Central Puerto: 3Q2020 Results
Central Puerto announced its 3Q2020 financial results, showing a 14% drop in revenues to Ps. 9,079 million, mainly due to regulatory changes. Energy generation decreased by 1% to 3,902 GWh, impacted by lower water availability at its hydro plants. However, the company benefited from a 79% increase in renewable energy output due to new wind farms. Adjusted EBITDA fell 60% year-over-year. The company is advancing projects, including the Terminal 6 cogeneration plant expected to enhance operational efficiency.
- 79% increase in renewable energy generation, driven by new wind farms.
- Expansion plans progressing with new projects like La Genoveva I wind farm and Terminal 6 cogeneration plant.
- 14% revenue decrease to Ps. 9,079 million due to regulatory impacts.
- 1% decline in overall energy generation to 3,902 GWh, negatively affected by hydro plant performance.
BUENOS AIRES / ACCESSWIRE / November 11, 2020 / Central Puerto S.A ("Central Puerto" or the "Company") (NYSE: CEPU), a leading power generation company in Argentina, reports its consolidated financial results for the Third Quarter 2020 ("Third Quarter" or "3Q2020", and "nine-months period" or "9M2020", respectively).
A conference call to discuss the results of the Third Quarter 2020 will be held on November 12, 2020 at 9:00 Eastern Time (see details below). All information provided is presented on a consolidated basis, unless otherwise stated.
Financial statements as of and for the quarter and nine-months period ended on September 30, 2020 include the effects of the inflation adjustment, applying IAS 29. Accordingly, the financial statements have been stated in terms of the measuring unit current at the end of the reporting period, including the corresponding financial figures for previous periods informed for comparative purposes. Growth comparisons refer to the same period of the prior year, measured in the current unit at the end of the period, unless otherwise stated. Consequently, the information here included for the quarter and the nine-months period ended on September 30, 2019, is not comparable to the Financial Statements previously published by the company.
Definitions and terms used herein are provided in the Glossary at the end of this document. This release does not contain all the Company's financial information. As a result, investors should read this release in conjunction with Central Puerto's consolidated financial statements as of and for the quarter and nine-months period ended on September 30, 2020 and the notes thereto, which will be available on the Company's website.
A. 3Q2020 Highlights
3Q2020 energy generation decreased
"During the third quarter, we continued with our expansion plans. As a result, La Genoveva I wind farm is expected to commence operations this month, adding 88 MW to our renewable energy portfolio.
We've made good advances in our Terminal 6 cogeneration project too, which will contribute to improve the efficiency of the electric system."
Jorge Rauber, CEO of Central Puerto
Thermal units' availability during the quarter was
"During the third quarter, we continued with our expansion plans. As a result, La Genoveva I wind farm is expected to commence operations this month, adding 88 MW to our renewable energy portfolio.
We've made good advances in our Terminal 6 cogeneration project too, which will contribute to improve the efficiency of the electric system".
Jorge Rauber, CEO of Central Puerto
Effects of the Quarantine measures due to the Covid-19 crisis. On March 20, 2020 the Argentine Government issued Decree No. 297/2020 establishing a preventive and mandatory social isolation policy ("the Quarantine") as a public health measure to contain the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. Consequently, electric energy demand decreased
Renewable Energy
Green bond issuance. On August 31, 2020, the subsidiaries of Central Puerto CP Manque and CP Los Olivos issued two Green Bonds in the local securities market ("the Co-issuance") for the equivalent of US
The placement consisted in a dollar-link series (Class 1), integrated in Argentine pesos, for US
The issuance was recognized by Fix Ratings, an affiliate of Fitch Ratings, with the Green Bond rating BV1 as it is aligned with the four main components of the 2018 Green Bond Principles (GBP) of the International Capital Market Association (ICMA).
Additionally, they were included in the Panel of Social, Green and Sustainable Bonds (SVS) at Bolsa y Mercados Argentinos (BYMA), being the first to be included in this Panel since the instruments' issuance.
La Genoveva I. On September 11, 2020 and October 30, 2020 CAMMESA authorized the partial commissioning of 50.4 MW and 33.6 MW of the wind farm La Genoveva I, starting the energy generation form this plant. After the project completion date, expected in November 2020, the plant will have a total power output of 88.2 MW, selling its energy under a 20-years PPA under the RenovAr regulatory framework.
Advances in new Terminal 6-San Lorenzo cogeneration plant (391 MW). During the quarter the company continued with the construction of the new Terminal 6-San Lorenzo cogeneration plant. Furthermore, a commissioning of the gas turbine (284 MW) in an open cycle configuration is projected in November 2020 for operations with natural gas, and in January 2021 for dual fuel operations (natural gas or liquid fuels), which will allow selling energy under the spot market regulation (Res. 31/2020). Once the commissioning of the steam turbine and the COD for the full project is achieved, which is expected for the first half of 2021, the plant will be remunerated under a 15-years PPA on the energy side and also sell steam under another 15 year contract to a private off taker.
