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Fluxys Belgium SA

Earnings Release Mar 28, 2024

3952_er_2024-03-28_1f862abe-bf0d-4bed-807f-4dff8b829da8.pdf

Earnings Release

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28 March 2024 6:15 PM - Regulated information: 2023 Results

Overview of 2023 Annual Results

  • Consolidated net profit was EUR 77.4 million (EUR 83.7 million in 2022): reduction in the fair margin set by the tariff methodology for the LNG terminal
  • Proposed allocation of profit submitted to the Annual General Meeting on 14 May 2024: gross dividend of EUR 1.40 per share (2023: EUR 1.40 per share)
  • Supporting security of supply 24/7: maintenance of significant volumes to the Netherlands and Germany, and additional transmission capacity in service
  • Hydrogen and CO2 backbones take shape: preparations underway to offer the first hydrogen and CO2 transmission capacity in Belgium starting in 2026
  • First steps towards underground hydrogen storage: hydrogen injection test at our underground storage facility in Loenhout
  • System operator candidates Fluxys hydrogen and Fluxys c-grid: Two Fluxys Belgium subsidiaries ready to play a role in the future hydrogen and CO2 economy in Belgium
  • Strong partnerships to make Belgium a multi-molecule hub: conclusion of agreements with German, Dutch and British partners to connect the hydrogen and CO2 networks
  • Using seawater to reduce our CO2 emissions: commissioning of three additional Open Rack Vaporisers that use heat from seawater to convert LNG to gas

28 March 2024 6:15 PM - Regulated information: 2023 Results

In this press release

Key financial data ___________ 3
Key events ____________ 4
On deck 24/7 for security of supply _______ 4
Additional transmission capacity __________ 4
Hydrogen and CO2 backbones take shape ___________ 5
First steps towards underground hydrogen storage _____ 5
Fluxys hydrogen and Fluxys c-grid candidate network operators ____ 6
Strong partners for a solid hub ____________ 6
Using sea water to reduce our CO2 emissions __________ 7
Fluxys Belgium – 2023 results (according to Belgian standards): proposed allocation of
profit ____________ 7
Financial outlook for 2024 __________ 8
External audit __________ 9
Contact _______________ 9
About Fluxys Belgium _____________ 10
Annex _______________ 11

28 March 2024 6:15 PM - Regulated information: 2023 Results

Key financial data

Income statement (in thousands of EUR) 31/12/2023 31/12/2022
Operating revenue 592,788 912,559
EBITDA* 285,809 323,167
EBIT* 129,570 147,305
Net profit 77,423 83,728
Balance sheet (in thousands of EUR) 31/12/2023 31/12/2022
Investments in property, plant and equipment for the period 167,654 105,525
Total property, plant and equipment 1,873,286 1,855,375
Equity 613,413 643,617
Net financial debt* 219,404 493,800
Total consolidated balance sheet 3,358,616 3,406,570

*For definitions and reasons for using these indicators, see the annex.

Consolidated turnover and net profit

Fluxys Belgium generated turnover of EUR 592.8 million in 2023. This represents a decrease of EUR 319.8 million compared with 2022, when turnover stood at EUR 912.6 million. This change is in line with the tariff methodology. The exceptional solidarity contribution of EUR 300 million in 2022 was not repeated in 2023. As a result, there was no impact on revenue in 2023 as there was in 2022.

The consolidated net profit decreased by EUR 83.7 million in 2022 to EUR 77.4 million in 2023, a drop of EUR 6.3 million. This change in the net profit was due mainly to the reduction in the fair margin set out in the tariff methodology for the LNG terminal.

28 March 2024 6:15 PM - Regulated information: 2023 Results

Efficiency efforts in line with the regulated tariff model

The 2020-2023 tariff methodology (established by the regulator, CREG) applies the principle that all reasonable costs, including interest and fair compensation, are covered by the regulated income. In addition, there are various incentives to control costs and guide and control aspects of company performance. By strictly controlling its operating costs, combined with significant efforts to improve efficiency, Fluxys Belgium has managed to achieve most regulatory objectives and to book those incentives in a period of major operational challenges.

