26th Feb 2015 18:33
PRESS RELEASE
26 February, 2015
Fourth quarter 2014 financial results |
Record high production and exports, as well as the positive refining environment drive strong Group results;
Significant negative impact on reported results from crude oil price decline
HELLENIC PETROLEUM Group reported its strongest 4Q performance, leading to a FY Adjusted EBITDA of €417m (2013: €178m) and recording a positive Net Income. Performance was improved in all business units, some of which reported record high contribution. In refining, results were driven by the favorable international refining environment during the second half of the year, as well as improved refining operations, following the de-bottlenecking works at Elefsina earlier in the year. Further support came from continuous cost control efforts and growth in exports, accounting for c. 50% of total sales.
Contribution of Marketing activities was also higher: EKO and HF profitability came in at 4-year high, as a result of the transformation initiatives implemented over the last two years. The Group's international subsidiaries reported their highest contribution ever, despite challenging local market conditions. Finally, Petrochemicals also improved performance, with record high profitability.
Reported results were severely affected by the sharp decline of crude oil prices, impacting year-end valuation of inventory. As Hellenic Petroleum maintains a high inventory level as part of its Compulsory Stock Obligations, the total loss from the price drop in 2014 was €484m, turning positive operating results for the year to a Net loss of -€365m.
Group cashflow was also positive, as, during the last quarters, increased profitability, combined with normalised capex levels, led to reduced leverage. In terms of funding, despite the continued challenges, the Group's position improved following the Eurobond issues and the renegotiation of existing credit facilities. Strategic targets on both tenure (maturity profile) and diversification (DCM vs Banks) have been achieved and interest costs are gradually being reduced. Given continuing market volatility, the management of liquidity risk and security of supply for our core markets remain key priorities and these are being addressed by holding a relatively high average cash balance, with a commensurate negative impact on interest costs.
Capital expenditure, at €136m, mainly relates to stay-in-business projects, the turn-around of Elefsina and smaller growth projects.
Key figures for 4Q and FY 2014 are summarised below:
4Q13 | 4Q14 | All numbers in €m | 2013 | 2014 |
2,915 | 3,981 | Refining Sales Volumes ('000 ΜΤ) | 12,696 | 13,538 |
45 | 171 | Adjusted EBITDA | 178 | 417 |
(6) | (375) | Inventory effect | (70) | (484) |
(11) | (206) | EBITDA | 29 | (84) |
(35) | 53 | Adjusted Net Income | (117) | 5 |
(98) | (227) | Net Income | (269) | (365) |
55 | 51 | Capex | 112 | 136 |
- | - | Gearing | 43% | 40% |
2.3 | 4.0 | ELPE benchmark refining margin ($/bbl) | 2.1 | 2.8 |
Significant drop in crude oil prices and further improvement of European benchmark refining margins; stronger dollar vs euro in 4Q14
Global oil supply surplus continued in 4Q14 mainly due to increased production in US and Iraq and OPEC's decision to maintain its output unchanged. As a result, crude prices dropped to their lowest since May 2009, with January 2015 Brent crude oil price falling below $50/bbl; a decline of $45/bbl in 4Q14 and more than $65/bbl in 2H14.
US dollar strengthened further vs euro q-o-q, with a positive effect on $ driven benchmark margins. Euro averaged $1.25 in 4Q14, the lowest since 2006.
Reduced energy costs, due to weak crude prices and lower diesel imports from North America were among key factors that supported benchmark margins improvement during 2H14, reversing the challenging environment of the first half. Benchmark Med FCC margins averaged $3.4/bbl, (2013: $2.4/bbl), while Hydrocracking came at $4.5/bbl (2013: $3.7/bbl).
Demand growth in domestic fuels market
Domestic fuels demand in 2014 amounted to 6.7 million tones, according to preliminary official market data, recording a 1.5% growth, for first time since 2009. Diesel consumption increased, outweighing gasoline demand reduction, with diesel cars accounting for 60% of new car registrations. Furthermore, low prices coupled with the reduction of excise duty led to a 5% increase in the demand for heating gasoil.