FX controls by the Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA). On September 15, 2020, the BCRA established a new regulation to access to the foreign exchange market for the repayment of international financial debt. This regulation establishes that companies who have principal installments due between October 15, 2020 and March 31, 2020, are enabled to access to the official FX Market for the
The rule affects the installments due in December 2020 and March 2021 (US
B. Main operating metrics
The table below sets forth key operating metrics for 3Q2020, compared to 2Q2019 and 3Q2019, and 9M2020, compared to 9M2019:
Key Metrics | 3Q 2020 | 2Q 2020 | 3Q 2019 | Var % (3Q/3Q) | 9M 2020 | 9M 2019 | Var % (9M/9M) |
Continuing Operations | |||||||
Energy Generation (GWh) | 3,902 | 2,674 | 3,938 | ( | 10,515 | 10,744 | ( |
-Electric Energy Generation- Thermal* | 2,480 | 1,708 | 2,381 | 6,905 | 7,371 | ( | |
-Electric Energy Generation - Hydro | 1,091 | 661 | 1,372 | ( | 2,680 | 2,884 | ( |
-Electric Energy Generation - Wind | 331 | 305 | 185 | 930 | 489 | ||
Installed capacity (MW; EoP1) | 4,366 | 4,316 | 4,140 | 4,366 | 4,140 | ||
-Installed capacity -Thermal (MW) | 2,589 | 2,589 | 2,493 | 2,589 | 2,493 | ||
-Installed capacity - Hydro (MW) | 1,441 | 1,441 | 1,441 | 1,441 | 1,441 | ||
-Installed capacity - Wind (MW) | 336 | 286 | 206 | 336 | 206 | ||
Availability - Thermal2 | (5 p.p.) | (6 p.p.) | |||||
Steam production (thousand Tons) | 289 | 273 | 221 | 817 | 764 |
Source: CAMMESA; company data. * Includes generation from Brigadier López starting on April 2019.
1 EoP refers to "End of Period".
2 Availability weighted average by power capacity. Off-time due to scheduled maintenance agreed with CAMMESA is not considered in the ratio.
In the 3Q2020, energy generation decreased
The decrease in the energy generated by Central Puerto was due to:
a) a
This was partially offset by,
b) a
c)
During 3Q2020, machine availability for thermal units reached
Steam generation during the 3Q2020, which was generated from the new Luján de Cuyo cogeneration unit, reached its expected capacity. During the third quarter of 2019, the production had a decrease due to the scheduled halt in the old cogeneration unit of the Luján de Cuyo plant in order to allow the necessary civil works in the steam pipeline for the connection of the new cogeneration unit, which started operations on October 5, 2019. Therefore, due to this effect, the output for the third quarter 2020 was
In the 9M2020, energy generation decreased
The decrease in the energy generated by Central Puerto was due to:
a) a
b)
This was partially offset by,
c) a
During the 9M2020, machine availability for thermal units reached
Finally, steam production showed an increased
C. Financials
Main financial magnitudes of continuing operations
Million Ps. | 3Q 2020 | 2Q 2020 | 3Q 2019 | Var % (3Q/3Q) | 9M 2020 | 9M 2019 | Var % (9M/9M) |
Unaudited, subject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | Unaudited1 | Unaudited, subject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | Unaudited, subject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | Unaudited, subject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | |||
Revenues | 9,079 | 7,733 | 10,616 | ( | 25,894 | 30,054 | ( |
Cost of sales | (3,617) | (3,634) | (4,365) | ( | (11,023) | (15,586) | ( |
Gross profit | 5,462 | 4,100 | 6,251 | ( | 14,871 | 14,468 | |
Administrative and selling expenses | (600) | (597) | (808) | ( | (1,900) | (2,196) | ( |
Operating income before other operating results | 4,862 | 3,503 | 5,443 | ( | 12,971 | 12,273 | |
Other operating results, net | 1,621 | 3,359 | 12,9112 | ( | 7,547 | 18,861 | ( |
Operating income | 6,484 | 6,862 | 18,354 | ( | 20,519 | 31,134 | ( |
Depreciations and Amortizations | 1,198 | 1,313 | 960 | 3,829 | 2,295 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | 7,682 | 8,175 | 19,314 | ( | 24,347 | 33,429 | ( |
1. Includes, among others, the following concepts: | |||||||
● Impairment on property, plant and equipment | - | (469) | (841) | N/A | (1,348) | (841) | |
● Foreign Exchange Difference and interests related to FONI trade receivables | 1,412 | 3,449 | 9,326 | ( | 7,747 | 14,828 | ( |
Adjusted EBITDA excluding FX difference and interests related to FONI trade receivables and Impairment on property, plant and equipment | 6,269 | 5,195 | 10,829 | ( | 17,948 | 19,442 | ( |
Average exchange rate of period | 73.32 | 67.74 | 50.65 | 73.32 | 44.59 | ||
Exchange rate end of period | 76.18 | 70.46 | 57.59 | 76.18 | 57.59 |
NOTE: Exchange rates quoted by the Banco de la Nación Argentina are provided only as a reference. The average exchange rate refers to the average of the daily exchange rates quoted by the Banco de la Nación Argentina for wire transfers (divisas) for each period.
See "Disclaimer-Adjusted EBITDA" below for further information.
Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation
Million Ps. | 3Q 2020 | 2Q 2020 | 3Q 2019 | Var % (3Q/3Q) | 9M 2020 | 9M 2019 | Var % (9M/9M) |
Unaudited subject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | Unaudited3 | Unaudited subject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | Unauditedsubject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | Unauditedsubject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | |||
Consolidated Net income for the period | 2,287 | 2,357 | 4,817 | ( | 5,729 | 8,965 | ( |
Loss on net monetary position | (322) | (167) | (954) | ( | (845) | 3,105 | ( |
Financial expenses | 4,422 | 5,409 | 13,269 | ( | 14,644 | 16,654 | ( |
Financial income | (927) | (1,493) | (1,199) | ( | (2,576) | (2,697) | ( |
Share of the profit of an associate | (101) | 96 | (588) | ( | (67) | (1,118) | ( |
Income tax expenses | 1,126 | 659 | 3,009 | ( | 3,634 | 6,225 | ( |
Depreciation and amortization | 1,198 | 1,313 | 960 | 3,829 | 2,295 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | 7,682 | 8,175 | 19,314 | ( | 24,347 | 33,429 | ( |
1. Includes, among others, the following concepts: | |||||||
● Impairment on property, plant and equipment | - | (469) | (841) | N/A | (1,348) | (841) | |
● Foreign Exchange Difference and interests related to FONI trade receivables | 1,412 | 3,449 | 9,326 | ( | 7,747 | 14,828 | ( |
Adjusted EBITDA excluding Foreign Exchange Difference and interests related to FONI trade receivables and Impairment on property, plant and equipment | 6,269 | 5,195 | 10,829 | ( | 17,948 | 19,442 | ( |
3Q 2020 Results Analysis
Revenues decreased
Without considering fuel remuneration, Revenues for the 3Q2020 would have been Ps. 8,862 million, a
(i) an increase in Sales under contracts, which amounted to Ps. 4,349 million during the 3Q2020, as compared to Ps. 3,463 million in the 3Q2019, mainly due to the revenues related to the new Luján de Cuyo cogeneration unit, which started operations on October 2019, and the wind farms La Castellana II, La Genoveva II, Manque and Los Olivos which started operations during June 2019, September 2019, December 2019, and February 2020, respectively, and;
(ii) an increase in the Steam Sales from the new Luján de Cuyo cogeneration unit, which totaled Ps. 330 million in the 3Q2020, compared to Ps. 98 million in the 3Q2019.
This increase was partially offset by a decrease in Spot Sales/Energia Base (Revenues from Resolution 1, Resolution 31, Resolution 19, SGE Resolution 70/2018 and amendments) which, without considering the remuneration associated to the self-procured fuel under Res. 70/18 mentioned above, were Ps. 3,899 million in the 3Q2020 as compared to 4,898 million in the 3Q2019. This was mainly due to a decrease in prices for units under the Energía Base Regulatory framework established by Res. 31/2020, in force since February 1, 2020, and the suspension Annex VI of such resolution (monthly price adjustment procedure) instructed by the Secretariat of Energy to CAMMESA on April 8, 2020. To a lesser extent, Sales under Energía Base were also affected by the decrease in energy generation from our hydro plant Piedra del Águila and a lower availability for thermal units, mainly related to the combined cycle LDCUCC25 and some of the steam turbines (see B. Main Operating Metrics).
Gross profit was Ps. 5,462 million in the 3Q2020, compared to Ps. 6,251 million in 3Q2019. This decrease was due to (i) the above-mentioned variation in revenues, partially offset by (ii) a
(i) A
This was partially offset by:
(ii) a
Gross Profit Margin was
Operating income before other operating results, net, was Ps. 4,862 million, compared to Ps. 5,443 million in the 3Q2019. This decrease was due to (i) the above-mentioned decrease in gross profits, partially offset by (ii) a
Adjusted EBITDA was Ps. 7,682 million in the 3Q2020, compared to Ps. 19,314 million in the 3Q2019. This decrease was mainly due to:
(i) the decrease in operating results before other operating income, net mentioned above, which includes an increase in depreciations and amortizations that totaled Ps. 1,198 during the 3Q2020, as compared to Ps. 960 million during the 3Q2019, mainly related to the new renewable and thermal plants, and
(ii) A foreign exchange difference on operating assets, mainly related to FONI trade receivables that generated a Ps. 979 million gain during the 3Q2020, compared to Ps. 8,475 million during the 3Q2019, due to a lower depreciation of the argentine peso and, to a lesser extent, a lower balance of dollar denominated trade receivables during the period 3Q2020. As a reference, during the 3Q2020, the Argentine peso depreciated
(iii) a Ps. 4,784 million one-time-gain registered in the third quarter 2019, measured in the current unit of September 30, 2020, associated to the 2013-2016 CAMMESA trade receivables cancelation[5]. Without considering this effect, interests on trade receivables, mainly from CAMMESA, amounted Ps. 622 million during the 3Q2020, as compared to Ps. 858 million in the 3Q2019 due to a lower trade receivables balance maintained, mainly on FONI receivables, and lower interest rates during the period.
This was partially offset by
(iv) a Ps. 841 million non-cash charge related to the property, plant and equipment impairment registered during the 3Q2019.
