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| Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jlen Environmental Assets Group Limited | LSE:JLEN | London | Ordinary Share | GG00BJL5FH87 | ORD NPV |
| Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -0.60 | -0.63% | 93.90 | 93.20 | 93.90 | 93.90 | 93.20 | 93.90 | 1,343,632 | 10:46:38 |
| Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Advice | 108.45M | 98.3M | 0.1486 | 6.32 | 621.18M |
From Apr 2019 to Apr 2024
TIDMJLEN
RNS Number : 8861P
John Laing Environmental Assets Grp
23 November 2016
23 November 2016
John Laing Environmental Assets Group Limited
Announcement of half-year results for the six months ended 30 September 2016
The Directors of John Laing Environmental Assets Group Limited ("JLEN" or the "Company) are pleased to announce the Company's half-year results to 30 September 2016.
Financial Highlights
-- NAV per ordinary share of 98.3 pence as at 30 September 2016 (31 March 2016: 96.7 pence) with the positive movement in the period reflecting primarily an increase in forecast electricity prices
-- Portfolio valuation as at 30 September 2016 of GBP320.7m (31 March 2016: GBP264.5m)
-- Total dividends declared of 3.07 pence per ordinary share for the six months to 30 September 2016, in line with target set out in the 2016 Annual Report and reflecting an inflation uplift from 1 April 2016
-- Share price total return for the period of 7% (17.5% since IPO in March 2014)
Portfolio Highlights
-- Operational and financial performance for the period to 30 September 2016 broadly in line with budget allowing for technical issues at Branden and Monksham solar parks
-- Three acquisitions totalling GBP52m, bringing the number of investments to 18 and the capacity of the renewable energy assets in the JLEN portfolio to 173.4MW
-- Strong pipeline of assets for further growth, both under the First Offer Agreement with the John Laing Group and from third parties
Financing Activity
-- Successful equity fund raise in May 2016 raising gross proceeds of GBP35.2m and used to partially repay the revolving credit facility and provide for future acquisitions
-- Further GBP16.3m raised to 30 September 2016 and GBP6.6m post period end under JLEN's tap issuance programme announced in July 2016 in response to increased investor demand
-- Revolving credit facility increased from GBP65m to GBP75m in July 2016; GBP65m drawn at period end
Richard Morse, Chairman of JLEN, said:
"The Board is encouraged by the progress JLEN has continued to make during the first half of the year. The operational and financial performance has been generally encouraging, underlining the strength of our diversified portfolio.
The Board is appreciative of the continuing support of shareholders, demonstrated during the period by the successful equity raise in June and the launch of our tap issuance programme in July in response to increased investor demand. We were able to use the funds raised to pay down debt and maintain a healthy level of acquisitions. We continue to deliver on our commitments to our shareholders and to that end we have paid and declared interim dividends during the period that have increased in line with inflation from last year".
Dividend Timetable
Ex-dividend date 1 December 2016
Record date 2 December 2016
Payment date 22 December 2016
Half-year report
A copy of the half-year report has been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available at www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/NSM. The half-year report will also be available on the Company's website at www.jlen.com where further information on JLEN can be found.
Details of the conference call for analysts and investors
There will be a call at 9.30am today for analysts and investors. To register for the call please contact Redleaf Communications on +44 (0)20 7382 4769, or by email on JLEN@RedleafPR.com.
Presentation materials will be posted on the Company's website, www.jlen.com, from 9.00am.
This announcement contains information that is inside information for the purposes of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014.
For further information, please contact:
John Laing Capital Management Limited David Hardy Chris Tanner +44(0)20 7901 3559 Winterflood Investment Trusts Joe Winkley Neil Langford +44(0)20 3100 0000 Readleaf Communications Charlie Geller +44(0)20 7382 4769
Chairman's statement
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the half--year report of John Laing Environmental Assets Group Limited for the six months ended 30 September 2016.
Results
Encouraging progress has continued to be made in the performance and enlargement of JLEN's portfolio of environmental infrastructure assets during the period.
The Company's profit before tax for the six-month period to 30 September 2016 was GBP11.3 million (six months to 30 September 2015: GBP6.2 million) and earnings per share for the period was 4.5 pence (six months to 30 September 2015: 3.3 pence).
The Net Asset Value ("NAV") per share at 30 September 2016 was 98.3 pence, up from 96.7 pence at 31 March 2016.
Cash received from the portfolio by way of distributions, which includes interest, loan repayments and dividends, was GBP12.4 million. Net cash inflows from the investment portfolio (after operating and finance costs) of GBP9.0 million cover the declared interim dividends for the half-year period of 3.07 pence per share by approximately 1.07 times.
Dividend policy
For the year to 31 March 2016, the Company met its target dividend of 6.054 pence per share by the payment of three interim dividends, one of 3.027 pence per share in December 2015 in respect of the six months ended 30 September 2015 and two quarterly payments of 1.5135 pence per share in March 2016 and June 2016.
In line with the total inflation--adjusted target for the year ending 31 March 2017 of 6.14 pence per share set out in our 2016 Annual Report, a quarterly dividend of 1.54 pence per share was paid in September 2016 for the quarter to 30 June 2016. I am pleased to announce that the Board has declared an interim dividend of 1.53 pence per share for the quarter to 30 September 2016, payable on 22 December 2016 to shareholders on the register as at 2 December 2016. The ex-dividend date will be 1 December 2016. Based on the current performance of the portfolio, the Board is targeting interim dividends for the six months ending 31 March 2017 totalling 3.07 pence per share.
Portfolio performance
During the period generation from the wind assets was in line with budget, but the solar assets achieved overall generation 12% below budget. 5% of the shortfall was due to low solar irradiation and 7% due to two asset--specific issues.
For the solar portfolio as a whole, generation was approximately 5% below budget due to lower than the long-term average irradiation levels during the period and particularly in the key summer months, despite the assets themselves operating at or above expected availability and performance levels. This is in line with other solar asset owners who have also reported lower than forecast solar resource over similar periods.
The main asset-specific issue was on the Branden project, which experienced a number of technical issues with inverters and string connectors over the summer. This led to periods of unavailability and lower than expected generation intermittently for several months. Replacement parts were sourced and installed under warranty, and whilst improvements in performance have been seen, we continue to monitor progress with the EPC contractor.
Monksham experienced a lightning strike in late August that initially rendered the whole solar park offline following damage to switchgear. The asset manager in conjunction with the operations and maintenance provider managed to bring 75% of the park back to generation for September pending delivery of replacement components, and the park continues to operate at 75% capacity at the current time while the parts are on order. Insurance is expected to cover substantially all of the costs and losses associated with the lightning strike.
The results from the renewable energy assets within the portfolio are dependent in part on the weather, which can be predicted with some degree of confidence over the long term but may vary over the short term. The Company's exposure to both solar and wind assets provides a degree of protection against variability and seasonality in resource as solar tends to be more productive at times when wind is less productive and vice versa.
The results from our renewable energy assets are also dependent in part on the level of electricity prices, which have trended noticeably lower since the IPO in March 2014 although have shown some recovery in recent months from the very low levels experienced during the winter of 2015/16.
The impact on the Company of any prolonged period of low prices continues to be mitigated by the fact that the Company has a relatively low exposure to electricity prices in its ROC and FiT operating projects compared to other portfolios held by peer funds and that short--term fixed prices have been put in place for a significant proportion of the assets to lock in improved pricing to future cash flows. The waste and wastewater processing assets are not affected by the level of electricity prices.
For the waste and wastewater processing assets, financial performance has been in line with expectations and volumes have been at or above expected levels. I am pleased to confirm that the facilities at the Frog Island facility (part of the ELWA project) which were affected by a fire in August 2014 returned to full operations in August 2016.
Acquisitions
During the period under review, the Company announced the following acquisitions:
Dungavel wind farm
Dungavel wind farm was purchased in June 2016 and is located in South Lanarkshire, South West Scotland. The wind farm comprises 13 Vestas 2MW V80 turbines with a total generating capacity of 26MW and is accredited for 0.9 ROCs.
New Albion wind farm
New Albion wind farm was purchased in July 2016 and is located near Kettering, Northamptonshire. The wind farm comprises seven Senvion MM92 turbines with a total generating capacity of 14.4MW and is accredited for 0.9 ROCs.
Both Dungavel and New Albion were purchased from John Laing under the First Offer Agreement, underlining its continuing importance to the Company's acquisition pipeline.
Le Placis Vert wind farm
Le Placis Vert wind farm was acquired in July 2016 from its developer Energiequelle GmbH ("Energiequelle"). The wind farm is located in the municipality of Saint-Gouéno in Brittany in northwest France, and comprises five Enercon E-53 turbines with a total generating capacity of 4MW. The project benefits from a 15-year FiT regime at a fixed rate adjusted annually for inflation.
These acquisitions were funded by utilising JLEN's existing cash balances and revolving credit facility and brought the total capacity of the renewable energy assets in the JLEN portfolio to 173.4 MW.
In September 2016, JLEN entered into an agreement with Energiequelle to acquire the Plouguernevel wind farm, the second project JLEN is acquiring from Energiequelle. The project is located in the municipality of Plouguernevel in Brittany, and comprises five Enercon E-53 turbines with a total generating capacity of 4MW. The project benefits from a 15-year FiT regime at a fixed rate adjusted annually for inflation. The acquisition is subject to customary consents and is expected to complete shortly.
The acquisitions from Energiequelle represent an important milestone for the Company, being its first non-UK acquisitions. Support from the French government for renewable energy remains strong and the assets acquired are located in attractive wind areas. The French acquisitions are consistent with JLEN's strategy of diversification and, in line with our investment policy, the Board will continue to look at attractive opportunities in both the UK and Europe that meet our financial and risk criteria.
Capital raising
In May 2016, JLEN successfully raised further equity under its then existing placing programme, raising gross proceeds of GBP35.2 million through the issue of 36 million ordinary shares at 97.75 pence per share. This enabled JLEN to reduce the balance outstanding on its revolving credit facility in order to fund the Dungavel acquisition noted above.