Strong operating results in 4Q14
Group Adjusted EBITDA came in at €171m (4Q13: €45m), reflecting mainly the enhanced contribution from refining operations. Elefsina refinery rebased its contribution, with high utilisation rates and consistent over-performance throughout the quarter. Furthermore, both Marketing and Petrochemicals increased contribution.
The large drop in crude oil and product prices resulted in inventory losses of €375m, leading 4Q14 Reported EBITDA to -€206 (4Q13: -€11m), while Net Results amounted to -€227 (4Q13: -€98m).
Operating cashflow was positive for the second consecutive quarter, reflecting both improved performance and normalized capex. Net debt at €1.1bn, lower vs last year, with gearing at 40% (4Q13: 43%). In 4Q14, the Group renewed c.€1.5bn credit facilities with Greek banks, further improving commercial terms, maturity and cost. Moreover, in the first weeks of 2015, the Group signed a 3-year, €200m revolving credit facility, which further added to the cash balance.
Regarding the sale of 66% of DESFA share capital to SOCAR, the regulatory approval is in progress, with the approval of the European Competition Authorities being the final step for the completion of the regulatory clearance.
Exploration and Production in Greece
On 6 February 2015, HELLENIC PETROLEUM submitted offers for the lease of Arta-Preveza and NW Peloponnese areas in West Greece, following a relevant tender by the Ministry of Production Restructuring, Environment & Energy. In the West Patraikos Gulf area, where HELLENIC PETROLEUM acts as operator in a JV with Edison International SpA and Petroceltic Resources Plc, exploration activities have started.
John Costopoulos, Group CEO, commented on 4Q14 performance:
"In the fourth quarter, the Group reported strong operating profitability, on better global refining environment and the improved performance of all business units.
During 2014, Hellenic Petroleum realized the benefits of the strategic transformation projects implemented over the last few years such as (a) the upgrade of the refineries, (b) competitiveness improvement and (c) retail business model transformation. Indications of this performance are the achievement of the highest ever production volume and exports sales, as well as the over-performance of our refineries vs benchmark margins. Furthermore, in 2014 we successfully completed the refinancing strategy and managed liquidity and credit risks, despite the continuous challenges and volatility for Greek corporates.
In line with all refiners who hold significant inventories, the negative impact of crude oil price affected our otherwise strong results.
For 2015, we plan for an equally challenging environment, as commodity markets volatility, the start-up of new competitive refineries in the Middle East and uncertainties in the economy are expected to continue. HELLENIC PETROLEUM will continue to focus on competitiveness, operational excellence and prudent management of business and financial risk, to deliver sustainable benefits for our shareholders, personnel and all stakeholders."
Key highlights and contribution for each of the main business units in 4Q14 were:
REFINING, SUPPLY & TRADING
- Domestic Refining, Supply & Trading 4Q14 Adjusted EBITDA at €133m (4Q13: €22m).
- Production exceeded 4 million tones for the first time on record, on high utilisation, with middle distillates yield at 54%.
- Domestic market sales increased by 11%, while exports reached a record high of 2.1 million tones, leading total sales at 4 million tones.
DOMESTIC MARKETING
- Domestic Marketing sales volumes were 9% higher, mainly driven by heating gasoil and auto diesel. 4Q14 Adjusted EBITDA at €2m (4Q13: €1m).
- Further improvement in market shares continued, supported by our COMO network expansion (139 petrol stations end-2014) and successful introduction of differentiated products - BP ULTIMATE DIESEL and EKO AVIO DIESEL.
INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
- International Marketing sales volumes increased significantly by 17%, mainly on the back of Thessaloniki refinery exports to Bulgaria wholesale market.
- Adjusted EBITDA came at €13m (+19%) with full year contribution exceeding 12% of total Group results.
PETROCHEMICALS
- Strong PP margins, record high propylene production at Aspropyrgos refinery and cost control led to strongest ever quarterly Adjusted EBITDA of €26m (4Q13: €11m).
ASSOCIATED COMPANIES
- DEPA Group contribution to consolidated Net Income came at €7m (vs €10m in 4Q13), due to weak demand from gas-fired electricity generators.
- Elpedison EBITDA at €11m (4Q13: €17m) on reduced production.
