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Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited | LSE:TRIG | London | Ordinary Share | GG00BBHX2H91 | ORD NPV |
Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
-0.20 | -0.20% | 99.80 | 99.80 | 100.20 | 101.00 | 99.90 | 100.40 | 4,176,930 | 16:35:18 |
Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Finance Services | 9.2M | 5.8M | 0.0023 | 434.35 | 2.48B |
TIDMTRIG
RNS Number : 3464O
Renewables Infrastructure Grp (The)
18 August 2017
The Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited
Announcement of Interim Results for the six months ended 30 June 2017
18 August 2017
The Directors of The Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited announce the interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2017.
Highlights for the six months to 30 June 2017 Robust performance, on target for full-year dividend * Portfolio generated 851GWh of electricity in the period (H1 2016: 738GWh) * Annualised total shareholder return for the period of 7.2% on a share price basis and 7.6% on a NAV basis * Profit before tax of GBP31.3 million (H1 2016: GBP19.2 million) * Earnings per ordinary share of 3.5p (H1 2016: 2.6p) * NAV per ordinary share(1) of 100.6p as at 30 June 2017 (31 December 2016: 100.1p) * Directors' portfolio valuation of GBP951.8(2) million as at 30 June 2017 (31 December 2016: GBP818.7 million) * Dividends paid / declared for H1 2017 as per target; overall target of 6.40p per share reaffirmed for the year (2016: 6.25p(3) ) Continued growth in scale and diversity * Invested GBP129m during the period including the acquisition of two onshore operational wind farms amounting to 44MW of capacity * Raised GBP110 million of new equity capital (before issue costs) * Construction and commissioning of Freasdail Wind Farm completed on schedule * Refinanced a portfolio of three solar projects on improved terms Post period-end activities * Acquired Broxburn, a 20MW battery-storage project * TRIG's portfolio now includes 56 portfolio projects in the UK, Ireland and France with net output capacity of 774MW
1 The NAV per share at 30 June 2017 is calculated on the basis of 943,070,204 (being the sum of 942,214,888 ordinary shares in issue at that date plus a further 855,316 ordinary shares to be issued to the Managers) in relation to part-payment of Managers' fees for 2016 in the form of ordinary shares.
2 The Directors valuation of GBP951.8m is on the Expanded Basis and reconciliation from the Expanded Basis to the IFRS Basis is provided in the Analysis of Financial Results.
3 The 6.25p per share dividend relates to performance during the 2016 financial year. Total cash dividends paid during 2016 amounted to 7.7975p per share as they included an extra quarter of dividends that resulted from the shift in 2016 from semi-annual to quarterly dividends (i.e. dividends equivalent to one quarter of performance were accelerated - a one-off timing difference).
Helen Mahy CBE, Chairman of the Company, said:
"TRIG's interim results for the first half of 2017 demonstrate the Company's robust financial and operational performance. The success of the Company is underpinned by prudent management, a diversified portfolio and benefits of scale, with TRIG achieving target generation despite challenging weather conditions in certain geographies. The Board remains confident of the Company's outlook and we remain on track to deliver our dividend of 6.4p per share distributions for the year."
Richard Crawford, Director, Infrastructure, InfraRed Capital Partners, said:
"The Company has had a strong start to the year. We have invested about GBP150 million, including TRIG's first investment in Wales and the Company's first energy storage transaction, which was completed after the period end. Although competition for renewables projects remains strong, we maintain a disciplined approach to sourcing investments across our target technologies and geographies. We look forward to delivering further consistent income as well as achieving additional scale efficiencies and liquidity for our investors."
This announcement contains Inside Information.
Enquiries
InfraRed Capital Partners (Investment 020 7353 4200 (on Manager) the day) Richard Crawford, Director, Infrastructure Matt Dimond, Director, Investor Relations Phil George, Portfolio Director RES (Operations Manager) 020 7353 4200 (on the day) Jaz Bains, Group Commercial Director Rob Armstrong, Head of Group Communications & Marketing RES (Operations Manager) 020 7353 4200 (on the day) Jaz Bains, Group Commercial Director Rob Armstrong, Head of Group Communications & Marketing Tulchan Communications (Financial PR) 020 7353 4200 Martin Pengelley Latika Shah
Summary Information on TRIG and the Managers
The Renewables Infrastructure Group
The Renewables Infrastructure Group ("TRIG") was one of the first investment companies investing in renewable energy infrastructure projects listed on the London Stock Exchange. TRIG, a Guernsey-based Company which completed its IPO in 2013 raising GBP300 million, is a member of the FTSE-250 index with a market capitalisation as at 30 June 2017 of approximately GBP1.04 billion. TRIG has a strategy of diversification by investing in multiple renewable energy technologies, jurisdictions and climate systems.
TRIG has two experienced managers, InfraRed Capital Partners and Renewable Energy Systems, working together to give the benefit of the best services in both investment management and operational management.
InfraRed Capital Partners
InfraRed Capital Partners Limited ("InfraRed") is TRIG's Investment Manager and advises the Group on financial management, sourcing and executing on new investments and providing capital raising and investor relations services.
InfraRed is a leading international investment manager specialised in infrastructure and real estate. With over 120 employees and offices in London, New York, Hong Kong, Seoul and Sydney, InfraRed has a 25+ year track record in raising and managing 15 infrastructure and real estate funds with over US$9 billion of equity under management.
InfraRed is also adviser to HICL Infrastructure Company Limited, the largest London-listed infrastructure investment company with a market capitalisation of c. GBP2.9 billion as at 30 June 2017.
Renewable Energy Systems
Renewable Energy Systems Limited ("RES") is TRIG's Operations Manager and advises the Group on project operations.
RES is the world's largest independent renewable energy company having developed and/or constructed 12GW of projects, with operations in 10 countries and over 1,900 employees globally. RES has the expertise to develop, engineer, construct and operate projects around the globe across a range of technologies including onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage and transmission.
A dedicated team of more than 40 RES staff provide portfolio-level operations management, utilising the company's 35-year experience in renewables to support the evaluation of investment opportunities for the Group and provide project-level services in the UK, Ireland and France.
Overview of Interim Financial Results
Six months to Six months to 30 June 2017 30 June 2016 Operating income (Expanded GBP39.5m GBP32.8m Basis)(1) Operating income (Statutory GBP33.3m GBP25.9m IFRS Basis)(1) Profit before tax GBP31.3m GBP19.2m Earnings per share(2) 3.5p 2.6p Interim dividends per share for the period 3.2p 3.125p As at As at 30 June 31 December 2017 2016 Net Asset Value (NAV) per share 100.6p(3) 100.1p Cash balance(4) GBP8.6m GBP18.7m
Chairman's Statement
Introduction
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present a robust set of results for the six months to 30 June 2017. NAV per share is 100.6p, up from 100.1p at 31 December 2016. Earnings per share are 3.5p, up from 2.6p in the comparative period in 2016. Cash generation covered dividends paid by 1.2 times.
TRIG has a large, diversified portfolio of 56 operating projects with 774MW of net output capacity across multiple technologies providing long-term revenues from electricity sales and from well-established support schemes in the UK, France and the Republic of Ireland. Our experienced team of Managers - InfraRed as Investment Manager and RES as Operations Manager - provide access to a pipeline of new opportunities across multiple markets and technologies as well as the in-depth capabilities to manage a broad portfolio of operating projects to maximise value over their long-term project lives.
TRIG, one of the fastest growing investment companies in recent years(5) , enjoys strong long-term cash flows from a stable and diversified investment portfolio in markets with the supportive dynamics of carbon reduction targets, installation and operating cost improvements and the imperative for improving energy security. As a result, it is well positioned against the challenges posed by weaker than expected power prices and by the broad political uncertainties in the UK created by Brexit and the recent UK general election. In addition, the Managers are actively seeking efficiency improvements across the portfolio and have a strong pipeline of new acquisition opportunities under review.
Portfolio and Operations
During the period, TRIG successfully made new investments of GBP129.0 million. These predominantly constituted investments in Neilston Community Wind Farm, a 10MW operating onshore project in Scotland acquired from Carbon Free, and the recently commissioned 34MW onshore wind farm, Garreg Lwyd, TRIG's first investment in Wales, acquired from RES. The latter has only recently been ROC accredited so it benefits from a full 20 years of ROC revenues and an expected operational life of 25 years. Both of these wind farms were acquired as a result of established relationships with developers. In the case of RES, the Group's Operations Manager, TRIG through its 'right of first offer' agreement has made 21 successful acquisitions between IPO in July 2013 and 30 June 2017.
The first half of 2017 also saw the successful completion of the construction and commissioning of the Freasdail wind farm in Kintyre, Scotland, comprising 11 turbines with a generating capacity of 22.6MW. This represents an important milestone for TRIG. This was TRIG's first construction project in the wind sector and benefitted from the extensive experience of the Company's Managers in overseeing construction projects.
Electricity production during the first half of 2017 was 851GWh, 15% higher than the comparable period in 2016 (738GWh) as a result of the increase in the scale of the portfolio and improved operational performance. On the solar side, French production mitigated lower-than-expected output from the UK portfolio, in particular Penare which experienced exceptional downtime due to the consequences of a grid power surge.
During the period, the Company successfully refinanced a portfolio of three UK solar assets, taking advantage of improved financing terms.
Power Prices
Spot wholesale power prices have been above the comparative period last year. Forecasts for wholesale prices, however, have reduced approximately 5% over the longer term compared to the forecast power curves reported in our Annual Report for the period to December 2016 as expectations for future gas prices have adjusted downwards. The lower power price expectations are reflected in the Company's portfolio valuation and the movement in the valuation contributes to the Company's earnings for the period.
Financial Results and Valuation
The Company's profit before tax was GBP31.3 million for the six months ending 30 June 2017 (an increase of 63% over the GBP19.2 million achieved for the six months to 30 June 2016). Earnings per share for the period were 3.5p, 35% higher than the 2.6p achieved in the equivalent period in 2016. These results represent a robust performance against the backdrop of lower wholesale power price forecasts. Positive movements include reductions in valuation discount rates (reflecting strong demand for renewables), foreign exchange gains, changes in taxation assumptions and other efficiency gains recognised in the valuation. Examples of efficiency gains implemented by the Managers include reduced maintenance costs reflected in new contracts and refinancing gains, with the current supportive lending environment facilitating the replacement of existing debt packages with new long-term debt on improved terms.
The Directors have approved a valuation of GBP951.8 million as at 30 June 2017 for the portfolio of 55 projects (31 December 2016: GBP818.7 million and 53 projects). The net asset value ("NAV") per share was 100.6p at 30 June 2017 (up 0.5p on the 100.1p NAV per share as at 31 December 2016).
Cash received from the portfolio by way of distributions was GBP35.3 million. After operating and finance costs, net cash flow of GBP30.5 million covered the cash dividends paid in March and June 2017, in respect of the six months to 31 March 2017 by 1.2 times (or 1.7 times, factoring in amounts invested in the repayment of project-level debt - with the amount repaid at the project level amounting to an additional GBP14.7 million).
Total management fees accruing to InfraRed and RES amounted to GBP4.2 million in the period, comprising their management and advisory fees based on 1.0% per annum in aggregate of the applicable Adjusted Portfolio Value, with 20% of the fees to be paid through the issue to the Managers of 855,316 shares in aggregate. This will reduce to an aggregate fee of 0.8% on amounts over GBP1.0bn. For the period, the Company's Ongoing Charges Percentage, using the AIC methodology, were 1.09% on an annualised basis, down from 1.15% for the comparative period in 2016.
Annualised total shareholder return (TSR) - based on share price performance plus dividends - for the six months to 30 June 2016 was 7.2%. TRIG's TSR since IPO is 8.4% vs. 7.4% for the FTSE All-Share Index. TRIG's annualised TSR on a NAV-plus-dividends basis for the six months to 30 June 2017 was 7.6%.
Capital Raising and Financing
In April 2017, the Company completed a placing of 106,796,117 new shares under the terms of its second Share Issuance Programme (which expired in the same month), raising gross proceeds of GBP110 million. The net proceeds from the share issuance were used to fund the acquisition pipeline (including Garreg Lwyd and Neilston).
Distributions
During the period, the Company paid aggregate interim dividends of 3.1625p per share, comprising the fourth interim dividend for 2016 of 1.5625p paid in March 2017 and the first interim dividend for 2017 of 1.6p per share paid in June 2017. The Board has declared a second interim dividend for 2017 of 1.6p per share which is payable on 29 September 2017 to those ordinary shareholders on the register on the record date of 18 August 2017.
