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HELLENiQ ENERGY Holdings Fin. Results 4Q/FY24

27th Feb 2025 18:13

RNS Number : 7899Y
Helleniq Energy Holdings S.A.
27 February 2025
 

 

Maroussi, 27 February 2025

 

 

Fourth Quarter / Full Year 2024 financial results

 

FY24 Adjusted EBITDA exceeding €1bn, on strong operational performance across all businesses, with significant growth in international markets. Proposal for a total dividend of €0.75 per share; Successful completion of the initial phase of the Vision 2025 strategic plan implementation.

 

HELLENiQ ENERGY Holdings S.A. ("Company") announced its FY24 consolidated financial results, with Adjusted EBITDA amounting to €1,026m and Adjusted Net Income to €401m.

Strong refinery operating performance, resulting in an all-time production, with improved performance in Petrochemicals, Fuels Marketing and RES, partially mitigated the reduction of the benchmark refining margins.

Refineries' production in FY24 increased by 6% y-o-y to 17.2m MT, the highest on record, with sales up by 5%, at 16.3m MT. Exports have consistently made up most of our sales, accounting for 54%, with increased offtakes from our own subsidiaries as well as third party sales.

It should be noted that results incorporate insurance compensation of €102m, in respect of losses caused by refinery upsets in recent years. This was achieved following careful negotiations and is based on the appropriate risk management and insurance policies in place.

Considering the FY24 financial results, the Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting the distribution of a final dividend of €0.55 per share. This includes a special dividend of €0.30 per share which reflects c.50% of the sale's consideration for DEPA Commercial, as previously communicated, including the interim dividend of €0.20 per share already distributed earlier this year, total dividend amounts to €0.75 per share. This distribution results in a total dividend yield of approximately 10%, based on share price at the end of 2024.

Regarding Reported results, market-price led inventory valuation losses of €128m resulted in Reported EBITDA of €811m, while Reported Net Income was further affected by the Solidarity Contribution (€173.5 million after tax) coming in at €60m.

 

Main developments - Strategy implementation

In 2024, the first phase of the implementation of the Group's strategic plan was completed, focusing on operational excellence and the targeted growth in core activities, as well as the development of a new substantial pillar in RES. At the same time, two important transactions were completed, with the Group agreeing to acquire the 50% of the share capital of Elpedison currently owned by Edison and divesting from DEPA Commercial. Both of these transactions are within scope of Vision 2025 and achieve a long standing objective which is rationalization and full control on all activities.

Specifically, the Company, in December 2024, reached an agreement with Edison International Shareholdings S.p.A. for the acquisition of 50% of the share capital of Elpedison B.V. for €164m, plus adjustments of up to €31m, with regulatory approval expected within the next few months. Upon completion of the transaction, Elpedison B.V. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Elpedison, will become 100% controlled by the Company. Based on Elpedison's performance in recent years, approximately €1.5bn in sales and €60-70m in EBITDA are expected to be added to the Group's consolidated results.

Furthermore, in December 2024, the Company transferred to the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (HCAP) its 35% participation in the share capital of DEPA Commercial, with the transaction consideration amounting to 35% of DEPA Commercial's net book value as of 31 December 2023 (€208m), subject to adjustments.

With the completion of the above agreements, the Group streamlines its presence in the electricity and natural gas market and transforms into a vertically integrated provider of energy products and solutions across the energy spectrum, with significant synergy potential with existing activities in RES and downstream.

In Refining and Petrochemicals, with a view to further improving economic efficiency and accelerating energy transformation, energy autonomy and energy saving projects as well as targeted investments to expand the production capacity of units, are progressing, while a series of projects to improve the carbon footprint are maturing. At the same time, the Company reshaped its Supply and Trading activities business model, by strengthening the team with experienced professionals, aiming at further increasing exports and international trading volumes.