Key consolidated financial indicators (prepared in accordance with IFRS) for 4Q and FY 2014 are shown below:
€ million | 4Q13 | 4Q14 | % Δ | FY13 | FY14 | % Δ |
P&L figures | ||||||
Refining Sales Volumes ('000 ΜΤ) | 2,915 | 3,981 | 37% | 12,696 | 13,538 | 7% |
Sales | 2,227 | 2,378 | 7% | 9,674 | 9,474 | -2% |
EBITDA | (11) | (206) | - | 29 | (84) | - |
Adjusted EBITDA 1 | 45 | 171 | - | 178 | 417 | - |
Net Income | (98) | (227) | - | (269) | (365) | - |
Adjusted Net Income 1 | (35) | 53 | - | (117) | 5 | - |
Balance Sheet Items | ||||||
Capital Employed | 3,905 | 2,870 | -26% | |||
Net Debt | 1,689 | 1,140 | -33% | |||
Debt Gearing (ND/ND+E) | 43% | 40% | - |
Notes:
1. Calculated as Reported adjusted for inventory effects and other non-operating items.
Note to Editors:
Founded in 1998, Hellenic Petroleum is one of the leading energy groups in South East Europe, with activities spanning across the energy value chain and presence in 7 countries.
Further information:
V. Tsaitas, Investor Relations Officer
Tel.: +30-210-6302399
Email: [email protected]
E. Stranis, Group Corporate Affairs Director
Tel.: +30-210-6302241
Email: [email protected]
G. Stanitsas, Group Communications Director
Tel.: +30-210-6302197
Email: [email protected]
Group Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
As at | |||
Note | 31 December 2014 | 31 December 2013 | |
ASSETS | |||
Non-current assets | |||
Property, plant and equipment | 6 | 3.398.170 | 3.463.119 |
Intangible assets | 7 | 131.978 | 143.841 |
Investments in associates and joint ventures | 8 | 682.425 | 691.501 |
Deferred income tax assets | 17 | 224.788 | 63.664 |
Available-for-sale financial assets | 3 | 1.547 | 1.163 |
Loans, advances and long term assets | 9 | 86.698 | 106.735 |
4.525.606 | 4.470.023 | ||
Current assets | |||
Inventories | 10 | 637.613 | 1.005.264 |
Trade and other receivables | 11 | 708.227 | 737.250 |
Derivative financial instruments | 21 | - | 5.263 |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 12 | 1.847.842 | 959.602 |
3.193.682 | 2.707.379 | ||
Total assets | 7.719.288 | 7.177.402 | |
EQUITY | |||
Share capital | 13 | 1.020.081 | 1.020.081 |
Reserves | 14 | 435.013 | 566.103 |
Retained Earnings | 163.048 | 512.771 | |
Capital and reserves attributable to owners of the parent | 1.618.142 | 2.098.955 | |
Non-controlling interests | 110.404 | 115.511 | |
Total equity | 1.728.546 | 2.214.466 | |
LIABILITIES | |||
Non- current liabilities | |||
Borrowings | 16 | 1.811.995 | 1.311.804 |
Deferred income tax liabilities | 17 | 40.953 | 45.405 |
Retirement benefit obligations | 18 | 92.728 | 87.429 |
Provisions for other liabilities and charges | 19 | 6.224 | 6.184 |
Other long term liabilities | 20 | 21.861 | 24.584 |
1.973.761 | 1.475.406 | ||
Current liabilities | |||
Trade and other payables | 15 | 2.679.199 | 2.125.435 |
Derivative financial instruments | 21 | 60.087 | - |
Current income tax liabilities | 34.901 | 22.404 | |
Borrowings | 16 | 1.177.645 | 1.338.384 |
Dividends payable | 65.149 | 1.307 | |
4.016.981 | 3.487.530 | ||
Total liabilities | 5.990.742 | 4.962.936 | |
Total equity and liabilities | 7.719.288 | 7.177.402 |
Group Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended | |||
Note | 31 December 2014 | 31 December 2013 | |
Sales | 9.478.444 | 9.674.324 | |
Cost of sales | (9.333.608) | (9.369.172) | |
Gross profit | 144.836 | 305.152 | |
Selling and distribution expenses | (323.305) | (324.007) | |
Administrative expenses | (116.947) | (123.596) | |
Exploration and development expenses | 23 | (4.266) | (2.992) |
Other operating (expenses) / income- net | 24 | 10.770 | (49.869) |
Operating profit / (loss) | (288.912) | (195.312) | |
Finance (expenses) / income- net | 25 | (215.030) | (209.287) |
Currency exchange gains / (losses) | 26 | (9.198) | 9.082 |
Share of profit of investments in associates and joint ventures | 8 | 28.245 | 57.391 |
Profit / (loss) before income tax | (484.895) | (338.126) | |
Income tax (expense) / credit | 27 | 116.305 | 65.661 |