The Company offers shareholders a scrip dividend alternative, full details of which can be found in the Scrip Dividend Circular 2017 (available on the Company's website).
We remain on track for an aggregate dividend of 6.4p per share for the current financial year to 31 December 2017, as per the guidance issued by the Company in February 2017. Subsidy income has benefited from its inflation linkage and spot power prices have made a recovery over H1 2017 although, as noted, forecast power prices have reduced. While TRIG benefits from support scheme revenues, which are generally inflation-linked and currently comprise the majority of the portfolio revenue, the shape of cash flows are also affected by the outlook for electricity prices as well as by other factors. As the Company has previously stated, TRIG's distribution policy assumes, in particular, steady growth in UK and European wholesale power prices and on-target operating performance. While operationally we have performed close to target, after successive falls in wholesale power price forecasts since launch, future dividend increases may trend beneath inflation unless there are sustained long-term power price increases in real terms. The Board will keep TRIG's distribution policy under review, taking into account these factors as well as the prevailing rate of inflation and their impact on dividend cover when considering whether it would be prudent to move to a progressive dividend policy rather than one directly linked to inflation in the future.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
As detailed in the Company's Annual Report to 31 December 2016, the principal risks and uncertainties affecting the Group are as follows:
-- portfolio electricity production falling short of expectations;
-- electricity prices falling or not recovering as expected; and
-- government or regulatory support for renewables changing adversely.
Further information in relation to these principal risks and uncertainties, which are unchanged from 31 December 2016 and remain the risks most likely to affect the Group in the second half of the year, may be found on pages 44 to 46 of the Company's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2016. In addition to the risks identified above, the Managers' Report herein discusses further the implications for the Company of the ongoing Brexit process. The Brexit process may impact on power prices and government policies although the direction and extent of any such outcomes as yet remain unclear.
Outlook
As a long-term investor, the Company continually assesses the political and economic backdrop and trends. The Board believes that governments in the UK and across Europe, under pressure from voters to move away from austerity, may continue to look to the markets to help fund necessary infrastructure projects as fiscal pressures become a persistent feature of the economic landscape. The recent increase in inflation and expected modest and gradual rises in interest rates also provide a benign environment for the Company to pursue prudent acquisitions as well as obtain attractive financing for existing investments.
Following the completion of Freasdail wind farm, the Company may engage in further construction activity (subject to its investment limits(6) ) enabling it to secure projects at more favourable returns in an increasingly competitive market as investors hunt out long-term yielding assets with positive inflation-correlation. In addition to looking at suitable projects in new markets, such as Benelux, Germany and Scandinavia, the Investment Manager will also continue to look at alternative technologies within the 20% limit for projects beyond onshore wind and solar. These technologies include offshore wind (a high-growth, large-scale market in the UK and Northern Europe) and battery storage (an important industry for the future balancing of renewables).
In August, following the period end, TRIG acquired a battery storage project, Broxburn. This project marks the first investment by TRIG in "renewables-enabling" infrastructure. Battery storage will be used on the grid to stabilise the frequency of grid supplied electricity - matching the variability of supply and demand.
The broader market picture looks promising. Public and political support for clean electricity in the UK and Europe remains strong, underlined by government initiatives designed to provide momentum for the switch to electric vehicles and to incentivise better demand-side response. The reduction in the cost of deploying proven renewables infrastructure continues apace. This may make unsubsidised renewables generation a reality and points to a likely resurgence in new developments in the years ahead, both to replace fossil-fuelled generation as well as for repowering maturing "first generation" renewables sites.
With an extensive operating portfolio, an attractive acquisition pipeline and the skills of the management teams at InfraRed and RES, the Company looks forward to delivering further steady performance in the second half of 2017 and beyond.
Helen Mahy CBE
Chairman
17 August 2017
Investment Portfolio
The TRIG portfolio benefits from being diversified across multiple jurisdictions, power markets and generating technologies providing multiple revenue contract and/or subsidy sources, as well as a variety of geographic areas with differing meteorological conditions (affecting wind speeds and solar irradiation applicable to each of TRIG's projects).
As at 30 June 2017, the TRIG portfolio comprised 55 investments in the UK, Republic of Ireland and France, including 27 onshore wind projects (73% by value) and 28 solar photovoltaic projects (27% by value). The UK represented 86% of the portfolio by value (of which England 24%, Scotland 45%, Wales 11% and Northern Ireland 6%), with France contributing 12% and the Republic of Ireland 2%. Following the period end there were 56 investments following the acquisition of the Broxburn battery storage project in Scotland in August 2017.
Project Market (Region) TRIG's Net Capacity Year Commissioned(7) Turbine (MW) Equity (MW) Interest ONSHORE WIND FARMS Roos GB (England) 100% 17.1 2013 Vestas (1.9) Grange GB (England) 100% 14.0 2013 Vestas (2.0) Tallentire GB (England) 100% 12.0 2013 Vestas (2.0) Garreg Lwyd GB (Wales) 100% 34.0 2017 Vestas (2.0) Crystal Rig 2 GB (Scotland) 49% 67.6 2010 Siemens (2.3) Hill of Towie GB (Scotland) 100% 48.3 2012 Siemens (2.3) Mid Hill GB (Scotland) 49% 37.2 2014 Siemens (2.3) Paul's Hill GB (Scotland) 49% 31.6 2006 Siemens (2.3) Crystal Rig 1 GB (Scotland) 49% 30.6 2003 Nordex (2.5) Green Hill GB (Scotland) 100% 28.0 2012 Vestas (2.0) Rothes 1 GB (Scotland) 49% 24.8 2005 Siemens (2.3) Freasdail GB (Scotland) 100% 22.6 2017 Senvion (2.1) Rothes 2 GB (Scotland) 49% 20.3 2013 Siemens (2.3) Earlseat GB (Scotland) 100% 16.0 2014 Vestas (2.0) Meikle Carewe GB (Scotland) 100% 10.2 2013 Gamesa (0.85) Neilston GB (Scotland) 100% 10.0 2017 Nordex (2.5) Forss GB (Scotland) 100% 7.2 2003 Siemens (1.0-1.3) Altahullion SEM (N. Ireland) 100% 37.7 2003 Siemens (1.3) Lendrum's Bridge SEM (N. Ireland) 100% 13.2 2000 Vestas (0.7) Lough Hill SEM (N. Ireland) 100% 7.8 2007 Siemens (1.3) SEM (Rep. of Taurbeg Ireland) 100% 25.3 2006 Siemens (2.3) SEM (Rep. of Milane Hill Ireland) 100% 5.9 2000 Vestas (0.7) SEM (Rep. of Beennageeha Ireland) 100% 4.0 2000 Vestas (0.7) Haut Languedoc France (South) 100% 29.9 2006 Siemens (1.3) Haut Cabardes France (South) 100% 20.8 2005 Siemens (1.3) Cuxac Cabardes France (South) 100% 12.0 2006 Vestas (2.0) Roussas-Claves France (South) 100% 10.5 2006 Vestas (1.8) Total Onshore Wind at 30 June 2017 598.6 Project Market (Region) TRIG's Net Capacity Year Commissioned(8) Turbine Equity (MW) (MW) Interest SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PARKS Parley Court Farm GB (England) 100% 24.2 2014 ReneSola Egmere Airfield GB (England) 100% 21.2 2014 ReneSola Stour Fields GB (England) 100% 18.7 2014 Hanwha SolarOne Tamar Heights GB (England) 100% 11.8 2014 Hanwha SolarOne Penare Farm GB (England) 100% 11.1 2014 ReneSola Four Burrows GB (England) 100% 7.2 2015 ReneSola Canadian Parsonage GB (England) 100% 7.0 2013 Solar Canadian Churchtown GB (England) 100% 5.0 2011 Solar Canadian East Langford GB (England) 100% 5.0 2011 Solar Canadian Manor Farm GB (England) 100% 5.0 2011 Solar Marvel Farms GB (England) 100% 5.0 2011 LDK/Q.Cells Midi France (South) 51% 6.1 2012 SunPower Plateau France (South) 49% 5.9 2012 Sunpower Puits Castan France (South) 100% 5.0 2011 Fonroche Chateau France (South) 49% 1.9 2012 Sharp Broussan France (South) 49% 1.0 2012 Sharp Pascialone France (Corsica) 49% 2.2 2011 CSUN Olmo 2 France (Corsica) 49% 2.1 2011 CSUN Santa Lucia France (Corsica) 49% 1.7 2011 CSUN Borgo France (Corsica) 49% 0.9 2011 Suntech Agrinergie 1 & 3 France (Réunion) 49% 1.4 2011 Suntech/CSUN Chemin Canal France (Réunion) 49% 1.3 2011 CSUN Canadian Ligne des 400 France (Réunion) 49% 1.3 2011 Solar Agrisol France (Réunion) 49% 0.8 2011 Sunpower Agrinergie 5 France (Réunion) 49% 0.7 2011 Sunpower Logistisud France (Réunion) 49% 0.6 2010 Sunpower Sainte Marguerite France (Guadeloupe) 49% 1.2 2011 Sunpower Marie Galante France (Guadeloupe) 25% 0.5 2010 GE Total Solar PV at 30 June 2017 155.8 Total Portfolio at 30 June 2017 754.4
Acquisition post-30 June 2017:
BATTERY STORAGE Broxburn GB (Scotland) 100% 20.0 2018 Samsung/SMA Total Portfolio at 17 August 2017: 774.4
Managers' Report
TRIG is advised by InfraRed Capital Partners as Investment Manager and Renewable Energy Systems as Operations Manager.
Market Developments and Opportunities
The first half of 2017 has seen a shifting political and economic scene, notably with elections in the UK and Continental Europe and the triggering of the UK's exit from the EU. Inflation has picked up in the UK following sterling's devaluation and this will feed through into ROC values. There are signals for a potential turn in the interest rate cycle, albeit a measured and long-flagged one. Meanwhile, the fundamentals for growth in the renewables market remain: a broad international commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; the improving cost-competitiveness of renewable energy technologies as they move into the mainstream of the global energy market; and the political and economic imperative to plan for long-term local and regional energy security. Although the announcement by the White House of a US withdrawal from the 2015 "COP21" Paris Agreement is certainly disappointing from a climate change perspective, the reaction from other countries has been impressive in the reaffirming of commitments to renewables, including from countries within TRIG's core geographical focus.
United Kingdom
As an investor focused primarily on operational renewables infrastructure projects in well-established technologies, the Company is expected to show resilience in its performance, whatever the manner of the UK's expected departure from the European Union. While clearly influenced by European momentum towards greener energy and forming part of the UK's contribution towards broader EU-wide goals, the UK has enacted its own energy legislation, most importantly the 2008 UK Climate Change Act which targets an 80% reduction in carbon emissions from 1990 levels by 2050. Neither the Renewable Obligation (RO), the historic mainstay of the government support applicable to TRIG's UK assets, or the overarching policies such as the Levy Control Framework (determining the UK's budgeting strategy) are set by EU Directives. The rapid rates of deployment of wind and solar in the UK in recent years as well as increasing efficiency measures across energy, transport, housing and industry have made a meaningful impact on meeting the UK's ambitious domestic targets.
The final closure of the RO regime to new plant in April 2017 marks the end of a five-year period of impressive growth in UK onshore wind and solar. The UK's installed solar capacity increased dramatically from approximately 1.7GW in December 2012 to 12.2GW in March 2017, while the UK's wind capacity (both onshore and offshore) nearly doubled over the same period, increasing from approximately 5.9GW to 11.7GW(9) .
Deployment of new UK onshore wind and solar capacity is expected to plateau in the near-term, with no pending allocations under the UK's newer Contracts-for-Difference, "CfD," support scheme for these technologies. However, the Managers are confident that they will be able to acquire opportunities for further portfolio acquisitions in several areas:
-- the significant number of existing operating wind and solar assets available from utilities and developers seeking to recycle their investment capital;
-- the build-out of UK offshore wind under long-term CfD support schemes as well as from the earlier RO programme, with this segment currently accounting for some 5.5GW1 of UK generating capacity and expected to double over the next five years; and
-- supporting infrastructure such as battery storage which improves the integration of intermittent renewables technologies into grid networks.
An additional area of potential investment will emerge from a new generation of installations which seek to be viable without subsidy. These will typically be developments in specific locations with strong natural resources and convenient grid connectivity allowing for a levelised cost of generation competitive with baseload gas- and coal-fired generation. As such projects may have a higher variability in revenues arising from wholesale power markets than those with a major element of fixed subsidy, they are more likely to be structured with little or no leverage to obtain a similar level of investment risk.