In Marketing, the transformation program is progressing, focusing on the rationalization of the retail network in Greece, while enhancing own-operated stations and pursuing selective growth in international markets. Emphasis is placed on the increased contribution of premium products, as well as sales of products and services other than fuel, with the penetration of the loyalty program improving. The activity in Greece exhibited one of its best performance on record, while internationally, the continuous improvement of petrol station network provides opportunities for further expansion.

In the Renewable Energy Sources (RES) business, HELLENiQ Renewables significantly expanded its portfolio during 2024, adding 110 MW in Greece and 26 MW in Cyprus, concluding the year with a total of 494 MW in operation. At the same time, it is developing projects with a total capacity of 5.2 GW in Greece and Southeastern Europe, with 0.5 GW anticipated to be completed and operational within the next two years. The objective is to develop a profitable portfolio of RES projects, characterized by geographical diversification and a balanced mix of various RES technologies (PV, wind, hydroelectric, battery storage), with the aim of operating projects exceeding 1 GW by 2026 and 2 GW by 2030.

In the Exploration and Production (E&P) business, following the completion of geophysical surveys in five offshore areas, the processing and interpretation of the data are progressing. Decisions regarding exploratory drilling in potential targets that may emerge are expected within 2025.

Finally, the implementation of the digital transformation program is upsized to encompass all activities of the Group, with significant benefits estimated for 2024, amounting to over €45m per annum. The primary focus is on enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring the safety of personnel and facilities, prevention, as well as more effective risk management.

 

Lower crude oil prices and benchmark refining margins

In FY24, Brent crude oil declined by 2% y-o-y, averaging $81/bbl, having reached its lowest levels in 3.5 years towards the end of 2024 (averaging $74/bbl in December 2024). The EUR/USD exchange rate averaged 1.08, relatively unchanged vs FY23.

 

The natural gas and electricity prices decreased by 16% y-o-y in 2024, amounting to €34.6/MWh and €100.9/MWh, respectively; however, prices recovered during 2H24, reaching a two-year high. At the same time, CO2 prices (EUAs) in 2024 fell by 22% y-o-y, on average.

Refining margins continued to normalize at lower levels, particularly in 2H24. Our refineries' system benchmark margins averaged $5.6/bbl vs $8.7/bbl in 2023.

 

Increased demand for fuels in the domestic market

Domestic market demand in FY24 reached 6.8m MT, 2.5% higher y-o-y, with automotive fuels consumption increasing by 3%. Demand for aviation fuels grew by 12% to a historic high of 1.6m MT, while marine fuel consumption improved modestly, by 1%.

 

Balance sheet and capital expenditure

In FY24, operating cash flows totaled €700m, whereas capital expenditure amounted to €434m, thereof 50% were directed to growth projects, while 35% of total is related to the expansion of RES capacity. Net debt stood at €1.79bn vs €1.63bn in 2023, while excluding non-recourse project finance, net debt remained relatively flat at €1.4bn.

In 2024, the bank loans' refinancing cycle was successfully concluded, and the Eurobond maturing in October 2024 was fully repaid, while the Company proceeded to a new €450m issue, maturing in July 2029. As a result, the Group's balance sheet and the debt maturity profile have improved substantially. Notably, the average debt maturity was extended to five years, along with a reduction in the average interest rate spread to its lowest level in 15 years, resulting in a 3% decrease in financial expenses, despite the higher base interest rates.

 

 

Andreas Shiamishis, Group CEO, commented on the results:

"In 2024, HELLENiQ ENERGY continued the positive performance of recent years, with improvements in all key operational metrics, including production, market shares, commercial operations, and projects development.

Specifically, in terms of operating profitability, Adjusted EBITDA exceeded €1bn for another year, while Adjusted Net Income amounted to €0.4bn. The improvement across all businesses, the expansion of our international business, and the successful negotiation for the collection of insurance compensation contributed to partially offsetting the reduced profitability by approximately €400m due to the deteriorating refining environment and the extraordinary solidarity contribution. Without ignoring the impact of international industry backdrop, the strong financial results and cash flows, which support growth, demonstrate the Group's acquired capability to achieve strong returns, through operational improvements, international expansion, and portfolio diversification.