Consolidated Net income was Ps. 2,287 million and Net income for shareholder was Ps. 2,272 million or Ps. 1.51 per share or Ps. 15.1 per ADR, in the 3Q2020, compared to Ps. 4,817 million and 5,693 million, respectively, or Ps. 3.78 per share or Ps. 37.8 per ADR, in the 3Q2019. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, net income was negatively impacted by (i) lower financial income which amounted to Ps. 927 million during the 3Q2020, compared to Ps. 1,199 million in the 3Q2019, mainly due to lower FX difference results on financial assets denominated in foreign currency (which excludes FONI and other trade receivables), measured in argentine pesos, partially compensated by a higher mark-to-market gain on financial assets, and (ii) positively impacted by lower financial expenses that amounted to Ps. 4,422 million in the 3Q2020, compared to Ps. 13,269 million in the 3Q2019, mainly due to lower foreign exchange difference on loans, most of which are denominated in US dollars. As a reference, during the 3Q2020, the peso depreciated
Additionally, the share of profit of associates was Ps. 101 million gain during the 3Q2020 compared to Ps. 588 million during the 3Q2019, mainly due to lower results from the operations of Ecogas due to lack of tariff adjustments for the natural gas distribution business during 2020.
Finally, the gain on net monetary position totaled Ps. 322 million during the 3Q2020, as compared to Ps. 954 million in the 3Q2019.
FONI collections totaled Ps. 1,392 million in the 3Q2020, -including VAT, associated to the FONI trade receivables for Vuelta de Obligado Plant.
9M2020 Results Analysis
Revenues decreased
Without considering fuel remuneration, Revenues for the 9M2020 would have been Ps. 25,100 million, a
(i) an increase in Sales under contracts, which amounted to Ps. 12,250 million during the 9M2020, as compared to Ps. 5,173 million in the 9M2019, mainly due to the revenues related to the Brigadier López Plant, which was acquired in June 2019, the new Luján de Cuyo cogeneration unit, which started operations on October 2019, and the wind farms La Castellana II, La Genoveva II, Manque and Los Olivos which started operations during June 2019, September 2019, December 2019, and February 2020, respectively;
(ii) an increase in the Steam Sales from the new Luján de Cuyo cogeneration unit, which totaled Ps. 740 million in the 9M2020, compared to Ps. 262 million in the 9M2019.
This increase was partially offset by a decrease in Spot Sales/Energía Base (Revenues from Resolution 1, Resolution 31, Resolution 19, SGE Resolution 70/2018 and amendments) which, without considering the remuneration associated to the self-procured fuel under Res. 70/18 mentioned above, were Ps. 11,330 million in the 9M2020 as compared to 14,988 million in the 9M2019, mainly due to the a decrease in prices for units under the Energía Base Regulatory framework established by Res. 31/2020, in force since February 1, 2020, and the suspension of Annex VI of such resolution (monthly price adjustment procedure) instructed by the Secretariat of Energy to CAMMESA on April 8, 2020.
To a lesser extent, Spot Sales/Energía Base where also affected by (i) the unavailability of the combined cycle LDCUCC25 between April 12 and July 16, 2020 mentioned above, which reduced revenues from power availability and the energy generation from this unit, part of which may be mitigated by the Comprehensive Operational Risk and Loss of Profits insurance, (ii) a 620 GWh reduction in energy generation from the rest of the thermal units under this segment, mainly due to the effects of the Quarantine and, (iii) a 203 GWh reduction in energy generation from the Piedra del Águila hydro plant due to less water availability in the Collón Curá and Limay rivers.
Gross profit increased
(i) A
This was partially offset by:
(ii) a
Gross Profit Margin totaled
Operating income before other operating results, net, was Ps. 12,971 million, compared to Ps. 12,273 million in the 9M2019. This increase was due to (i) the above-mentioned growth in gross profits, and (ii) a
Adjusted EBITDA was Ps. 24,347 million in the 9M2020, compared to Ps. 33,429 million in the 9M2019. This decrease was mainly due to:
(i) the lower operating results before other operating income, net mentioned above, which includes an increase in depreciations and amortizations that totaled Ps. 3,829 million during the 9M2020, as compared to Ps. 2,295 million during the 9M2019, mainly related to the new renewable and thermal plants.
(ii) interests on trade receivables, mainly from CAMMESA, which during the 9M2020 amounted Ps. 2,183 million, as compared to Ps. 7,503 million in the 9M2019, including the 4,784 million one-time-gain in interests associated to the trade receivables and debt compensation with CAMMESA booked during the 3Q2019 mentioned above, and
(iii) lower foreign exchange difference on operating assets, mainly related to FONI trade receivables, which generated a Ps. 7,062 million gain during the 9M2020, compared to Ps. 12,672 million during the 9M2019. As a reference, during the 9M2020, the peso depreciated
(iv) a Ps. 1,348 million non-cash loss related to the property, plant and equipment impairment accrued during the 9M2020 on two Siemens branded generating groups stored in the supplier's facilities and one General Electric branded generating group stored in Central Puerto's Nuevo Puerto plant, which were valued using the fair value less cost of sale approach, compared to Ps. 841 million during the 9M2019.
Consolidated Net income was Ps. 5,729 million and Net income for shareholder was Ps. 5,693 million or Ps. 3.78 per share or Ps. 37.8 per ADR, in the 9M2020, compared to Ps. 8,965 million and 9,594 million, respectively, or a gain of Ps. 6.37 per share or Ps. 63.7 per ADR, in the 9M2019. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, net income was negatively impacted by a lower gain on share of profit of associates that totaled Ps. 67 million during the 9M2020 compared to Ps. 1,118 million during the 9M2019, mainly due to lower results from the operations of Ecogas due to lack of tariff adjustments for the natural gas distribution business during 2020, as mentioned above.