Other Northern Europe
As at 30 June 2017, French assets constituted 12% of the Company's portfolio by value. The Managers see opportunities to increase this, especially given France's strong environmental agenda under its new President, Emmanuel Macron. The programme of the new French administration promises a continued shift into renewable energy, including the doubling of French wind and solar capacity and the closing of all coal-fired stations, both within five years, while reducing the nuclear segment of the French power market from close to three-quarters of generation today to half by 2025.
At the start of 2017, the Republic of Ireland was only halfway towards achieving its 2020 target of 16% primary energy consumption from renewable sources. It is likely that there will be significant renewables deployment over the coming years as the government tries to reach this target and avoid the prospect of financial penalties imposed by the EU. The deadline for grid-connecting existing REFIT support scheme projects has been extended to December 2019. The Irish government has signalled its intention to provide a new renewable energy support scheme and a public consultation is expected imminently.
In addition to its existing assets in the UK, Ireland and France, the Company continues to review opportunities in other markets, in particular in Benelux, Germany and Scandinavia.
Power Prices and Currencies
Spot and forward wholesale power prices, partly supported by the devaluation of sterling after June 2016, have staged a material recovery over the lows of H1 2016, trading in the UK market in the GBP40s per MWh versus the low GBP30s seen at one stage in the comparative period.
The outlook for long-term forecast power prices is more cautious as a result of a lower trajectory for long-term natural gas prices in the UK and Europe which are key in setting wholesale power prices in TRIG's portfolio countries.
Recent power price forecasts maintain the expectation for rises, in real terms, over the longer term. Key factors impacting on the long-term outlook include:
-- increased expected natural gas prices over the longer term driven by increased demand for LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) from growth in Asian economies;
-- the continued transition away from coal and the accelerated decommissioning of older fossil fuel generators;
-- potential delays in the commissioning of replacement nuclear facilities;
-- increased electrification of transport (noting the recent emphasis from policy setters as well as leading manufacturers);
-- expected higher carbon costs; and -- counterbalancing efficiency improvements in power usage.
The continued weakness of sterling also benefits the sterling value of TRIG's euro-denominated assets. Non-sterling assets constituted 14% of the portfolio as at 30 June 2017. A depreciation of sterling of 10% against the euro results in approximately a 0.6% increase in NAV.
Portfolio Performance
Capital Raising
A total of GBP110 million new equity before expenses was raised in April 2017 following an institutional placing under the Company's second Share Issuance Programme. This placing was oversubscribed and investors were subject to material scale-backs. The net proceeds were applied to fund new investments in the Garreg Lwyd and Neilston UK onshore wind projects. As at 30 June 2017 the Company's revolving acquisition facility was GBP8.5 million drawn.
Acquisitions
In the first half of 2017, TRIG made investments of GBP129.0 million, comprising two acquisitions for GBP125.4 million in aggregate consideration and two small follow-on investments for GBP3.5 million. TRIG's net generating capacity as a result has increased from to 710MW to 754MW.
In May 2017, TRIG acquired a 100% interest in Neilston Community Wind Farm, a 10MW onshore project in East Renfrewshire, Scotland. TRIG acquired the asset from a private developer, Carbon Free, and Neilston Development Trust for GBP22.6 million with no third party debt. The asset benefits from ROC accreditation and is due to receive 1.0 ROCs per MWh for the next 16 years of its operational life.
In the same month, TRIG acquired a 100% interest in a newly operational 34MW onshore wind farm, Garreg Lwyd in Powys, Wales. This significant purchase represents TRIG's first Welsh project and is now TRIG's largest asset by value. The Company acquired this project from RES who developed the project under TRIG's Right of First Offer Agreement. The total investment in the project (including a small element of funding to cover the completion of construction works) was GBP102.8 million, with no third party debt. Garreg Lwyd is one of the last projects to be accredited under the UK's ROC regime for onshore wind and is entitled to receive 0.9 ROCs per MWh for the next 20 years.
During the period TRIG took the opportunity to purchase the freehold interest in the land at the Marvel Farms solar park for GBP1.1 million enhancing its long-term interest in the site. TRIG paid GBP2.4 million to RES (TRIG's Operations Manager) pursuant to the post acquisition true-up relating to the Meikle Carewe and Tallentire wind farms that TRIG purchased from RES in June 2014 as a result of an updated yield assessment.
In August 2017, since period end, TRIG acquired Broxburn battery storage for a total investment of GBP20 million once construction has completed. The project is located in West Lothian, Scotland, and has 20MW of two-way capacity. It was developed by RES and construction is expected to be completed by Q1 2018. The asset is then expected to have an operational life of 15 years. Broxburn has no debt financing and benefits from a bespoke long-term bilateral contract with National Grid Electricity Transmission plc to provide dynamic grid balancing services. For the initial four years of operations under the contract, revenues are substantially based on pre-determined, RPI-indexed availability payments. This is the first investment for TRIG beyond the onshore wind and solar sectors. In addition to storage assets, TRIG will continue to review opportunities in other technologies including offshore wind and demand-side response. Under its investment policy, TRIG can invest up to 20% of the portfolio by value in other such technologies.
The acquisitions made since January 2017 were achieved via well-established relationships. Broxburn battery storage and Garreg Lwyd wind farm were both acquired from RES, who developed the assets. Neilston Wind Farm was acquired from Carbon Free, a developer with whom InfraRed has successfully transacted in the past and which was a vendor of TRIG's Earlseat wind farm.
Operations
Between January and June 2017, the TRIG portfolio generated a total of 851 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity (including compensated downtime). This includes contributions from the recently acquired UK wind farms Neilston, Freasdail and Garreg Lwyd. Generation has increased by 15% compared to the same period in 2016, reflecting growth in the portfolio's generating capacity and improved performance. Overall generation was in line with budget for the period despite slightly weaker than average weather.
Generation at TRIG's Scottish wind assets exceeded expectations. Wind production in England and Wales was broadly in line with budget, while low wind speeds adversely impacted the French and Irish assets.
Most of the solar projects performed close to budget although some assets had exceptional downtime. Most notably, Penare, the 11.1MW solar farm in Cornwall, had an outage for just over two months stemming from grid issues which caused onsite protection device failures. Detailed root cause analysis identified additional electrical surge protection requirements which have now been retrofitted and the site has been returned to full operational status. An insurance claim is under review and an enhanced spares strategy to mitigate the impact of any future failures has also been implemented. Rectification works on build quality issues on some English solar sites, which are being funded by bond claims, have also impacted modestly on availability.
The Operations Manager, RES, continues to engage in initiatives to enhance the value of the portfolio. RES takes a comprehensive approach to saving cost and maximizing yield, considering both contractual and technical opportunities.
In the first quarter of 2017, new turbine O&M contracts were secured bringing significant cost savings and improved guarantees of performance on several projects. One new contract for a Scottish wind farm will deliver a GBP3.7 million saving over 10 years compared to the acquisition case, while new contracts at three Irish wind sites secured a 30% saving as well as the inclusion of new availability warranties, providing additional protection to the projects. Similarly, the RES team continues to focus on several solar sites where outsourced O&M management has underperformed or where unexpected grid outages have affected production. RES took over responsibility for the operation of six sites from Isolux Corsán prior to its entry into insolvency.
On the technical side, RES undertakes condition monitoring on TRIG sites to detect and proactively address potential problems before failure, reducing cost. One successful example is the early detection of the faulty Roussas-Claves generator, which was replaced following condition monitoring analysis. The fault would likely have caused two weeks of downtime and required additional component replacements; therefore the detection saved an estimated EUR170,000. A further example of technical enhancements is on wind sites in France, where blade alignment is being addressed. A misaligned blade on one site has been successfully identified and corrected, improving yield.
The energy yield budgets represent the expected average annual production for the projects in normal operating environment and average weather conditions (known as the P50 budget - see 'Energy yield assumptions' in the Valuation Sensitivities section of the Manager's Report for an explanation of P50). The energy yield budgets are updated periodically using current industry methodology and incorporate technical analysis of site specific variables (including topography, historical weather patterns and the associated production history where available), equipment capacity and efficiency, grid capacity and availability, and any operating restrictions.
During the period the Company replaced the project finance debt pertaining to three of the UK solar projects in order to take advantage of the current supportive lending environment for infrastructure assets and low long-term cost of debt. These projects, located in Cornwall and commissioned in 2011 with a combined capacity of 15MW, benefit from an indexed feed-in-tariff (FIT). Following a detailed review of the lending options available, an index-linked private institutional debt solution was put in place at an all-in cost of RPI less 0.17%. The new debt fully amortises over the remaining FIT term with no refinancing risk. The replacement debt is at a lower cost, enhancing the value of these assets and improving investment returns.
Environmental, Social and Governance
The current portfolio of 55 projects at 30 June 2017 is capable of powering 440,000 homes and saving 660,000 tonnes of CO(2) annually. There were no major health and safety incidents in portfolio projects owned by TRIG during the six months to 30 June 2017.
TRIG supports a number of initiatives that enhance the communities and environments local to its assets. In June, for example, a group of local school children enjoyed a tour of Altahullion wind farm in Northern Ireland, where they learnt first-hand how wind power is generating clean energy for local homes and businesses. An example of an environmental initiative undertaken by TRIG can be seen around the Freasdail wind farm where RES has overseen the planting of more than 400,000 trees in the Argyll area in accordance with its planning conditions.
Additionally, TRIG contributes financially to various community funds. In this half-year, these funds have invested in projects including improving sports facilities, installing more energy-efficient lighting at a community hall and funding a memory project that has enhanced the wellbeing of local people with dementia.
Valuation of the Portfolio
The Investment Manager is responsible for carrying out the fair market valuation of the Group's investment portfolio which is presented to the Directors for their approval and adoption. The valuation is carried out on a six-monthly basis as at 31 December and 30 June each year.
For non-market traded investments (being all the investments in the current portfolio), the valuation principles used are based on a discounted cash flow methodology, and adjusted in accordance with the European Venture Capital Associations' valuation guidelines where appropriate to comply with IFRS 13 and IAS 39, given the special nature of infrastructure investments. Fair value for each investment is derived from the application of an appropriate discount rate to reflect the perceived risk to the investment's future cash flows to give the present value of those cash flows. The Investment Manager exercises its judgment in assessing both the expected future cash flows from each investment based on the project's expected life and the financial models produced by each project company and the appropriate discount rate to apply.
The Directors' valuation of the portfolio of 55 project investments as at 30 June 2017 was GBP951.8 million (31 December 2016: GBP818.7 million across 53 project investments).
Valuation Movements
A breakdown of the movement in the Directors' valuation of the portfolio in the period is illustrated in the table below.
Valuation movement in the six months from 31 December 2016 to 30 June 2017 (GBP million)
Valuation of portfolio at 31 December 2016 818.7 New investments 129.0 Cash distributions from portfolio (35.3) Rebased valuation of portfolio** 912.3 Changes in forecast power prices (35.2) Reduction in discount rates 14.7 Foreign exchange movement (before effect of hedges) 3.5* Changes in tax rates in France 5.7 Balance of portfolio return Valuation of portfolio at 30 June 2017 50.8 951.8 * A net gain of GBP2.0 million after the impact of foreign exchange hedges held at Company level.
Allowing for new investments of GBP129.0 million and cash receipts from investments of GBP35.3 million, the rebased valuation is GBP912.3 million. Investments of GBP129.0 million include the GBP102.8 million investment in Garreg Lwyd Wind Farm, the GBP22.6 million investment in Neilston Community Wind Farm, a GBP1.1m investment in the freehold land interest at the Marvel Farms Solar Park and a GBP2.4m true-up payment payable in relation to the Meikle Carewe and Tallentire Wind Farms following increased post acquisition yields.
Each movement between the rebased valuation and the 30 June 2017 valuation is considered in turn below:
(i) Forecast power prices: Reductions in power price forecasts during the six-month period had the impact of reducing the valuation of the portfolio by a net GBP35.2 million. The valuation uses updated power price forecasts for each of the markets in which TRIG invests, namely the GB market, the Single Electricity Market of Ireland, and the French market.
The main driver reducing the forecast power prices continues to be reduced gas prices, both in the near term as global gas prices remain subdued and in the longer term as forecasters adopt slightly lower and more cautious projections in sterling terms of future gas prices.
