Northland Power Inc. (
“Northland” or the
“Company”) (TSX:
NPI) reported
today financial results for the three and nine months ended
September 30, 2023. All dollar amounts set out herein are in
thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated.
“Our third quarter financial results were solid
and in line with our expectations. We are maintaining the low end
of our Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow
guidance for 2023. Despite the regulatory changes in Spain last
quarter and the challenges in the economy more broadly, we expect
to deliver solid financial and operating results this year, as a
result of positive offsets from other planned activities, including
sell-downs. Notwithstanding recent challenges experienced in the
offshore wind sector, we delivered on two very significant
milestones this quarter for the Company, having achieved financial
close on our two offshore wind projects, Hai Long and Baltic Power.
Through achieving these milestones, our global team demonstrated
again that we have the capability and expertise to develop and
finance complex, large-scale projects in multiple jurisdictions.
Having achieved financial close of Hai Long, our team is now
working on closing the final element of the funding plan, being the
49% sell down transaction to Gentari,” Mike Crawley, Northland’s
President and Chief Executive Officer noted.
Third Quarter Highlights
Financial results for the three months ended
September 30, 2023 were lower compared to the same quarter of 2022,
primarily due to the non-recurrence of the unprecedented spike in
market prices in Europe realized in 2022, partially offset by
higher band adjustment revenue generated from Northland’s Spanish
portfolio.
Financial Results
-
Sales decreased to $513 million from $556 million
in 2022.
- Gross
Profit decreased to $458 million from $484 million in
2022.
- Adjusted
EBITDA (a non-IFRS measure) decreased to $267 million from
$290 million in 2022.
- Adjusted
Free Cash Flow per share (a non-IFRS measure) decreased to
$0.25 from $0.28 in 2022.
- Free
Cash Flow per share (a non-IFRS measure) decreased to
$0.14 from $0.19 in 2022.
- Net
income decreased to $43 million from $76 million in
2022.
Sales, gross profit, operating income and net
income, as reported under IFRS, include consolidated results of
entities not wholly owned by Northland, whereas Northland’s
non-IFRS financial measures include only Northland’s proportionate
ownership interest.
Summary of Consolidated Results |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(in thousands of
dollars, except per share amounts) |
Three months ended September 30, |
|
Nine months ended September 30, |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
|
|
2023 |
|
|
2022 |
FINANCIALS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales |
$ |
513,290 |
|
$ |
555,854 |
|
$ |
1,606,558 |
|
$ |
1,807,700 |
|
Gross profit |
|
458,316 |
|
|
484,103 |
|
|
1,454,687 |
|
|
1,604,818 |
|
Operating income |
|
146,188 |
|
|
201,814 |
|
|
521,355 |
|
|
780,990 |
|
Net income (loss) |
|
42,987 |
|
|
76,089 |
|
|
171,786 |
|
|
631,535 |
|
Net income (loss) attributable
to common shareholders |
|
36,166 |
|
|
81,661 |
|
|
110,401 |
|
|
548,835 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA (a non-IFRS
measure) (2) |
|
267,258 |
|
|
289,763 |
|
|
851,212 |
|
|
1,045,105 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash provided by operating
activities |
|
148,005 |
|
|
523,338 |
|
|
649,345 |
|
|
1,282,294 |
|
Adjusted Free Cash Flow (a
non-IFRS measure) (2) |
|
63,917 |
|
|
66,367 |
|
|
306,690 |
|
|
420,362 |
|
Free Cash Flow (a non-IFRS
measure) (2) |
|
36,316 |
|
|
44,670 |
|
|
232,297 |
|
|
364,588 |
|
Cash dividends paid |
|
52,137 |
|
|
49,673 |
|
|
153,332 |
|
|
145,508 |
|
Total dividends declared
(1) |
$ |
76,036 |
|
$ |
71,957 |
|
$ |
227,101 |
|
$ |
210,410 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
Share |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of
shares — basic and diluted (000s) |
|
253,279 |
|
|
238,011 |
|
|
252,152 |
|
|
232,712 |
|
Net income (loss) attributable
to common shareholders — basic and diluted |
$ |
0.14 |
|
$ |
0.33 |
|
$ |
0.42 |
|
$ |
2.32 |
|
Adjusted Free Cash Flow —
basic (a non-IFRS measure) (2) |
$ |
0.25 |
|
$ |
0.28 |
|
$ |
1.22 |
|
$ |
1.81 |
|
Free Cash Flow — basic (a
non-IFRS measure) |
$ |
0.14 |
|
$ |
0.19 |
|
$ |
0.92 |
|
$ |
1.57 |
|
Total dividends declared |
$ |
0.30 |
|
$ |
0.30 |
|
$ |
0.90 |
|
$ |
0.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ENERGY
VOLUMES |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electricity production in gigawatt hours
(GWh) |
|
2,172 |
|
|
2,129 |
|
|
7,027 |
|
|
7,130 |
(1) Represents
total dividends paid to common shareholders, including dividends in
cash or in shares under the DRIP. |
(2) See Forward-Looking Statements and Non-IFRS Financial Measures
below. Further, note that non-IFRS measures during the three and
nine months ended September 30, 2023, include the effect of changes
in the definition of non-IFRS measures. For a reconciliation of
these non-IFRS financial measures to the same measures before the
definition changes, please refer to Northland’s Management’s
Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for the three
and nine months ended September 30, 2023. |
Third Quarter Results Summary
Offshore wind facilities
Electricity production for the three months
ended September 30, 2023, slightly increased by 2% or 14GWh
compared to the same quarter of 2022. This was primarily due to
higher wind resource at Gemini and higher turbine availability at
Nordsee One following the completion of the rotor shaft assembly
(“RSA”) replacement campaign in 2022, partially
offset by lower wind resource and higher unpaid curtailments
related to negative prices at German offshore wind facilities.