The Company's revolving credit facility gives it the flexibility to acquire further assets on a timely basis, reducing the performance drag associated with holding excess cash. This facility, originally secured in October 2014 at a level of GBP50 million and increased to GBP65 million in March 2016, was further increased in July 2016, on the same terms, to GBP75 million, reflecting the increased asset base of the Company following the recent equity fundraising and to assist in the acquisitions of the New Albion and Le Placis Vert wind farms.
On 28 July 2016, in light of the premium at which the ordinary shares of the Company were then trading, JLEN announced a tap issuance programme to satisfy excess demand in the secondary market, with issuance being subject to JLEN's short--term capital requirements. New shares issued under the tap issuance programme were issued at a premium to NAV (net of costs) and were accretive to existing shareholders. The net proceeds from the issue of new shares were used to repay the Company's revolving credit facility. At the date of this report, 22,435,643 shares have been issued under the programme at an average issue price of 102.1 pence per share, raising gross proceeds of GBP22.9 million.
Following the success of the tap issuance programme, the Company is now limited in the number of new shares it is able to issue under the shareholder authorities granted at the AGM in August this year and without issuing a prospectus. Given the significant pipeline of acquisition opportunities, both from John Laing and third parties, the Company wishes to ensure that it is in a position to capitalise on these opportunities as and when they come to fruition. The Company is therefore considering a placing programme under which it will be able to issue new shares to take advantage of investment opportunities as they arise, either by way of a series of subsequent placings, further tap issuance or a combination of both. The Board intends to make a further announcement in due course.
Valuation
The Net Asset Value at 30 September 2016 is GBP271.6 million, comprising GBP320.7 million portfolio valuation, GBP15.7 million of cash held by the Group, working capital of GBP0.2 million less the outstanding revolving credit debt balance of GBP65 million.
The Investment Adviser has prepared a fair market valuation of the portfolio as at 30 September 2016. This valuation is based on a discounted cash flow analysis of the future expected equity and loan note cash flows accruing to the Group from each portfolio investment. This valuation uses key assumptions which are recommended by the Investment Adviser using its experience and judgement, having taken into account available comparable market transactions and financial market data in order to arrive at a fair market value. The Directors have satisfied themselves as to the methodology used and the assumptions adopted and have approved the valuation of GBP320.7 million for the portfolio of 18 investments as at 30 September 2016.
Outlook
The Board continues to work closely with the Investment Adviser in assessing the risks and opportunities in the environmental infrastructure market. The Board considers that the principal risks and uncertainties for JLEN have not materially altered from those set out in the Prospectus issued in June 2015. The full Prospectus is available on JLEN's website, and a summary of the principal risks and uncertainties is included on pages 38 to 43 of the strategic report in the Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2016.
A key strength of the Company is its strategy of diversification across a range of geographies, sectors and revenue sources within the environmental infrastructure space. This strategy has enabled the Company to continue to offer attractive, long--term returns for shareholders and the portfolio has continued to demonstrate resilience since launch in the light of seasonal weather volatility and, until more recent months, a downward shift in electricity prices.
In implementing its strategy, the Board is conscious of the volatility in UK and global financial markets, particularly in light of the UK EU referendum vote outcome and the US election. While it may take some time for the exact details of arrangements relating to the UK's exit from the EU to emerge, government policy commitments for clean energy continue in the UK and climate change remains one of the important areas of focus not only for the UK but globally. The UK has ambitious domestic targets under The Climate Change Act of 2008 and whilst by leaving the EU the UK may no longer be obliged to hit the current or any successor targets under the EU Energy Directive (unless agreed as part of any secession agreement), the renewables projects required to meet the 2020 target have already been largely built or are expected to be commissioned. In respect of longer--term commitments, the Climate Change Act's ambitious carbon reduction targets will require a substantial and continued contribution from renewables.
The Chancellor's first Autumn Statement on 23 November 2016 will outline his priorities for taxes and spending in the wake of the referendum vote, and we await with interest the widely anticipated fiscal stimulus to boost infrastructure spending.
The success of the Company's recent tap issuance programme has demonstrated that good demand exists for yielding infrastructure assets and that a tap issuance programme can be a flexible and cost effective tool in the Company's financing options.
The Board, through its Investment Adviser JLCM, actively continues to seek suitable projects to add to its portfolio both from John Laing and third parties. JLEN has the benefit of a First Offer Agreement with John Laing over a significant pipeline of environmental infrastructure projects which supports its growth plans in the next few years. And despite current market uncertainties, the Company continues to see attractive acquisition opportunities in the market and will continue with its cautious approach to growth to support its long-term targets for its shareholders.
The Board is appreciative of the continuing support of shareholders and is confident that the availability of further capital and the revolving credit facility will enable the Company to fund the strong pipeline of environmental infrastructure opportunities available as we continue to build the portfolio.
Richard Morse
Chairman
22 November 2016
Investment Adviser's report
JLEN's Net Asset Value as at 30 September 2016 increased to GBP271.6 million from GBP216.9 million at 31 March 2016, driven by share issues in the period to fund acquisitions. On a per share basis it increased to 98.3 pence from 96.7 pence.
About the Investment Adviser
JLEN is advised by John Laing Capital Management Limited ("JLCM"). JLCM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of John Laing Group plc, acts as Investment Adviser to the Company. JLCM was incorporated in England and Wales on 19 May 2004 under the Companies Act 1985 (registered number 5132286) and has been authorised and regulated in the UK by the FCA (previously FSA) since December 2004.
The portfolio
At 30 September 2016, the Group's investment portfolio comprised of interests in 18 project vehicles, 17 located in the UK and one in France:
Hot Features
Premium
Commercial
Capacity operations
Asset Location Type Ownership (MWs) date
---------------------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- -----------
Amber UK (Eng) Solar 100% 9.8 Jul 2012
Branden UK (Eng) Solar 100% 14.7 Jun 2013
Monksham UK (Eng) Solar 87%(1) 10.7 Mar 2014
Pylle Southern UK (Eng) Solar 100% 5.0 Dec 2015
2011
Panther UK (Eng) Solar 100% 6.5 - 2014
Bilsthorpe UK (Eng) Wind 100% 10.2 Mar 2013
Sept
Burton Wold Extension UK (Eng) Wind 100% 14.4 2014
Carscreugh UK (Scot) Wind 100% 15.3 Jun 2014
Castle Pill UK (Wal) Wind 100% 3.2 Oct 2009
Dungavel UK (Scot) Wind 100% 26.0 Oct 2015
Ferndale UK (Wal) Wind 100% 6.4 Sep 2011
Hall Farm UK (Eng) Wind 100% 24.6 Apr 2013
Le Placis Vert France Wind 100% 4.0 Jan 2016
New Albion UK (Eng) Wind 100% 14.4 Jan 2016
Wear Point UK (Wal) Wind 100% 8.2 Jun 2014
Dumfries & Galloway UK (Scot) Waste 80% n/a 2007
mgnt.
ELWA UK (Eng) Waste 80% n/a 2006
mgnt.
Tay UK (Scot) Wastewater 33% n/a Nov 2001
---------------------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------- -----------
(1) 100% of "B" shares plus 100% of loans to the project. The "A" shareholders, investors under the Enterprise Investment Scheme, remain invested in the project. Including the loans, JLEN held an effective economic interest over 87% of the value of the project's cash flow (as calculated at acquisition).
Investment performance
The uplift in NAV has been primarily driven by the acquisition of investments and equity funds raised while also reflecting the generation of cash from the portfolio, updates for recent operational performance and changes in forecast electricity prices. The Directors have considered the current status of the electricity and gas markets as well as discount rates seen in the secondary markets for environmental infrastructure assets in arriving at the forecasts used in the valuation.
The NAV per share at 30 September 2016 was 98.3 pence, up from 96.7 pence at 31 March 2016.
JLEN has announced an interim dividend of 1.53 pence per share for the quarter ended 30 September 2016, payable on 22 December 2016, in line with the full--year target for the year ending 31 March 2017 as set out in the Annual Report for 2016.
Portfolio performance
In general, during the period under review, the performance of the portfolio has been robust and has been in line with expectations.
Generation from the wind assets of 99GWh was in line with budget and ahead of the comparative period in 2015 of 59GWh, due to the impact of new acquisitions during the last 12 months and improved wind speeds over the summer period compared to the same period last year.
Generation from the solar assets during the period at 28.9GWh was 12% below budget, due to a combination of low solar irradiation (5% of the shortfall) and two asset-specific issues (7% of the shortfall).
For the solar portfolio as a whole, generation was 5% below budget due to lower than the long-term average irradiation levels during the period and particularly in the key summer months, despite the assets themselves operating at or above expected availability and performance levels. This is in line with other solar asset owners who have also reported lower than forecast solar resource over similar periods.
The main asset-specific issue was on the Branden project, which experienced a number of technical issues with inverters and string connectors over the summer. This led to periods of unavailability and lower than expected generation intermittently for several months while replacement parts were sourced and installed under warranty. The Investment Adviser has been discussing the issues with the relevant contractual parties and the lost generation will be mitigated to some extent by contractual protections and business interruption insurance where applicable, with a programme to replace affected connectors at Branden during the lower generation winter period.
Monksham experienced a lightning strike in late August that initially rendered the whole solar park offline following damage to switchgear. The asset manager, in conjunction with the operations and maintenance provider, managed to bring 75% of the park back to generation for September pending delivery of replacement components, and the park continues to operate at 75% capacity at the current time while the parts are on order. Insurance is expected to cover substantially all of the costs and losses associated with the lightning strike.
Apart from the issues noted at Branden and Monksham, which are now in the process of being resolved, the wind farms and the solar parks have achieved high levels of technical and operational availability during the period, with no significant operational disruption being experienced.
The environmental processing plants have achieved full availability during the period, save for the Frog Island Mechanical Biological Treatment facility at the ELWA waste project which was affected by a fire in August 2014. We updated on the progress of reinstatement in the 2016 Annual Report and are pleased to confirm that the facilities which were affected returned to full operations in August 2016. During the period of disruption, the contract with East London Waste Authority continued to be fulfilled and operated, diversion from landfill targets met and the project continued to make distributions in line with budgets.