The weighted average power price used to determine the Directors' valuation is comprised of the blend of the forecasts for each of the three power markets in which TRIG is invested as modelled to be received by each of the project companies. The forecast assumes an increase in power prices in real terms over time.
(ii) Reduction in valuation discount rates: During the period there has continued to be strong demand for income-producing assets, including renewable energy projects where the market continues to mature and more investors seek to gain exposure. This has resulted in a continued reduction in the prevailing discount rates applied for operating projects which partially offsets the reductions in power price forecasts. Based on this market data and on the Investment Manager's experience of bidding and transacting in the secondary market for renewable infrastructure assets, TRIG has applied an average reduction of 0.2% in discount rates. This change in assumption has led to an increase in the valuation of the investments of GBP14.7 million.
The weighted average portfolio valuation discount rate as at 30 June 2017 was 8.1% (31 December 2016: 8.4%). The reduction reflects continued market discount rate compression and the acquisition of the two ungeared UK wind projects in the period.
There have been no changes made to the way that the portfolio is valued. The discount rate used for valuing each investment represents an assessment of the rate of return at which infrastructure investments with similar risk profiles would trade on the open market.
(iii) Foreign exchange: Weakening of sterling versus the euro has led to a GBP3.5 million gain on foreign exchange in the period in relation to the euro-denominated investments located in France and the Republic of Ireland, or a GBP2.0 million net gain after the impact of TRIG's interest rate hedges as stated below. Euro-denominated investments comprised 14% of the portfolio at the period end.
The Group enters into forward hedging contracts (selling euros, buying sterling) for an amount equivalent to its expected income from euro-denominated investments over the short term, currently approximately the next 18 months. In addition, the Group enters into further forward hedging contracts such that, when combined with the "income hedges", the overall level of hedge achieved in relation to the euro-denominated assets is approximately 50%. As sterling depreciated, the currency hedge generated a GBP1.5 million loss in the six-month period to 30 June 2017 and serves to reduce the sensitivity to movements in the sterling: euro exchange rate.
The Investment Manager keeps under review the level of euro exposure and utilises hedges, with the objective of minimising variability in shorter term cash flows with a balance between managing the sterling value of cash flow receipts and potential mark-to-market cash outflows.
(iv) Changes in tax rates in France: The valuation of the French investments, that comprise 12% of the portfolio at the period end, has increased by GBP5.7 million as a result of a recently enacted phased reduction in the corporation tax rate from 33% to 28% over the period to 2020.
(v) Balance of portfolio returns: This refers to the balance of valuation movements in the period (excluding (i) to (iv) above) and represents an uplift of GBP50.8 million and a 5.6% increase in the rebased value of the portfolio. The balance of portfolio return mostly reflects the net present value of the cashflows brought forward by six months at the prevailing portfolio discount rate (8.4% per annum) and also some additional valuation adjustments. These include items such as reduced maintenance costs on renewal of contracts as this market has become more competitive and refinance gains as some of the older project debt packages are refinanced with new long term debt in the current supportive lending environment (notably the refinancing of the portfolio of three solar projects mentioned in the "Operations" section of the Managers' Report.
Valuation Sensitivities
The Investment Manager provides sensitivity analysis to show the impact of changes in key assumptions adopted to arrive at the valuation. For each of the sensitivities, it is assumed that potential changes occur independently of each other with no effect on any other base case assumption, and that the investments in the portfolio remain unchanged throughout the model life. All of the NAV per share sensitivities are calculated on the basis of 943.1 million ordinary shares as at 30 June 2017 (which includes those in issue as well as approximately 0.9 million shares due to be issued in September 2017 as part payment of the Managers' fees).
The analysis below shows the sensitivity of the portfolio value to changes in key assumptions as follows:
* Discount rate assumptions The weighted average valuation discount rate applied to calculate the portfolio valuation is 8.1% at 30 June 2017. The sensitivity shows the impact on valuation of increasing or decreasing this rate by 0.5%. Discount rate -0.5% Base +0.5% ----------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Implied change +GBP35.9 million GBP951.8 million -GBP33.8 million in portfolio valuation ----------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Implied change in NAV per ordinary share +3.8p 100.6p -3.6p ----------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -- Energy yield assumptions
The base case assumes a "P50" level of output. 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 under achieved. Hence the P50 is the expected level of generation over the long term.
The sensitivity illustrates the effect of assuming "P90 10-year" (a downside case) and "P10 10-year" (an upside case) energy production scenarios on the portfolio applied for all future periods. A P90 10-year downside case assumes the average annual level of energy generation that has a 90% probability of being exceeded over a 10-year period. A P10 10-year upside case assumes the average annual level of energy generation that has a 10% probability of being exceeded over a 10-year period. This means that the portfolio aggregate production outcome for any given 10-year period would be expected to fall somewhere between these P90 and P10 levels with an 80% confidence level, with a 10% probability of it falling below that range of outcomes and a 10% probability of it exceeding that range. The sensitivity is applied throughout the life of each asset in the portfolio (even though this exceeds 10 years in all cases).
Energy yield P90 (10-year) Base P10 (10-year) ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Implied change -GBP91.7 million GBP951.8 million +GBP90.3 million in portfolio valuation ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Implied change in NAV per ordinary share -9.7p 100.6p +9.6p ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -- Power price assumptions
The sensitivity considers a flat 10% movement in power prices for all years, i.e. the effect of adjusting the forecast electricity price assumptions in each of the jurisdictions applicable to the portfolio down by 10% and up by 10% from the base case assumptions for each year throughout the operating life of the portfolio.
Power price -10% Base +10% ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Implied change -GBP69.5 million GBP951.8 million +GBP70.9 million in portfolio valuation ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Implied change in NAV per ordinary share -7.4p 100.6p +7.5p ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -- Inflation assumptions
The projects' income streams are principally a mix of subsidies, which are amended each year with inflation, and power prices, which the sensitivity assumes will move with inflation. The projects' management, maintenance and tax expenses typically move with inflation but debt payments are, in the majority of cases, fixed. This results in the portfolio returns and valuation being positively correlated to inflation.
The portfolio valuation generally assumes 2.75% p.a. inflation for the UK and 2.0% p.a. for each of France and the Republic of Ireland.
The sensitivity illustrates the effect of a 0.5% decrease and a 0.5% increase from the assumed annual inflation rates in the financial model for each year throughout the operating life of the portfolio.
Inflation rate -0.5% Base +0.5% ----------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Portfolio valuation -GBP44.9 million GBP951.8 million +GBP50.3 million ----------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Implied change in NAV per ordinary share -4.8p 100.6p +5.3p ----------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -- Operating costs at project company level
The sensitivity shows the effect of a 10% increase and a 10% decrease in annual operating costs for the portfolio, in each case assuming that the change in operating costs occurs on 1 July 2017 and thereafter remains constant at the new level during the life of the projects.
Operating costs -10% Base +10% ---------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Portfolio valuation +GBP30.7 million GBP951.8 million -GBP30.3 million ---------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Implied change in NAV per ordinary share +3.3p 100.6p -3.2p ---------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ -- Euro / sterling exchange rates
This sensitivity shows the effect of a 10% decrease and a 10% increase in the value of the euro relative to sterling used for the 30 June 2017 valuation (based on a 30 June 2017 exchange rate of EUR1.1392 to GBP1). In each case it is assumed that the change in exchange rate occurs on 1 July 2017 and thereafter remains constant at the new level throughout the life of the projects.
The hedging referred to above under "Valuation Movements" reduces the sensitivity of the portfolio value to foreign exchange movements and accordingly the impact is shown net of the benefit of the foreign exchange hedge in place.(10)
Euro value (relative to sterling) -10% Base +10% ----------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- Portfolio valuation -GBP5.3 million GBP951.8 million +GBP5.3 million ----------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- Implied change in NAV per ordinary share -0.6p 100.6p +0.6p ----------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- -- Interest rates applying to project company debt and cash balances
This shows the sensitivity of the portfolio valuation to the effects of changes in interest rates.
The sensitivity shows the impact on the portfolio of an increase in interest rates of 2% and a reduction of 1%. The change is assumed with effect from 1 July 2017 and continues unchanged throughout the life of the assets. It is assumed that the acquisition facility is repaid within 12 months as a result of future equity capital raises and the sensitivity does not apply the impact of changes in interest rates to the acquisition facility.
The portfolio is relatively insensitive to changes in interest rates. This is an advantage of TRIG's approach of favouring long term structured project financing (over shorter term corporate debt) which is secured with the substantial majority of this debt having the benefit of long term interest rate swaps which fix the interest cost to the projects.
Interest rates -1% Base +2% ----------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- Portfolio valuation +GBP0.6 million GBP951.8 million -GBP2.1 million ----------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- Implied change in NAV per ordinary share +0.1p 100.6p -0.2p ----------------------- ----------------- ------------------ ----------------- -- Corporation Tax Rate Sensitivity
The profits of each project company are subject to corporation tax in their home jurisdictions at the applicable rates (the tax rates adopted in the valuation are set out in Note 4 to the financial statements).
The tax sensitivity looks at the effect on the Directors' valuation and the NAV per share of changing the tax rates by +/- 2% each year in each jurisdiction and is provided to show that tax can be a material variable in the valuation of investments.
Tax sensitivity -2% Base +2% ----------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Portfolio valuation +GBP15.1 million GBP951.8 million -GBP15.1 million ----------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------ Implied change in NAV per ordinary share +1.6p 100.6p -1.6p ----------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
It should be noted that all of TRIG's sensitivities above are stated after taking into account the impact of project-level gearing on returns.
Financing
The Group has a GBP150 million revolving acquisition facility (which includes a GBP15 million working capital element) with the Royal Bank of Scotland and National Australia Bank to fund new acquisitions. The facility expires on 30 September 2019. This type of short term financing is limited to 30% of the portfolio value. It is intended that any facility used to finance acquisitions is likely to be repaid, in normal market conditions, within a year through equity fundraisings.
The acquisition facility was drawn GBP8.5 million at 30 June 2017. The acquisitions in the period (GBP129 million) were funded initially by the residual funds from the September 2016 equity fund raise of GBP62 million (around GBP10 million of these funds were remaining at 31 December 2016 and applied in the period), from the net proceeds of the March 2017 GBP110 million fund raise, drawdown on the revolving acquisition facility and use of Group cash available for reinvestment.
The majority of the projects within the Company's investment portfolio have underlying long term debt (by value, 70% of the Group's investments have project finance raised against them and 30% are ungeared). There is an additional gearing limit in respect of such project finance debt, which is non-recourse to TRIG, of 50% of the Gross Portfolio Value (being the total enterprise value of the Group's portfolio companies), measured at the time the debt is drawn down or acquired as part of an investment. The Company may, in order to secure advantageous borrowing terms, secure a project finance facility over a group of portfolio companies.
The project-level gearing across the portfolio was 36% as at 30 June 2017.
As at 30 June 2017, the Group had cash balances of GBP8.6 million, excluding cash held in investment project companies as working capital or otherwise.
Largest Investments
The largest investment is Garreg Lwyd which accounts for 11% of the portfolio as at 30 June 2017 (June 2016: Crystal Rig II, 12%). The ten largest investments together represent 53% of the overall portfolio value as at 30 June 2017 (June 2016: 54%).
Analysis of Financial Results
As at 30 June 2017, the Group had investments in 55 projects. As an investment entity for IFRS reporting purposes, the Company carries these 55 investments at fair value.
Basis of preparation
In accordance with IFRS 10 the Group carries investments at fair value as the Company meets the conditions of being an Investment Entity. In addition IFRS 10 states that investment entities should measure their subsidiaries that are themselves investment entities at fair value. Being investment entities, The Renewables Infrastructure Group (UK) Limited ("TRIG UK") and The Renewables Infrastructure Group (UK) Investments Limited ("TRIG UK I"), the Company's subsidiaries, through which investments are purchased, are measured at fair value as opposed to being consolidated on a line-by-line basis, meaning their cash, debt and working capital balances are included as an aggregate number in the fair value of investments rather than the Group's current assets. In order to provide shareholders with more transparency into the Group's capacity for investment, ability to make distributions, operating costs and gearing levels, adjusted results have been reported in the pro forma tables below.
The pro forma tables that follow show the Group's results for the six months ended 30 June 2017 and the comparative period on a non-statutory "Expanded Basis", where TRIG UK and TRIG UK I are consolidated on a line-by-line basis, compared to the Statutory IFRS financial statements (the "Statutory IFRS Basis").