Considering the above, the Board of Directors will propose to the upcoming AGM a final dividend of €0.55 per share. The proposed distribution includes an amount of €0.30 per share, representing approximately 50% of the proceeds from the sale of DEPA Commercial, as previously committed. Consequently, the total distribution for the year amounts to €0.75 per share, representing c.10% dividend yield and a total distribution of approximately €230m. Over the last few years, and despite exceptional items, the Group has managed to achieve, for old and new shareholders, attractive returns.

In addition to the positive results, 2024 also marked the successful conclusion of the first phase of the strategic transformation plan "VISION 2025". We aimed from the start, for a balanced and realistic energy transition, placing sustainable development at the core of our efforts. Through the hard work of all our colleagues over the last three years, we succeeded in achieving the targets of our strategic plan, ahead of schedule, and resolving long-standing issues. The best example is the alignment of our Power & Gas activities by divesting a minority participation in DEPA Commercial and acquiring full control of Elpedison. We will promptly proceed with updating our strategy, taking into account the new baseline and changes in the relevant markets; however, the Group's track record and ability to address challenges and create additional value are well embedded in the organization and evident to all.

Moreover, and beyond financial performance, it is worth referring to the substantial social footprint, with the implementation of important initiatives on areas such as environment, health, education and culture throughout 2024. Initiatives that positively impacted the lives of over 1 million people.

Finally, I would like to extend my appreciation to the entire HELLENiQ ENERGY family for its contributions to the Company's success, as well as to the shareholders for their support in this journey."

Key highlights and contribution for each of the main business units in 4Q/FY24 were:

 

Refining, Supply & Trading

Refining, Supply & Trading Adjusted EBITDA came in at €232m in 4Q24 and at €795m in FY24, down y-o-y due to lower realised margin ($13.3/bbl vs $17.4/bbl in FY23), although the system's overperformance remained at high levels.

Net production increased by 5% y-o-y to 15.4m MT, close to record-highs due to increased refineries' availability, while contribution from high-value-added products in the product mix surpassed 80%. Likewise, sales volume increased by 5% and came in at 16.3m MT, with exports accounting for 54% of total sales.

 

Petrochemicals

FY24 Adjusted EBITDA improved by 25% y-o-y to €54m, primarily due to a recovery in polypropylene (PP) margin, despite remaining close to historic lows in 4Q24.

 

Marketing

- Domestic Marketing recorded improved profitability in FY24, with Adjusted EBITDA amounting to €49m vs €40m in FY23, despite the regulatory constraints that remain in place. This performance was driven by a 4% increase in sales volume on improved market shares, along with improved contribution from premium products. The rationalization of the network continued, evidenced by an increase in our own-operated petrol stations.

- International Marketing's Adjusted EBITDA came in at €75m (+7% y-o-y), at a historical high, driven by network expansion (329 petrol stations vs 323 in FY23) and higher margins, with an improved contribution from the sales of non-fuel products and services.

 

Renewables

- FY24 RES EBITDA amounted to €46m, driven by increased installed capacity (494 MW vs 356 MW in FY23), even though the 110 MW from the new PVs in Kozani contributed for less than a month. Power generation reached 695 GWh, +6% y-o-y.

 

Associate companies

The contribution of associate companies consolidated using the equity method in the electricity and natural gas sector was negative in FY24, primarily due to a reduced contribution from DEPA Commercial.

 

HELLENiQ ENERGY Holdings S.A.

