Mytilineos 2014 results review

Transcription

1 Mytilineos Holdings S.A. Holding / Greece Reuters / Bloomberg: MYTr.AT /MYTIL GA March 19, 2015 Mytilineos 2014 results review Mytilineos Holdings released a solid set of results for 2014 in line with our estimates. As was expected, Metallurgy division (Aluminium of Greece - AoG) drove the overall performance of the group. The group will distribute a dividend of EUR 0.1/share (gross). Rating Buy vs. previous rating - Target Price (EUR) Current Share Price* (EUR) 5.32 *18 March 2015 Group revenues on a FY basis declined by 12.1% y-o-y, mainly due to lower energy sales that dropped 54.7% y-o-y on the back of regulatory changes. Group EBITDA stood at EUR 253.9m, up 12.7% y-o-y (or +28.4% on an adjusted basis for one-off gains in 2013), driven by the impressive turnaround of AoG. Energy EBITDA was down 15% y-o-y. Net profits after minorities settled at EUR 64.9m (+308% y-o-y), positively impacted by the profitability of the M&M division and the performance of METKA. Market Cap Cap (EUR (EUR m) m) Free Free Float Float 50% 63% Enterprise Value Value (EUR (EUR m) m) ,383.1 No. No. of of Shares (m) (m) Performance 1m 3m 12m Group net debt declined to EUR 373.4m at end-dec.14 vs. EUR 509.6m in Dec.13 driven by the strong operational cash flows of METKA and AoG profitability, with net debt/ebitda standing at 1.5x vs. 2.3x at end Absolute (%) ASE General (Abs) The group will propose a gross dividend for fiscal 2014 of EUR 0.1/share (first dividend since 2008) at the upcoming AGM to be held in May 6, Daily avg. no. of traded shares 12M (th.) 245 Price high 12 months (EUR) 7.32 Price low 12 months (EUR) Q:13 4Q:14a y-o-y 4Q:14E AVG FY:13 FY:14a y-o-y FY:14E AVG Revenues % , , % 1, M&M % % EPC % % Energy % % EBITDA % % EBITDA mrg 11.8% 22.9% 24.1% 16.1% 20.6% 20.9% Mar 14 Apr May Jun 14 Jul 14 Aug Sep 14 Sep Oct 14 Nov Dec Jan 15 Feb M&M n.m % 83.1 MYTILINEOS HOLDINGS S.A. ATHEX Composite (Rebased) EPC % % Energy % % 72 adj.ebitda* % M&M adj. EBITDA* % 83.1 Financials Inc. Tax EATAM n.m % 55.9 Mytilineos is a leading industrial group in Greece with 3 distinct activities: (i) Metals & Mining (including Aluminium of Greece - one of the largest aluminium producers in Europe); (ii) EPC (Metka, a regional player); and (iii) energy (largest IPP in Greece). The group also has exposure in defence related applications. Shareholders Structure: Mytilineos Family 32.0%, Foreign Institutionals 16.4%, Greek Institutional 12.1%, Retail 34.5%, Fairfax Financial Holdings 5.0% Metallurgy and Mining/AoG AVG Research Page 1