The Directors consider the non-statutory Expanded Basis to be a more helpful basis for users of the accounts to understand the performance and position of the Company because key balances of the Group including cash and debt balances carried in TRIG UK and TRIG UK I and expenses incurred in TRIG UK and TRIG UK I are shown in full rather than being netted off.
The necessary adjustments to get from the Statutory IFRS Basis to the non-statutory Expanded Basis are shown for the primary financial statements. The commentary provided on the primary statements of TRIG is on the Expanded Basis.
Income statement
Summary Six months to 30 June 2017 Six months to 30 June 2016 income GBP'million GBP'million statement Statutory Adjustments(1) Expanded Statutory Adjustment(1) Expanded IFRS Basis Basis IFRS Basis Basis Operating income 33.3 6.2 39.5 25.9 6.9 32.8 Acquisition costs - (0.5) (0.5) - - - --------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- Net operating income 33.3 5.7 39.0 25.9 6.9 32.8 Fund expenses (0.6) (4.8) (5.4) (0.5) (4.1) (4.6) Foreign exchange losses (1.4) (0.1) (1.5) (6.2) 0.1 (6.1) Finance costs - (0.8) (0.8) - (2.9) (2.9) Profit before tax 31.3 - 31.3 19.2 - 19.2 --------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- EPS(2) 3.5p 3.5p 2.6p 2.6p
(1.) The following were incurred within TRIG UK and TRIG UK I; acquisition costs, the majority of expenses
and acquisition facility fees and interest. The income adjustment offsets these cost adjustments.
(2.) Calculated based on the weighted average number of shares during the period being approximately 887.1 million shares.
Expanded Basis versus Statutory IFRS Basis
The Statutory IFRS Basis nets off TRIG UK and TRIG UK I's costs, including overheads, management fees and acquisition costs against income. The Expanded Basis includes the expenses incurred within TRIG UK and TRIG UK I to enable users of the accounts to fully understand the Group's costs. There is no difference in profit before tax or earnings per share between the two bases.
Analysis of Expanded Basis financial results
Profit before tax for the six months to 30 June 2017 was GBP31.3 million, generating earnings per share of 3.5p, which compares to GBP19.2 million and earnings per share of 2.6p for the six months to 30 June 2016.
The EPS of 3.5p is after the impact of reductions in power prices in the period offset by reduced valuation discount rates, beneficial foreign exchange movements and a strong level of portfolio return.
Operating income reflects the portfolio value movement in the six months and is fully described in the "Valuation Movements" section of the Managers' Report.
Increases in both net operating income and fund expenses in the six months to 30 June 2017 as compared to the six months to 30 June 2016 reflect the increase in the size of the portfolio.
Acquisition costs relate to principally two wind farm investments in the period, being Garreg Lwyd and Neilston.
Fund expenses of GBP5.4 million (2016: GBP4.6 million) includes all operating expenses and GBP4.2 million (2016: GBP3.7 million) fees paid to the Investment and Operations Managers. Management fees are charged at 1% of Adjusted Portfolio Value as set out in more detail in the Related Party and Key Advisor Transactions note, Note 13 to the financial statements.
The slight strengthening of the euro against sterling during the period has increased the value of the euro-denominated assets in the TRIG investment portfolio, with foreign exchange gains recognised in the portfolio of GBP3.5 million (2016: GBP11.8 million gain). This was partially offset by the foreign exchange losses on hedges held outside the portfolio of GBP1.5 million (2016: GBP6.1 million loss) which are expected to reduce the impact of foreign exchange movements. Portfolio value movements (included in operating income) are more fully described in the "Valuation of the Portfolio" section in the Managers' Report. The net foreign exchange gain in the period is hence GBP2.0 million (2016: GBP5.7 million gain).
Finance costs relate to the interest and fees incurred relating to the Group's revolving acquisition facility. The finance costs in the prior period are higher reflecting the renewal of the revolving acquisition facility in April 2016 on better terms including lower margins that led to early recognition of arrangement fees in the first half of 2016.
Ongoing charges
Ongoing Charges (Expanded Basis) Six months to 30 June 2017 Six months to 30 June 2016 GBP'000s GBP'000s Investment and Operations Management fees 4,234 3,727 Audit fees 59 55 Directors' fees and expenses 99 95 Other ongoing expenses 447 312 ---------------------------- ---------------------------- Total expenses(1) 4,839 4,189 ---------------------------- ---------------------------- Annualised equivalent 9,757 8,424 Average net asset value 891,436 735,355 Ongoing Charges Percentage (OCP) 1.09% 1.15%
(1.) Total expenses exclude GBP0.5 million (2016: GBP0.4m) of lost bid costs incurred during the year.
The Ongoing Charges Percentage is 1.09% (2016: 1.15%). The ongoing charges have been calculated in accordance with AIC guidance and are defined as annualised ongoing charges (i.e. excluding acquisition costs and other non-recurring items) divided by the average published undiluted net asset value in the period. The Ongoing Charges Percentage has been calculated on the Expanded Basis and therefore takes into consideration the expenses of TRIG UK and TRIG UK I as well as the Company's. The reduction in OCP reflects portfolio growth during the year as the Group's expenses are spread over a larger capital base. There is no performance fee paid to any service provider.
Balance sheet
Summary balance As at 30 June 2017 As at 31 December 2016 sheet GBP'million GBP'million Statutory Adjustments Expanded Statutory Adjustments Expanded IFRS Basis Basis IFRS Basis Basis Portfolio value 941.7 10.1 951.8 817.8 0.9 818.7 Working capital (1.6) (1.7) (3.3) (2.0) (1.1) (3.1) Debt - (8.5) (8.5) - - - Cash 8.5 0.1 8.6 18.5 0.2 18.7 --------------- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- --------------- Net assets 948.6 948.6 834.3 834.3 --------------- ------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- --------------- Net asset value per share 100.6p 100.6p 100.1p 100.1p
Expanded Basis versus Statutory IFRS Basis
The Statutory IFRS basis includes TRIG UK and TRIG UK I's cash, debt and working capital balances as part of portfolio value. The Expanded Basis shows these balances gross. There is no difference in net assets between the Statutory IFRS Basis and the Expanded Basis.
The majority of cash generated from investments had been passed up from TRIG UK and TRIG UK I to the Company at both 30 June 2017 and 31 December 2016.
As at 30 June 2017, TRIG UK I was GBP8.5 million drawn on its revolving acquisition facility (2016: GBPnil million drawn) equalling the difference between the Statutory IFRS Basis and the Expanded Basis.
Analysis of Expanded Basis financial results
Portfolio value grew by GBP133.1 million in the six months to GBP951.8 million, primarily as a result of the investments made in the six months to 30 June 2017 as described more fully in the "Valuation Movements" section of the Managers' Report.
Group cash at 30 June 2017 was GBP8.6 million (December 2016: GBP18.7 million) and acquisition facility debt drawn was GBP8.5 million (December 2016: GBPnil).
Net assets grew by GBP114.3 million in the period to GBP948.6 million. The Company raised GBP108.6 million (after issue expenses) of new equity during the period and produced a GBP31.3 million profit in the period, with net assets being stated after accounting for dividends paid in the period (net of scrip take up) of GBP26.3 million. Other movements in net assets totalled GBP0.8 million, being Managers' shares accruing in H1 2017 and to be issued on or around 30 September 2017.
Net asset value ("NAV") per share as at 30 June 2017 was 100.6p compared to 100.1p as at 31 December 2016.
Net asset value ("NAV") and Earnings per share ("EPS") reconciliation
NAV per share Shares in issue (million) Net assets (GBP'million) Net assets at 31 December 2017 100.1p 833.8 834.3 Profit/EPS to 30 June 2017 3.5p(1) - 31.3 Dividends paid in H1 2017(2) (3.1625)p - (28.1) Scrip dividend take-up(3) - 1.6 1.8 Shares issued (net of costs) 0.2 106.8 108.5 --------------- --------------------------- -------------------------- H1 2017 Managers' shares to be issued - 0.9 0.8 --------------- --------------------------- -------------------------- Net assets at 30 June 2017 100.6p 943.1 948.6
(1.) Calculated based on the weighted average number of shares during the period being 887.1 million shares
(2.) 1.5625p dividend paid 31 March 2017 related to Q4 2016 (GBP13.0 million) and 1.60p dividend paid 30 June 2017 related to Q1 2017 (GBP15.1 million).
(3.) Scrip dividend take-up comprises 0.6 million shares, equating to GBP0.7 million, and 1.0 million shares, equating to GBP1.1 million, issued in lieu of the dividends paid in March 2017 and June 2017, respectively.
Cash flow statement
Summary cash flow statement Six months to 30 June 2017 Six months to 30 June 2016 GBP'million GBP'million Statutory Adjustments Expanded Statutory Adjustments Expanded IFRS Basis IFRS Basis Basis Basis Cash received from investments 25.3 10.0 35.3 23.8 7.0 30.8 Operating and finance costs (0.3) (4.5) (4.8) (0.7) (4.1) (4.8) ----------- ------------- ------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- Cash flow from operations 25.0 5.5 30.5 23.1 2.9 26.0 Debt arrangement costs - (0.2) (0.2) - (1.6) (1.6) Foreign exchange losses (2.0) - (2.0) (1.4) 0.1 (1.3) Issue of share capital (net of costs) 109.3 (0.7) 108.6 30.3 (0.7) 29.6 Acquisition facility drawn 8.5 8.5 - 15.9 15.9 Purchase of new investments (including acquisition costs) (116.0) (13.2) (129.2) (29.3) (16.3) (45.6) Distributions paid(1) (26.3) - (26.3) (32.0) - (32.0) ----------- ------------- ------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- Cash movement in period (10.0) (0.1) (10.1) (9.3) 0.3 (9.0) Opening cash balance 18.5 0.2 18.7 14.9 0.3 15.2 ----------- ------------- ------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- Net cash at end of period 8.5 0.1 8.6 5.6 0.6 6.2
1. The distribution paid in the six months to 30 June 2016 is higher than that paid in the six months to 30 June 2017 as a result of distributions being paid in H1 2016 that relate to nine months of operations, being the six months to 31 December 2015 and the three months to 31 March 2016 in March 2016 and June 2016 respectively. This was a result of the Company changing its dividend policy of payment every six months to every three months.
Analysis of Expanded Basis financial results
The Statutory Basis shows cash movements for the top company only (TRIG Limited). The Expanded Basis shows the consolidated cash movements above the investment portfolio which are relevant to users of the accounts. Differences include income received by TRIG UK and TRIG UK I applied to reinvestment and expenses incurred by TRIG UK and TRIG UK I that are excluded under the Statutory IFRS Basis.
Analysis of Expanded Basis financial results
Cash received from investments in the period was GBP35.3 million (2016: GBP30.8 million). The increase in cash received compared with the previous period reflects the increase in the size of the portfolio.
Dividends paid in the period totalled GBP26.3 million (net of GBP1.8m scrip dividends) and reflect dividends declared for the quarter ended 31 March 2017 (2016: 12.3 million, net of GBP0.7 million scrip dividends) and the quarter ended 30 June 2017 (GBP14.0 million, net of GBP1.1 million scrip dividends). Dividends paid in the comparative period totalled GBP32.0 million (net of GBP2.8 million scrip dividends) and related to nine months of operations as the Company moved from paying dividends semi-annually to quarterly during the first half of 2016.
Cash flow from operations in the period was GBP30.5 million (2016: GBP26.0 million) and covers dividends paid of GBP26.3 million in the period by 1.2 times (or 1.1 times without the benefit of scrip take up), or 1.7 times before factoring in amounts invested in the repayment in project-level debt. The Group repaid GBP14.7 million of project-level debt (pro-rata to the Company's equity interest) in the period.
Share issue proceeds (net of costs) totalling GBP108.6 million (2016: GBP29.6 million) reflects the net proceeds of the 106.8 million shares issued during the period under the Share Issuance Programme launched in April 2016.
In the period, GBP129.2 million was invested in acquisitions and acquisition expenses. This was funded through GBP10.0 million of share capital raised in 2016 carried forward, GBP108.6 million of share capital raised (net of costs), GBP8.5 million of acquisition facility debt that remained drawn at the period end and the balance being GBP2.1m of reinvested cash generated in the 6 months to 30 June 2017.
Cash balances reduced in the period reflecting the application of the share capital raised in 2016 invested in 2017.
Going Concern
The Directors believe that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the interim financial statements.
Related Parties
Related party transactions are disclosed in Note 13 to the condensed set of financial statements.
There have been no material changes in related party transactions described in the last annual report.