This was partially offset by lower financial expenses that amounted to Ps. 14,644 million in the 9M2020, compared to Ps. 16,654 million in the 9M2019, mainly due to a lower foreign exchange difference on US dollars denominated loans, which was partially offset by a higher balance of such loans, mostly related to the expansion projects. As a reference, during the 9M2020, the peso depreciated
Finally, the gain on net monetary position totaled Ps. 845 million during the 9M2020, as compared to a loss on the net monetary position of Ps. 3,105 million in the 9M2019.
FONI collections totaled Ps. 4,608 million in the 9M2020, -including VAT, associated to the FONI trade receivables for San Martín, Manuel Belgrano, and Vuelta de Obligado Plants.
Financial Situation
As of September 30, 2020, the Company and its subsidiaries had Cash and Cash Equivalents of Ps. 349 million, and Other Current Financial Assets of Ps. 11,564 billion.
The following chart breaks down the Net Debt position of Central Puerto (on a stand-alone basis) and its subsidiaries:
Million Ps. | As of September 30, 2020 | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents (stand-alone) | 56 | |||||||
Other financial assets (stand-alone)6 | 6,975 | |||||||
Financial Debt (stand-alone) | (24,057 | ) | ||||||
Composed of: Financial Debt (current) (Central Puerto S.A. stand-alone) | (15,005 | ) | ||||||
Financial Debt (non-current) (Central Puerto S.A. stand-alone) | (9,051 | ) | ||||||
Subtotal Central Puerto stand-alone Net Debt Position | (17,026 | ) | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents of subsidiaries | 293 | |||||||
Other financial assets of subsidiaries | 4,589 | |||||||
Financial Debt of subsidiaries Composed of: | (24,016 | ) | ||||||
Financial Debt of subsidiaries (current)4 | (3,251 | ) | ||||||
Financial Debt of subsidiaries (non-current) 4 | (20,765 | ) | ||||||
Subtotal Subsidiaries Net Debt Position | (19,134 | ) | ||||||
Consolidated Net Debt Position | (36,160 | ) | ||||||
Cash Flows of the 9M2020
Million Ps. | 9M 2020 ended on September 30, 2020 | |||
Cash and Cash equivalents at the beginning | 1,827 | |||
Net cash flows provided by operating activities | 12,848 | |||
Net cash flows used in investing activities | (12,459 | ) | ||
Net cash flows used in financing activities | (1,938 | ) | ||
Exchange difference and other financial results | 248 | |||
Loss on net monetary position by cash and cash equivalents | (176 | ) | ||
Cash and Cash equivalents at the end | 349 | |||
Net cash provided by operating activities was Ps. 12,848 million during the 9M2020. This cash flow arises from (i) Ps. 20,519 million from the operating income obtained during the 9M2020, (ii) Ps. 9,825 million due to a decrease in the stock of trade receivables, mainly related to the FONI collections, (iii) Ps. 2,019 million in collection of interests from clients, including the ones from FONI, during the period and (iv) a Ps. 1,348 million non-cash impairment of property, plant and equipment charge included in the operating income, which was partially offset by (v) a Ps. 7,062 million non-cash foreign exchange difference on trade receivables, (vi) Ps. 3,124 million from income tax paid, and (vii) a 6,330 million reduction in trade and other payables, other non-financial liabilities and liabilities from employee benefits mainly due to (a) the payment of the self-procured fuel purchased prior to the abrogation of the Res. 70/18, as mentioned above, and (b) the cancellation of non-financial liabilities associated to the construction of the expansion projects.
Net cash used in investing activities was Ps. 12,459 million in 9M2020. This amount was mainly due to (i) Ps. 8,474 million in payments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment for the construction of the renewable and thermal projects, and (ii) Ps. 4,112 million used for the purchase of short-term financial assets, net, which was partially offset by (iii) Ps. 127 million in dividends collected from TJSM and TMB, the companies that operate the San Martín and Manuel Belgrano combined cycle plants from the FONI program.
Net cash used in financing activities was Ps. 1,938 million in the 9M2020. This amount was mainly the result of Ps. 2,183 million Bank and investment accounts overdrafts paid, net, and (ii) Ps. 2,169 million used interests and other financial costs paid, and (iii) Ps. 1,240 long-term loan principal payments, which were partially offset by (iii) Ps. 3,712 million in long-term loans received from the Green Bonds issuance described above (see A. 3Q2020 Highlights).