2 The division posted a very strong performance in 2014, with revenues and profitability in Q4 coming above our estimates. The stabilization of LME prices at higher levels (2014 average LME at USD 1,894/tn, albeit from very low levels in 1Q:14) brought all in realized prices (incl. premiums) at levels above USD 2,500/tn. At the same time the strengthening of the USD vs. the Euro during 2H:14 positively impacted performance. Revenues stood at EUR 471m (+8.0% y-o-y). The most important contributor though was the sharp decline in cash production costs of the metal (especially in respect of energy costs) that drove EBITDA higher by more than 500% y-o-y on an adjusted basis (2013 results include a positive one-off of ceur 28m in relation to the dispute with PPC). Lower energy prices both in electricity and natural gas, weakening EUR (the bulk of the costs is euro-denominated) and the cost optimization initiatives of the group have driven production costs close to USD 1,900/tn. EBITDA settled at EUR 87m (+107.1% y-o-y on a reported basis). M&M division highlights 4Q:13 4Q:14 y-o-y FY:13 FY:14 y-o-y Aluminium LME Cash Price avg. ($/tn) 1,765 1, % 1,780 1, % EUR/USD Revenues % % EBITDA n.m % EBITDA margins -1.0% 25.2% 9.6% 18.5% adj.ebitda % With aluminium demand estimated amongst market participants between 5-7% for 2015, and market supply expected to remain at a deficit over the medium-term, fundamentals should allow for a healthy pricing environment alongside strong premiums. At the same time the strong USD is boosting Euro reported revenues, while the direct USD costs are estimated in the region of 20% of total costs. It is worth noting that despite the decline in LME prices during the first months of the current year (YtD average USD 1,803/tn, while LME price currently stands at USD 1,770/tn), the strong USD is more than counterbalancing the impact. At the same time, the decline in oil prices is positively affecting generation costs (through decline in natural gas). We could expect generation costs below USD 1,900/tn in 2015 vs. an estimated cusd 1,920/tn. To this end we see upside risk of ceur 15-20m to our 2015 EBITDA estimates of EUR 127m for the division. EPC/Metka EPC division performance (almost exclusively Metka) posted a very satisfactory quarter, in line with our estimates despite the pressured top line due to a slowdown in some projects abroad (primarily the Syria II project). On a FY basis revenues marginally declined by 0.3% y-o-y to EUR 602m and were driven by the execution of projects in Algeria (contributed ceur 180m), Syria (Syria I and Syria II contributed EUR 173.3m in 2014, with the bulk in 1H though) and Iraq (EUR 116m). In 2014 EBITDA settled at EUR 110m (+1.9% y-o-y) driven by the strong margins during 2H:14 and some positive operating one-offs (cusd 21m from SEPCO III as consulting fees for Al-Anbar project in Iraq). Metka s EBITDA margin for FY:14 stood at 17.05% vs. 16.8% (4Q:14 EBITDA margin at 18.2% vs. 16.7% in 9M:14 and 15.9% in 1H:14). During the conference call following the release of the results, management noted that METKA has been announced preferred bidder for a project budgeted at cusd 250m in Western Africa (Ghana). Official announcements will be made as soon as the contract has been signed and a financing deal has been closed. Current backlog stands at ceur 1.3bn (not including the project in Ghana). METKA PnL highlights 4Q:13 4Q:14 y-o-y FY:13 FY:14 y-o-y Revenues % % EBITDA % % EBITDA margin 18.7% 18.2% 16.8% 17.1% Net Income % % Net income margin 17.2% 16.2% 15.1% 14.8% AVG Research Page 2

3 For 2015 we estimate that EPC/METKA revenues will decline mainly due to the slow execution pace in Syria s projects. We note that since early 2015 METKA began the execution of the ERGOSE (railway) project in Greece that is expected to be completed by We also expect the completion of the projects in Algeria and Jordan within At this point we feel comfortable with our revenues and EBITDA estimates for 2015 of EUR 468m and EUR 71m respectively. Going forward, the signing of the project in Ghana will further help the backlog replenishment and importantly signal the opening of a new market, with a significant pool of opportunities. We note that in 2014 METKA generated c90% of its revenues abroad. Energy/Protergia The performance of the Energy division was pressured as expected from the prevailing market framework. Recall that there was a significant decrease of the participation of Gas Fired plants in the generation mix in the country as a consequence of the changes in the regulatory framework, and especially those regarding the abolishment of certain transitional mechanisms. The said changes resulted in the increase of the System Marginal Price (SMP) by 39% (from EUR 41.47/MWh to EUR 57.56/MWh) compared to the previous year, which in turn had a knock on effect on the increase (4 times higher) of net imports of electricity from existing interconnections (from GWh to GWh). In 2014 Lignite fired plants reached a ceiling of 23 TWh of production and electricity imports the maximum capacity of available interconnections. The division s revenues came down by 54.1% y-o-y at EUR 167.0m, on the back of significantly lower utilization of thermal units of the group (electricity generation of 778GWh in 2014 vs. 2,990GWh in 2013). Profitability was supported by the capacity payments scheme that supported EBITDA at EUR 75.2m (-16.9% y-oy). Energy division highlights 4Q:13 4Q:14 y-o-y FY:13 FY:14 y-o-y Thermal Production (GWh) % RES Production (GWh) % Revenues % % EBITDA % % EBITDA margin 27.6% 35.6% 24.1% 44.3% Energy division remains the most challenging sector, with regulatory framework changes having a significant impact on operations. The decision regarding the capacity payments scheme and variable cost reduction mechanism will play a key role in the performance during Therefore we could revise lower our 2015 EBITDA estimates of the division by EUR 15-25m, with further downside risk. Over the long-term, we are positive on the prospects given the expected demand pick-up. It is worth noting that the group proceeded in the last quarter of the year with the expansion of its RES portfolio, investing in the construction of three new wind parks of a total capacity of 70MW. Closing remarks All in all 2014 was a strong year for Mytilineos Group. We highlight the turnaround of the AoG business that started to reap the benefits of its intensive restructuring program, while METKA continued to generate strong profitability. We expect a similar performance for Our estimates for 2015 call for a group EBITDA of ceur 260m and net income of ceur 90m. The group trades on a 2015 P/E of 6.6x and EV/EBITDA of 3.8x and on a 2016 P/E of 7.1x and EV/EBITDA of 4.1x. We consider the group as one of the stand out cases in the domestic market and appreciate the fact that it generates c70% of its EBITDA from abroad, offering exposure to the aluminium sector (aluminium peers trade at 12.1x 2015 P/E and 6.0x EV/EBITDA). We maintain our Buy recommendation on the stock and reiterate our TP of EUR 10.2/share. AVG Research Page 3

