NEOEN SA (EPA:NEOEN) - Neoen reports strong revenue growth in the first half of 2020 and confirms its targets

Transparency directive : regulatory news

28/07/2020 17:40

Paris, July 28, 2020

Neoen reports strong revenue growth in the first half of 2020 and confirms its
targets

* Increase in revenue to EUR157m, up 33% compared with the first half of 2019
* Commissioning of 239 MW in the first half of the year and construction
  launched of 544 MW, including 460 MW in the second quarter alone
* Growth in the secured portfolio(1) at 4.4 GW at end-June 2020 vs. 4.1 GW at
  end-2019
* Confirmation of the 2020 EBITDA target(2) of EUR270-300m(3), with an EBITDA
  margin(4) of over 80%
* Reiteration of the 2021 and 2022 targets

Neoen (ISIN code: FR0011675362, ticker: NEOEN), one of the world's leading and
fastest-growing independent producers of exclusively renewable energy and one
of the fastest-growing in the world, reports (unaudited) revenue of EUR157
million for the first half of 2020, up 33% compared with the first half of
2019. At constant exchange rates, revenue was up 35%.

Xavier Barbaro, Neoen's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, comments: "We
achieved further strong revenue growth in the first half of the year. In this
challenging environment marked by the public health crisis, we commissioned new
assets, notably the Capella solar plant in El Salvador and the Hedet wind farm
in Finland. We also launched the construction of over 500 MW and strengthened
our portfolio of secured projects with new solar, wind and energy storage
plants in Australia, France and Finland. We are therefore confident about
achieving capacity of at least 5 GW in operation or under construction at the
end of 2021. In the first half of the year Neoen further reinforced its role as
a pioneer in sustainable finance, with the signing of a syndicated loan
integrating ESG criteria and the issue of the first ever green convertible bond
in Europe. Lastly, we are proud to have joined the SBF 120 index, less than two
years after our IPO: our share price reflects our performance and investors'
confidence in our outlook."

(1) Assets in operation, under construction or projects awarded
(2) EBITDA corresponds to current operating income adjusted for current
operating depreciation, amortization and provisions. It therefore excludes
results for discontinued operations.
(3) Forecasts at constant exchange rates compared to 2019
(4) EBITDA margin is calculated as the ratio of EBITDA to revenue

Operating information
                            Jun 30, 2020   Dec 31, 2019    Chg.
                                 (1)           (1)
Assets in operation (MW)        2,085         1,847       +239

(1) Gross capacity including projects in which Neoen is a minority shareholder:
Cestas (228 MWp) and Seixal (8.8 MWp)

Neoen's capacity in operation stood at 2,085 MW at June 30, 2020, up 239 MW
compared to end-December 2019. During the first half of 2020, the Group
commissioned the Capella solar plant (143 MWp)(5) in El Salvador, the Hedet
wind farm in Finland (81 MW), supplying Google's Finnish data center in Hamina,
as well as three solar plants in France with total capacity of 15 MWp.

                                H1 2020   H1 2019     % chg.

Electricity generated (GWh)      2,067     1,330       +55%

Electricity generation totaled 2,067 GWh in the first half of 2020, up 55% on
the first half of 2019. The average solar and wind energy availability rate
held up at high levels of 99% and 98% respectively (compared with 99% for both
segments in the first half of 2019), illustrating the Group's ability to
continue to optimize use of its assets in operation.

In addition to newly commissioned assets, the El Llano solar power plant (375
MWp) in Mexico, which had to suspend its production on May 3, 2020 following a
decision by the National Center for the Control of Energy (CENACE), was able to
resume pre-operational testing and restart injecting electricity into the
Mexican electricity grid as of May 21.

Furthermore, the Bulgana wind farm in Australia, due to be commissioned in the
fourth quarter, also began to gradually inject electricity into the grid at a
limited capacity at the end of the first half of the year.

In the first half of 2020, the average load factor of wind assets stood at
34.4%, compared with 33.9% in the first half of 2019. The excellent level of
wind resources in Europe in the first quarter made up for the lower
availability of Australian assets in the second quarter. The average load
factor of solar assets was 17.6% compared with 18.2% in the first half of 2019.
This slight reduction was due to lower irradiation levels in Australia and
upgrading works on the grid in the first half of the year curtailing production
at an Australian facility.

