(MENAFNEditorial) iCrowdNewswire - Apr 3, 2018
SINGAPORE,
Key Highlights
Inkia Sale and Cash Distribution
InDecember 2017, Inkia Energy Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IC Power Ltd. completed the sale of its Latin American andCaribbeanbusinesses to I Squared Capital, an infrastructure private equity firm, for total consideration of approximately$1,332 million, subject to final closing adjustments and including deferred consideration in the form of a four-year$175 milliondeferred payment obligation accruing 8% interest payable in kind. As a result of the sale, Kenon's 2017 results attributable to discontinued operations includes a net gain (after tax) on the sale of discontinued operations of$397 million. InMarch 2018, Kenon made a cash distribution of$665 million, or$12.35per share, to its shareholders. OPC
OPC's financial results for 2017: OPC's revenues in 2017 increased to$365 million, as compared to$324 millionin 2016. OPC's net income in 2017 was$14 million, as compared to$20 millionin 2016. OPC's EBITDA in 2017 was$86 million, as compared to$67 millionin 2016. InMarch 2018, OPC completed the acquisition of 95% of the shares of Tzomet Energy, which is developing a natural gas-fired power station inIsraelwith a capacity of approximately 396 MW. The total consideration for the acquisition is estimated at approximately$23 million, subject to adjustments and milestones. Tzomet Energy still requires (among other requirements) a license from the Electricity Authority. InDecember 2017, OPC-Rotem and OPC-Hadera signed agreements for the purchase of natural gas with Energean Israel Ltd. ("Energean") for a period of fifteen years, subject to adjustments. Qoros Third Party Investment
Qoros has confirmed that all remaining funds for the new investment in Qoros, totallingRMB6.63 billion($1,052 million), have now been advanced by the new investor. InJanuary 2018, Kenon announced that aChina-based investor related to the Baoneng group (the "New Qoros Investor") completed a transaction to purchase 51% of Qoros from Wuhu Chery and Kenon forRMB3.315 billion($526 million), which is part of an investment structure to ultimately invest a total of approximatelyRMB6.63 billionby the New Qoros Investor. As a result, Kenon now has a 24% stake in Qoros. InJanuary 2018, Chery repaid KenonRMB120 million(approximately$18 million) out of the totalRMB244 million(approximately$38 million) previously advanced to Chery. Qoros sold approximately 11,400 cars in the first quarter of 2018, an over 200% increase as compared to approximately 3,700 cars sold in the first quarter of 2017. A substantial number of such sales reflect purchase orders introduced by the New Qoros Investor. Discussion of Results for the Year endedDecember 31, 2017
Kenon's consolidated results of operations from its operating companies essentially comprise the consolidated results of OPC as well as results from discontinued operations of IC Power Ltd. ("IC Power").The results of Qoros Automotive Co., Ltd. ("Qoros") and ZIM Integrated Shipping Ltd. ("ZIM") are reflected under results from associates.
See Exhibit 99.2 of Kenon's Form 6-K datedApril 2, 2018for summary Kenon consolidated financial information; summary OPC consolidated financial information; a reconciliation of OPC's EBITDA (which is a non-IFRS measure) to net income and summary operational information of each of OPC's generation businesses.
OPC
The following discussion of OPC's results of operations is derived from OPC's consolidated financial statements.