Waste and wastewater flows have been broadly in line with budget for the period. The environmental processing projects are relatively insensitive to volume changes due to the presence of banded payment arrangements that see little movement in profit for a marginal unit of waste.
Acquisitions
Since 31 March 2016, the Company has acquired three projects for a cash consideration of GBP52 million, including working capital. The acquisitions were funded by a drawdown under the Company's GBP75 million revolving credit facility. The assets were as follows:
Dungavel wind farm
Dungavel wind farm was purchased in June 2016 from John Laing for a cash consideration, including working capital, of GBP38.2 million. The wind farm is located in South Lanarkshire, South West Scotland and comprises 13 Vestas 2MW V80 turbines with a total generating capacity of 26MW and is accredited for 0.9 ROCs. The site has been operational since October 2015.
New Albion wind farm
New Albion wind farm was purchased in July 2016 from John Laing for a cash consideration, including working capital, of GBP11.8 million. The wind farm is located near Kettering, Northamptonshire and comprises seven Senvion MM92 turbines with a total generating capacity of 14.4MW and is accredited for 0.9 ROCs. The site has been operational since January 2016.
The acquisitions were agreed in accordance with the First Offer Agreement between John Laing and JLEN.
Le Placis Vert wind farm
Le Placis Vert wind farm was acquired in July 2016 for EUR2.5 million from its developer Energiequelle GmbH ("Energiequelle"). The wind farm is located in the municipality of Saint-Gouéno in Brittany in northwest France and comprises five Enercon E-53 turbines with a total generating capacity of 4MW. The project benefits from a 15-year FiT regime at a fixed rate adjusted annually for inflation. The site has been fully operational since January 2016, and Energiequelle continues to provide technical and commercial management services for the project.
These acquisitions brought the total capacity of the renewable energy assets in the JLEN portfolio to 173.4 MW.
In September 2016, JLEN entered into an agreement with Energiequelle to acquire the Plouguernevel wind farm, the second project JLEN is acquiring from Energiequelle, for EUR2.1 million. The project is located in the municipality of Plouguernevel in Brittany and comprises five Enercon E-53 turbines with a total generating capacity of 4MW. The project benefits from a 15-year FiT regime at a fixed rate adjusted annually for inflation. The site has been fully operational since May 2016, and Energiequelle will continue to provide the technical and commercial management services for the project. The acquisition is subject to the customary consents and is expected to complete shortly.
The acquisitions from Energiequelle represent an important milestone for the Company, being its first non-UK acquisitions. Support from the French government for renewable energy remains strong and the assets acquired are located in attractive wind areas. The French acquisitions are consistent with JLEN's strategy of diversification and in line with its investment policy.
Portfolio valuation
The Investment Adviser is responsible for carrying out the fair market valuation of the Company's investments which is presented to the Directors for their approval and adoption. The valuation is carried out on a quarterly basis as at 30 June, 30 September, 31 December and 31 March each year.
The Directors' valuation of the portfolio at 30 September 2016 was GBP320.7 million, compared to GBP264.5 million at 31 March 2016. The increase of GBP56.2 million is the net impact of acquisitions, cash received from investments, changes in macroeconomic and electricity price assumptions, and underlying growth in the portfolio. (A reconciliation of the factors contributing to the growth in the portfolio during the period is shown in the chart on page 15 of the half-year report).
The total movement of investments during the period ended 30 September 2016 is shown in the table below:
Six month
period ended
30 Sep 2016
(unaudited)
GBPm
--------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------
Valuation of portfolio at beginning of the period 264.5
Acquisitions in the period (including post--acquisition adjustments) 53.4
Cash distributions from portfolio (12.4)
--------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------
Rebased opening valuation of portfolio 305.5
Changes in forecast electricity prices 3.7
Changes in economic assumptions (0.3)
Changes in discount rates -
Balance of portfolio return 11.8
--------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------
Valuation of portfolio at end of the period 320.7
Fair value of Intermediate Holding Companies (60.1)
Investments at fair value through profit or loss 260.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------
Valuation assumptions
The investments in JLEN's portfolio are valued by discounting the future cash flows forecast by the underlying asset financial models.
Each movement between the rebased valuation and the 31 March 2016 valuation is considered below:
Forecast electricity prices
The project cash flows used in the portfolio valuation at 30 September 2016 reflect contractual fixed price arrangements under PPAs where they exist and short--term market forward prices where they do not, for the next two years. Thereafter, the project cash flows assume future electricity prices in line with central forecasts from an established market consultant, adjusted by the Investment Adviser for project specific arrangements if required.
In common with generators selling into the wholesale market, following a period of declining electricity prices JLEN has experienced an improvement in both actual and forecast electricity prices during the period. Compared to the assumptions used in the valuation at 31 March 2016, on a time weighted average basis, the increase in the electricity price assumptions is approximately 3% over a 25-year period (being a simple average increase over 25 years of approximately 1.2%, including an increase in market forward prices (gross of any discounts under PPAs) over the next two years of nearly 20%, up to an average of GBP44/MWh for winter (31 March 2016: GBP37/MWh) and GBP38/MWh (31 March 2016: GBP32/MWh) for summer). JLEN has taken advantage of the improvement in short--term price forecasts during the period by fixing prices under existing PPA arrangements for a significant proportion of the renewable energy portfolio for periods of up to 24 months. At 30 September 2016, 85% of the renewable energy portfolio's electricity exposure was subject to a price fix for the winter 2016 season and 65% for the summer 2017 season, with the generation weighted average price fixes achieved, gross of any PPA discounts, being GBP44/MWh for winter 2016 and GBP39/MWh for summer 2017.
The increase in forecasts for future electricity prices compared to forecasts at 31 March 2016, has increased the valuation of the portfolio by GBP3.7 million.
Economic assumptions
Macroeconomic assumptions in respect of inflation, corporation tax and deposit interest rates have remained relatively constant during the period and the movement in valuation is therefore not significant. Inflation rates assumed in the valuation at 30 September 2016 are 2.1% in 2016 with 2.75% for all subsequent years for UK assets, and 1.5% in 2016 and for all subsequent years for the French assets. The long--term UK corporation tax rate assumed is 20%, stepping down to 19% in April 2017 and 17% from April 2020 onwards, reflecting the rates enacted by legislation, which is in line with market practice. The equivalent rate for the French assets is 33.3%. Deposit rates assumed in the valuation reflect a range of deposit rates in the UK from 1.00% in 2016 with a gradual increase to a long--term rate of 3.25% with effect from 2019 onwards. For the French assets the rate assumed is 0.5%. The euro/sterling exchange rate used to value the euro-denominated investment in France was EUR1.16/GBP1 (31 March 2016: n/a)
Discount rates
The discount rates used in the valuation exercise represent the Investment Adviser's and the Board's assessment of the rate of return in the market for assets with similar characteristics and risk profile. The discount rates are reviewed on a regular basis and updated, where appropriate, to reflect changes in the market and in the project risk characteristics.
During the period since 31 March 2016, there has continued to be strong demand for income--producing infrastructure assets, including environmental infrastructure projects as the market matures. The Investment Adviser, based on its experience of bidding in the secondary market for onshore wind, solar PV and waste processing projects and the discount rates achieved on transactions in those sectors, has maintained the discount rates applied to the half-year portfolio valuation, although it notes the continuing reducing trend in discount rates, particularly in the onshore wind sector, and will continue to monitor this for future valuations.
Taking the above into account, and the change in mix of the portfolio during the period due to new acquisitions, the overall Weighted Average Discount Rate ("WADR") of the portfolio was 8.4% at 30 September 2016 (8.2% at 31 March 2016).
Balance of portfolio return
This represents the balance of valuation movements in the period excluding the factors noted above. The balance of the portfolio return mostly reflects the impact on the rebased portfolio value, all other measures remaining constant, of the effect of the discount rate unwinding and also some additional valuation adjustments from updates to individual project revenue assumptions and the benefit of the refinancing of the wind assets acquired during the period into the wind asset portfolio facility. The total represents an uplift of GBP11.8 million.
Valuation sensitivities
The Net Asset Value of the Company is the sum of the discounted value of the future cash flows of the underlying asset financial models, the cash balances of the Company and UK HoldCo, other assets and liabilities of the Group less Group debt.
The portfolio valuation is the largest component of the Net Asset Value and the key sensitivities are considered to be the discount rate applied in the valuation of future cash flows and the principal assumptions used in respect of future revenues and costs.
A broad range of assumptions are used in our valuation models. These assumptions are based on long-term forecasts and are not affected by short-term fluctuations in inputs, be it economic or technical. The Investment Adviser exercises its judgement in assessing both the expected future cash flows from each investment based on the project's life and the financial models produced by each project company and the appropriate discount rate to apply.
The key assumptions are as follows:
Discount rate
The WADR of the portfolio at 30 September 2016 was 8.4% (8.2% at 31 March 2016). A variance of plus or minus 0.5% is considered to be a reasonable range of alternative assumptions for discount rates.
Volumes
Base case forecasts for renewable energy projects assume a "P50" level of electricity output based on reports by technical consultants. The P50 output is the estimated annual amount of electricity generation (in MWh) that has a 50% probability of being exceeded - both in any single year and over the long term - and a 50% probability of being underachieved. Hence the P50 is the expected level of generation over the long term.
The P90 (90% probability of exceedance over a 10--year period) and P10 (10% probability of exceedance over a 10--year period) sensitivities reflect the future variability of wind and solar irradiation and the uncertainty associated with the long--term data source being representative of the long--term mean.
For the waste and wastewater processing projects, forecasts are based on projections of future flows and are informed by both the client authorities' own business plans and forecasts and independent studies where appropriate.
Revenues in the PPP projects are generally not very sensitive to changes in volumes due to the nature of their payment mechanisms.