(5) Including a 3 MW / 2 MWh battery storage facility

First-half 2020 revenue: +33% compared with the first half of 2019

                                H1 2020  H1 2019    % Chg.
Revenue (EURm)(1)
Solar                              73.4    54.9      +34%
Wind                               58.8    52.7      +12%
Storage                            24.6     8.4      x2.9
Other(2)                            0.3     2.2      n/s
Consolidated revenue              157.2   118.1      +33%
O/w contracted energy revenue     113.7   100.1      +14%
O/w merchant energy revenue        41.5    14.3      x2.9
O/w other revenue(3)                2.0     3.8      n/s

(1) Unaudited financial data
(2) Corresponding to Development and investment segment
(3) Other revenue chiefly comprises the development business and services to
third parties

Neoen's consolidated revenue for the first half of 2020 totaled EUR157.2
million, an increase of 33% compared with the first half of 2019. At constant
exchange rates(6), revenue was up 35%. The key factor behind this growth was
the contribution from assets commissioned in 2019 and the first half of 2020.
Another contributing factor was the substantial increase in storage revenue in
the first quarter as a result of specific non-recurring conditions in
Australia.

Solar revenue grew 34% compared with the first half of 2019 as a result of the
contribution from projects commissioned during 2019 in Australia, Zambia,
Jamaica, and France, as well as those commissioned in the first half of 2020 in
El Salvador and France. This growth is also due to the early generation revenue
recorded by the El Llano power plant in Mexico since the start of the year.
Revenue was however penalized by less favorable irradiation conditions in
Australia as well as lower availability of an Australian facility due to
renovation works on the grid, which are now complete. Solar revenue accounted
for 47% of Neoen's consolidated revenue in the first half of 2020, compared
with 46% in the first half of 2019.

Wind revenue rose 12% compared with the first half of 2019. This increase
resulted from the capacity added during 2019 in Ireland and France, plus the
commissioning of the Hedet wind farm in Finland in the first half of 2020.
Revenue also benefited from excellent wind conditions in Europe during the
first quarter of 2020. These factors more than offset the lower availability of
Australian assets in the second quarter, as well as a lower average price
earned by the Hornsdale 3 wind farm in Australia compared with the first half
of 2019. This asset had temporarily benefited from early generation revenue
prior to the entry into force of its long- term power purchase agreement in
October 2019. Wind contributed 37% of Neoen's consolidated first- half 2020
revenue, compared with 45% in the first half of 2019.

Storage revenue came to EUR24.6 million in the first half of 2020, compared
with EUR8.4 million in the first half of 2019. An exceptional non-recurring
event in Australia in the first quarter was the key factor behind this very
hefty increase. Following a tornado in late January, a power interconnection
line between the state of South Australia and Victoria was down, creating
specific conditions generating a high level of non-recurring revenue that
cannot be extrapolated to the rest of 2020. Storage revenue accounted for 16%
of consolidated revenue in the first half of 2020, up from 7% in the first half
of 2019.

(6) Based on the H1 2019 average exchange rate

Merchant energy revenue accounted for 26% of consolidated revenue in the first
half of 2020. This high level is temporary as it reflects the non-recurring
increase in storage revenue in Australia during the first quarter. Neoen also
benefited from early generation revenue recorded by the Capella(7) and Hedet(8)
plants in the first quarter and by El Llano in the first half of the year.

Neoen recorded consolidated revenue of EUR61.5 million in the second quarter of
2020, an increase of 5% compared with the second quarter of 2019. This
performance reflects primarily growth of 23% in solar revenue, as well as a 3%
decline in wind revenue which was a result of lower availability of assets in
Australia and lower average price earned by the Hornsdale 3 wind farm in
Australia following the entry into force of its long-term power purchase
agreement. Lastly, storage revenue came to EUR3 million (compared with EUR4.2
million in the second quarter of 2019), due to less favorable market conditions
in Australia for sales of network services (FCAS).