Sales of $232 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2023, decreased 16% or $46 million compared to the
same quarter of 2022, primarily due to the non-recurrence of the
unprecedented spike in market prices realized in 2022 of $75
million. This decline was partially offset by higher turbine
availability at Nordsee One following the completion of the RSA
replacement campaign in 2022, and the effect of foreign exchange
fluctuations due to the strengthening of the Euro and other items
by $30 million.
Adjusted EBITDA of $126 million for the three
months ended September 30, 2023, decreased 28% or $50 million
compared to the same quarter of 2022, due to the same factors as
noted above.
An important indicator for performance of
offshore wind facilities is the current and historical average
power production of the facility. The following tables summarize
actual electricity production and the historical average, high and
low, for the applicable operating periods of each offshore
facility:
Three months ended September 30, |
2023 (1) |
|
2022 (1) |
|
HistoricalAverage (2) |
|
Historical High
(2) |
|
Historical Low
(2) |
Electricity production (GWh) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gemini |
467 |
|
436 |
|
449 |
|
524 |
|
397 |
Nordsee One |
176 |
|
179 |
|
190 |
|
220 |
|
173 |
Deutsche Bucht |
172 |
|
185 |
|
173 |
|
185 |
|
164 |
Total |
815 |
|
800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Includes GWh
produced and attributed to paid curtailments. |
(2) Represents the
historical power production for the period since the commencement
of commercial operation of the respective facility (2017 for Gemini
and Nordsee One and 2020 for Deutsche Bucht) and excludes unpaid
curtailments. |
Onshore renewable facilities
Electricity production was 12% or 59GWh lower
than the same quarter of 2022, primarily due to lower wind resource
across the Canadian and Spanish onshore wind facilities, partially
offset by higher solar resource at these facilities.
Sales of $118 million were 25% or $23 million
higher than the same quarter of 2022, primarily due to the increase
in band adjustments by $47 million as a result of the regulated
posted price being higher than the merchant pool price in 2023,
partially offset by the aggregate decrease in merchant revenue and
return on investment (“Ri”) by $24 million from the Spanish
portfolio. Please refer to the MD&A for further breakdown of
Spanish portfolio revenue by component.
Adjusted EBITDA of $88 million was 45% or $27
million higher than the same quarter of 2022, due to the same
factors as above.
Adjusted EBITDA from the Spanish portfolio of
$54 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023,
increased 116% or $29 million compared to the same quarter of 2022,
due to the same factors discussed above. Free Cash Flow from the
Spanish portfolio of $16 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2023, increased by $22 million compared to the same
quarter of 2022, due to the same factors discussed above.
Efficient natural gas facilities
Electricity production increased 10% or 88GWh
compared to the same quarter of 2022, mainly due to higher market
demand for dispatchable power.
Sales of $81 million decreased 27% or $31
million compared to the same quarter of 2022, primarily due to
lower natural gas prices resulting in lower energy rates affecting
revenue, and lower margins triggered by unplanned outages.
Adjusted EBITDA of $46 million for the three
months ended September 30, 2023, decreased 12% or $6 million,
compared to the same quarter of 2022, primarily due to lower
management fee income from Kirkland Lake, in addition to the same
factors as above.
Utility
Sales of $78 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2023, increased 12% or $8 million compared to the
same quarter of 2022, primarily due to the foreign exchange
fluctuations as a result of the strengthening of the Colombian
Peso.
Adjusted EBITDA of $30 million for the three
months ended September 30, 2023, remained in line with the same
quarter of 2022.