Summary Financial Information of OPC
2017 2016
($ millions)
Revenues 365
324
Cost of sales 266
251
Finance Expenses, net 33
20
Net income 14
20
EBITDA[1] 86
67
[1] EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure. See Exhibit 99.2 of Kenon's Form 6-K dated April 2, 2017 for the
definition of OPC's EBITDA and a reconciliation to its total net income for the applicable period
Revenues -Revenues increased by$41 millionin 2017, as compared to 2016. As OPC's revenues are denominated in NIS, translation of its revenues to US Dollars had a positive impact of$21 million. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of OPC's revenues from NIS into US Dollars, revenues increased by$20 million, primarily as a result of (i) a$17 millionincrease due to the higher electricity tariffs in 2017 as compared to 2016 and increased volume of sales, and (ii)$3 millioncollected from customers for sales in prior periods, which payments had been delayed due to a delay in availability of relevant data; Cost of sales -Cost of sales increased by$15 millionin 2017, as compared to 2016. Translation of OPC's cost of sales to US Dollars increased its cost of sales by$16 million. Excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of OPC's cost of sales from NIS into US Dollars, cost of sales decreased by$1 million, primarily as a result of (i) a$9 milliondecrease in energy purchases due to the increased availability of the OPC-Rotem station (in 2016 the OPC-Rotem power plant incurred a scheduled major maintenance) and (ii) a$4 milliondecrease in gas costs, as the gas price is indexed to the US Dollar (this impact was partially offset by higher quantities of gas purchased in 2017). These effects were partially offset by a$11 millionincrease in payments to IEC due to the increase in infrastructure and system cost rates and$1 millionin payments made to IEC in connection with payments made for prior periods which had been delayed due to a delay in availability of relevant data; Financing Expenses, net- Financing expenses, net increased by approximately$13 millionin 2017 as compared to 2016 primarily as a result of (i) a$6 millionearly payment (make-whole) fee incurred as a result of the early repayment in full of OPC's mezzanine loan inMay 2017, (ii) a$3 millionincrease in financing expenses relating to OPC'sAugust 2017bond issuance (iii) a$3 millionincrease due to impact of exchange rate fluctuations, and (iv) a$1 millionincrease in expenses as a result of fluctuations in the CPI; Net income -Net income decreased by$6 millionin 2017 as compared to 2016. The decrease is primarily due to (i) a $15million increase in cost of sales, (ii) a$3 millionincrease in selling, general and administrative expenses mainly due to a$2 millionincrease in payroll and directors fees and a one-off grant, and a$1 millionincrease in professional and legal fees, (iii) a$13 millionincrease in finance expenses, net, (iv) a$9 millionincrease in tax expenses, primarily as OPC's income before tax from 2017 included losses for which OPC did not register a deferred tax asset, and decrease of corporate tax rate in 2016, which impacted OPC's deferred taxes, and (v) a$2 millionincrease in depreciation and amortization due to an earlier than scheduled maintenance of OPC-Rotem plant, which increased fixed assets. These increases were partially offset by a$41 millionincrease in revenues; and EBITDA -EBITDA increased by$19 millionin 2017, as compared to 2016, primarily for the reasons specified above. Liquidity and Capital Resources
As ofDecember 31, 2017, OPC had cash and cash equivalents of$147 million, deposits and restricted cash of$76 million, and consolidated indebtedness of$618 million, consisting of$30 millionof short-term indebtedness and$588 millionof long-term indebtedness.
Business Developments
Update on the Construction of the OPC-Hadera Plant
OPC-Hadera is constructing a 148 MW co-generation power plant inIsrael. OPC expects that the total cost of completing the OPC-Hadera plant will be approximatelyNIS 1 billion(approximately$288 million) (including the original acquisition of OPC-Hadera).
Construction of the OPC-Hadera plant began inJune 2016, and the plant is expected to commence commercial operations by the first half of 2019. As ofDecember 31, 2017, OPC-Hadera had invested an aggregate ofNIS 562 million(approximately$162 million) in the project and completed approximately 83% of the project.
Update on Tzomet Project
InApril 2017, OPC entered into agreements (including an option agreement) for the acquisition of 95% of the shares of Tzomet Energy Ltd., which is developing a natural gas-fired power station inIsraelwith capacity of approximately 396 MW. InAugust 2017, the Israeli Electricity Authority ("EA") received a letter from the Israel Concentration Committee stating that it believed that, for reasons of broad economy concentration (i.e. taking into account businesses owned by related entities of Kenon's controlling shareholder), OPC should not be granted a contingent license for the construction of the Tzomet facility. InMarch 2018, OPC completed the acquisition of 95% of the shares of Tzomet Energy, although Tzomet still requires (among other requirements) a license from the EA. The total consideration for the acquisition is estimated at approximately$23 million, subject to certain adjustments, of which$3.65 millionwas paid inMarch 2018, an additional$3.65 millionis expected to be paid in the second quarter of 2018, and the remaining consideration will be paid at financial closing of Tzomet project.
Agreement for Purchase of Natural Gas
InDecember 2017, OPC-Rotem and OPC-Hadera signed agreements for the purchase of natural gas with Energean. Pursuant to this agreement, OPC-Rotem and OPC-Hadera will purchase from Energean 5.3 billion m3and 3.7 billion m3, respectively, of natural gas over a period of fifteen years (subject to adjustments based on their actual consumption of natural gas) or until the date of consumption of the full contractual quantity, commencing at the commercial operation date of the Energean natural gas reservoir. According to Energean's public disclosure, the supply of gas is currently expected to commence in 2021, however there is no guarantee that the gas supply will be available by such date.