Profit / (loss) for the year | (368.590) | (272.465) | |
Other comprehensive income: | |||
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss: | |||
Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension plans | (6.234) | (679) | |
(6.234) | (679) | ||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: | |||
Fair value gains / (losses) on available-for-sale financial assets | 375 | (105) | |
Fair value gains / (losses) on cash flow hedges | 14 | (42.289) | 9.402 |
Derecognition of gains/(losses) on hedges through comprehensive income | 14 | (3.586) | 31.465 |
Currency translation differences and other movements | 185 | (1.051) | |
(45.315) | 39.711 | ||
Other Comprehensive (loss) / income for the year, net of tax | (51.549) | 39.032 | |
Total comprehensive (loss) / income for the year | (420.139) | (233.433) | |
Profit / (loss) attributable to: | |||
Owners of the parent | (365.292) | (269.229) | |
Non-controlling interests | (3.298) | (3.236) | |
(368.590) | (272.465) | ||
Total comprehensive income attributable to: | |||
Owners of the parent | (416.881) | (230.199) | |
Non-controlling interests | (3.258) | (3.234) | |
(420.139) | (233.433) | ||
Basic and diluted earnings per share(expressed in Euro per share) | 28 | (1,20) | (0,88) |
Group Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended | |||
Note | 31 December 2014 | 31 December 2013 | |
Cash flows from operating activities | |||
Cash generated from operations | 31 | 875.532 | 501.406 |
Income tax paid | (22.750) | (8.808) | |
Net cash generated from / (used in) used in operating activities | 852.782 | 492.598 | |
Cash flows from investing activities | |||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment & intangible assets | (135.880) | (105.149) | |
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of cash acquired | - | (6.631) | |
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment & intangible assets | 4.981 | 4.097 | |
Interest received | 8.841 | 8.050 | |
Dividends received | 8 | 39.221 | 12.802 |
Participation in share capital (increase)/ decrease of associates | 8 | (76) | (2.504) |
Net cash generated from / (used in) investing activities | (82.913) | (89.335) | |
Cash flows from financing activities | |||
Interest paid | (196.886) | (184.305) | |
Dividends paid to shareholders of the Company | (363) | (43.706) | |
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests | (1.827) | (2.739) | |
Proceeds from borrowings | 1.111.611 | 1.276.000 | |
Repayments of borrowings | (827.781) | (1.384.182) | |
Net cash generated from / (used in) financing activities | 84.754 | (338.932) | |
Net (decrease) / increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 854.623 | 64.331 | |
Cash,cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the year | 12 | 959.602 | 901.061 |
Exchange gains / (losses) on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 33.617 | (5.790) | |
Net (decrease) / increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 854.623 | 64.331 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year | 12 | 1.847.842 | 959.602 |
Parent Company Statement of Financial Position
As at | |||
Note | 31 December 2014 | 31 December 2013 | |
ASSETS | |||
Non-current assets | |||
Property, plant and equipment | 6 | 2.767.874 | 2.804.714 |
Intangible assets | 7 | 11.477 | 10.776 |
Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures | 8 | 659.826 | 654.068 |
Deferred income tax assets | 17 | 174.573 | 25.056 |
Available-for-sale financial assets | 50 | 45 | |
Loans, advances and long-term assets | 9 | 142.980 | 142.742 |
3.756.780 | 3.637.401 | ||
Current assets | |||
Inventories | 10 | 543.783 | 882.040 |
Trade and other receivables | 11 | 899.057 | 865.560 |
Derivative financial instruments | 21 | - | 5.263 |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 12 | 1.593.262 | 739.311 |
3.036.102 | 2.492.174 | ||
Total assets | 6.792.882 | 6.129.575 | |
EQUITY | |||
Share capital | 13 | 1.020.081 | 1.020.081 |
Reserves | 14 | 429.994 | 561.694 |