Electricity prices
Electricity price assumptions are based on the following: for the first two years' cash flows for each project forward electricity prices based on market rates unless a contractual fixed price exists, in which case the model reflects the fixed price followed by the forward price for the remainder of the two--year period. For the remainder of the project life long--term central case forecasts from an established market consultant and other relevant information is used, and adjusted by the Investment Adviser for project specific arrangements. The sensitivity assumes a 10% increase or decrease in electricity prices relative to the base case for each year of the asset life after the first two--year period.
Inflation
The inflation assumptions used in the valuation as at 30 September 2016 are 2.1% for 2016 and 2.75% (31 March 2016: 2.75%) for the long term for the UK assets, and 1.5% for both 2016 and the long term (31 March 2016: n/a) for the French assets. Each project in the portfolio receives a revenue stream which is either fully or partially inflation--linked.
Euro/sterling exchange rates
As the proportion of the portfolio assets with cash flows denominated in euros represented less than 1% of the portfolio value at 30 September 2016, JLCM considers the sensitivity to changes in euro/sterling exchange rates to be insignificant.
The chart on page 18 (of the half-year report) shows the impact of the key sensitivities on NAV per share, with the GBP labels indicating the impact of the sensitivities on portfolio value.
Financing
In May 2016, JLEN successfully raised further equity under its then existing placing programme, raising gross proceeds of GBP35.2 million through the issue of 36 million ordinary shares at 97.75 pence per share. This enabled JLEN to reduce the balance outstanding on its revolving credit facility and to consequently free up the facility in order to fund the Dungavel acquisition noted above.
The Company's revolving credit facility with HSBC and NIBC gives it the flexibility to acquire further assets on a timely basis, reducing the performance drag associated with holding excess cash. This facility, originally secured in October 2014 at a level of GBP50 million and increased to GBP65 million in March 2016, was further increased in July 2016, on the same terms, to GBP75 million, reflecting the increased asset base of the Company following the recent equity fundraising and to assist in the acquisitions of the New Albion and Le Placis Vert wind farms.
On 28 July 2016, in light of the premium at which the ordinary shares of the Company were then trading, JLEN announced a tap issuance programme to satisfy excess demand in the secondary market, subject to JLEN's capital requirements. New shares issued under the tap issuance programme were issued at a premium to NAV (net of costs) and were accretive to existing shareholders. The net proceeds from the issue of new shares were used to repay the Company's revolving credit facility. At the date of this report, 22,435,643 shares have been issued under the programme at an average issue price of 102.1 pence per share, raising gross proceeds of GBP22.9 million.
In addition to the revolving credit facility, several of the projects have underlying project level debt which is not reflected in these financial statements. There is an additional gearing limit in respect of such debt of 85% of the aggregate gross project value (being the fair market value of such portfolio companies increased by the amount of any financing held within the projects) for PFI/PPP projects and 65% for renewable energy generation projects.
The project-level gearing at 30 September 2016 across the portfolio was 43.4% (31 March 2016: 43.6%) being 32.0% (31 March 2016: 27.1%) for the renewable energy assets and 61.2% (31 March 2016: 62.2%) for the PFI processing assets. The increase in the gearing for the renewable energy assets during the period reflects the acquisitions of Dungavel, New Albion and Le Placis Vert wind farms, all of which have project level debt. Taking into account the amount drawn down under the revolving credit facility, the overall fund gearing at 30 September 2016 was 53.7% (31 March 2016: 53.9%).
As at 30 September 2016, the Group, which comprises the Company and the Intermediate Holding Companies, had cash balances of GBP15.7 million (31 March 2016: GBP6.2 million).
Profit before tax
Profit before tax for the period was GBP11.3 million (30 September 2015: GBP6.2 million), generating earnings per share for the period of 4.5 pence (30 September 2015: 3.3 pence).
The increase over the period to 30 September 2015 reflects higher distributions as the portfolio grows plus an uplift in the fair value of the portfolio.
Six month Six month
period ended period ended
30 Sep 2016 30 Sep 2015
(unaudited) (unaudited)
All amounts presented in GBPmillion (except as noted) GBPm GBPm
------------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Interest received on UK HoldCo loan notes 6.6 4.7
Dividends received from UK HoldCo 3.5 2.0
Net gains on investments at fair value 3.3 0.9
------------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Operating income 13.4 7.6
------------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Operating cost (2.1) (1.4)
------------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Profit before tax 11.3 6.2
------------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Earnings per share 4.5p 3.3p
------------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Ongoing charges
The "ongoing charges" ratio is an indicator of the costs incurred in the day--to--day management of the Fund. JLEN uses the Association of Investment Companies ("AIC") recommended methodology for calculating this ratio, which is an annual figure. The annualised ratio for the six months to 30 September 2016 was 1.5% (year ended 31 March 2016: 1.5%). The ongoing charges have been calculated, in accordance with AIC guidance, as annualised ongoing charges (i.e. excluding acquisition costs and other non-recurring items) divided by the average published undiluted NAV in the period. The ongoing charges percentage has been calculated on the consolidated basis and therefore takes into consideration the expenses of UK HoldCo as well as the Company's.
Net assets
Net assets increased from GBP216.9 million at 31 March 2016 to GBP271.6 million at 30 September 2016, primarily driven by equity funds raised, which in turn were used to finance acquisitions.
An analysis of the net assets at 30 September 2016 is set out in the table below.
Analysis of the Group's net assets
30 Sep 2016 31 Mar 2016
All amounts presented in GBPmillion (except as noted) (unaudited) (audited)
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -----------
Portfolio value 320.7 264.5
Intermediate Holding Companies cash 4.7 2.9
Intermediate Holding Companies revolving credit facility (65.0) (54.8)
Intermediate Holding Companies other assets 0.2 1.8
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -----------
Fair value of the Company's investment in UK HoldCo 260.6 214.4
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -----------
Company's cash 11.0 3.3
Company's other assets/(liabilities) - (0.8)
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -----------
Net Asset Value 271.6 216.9
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -----------
Number of shares 276,356,435 224,356,435
Net Asset Value per share 98.3p 96.7p
--------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -----------
The movement in the portfolio value of environmental infrastructure assets during the period is summarised as follows:
GBPm
------------------------------------------------- ------
Value at 31 March 2016 (audited) 264.5
Acquisitions 53.4
Growth in value of portfolio 15.2
Distributions received from investments (12.4)
------------------------------------------------- ------
Portfolio value at 30 September 2016 (unaudited) 320.7
------------------------------------------------- ------
Cash flow
At 30 September 2016, the Group (Company plus Intermediate Holding Companies) had a total cash balance of GBP15.7 million (31 March 2016: GBP6.2 million), including GBP11.0 million (31 March 2016: GBP3.3 million) in the Company's balance sheet and GBP4.7 million (31 March 2016: GBP2.9 million) in the Intermediate Holding Companies, which is included in the Company's balance sheet within "investment at fair value through profit or loss".
At 30 September 2016, UK HoldCo had GBP65.0 million drawn down (31 March 2016: GBP54.8 million) under its revolving credit facility.
Cash flows of the Group for the period are summarised as follows:
Six month Six month
period ended period ended
30 Sep 2016 30 Sep 2015
(unaudited) (unaudited)
GBPm GBPm
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Cash received from environmental infrastructure investments 12.4 9.1
Administrative expenses (0.5) (0.3)
Directors' fees and expenses (0.1) (0.2)
Investment Advisory fees (1.4) (1.0)
Financing costs (net of interest income) (1.4) (0.5)
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Cash flow from operations 9.0 7.1
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Net proceeds from share issues 49.9 63.8
Drawdown/(repayment) under the revolving credit facility 10.2 (43.7)
Acquisition of investment assets (53.4) (20.5)
Reduction in acquisition price (as reported in the 2016 Annual
Report) 2.0 -
Acquisition cost (including stamp duty) (0.7) (0.5)
Dividends paid in cash to shareholders (7.5) (4.8)
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Cash movement in the period 9.5 1.4
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Opening cash balance 6.2 8.6
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Group cash balance at 30 September 15.7 10.0
--------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
During the period, the Group received cash distributions of GBP12.4 million from its environmental infrastructure investments, in line with distributions expected by the Group after adjusting for acquisitions during the period.
Cash flow from operations of the Company of GBP9.0 million (which is after debt amortisation at project level of GBP7.5 million during the period) covers the dividend paid in the period of GBP7.5 million by 1.2 times and the dividend declared in the period of GBP8.4 million by 1.07 times.
The Company has declared an interim dividend of 1.53 pence per share for the quarter to 30 September 2016 (estimated based on the shares in issue at the date of this half-year report at GBP4.3 million), which is payable on 22 December 2016.
Outlook
Despite the current political and economic uncertainty in the UK and Europe, in particular following the outcome of the UK referendum on membership of the EU in June 2016 and the recent US election result, we believe that the Company's strategy of investing in a diversified portfolio of assets in the wider environmental infrastructure sector and of providing consistent long-term income with NAV resilience remains robust.
Whilst it will take some time for the exact details of arrangements post exit from the EU to emerge, government policy commitments for clean energy continue in the UK and climate change remains one of the important areas of focus, not only for the UK but globally. The UK has ambitious domestic targets, with The Climate Change Act of 2008 establishing a target to reduce its emissions by at least 80% from 1990 levels by 2050. The Act established a system of five-yearly carbon budgets, the fifth of which was formally approved by Parliament on 30 June 2016 and aims to limit annual emissions to an average of 57% below 1990 levels by 2032.
In addition, electricity capacity margins remain especially tight in the UK, compounded now by increased uncertainty as to whether planned additional electricity interconnector capacity with Europe will be built following the UK's exit from the EU.
As an EU member, the UK is required to generate 15% of its energy from renewables by 2020 under the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive. Although by leaving the EU the UK may no longer be obliged to hit these targets or any successor targets (unless agreed as part of any secession agreement), the renewables projects required to meet the 2020 target have already been largely built or are expected to be commissioned. In respect of longer--term commitments, the Climate Change Act's ambitious carbon reduction targets will require a substantial and continued contribution from renewables.