Qoros[2]
Updates Regarding Third Party Investment
InJanuary 2018, Kenon announced that the New Qoros Investor completed a transaction to purchase 51% of Qoros from Kenon and Chery[3] forRMB3.315 billion(approximately$526 million), which is part of an investment structure to invest a total of approximatelyRMB6.63 billion(approximately$1,052 million) by the New Qoros Investor of whichRMB6.5 billionwill ultimately be invested in Qoros' equity. As a result, Kenon and Chery now have 24% and 25% stakes in Qoros, respectively. In connection with this investment, Kenon received total cash proceeds ofRMB 1.69 billion($268 million) and Chery received total cash proceeds ofRMB 1.625 billion($258 million).
The investment agreement for the transaction provides that following the sale of equity interests, Qoros' shareholders (including the New Qoros Investor) will invest a total ofRMB6.5 billionin Qoros' equity in proportion to their post-investment equity ownership. The New Qoros Investor has advanced their proportionate share totallingRMB3.315 billiondirectly to Qoros. As a result, all funds for the investment, totallingRMB6.63 billion, have now been advanced by the New Qoros Investor.
Kenon and Chery will use proceeds they received from the sale of their Qoros interests to fund their respective portions of the investment in Qoros, or to partially fund together with the conversion of existing shareholder loans. The transaction will not involve any new money invested from Kenon or Chery. In total, Kenon is required to investRMB1.56 billionand as a result retainedRMB130 million, which funds were paid to Ansonia as further detailed below.
The investment agreement provides for repayment of existing shareholder loans owing from Qoros in the principal amount ofRMB944 million(approximately$150 million) to each of Kenon and Chery, in two equal tranches. Qoros has applied to the relevant authorities to complete a capital increase ofRMB6.5 billion, including the conversion of these existing shareholder loans. In connection with this process, the parties are in advanced discussions for Kenon and Chery to retain amounts equal to the amounts of these shareholder loans in the event they are converted to equity and therefore not be required to fund these amounts to Qoros, ultimately maintaining a substantially similar economic result. A portion of the loan repayments to Kenon or sale proceeds retained by Kenon will be applied to the repayment of shareholder loans from Ansonia, as discussed below.
[2]
Convenience translations of RMB amounts into US Dollars use a rate of 6.3: 1, unless otherwise
indicated.
[3]
For purposes of this section, any references to Kenon will be deemed to include Quantum (Kenon's
wholly-owned subsidiary which owns Kenon's interest in Qoros) and any references to Chery will
be deemed to include Wuhu Chery (the direct owner of Chery's interest in Qoros).
Guarantee Obligations
As part of the investment, the New Qoros Investor will assume its pro rata share of the guarantees and equity pledges based on post-investment equity ownership in Qoros, which will be subject to further adjustment following any future changes in the equity ownership in Qoros (including as a result of the exercise of the put option or investment right by a shareholder under the investment agreement). The New Qoros Investor has assumed its proportionate obligations with respect to theRMB3 billionandRMB700 millionloan facilities, and as a result, inJanuary 2018, Chery repaid KenonRMB120 million(approximately$18 million[4]) out of the totalRMB244 million(approximately$39 million) previously advanced, and a significant portion of the Qoros equity pledged by Kenon to Chery was released. These repayments and releases of equity pledges were required under the terms of the advances, which provided for repayment of the advances and release of pledges to Chery upon a reduction of guarantee obligations of Chery, and the investment by the New Qoros Investor resulted in guarantee reductions for Chery requiring such repayment and releases from the pledge. The New Qoros Investor is still in the process of assuming its proportionate obligations with respect to theRMB1.2 billionloan facility after which Kenon will also be proportionately released from its pledge obligations thereunder, subject to the Qoros bank lender consent. Substantially all of Kenon's equity in Qoros is currently pledged.
[4] Convenience translations of RMB amount into US Dollars in January 2018 of 6.5: 1.
Repayment of Loans to Ansonia
Kenon is party to loan agreements with Kenon's major shareholder Ansonia, which were entered into in 2016 to provide loans to Kenon to fund Qoros. The total outstanding amount of the loans owing from Kenon to Ansonia was approximately$75 million(including interest) as ofDecember 31, 2017.
Under the terms of these loan agreements, Kenon is required to use the proceeds from realizations of certain investments in Qoros and repayments of shareholder loans from Qoros to Kenon to repay the loans with Ansonia. Accordingly,$20 millionin proceeds retained by Kenon from the sale of equity in Qoros to the New Qoros Investor was applied to the partial repayment of the Ansonia loans inJanuary 2018, leaving a balance of approximately$55 million(linked to RMB proceeds received by Kenon) of loans owing to Ansonia. Amounts retained under the new investment, including a portion of any Qoros shareholder loan repayments or amounts retained by Kenon from the sale of its interest in Qoros to the New Qoros Investor, would similarly be required to be applied to the repayment of the Ansonia loans.