D. Tables
a. Consolidated Statement of Income
3Q 2020 | 3Q 2019 | |||||||
Unaudited, subject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | Unaudited, subject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | |||||||
Thousand Ps. | Thousand Ps. | |||||||
Revenues | 9,079,350 | 10,616,109 | ||||||
Cost of sales | (3,616,864 | ) | (4,365,368 | ) | ||||
Gross income | 5,462,486 | 6,250,741 | ||||||
Administrative and selling expenses | (600,114 | ) | (808,125 | ) | ||||
Other operating income | 1,616,849 | 14,118,627 | ||||||
Other operating expenses | 4,589 | (366,187 | ) | |||||
Property plant and equipment impairment | - | (841,138 | ) | |||||
Operating income | 6,483,810 | 18,353,918 | ||||||
Gain (loss) on net monetary position | 322,257 | 954,204 | ||||||
Finance income | 926,967 | 1,199,022 | ||||||
Finance expenses | (4,421,898 | ) | (13,268,808 | ) | ||||
Share of the profit of associates | 101,412 | 587,592 | ||||||
Income before income tax | 3,412,548 | 7,825,928 | ||||||
Income tax for the period | (1,125,641 | ) | (3,009,103 | ) | ||||
Net income for the period | 2,286,907 | 4,816,825 | ||||||
Net total comprehensive income for the period | 2,286,907 | 4,816,825 | ||||||
Attributable to: | ||||||||
-Equity holders of the parent | 2,272,094 | 5,692,664 | ||||||
-Non-controlling interests | 14,813 | (875,840 | ) | |||||
2,286,907 | 4,816,824 | |||||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||
Basic and diluted (Ps.) | 1.51 | 3.78 | ||||||
9M 2020 | 9M 2019 | |||||||
Unaudited, subject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | Unaudited, subject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | |||||||
Thousand Ps. | Thousand Ps. | |||||||
Revenues | 25,893,833 | 30,054,186 | ||||||
Cost of sales | (11,022,882 | ) | (15,585,851 | ) | ||||
Gross income | 14,870,951 | 14,468,335 | ||||||
Administrative and selling expenses | (1,899,598 | ) | (2,195,597 | ) | ||||
Other operating income | 9,266,553 | 20,177,800 | ||||||
Other operating expenses | (371,681 | ) | (475,607 | ) | ||||
Property plant and equipment impairment | (1,347,549 | ) | (841,138 | ) | ||||
Operating income | 20,518,676 | 31,133,793 | ||||||
Gain (loss) on net monetary position | 844,630 | (3,104,644 | ) | |||||
Finance income | 2,576,132 | 2,697,255 | ||||||
Finance expenses | (14,643,833 | ) | (16,654,133 | ) | ||||
Share of the profit of associates | 66,985 | 1,117,820 | ||||||
Income before income tax | 9,362,590 | 15,190,091 | ||||||
Income tax for the period | (3,633,877 | ) | (6,225,336 | ) | ||||
Net income for the period | 5,728,713 | 8,964,755 | ||||||
Net total comprehensive income for the period | 5,728,713 | 8,964,755 | ||||||
Attributable to: | ||||||||
-Equity holders of the parent | 5,692,554 | 9,593,777 | ||||||
-Non-controlling interests | 36,159 | (629,022 | ) | |||||
5,728,713 | 8,964,755 | |||||||
Earnings per share: | ||||||||
Basic and diluted (Ps.) | 3.78 | 6.37 | ||||||
b. Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As of September 30, 2020 | As of December 31, 2019 | |||||||
Unaudited, subject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | Unaudited, subject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | |||||||
Thousand Ps. | Thousand Ps. | |||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Non-current assets | ||||||||
Property, plant and equipment | 73,514,001 | 69,333,791 | ||||||
Intangible assets | 7,119,272 | 8,644,335 | ||||||
Investment in associates | 4,158,921 | 4,219,664 | ||||||
Trade and other receivables | 27,494,994 | 29,654,003 | ||||||
Other non-financial assets | 543,687 | 842,797 | ||||||
Inventories | 173,944 | 176,303 | ||||||
113,004,819 | 112,870,893 | |||||||
Current assets | ||||||||
Inventories | 1,032,771 | 804,164 | ||||||
Other non-financial assets | 1,016,696 | 1,230,528 | ||||||
Trade and other receivables | 17,061,669 | 19,127,137 | ||||||
Other financial assets | 11,564,133 | 9,414,692 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | 348,541 | 1,826,834 | ||||||
31,023,810 | 32,403,355 | |||||||
Total assets | 144,028,629 | 145,274,248 | ||||||
Equity and liabilities | ||||||||
Equity | ||||||||
Capital stock | 1,514,022 | 1,514,022 | ||||||
Adjustment to capital stock | 22,859,107 | 22,859,107 | ||||||
Legal reserve | 3,447,539 | 2,908,929 | ||||||
Voluntary reserve | 43,547,209 | 32,420,004 | ||||||
Other equity accounts | (1,766,101 | ) | - | |||||
Retained earnings | 5,692,554 | 11,665,815 | ||||||
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent | 75,294,330 | 71,367,877 | ||||||
Non-controlling interests | 90,570 | 966,959 | ||||||
Total Equity | 75,384,900 | 72,334,836 | ||||||
Non-current liabilities | ||||||||
Other non-financial liabilities | 4,945,542 | 5,325,274 | ||||||
Other loans and borrowings | 29,816,134 | 37,527,123 | ||||||
Compensation and employee benefits liabilities | 306,002 | 280,383 | ||||||
Provisions | 32,297 | 11,432 | ||||||
Deferred income tax liabilities | 8,111,410 | 7,716,635 | ||||||
43,211,385 | 50,860,847 | |||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||
Trade and other payables | 2,321,298 | 7,214,353 | ||||||
Other non-financial liabilities | 2,295,814 | 2,120,916 | ||||||
Other loans and borrowings | 18,256,814 | 9,814,772 | ||||||
Compensation and employee benefits liabilities | 738,720 | 854,443 | ||||||
Income tax payable | 1,783,951 | 2,040,505 | ||||||
Provisions | 35,747 | 33,576 | ||||||
25,432,344 | 22,078,565 | |||||||
Total liabilities | 68,643,729 | 72,939,412 | ||||||
Total equity and liabilities | 144,028,629 | 145,274,248 | ||||||
c. Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow
9M 2020 | 9M 2019 | |||||||
Unaudited, subject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | Unaudited, subject to limited review according to rule ISRE 2410 | |||||||