Consolidated statement of income (loss)
General and administrative
(“G&A”) costs of $22 million in the third
quarter increased $3 million compared to the same quarter of 2022,
primarily due to increased costs and resources to support
Northland’s projects and global platform and additional projects
entering operation during the period, including La Lucha.
Development costs of $35 million increased $13
million compared to the same quarter of 2022, primarily due to
timing of spending to advance development projects.
Net finance costs of $72 million in the third
quarter decreased $5 million compared to the same quarter of 2022,
primarily due to scheduled repayments on facility-level loans and
higher loan repayments related to loan restructurings that occurred
in 2022.
Fair value loss on derivative contracts was $46
million compared to a $43 million loss in the same quarter of 2022,
primarily due to net movement in the fair value of derivatives
related to commodity, interest rate and foreign exchange
contracts.
Foreign exchange gain of $12 million in the
third quarter was primarily due to unrealized gain from
fluctuations in the closing foreign exchange rates.
Other income of $20 million increased by $19
million compared to the same quarter of 2022, primarily due to the
gains associated with the partial sell-down of development assets
in the third quarter of 2023.
Net income of $43 million in the third quarter
decreased by $33 million compared to the same quarter of 2022,
primarily as a result of the factors described above.
Adjusted EBITDA
The following table reconciles net income (loss)
to Adjusted EBITDA:
|
Three months ended September 30, |
|
|
Nine months ended September 30, |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
Net income (loss) |
$ |
42,987 |
|
|
$ |
76,089 |
|
|
$ |
171,786 |
|
|
$ |
631,535 |
|
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance costs, net |
|
72,421 |
|
|
|
77,814 |
|
|
|
210,699 |
|
|
|
237,054 |
|
Gemini interest income |
|
(150 |
) |
|
|
3,344 |
|
|
|
6,112 |
|
|
|
10,800 |
|
Provision for (recovery of) income taxes |
|
18,682 |
|
|
|
47,410 |
|
|
|
94,706 |
|
|
|
233,672 |
|
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment |
|
147,924 |
|
|
|
132,416 |
|
|
|
438,981 |
|
|
|
424,445 |
|
Amortization of contracts and intangible assets |
|
14,463 |
|
|
|
14,042 |
|
|
|
42,505 |
|
|
|
39,645 |
|
Fair value (gain) loss on derivative contracts |
|
43,711 |
|
|
|
38,238 |
|
|
|
106,714 |
|
|
|
(334,937 |
) |
Foreign exchange (gain) loss |
|
(11,514 |
) |
|
|
(39,668 |
) |
|
|
(36,162 |
) |
|
|
27,281 |
|
Elimination of non-controlling interests |
|
(53,380 |
) |
|
|
(56,897 |
) |
|
|
(186,389 |
) |
|
|
(198,715 |
) |
Finance lease (lessor) |
|
(1,349 |
) |
|
|
(1,563 |
) |
|
|
(4,318 |
) |
|
|
(4,841 |
) |
Others (1) |
|
(6,537 |
) |
|
|
(1,462 |
) |
|
|
6,578 |
|
|
|
(20,834 |
) |
Adjusted EBITDA (2) |
$ |
267,258 |
|
|
$ |
289,763 |
|
|
$ |
851,212 |
|
|
$ |
1,045,105 |
|
(1) Others
primarily include Northland’s share of profit (loss) from equity
accounted investees, Northland’s share of Adjusted EBITDA from
equity accounted investees, gains from partial asset sell-downs,
acquisition costs and other expenses (income). |
(2) See
Forward-Looking Statements and Non-IFRS Financial Measures below.
Further, note that non-IFRS measures during the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2023, include the effect of changes in
the definition of non-IFRS measures. For a reconciliation of these
non-IFRS financial measures to the same measures before the
definition changes, please refer to the MD&A. |
Adjusted EBITDA of $267 million for the three
months ended September 30, 2023, decreased 8% or $23 million
compared to the same quarter of 2022. The significant factors
decreasing Adjusted EBITDA include:
- $50 million
decrease in operating results at the offshore wind facilities
primarily due to the non-recurrence of the unprecedented spike in
market prices realized in 2022. This decline was partially offset
by higher turbine availability at Nordsee One following the
completion of the RSA replacement campaign in 2022 and the effect
of foreign exchange fluctuations due to the strengthening of the
Euro and other items; and
- $14 million
increase in G&A costs and development expenditures, primarily
due to higher administrative costs to support the sustainable
operations and the latter driven by timing of spend.
The factors partially offsetting the decrease in
the Adjusted EBITDA were:
- $29 million
increase in the contribution from the Spanish renewables portfolio,
as discussed above; and
- $19 million in
gains from partial sell-down of development assets.
Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow
The following table reconciles cash flow from
operations to Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow:
|
Three months ended September 30, |
|
|
Nine months ended September 30, |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
Cash provided by operating activities |
$ |
148,005 |
|
|
$ |
523,338 |
|
|
$ |
649,345 |
|
|
$ |
1,282,294 |
|
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net change in non-cash working capital balances related to
operations |
|
99,938 |
|
|
|
(189,623 |
) |
|
|
234,963 |
|
|
|
(148,631 |
) |
Non-expansionary capital expenditures |
|
(369 |
) |
|
|
(14,263 |
) |
|
|
(1,268 |
) |
|
|
(45,573 |
) |
Restricted funding for major maintenance, debt and decommissioning
reserves |
|
(582 |
) |
|
|
(228 |
) |
|
|
(3,235 |
) |
|
|
(11,326 |
) |
Interest |
|
(43,341 |
) |
|
|
(75,396 |
) |
|
|
(182,951 |
) |
|
|
(223,429 |
) |
Scheduled principal repayments on facility debt |
|
(55,677 |
) |
|
|
(52,044 |
) |
|
|
(381,319 |
) |
|
|
(400,429 |
) |
Funds set aside (utilized) for scheduled principal repayments |
|
(149,854 |
) |
|
|
(153,735 |
) |
|
|
(158,020 |
) |
|
|
(170,661 |
) |
Preferred share dividends |
|
(1,527 |
) |
|
|
(2,811 |
) |
|
|
(4,530 |
) |
|
|
(8,252 |
) |
Consolidation of non-controlling interests |
|
(3,533 |
) |
|
|
(1,707 |
) |
|
|
(65,186 |
) |
|
|
(43,513 |
) |
Investment income (1) |
|
5,041 |
|
|
|
4,268 |
|
|
|
22,311 |
|
|
|
12,666 |
|
Proceeds under NER300 and warranty settlement at Nordsee One |
|
— |
|
|
|
16,911 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
55,787 |
|
Others (2) |
|
38,215 |
|
|
|
(10,040 |
) |
|
|
122,187 |
|
|
|
65,655 |
|
Free Cash Flow (3) |
$ |
36,316 |
|
|
$ |
44,670 |
|
|
$ |
232,297 |
|
|
$ |
364,588 |
|
Add back: Growth expenditures |
|
31,914 |
|
|
|
21,697 |
|
|
|
86,151 |
|
|
|
55,774 |
|
Less: Historical growth expenditures’ recovery due
to sell-down |
|
(4,313 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(11,758 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Adjusted Free Cash Flow (3) |
$ |
63,917 |
|
|
$ |
66,367 |
|
|
$ |
306,690 |
|
|
$ |
420,362 |
|
(1) Investment
income includes Gemini interest income and repayment of Gemini
subordinated debt. |
(2) Others mainly
include the effect of foreign exchange rates and hedges, interest
rate hedge, Nordsee One interest on shareholder loans, share of
joint venture project development costs, acquisition costs, lease
payments, interest income, Northland’s share of Adjusted Free Cash
Flow from equity accounted investees, gains from sales of
development assets, interest on corporate-level debt raised to
finance capitalized growth projects and other non-cash expenses
adjusted in working capital excluded from Free Cash Flow in the
period. |
(3) See
Forward-Looking Statements and Non-IFRS Financial Measures below.
Further, note that non-IFRS measures during the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2023, include the effect of changes in
the definition of non-IFRS measures. For a reconciliation of these
non-IFRS financial measures to the same measures before the
definition changes, please refer to the MD&A. |
Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $64 million for the
three months ended September 30, 2023, was 4% or $2 million lower
than the same quarter of 2022.
The significant factors decreasing Adjusted Free
Cash Flow were:
- $23 million
decrease in contribution from the operating facilities leading to
lower Adjusted EBITDA primarily due to the factors described above;
and
- $10 million
decrease primarily as a result of higher net proceeds from the
Empresa de Energía de Boyacá S.A E.S.P (“EBSA”)
refinancing recognized in 2022.
The factors partially offsetting the decrease in
Adjusted Free Cash Flow were:
- $16 million
gains from partial asset sales of offshore wind development assets
and foreign exchange hedge settlements; and
- $18 million
decrease in net finance costs primarily due to scheduled repayments
on facility-level loans and higher loan repayments related to loan
restructurings in 2022.
Free Cash Flow, which is reduced by growth
expenditures, totaled $36 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2023, and was 19% or $8 million lower than the same
quarter of 2022, due to the same factors as Adjusted Free Cash
Flow.