EUR 167.7 million of investments

In 2023 investments in property, plant and equipment totalled EUR 167.7 million, compared with EUR 105.5 million in 2022. Of this amount, EUR 50.4 million was spent on LNG infrastructure projects, EUR 9.1 million on storage-related projects and EUR 106.3 million on transmission-related projects, including EUR 51.3 million for the Desteldonk-Opwijk pipeline, which is ready to be used to carry hydrogen as soon as the market is ready.

Key events

Supporting security of supply 24/7

Throughout the year all our teams did everything they could to support security of supply in North-West Europe. The geopolitical situation resulting from the war in Ukraine has profoundly changed the dynamics on the gas markets and the direction of flows in Europe. In addition to supplying Belgium, suppliers continued to carry large quantities of natural gas to the Netherlands and Germany via the Belgian grid. At the same time, our underground storage facility in Loenhout got completely filled, enabling to go into the winter with a maximum buffer. In other words, our Belgian grid once again confirmed its role as an energy hub for Europe, with Zeebrugge as an important gateway.

Additional transmission capacity

Speed and adaptability are the watchwords when it comes to supporting the new supply situation in Europe. We reinforced the Zeebrugge-Brussels corridor with an

28 March 2024 6:15 PM - Regulated information: 2023 Results

additional pipeline to carry more natural gas inland from Zeebrugge while maintaining high flows to neighbouring countries. The Desteldonk-Zele section of the new pipeline commissioned in late 2023. Moreover, the pipeline has been designed to carry hydrogen as soon as the market is ready for it. This multi-molecule pipeline is our first concrete step in speeding up the energy transition.

Hydrogen and CO2 backbones take shape

We aim to help industry decarbonise as much as possible. We are making every effort to offer the first transmission capacity for hydrogen and/or CO2 in 2026. After another year of intensive consultations with the industry, we are fully preparing the next steps and the newly constructed infrastructure on the Zeebrugge-Brussels axis for security of supply constitutes the first 44 kilometres of the future hydrogen backbone in Belgium. As for CO2, we are also working on a backbone for transporting captured CO2 to subsea storage facilities and sites where it will be reused. In addition to building backbones for hydrogen and CO2 we are also fully committed to developing terminals for importing carbon-neutral molecules and exporting CO2.

First steps towards underground hydrogen storage

Our expertise, innovative strength and existing infrastructure are vital building blocks for the future energy system. Wherever possible we will repurpose our 4,000 km of pipelines so they can carry hydrogen and CO2. We are also running hydrogen injection tests to determine whether our unique underground storage facility in Loenhout can contribute to the hydrogen economy. Today it is a massive buffer for natural gas, in the future possibly for hydrogen.

28 March 2024 6:15 PM - Regulated information: 2023 Results

System operator candidates: Fluxys hydrogen and Fluxys c-grid

The federal Hydrogen Act, passed in July, regulates the appointment of the system operator responsible for planning, developing and operating the hydrogen transmission system in Belgium. In line with the Hydrogen Act, we founded our subsidiary Fluxys hydrogen, which has submitted its candidacy to serve as the operator of the hydrogen network. The federal government is expected to appoint the system operator in the first months of 2024. The regions are setting up a regulatory framework for CO2 transmission activities. In anticipation of this, together with Pipelink, Socofe and SFPIM, we founded our subsidiary Fluxys c-grid, a separate company ready to be a candidate for the planning, development and operation of the CO2 transmission infrastructure on Belgian territory.

Strong partners make a strong hub

Strong partnerships and connections with neighbouring countries are essential for the development of open-access transmission infrastructure for both hydrogen and CO2. Together with OGE and Wintershall Dea in Germany we are exploring a cross-border pipeline for the transmission of CO2. With OGE we are also looking at a cross-border hydrogen connection between Belgium and Germany. With British National Gas we are working also in the context of the energy transition. And with Dutch hydrogen system operator Hynetwork Services we are looking into the possibilities to link our respective hydrogen networks. By connecting our hydrogen and CO2 grids with those of neighbouring countries, we are developing our country as a multi-molecule hub for the economy in both Belgium and North-West Europe.

28 March 2024 6:15 PM - Regulated information: 2023 Results

Reducing our CO2 emissions with sea water

Our goal is to be climate-neutral in 2050. The first milestones are to halve our greenhouse gas emissions in 2025 compared to 2017 and to achieve a 67% reduction in 2030. In 2023 at our LNG terminal in Zeebrugge we commissioned three additional open-rack vaporisers (ORVs) that use heat from seawater to regasify LNG. These ORVs replace traditional heating units, resulting in much more efficient energy consumption and significantly lower CO2 emissions at the terminal.