In the 2016 Annual Report, we commented on the fact that the UK and European renewables markets in 2015 and 2016 had continued to be affected by low electricity prices, mainly driven by consistently falling oil and gas prices since the end of 2014. In recent months, and particularly since the EU referendum result, spot electricity prices have recovered and we have also seen an increase in forecast electricity prices, particularly over the short term. This has largely been driven by the movement in sterling exchange rates, with higher import prices for dollar/euro--denominated coal and gas inputs for the electricity market. As gas-fired power stations tend to set the marginal cost of electricity in the UK, natural gas price rises tend to result in higher electricity prices. Increases in electricity price forecasts in turn increase the valuation of JLEN's portfolio as currently about 31% of the project-level revenues are exposed to electricity prices. This is achieved by either "locking-in" improved market conditions by fixing electricity prices for periods up to 24 months under existing PPAs or reflecting higher short--term forecasts in our cash flows where no fix is in place in line with our valuation policy.
The timing and extent of changes to electricity prices will depend on a range of factors, including the impact of continued pressure on the UK capacity margin due to planned closures of coal--fired generation plants and the continued delay in the commissioning of new nuclear plants. In addition, the current review by Ofgem into the charging arrangements for embedded generation may result in future changes to the levels of 'embedded benefits' received. Exact details will not be known until the consultation is concluded and detailed proposals announced. The Board and the Investment Adviser will continue to monitor markets and forecasts quarterly and reflect this in the reported NAV as appropriate.
The secondary market for environmental infrastructure projects remains both active and significant. The Investment Adviser continues to investigate potential markets and investments and has seen a steady flow of opportunities across all JLEN's asset classes during the period.
Whilst activity in UK solar has inevitably tailed off following the removal of ROC incentives, opportunities still remain and will be pursued, where attractive. As for wind, the early removal of green subsidy support has impacted developers but there remains a large number of existing operational projects and projects to be completed under existing transitional arrangements to provide a strong secondary market in the short to medium term.
Although smaller in number, the Investment Adviser has been pleased with the level of environmental infrastructure opportunities outside of wind and solar that it has seen. The Investment Adviser believes that the Company is an attractive counterparty for developers and early--stage investors seeking to recycle capital from environmental infrastructure projects.
The Investment Adviser continues to monitor European markets with stable regulatory frameworks as permitted under the Fund's investment policy. During the period, JLEN made its first non-UK acquisition when it acquired the Le Placis Vert wind farm in France. We have seen a number of opportunities in onshore wind, both in the UK and Europe, which we will continue to evaluate.
JLEN has the benefit of a First Offer Agreement with John Laing over a significant pipeline of environmental infrastructure projects which supports its growth plans in the next few years. The Company expects that, pursuant to the First Offer Agreement, Environmental Infrastructure projects that are in accordance with its Investment Policy with a combined investment value for the Fund of approximately GBP420 million (as estimated by John Laing) will become available for acquisition by the Fund within the period to 31 December 2019.
JLEN invests in environmental infrastructure assets which are long term in nature. Whilst the Investment Adviser expects to see the sort of short--term variability in performance witnessed over the last 18 months, the outlook for the portfolio remains good and, other than the changes in valuation assumptions noted above, there are no changes to our long--term assumptions underlying the cash flow projections and valuation of the portfolio. A key feature of JLEN is its diversified portfolio and the spread of risks across a variety of technologies.
The Chancellor's first Autumn Statement on 23 November 2016 will outline his priorities for taxes and spending in the wake of the referendum vote. It is anticipated that a fiscal stimulus to boost infrastructure spending will be introduced, together with clarification on the proposals to implement the OECD's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting measures which have been subject to consultation during 2016.
Based on the current outlook for the portfolio and the markets in which it operates, JLEN is well--positioned to continue to deliver the target returns of the Company, although it should be noted that delivery of the long--term IRR targets will depend, to an extent, on the continued recovery of electricity price forecasts from current levels. The Investment Adviser will also continue to seek opportunities to improve the performance of the portfolio assets ahead of target through the delivery of additional operational scale efficiencies and through prudent portfolio and financial management.
Responsibility statement
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
-- the condensed set of unaudited financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim
-- Financial Reporting' and in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the audited Annual Report to
-- 31 March 2016; and
-- the Chairman's statement and Investment Adviser's report meet the requirements of an interim management
-- report and include a fair review of the information required by:
a) DTR 4.2.7R, being an indication of important events during the first six months of the financial year and a description of principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year; and
b) DTR 4.2.8R, being the disclosure of related parties' transactions and changes therein.
This responsibility statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 22 November 2016 and is signed on its behalf by:
Richard Morse
Chairman
22 November 2016
Independent review report
to John Laing Environmental Assets Group Limited
We have been engaged by the Company to review the condensed set of financial statements in the half--yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2016 which comprises the condensed income statement, the condensed statement of financial position, the condensed statement of changes in equity, the condensed cash flow statement and related notes 1 to 18. We have read the other information contained in the half--yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed set of financial statements
This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are required to state to it in an independent review report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company, for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed.
Directors' responsibilities
The half--yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by the Directors. The Directors are responsible for preparing the half--yearly financial report in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
As disclosed in note 2, the annual financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half--yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the European Union.
Our responsibility
Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the condensed set of financial statements in the half--yearly financial report based on our review.
Scope of review
We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed set of financial statements in the half--yearly financial report for the six months ended 30 September 2016 is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 as adopted by the European Union and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.
Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountant Guernsey, Channel Islands
22 November 2016
Condensed unaudited income statement
for the six months ended 30 September 2016
Six months Six months
ended ended
30 Sep 30 Sep
2016 2015
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Notes GBP'000s GBP'000s
--------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------
Operating income 8 13,426 7,649
Operating expenses 4 (2,108) (1,421)
--------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------
Operating profit 11,318 6,228
--------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------
Profit before tax 11,318 6,228
Tax 5 - -
--------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------
Profit for the period 11,318 6,228
--------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------
Earnings per share
From continuing operations
Basic and diluted (pence) 7 4.5 3.3
--------------------------- ----- ------------ ------------
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the condensed set of financial statements.
All results are derived from continuing operations.
There are no items of other comprehensive income in either the current or preceding period, other than the profit for the period and therefore no separate statement of comprehensive income has been presented.
Condensed unaudited statement of financial position
as at 30 September 2016
30 Sep 2016 31 Mar 2016
(unaudited) (audited)
Notes GBP'000s GBP'000s
------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ -----------
Non-current assets
Investments at fair value through profit or loss 8 260,555 214,400
------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ -----------
Total non-current assets 260,555 214,400
------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ -----------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 9 1,037 31
Cash and cash equivalents 11,015 3,312
------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ -----------
Total current assets 12,052 3,343
------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ -----------
Total assets 272,607 217,743
------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ -----------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 10 (1,002) (852)
------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ -----------
Total current liabilities (1,002) (852)
------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ -----------
Total liabilities (1,002) (852)
------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ -----------
Net assets 271,605 216,891
------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ -----------
Equity
Share premium account 12 272,001 221,122
Retained reserves 13 (396) (4,231)
------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ -----------
Equity attributable to owners of the Company 271,605 216,891
------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ -----------
Net assets per share (pence per share) 98.3 96.7
------------------------------------------------- ----- ------------ -----------
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the condensed set of financial statements.
The condensed set of unaudited financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 22 November 2016.
They were signed on its behalf by:
Richard Morse Christopher Legge Chairman Director
Condensed unaudited statement of changes in equity
for the six months ended 30 September 2016
Six months ended
30 Sep 2016 (unaudited)
------------------------------------------ ----- -------------------------------
Share
premium Retained
account reserves Total
Notes GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- ---------
Balance at 1 April 2016 221,122 (4,231) 216,891
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- ---------
Profit and total comprehensive income for
the period - 11,318 11,318
Issue of share capital 12 51,543 - 51,543
Expenses of issue of equity shares 12 (664) - (664)
Dividends paid 13 - (7,483) (7,483)
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- ---------
Balance at 30 September 2016 272,001 (396) 271,605
------------------------------------------ ----- --------- --------- ---------
Six months ended
30 Sep 2015 (unaudited)
------------------------------------------ ------ -------------------------------
Share
premium Retained
account reserves Total
Notes GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s
------------------------------------------ ------ --------- --------- ---------
Balance at 1 April 2015 157,352 4,557 161,909
-------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- ---------
Profit and total comprehensive income for
the period - 6,228 6,228
Issue of share capital 65,000 - 65,000
Expenses of issue of equity shares (1,230) - (1,230)
Dividends paid - (4,800) (4,800)
-------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance at 30 September 2015 221,122 5,985 227,107
-------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- ---------
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the condensed set of financial statements.
Condensed unaudited cash flow statement
for the six months ended 30 September 2016
Six months Six months
ended ended
30 Sep 30 Sep
2016 2015
(unaudited) (unaudited)
GBP'000s GBP'000s
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Profit from operations 11,318 6,228
Adjustments for:
Investment interest received (6,571) (4,688)
Dividends received (3,500) (2,000)
Net gain on investments at fair value through profit or loss (3,355) (961)
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital (2,108) (1,421)
Increase in receivables (1,006) (5)
Increase/(decrease) in payables 150 (49)
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Net cash outflow from operating activities (2,964) (1,475)
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Investing activities
Investments in subsidiaries (8,300) (30,750)
Loans to subsidiaries (34,500) (33,000)
Investment interest received 6,571 4,688
Dividends received 3,500 2,000
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing activities (32,729) (57,062)
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Financing activities
Gross proceeds on issue of share capital 51,543 65,000
Expenses relating to issue of shares (664) (1,230)
Dividends paid (7,483) (4,800)
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Net cash from financing activities 43,396 58,970
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 7,703 433
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,312 3,622
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 11,015 4,055
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Notes to the condensed unaudited financial statements
for the six months ended 30 September 2016
1. General information
John Laing Environmental Assets Group Limited (the "Company" or "JLEN") is a closed-ended investment company domiciled and incorporated in Guernsey, Channel Islands, under Section 20 of the Companies (Guernsey) Law. The shares are publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange under a Premium Listing. The condensed set of financial statements of the Company are for the six-month period ended 30 September 2016 and have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the Company's latest annual audited financial statements. The condensed set of financial statements comprise the Company and its investment in John Laing Environmental Assets Group (UK) Limited ("UK HoldCo"). The Company and its subsidiaries invest in environmental infrastructure projects that utilise natural or waste resources or support more environmentally-friendly approaches to economic activity.
