transatlantic clean energy independent power producer (IPP). We currently develop, install, own and operate utility scale solar parks in America and Europe. Our highly motivated and dynamic team at Alternus have achieved rapid growth in recent years. Our vision is to become a leading provider of 24/7 clean energy delivering a sustainable future of renewable power with people and planet in harmony. Alternus Clean Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALCE). AEG is listed on the Euronext Growth Oslo exchange and headquartered in Ireland, while Alternus Clean Energy, Inc. is listed on Nasdaq and headquartered in the US. They remain as two separate legal entities.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this release, including any information on the Company's plans or future financial or operating performance and other statements that express the Company's management's expectations or estimates of future performance, constitute forward-looking statements. When used in this notice, words such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "would" and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management. Such statements are based on a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company cautions that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and other factors that may cause the actual financial results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from the Company's estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements should not be relied upon as representing Alternus' assessments of any date after the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Media Contact: IR@alternusenergy.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/229619

FAQ

How much debt did Alternus Clean Energy (ALCE) remove in November 2024?

Alternus Clean Energy removed approximately $30 million in debt and payables through the sale of certain SPVs to Alternus Energy Group Plc.

What is the total debt reduction achieved by ALCE through recent divestments?

ALCE has reduced total debt by approximately $130 million through recent divestments and discontinuation of non-core activities.

Where did Alternus Clean Energy (ALCE) relocate its headquarters in 2024?

ALCE relocated its headquarters from Ft. Mill, SC to 17 State Street, New York, NY.

What new business segments is ALCE expanding into?

ALCE is expanding into microgrids, battery storage, and other clean energy operations beyond utility solar.