Key consolidated financial indicators for 4Q /FY 2024

(prepared in accordance with IFRS)

 

m

4Q23

4Q24

% Ä

FY23

FY24

% Ä

P&L figures

 

 

 

Refining Sales Volumes ('000 ÌÔ)

3,956

4,128

4%

15,438

16,281

5%

Sales

3,304

3,024

-8%

12,803

12,768

-

EBITDA

147

189

28%

1.053

811

-23%

Adjusted EBITDA 1

269

273

2%

1,237

1,026

-17%

Operating Profit

67

105

56%

736

475

-36%

Net Income

15

48

-

478

60

-87%

Adjusted Net Income 1

110

117

6%

606

401

-34%

Balance Sheet Items

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Employed

4,573

4,554

-

Net Debt

1,627

1,792

10%

Gearing (ND/ND+E)

 

36%

39%

4 pps 2

 

1 Adjusted for inventory effects and other non-operating/one-off items, as well as the IFRS accounting treatment of the EUAs deficit,

2 pps stands for percentage points

 

Further information:

Investor Relations

8A Chimarras str,, 151 25 Maroussi, Greece

Tel: 210-6302526, 210-6302305

Email: ir@helleniq,gr

 

 

 

 

 

Group Consolidated statement of financial position

 

 

As at

 

Note

31 December 2024

31 December 2023

Ássets

 

Non-current assets

 

Property, plant and equipment

6

3.742.339

3.643.045

Right-of-use assets

7

238.753

232.189

Intangible assets

8

357.905

333.692

Investments in associates and joint ventures

9

202.251

404.743

Deferred income tax assets

19

101.802

95.546

Investment in equity instruments

3

646

514

Derivative financial instruments

23

-

746

Loans, advances and long term assets

10

156.496

57.771

 

 

4.800.192

4.768.246

Current assets

 

 

 

Inventories

11

1.311.169

1.472.536

Trade and other receivables

12

935.932

880.986

Income tax receivable

29

80.810

66.148

Derivative financial instruments

23

8.196

930

Cash and cash equivalents

13

618.055

919.457

 

 

2.954.162

3.340.057

Total assets

 

7.754.354

8.108.303

 

 

Equity

 

Share capital and share premium

14

1.020.081

1.020.081

Reserves

15

326.690

291.010

Retained Earnings

 

1.360.168

1.568.384

Equity attributable to the owners of the parent

 

2.706.939

2.879.475

 

Non-controlling interests

 

55.283

66.916

 

 

Total equity

 

2.762.222

2.946.391

 

Liabilities

 

Non- current liabilities

 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

17

2.169.486

1.388.010

Lease liabilities

18

191.832

182.335

Deferred income tax liabilities

19

164.716

174.063

Retirement benefit obligations

20

168.784

176.305

Derivative financial instruments

23

1.940

1.541

Provisions

21

36.247

33.835

Other non-current liabilities

22

43.099

25.348

 

 

2.776.104

1.981.437

Current liabilities

 

 

 

Trade and other payables

16

1.602.981

1.598.726

Derivative financial instruments

23

-

13.333

Income tax payable

 

276.388

285.570

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

17

240.893

1.158.495

Lease liabilities

18

33.482

32.220

Dividends payable

31

62.284

92.131

 

 

2.216.028

3.180.475

Total liabilities

 

4.992.132

5.161.912

Total equity and liabilities

 

7.754.354

8.108.303

 

Group Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

 

For the year ended

 

For the three month period ended

 

Note

31 December 2024

31 December 2023

 

31 December 2024

31 December 2023

Revenue from contracts with customers

5

12.767.894

12.803.061

 

3.023.611

3.304.010

Cost of sales

24

(11.693.626)

(11.474.830)

(2.849.869)

(3.066.811)

Gross profit / (loss)

1.074.268

1.328.231

 

173.742

237.199

Selling and distribution expenses

 

(456.454)

(415.225)

(121.923)

(113.297)

Administrative expenses

 

(203.788)

(185.877)

(56.158)

(53.430)

Exploration and development expenses

25

(10.674)

(6.707)

(3.017)

(897)