During the six-month period ended 30 September 2016, the Company successfully raised gross proceeds of GBP51.5 million through the issue of ordinary shares and continued to manage its investment in UK HoldCo, adding three stakes in wind projects to its portfolio of environmental infrastructure assets.
2. Significant accounting policies
(a) Basis of preparation
The condensed set of financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 22 November 2016. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-year report have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'. The accounting policies are consistent with those used in the latest audited financial statements to 31 March 2016 and should be read in conjunction with the Company's annual audited financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2016.
In 2015, the Company adopted the narrow-scope amendments to IFRS 10 'Consolidated Financial Statements', IFRS 12 'Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities' and IAS 28 'Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures' which became mandatory for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016.
The Company accounts for its investment in its wholly-owned direct subsidiary UK HoldCo at fair value. The Company, together with its wholly-owned direct subsidiary UK HoldCo and the intermediate holding subsidiary HWT Limited ("HWT") comprise the group (the "Group") investing in environmental infrastructure assets.
The net assets of the Intermediate Holding Companies (comprising UK HoldCo and HWT), which at 30 September 2016 principally comprise working capital balances, any revolving credit facility loan balance and investments in projects, are required to be included at fair value when calculating the carrying value of investments.
(b) Going concern
The Directors, in their consideration of going concern have reviewed comprehensive cash flow forecasts prepared by the Company's Investment Adviser, which are based on prudent market data and believe, based on those forecasts and an assessment of the Company's subsidiary's banking facilities, that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements of the Company on the going concern basis. In arriving at their conclusion that the Company has adequate financial resources, the Directors were mindful that the Group had unrestricted cash of GBP15.7 million as at 30 September 2016 and a banking facility available for investment in new or existing projects and for working capital of GBP75 million. GBP10 million of this facility was undrawn at the period end and the facility is repayable in October 2018.
As at 30 September 2016, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary UK HoldCo had borrowed GBP65 million under the banking facility to finance the cost and the acquisition of environmental infrastructure projects.
All key financial covenants are forecast to continue to be complied with throughout the next 12 months.
The Directors are satisfied that the Company has sufficient resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future, a period of not less than 12 months from the date of this report. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements.
(c) Segmental reporting
The Board is of the opinion that the Company is engaged in a single segment of business, being investment in environmental infrastructure to generate investment returns while preserving capital. The financial information used by the Board to allocate resources and manage the Company presents the business as a single segment comprising a homogeneous portfolio.
The Company has an investment in one environmental infrastructure asset in France which represents less than 1% of the value of the portfolio.
During the period, all revenues received by the Company from its investment assets were generated in the UK.
(d) Statement of compliance
Pursuant to the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1987 the Company is a Registered Closed--Ended Investment Scheme. As a registered scheme, the Company is subject to certain ongoing obligations to the Guernsey Financial Services Commission and is governed by the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008 as amended.
3. Seasonality
Neither operating income nor profit are impacted significantly by seasonality. While meteorological conditions resulting in fluctuations in the levels of wind and sunlight can affect revenues of the Company's environmental infrastructure projects, with solar projects typically more productive in summer months and wind assets in winter, due to the diversified mix of projects, these fluctuations do not materially affect the overall pattern of the Company's operating income or profit.
4. Operating expenses
Six months Six months
ended ended
30 Sep 30 Sep
2016 2015
(unaudited) (unaudited)
GBP'000s GBP'000s
----------------------------- ------------ ------------
Investment advisory fees 1,605 1,083
Directors' fees and expenses 134 102
Administration fee 47 34
Other expenses 322 202
----------------------------- ------------ ------------
2,108 1,421
----------------------------- ------------ ------------
5. Tax
Income tax expense
The Company has obtained exempt status from income tax in Guernsey under the Income Tax (Exempt Bodies) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 1989.
The income from its investments is therefore not subject to any further tax in Guernsey, although the investments provide for and pay taxation at the appropriate rates in the jurisdictions in which they operate. The underlying tax within the subsidiaries and environmental infrastructure assets, which are held as investments at fair value through profit or loss, are included in the estimate of the fair value of these investments.
6. Dividends
Six months Six months
ended ended
30 Sep 30 Sep
2016 2015
(unaudited) (unaudited)
GBP'000s GBP'000s
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders during
the period:
Dividend for the quarter ended 31 March 2016 of 1.5135 pence
per share (for the six--month period ended 31 March 2015:
3.0 pence per share) 3,396 4,800
Interim dividend for the quarter ended 30 June 2016 of 1.54
pence per share 4,087 -
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
7,483 4,800
------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
A dividend for the quarter to 30 September 2016 of 1.53 pence per share was approved by the Board on 22 November 2016 and is payable on 22 December 2016. The dividend has not been included as a liability at 30 September 2016.
7. Earnings per share
The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:
Six months Six months
ended ended
30 Sep 30 Sep
2016 2015
(unaudited) (unaudited)
GBP'000s GBP'000s
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------
Earnings
Earnings for the purposes of basic and diluted earnings per
share being
net profit attributable to owners of the Company 11,318 6,228
Number of shares
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes
of
basic and diluted earnings per share 251,896,599 186,727,263
------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------
The denominator for the purposes of calculating both basic and diluted earnings per share is the same as the Company had not issued any share options or other instruments that would cause dilution.
Six months Six months
ended ended
30 Sep 30 Sep
2016 2015
--------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Basic and diluted earnings per share (pence) 4.5 3.3
--------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
8. Investments at fair value through profit or loss
As set out in note 1, the Company accounts for its interest in its wholly--owned subsidiary UK HoldCo as an investment at fair value through profit or loss. UK HoldCo, in turn, owns investments in Intermediate Holding Companies and environmental infrastructure projects.
The table below shows the movement in the Company's investment in UK HoldCo as recorded in the Company's statement of financial position:
30 Sep 31 Mar
2016 2016
(unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000s GBP'000s
------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Fair value of environmental infrastructure investments 320,695 264,486
Fair value of Intermediate Holding Companies (60,140) (50,086)
------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Fair value 260,555 214,400
------------------------------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Reconciliation of movement in fair value of portfolio of assets
The table below shows the movement in the fair value of the Company's portfolio of environmental infrastructure assets. These assets are held through other Intermediate Holding Companies. The table below also presents a reconciliation of the fair value of the asset portfolio to the Company's condensed unaudited statement of financial position as at 30 September 2016, by incorporating the fair value of these Intermediate Holding Companies.
30 Sep 2016 (unaudited) 31 Mar 2016 (audited)
------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------
Cash,
working Cash,
capital working
and debt capital
in and debt
Intermediate in Intermediate
Portfolio Holding Portfolio Holding
value Companies Total value Companies Total
GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s
---------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- --------- ---------------- -----------
Opening balance 264,486 (50,086) 214,400 197,717 (38,674) 159,043
Acquisitions
Portfolio of
assets acquired 52,011 - 52,011 75,506 - 75,506
Post-acquisition
price adjustments 1,358 - 1,358 (1,835) - (1,835)
---------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- --------- ---------------- -----------
53,369 - 53,369 73,671 - 73,671
Growth in portfolio 15,204 - 15,204(1) 11,692 - 11,692(1)
Cash yields
from portfolio
to Intermediate
Holding Companies (12,364) 12,364 - (18,594) 18,594 -
---------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- --------- ---------------- -----------
Yields from
Intermediate
Holding Companies
Interest on
loan notes(1) - (6,571) (6,571)(1) - (10,210) (10,210)(1)
Dividends from
UK HoldCo to
the Company(1) - (3,500) (3,500)(1) - (7,500) (7,500)(1)
---------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- --------- ---------------- -----------
- (10,071) (10,071) - (17,710) (17,710)
Other movements
Investment
in working
capital in
UK HoldCo - (389) (389) - (766) (766)
Increase in
debtor related
to the agreed
settlement
on updated
energy yield
assessments
under Sale
and Purchase
Agreements - - - - 1,985 1,985
Administrative
expenses borne
by Intermediate
Holding Companies(1) - (1,778) (1,778)(1) - (2,375) (2,375)(1)
Drawdown of
UK HoldCo credit
facility borrowings - (10,180) (10,180) - (11,140) (11,140)
---------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- --------- ---------------- -----------
Fair value
of the Company's
investment
in UK HoldCo 320,695 (60,140) 260,555 264,486 (50,086) 214,400
---------------------- --------- ------------- ---------- --------- ---------------- -----------
(1) The net gain on investments at fair value through profit or loss for the period ended 30 September 2016 is GBP3,355,000 (31 March 2016: loss of GBP8,393,000, 30 September 2015: gain of GBP961,000). This, together with interest received on loan notes of GBP6,571,000 (31 March 2016: GBP10,210,000) and dividend income of GBP3,500,000 (31 March 2016: GBP7,500,000) comprises operating income in the condensed income statement.
The balances in the above table represent the total net movement in the fair value of the Company's investment. The "cash, working capital and debt in Intermediate Holding Companies" balances reflect investment in, distributions from or movement in working capital and are not value generating.
Fair value of portfolio of assets
The Investment Adviser has carried out fair market valuations of the investments as at 30 September 2016. The Directors have satisfied themselves as to the methodology used and the discount rates applied for the valuation. Investments are all investments in environmental infrastructure projects and are valued using a discounted cash flow methodology, being the most relevant and most commonly used method in the market to value similar assets to the Company's. The Company's holding of its investment in UK HoldCo represents its interest in both the equity and debt instruments. The equity and debt instruments are valued as a whole using a blended discount rate and the value attributed to the equity instruments represents the fair value of future dividends and equity redemptions in addition to any value enhancements arising from the timing of loan principal and interest receipts from the debt instruments, while the value attributed to the debt instruments represents the principal outstanding and interest due on the loan at the valuation date.