Kenon's Put Option; the New Qoros Investor's Right to make Further Investments in Qoros
During the three-year period beginning from the closing of the investment, Kenon has the right to cause the New Qoros Investor to purchase up to 50% of its remaining equity interest in Qoros, following the related capital increase, for up toRMB1.56 billion(approximately$248 million), being the price for 50% of Kenon's remaining 24% interest in Qoros, subject to adjustments for inflation. From the third anniversary of the closing untilApril 2023, Kenon has the right to cause the New Qoros Investor to purchase up to all of its remaining equity interests in Qoros for up to a total ofRMB3.12 billion(approximately$495 million) (for Kenon's full 24% interest in Qoros), subject to adjustment for inflation. Another company within the Baoneng group effectively guarantees this put option by also serving as a grantor of the option. The put option requires six months' notice for exercise.
For a detailed disclosure of the investment in Qoros, see Kenon's report on Form 6-K submitted to the SEC onJanuary 8, 2018.
Business Updates
Car Sales
For the year endedDecember 31, 2017, Qoros sold approximately 15,000 cars, as compared to approximately 24,000 cars in 2016. Qoros sold approximately 11,400 cars in the first quarter of 2018, as compared to approximately 3,700 total cars sold in the first quarter of 2017, of which a substantial amount reflect purchase orders introduced by entities related to the New Qoros Investor.
ZIM
Discussion of ZIM's Results for 2017
ZIM carried approximately 2,629 thousand TEUs in 2017, representing an 8% increase as compared to 2016, in which ZIM carried approximately 2,429 thousand TEUs. ZIM's revenues increased by 17% in 2017 to approximately$3.0 billion, as compared to approximately$2.5 billionin 2016, due to the increase in carried quantities, as well as the increase in industry container freight rates. ZIM's operating expenses and cost of services increased by 9% to approximately$2.6 billion, as compared to approximately$2.4 billionin 2016, primarily as a result of an increase in cargo handling expenses, as well as an increase in bunker prices.
Additional Kenon Updates
Sale of Inkia Businesses
OnNovember 24, 2017, Kenon, through its subsidiaries Inkia and IC Power Distribution Holdings Pte. Ltd. ("ICPDH") entered into a share purchase agreement with Nautilus Inkia Holdings LLC which is an entity controlled by I Squared Capital, pursuant to which Inkia and ICPDH agreed to sell all of their interests in power generation and distribution companies inLatin Americaand theCaribbean(the "Inkia Businesses") in consideration for$1,332 million, consisting of (i)$935 millioncash proceeds paid by the buyer, (ii) retained cash at Inkia of$222 million, and (iii)$175 million, which was deferred in the form of a Deferred Payment Obligation bearing interest of 8% per annum, payable in kind. The buyer also assumed Inkia's obligations under Inkia's$600 million5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027. The final purchase price is subject to certain adjustments, including adjustments for working capital, debt and cash at closing.
The consideration that Inkia received in the transaction is before estimated transaction costs, management compensation, advisor fees, other expenses and taxes, which are estimated to be in the aggregate approximately$263 million, of which$27 millioncomprises taxes to be paid upon payment of the$175 millionDeferred Payment Obligation.
InJanuary 2018, Kenon used a portion of the proceeds of the transaction to repay debt of IC Power ($43 millionof net debt outstanding), and to repay its loan facility with Israel Corporation ($240 millionincluding accrued interest, and$3 millionwithholding tax).
The net proceeds to Kenon after the repayment of certain debt, taxes and expenses amounted to$635 million.
Cash distribution
InMarch 2018, Kenon distributed$665 millionto its shareholders as a return of capital resulting from a capital reduction.
Kenon's (Unconsolidated) Liquidity and Capital Resources
As ofDecember 31, 2017, cash, gross debt, and net debt[5] (a non-IFRS financial measure, which is defined as gross debt minus cash) of Kenon (unconsolidated) were$62 million,$240 millionand$178 million, respectively.
The net proceeds from the sale of the Inkia Businesses, after repayment of certain debt, taxes and expenses, amounted to$635 million, consisting of (i)$935 millioncash received from the sale and (ii)$222 millionretained cash at Inkia, minus (iii)$243 millionrepayment of the full outstanding loan from Israel Corporation Ltd. ($240 millionpaid to Israel Corporation, plus$3 millionwithholding tax), (iv)$43 millionnet debt full outstanding of IC Power, and (v)$236 millionexpenses related to the Inkia sale. An additional$27 millionin taxes remains to be paid upon payment of the$175 millionDeferred Payment Obligation.