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
1. The condensed set of financial statements has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting; and
2. The Chairman's Statement and the Managers' Report meets the requirements of an Interim Managers' Report, and includes a fair review of the information required by
a. DTR 4.2.7R, being an indication of important events during the first six months and 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.
By order of the Board
Helen Mahy
Chairman
17 August 2017
Consolidated Financial Statements
Condensed Income Statement
For the six-month period 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2017
Six months ended Six months ended 30 June 2017 30 June 2016 (unaudited) (unaudited) Note GBP'000s GBP'000s -------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- ----------------- Total operating income 4 33,314 25,850 Fund expenses 5 (554) (464) -------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- ----------------- Operating profit for the period 32,760 25,386 Finance and other expenses 6 (1,443) (6,156) -------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- ----------------- Profit before tax 31,317 19,230 Income tax 7 - - -------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- ----------------- Profit for the period 8 31,317 19,230 -------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- ----------------- Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent 8 31,317 19,230 -------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- -----------------
8 31,317 19,230 -------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- ----------------- Ordinary shares earnings per share (pence) 8 3.5 2.6
All results are derived from continuing operations.
There is no other comprehensive income or expense apart from those disclosed above and consequently a statement of comprehensive income has not been prepared.
Condensed Balance Sheet
As at 30 June 2017
As at As at 30 June 2017 31 December 2016 (unaudited) (audited) Note GBP'000s GBP'000s --------------------------------------------------- ----- --------------- ------------------- Non-current assets Investments at fair value through profit or loss 11 941,734 817,761 --------------------------------------------------- ----- --------------- ------------------- Total non-current assets 11 941,734 817,761 --------------------------------------------------- ----- --------------- ------------------- Current assets Other receivables 852 815 Cash and cash equivalents 8,475 18,537 --------------------------------------------------- ----- --------------- ------------------- Total current assets 9,327 19,352 --------------------------------------------------- ----- --------------- ------------------- Total assets 951,061 837,113 --------------------------------------------------- ----- --------------- ------------------- Current liabilities Other payables (2,456) (2,847) --------------------------------------------------- ----- --------------- ------------------- Total current liabilities (2,456) (2,847) --------------------------------------------------- ----- --------------- ------------------- Total liabilities (2,456) (2,847) --------------------------------------------------- ----- --------------- ------------------- Net assets 10 948,605 834,266 --------------------------------------------------- ----- --------------- ------------------- Equity Share premium 12 938,677 827,650 Other reserves 12 847 776 Retained reserves 9,081 5,840 --------------------------------------------------- ----- --------------- ------------------- Total equity attributable to owners of the parent 10 948,605 834,266 --------------------------------------------------- ----- --------------- ------------------- Net assets per Ordinary Share (pence) 10 100.6 100.1
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
The interim financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 17 August 2017, and signed on its behalf by:
Helen Mahy CBE Jon Bridel
Director Director
Condensed Changes in Shareholders Equity
For the period ended 30 June 2017 Share premium Other reserves Retained reserves Total equity (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) (unaudited) GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s -------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------------- -------------- Shareholders' equity at beginning of period 827,650 776 5,840 834,266 -------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------------- -------------- Profit for the period - - 31,317 31,317 Dividends paid - - (26,294) (26,294) Scrip shares issued in lieu of dividend 1,782 - (1,782) - Ordinary Shares issued 110,000 - - 110,000 Costs of Ordinary Shares issued (1,531) - - (1,531) Ordinary Shares issued in period in lieu of Management Fees, earned in H2 2016(1) 776 (776) - - Ordinary Shares to be issued in lieu of Management Fees, earned in H1 2017(2) - 847 - 847 Shareholders' equity at end of period 938,677 847 9,081 948,605 -------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------------- --------------
For the year ended 31 December 2016
Share premium Other reserves Retained reserves Total equity (audited) (audited) (audited) (audited) GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s ---------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------------- -------------- Shareholders' equity at beginning of period 728,227 706 (2,341) 726,592 ---------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------------- -------------- Profit for the period - - 67,903 67,903 Dividends paid - - (52,987) (52,987) Scrip shares issued in lieu of dividend 6,735 - (6,735) - Ordinary Shares issued 92,920 - - 92,920 Costs of Ordinary Shares issued (1,684) - - (1,684) Ordinary Shares issued in period in lieu of Management Fees, earned in H2 2015(3) 706 (706) - - Ordinary Shares to be issued in lieu of Management Fees, earned in H1 2016(4) 746 - - 746 Ordinary Shares to be issued in lieu of Management Fees, earned in H2 2016(1) - 776 - 776 Shareholders' equity at end of period 827,650 776 5,840 834,266 ---------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------- ------------------- --------------
In line with the Investment Management Agreement and the Operations Management Agreement, 20 per cent. of
the management fees are to be settled in Ordinary Shares.
(1.) The GBP776,325 transfer between reserves represents the 787,847 shares that relate to management fees earned in the six months to 31 December 2016 and were recognised in other reserves at 31 December 2016, and were issued to the Managers during the period, with the balance being transferred to share premium reserves, on 31 March 2017.
(2.) As at 30 June 2017, 855,316 shares equating to GBP846,762, based on a Net Asset Value ex dividend of 99.0 pence per share (the Net Asset Value at 30 June 2017 of 100.6 pence per share less the interim dividend of 1.6 pence per share) were due but had not been issued. The Company intends to issue these shares to the Managers on or around 30 September 2017.
(3.) The GBP705,933 transfer between reserves represents the 736,190 shares that relate to management fees earned in the six months to 31 December 2015 and were recognised in other reserves at 31 December 2015, and were issued to the Managers during the year, with the balance being transferred to share premium reserves, on 31 March 2016.
(4.) The GBP745,506 addition to the share premium reserve represents the 781,125 shares that relate to management fees earned in the six months to 30 June 2016 and were issued to the Managers on 30 September 2016.
Condensed Cash Flow Statement
For the six-month period 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2017
Six months ended Six months ended 30 June 2017 30 June 2016 (unaudited) (unaudited) Note GBP'000s GBP'000s -------------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- ----------------- Cash flows from operating activities Profit before tax 8 31,317 19,230 Adjustments for: Gain on investments 4 (12,854) (7,569) Interest income from investments 4 (20,460) (18,281) Movement in Other reserves relating to Managers shares 71 39 Movement in accrued share issue costs 29 (59) Finance and similar expenses 6 1,443 6,156 Operating cash flow before changes in working capital (454) (484) Changes in working capital: Increase in receivables 28 (13) Decrease in payables 67 (123) -------------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- ----------------- Cash flow from operations (359) (620) Interest received from investments 22,844 22,281 Loanstock and equity repayments received 2,490 1,500 Interest income 24 16 -------------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- ----------------- Net cash from operating activities 24,999 23,177 -------------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- ----------------- Cash flows from investing activities Purchases of investments 11 (116,000) (29,300) Net cash used in investing activities (116,000) (29,300) -------------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- ----------------- Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issue of share capital during period 110,776 31,006 Costs in relation to issue of shares (1,531) (729) Dividends paid to shareholders 9 (26,294) (32,021) Net cash from/ (used in) financing activities 82,951 (1,744) -------------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- ----------------- Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (8,050) (7,867) -------------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- ----------------- Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 18,537 14,873 Exchange losses on cash (2,012) (1,369) -------------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- ----------------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 8,475 5,637 -------------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------------- -----------------
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these interim financial statements.
Notes to the Unaudited Financial Statements
For the six-month period 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2017
1. General information
The Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited ("TRIG" or the "Company") is a closed ended investment company incorporated in Guernsey under Section 20 of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008. The shares are publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange under a premium listing. Through its subsidiaries, The Renewables Infrastructure Group (UK) Limited ("TRIG UK") and The Renewables Infrastructure Group (UK) Investments Limited ("TRIG UK I"), TRIG invests in operational renewable energy generation projects, predominantly in onshore wind and solar PV segments, across the United Kingdom and Northern Europe. The Company, TRIG UK, TRIG UK I and its portfolio of investments are known as the "Group".
The interim condensed unaudited financial statements of the Company (the "interim financial statements") as at and for the six months ended 30 June 2017 comprise only the results of the Company, as all of its subsidiaries are measured at fair value following the amendment to IFRS 10 as explained below in Note 2.
The annual financial statements of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2016 were approved by the Directors on 20 February 2017 and are available from the Company's Administrator and on the Company's website http://trig-ltd.com/. The auditor's report on these accounts was unqualified.
2. 2. Key accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The interim financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 17 August 2017.
The annual financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union ("EU") using the historical cost basis, except that the financial instruments classified at fair value through profit or loss are stated at their fair values and that the Company has applied the amendment to IFRS 10, as adopted by the EU and as described below. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the EU and in compliance with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.
The interim financial statements are presented in sterling, which is the Company's functional currency.
IFRS 10 states that investment entities should measure all of their subsidiaries that are themselves investment entities at fair value. Being an investment entities, TRIG UK and TRIG UK I are measured at fair value as opposed to being consolidated on a line-by-line basis, meaning their cash, debt and working capital balances are included in the fair value of investments rather than the Group's current assets.
The Chief Operating Decision Maker (the "CODM") is of the opinion that the Group is engaged in a single segment of business, being investment in renewable infrastructure to generate investment returns while preserving capital. The financial information used by the CODM to allocate resources and manage the Group presents the business as a single segment comprising a homogeneous portfolio. The CODM has been identified as the Board of Directors of the Company acting collectively.
The Directors believe that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the interim financial statements.
The condensed interim financial information has been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies, significant judgements, key assumptions and estimates as set out in the notes to the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016.
The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation are followed in these interim financial statements as were applied in the preparation of the Company's financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016.
The Company's financial performance does not suffer materially from seasonal fluctuations.
3. 3. Financial instruments 30 June 2017 31 December 2016 GBP'000s GBP'000s -------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------- Financial assets Designated at fair value through profit or loss: Investments 941,734 817,761 Financial assets at fair value 941,734 817,761 --------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------- At amortised cost: Other receivables 852 815 Cash and cash equivalents 8,475 18,537 -------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------- Financial assets at amortised cost 9,327 19,352 --------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------- Financial liabilities Designated at fair value through profit or loss: Other financial liabilities 2,087 2,633 -------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------- Financial liabilities at fair value 2,087 2,633 --------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----------------- At amortised cost: Other payables 369 214 Financial liabilities at amortised cost 369 214 --------------------------------------------------- ------------- -----------------
The Directors believe that the carrying values of all financial instruments are not materially different to their fair values.
Other financial liabilities represents the fair value of foreign exchange forward agreements in place at the period end.
Fair value hierarchy
The fair value hierarchy is defined as follows:
-- Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
-- Level 2: 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)
-- Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
As at 30 June 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s -------------------------------------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- Investments at fair value through profit or loss - - 941,734 941,734 - - 941,734 941,734 ------------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- Other financial liabilities - 2,087 - 2,087 ---------- --------- --------- --------- - 2,087 - 2,087 ------------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- As at 31 December 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s GBP'000s -------------------------------------------------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- Investments at fair value through profit or loss - - 817,761 817,761 - - 817,761 817,761 ------------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- --------- - - - - Other financial liabilities - 2,633 - 2,633 ---------- --------- --------- --------- - 2,633 - 2,633 ------------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- ---------
Investments at fair value through profit or loss comprise the fair value of the investment portfolio, on which the sensitivity analysis is calculated, and the fair values of TRIG UK and TRIG UK I, the Company's subsidiaries, being their cash, working capital and debt balances.
30 June 2017 31 December 2016 GBP'000s GBP'000s Portfolio value 951,845 818,672 TRIG UK and TRIG UK I Cash 174 188 Working capital (3,015) (2,343) Debt(1) (7,268) 1,244 ------------- ----------------- (10,111) (911) Investments at fair value through profit or loss 941,734 817,761 ------------- -----------------
(1.) Debt arrangement costs of GBP1,232k (Dec 2016: GBP1,244k) have been netted off the GBP8,500k (Dec 2016: GBPNil) debt drawn by TRIG UK and TRIG UK I.
Level 2
Valuation methodology
Fair value is based on price quotations from financial institutions active in the relevant market. The key inputs to the discounted cash flow methodology used to derive fair value include foreign currency exchange rates and foreign currency forward curves. Valuations are performed on a six monthly basis every June and December for all financial assets and all financial liabilities.
Level 3
Valuation methodology
The Investment Manager has carried out fair valuations of the investments as at 30 June 2017 and the Directors have satisfied themselves as to the methodology used, the discount rates and key assumptions applied, and the valuation. All investments are at fair value through profit or loss and are valued using a discounted cash flow methodology.