Portfolio at end-June 2020: 11.2 GW vs. 10.7 GW at end-December 2019

In MW                          June 30,  Dec 31,
                                 2020     2019       chg.

Assets in operation             2,085     1,847     +239
Assets under construction       1,498     1,193     +305
Sub-total, assets in
operation or under construction 3,584     3,040     +544
Projects awarded                  773     1,082     -309
Total MW - secured portfolio    4,357     4,122     +234
Tender-ready projects           1,435     1,563     -128
Advanced development projects   5,381     4,966     +415
Total MW - advanced pipeline    6,817     6,529     +287
Total portfolio                11,174    10,652     +522
Early stage projects           > 4 GW    > 4 GW

Capacity in operation or under construction totaled 3.6 GW at end-June 2020
compared with 3.0 GW at end-December 2019. During the first half of 2020,
Neoen launched construction of 544 MW, including  460 MWp in the second quarter
alone corresponding to the total capacity of Western Downs, the largest solar
farm in Australia. This farm is subject to a 352 MWp power purchase agreement8
with CleanCo Queensland, a publicly owned company generating and supplying
clean energy in the state of Queensland. Located near Chinchilla in south-west
Queensland, it will supply the Powerlink Queensland transmission network.

In the first quarter, Neoen launched construction of the Yllikkälä Power
Reserve (30 MW / 30 MWh) in Finland, the Nordics' largest battery storage unit.
The facility is set to play a key role in stabilizing the national electricity
system managed by Fingrid. Aside from greater reliability and lower electricity
grid stabilization costs, the plant will facilitate the integration of future
renewable energy projects.

(7) Before their PPAs came into force in Q2 2020
(8) PPA included in the awarded projects category of the portfolio in Q4 2019

During the first quarter of 2020, Neoen also launched construction of the Mont
de Malan wind farm (29 MW) and two solar power plants (25 MWp in total) in
France.

Assets in operation, under construction or awarded stood at 4.4 GW at June 30,
2020, compared with 4.1 GW at December 31, 2019. Neoen had 216 MW(9) of new
projects awarded over the first six months of the year: the Yllikkälä Power
Reserve battery storage unit already under construction, the La Verte Epine
wind farm in France (12 MW), 108 MWp of additional capacity relating to the
Western Downs project (on top of the 352 MWp of capacity already added in 2019
within the framework of a power purchase agreement) and 66 MWp of solar
projects in France won in the second quarter of 2020 in the CRE 4.7 government
call for tenders.

The portfolio's capacity totaled 11.2 GW at end-June 2020 compared with 10.7 GW
at end-December 2019.

Second quarter 2020 highlights

In addition to the winning of new secured projects, construction launches and
commissioning of new projects mentioned above, the main highlights of the
second quarter of 2020 are as follows:

Success of the first ever green convertible bonds issue in Europe for EUR170m

On May 28, 2020, Neoen announced the successful placing of the first ever
European senior unsecured green bonds convertible into new shares and/or
exchangeable for existing shares of the Company (OCEANE Verte) due June 2,
2025. The proceeds of the issue will be allocated to finance or refinance
renewable energy production (solar PV, wind power) or storage projects in
consistency with EU taxonomy requirements and the Green Bond Framework(10).
This follows the signing of a EUR200 million syndicated loan integrating ESG
criteria in March 2020, comprising a EUR125 million amortizing loan and a EUR75
million revolving credit facility.

Neoen joins the SBF 120 index

On June 11, 2020, Neoen announced that it was joining the SBF 120 index
consisting of the top 120 stocks listed on Euronext Paris in terms of liquidity
and market capitalization. As part of its quarterly review of the Euronext
Paris indices, the Index Committee decided to include Neoen in both the SBF 120
and the CAC Mid 60 indices. Neoen's inclusion in these indices is testament to
its strong share price performance since its October 2018 IPO. Since then, the
Company's market capitalization has more than doubled to over EUR3 billion.
This sharp rise was accompanied by a steady increase in trading volumes.