The valuation techniques and methodologies have been applied consistently with the valuation performed since the launch of the Fund in March 2014.
Discount rates applied to the portfolio of assets range from 6.5% to 9.5% (weighted average 8.4%) (at 31 March 2016: from 6.5% to 9.6% - weighted average 8.2%).
The following economic assumptions were used in the discounted cash flow valuations:
30 Sep 2016 31 Mar 2016
---------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
UK - inflation rates 2.1% for 2016 and 2.2% for 2016 and
2.75% from 2017 2.75% from 2017
France - inflation 1.5% N/A
rates
UK - deposit interest 1% for 2016, gradually 1% for 2016, gradually
rates rising to 3.25% rising to 3.25%
from 2019 from 2019
France - deposit 0.5% N/A
rates
Euro/sterling exchange EUR1.16/GBP1 N/A
rate
---------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
The long--term UK corporation tax rate assumed in the 30 September 2016 portfolio valuation is 20% stepping down to 19% in April 2017 and 17% from April 2020 (31 March 2016: 20%), in line with market practice. The equivalent rate for the French assets is 33.3%.
Fair value of Intermediate Holding Companies
The assets in the Intermediate Holding Companies substantially comprise working capital, cash balances and the outstanding credit facility debt, therefore the Directors consider the fair value to be equal to the book values.
Details of investments made during the period
On 30 June 2016, the Group acquired the Dungavel wind farm project from John Laing Group plc for a cash consideration, including working capital, of GBP38.2 million.
On 4 July 2016, the Group completed the acquisition of Le Placis Vert wind farm for a total consideration of EUR2.5 million.
On 22 July 2016, the Group acquired New Albion wind farm from John Laing Group plc for a cash consideration, including working capital, of GBP11.8 million.
Subsequent to the investment in Pylle Southern solar park in March 2016, GBP1.3 million of the consideration was paid in the period on 24 May 2016 under the terms of the sale and purchase agreement.
9. Trade and other receivables
30 Sep 31 Mar
2016 2016
(unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000s GBP'000s
---------------- ------------ ----------
Prepayments 25 31
Other debtors 1,012 -
---------------- ------------ ----------
Closing balance 1,037 31
---------------- ------------ ----------
Other debtors relate to proceeds held by the Company's brokers for shares issued on 30 September 2016 as part of the tap issuance programme.
10. Trade and other payables
30 Sep 31 Mar
2016 2016
(unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000s GBP'000s
---------------- ------------ ----------
Accruals 1,002 852
---------------- ------------ ----------
Closing balance 1,002 852
---------------- ------------ ----------
11. Loans and borrowings
The Company had no outstanding loans or borrowings at 30 September 2016 (31 March 2016: none), as shown in the Company's condensed statement of financial position.
The Company's immediate subsidiary, UK HoldCo as Borrower and the Company, as Guarantor, benefit from a three--year revolving credit facility with HSBC and NIBC. The facility, originally secured on 9 October 2014 was increased to GBP65 million in March 2016 and was further increased in July 2016 to GBP75 million and extended to 9 October 2018. The facility is used to finance the acquisitions of environmental infrastructure projects and to cover working capital requirements. As at 30 September 2016, UK HoldCo had an outstanding balance of GBP65.0 million under the facility (31 March 2016: GBP54.8 million). In October 2016, UK HoldCo repaid GBP12 million under the facility and at the date of this report had an outstanding balance of GBP53 million. The loan bears interest of LIBOR + 2.5% and will be repaid by proceeds from future capital raises.
As at 30 September 2016, the Company held loan notes of GBP157.5 million which were issued by UK HoldCo (31 March 2016: outstanding amount of GBP123.0 million). Following the period end, on 21 October 2016, the Company subscribed for additional loan notes of GBP14.4 million which were also issued by UK HoldCo. At the date of this report, the Company held total loan notes amounting to GBP171.9 million.
There were no other outstanding loans and borrowings in either the Company, UK HoldCo or HWT at 30 September 2016.
12. Share premium account
30 Sep 31 Mar
2016 2016
(unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000s GBP'000s
----------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Opening balance 221,122 157,352
Shares issued in the period 51,543 65,000
Expenses of issue of equity shares (664) (1,230)
----------------------------------- ------------ ----------
Closing balance 272,001 221,122
----------------------------------- ------------ ----------
On 27 May 2016, the Company raised gross proceeds of GBP35.2 million by way of a placing of 36 million new ordinary shares to institutional investors pursuant to the then existing placing programme dated 4 June 2015.
In the period ended 30 September 2016, and pursuant to the Company's tap issuance programme announced on 28 July 2016, the Company had issued a total of 16 million new ordinary shares of no par value at an average price of 102.2 pence per share, raising gross proceeds of GBP16.3 million.
Following these issues, at 30 September 2016, the Company's share capital is comprised of 276,356,435 ordinary shares of no par value.
All new shares issued rank pari passu and include the right to receive all future dividends and distributions declared, made or paid.
Further ordinary shares were issued by the Company after the reporting period. More detail can be found in note 18.
13. Retained reserves
30 Sep 31 Mar
2016 2016
(unaudited) (audited)
GBP'000s GBP'000s
--------------------------- ------------ ----------
Opening balance (4,231) 4,557
Profit for the period/year 11,318 6,199
Dividends paid (7,483) (14,987)
--------------------------- ------------ ----------
Closing balance (396) (4,231)
--------------------------- ------------ ----------
14. Transactions with Investment Adviser and other related parties
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, are transacted at arm's length and are disclosed within note 8. Details of transactions between the Company and other related parties are disclosed below. This note also details the terms of the Company's engagement with John Laing Capital Management Limited as Investment Adviser, together with the details of investment acquisitions from John Laing Group plc, of which JLCM is a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Transaction with the Investment Adviser
JLCM is the Company's Investment Adviser. JLCM's appointment as Investment Adviser is governed by an Investment Advisory Agreement which may be terminated after an initial four--year term, starting 31 March 2014, by either party giving one year's written notice.
JLCM is entitled to a base fee equal to a) 1.0% per annum of the Adjusted Portfolio Value(1) of the Fund(2) up to and including GBP500 million; and b) 0.8% per annum of the Adjusted Portfolio Value of the Fund in excess of GBP500 million.
The total Investment Adviser fee charged to the income statement for the six months ended 30 September 2016 was GBP1,605,000 (30 September 2015: GBP1,083,000) of which GBP824,000 remained payable as at 30 September 2016 (31 March 2016: GBP659,000).
(1) Adjusted Portfolio Value is defined in the Investment Advisory Agreement as: a. the fair value of the investment portfolio; plus b. any cash owned by or held to the order of the Fund; plus
c. the aggregate amount of payments made to shareholders by way of dividend in the quarterly period ending on the relevant valuation day, less
i. any other liabilities of the Fund (excluding borrowings); and
ii. any uninvested cash.
(2) Fund means the Company and John Laing Environmental Assets Group (UK) Limited together with their wholly--owned subsidiaries or subsidiary undertakings (including companies or other entities wholly owned by them together, individually or in any combination, as appropriate) but excluding project entities.
Other transactions with related parties
During the period, the Company's wholly--owned subsidiary UK HoldCo completed the acquisition of the Dungavel wind farm and the New Albion wind farm projects from John Laing Group plc, as detailed in note 8.
The Directors of the Company, who are considered to be key management, received fees for their services for the six-month period of GBP132,500 (30 September 2015: GBP100,000) of which GBPnil remained payable as at 30 September 2016 (31 March 2016: GBPnil). The Directors were paid expenses of GBP1,348 in the six-month period (30 September 2015: GBP2,267) of which GBPnil remained payable as at 30 September 2016 (31 March 2016: GBPnil).
The Directors held the following shares:
Total Total
number number
of shares of shares
held held
at 30 at 31
Sep 2016 Mar 2016
------------------ ---------- ----------
Richard Morse 83,042 83,042
Richard Ramsay 53,813 53,813
Christopher Legge 29,896 29,896
Denise Mileham 28,160 28,160
Peter Neville 29,896 29,896
------------------ ---------- ----------
All of the above transactions were undertaken on an arm's length basis.
The Directors were paid dividends in the period of GBP6,865 (30 September 2015: GBP4,950).
15. Financial instruments
Financial instruments by category
The Company held the following financial instruments at fair value at 30 September 2016. There have been no transfers of financial instruments between levels of the fair value hierarchy. There are no non-recurring fair value measurements.
30 Sep 2016 (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Financial
assets
at fair Financial
value liabilities
through at
Cash and Loans and profit amortised
bank balances receivables or loss cost Total
GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s
---------------------------------- -------------- ------------ --------- ------------ ---------
Levels 1 1 3 1
Non-current assets
Investments at fair value through
profit or loss (Level 3) - - 260,555 - 260,555
Current assets
Trade and other receivables - 1,037 - - 1,037
Cash and cash equivalents 11,015 - - - 11,015
---------------------------------- -------------- ------------ --------- ------------ ---------
Total financial assets 11,015 1,037 260,555 - 272,607
---------------------------------- -------------- ------------ --------- ------------ ---------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables - - - (1,002) (1,002)
---------------------------------- -------------- ------------ --------- ------------ ---------
Total financial liabilities - - - (1,002) (1,002)
---------------------------------- -------------- ------------ --------- ------------ ---------
Net financial instruments 11,015 1,037 260,555 (1,002) 271,605
---------------------------------- -------------- ------------ --------- ------------ ---------
31 Mar 2016 (audited)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial
assets at Financial
fair liabilities
value through at
Cash and Loans and profit or amortised
bank balances receivables loss cost Total
GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s
---------------------------------- -------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ---------
Levels 1 1 3 1
Non-current assets
Investments at fair value through
profit or loss (Level 3) - - 214,400 - 214,400
Current assets
Trade and other receivables - 31 - - 31
Cash and cash equivalents 3,312 - - - 3,312
---------------------------------- -------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ---------
Total financial assets 3,312 31 214,400 - 217,743
---------------------------------- -------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ---------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables - - - (852) (852)
---------------------------------- -------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ---------
Total financial liabilities - - - (852) (852)
---------------------------------- -------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ---------
Net financial instruments 3,312 31 214,400 (852) 216,891
---------------------------------- -------------- ------------ -------------- ------------ ---------
The above table provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to their initial recognition at fair value as follows:
-- Level 1: fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
-- Level 2: fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices); and
-- Level 3: fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs to the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
There were no transfers between Level 1 and 2, Level 1 and 3, or Level 2 and 3 during the period.