Retained Earnings | (273.388) | 24.594 | |
Total equity | 1.176.687 | 1.606.369 | |
LIABILITIES | |||
Non-current liabilities | |||
Borrowings | 16 | 1.760.493 | 1.226.430 |
Retirement benefit obligations | 18 | 74.495 | 72.527 |
Provisions for other liabilities and charges | 19 | 3.000 | 3.000 |
Other long term liabilities | 20 | 11.618 | 13.895 |
1.849.606 | 1.315.852 | ||
Current liabilities | |||
Trade and other payables | 15 | 2.614.360 | 2.053.275 |
Derivative financial instruments | 21 | 60.087 | - |
Current income tax liabilities | 16.901 | 6.952 | |
Borrowings | 16 | 1.010.114 | 1.145.820 |
Dividends payable | 65.127 | 1.307 | |
3.766.589 | 3.207.354 | ||
Total liabilities | 5.616.195 | 4.523.206 | |
Total equity and liabilities | 6.792.882 | 6.129.575 |
Parent Company Statement of Comprehensive Income
For the year ended | |||
Note | 31 December 2014 | 31 December 2013 | |
Sales | 8.750.184 | 8.946.258 | |
Cost of sales | (8.873.491) | (8.890.437) | |
Gross profit | (123.307) | 55.821 | |
Selling and distribution expenses | (112.547) | (122.552) | |
Administrative expenses | (75.684) | (75.886) | |
Exploration and development expenses | 23 | (4.266) | (2.992) |
Other operating income/(expenses) - net | 24 | (1.174) | (68.233) |
Dividend income | 68.974 | 17.122 | |
Operating profit / (loss) | (248.004) | (196.720) | |
Finance (expenses)/income -net | 25 | (173.251) | (164.692) |
Currency exchange gains/(losses) | 26 | (5.540) | 1.871 |
Profit / (loss) before income tax | (426.795) | (359.541) | |
Income tax expense | 27 | 113.245 | 65.911 |
Profit / (Loss) for the year | (313.550) | (293.630) | |
Other comprehensive income: | |||
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss: | |||
Actuarial gains / (losses) on defined benefit pension plans | 18 | (3.939) | (2.349) |
(3.939) | (2.349) | ||
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: | |||
Fair value gains / (losses) on cash flow hedges | 14 | (44.773) | 9.404 |
Derecognition of gains/(losses) on hedges through comprehensive income | 14 | (3.586) | 31.465 |
Other Comprehensive income / (loss) for the year, net of tax | (52.298) | 38.520 | |
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the period | (365.848) | (255.110) | |
Basic and diluted earnings per share(expressed in Euro per share) | 28 | (1,03) | (0,96) |
Parent Company Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended | |||
Note | 31 December 2014 | 31 December 2013 | |
Cash flows from operating activities | |||
Cash generated from operations | 31 | 691.270 | 83.803 |
Income tax paid | (13.440) | - | |
Net cash generated from operating activities | 677.830 | 83.803 | |
Cash flows from investing activities | |||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment & intangible assets | (107.783) | (85.101) | |
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment & intangible assets | - | 2 | |
Dividends received | 48.171 | 13.748 | |
Interest received | 25 | 20.589 | 16.116 |
Participation in share capital (increase) / decrease of affilated companies | (13) | (3.504) | |
Net cash used in investing activities | (39.036) | (58.739) | |
Cash flows from financing activities | |||
Interest paid | (168.930) | (151.517) | |
Dividends paid | (363) | (43.706) | |
Loans to affiliated companies | - | (137.900) | |
Repayments of borrowings | (694.169) | (729.854) | |
Proceeds from borrowings | 1.045.119 | 1.154.700 | |
Net cash generated from / (used in) financing activities | 181.657 | 91.723 | |
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 820.451 | 116.787 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the year | 12 | 739.311 | 627.738 |
Exchange gains / (losses) on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 33.500 | (5.214) | |
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 820.451 | 116.787 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year | 12 | 1.593.262 | 739.311 |
Full set of Group and Parent Company Financial Statements can be found on the Group's website: www.helpe.gr