The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA
to Adjusted Free Cash Flow.
|
Three months ended September 30, |
|
|
Nine months ended September 30, |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
2022 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA (2) |
$ |
267,258 |
|
|
$ |
289,763 |
|
|
$ |
851,212 |
|
|
$ |
1,045,105 |
|
Adjustments: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scheduled debt repayments |
|
(166,900 |
) |
|
|
(163,945 |
) |
|
|
(450,443 |
) |
|
|
(459,499 |
) |
Interest expense |
|
(43,859 |
) |
|
|
(61,808 |
) |
|
|
(143,019 |
) |
|
|
(183,112 |
) |
Current taxes |
|
(26,212 |
) |
|
|
(33,535 |
) |
|
|
(90,902 |
) |
|
|
(122,644 |
) |
Non-expansionary capital expenditure |
|
(358 |
) |
|
|
(12,160 |
) |
|
|
(1,078 |
) |
|
|
(38,828 |
) |
Utilization (funding) of maintenance and decommissioning
reserves |
|
(583 |
) |
|
|
(228 |
) |
|
|
(3,228 |
) |
|
|
(10,458 |
) |
Lease payments, including principal and interest |
|
(1,783 |
) |
|
|
(4,234 |
) |
|
|
(6,312 |
) |
|
|
(7,357 |
) |
Preferred dividends |
|
(1,526 |
) |
|
|
(2,811 |
) |
|
|
(4,529 |
) |
|
|
(8,252 |
) |
Foreign exchange hedge gain (loss) |
|
747 |
|
|
|
8,125 |
|
|
|
31,035 |
|
|
|
56,216 |
|
Proceeds under NER300 and warranty settlement at Nordsee One |
|
— |
|
|
|
14,376 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
47,420 |
|
EBSA Refinancing proceeds, net of growth capital expenditures |
|
— |
|
|
|
10,119 |
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
26,896 |
|
Others (1) |
|
9,532 |
|
|
|
1,008 |
|
|
|
49,561 |
|
|
|
19,101 |
|
Free Cash Flow (2) |
$ |
36,316 |
|
|
$ |
44,670 |
|
|
$ |
232,297 |
|
|
$ |
364,588 |
|
Add Back: Growth expenditures |
|
31,914 |
|
|
|
21,697 |
|
|
|
86,151 |
|
|
|
55,774 |
|
Less: Historical growth expenditures’ recovery due
to sell-down |
|
(4,313 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
|
|
(11,758 |
) |
|
|
— |
|
Adjusted Free Cash Flow (2) |
$ |
63,917 |
|
|
$ |
66,367 |
|
|
$ |
306,690 |
|
|
$ |
420,362 |
|
(1) Others mainly
include Gemini interest income, repayment of Gemini subordinated
debt, interest rate hedge settlement, gains from sales of
development assets, and interest received on third-party loans to
partners. |
(2) See
Forward-Looking Statements and Non-IFRS Financial Measures below.
Further, note that non-IFRS measures during the three and nine
months ended September 30, 2023, include the effect of changes in
the definition of non-IFRS measures. For a reconciliation of these
non-IFRS financial measures to the same measures before the
definition changes, please refer to the MD&A. |
Significant Events and Updates
Balance Sheet:
-
At-The-Market Equity Program – The Company’s
“at-the-market” equity program (“ATM program”) was
terminated in accordance with its terms upon the expiry of the
Company’s short form base shelf prospectus on July 16, 2023. During
the third quarter of 2023, there was no activity under the ATM
program.
Renewables Growth:
- Hai Long
Offshore Wind Project – During the third quarter,
Northland successfully closed its NTD117 billion (equivalent to $5
billion) long term, over 20-year non-recourse green financing,
which will be provided by international and local lenders with
support from multiple Export Credit Agencies
(“ECAs”). The Hai Long project’s total cost is
projected to be approximately $9 billion, with funding from $5
billion of non-recourse debt by the project lenders, approximately
$1 billion of pre-completion revenues and the remaining equity
investment contributed by the project’s partners. Northland’s
interest (post targeted sell-down to Gentari International
Renewables Pte. Ltd. (“Gentari”)) in Hai Long is
expected to generate a five-year average of approximately $230 to
$250 million of Adjusted EBITDA and $75 to $85 million of Free Cash
Flow per year once operational, delivering significant long-term
value for Northland’s shareholders. The weighted average all-in
interest cost for the term of the financing is approximately 5% per
annum. Northland’s equity investment has and will be funded through
proceeds raised under its ATM program in 2022 and the anticipated
sale of its 49% interest to Gentari, which is discussed below, and
in the Outlook sections of this press release.On December 14, 2022,
Northland signed an agreement with Gentari to sell 49% of its
current 60% ownership stake in Hai Long (the “Gentari
Sell-Down”). Northland is targeting to close Gentari
Sell-Down in the fourth quarter of 2023, subject to the
satisfaction of certain closing conditions, which also include
meeting requirements under the existing multi-party project finance
agreements. Subject to closing, the transaction will result in
Gentari holding a 29.4% indirect equity interest in Hai Long. The
proposed sell-down is consistent with Northland’s long-term
financing strategy and will allow Northland to share development
costs for Hai Long with its joint venture partners. Northland will
hold a 30.6% interest in the project upon closing of the
transaction and will continue to take the lead role in the
construction and operation phases of the project.The Hai Long
project continues to advance its construction activities.