Thousand Ps. | Thousand Ps. | |||||||
Operating activities | ||||||||
Income for the period before income tax | 9,362,590 | 15,190,091 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile income for the period before income tax to net cash flows: | ||||||||
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 2,256,253 | 1,784,006 | ||||||
Amortization of intangible assets | 1,572,430 | 510,907 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment impairment | 1,347,549 | 841,138 | ||||||
Discount of trade and other receivables and payables, net | 21,538 | 311,684 | ||||||
Interest earned from customers | (2,183,270 | ) | (7,502,691 | ) | ||||
Commercial and fiscal interests lost | 334,112 | - | ||||||
Financial income | (2,576,132 | ) | (2,697,255 | ) | ||||
Financial expenses | 14,643,833 | 16,654,133 | ||||||
Share of the profit of associates | (66,985 | ) | (1,117,820 | ) | ||||
Stock-based payments | 1,396 | 27,675 | ||||||
Movements in provisions and long-term employee benefit plan expenses | 97,249 | 180,798 | ||||||
Foreign exchange difference for trade receivables | (7,061,912 | ) | (12,672,068 | ) | ||||
Loss on net monetary position | (7,556,879 | ) | (10,957,469 | ) | ||||
Working capital adjustments: | ||||||||
Decrease in trade and other receivables | 9,825,518 | 15,727,838 | ||||||
Decrease in other non-financial assets and inventories | 265,156 | (342,280 | ) | |||||
(Decrease) Increase in trade and other payables, other non-financial liabilities and liabilities from employee benefits | (6,329,653 | ) | (302,963 | ) | ||||
13,952,793 | 15,635,724 | |||||||
Interest received from customers | 2,018,925 | 5,256,613 | ||||||
Income tax paid | (3,123,749 | ) | (10,881,862 | ) | ||||
Net cash flows provided by operating activities | 12,847,969 | 10,010,475 | ||||||
Investing activities | ||||||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment | (8,473,728 | ) | (13,652,723 | ) | ||||
Acquisition of Brigadier López plant | - | (10,353,531 | ) | |||||
Dividends received | 126,639 | 494,380 | ||||||
Sale of available-for-sale assets, net | (4,112,124 | ) | (2,354,121 | ) | ||||
Net cash flows used in investing activities | (12,459,213 | ) | (25,865,995 | ) | ||||
Financing activities | ||||||||
Banks and investment accounts overdrafts received (paid), net | (2,182,831 | ) | 489,638 | |||||
Long term loans received | 3,711,589 | 19,207,144 | ||||||
Long term loans paid | (1,240,342 | ) | (798,376 | ) | ||||
Interests and other loan costs paid | (2,169,333 | ) | (2,692,318 | ) | ||||
Contributions from non-controlling interests | - | 237,131 | ||||||
Dividends paid | (57,450 | ) | (28,408 | ) | ||||
Net cash flows (used) provided by financing activities | (1,938,367 | ) | 16,414,811 | |||||
Increase in cash and cash equivalents | (1,549,611 | ) | 559,291 | |||||
Exchange difference and other financial results | 247,764 | 746,099 | ||||||
Monetary results effect on cash and cash equivalents | (176,446 | ) | 444,826 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents as of January 1 | 1,826,834 | 432,578 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2020 | 348,541 | 2,182,794 | ||||||
E. Information about the Conference Call
There will be a conference call to discuss Central Puerto's Third Quarter 2020 results on November 12, 2020 at 9:00 New York Time / 11:00 Buenos Aires Time.
The conference will hosted by Mr. Jorge Rauber, Chief Executive Officer, and Fernando Bonnet, Chief Operating Officer. To access the conference call, please dial:
United States Participants (Toll Free): 1-888-317-6003
Argentina Participants (Toll Free): 0800-555-0645
International Participants : +1-412-317-6061
Passcode: 3516405
The Company will also host a live audio webcast of the conference call on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.centralpuerto.com. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the website and download any streaming media software that might be required to listen to the webcast. The call will be available for replay on the Company website under the Investor Relations section.
You may find additional information on the Company at:
Glossary
In this release, except where otherwise indicated or where the context otherwise requires:
- "BCRA" refers to Banco Central de la República Argentina, Argentina's Central Bank,
- "CAMMESA" refers to Compañía Administradora del Mercado Mayorista Eléctrico Sociedad Anónima;
- "COD" refers to Commercial Operation Date, the day in which a generation unit is authorized by CAMMESA (in Spanish, "Habilitación Comercial") to sell electric energy through the grid under the applicable commercial conditions;
- "CVP" refers to Variable Cost of Production of producing energy, which may be declared by the generation companies to CAMMESA;
- "CVO effect" refers to the CVO receivables update, and interests triggered by the CVO Plant Commercial Operation Approval;
- "Ecogas" refers collectively to Distribuidora de Gas Cuyana ("DGCU"), Distribuidora de Gas del Centro ("DGCE"), and their controlling company Inversora de Gas del Centro ("IGCE");
- "Energía Base" (legacy energy) refers to the regulatory framework established under Resolution SE No. 95/13, as amended, currently regulated by Resolution SE No. 31/20;
- "FONINVEMEM" or "FONI", refers to the Fondo para Inversiones Necesarias que Permitan Incrementar la Oferta de Energía Eléctrica en el Mercado Eléctrico Mayorista (the Fund for Investments Required to Increase the Electric Power Supply) and Similar Programs, including Central Vuelta de Obligado (CVO) Agreement;
- "MATER", refers to Mercado a Término de Energía Renovable or Term Market for Renewable Energy, and is the regulatory framework that allows generators to sell electric energy from renewable sources directly to large users.