Other operating income and other gains

26

153.216

65.203

131.811

39.550

Other operating expense and other losses

26

(81.731)

(49.400)

(19.400)

(41.710)

 

 

Operating profit / (loss)

 

474.837

736.225

 

105.055

67.415

 

 

Finance income

27

13.327

11.918

3.187

5.754

Finance expense

27

(132.245)

(133.944)

(31.373)

(36.660)

Lease finance cost

20, 27

(9.810)

(9.669)

(2.512)

(2.644)

Currency exchange gains / (losses)

 

3.952

(4.743)

6.153

(10.100)

Share of profit / (loss) of investments in associates and joint ventures

9

(23.956)

4.272

(13.373)

3.148

 

 

Profit / (loss) before income tax

 

326.105

604.059

 

67.137

26.913

 

 

Income tax (expense) / credit

29

(263.841)

(123.450)

(19.383)

(12.181)

 

Profit / (loss) for the period

 

62.264

480.609

 

47.754

14.732

 

 

 

Profit / (loss) attributable to:

 

 

Owners of the parent

 

59.789

477.732

47.656

15.458

Non-controlling interests

 

2.475

2.877

98

(726)

 

62.264

480.609

 

47.754

14.732

 

 

Other comprehensive income / (loss):

 

 

Other comprehensive income / (loss) that will not be reclassified to profit or loss (net of tax):

 

 

Actuarial gains / (losses) on defined benefit pension plans

 

(2.783)

(10.746)

(52.204)

(9.035)

Changes in the fair value of equity instruments

 

131

97

66

107

 

(2.652)

(10.649)

(52.138)

(8.928)

Other comprehensive income / (loss) that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (net of tax):

 

 

Share of other comprehensive income / (loss) of associates

15

825

1.460

(3.524)

759

Fair value gains / (losses) on cash flow hedges

15

11.265

6.615

4.360

(36.700)

Recycling of (gains) / losses on hedges through comprehensive income

15

4.525

(17.725)

-

-

Currency translation differences and other movements

 

49

(404)

4.423

(71)

 

 

16.664

(10.054)

5.259

(36.012)

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income / (loss) for the period, net of tax

 

14.012

(20.703)

(46.879)

(44.940)

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income / (loss) for the period

 

76.276

459.906

 

875

(30.208)

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to:

 

 

Owners of the parent

 

73.857

457.160

(1.170)

(32.580)

Non-controlling interests

 

2.419

2.746

2.045

2.372

 

76.276

459.906

 

875

(30.208)

 

Åarnings / (losses) per share (expressed in Euro per share)

30

0,20

1,56

 

0,16

0,05

 

Group Consolidated statement of cash flows

 

 

For the year ended

 

Note

31 December 2024

31 December 2023

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

Cash generated from operations

32

1.009.436

1.315.349

Income tax (paid) / received

(309.839)

(350.782)

Net cash generated from/ (used in) operating activities

 

699.597

964.567

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment & intangible assets

 6, 8

(434.424)

(291.035)

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment & intangible assets

-

5.630

Acquisition of share of associates and joint ventures

(11.506)

(174)

Cash and cash equivalents of acquired subsidiaries

6

6.930

101

Grants received

19.422

2.832

Interest received

13.327

11.918

Prepayments for right-of-use assets

(65)

(2.710)

Dividends received

1.742

34.980

Net cash generated from/ (used in) investing activities

 

(404.573)

(238.458)

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

Interest paid on borrowings

(126.989)

(128.277)

Dividends paid to shareholders of the Company

31

(274.748)

(229.006)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

(2.741)

(3.707)

Proceeds from borrowings

17

2.809.832

1.519.407

Repayments of borrowings

17

(2.952.700)

(1.816.846)

Payment of lease liabilities - principal

(39.310)

(33.505)

Payment of lease liabilities - interest

(9.810)

(9.669)

Net cash generated from/ (used in) financing activities

 