The following economic assumptions were used in the discounted cash flow valuations at:
30 June 2017 31 December 2016 --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- UK inflation rates 2.75% 2.75% --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Ireland and France inflation rates 2.00% 2.00% --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- UK, Ireland and France deposit 1.00% to 31 March 2021, 2.00% 1.00% to 31 March 2021, 2.00% interest rates thereafter thereafter --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- UK corporation tax rate 20.00%, reducing to 19% from 1 April 20.00%, reducing to 19% from 1 April 2017 and then to 17% from 1 April 2017 and then to 17% from 1 April 2020 2020 --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- France corporation tax rate 33.3% reducing to 28% by 2020 33.3% + 1.1% above EUR763,000 threshold --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Ireland corporation tax rate 12.5% active rate, 25% passive rate 12.5% active rate, 25% passive rate --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Euro/sterling exchange rate 1.1392 1.1709 --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Energy yield assumptions P50 case P50 case --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Discount rates
The discount rates used for valuing each renewable infrastructure investment are based on market information and the current bidding experience of the Group and its Managers.
The weighted average portfolio valuation discount rate used for valuing the projects in the portfolio is 8.1% (Dec 2016: 8.4%).
A change to the weighted average discount rate of 8.1% (Dec 2016: 8.4%) by plus 0.5% has an impact of -GBP33.8m or minus 0.5% has an impact of +GBP35.9m on the valuation.
Power Price
The power price forecasts are based on the base case assumptions from the valuation date and throughout the operating life of the portfolio. The base case power pricing is based on the current forecast real price reference curve data provided by a leading power price forecaster, adjusted to reflect the value the market will place on such generation in an arm's length transaction.
A change in the forecast electricity price assumptions by plus 10% has an impact of +GBP70.9m or minus 10% has an impact of -GBP69.5m on the valuation.
Energy Yield
The portfolio's aggregate production outcome for a 10 year period would be expected to fall somewhere between a P90 10 year exceedance (downside case) and a P10 10 year exceedance (upside case).
A P90 10 year exceedance has an impact of -GBP91.7m and a P10 10 year exceedance has an impact of +GBP90.3m on the valuation.
Inflation rates
The portfolio valuation assumes long-term inflation of 2.75% per annum for UK investments, and 2.00% per annum for France and Republic of Ireland investments.
A change in the inflation assumptions by plus 0.5% has an impact of +GBP50.3m or minus 0.5% has an impact of -GBP44.9m on the valuation.
Operating costs
A change in operating costs by plus 10% has an impact of -GBP30.3m or minus 10% has an impact of +GBP30.7m on the valuation.
Currency rates
The spot rate used for the 30 June 2017 valuation, from Euro to Sterling, was 1.1392 (Dec 2016: 1.1709).
A strengthening in the value of the Euro by plus 10% has an impact of +GBP5.3m or minus 10% has an impact of -GBP5.3m on the valuation.
Taxation rates
A change in taxation rates by plus 2% has an impact of -GBP15.1m and minus 2% has an impact of +GBP15.1m on the valuation.
4. 4. Total operating income
5.
For six For six months ended months ended 30 June 2017 30 June 2016 Total Total GBP'000s GBP'000s ---------------------- --------------- --------------- Interest income 20,460 18,281 Gains on investments 12,854 7,569 ---------------------- --------------- --------------- 33,314 25,850 ---------------------- --------------- ---------------
On the Expanded basis, which includes TRIG UK and TRIG UK I, the Company's subsidiaries, that the Directors consider to be an extension of the Company's investment activity, the total operating income is GBP39,520k (Jun 2016: GBP32,784k). The reconciliation from the Statutory IFRS basis to the Expanded basis is shown in "Analysis of Financial Results" section.
6. 5. Fund expenses For six For six months ended months ended 30 June 2017 30 June 2016 Total Total GBP'000s GBP'000s -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- Fees payable to the Company's auditors for the audit of the Company's accounts 29 24 Fees payable to the Company's auditors for audit-related assurance services 26 26 Investment and management fees (Note 13) 99 99 Directors' fees (Note 13) 96 94 Other costs 304 221 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- 554 464 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
On the Expanded basis, fund expenses are GBP5,385k (Jun 2016: GBP4,661k); the difference being the costs incurred within TRIG UK and TRIG UK I, the Company's subsidiaries. The reconciliation from the Statutory IFRS basis to the Expanded basis is shown in the "Analysis of Financial Results".
The Company had no employees during the current or prior period. The Company has appointed the Investment Manager and the Operations Manager to advise on the management of the portfolio, the Company and its subsidiaries, on its behalf.
7. 6. Finance and other (expenses)/income For six For six months ended months ended 30 June 2017 30 June 2016 Total Total GBP'000s GBP'000s --------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- Interest income: Interest on bank deposits 23 16 --------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- Total finance income 23 16 --------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- (Loss)/gain on foreign exchange: Realised loss on settlement of FX forwards (2,017) (1,278) Fair value movement of FX forward contracts 546 (4,803) Other foreign exchange movements 5 (91) --------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- Total loss on foreign exchange (1,466) (6,172) --------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- Finance and similar expenses (1,443) (6,156) --------------------------------------------- --------------- ---------------
On the Expanded basis, excluding foreign exchange movements, finance income is GBP25k (Jun 2016: GBP23k) and finance costs are GBP860k (Jun 2016: GBP2,930k); the difference being the Group's acquisition facility costs which are incurred within TRIG UK and TRIG UK I, the Company's subsidiaries. These costs are detailed in the "Analysis of Financial Results" section.
The loss on foreign exchange on the Expanded basis is GBP1,497k (Jun 2016: loss of GBP6,079k). The reconciliation from the Statutory IFRS basis to the Expanded basis, which includes a small FX movement within TRIG UK and TRIG UK I, the Company's subsidiaries, is shown in the "Analysis of Financial Results".
8. 7. Income tax
Under the current system of taxation in Guernsey, the Company is exempt from tax in Guernsey other than on Guernsey source income (excluding Guernsey bank interest). Therefore, income from investments is not subject to any tax in Guernsey, although these investments will bear tax in the individual jurisdictions in which they operate.
9. 8. Earnings per share
Earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue during the period.
30 June 2017 30 June 2016 Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company (GBP'000s) 31,317 19,230 Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares in issue ('000s) 887,115 742,233 Basic and diluted EPS (pence) 3.5 2.6 ----------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- 10. 9. Dividends 31 December 30 June 2017 2016 GBP'000s GBP'000s ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ------------- Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders during the period: Interim dividend for the six months ended 31 December 2015 of 3.11p per share - 22,791 Interim dividend for the three months ended 31 March 2016 of 1.5625p per share - 11,974 Interim dividend for the three months ended 30 June 2016 of 1.5625p per share - 11,975 Interim dividend for the three months ended 30 September 2016 of 1.5625p per share - 12,982 Interim dividend for the three months ended 31 December 2016 of 1.5625p per share 13,016 - Interim dividend for the three months ended 31 March 2017 of 1.6p per share 15,059 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ------------- 28,075 59,722 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ------------- Dividends settled as a scrip dividend alternative 1,781 6,735 Dividends settled in cash 26,294 52,987 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ------------- 28,075 59,722 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
On 27 July 2017 (see Note 16), the Company declared an interim dividend of 1.6 pence per share for the three month period ended 30 June 2017. The dividend, which is payable on 29 September 2017, is expected to total GBP15,075,438, based on a record date of 19 August 2017 and the number of shares in issue being 942,214,888.
11. 10. Net assets per Ordinary Share 31 December 30 June 2017 2016 Shareholders' equity at balance sheet date (GBP'000s) 948,605 GBP834,266 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- Number of shares at balance sheet date, including management shares accrued but not yet issued ('000s) 943,070 833,786 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- Net Assets per Ordinary Share at balance sheet date (pence) 100.6 100.1
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
In line with the Investment Management Agreement and the Operations Management Agreement, 20 per cent of the Group's management fees are to be settled in Ordinary Shares. Shares are issued to the Investment Manager and the Operations Manager twice a year in arrears, usually in March and September for the half year ending December and June, respectively.
As at 30 June 2017, 855,316 shares equating to GBP846,762, based on a Net Asset Value ex dividend of 99.0 pence per share (the Net Asset Value at 30 June 2017 of 100.6 pence per share less the interim dividend of 1.6 pence per share) were due but had not been issued. The Company intends to issue these shares on or around 30 September 2017.
As at 31 December 2016, 787,847 shares equating to GBP776,325, based on a Net Asset Value ex dividend of 98.54 pence per share (the Net Asset Value at 31 December 2016 of 100.1 pence per share less the interim dividend of 1.5625 pence per share) were due but had not been issued. The Company issued these shares on 31 March 2017.
In view of this, the denominator in the above Net Assets per Ordinary Share calculation is as follows:
31 December 30 June 2017 2016 Ordinary Shares in issue at balance sheet date 942,215 832,998 Number of shares to be issued in lieu of Management fees 855 788 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- Total number of shares used in Net Assets per Ordinary Share calculation 943,070 833,786 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- 11. Investments at fair value through profit or loss
Investments at fair value through profit or loss is the sum of the Portfolio Valuation and the carrying amount of TRIG UK and TRIG UK I, the Company's subsidiaries.
31 December 30 June 2017 2016 GBP'000s GBP'000s ------------------------ ------------- ------------- Brought forward 817,761 711,604 Investments 116,000 77,526 Distributions received (25,341) (47,395) Interest income 20,460 37,351 Gain on valuation 12,854 38,675 Carried forward 941,734 817,761 ------------------------ ------------- -------------
The following information is non-statutory. It provides additional information to users of the interim financial statements, splitting the fair value movements between the investment portfolio and TRIG UK and TRIG UK I, the Company's subsidiaries.
31 December 30 June 2017 2016 GBP'000s GBP'000s -------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- Fair value of investment portfolio Brought forward value of investment portfolio 818,672 712,284 Investments in the period 128,991 77,667 Distributions received (35,338) (59,467) Interest income 12,485 24,435 Dividend income - 1,959 Gain on valuation 27,035 61,794 -------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- Carried forward value of investment portfolio 951,845 818,672 -------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- Fair value of TRIG UK and TRIG UK I Brought forward value of TRIG UK and TRIG UK I (911) (680) Cash movement (14) (159) Working capital movement (751) 419 Debt movement(1) (8,435) (491) -------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- Carried forward value of TRIG UK and TRIG UK I (10,111) (911) -------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- Total investments at fair value through profit or loss 941,734 817,761 -------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
1 Debt arrangement costs of GBP1,232k (Dec 2016: GBP1,735k) have been netted off the GBP8,500k (Dec 2016: GBPNil) debt drawn by TRIG UK and TRIG UK I.
The gains on investment are unrealised.
Investments are generally restricted on their ability to transfer funds to the Company under the terms of their senior funding arrangements for that investment. Significant restrictions include:
- Historic and projected debt service and loan life cover ratios exceed a given threshold; - Required cash reserve account levels are met;
- Senior lenders have agreed the current financial model that forecasts the economic performance of the project company;
- Project company is in compliance with the terms of its senior funding arrangements; and - Senior lenders have approved the annual budget for the company.