Completion of construction activities and full commercial
operations are expected in 2026/2027.
- Baltic
Power Offshore Wind Project – During the third quarter,
Northland closed an equivalent of $5.2 billion, 20-year
non-recourse green financing, which will be supported by a
consortium of international and local commercial banks, and
multiple ECAs and multi-lateral agencies. The Baltic Power
project’s total cost is projected to be approximately $6.5 billion,
with funding from its $5.2 billion of non-recourse debt by the
project lenders and remaining capital to be contributed by the
project partners. Northland’s share of equity for the project was
fully funded through the $500 million of Fixed-to-Fixed Rate Green
Subordinated Notes, Series 2023-A, due June 30, 2083 (the
“Green Notes”)
issuance in June 2023 and existing corporate liquidity. Northland’s
interest in Baltic Power is expected to generate a high quality,
inflation-protected five-year average Adjusted EBITDA of
approximately $300 to $320 million and $95 to $105 million of Free
Cash Flow per year once operational, delivering significant
long-term cash flow for Northland’s shareholders.The weighted
average all-in interest cost for the term of the financing is
approximately 5% per annum. In addition, Northland has entered into
currency hedges to stabilize the Canadian dollar equivalent for the
majority of its projected distributions through 2038 and will enter
into additional hedges on an ongoing basis, in line with the
Northland’s risk management policies.
- New York
Onshore Wind Projects – On October 31, 2023, the 112MW
Bluestone and 108MW Ball Hill onshore wind projects have commenced
earning revenue under the 20-year PPA with the New York State
Energy Research and Development Authority
(“NYSERDA”). These projects are expected to
contribute an aggregate of $42 million and $15 million of Adjusted
EBITDA and Free Cash Flow, respectively, towards Northland’s 2024
financial results.
- NorthWind and CanWind
Offshore Wind Projects – During the third quarter of 2023,
Northland executed an investment partnership agreement with Gentari
resulting in the completion of a 49% stake sell-down in early-stage
offshore wind development projects in Taiwan: NorthWind and
CanWind. The partnership with Gentari is an extension of the
agreement formed in December 2022, as related to Hai Long, as
discussed above. The transaction resulted in Gentari holding a 49%
indirect equity interest in these projects, and Northland holding a
51% interest.
Outlook on 2023 Funding Plan
Northland’s focus is on successfully
constructing the Oneida energy storage project, and Baltic Power
and Hai Long offshore wind projects.
These projects represent an aggregate equity
investment by Northland of $1.75 billion, net of the Gentari
Sell-Down transaction. Northland had access to $563 million of
available liquidity at September 30, 2023, including $63 million of
cash on hand and approximately $500 million of capacity on its
corporate revolving credit facilities.
Northland also has a $500 million short-term
corporate credit facility (“Short Term Facility”)
to help fund its equity contribution in Hai Long, of which $344
million was utilized at September 30, 2023. This facility matures
at the end of November 2023 and is expected to be repaid upon
receipt of the proceeds from the Gentari Sell-Down transaction,
which management is targeting to close in the fourth quarter of
2023, upon certain closing conditions being met, as discussed
above. In the event that the Gentari Sell-Down is delayed due to
satisfying closing conditions taking more time than planned, the
facility may need to be extended or re-financed. In addition,
Northland has secured a $1.0 billion Hai Long related corporate LC
facility to support Hai Long credit requirements during
construction. Northland’s Hai Long related letter of credit
obligations and this facility would decrease by 49% upon closing of
the Gentari Sell-Down.
2023 and Long-term Outlook
As of November 9, 2023, management has
reiterated its 2023 financial outlook. Adjusted EBITDA in 2023 is
expected to be at the low end of original guidance of $1.2 billion
to $1.3 billion. Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow per
share in 2023 are also expected to be at the low end of our
previously communicated ranges of $1.70 to $1.90 and $1.30 to
$1.50, respectively. The ranges for Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Free
Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow include sell-down gains.
Northland continues to implement a selective
partnership strategy to sell interests in certain development
projects on or before financial close. The Company will assess each
opportunity individually and intends to remain a long-term owner of
the renewable power assets it develops.