Fluxys Belgium – 2023 results (according to Belgian standards): proposed allocation of profit

Fluxys Belgium NV/SA's net profit was EUR 79.5 million, compared to EUR 84.0 million in 2022.

At the Annual General Meeting on 14 May 2024, Fluxys Belgium will propose a gross dividend of EUR 1.40 per share.

Taking into account a profit of EUR 93.1 million carried over from the previous financial year and a withdrawal of EUR 27.5 million from the reserves, the Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting that the profits be allocated as follows:

  • EUR 98.4 million as a dividend payout
  • EUR 101.7 million as profit to be carried forward

If that profit allocation proposal is adopted, the total gross dividend for the 2023 financial year will be EUR 1.40 per share. This amount will be payable from 22 May 2024 onwards.

28 March 2024 6:15 PM - Regulated information: 2023 Results

Financial outlook for 2024

Under the 2024-2027 tariff methodology, the net profit from Belgian regulated activities is determined based on various regulatory parameters, including equity invested, financial structure and incentives.

The tariff reductions for transmission and storage have no impact on profits

The federal energy regulator, the CREG, approved in 2023 new transmission and storage tariffs for the 2024-2027 regulatory period. For transmission tariffs, the 10% tariff reduction dating from July 2022 will be extended to the 2024-2027 regulatory period. Storage tariffs are down 20% compared to 2023 tariffs. These tariff reductions have no impact on the profits of the Fluxys Belgium group.

The favourable development in transmission tariffs is mainly due to additional capacity sales to support security of supply in Germany and the Netherlands. Market conditions were also more favourable than expected for storage, resulting in higher-thanexpected revenues. As provided for in the regulatory framework, these additional revenues are set aside in the adjustment account and are gradually returned to the market via a tariff reduction and via investments aimed at strengthening security of supply and supporting the energy transition.

Agreement between Fluxys Belgium and CREG on the fair margin

In February 2024, Fluxys Belgium and CREG agreed to propose to the market, via a public consultation, adaptations to the tariff methodology for the natural gas transmission system, the natural gas storage facility and the LNG facility for the 2024- 2027 regulatory period.

The tariff methodology, adopted in June 2022, provides for the use of a risk-free rate of 1.68% to calculate the margin for the four years of the 2024-2027 regulatory period. In the current context of high volatility in interest rates, an overall upward trend over the past two years and particularly high inflation in 2022, a number of changes are needed in order to guarantee operators a fair remuneration on capital invested in regulated assets, and to enable them to make the investments necessary to carry out their missions.

28 March 2024 6:15 PM - Regulated information: 2023 Results

The public consultation on changes to the tariff methodology will be held from 14 March to 14 April 2024. The impact of these proposed changes will be covered by the adjustment account. The tariffs set by CREG for the period 2024-2027 therefore remain unchanged at this stage.

Geopolitical developments Based on the information available at the time of this report, it is extremely difficult to anticipate the impact of the war in Ukraine. In light of the current understanding of the situation, the essential nature of the company's activities and its regulatory framework, at present we do not anticipate the war and the current resulting measures and market developments having any significant negative impact on the consolidated result of the Fluxys Belgium group in 2024.

External audit

The auditor confirmed that its audit work, which has been substantially completed, has not revealed any significant correction that should be made to the accounting information included in this press release.

Contact

Financial and accounting data: Filip De Boeck +32 2 282 79 89 - [email protected]

Press Office: +32 471 95 00 24 • [email protected]

28 March 2024 6:15 PM - Regulated information: 2023 Results

About Fluxys Belgium

Fluxys Belgium is a Euronext-listed subsidiary of energy infrastructure group Fluxys. The company is headquartered in Belgium, has 900 employees and operates 4,000 kilometres of pipelines, a liquefied natural gas terminal with an annual regasification capacity of 174 TWh and an underground storage facility.