InJanuary 2018, Kenon received total cash proceeds ofRMB1.69 billion($268 million) from the New Qoros Investor from the sale of its Qoros interests, which Kenon will use to fund all or a portion of its required investment in Qoros and repayments to Ansonia. Furthermore, inJanuary 2018, Kenon used$20 millionfrom these proceeds towards partial repayment of loans to Ansonia. See the discussion above for a more detailed discussion of the third party investment in Qoros, and repayment of the Ansonia loans.
InJanuary 2018, Chery repaid KenonRMB120 million(approximately$18 million) out of the totalRMB244 million(approximately$39 million) previously advanced by Kenon, and a significant portion of the Qoros equity pledged by Kenon to Chery was released prior to the transfer to the New Qoros Investor. See the discussion above for a more detailed discussion of the third party investment in Qoros with respect to Kenon's Qoros guarantee obligations.
InMarch 2018, Kenon made a cash distribution of$665 million.
[5]
Kenon's gross debt and net debt do not include Kenon's back-to-back guarantee obligations in respect of
Qoros' indebtedness, discussed in Kenon's report on Form 6-K submitted to the SEC on January 8, 2018.
Investors' Conference Call
Kenon's management will host a conference call for investors and analysts onApril 10, 2018. Kenon's and OPC's managements will host the call and will be available to answer questions after presenting the results. To participate, please call one of the following teleconferencing numbers:
Singapore: 3158-3851
US: 1-866-229-7198
Israel: 03-918-0691
UK: 0-800-4048-418
International: +65-3158-3851
About Kenon
Kenon is a holding company that operates dynamic, primarily growth-oriented businesses. The companies it owns, in whole or in part, are at various stages of development, ranging from established, cash-generating businesses to early stage development companies. Kenon's businesses consist of:
OPC Energy (76% interest) a leading owner, developer and operator of power generation facilities in the Israeli power market; Qoros (24% interest) aChina-based automotive company; ZIM (32% interest) an international shipping company; and Primus Green Energy, Inc. (91% interest) an early stage developer of alternative fuel technology. Kenon remains committed to its strategy to realize the value of its businesses for its shareholders. In connection with this strategy, Kenon may provide its shareholders with direct access to its businesses, which may include spin-offs, listings, offerings, distributions or monetization of its businesses. Kenon is actively exploring various ways to materialize this strategy in a rational and expeditious manner. For further information on Kenon's businesses and strategy, see Kenon's publicly available filings, which can be found on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . Please also see http://www.kenon-holdings.com for additional information.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to statements about (i) with respect to OPC, statements with respect to the OPC-Hadera and Tzomet projects, including expected installed capacity, cost, financing and timing of the completion, (ii) with respect to the sale of the Inkia Businesses, the final purchase price, use of proceeds, and expected expenses relating to the transaction including expected taxes,(iii) with respect to Qoros, statements with respect to the terms of the third party investment in Qoros by the New Qoros Investor, including statements with respect to proceeds from the sale of equity interests to the New Equity Investor retained by Kenon, assumption by the New Qoros Investor of its pro rata share of the guarantees and equity pledges, repayment of the shareholder loans to Ansonia and the advanced discussions by the parties for Kenon to retain proceeds from this sale in lieu of shareholder loan repayments, and (iv) other non-historical matters. These statements are based on Kenon's management's current expectations or beliefs, and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Kenon's control, which could cause the actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements. Such risks include (i) with respect to OPC, risks relating to a failure to complete the development of the OPC-Hadera and Tzomet projects on a timely basis, within the expected budget, or at all, including risks related to license and other approvals required to proceed with the Tzomet project, (ii) with respect to the sale of the Inkia Businesses, the amount of final closing adjustments and expenses, including taxes, payable in connection with the transaction, (iii) with respect to Qoros, risks relating to the completion of the transactions contemplated by the investment agreement, including repayment of shareholder loans and the put option, and the outcome of discussions on the retention of proceeds by Kenon from its sale of equity in Qoros to the New Qoros Investor and (iv) other risks and factors, including those risks set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in Kenon's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC and other filings. Except as required by law, Kenon undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Contact Information:
Kenon Holdings Ltd.
Jonathan Fisch
Director, Investor Relations
[email protected]
Tel: +1 917 891 9855
External Investor Relations
Ehud Helft / Kenny Green
GK Investor Relations
[email protected]
Tel: +1 646 201 9246
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