Over the longer term, Northland remains
positioned to achieve substantial growth in Adjusted EBITDA by
2027, upon achieving targeted commercial operations of Oneida,
Baltic Power and Hai Long, each with long-term contracted revenues
of between 20 to 30 years.
Once all three projects are fully operational,
anticipated by 2027, they are expected to collectively generate an
aggregate Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow of $570 to $615
million and $185 to $210 million, respectively, resulting in
significant value creation and accretion for Northland’s
shareholders.
With over 3 gigawatts (GW) of gross operating
capacity and a robust development pipeline of approximately 15GW,
with 2.4GW being under construction and expected to be operational
by 2026/2027, the Company is well positioned for an accelerating
global energy transition. Northland intends to be selective and
pursue only projects within its pipeline that meet its strategic
objectives and targeted returns and closely monitor macroeconomic
conditions surrounding renewables development globally.
Third-Quarter Earnings Conference Call
Northland will hold an earnings conference call
on November 10, 2023, to discuss its 2023 third quarter
results. The call will be hosted by Northland’s Senior Management,
who will discuss the Company’s financial results and developments
as well as answering questions from analysts.
Conference call details are as follows:
Friday, November 10, 2023, 10:00 a.m. ET
Participants wishing to join the call and ask
questions must register using the following URL below:
https://register.vevent.com/register/BIb14b87ba5135410fb9fed115bde5d406
For all other attendees, the call will be
broadcast live on the internet, in listen-only mode and can be
accessed using the following link:
Webcast URL:
https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ysmaxpt8
For those unable to attend the live call, an
audio recording will be available on northlandpower.com on November
13, 2023.
Northland’s unaudited interim condensed
consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months
ended September 30, 2023, and related Management’s Discussion
and Analysis can be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under
Northland’s profile and on northlandpower.com.
ABOUT NORTHLAND POWER
Northland Power is a global power producer
dedicated to helping the clean energy transition by producing
electricity from clean renewable resources. Founded in 1987,
Northland has a long history of developing, building, owning and
operating clean and green power infrastructure assets and is a
global leader in offshore wind. In addition, Northland owns and
manages a diversified generation mix including onshore renewables,
efficient natural gas energy, as well as supplying energy through a
regulated utility.
Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with global
offices in eight countries, Northland owns or has an economic
interest in approximately 3.4GW (net 2.9GW) of operating capacity.
The Company also has a significant inventory of projects in
construction and in various stages of development encompassing
approximately 15GW of potential capacity.
Publicly traded since 1997, Northland's common
shares, Series 1 and Series 2 preferred shares trade on the Toronto
Stock Exchange under the symbols NPI, NPI.PR.A and NPI.PR.B,
respectively.
NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES
This press release includes references to the
Company’s adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”),
Adjusted Free Cash Flow, Free Cash Flow and applicable payout
ratios and per share amounts, which are measures not prescribed by
International Financial Reporting Standards
(“IFRS”), and therefore do not have any
standardized meaning under IFRS and may not be comparable to
similar measures presented by other companies. Non-IFRS financial
measures are presented at Northland’s share of underlying
operations. These measures should not be considered alternatives to
net income (loss), cash flow from operating activities or other
measures of financial performance calculated in accordance with
IFRS. Rather, these measures are provided to complement IFRS
measures in the analysis of Northland’s results of operations from
management’s perspective. Management believes that Northland’s
non-IFRS financial measures and applicable payout ratio and per
share amounts are widely accepted and understood financial
indicators used by investors and securities analysts to assess the
performance of a company, including its ability to generate cash
through operations.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains statements that
constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of
applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”) that are
provided for the purpose of presenting information about
management’s current expectations and plans. Readers are cautioned
that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes.