Details of investments recognised at fair value through profit or loss were as follows:
30 June 2017 31 December 2016 --------------------------- Investments (project name) Country Equity Subordinated loanstock Equity Subordinated loanstock --------------------------- --------------------- ------- ----------------------- ------- ----------------------- TRIG UK UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% TRIG UK I UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Roos UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% The Grange UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Hill of Towie UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Green Hill UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Forss UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Altahullion UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Lendrums Bridge UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Lough Hill UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Milane Hill Republic of Ireland 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Beennageeha Republic of Ireland 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Haut Languedoc France 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Haut Cabardes France 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cuxac Cabardes France 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Roussas-Claves France 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Puits Castan France 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Churchtown UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% East Langford UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Manor Farm UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Parsonage UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Marvel Farms UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Tamar Heights UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Stour Fields UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Meikle Carewe UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Tallentire UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Parley UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Egmere UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Penare UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Earlseat UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Taurbeg Republic of Ireland 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Four Burrows UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Rothes 2 UK 49.0% 80.5% 49.0% 84.0% Mid Hill UK 49.0% 80.5% 49.0% 84.0% Paul's Hill UK 49.0% 80.5% 49.0% 84.0% Rothes 1 UK 49.0% 80.5% 49.0% 84.0% Crystal Rig 1 UK 49.0% 80.5% 49.0% 84.0% Crystal Rig 2 UK 49.0% 80.5% 49.0% 84.0% Broussan Solar France 48.9% 100.0% 48.9% 100.0% Chateau Solar France 48.9% 100.0% 48.9% 100.0% Plateau Solar France 48.9% 100.0% 48.9% 100.0% Borgo Solar France 48.9% 100.0% 48.9% 100.0% Olmo 2 Solar France 48.9% 100.0% 48.9% 100.0% Pascialone Solar France 48.9% 100.0% 48.9% 100.0% Santa Lucia Solar France 48.9% 100.0% 48.9% 100.0% Agrinergie 1&3 Solar France 48.9% 100.0% 48.9% 100.0% Agrinergie 5 Solar France 48.9% 100.0% 48.9% 100.0% Agrisol Solar France 48.9% 100.0% 48.9% 100.0% Chemin Canal Solar France 48.9% 100.0% 48.9% 100.0% Ligne des 400 Solar France 48.9% 100.0% 48.9% 100.0% Logistisud Solar France 48.9% 100.0% 48.9% 100.0% Marie Gallante Solar France 24.9% 100.0% 24.9% 100.0% Ste Marguerite Solar France 48.9% 100.0% 48.9% 100.0% Freasdail UK 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% FVP du Midi France 51.0% 100.0% 51.0% 100.0% Neilston UK 100% 100.0% - - Garreg Lwyd UK 100% 100.0% - -
On 27 April 2017, TRIG acquired, from private developers Carbon Free and Neilston Development Trust, a 100% shareholder loan interest and a 100% equity interest in Neilston Community Wind Farm, a UK onshore operational wind farm for consideration of GBP22.6m.
On 16 May 2017, TRIG acquired, from RES (the Operations Manager), a 100% shareholder loan interest and a 100% equity interest in Garreg Lwyd Hill Farm, a UK onshore operational wind farm for consideration of GBP102.8m.
Further detail of acquisitions made in the period can be found in the Interim Management Report.
12. Share capital and reserves Ordinary Shares Ordinary Shares 31 December 30 June 2017 2016 000s 000s ---------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Opening balance 832,998 732,838 Issued for cash 106,796 92,000 Issued as a scrip dividend alternative 1,633 6,643 Issued in lieu of management fees 788 1,517 ---------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Issued at end of period - fully paid 942,215 832,998 ---------------------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
On 1 April 2017, the Company issued 106,796,117 shares raising GBP110m before costs. The Company used the funds to fund the acquisitions made in the period.
The holders of the 942,214,888 (Dec 2016: 832,998,413) Ordinary Shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time and are entitled to one vote per share at meetings of the Company. The Company shares are issued at nil par value.
Share Premium
31 December 30 June 2017 2016 GBP'000s GBP'000s -------------------------------- ------------- ------------- Opening balance 827,650 728,227 Ordinary Shares issued 112,558 101,107 Cost of Ordinary Shares issued (1,531) (1,684) -------------------------------- ------------- ------------- Closing balance 938,677 827,650 -------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Other reserves
31 December 30 June 2017 2016 GBP'000s GBP'000s ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ------------- Opening balance 776 706 Shares to be issued in lieu of management fees incurred in H1 2016 - 746 Shares to be issued in lieu of management fees incurred in H2 2016 (Note 13) - 776 Shares to be issued in lieu of management fees incurred in H1 2017 (Note 13) 847 - Shares issued in the period, transferred to share premium (776) (1,452) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ------------- Closing balance 847 776 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Retained reserves
Retained reserves comprise retained earnings, as detailed in the statement of changes in shareholders' equity.
13. Related party and key advisor transactions
Loans to related parties:
31 December 30 June 2017 2016 GBP'000s GBP'000s ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- Short-term balance outstanding from TRIG UK, in relation to Management fees to be settled in shares 855 776 Long-term loan to TRIG UK - 485,569 Long-term loan to TRIG UK I 623,788 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 624,643 486,345 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
During the period, interest totalling GBP20,460k (Jun 2016: GBP18,281k) was earned, and settled, in respect of the long-term interest-bearing loan between the Company and its subsidiaries, TRIG UK and TRIG UK I.
Key advisor transactions
The Investment Manager to the Group (InfraRed Capital Partners Limited) is entitled to 65 per cent of the aggregate management fee (see below), payable quarterly in arrears. The Operations Manager to the Group (Renewable Energy Systems Limited) is entitled to 35 per cent of the aggregate management fee (see below), payable quarterly in arrears.
The aggregate management fee payable to the Investment Manager and the Operations Manager is 1 per cent of the Adjusted Portfolio Value in respect of the first GBP1 billion of the Adjusted Portfolio Value, and 0.8 per cent in respect of the Adjusted Portfolio Value in excess of GBP1 billion. These fees are payable by TRIG UK, the Company's direct subsidiary, less the proportion that relates solely to the Company, the advisory fees, which are payable by the Company.
The advisory fees payable to the Investment Manager and the Operations Manager in respect of the advisory services they provide to the Company are GBP130k per annum and GBP70k per annum, respectively. The advisory fees charged to the Company are included within the 1% total fee amount charged to the Company and its direct subsidiary, TRIG UK. The Investment Manager advisory fee charged to the income statement for the period was GBP65k (Jun 2016: GBP65k), of which GBP32k (Jun 2016: GBP32k) remained payable in cash at the balance sheet date. The Operations Manager advisory fee charged to the income statement for the period was GBP35k (Jun 2016: GBP35k), of which GBP35k (Jun 2016: GBP17k) remained payable in cash at the balance sheet date.
The Investment Manager management fee charged to TRIG UK for the period was GBP2,688k (Jun 2016: GBP2,358k), of which GBP1,118k (Jun 2016: GBP946k) remained payable in cash at the balance sheet date. The Operations Manager management fee charged to TRIG UK for the period was GBP1,447k (Jun 2016: GBP1,270k), of which GBP602k (Jun 2016: GBP509k) remained payable in cash at the balance sheet date.
In addition, the Operations Manager received GBP2,722k (Jun 2016: GBP2,072k) for services in relation to Asset Management. These expenses are incurred in the project companies and are not included in these interim financial statements.
In line with the Investment Management Agreement and the Operations Management Agreement, 20 per cent of the Group's aggregate management fees are to be settled in Ordinary Shares. The shares issued to the Managers by the Company relate to amounts due to the Managers by TRIG UK. Accordingly, TRIG UK reimburses the Company for the shares issued.
On 31 March 2017, the Company issued 787,826 shares equating to GBP776,325, based on a Net Asset Value ex dividend of 98.54 pence per share (the Net Asset Value at 31 December 2016 of 100.1 pence per share less the interim dividend of 1.5625 pence per share) in respect of management fees earned in H2 2016.
As at 30 June 2017, 855,315 shares equating to GBP846,761, based on a Net Asset Value ex dividend of 99.0 pence per share (the Net Asset Value at 30 June 2017 of 100.6 pence per share less the interim dividend of 1.6 pence per share) were due, in respect of management fees earned in H1 2017, but had not been issued. The Company intends to issue these shares on or around 30 September 2017.
The Directors of the Company received fees for their services. Total fees for the Directors for the period were GBP96,350 (Jun 2016: GBP94,000). Directors' expenses of GBP2,462 (Jun 2016: GBP936) were also paid in the period.
On 16 May 2017, TRIG acquired, from RES (the Operations Manager), a 100% shareholder loan interest and a 100% equity interest in Garreg Lwyd Hill Farm, a UK onshore operational wind farm for consideration of GBP102.8m.
On 11 August 2017, TRIG entered into a binding sale and purchase agreement to acquire, from RES, a 100% equity interest and 100% shareholder loan interest in Broxburn, a battery storage plant in Scotland for consideration of GBP20.0 million.
All of the above transactions were undertaken on an arm's length basis.
14. Guarantees and other commitments
As at 30 June 2017, the Company and or TRIG UK and or TRIG UK I and its subsidiaries, had provided GBP20.8 million (Dec 2016: GBP18.5 million) in guarantees to the projects in the TRIG portfolio.
The Company also guarantees the revolving acquisition facility, entered into by TRIG UK and TRIG UK I, to enable it to acquire further investments.
15. Contingent consideration
The Group has performance-related contingent consideration obligations of up to GBP3.9 million (Dec 2016: GBP10.2 million) relating to acquisitions completed prior to 30 June 2017. These payments depend on the performance of certain wind farms and solar parks and other contracted enhancements. The payments, if triggered, would be due before 2020. The valuation of the investments in the portfolio does not assume that these enhancements are achieved. If further payments do become due they would be expected to be offset by an increase in fair value of the investment due to increased assumed revenues. The arrangements are generally two way in that if performance is below base case levels some refund of consideration may become due.
16. Events after the balance sheet date
On 27 July 2017, the Company declared an interim dividend of 1.6 pence per share for the three month period ended 30 June 2017. The dividend, which is payable on 30 September 2017, is expected to total GBP15,075,438, based on a record date of 19 August 2017 and the number of shares in issue being 942,214,888.
On 11 August 2017, TRIG entered into a binding sale and purchase agreement to acquire, from RES (the Operations Manager), a 100% equity interest and 100% shareholder loan interest in Broxburn, a battery storage plant in Scotland for consideration of GBP20.0 million.
There are no other events after the balance sheet date, which are required to be disclosed.
DIRECTORS
Helen Mahy (Chairman)
Jonathan (Jon) Bridel
Shelagh Mason
Klaus Hammer
REGISTRAR
Capita Registrars (Guernsey) Limited
Mont Crevelt House
Bulwer Avenue
St. Sampson
Guernsey GY2 4LH
DESIGNATED ADMINISTRATOR TO COMPANY, COMPANY SECRETARY AND REGISTERED OFFICE
Aztec Financial Services (Guernsey) Limited
East Wing
Trafalgar Court
Les Banques
St Peter Port
Guernsey GY1 3PP
INVESTMENT MANAGER
InfraRed Capital Partners Limited
12 Charles II Street
London SW1Y 4QU
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Renewable Energy Systems Limited
Beaufort Court
Egg Farm Lane
Kings Langley
Hertfordshire WD4 8LR
FINANCIAL PR
Tulchan Communications LLP
85 Fleet Street
London EC4Y 1AE
UK TRANSFER AGENT
Capita Registrars
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham
Kent BR3 4TU
Helpline: 0871 664 0300
AUDITORS
Deloitte LLP
Regency Court
Esplanade
St Peter Port
Guernsey GY1 3HW
BROKERS
Canaccord Genuity Limited
9(th) Floor
88 Wood Street
London EC2V 7QR
Liberum Capital Limited
Ropemaker Place
25 Ropemaker Street
London EC2Y 9LY
(1) Operating Income shown above is both on the Expanded Basis and the Statutory IFRS Basis. On the Expanded Basis, The Renewables Infrastructure Group (UK) Limited ("TRIG UK") and The Renewables Infrastructure Group (UK) Investments Limited ("TRIG UK I"), which is are direct subsidiaries of The Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited ("TRIG") and are the entities through which investments are purchased, are consolidated rather than being accounted for at fair value. On the Statutory IFRS Basis, TRIG UK and TRIG UK I are accounted for at fair value rather than being consolidated. Further explanation of the difference in the two accounting approaches is provided in the Analysis of Financial Results.
(2) The earnings per ordinary share are calculated on the basis of a weighted average of 887,114,588 ordinary shares in issue during the period.
(3) The NAV per share at 30 June 2017 is calculated on the basis of 943,070,204 ordinary shares in issue and to be issued at 30 June 2017.
(4) Cash balances shown above are stated on the Expanded Basis. Under the Statutory IFRS Basis, cash balances at 30 June 2017 and 31 December 2016 would have been GBP8.5 million and GBP18.5 million, respectively. The difference in both periods is the cash balance held within TRIG UK and TRIG UK I.
(5) Investment Week / AIC, 19 July 2017.
(6) Under the Company's Investment Policy, the cost of works on investments in portfolio companies which have assets under development may not in aggregate account for than 15% of the overall portfolio value, calculated at the time of investment or commitment.
(7) Where a project has been commissioned in stages, this refers to the earliest commissioning date.
(8) Where a project has been commissioned in stages, this refers to the earliest commissioning date.
(9) BEIS Renewables Statistics
(10) The euro / sterling exchange rate sensitivity does not attempt to illustrate the indirect influences of currencies on UK power prices which are interrelated with other influences on power prices.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
IR EAXPXFLKXEFF
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August 18, 2017 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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