As a purpose-led company, Fluxys Belgium together with its stakeholders contributes to a better society by shaping a bright energy future. Building on the unique assets of its infrastructure and its commercial and technical expertise, Fluxys Belgium is committed to transporting hydrogen, biomethane or any other carbon-neutral energy carrier as well as CO2, accommodating the capture, usage and storage of the latter.

28 March 2024 6:15 PM - Regulated information: 2023 Results

Annex

Consolidated balance sheet (in thousands of EUR)
31/12/2023 31/12/2022
I. Non-current assets 2,073,059 2,061,085
Property, plant and equipment 1,873,286 1,855,375
Intangible assets 27,238 22,864
Right-of-use assets 28,580 30,020
Equity-accounted investments 50 50
Other financial assets 111,210 111,171
Other amounts receivable 21,496 15,144
Other non-current assets 11,199 26,461
II. Current assets 1,285,557 1,345,485
Inventory 50,443 62,656
Finance lease receivables 1,644 2,094
Income tax receivable 7,071 2,429
Trade and other receivables 102,056 164,299
Short-term deposits 32,998 26,113
Cash and cash equivalents 1,068,227 1,070,708
Other current assets 23,118 17,186
Total assets 3,358,616 3,406,570

Consolidated balance sheet (in thousands of EUR)
31/12/2023 31/12/2022
I. Equity 613,413 643,617
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent
company
612,625 643,617
Share capital and share premiums 60,310 60,310
Retained earnings and other reserves 552,315 583,307
Minority interests 788 0
II. Non-current liabilities 2,297,633 2,061,275
Interest-bearing liabilities 1,070,311 1,115,772
Regulatory obligations 1,039,716 746,809
Provisions 3,939 4,127
Provisions for employee benefits 48,455 47,444
Other non-current financial liabilities 4,010 3,575
Deferred tax liabilities 131,202 143,548
III. Current liabilities 447,570 701,678
Interest-bearing liabilities 55,336 56,269
Regulatory obligations 219,122 188,485
Provisions 291 0
Provisions for employee benefits 3,508 3,543
Current tax liabilities 4,248 1,020
Trade and other liabilities 118,956 444,533
Other current liabilities 46,109 7,828

Total equity and liabilities
3,358,616
3,406,570
Consolidated income statement (in thousands of EUR)
31/12/2023 31/12/2022
Sales and services 592,788 912,559
Gas sales relating to balancing operations and
operational needs
160,761 278,566
Other operating income 19,594 16,212
Consumables, merchandise and supplies used -8,895 -5,582
Gas purchases relating to balancing operations
and operational needs
-157,389 -275,178
Miscellaneous goods and services -179,845 -465,521
Employee expenses -135,240 -132,931
Other operating expense -5,965 -4,958
Depreciation -166,894 -168,051
Provisions -745 6,993
Impairment losses 11,400 -14,804
Profit from operations 129,570 147,305
Change in value of financial instruments 262 -1,298
Financial income 37,606 4,589
Financing expenses -70,777 -40,805
Pre-tax profit 96,661 109,791
Income tax expenses -19,238 -26,063
Net profit for the period 77,423 83,728

Fluxys Belgium share 77,423 83,728
Minority interest share 0 0
Basic earnings per share attributable to equity
holders of the parent company in EUR
1.1019 1.1916
Diluted basic earnings per share attributable to
equity holders of the parent company in EUR
1.1019 1.1916
Statement of consolidated comprehensive income (in thousands of EUR)
31/12/2023 31/12/2022
Net profit for the period 77,423 83,728
Items not subsequently reclassified in the
income statement
Revaluations under defined benefit plans -13,394 22,905
Income tax expense on other comprehensive
income
3,348 -5,726
Other comprehensive income -10,046 17,179
Comprehensive income for the period 67,377 100,907
Fluxys Belgium share 67,377 100,907
Minority interest share 0 0
Statement of changes in consolidated equity (in thousands of EUR)
Share capital Share premiu
ms
Unavailable reserves Retained earnings Employee benefits
reserves
Other comprehens
ive income
Equity attributable to
shareholders of the parent
company
Minority
interests
Total equity
I. CLOSING BALANCE
AS AT
31/12/2021
60,272 38 54,072 521,796 3,496 0 639,674 0 639,674