- "p.p.", refers to percentage points;
- "PPA" refers to power purchase agreements.
Disclaimer
Rounding amounts and percentages: Certain amounts and percentages included in this release have been rounded for ease of presentation. Percentage figures included in this release have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures, but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, certain percentage amounts in this release may vary from those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in the financial statements. In addition, certain other amounts that appear in this release may not sum due to rounding.
This release contains certain metrics, including information per share, operating information, and others, which do not have standardized meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Such metrics have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company's performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods.
OTHER INFORMATION
Central Puerto routinely posts important information for investors in the Investor Relations support section on its website, www.centralpuerto.com. From time to time, Central Puerto may use its website as a channel of distribution of material Company information. Accordingly, investors should monitor Central Puerto's Investor Support website, in addition to following the Company's press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls and webcasts. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the Company's website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this release.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to in this Earnings Release as "forward-looking statements") that constitute forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words ‘‘anticipate'', ‘‘believe'', ‘‘could'', ‘‘expect'', ‘‘should'', ‘‘plan'', ‘‘intend'', ‘‘will'', ‘‘estimate'' and ‘‘potential'', and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
Statements regarding possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, industry environment, potential growth opportunities, the effects of future regulation and the effects of competition, expected power generation and capital expenditures plan, are examples of forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required under securities laws. Further information concerning risks and uncertainties associated with these forward-looking statements and the Company's business can be found in the Company's public disclosures filed on EDGAR (www.sec.gov).
Adjusted EBITDA
In this release, Adjusted EBITDA, a non-IFRS financial measure, is defined as net income for the year, plus finance expenses, minus finance income, minus share of the profit of associates, minus depreciation and amortization, plus income tax expense, plus depreciation and amortization, minus net results of discontinued operations.
Adjusted EBITDA is believed to provide useful supplemental information to investors about the Company and its results. Adjusted EBITDA is among the measures used by the Company's management team to evaluate the financial and operating performance and make day-to-day financial and operating decisions. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other parties to evaluate companies in the industry. Adjusted EBITDA is believed to be helpful to investors because it provides additional information about trends in the core operating performance prior to considering the impact of capital structure, depreciation, amortization and taxation on the results.
Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, including:
• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, including cash requirements for, working capital needs or contractual commitments;
• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the finance expenses, or the cash requirements to service interest or principal payments on indebtedness, or interest income or other finance income;
• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect income tax expense or the cash requirements to pay income taxes;
• although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated or amortized often will need to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for these replacements;
• although share of the profit of associates is a non-cash charge, Adjusted EBITDA does not consider the potential collection of dividends; and
• other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.
The Company compensates for the inherent limitations associated with using Adjusted EBITDA through disclosure of these limitations, presentation of the Company's consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS and reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable IFRS measure, net income. For a reconciliation of the net income to Adjusted EBITDA, see the tables included in this release.
[1] 2Q2020 figures are stated in the measuring unit current as of September 30, 2020, calculated as the results for the 9M2020 minus the 1H2020, measured in such unit.
[2] Includes a one-time-gain in interests on CAMMESA trade receivables and an extraordinary FX difference charge due to the high depreciation of the Argentine peso during the 3Q2019 following the presidential primary elections. See the complete explanation in the section 3Q 2020 Results Analysis - Adjusted EBITDA.
[3] 2Q2020 figures are stated in the measuring unit current as of September 30, 2020, calculated as the results for the 9M2020 minus the 1H2020, measured in such unit.
[4] On December 30, 2019, through Resolution No. 12/2019, the Ministry of Productive Development abrogated Resolution SE No. 70/2018 (Res. 70/18), which allowed generators to purchase their own fuel, and reinstated effectiveness of section 8 of Resolution No. 95/2013 and section 4 of Resolution No. 529/2014, centralizing fuel purchases through CAMMESA, who provides the fuel without a charge to generators.
[5] During the 3Q2019, CAMMESA, in accordance to a general offer maid to all generators, cancelled the pending trade receivables from CAMMESA accrued between 2013 and 2016, after offsetting the balance of loans and advances granted by CAMMESA. Consequently, Central Puerto booked a Ps. 3,502 million gain in interests, measured in the current unit of September 30, 2019. For more information, please see the 3Q2019 Financial Statements.
[6] Excludes intercompany loans.
Contact information:
Chief Operating Officer
Fernando Bonnet
Investor Relations Officer
Tomás Daghlian
Tel (+54 11) 4317 5000 ext.2192
inversores@centralpuerto.com
www.centralpuerto.com
SOURCE: Central Puerto S.A.
View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/616188/Central-Puerto-3Q2020-Results
FAQ
What were Central Puerto's revenue figures for 3Q2020?
How much did energy generation change in 3Q2020 for CEPU?
What impact did the regulatory changes have on Central Puerto's financials?
What is the significance of the La Genoveva I wind farm for CEPU?
What are the expectations for the Terminal 6 cogeneration plant?