In the table above, financial instruments are held at carrying value as an approximation to fair value unless stated otherwise.
Reconciliation of Level 3 fair value measurement of financial assets and liabilities
An analysis of the movement between opening to closing balances of the investments at fair value through profit or loss is given in note 8.
The fair value of the investments at fair value through profit or loss includes the use of Level 3 inputs. Please refer to note 8 for details on the valuation methodology.
Sensitivity analysis of the portfolio
The discount rate is considered the most significant unobservable input through which an increase or decrease would have a material impact on the fair value of the investments at fair value through profit or loss.
The sensitivity of the portfolio to movements in the discount rate is as follows:
30 Sep 2016 (unaudited) ----------------------------- ------------------ --------- ------------------ Discount rate Minus 0.5% Base 8.4% Plus 0.5% Change in portfolio valuation Increases GBP12.7m GBP320.7m Decreases GBP11.9m Change in NAV per share Increases 4.6p 98.3p Decreases 4.3p ----------------------------- ------------------ --------- ------------------ 31 Mar 2016 (audited) ----------------------------- ------------------ --------- ------------------ Discount rate Minus 0.5% Base 8.2% Plus 0.5% Change in portfolio valuation Increases GBP10.9m GBP264.5m Decreases GBP10.3m Change in NAV per share Increases 4.9p 96.7p Decreases 4.6p ----------------------------- ------------------ --------- ------------------
The sensitivity of the portfolio to movements in long--term inflation rates is as follows:
30 Sep 2016 (unaudited) ----------------------------- ------------------ ---------- ------------------ Inflation rates Minus 0.5% Base 2.75% Plus 0.5% Change in portfolio valuation Decreases GBP13.7m GBP320.7m Increases GBP14.5m Change in NAV per share Decreases 5.0p 98.3p Increases 5.2p ----------------------------- ------------------ ---------- ------------------ 31 Mar 2016 (audited) ----------------------------- ------------------ ---------- ------------------ Inflation rates Minus 0.5% Base 2.75% Plus 0.5% Change in portfolio valuation Decreases GBP10.9m GBP264.5m Increases GBP11.5m Change in NAV per share Decreases 4.9p 96.7p Increases 5.1p ----------------------------- ------------------ ---------- ------------------
Wind and solar assets are subject to electricity price and electricity generation risks. The sensitivities of the investments to movements in the level of electricity output and electricity price are as follows:
The fair value of the investments is based on a "P50" level of electricity output for the renewable energy assets, being the expected level of generation over the long term. The sensitivity of the portfolio to movements in energy yields based on an assumed "P90" level of electricity output (i.e. a level of generation that is below the "P50", with a 90% probability of being exceeded) and an assumed "P10" level of electricity output (i.e. a level of generation that is above the "P50", with a 10% probability of being achieved) is as follows:
30 Sep 2016 (unaudited) ----------------------------- ------------------ --------- ------------------ Energy yield P90 (10 year) Base P50 P10 (10 year) Change in portfolio valuation Decreases GBP30.9m GBP320.7m Increases GBP31.0m Change in NAV per share Decreases 11.2p 98.3p Increases 11.2p ----------------------------- ------------------ --------- ------------------ 31 Mar 2016 (audited) ----------------------------- ------------------ --------- ------------------ Energy yield P90 (10 year) Base P50 P10 (10 year) Change in portfolio valuation Decreases GBP21.6m GBP264.5m Increases GBP21.7m Change in NAV per share Decreases 9.6p 96.7p Increases 9.7p ----------------------------- ------------------ --------- ------------------
The sensitivity of the portfolio to movements in electricity prices is as follows:
30 Sep 2016 (unaudited) ----------------------------- ------------------ --------- ------------------ Electricity prices Minus 10% Base Plus 10% Change in portfolio valuation Decreases GBP14.5m GBP320.7m Increases GBP14.5m Change in NAV per share Decreases 5.2p 98.3p Increases 5.2p ----------------------------- ------------------ --------- ------------------ 31 Mar 2016 (audited) ----------------------------- ----------------- --------- ----------------- Electricity prices Minus 10% Base Plus 10% Change in portfolio valuation Decreases GBP9.6m GBP264.5m Increases GBP9.5m Change in NAV per share Decreases 4.3p 96.7p Increases 4.2p ----------------------------- ----------------- --------- -----------------
Waste and wastewater assets do not have significant volume and price risks.
Euro/sterling exchange rates sensitivity:
As the proportion of the portfolio assets with cash flows denominated in euros represented less than 1% of the portfolio value at 30 September 2016, the Directors consider the sensitivity to changes in the euro/sterling exchange rate to be insignificant.
The Directors consider that the carrying value amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded at amortised cost in the financial statements are approximately equal to their fair values.
16. Guarantees and other commitments
As at 30 September 2016, the Company has provided a guarantee under the Company's wholly--owned subsidiary UK HoldCo's GBP75 million revolving credit facility due to expire on 9 October 2018.
In September 2016 the Company entered into an agreement to acquire the Plouguernevel wind farm for EUR2.1 million. Completion of the acquisition is subject to customary consents.
The Company had no other commitments or guarantees.
17. Subsidiaries
The following subsidiaries have not been consolidated in these financial statements as a result of applying the requirements of "Investment Entities: Applying the Consolidation Exception (Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 27)":
Place
of Ownership Voting
Name Category business interest rights
------------------------- --------------------- ---------- --------- -------
John Laing Environmental
Assets Group (UK) Intermediate Holding
Limited Company UK 100% 100%
Intermediate Holding
HWT Limited Company UK 100% 100%
Project holding
JLEAG Solar 1 Limited company UK 100% 100%
Croft Solar PV
Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Cross Solar PV
Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Domestic Solar
Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Ecossol Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Hill Solar PV Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Share Solar PV
Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Tor Solar PV limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Residential PV
trading Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
South-Western Farms
Solar Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Angel Solar Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Project holding
Easton PV Limited company UK 100% 100%
Project holding
Pylle Solar Limited company UK 100% 100%
Second Energy Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Project holding
ELWA Holdings Limited company UK 80% 80%
ELWA Limited(1) Operating subsidiary UK 80% 81%
JLEAG Wind Holdings Project holding
Limited company UK 100% 100%
Project holding
JLEAG Wind Limited company UK 100% 100%
Amber Solar Parks Project holding
(Holdings) Limited company UK 100% 100%
Amber Solar Park
Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Fryingdown Solar
Park Limited Non-trading entity UK 100% 100%
Five Oaks Solar
Parks Limited Non-trading entity UK 100% 100%
Bilsthorpe Wind Project holding
Farm Holdings Limited company UK 100% 100%
Bilsthorpe Wind
Farm Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Project holding
Ferndale Wind Limited company UK 100% 100%
Castle Pill Wind Project holding
Limited company UK 100% 100%
Wind Assets LLP Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Shanks Dumfries
and Galloway Holdings Project holding
Limited company UK 80% 80%
Shanks Dumfries
and Galloway Limited Operating subsidiary UK 80% 80%
JL Hall Farm Holdings Project holding
Limited company UK 100% 100%
Hall Farm Wind
Farm Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Branden Solar Parks Project holding
(Holdings) Limited company UK 100% 100%
Branden Solar Parks Project holding
Limited company UK 100% 100%
KS SPV 3 Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
KS SPV 4 Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
BL Wind (Holdings) Project holding
Limited company UK 100% 100%
BL Wind Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Burton Wold Extension
Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Carscreugh (Holdings) Project holding
Limited company UK 100% 100%
Carscreugh Renewable
Energy Park Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Wear Point Wind Project holding
HoldCo Limited company UK 100% 100%
Wear Point Wind
Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
New Albion Wind Project holding
(Holdings) Limited company UK 100% 100%
New Albion Wind
Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
Dreachmhor Wind
Farm (Holdings) Project holding
Limited company UK 100% 100%
Dreachmhor Wind
Farm Limited Operating subsidiary UK 100% 100%
France Wind GP Project holding
Germany GmbH company DE 100% 100%
France Wind Germany Project holding
GmbH & Co. KG company DE 100% 100%
Parc Eolien Le
Placis Vert SAS Operating subsidiary FR 100% 100%
Monksham Power Project holding
Limited company UK (2) (2)
Frome Solar Limited Operating subsidiary UK (2) (2)
------------------------- --------------------- ---------- --------- -------
(1) ELWA Holdings Limited holds 81% of the voting rights and 100% share of the economic benefits in ELWA Limited.
(2) 100% of "B" shares plus 100% of loans to the project. The "A" shareholders, investors under the Enterprise Investment Scheme, remain invested in the project. Including the loans, JLEN held an effective economic interest over 87% of the value of the project's cash flow (as calculated at acquisition).
18. Events after the reporting period
A dividend for the quarter ended 30 September 2016 of 1.53 pence per share was approved by the Board on 22 November 2016. Please refer to note 6 for further details.
Pursuant to the Company's tap issuance programme announced on 28 July 2016, the Company issued between 3 October 2016 and 7 October 2016 a further 6,435,643 ordinary shares of no par value at a price of 102 pence per share, raising gross proceeds of GBP6.6 million. The total number of ordinary shares in issue at the date of this report is 282,792,078.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR ZMMZMGZDGVZZ
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
November 23, 2016 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)
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