Outlook

Neoen confirms its 2020 EBITDA target of between EUR270 million and EUR300
million (at constant exchange rates compared with 2019) and now expects an
EBITDA margin of over 80%. This guidance takes into account the best estimate
to date of the timetable for the commissioning of power plants currently under
construction, as well as the current level of market prices. The Group
specifies that this guidance also takes into account the sharp increase in
storage revenue during the first quarter of 2020 and is based on the assumption
that generation will continue at a normal level at the El Llano plant in Mexico
until the end of the year.

(9) Plus 18 MW of capacity reassessment, representing a total increase of
235 MW
(10) Available on the Neoen website

Neoen also reiterates its target of having more than 5 GW of capacity in
operation or under construction by the end of 2021, with this capacity fully
operational by year-end 2022. Neoen also confirms its EBITDA target of over
EUR400 million(11) in 2022. These targets also take into account the best
estimate to date of the timetable for the completion of its projects.

This presentation contains forward-looking statements regarding the prospects
and growth strategies of Neoen and its subsidiaries (the "Group"). These
statements include statements relating to the Group's intentions, strategies,
growth prospects, and trends in its results of operations, financial situation
and liquidity. Although such statements are based on data, assumptions and
estimates that the Company considers reasonable, they are subject to numerous
risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ from those anticipated
in such statements due to a variety of factors, including those discussed in
the Group's filings with the French Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF)
which are available on the website of Neoen (www.neoen.com). Prospective
information contained in this presentation is given only as of the date hereof.
Other than as required by law, the Group expressly disclaims any obligation to
update its forward looking statements in light of new information or future
developments.

Next financial reports

First-half 2020 results: September 23, 2020
Nine-month 2020 revenue and operational highlights: November 9, 2020

About Neoen

Neoen is one of the world's leading and fastest growing independent producers
of exclusively renewable energy. With a capacity of more than 3 GW in operation
or under construction, Neoen is a high-growth company. Neoen is notably active
in Argentina, Australia, El Salvador, Finland, France, Ireland, Jamaica,
Mexico, Mozambique, Portugal and Zambia. In particular, Neoen operates France's
most powerful solar PV farm (300 MWp) in Cestas, and the world's largest
lithium-ion power reserve (150 MW/193.5 MWh storage capacity) in Hornsdale,
Australia. Neoen is targeting at least 5 GW capacity in operation or under
construction by end of 2021. Neoen (ISIN Code: FR0011675362, ticker: NEOEN) is
listed in Compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris.

For more information: www.neoen.com

Investors                     Press

Neoen                         OPRG Financial

Delphine Deshayes             Isabelle Laurent
+33 6 69 19 89 92             +33 1 53 32 61 51
delphine.deshayes@neoen.com   isabelle.laurent@oprgfinancial.fr

Fabrice Baron
+33 1 53 32 61 27
fabrice.baron@oprgfinancial.fr

(11) At constant exchange rates relative to 2019

Appendix

                             Q1 2020   Q1 2019
                                     restated (1)   % chg.
Revenue (MEUR)(2)

Solar                         38.2      26.1         +46%
Wind                          35.8      28.9         +24%
Storage                       21.6       4.2         x5,2
Other(3)                       0.2       0.3          n/a
Consolidated revenue          95.8      59.4         +61%
O/w contracted energy revenue 59.2      50.3         +18%
O/w merchant energy revenue   35.7       7.8         x4,6
O/w other revenue(4)           0.9       1.3          n/s

                             Q2 2020  Q2 2019       % chg.
Revenue (MEUR)(2)

Solar                         35.3      28.8         +23%
Wind                          23.0      23.8          -3%
Storage                        3.0       4.2         -29%
Other(3)                       0.2       2.0          n/a
Consolidated revenue          61.5      58.7          +5%
O/w contracted energy revenue 54.5      49.7         +10%
O/w merchant energy revenue    5.9       6.5         -10%
O/w other revenue(4)           1.1       2.5          n/s

(1) Revenue excluding the biomass business sold in September 2019
(2) Unaudited financial data
(3) Corresponding to Development and investment segment
(4) Other revenue chiefly comprises the development business and services to
third parties

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NEOEN SA (EPA:NEOEN) - Neoen reports strong revenue growth in the first half of 2020 and confirms its targets

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