1. Comprehensive
income for the
period
83,728 17,179 100,907 100,907
2. Dividends distributed -96,964 -96,964 -96,964
II. CLOSING BALANCE AS AT
31/12/2022
60,272 38 54,072 508,560 20,675 0 643,617 0 643,617
1. Comprehensive
income for the
period
77,423 -10,046 67,377 67,377
2. Dividends distributed -98,369 -98,369 -98,369
3. Capital increases 788 788
III. CLOSING BALANCE AS AT
31/12/2023
60,272 38 54,072 487,614 10,629 0 612,625 788 613,413

Consolidated cash-flow statement (indirect method) (in thousands of EUR)
31/12/2023 31/12/2022
I. Cash and cash equivalents, opening balance 1,070,708 366,931
II. Net cash flow from operating activities 356,266 1,008,653
1. Cash flow from operations 345,568 1,041,092
1.1. Profit from operations 129,569 147,305
1.2. Adjustments for non-cash items 447,983 631,460
1.2.1. Depreciation 166,894 168,051
1.2.2. Provisions 745 -6,993
1.2.3. Impairment losses -11,400 14,804
1.2.4. Other adjustments for non-cash items 640 -626
1.2.5. Increase (decrease) in regulatory debt 291,104 456,224
1.3. Change in working capital -231,984 262,327
1.3.1. Decrease (increase) in inventory 23,644 -38,433
1.3.2. Decrease (increase) in tax assets payable 901 -956
1.3.3. Decrease (increase) in trade and other receivables 62,264 -73,838
1.3.4. Decrease (increase) in other current assets -7,628 -153
1.3.5. Increase (decrease) in tax liabilities payable 1,070 -126
1.3.6. Increase (decrease) in trade and other liabilities -333,230 371,252
1.3.7. Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities 20,995 4,581
2. Cash flow from other operating activities 10,698 -32,439
2.1. Current taxes paid -26,600 -36,732
2.2. Interest received on investments, cash and cash
equivalents
36,689 4,053
2.3. Other inflows (outflows) relating to other operating
activities
609 240
III. Net cash flow from investing activities -177,564 -124,784
1. Acquisitions -185,595 -145,118
1.1. Payments made for the acquisition of tangible
and intangible assets
-184,776 -116,916

1.2. Payments made for the acquisition of other
financial assets
-819 -28,202
--------------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ---------
31/12/2023
31/12/2022
2. Disposals
14,916
707
2.1. Inflows relating to the transfer of tangible and
2.916
707
intangible assets
2.2. Inflows relating to the disposal of other financial assets
12,000
0
3. Increase (-) / Decrease (+) in short-term deposits (1)
-6,885
19,627
IV. Net cash flow from financing activities
-181,183
-180,092
1. Cash flow received relating to financing
1,238
601
1.1. Inflows from the issue of equity instruments
788
0
1.2. Inflows from financial leases
450
601
2. Repaid cash flow relating to financing
-49,411
-48,455
2.1. Repayment of debts relating to a rental contract
-5,048
-5,060
2.2. Repayment of other financial liabilities
-44,363
-43,395
3. Interests
-34,641
-35,274
3.1. Interest paid relating to financing
-34,680
-35,330
3.2. Interest received relating to financing
39
56
4. Dividends paid
-98,369
-96,964
V. Net movement of cash and cash equivalents
-2,481
703,777
VI. Cash and cash equivalents, closing balance
1,068,227
1,070,708
Consolidated income statement Fluxys Belgium in
thousands of EUR
31/12/2023 31/12/2022
Profit from operations 129,570 147,305
Depreciation 166,894 168,051
Provisions 745 -6,993
Impairment losses -11,400 14,804
Profit from equity-accounted companies 0 0

Consolidated income statement Fluxys Belgium in
thousands of EUR
31/12/2023 31/12/2022
Profit from operations 129,570 147,305
Profit from equity-accounted companies 0 0
Dividends from non-consolidated companies 0 0
EBIT in thousands of EUR 129,570 147,305
Fluxys Belgium consolidated balance sheet in thousands of
EUR
31/12/2023 31/12/2022
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities 1,070,311 1,115,772
Current interest-bearing liabilities 55,336 56,269
Short-term deposits (75%) -24,749 -19,585
Cash and cash equivalents (75%) -801,170 -578,031
Other financial assets (75%) -80,324 -80,625
Net financial debt in thousands of EUR 219,404 493,800

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