Northland’s actual results could differ materially from those
expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and,
accordingly, the events anticipated by the forward-looking
statements may or may not transpire or occur. Forward-looking
statements include statements that are not historical facts and are
predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or
conditions, or include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,”
“plans,” “predicts,” “believes,” “estimates,” “intends,” “targets,”
“projects,” “forecasts” or negative versions thereof and other
similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “may,”
“will,” “should,” “would” and “could.” These statements may
include, without limitation, statements regarding future Adjusted
EBITDA, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow, including
respective per share amounts, dividend payments and dividend payout
ratios, the timing for and attainment of the Hai Long and Baltic
Power offshore wind, and Oneida energy storage projects’
anticipated contributions to Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Free Cash
Flow and Free Cash Flow, the expected generating capacity of
certain projects, guidance, the completion of construction,
acquisitions, dispositions, investments or financings and the
timing thereof, including the timing and final terms of the pending
sell-down of Hai Long to Gentari, the timing for and attainment of
financial close and commercial operations, for each project, the
potential for future production from project pipelines, cost and
output of development projects, the all-in interest cost for debt
financing, the impact of currency hedges, litigation claims,
anticipated results from the optimization of the Thorold
Co-Generation facility and the timing related thereto, plans for
raising capital and future funding requirements, the allocation of
the net proceeds from the Green Notes offering, and the future
operations, business, financial condition, financial results,
priorities, ongoing objectives, strategies and the outlook of
Northland, its subsidiaries and joint ventures. There is a risk
that delays in closing financings, assets sales or sell-downs,
failure to obtain the anticipated level of finance commitments and
failure to close one or more financings or sell-downs could affect
construction schedules and/or Northland’s cash or credit position
and capital funding needs. These statements are based upon certain
material factors or assumptions that were applied in developing the
forward-looking statements, including the design specifications of
development projects, the provisions of contracts to which
Northland or a subsidiary is a party, management’s current plans
and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and
expected future developments, the ability to obtain necessary
approvals, satisfy any closing conditions, satisfy any project
finance lender conditions to closing sell-downs or obtain adequate
financing regarding contemplated construction, acquisitions,
dispositions, investments or financings, as well as other factors,
estimates and assumptions that are believed to be appropriate in
the circumstances. Although these forward-looking statements are
based upon management’s current reasonable expectations and
assumptions, they are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties.
Some of the factors include, but are not limited to, risks
associated with further regulatory and policy changes in Spain
which could impair current guidance and expected returns, risks
associated with merchant pool pricing and revenues, risks
associated with sales contracts, the emergence of widespread health
emergencies or pandemics, Northland’s reliance on the performance
of its offshore wind facilities at Gemini, Nordsee One and Deutsche
Bucht for over 50% of its Adjusted EBITDA, counterparty and joint
venture risks, contractual operating performance, variability of
sales from generating facilities powered by intermittent renewable
resources, offshore wind concentration, natural gas and power
market risks, commodity price risks, operational risks, recovery of
utility operating costs, Northland’s ability to resolve
issues/delays with the relevant regulatory and/or government
authorities, permitting, construction risks, project development
risks, acquisition risks, procurement and supply chain risks,
financing risks, disposition and joint-venture risks, competition
risks, interest rate and refinancing risks, liquidity risk,
inflation risks, impacts of regional or global conflicts, credit
rating risk, currency fluctuation risk, variability of cash flow
and potential impact on dividends, taxation, natural events,
environmental risks, climate change, health and worker safety
risks, market compliance risk, government regulations and policy
risks, utility rate regulation risks, international activities,
cybersecurity, data protection and reliance on information
technology, labour relations, reputational risk, insurance risk,
risks relating to co-ownership, bribery and corruption risk,
terrorism and security, legal contingencies, and the other factors
described in the “Risks Factors” section of Northland’s
Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form
for the year ended December 31, 2022, which can be found at
www.sedarplus.ca under Northland’s profile and on Northland’s
website at northlandpower.com. Northland has attempted to identify
important factors that could cause actual results to materially
differ from current expectations, however, there may be other
factors that cause actual results to differ materially from such
expectations. Northland’s actual results could differ materially
from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking
statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of
the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will
transpire or occur, and Northland cautions you not to place undue
reliance upon any such forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements contained in this
release are, unless otherwise indicated, stated as of the date
hereof and are based on assumptions that were considered reasonable
as of the date hereof. Other than as specifically required by law,
Northland undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after such date or to
reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result
of new information, future events or results, or otherwise.
Certain forward-looking information in this
MD&A, including, but not limited to the information in Section
9: Outlook and our projected Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow
expected to be generated from Northland’s interest in Hai Long,
Baltic Power and Oneida may also constitute “financial outlooks”
within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Financial outlook
involves statements about Northland’s prospective financial
performance, financial position or cash flows and is based on and
subject to the assumptions about future economic conditions and
courses of action and the risk factors described above in respect
of forward-looking information generally, as well as any other
specific assumptions and risk factors in relation to such financial
outlook noted in this MD&A. Such assumptions are based on
management’s assessment of the relevant information currently
available and any financial outlook included in this MD&A is
provided for the purpose of helping readers understand Northland’s
current expectations and plans for the future. Readers are
cautioned that reliance on any financial outlook may not be
appropriate for other purposes or in other circumstances and that
the risk factors described above or other factors may cause actual
results to differ materially from any financial outlook. The actual
results of Northland’s operations will likely vary from the amounts
set forth in any financial outlook and such variances may be
material.
For further information, please
contact:
Adam Beaumont, Vice President
Dario Neimarlija, Vice President
647-288-1019
investorrelations@northlandpower.com
northlandpower.com
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