Smart Metering Systems PLC AGM update (7136Q)

TIDMSMS

RNS Number : 7136Q

Smart Metering Systems PLC

23 June 2020

23 June 2020

Smart Metering Systems plc

AGM update

Smart Metering Systems plc (AIM: "SMS", "the Group"), which installs and manages smart meters and carbon reduction assets ("CaRe(1) ") to facilitate effective energy management, has its AGM later today and provides the following update regarding the Group's trading and FY20 outlook, financial position and dividend policy.

Trading and FY20 outlook

At 31 May 2020, the Group's total Index Linked Annualised Recurring Revenue ("ILARR") was GBP75.9 million. Despite the temporary cessation of meter installations caused by Covid-19, the Group currently expects underlying profitability for the year to 31 December 2020 to be in line with the Board's earlier expectations, reflecting the resilience of the SMS business model.

As previously announced on 1 June 2020, SMS has commenced a phased and progressive resumption of all field work following a temporary suspension of non-essential activities, including smart meter installations, on 24 March 2020.

Financial position

As a result of lower installations since March 2020, the Group's capex on smart meters has been lower than expected. Liquidity remains strong, with a net cash position of GBP48m and GBP300m of banking facilities at 31 May 2020.

SMS is fully funded to install its 2 million smart meter order book as well as additional meter opportunities.

As announced on 17 March 2020, the partnership with Columbia Threadneedle European Sustainable Infrastructure Fund ("ESIF") will fund SMS's pipeline of opportunities in CaRe assets.

Dividend

The Group will implement its revised dividend policy, as published on 17 March 2020:

-- SMS will pay 25p per share for the year to 31 December 2020 in four equal cash increments of 6.25 pence per share, starting in October 2020.

-- The Group intends to increase dividends at least in line with RPI every year until the end of FY2024. SMS's ILARR are also linked to RPI and subject to "upwards-only" revision. This provides downside protection to dividends against a deflationary environment.

   --     The dividends are well covered by existing long-term and recurring cash flow generation. 

Government roll out deadline

The UK Government has extended the smart meter rollout deadline by six months to 1 July 2025, taking into account delays as a result of COVID-19. It has also introduced new annual installation targets for individual energy suppliers, subject to an annual tolerance level, rather than a single coverage target of 85%. These changes are in line with SMS's planning expectations and have no material impact on Group's forecasts for its roll out programme of smart meters.

Chairman appointment

As previously announced, Miriam Greenwood will succeed Willie MacDiarmid as Chairman after the AGM being held this morning. SMS will publish results of the voting on the resolutions put to the AGM later today.

(1) All carbon reducing assets including energy efficiency systems, metering, lighting, battery storage, distributed generation, EV charging, data and control, etc.

For further information:

 
 Smart Metering Systems plc 
  Alan Foy, Chief Executive Officer 
  Dilip Kejriwal, Investor Relations              0141 249 3850 
 Cenkos Securities plc (Joint Broker 
  and Nomad)                                0131 220 6939 / 020 
  Neil McDonald / Pete Lynch                          7397 8900 
 Investec Bank plc (Joint Broker) 
  Christopher Baird / Henry Reast                 020 7597 5970 
 RBC Capital Markets (Joint Broker) 
  Matthew Coakes / Evgeni Jordanov                020 7653 4000 
 Instinctif Partners 
  Adrian Duffield / Kay Larsen / Chantal 
  Woolcock                                        020 7457 2077 
 

Notes to editors

SMS plc (www.sms-plc.com) installs and manages smart meters and carbon reduction assets ("CaRe") to facilitate effective energy management. Established in 1995, SMS provides a full end-to-end service for metering financing, installation, management and maintenance, with a highly skilled workforce and deep engineering expertise.

SMS had 3.73 million meter and data assets under management as of 31 December 2019. SMS's smart meter expertise also enables the Company to provide consultancy services that allow organisations and corporates to enhance long term efficiency and effectiveness in the management of energy.

SMS's energy management and asset installation services also include infrastructure design, installation, consultancy and project management services for new gas, electricity, water and telecoms connections for licensed energy and telecoms suppliers, end consumers and the UK's licensed electricity Distribution Network Owners (DNOs).

SMS employs in excess of 1,200 people across the UK who support the installation and ongoing management of metering assets.

SMS plc is headquartered in Glasgow with 12 locations across the UK.

SMS's shares are listed on AIM.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [e-mail] or visit www.rns.com.

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June 23, 2020 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)