(596.465)

(701.603)

 

Net increase/ (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(301.442)

24.506

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

13

919.457

900.176

Exchange (losses) / gains on cash and cash equivalents

40

(5.225)

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

(301.442)

24.506

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

13

618.055

919.457

 

 

Parent Company Statement of Financial Position

As at

 

Note

31 December 2024

31 December 2023

Assets

 

Non-current assets

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

1.121

673

Right-of-use assets

7

7.165

9.155

Intangible assets

1

63

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

9

1.780.538

1.785.115

Deferred income tax assets

8.623

8.416

Loans, advances and long term assets

10

152.852

242.249

1.950.300

2.045.671

Current assets

 

Trade and other receivables

12

426.176

26.101

Income tax receivables

3.502

2.625

Cash and cash equivalents

3.714

150.528

433.392

179.254

Total assets

 

2.383.692

2.224.925

 

 

Equity

 

Share capital and share premium

14

1.020.081

1.020.081

Reserves

15

313.411

292.638

Retained Earnings

950.276

784.155

Total equity

 

2.283.768

2.096.874

 

Liabilities

 

Non-current liabilities

 

Lease liabilities

18 

4.839

6.973 

Other Long Term Liabilities

890

-

5.729

6.973

Current liabilities

 

Trade and other payables

27.231

24.597 

Income tax payable

2.021

1.928 

Lease liabilities

18 

2.659

2.422 

Dividends payable

31 

62.284

92.131 

94.195

121.078

Total liabilities

 

99.924

128.051

Total equity and liabilities

 

2.383.692

2.224.925

 

 

Parent Company Statement of Comprehensive Income

 

 

For the year ended

 

Note

31 December 2024

31 December 2023

 

 

 

 

Revenue from contracts with customers

 

39.894

39.473

Cost of sales

(36.267)

(35.885)

Gross profit / (loss)

 

3.627

3.588

Administrative expenses

(9.336)

(7.512)

Other operating income and other gains

26

134.722

28.043

Other operating expense and other losses

26

(32.128)

(27.420)

Operating profit /(loss)

 

96.885

(3.301)

Finance income

14.631

17.474

Finance expense

(36)

-

Lease finance cost

(314)

(380)

Currency exchange gain / (loss)

(12)

47

Dividend income

31

323.322

267.785

Profit / (loss) before income tax

 

434.476

281.625

Income tax (expense) / credit

29

(2.235)

(4.249)

Profit / (loss) for the period

 

432.241

277.376

Other comprehensive income / (loss) that will not be reclassified to profit or loss (net of tax):

 

Actuarial gains / (losses) on defined benefit pension plans

(839)

(2.335)

Other comprehensive income / (loss) for the year, net of tax

 

(839)

(2.335)

Total comprehensive income / (loss) for the period

 

431.402

275.041

 

 

Parent Company Statement of Cash flows

 

 

For the year ended

 

Note

31 December 2024

31 December 2023

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

Cash generated from / (used in) operations

32 

(4.825)

2.528

Income tax (paid) / received

(3.005)

(4.799)

Net cash generated from / (used in) operating activities

 

(7.830)

(2.271)

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment & intangible assets

(580)

(24)

Participation in share capital increase of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

 

(81.131)

(132.362)

Loans and advances to Group Companies

 

(13.960)

(8.500)

Interest received

 

13.831

16.079

Dividends received

 

220.455

300.236

Net cash generated from / (used in) investing activities

 

138.615

175.429

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

Dividends paid to shareholders of the Company

31 

(274.748)

(229.006)

Payment of lease liabilities - principal, net

(2.537)

(2.298)

Payment of lease liabilities - interest

(314)

(380)

Net cash generated from / (used in) financing activities

 

(277.599)

(231.684)

 

 

 

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(146.814)

(58.526)

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

 

150.528

209.054

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(146.814)

(58.526)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

 

3.714

150.528

 

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