4 Disclosures General information This research report was prepared by Axia Ventures Group Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Cyprus (but is referred to herein, together with its subsidiary companies and affiliates, collectively, as Axia ) and is authorised and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (authorisation number 086/07). Axia is authorized to provide investment services in the United Kingdom and in Greece pursuant to its permissions under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive and may also provide similar services in other countries, inside or outside of the European Union, subject to the applicable provisions. Axia is not a registered brokerdealer in the United States (U.S.) and, therefore, is not subject to U.S. rules regarding the preparation of research reports and the independence of research analysts. In the U.S., this research report is intended solely for persons who meet the definition of major U.S. institutional investors in Rule 15a-6 under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Act, as amended, or persons listed under Rule 15a-6(4)). Content of the report The persons in charge of the preparation of this daily report, the names of whom are disclosed below, certify that the views and opinions expressed on the subject security, issuer, companies or businesses covered by this research report (each a Subject Company and, collectively, the Subject Companies ) are their personal opinions and that no part of their compensation was, is or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendations or views contained in this research report. Whilst all substantial sources of information for the research are indicated in this report, including, without limitation, bases of valuation applied to any security or derivative security, such information has not been disclosed to the Subject Companies for their comments and no such information is hereby certified. All information contained herein is subject to change at any time without notice. No member of Axia has an obligation to update, modify or amend this research report or to otherwise notify a reader thereof in the event that any matter stated herein, or any opinion, projection, forecast or estimate set forth herein, changes or subsequently becomes inaccurate, or if research on the Subject Company is withdrawn. Further, past performance is not indicative of future results. Persons responsible for this report: Constantinos Zouzoulas (analyst) Key Definitions AVG Research 12-month rating* Buy Neutral Sell Under Review Restricted Not Rated The stock to generate total return** of and above 10% within the next 12-months The stock to generate total return* *between -10% and 10% within the next 12-months The stock to generate total return* * of and below -10% within the next 12 months Stock s target price or rating is subject to possible change Applicable Laws / Regulation and AXIA Ventures Group Limited policies might restrict certain types of communication and investment recommendations There is no rating for the company by AXIA Ventures Group Limited * exceptions to the bands may be granted by the Investment Review Committee of Axia taking into account specific characteristics of the Subject Company. **total return: % price appreciation percentage change in share price from current price to projected target price plus projected dividend yield Rating history for Mytilineos Holdings S.A. Date Rating Share Price (EUR) Target Price (EUR) 21/10/2014 Buy /03/2015 Buy AXIA Ventures Group Limited Rating Distribution as of today Coverage Universe Count Percent Of which Investment Banking Relationships Count Percent Buy 6 60% 1 25% Neutral 4 40% 3 75% Sell Restricted Not Rated Under Review Independence and objectivity, conflicts of interest management None of the analysts in charge of this report are involved in activities within Axia where such involvement is inconsistent with the maintenance of that analyst s independence or objectivity. None of them has received or purchased shares in any Subject Company prior to any private or public offering of those shares. However, the analysts responsible for the preparation of this report may interact with trading desks or sales personnel for the purpose of gathering and interpreting market information with regard to the Subject Companies. As an investment services provider engaging in a wide range of businesses, Axia is active in the field of activities which may include the AVG Research Page 4

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6 10 G. Kranidiotis, 4, Vas. Sofias Ave., 3 rd Floor 645 Fifth Avenue, Suite 903 Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square 1065 Nicosia, Cyprus Athens, Greece New York, NY London, W1J 6BD Tel: Tel: Tel: Tel: Fax: Fax: Fax: Fax: Research Constantinos Zouzoulas constantinos.zouzoulas@axiavg.com Louis Nikolopoulos louis.nikolopoulos@axiavg.com Argyrios Gkonis argyrios.gkonis@axiavg.com Equity Sales / Trading Stavros Agrotis stavros.agrotis@axiavg.com +357(22) Constantinos Koufopoulos constantinos.koufopoulos@axiavg.com Maria Mitsouli maria.mitsouli@axiavg.com Elias Calfoglou elias.calfoglou@axiavg.com Harry Smyrnopoulos harry.smyrnopoulos@axiavg.con Athanasia Markidi athanasia.markidi@axiavg.com Ioanna Georgiou Ioanna.georgiou@axiavg.com George Baroumis george.baroumis@axiavg.com AVG Research Page 6