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Fluxys Belgium SA

Interim / Quarterly Report Sep 29, 2021

3952_ir_2021-09-29_b66b0bb7-c443-4d06-afcb-dbe7c34d80a0.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

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Half-yearly financial report 2021

Fluxys Belgium

We are committed to continuing to build a greener energy future for the generations to come. People, industry and societies all need energy to thrive and progress. Fluxys Belgium accommodates this need: we put energy in motion through our infrastructure. We move natural gas while paving the way for the transmission of hydrogen, biomethane or any other carbonneutral energy carrier as well as CO2, accommodating the capture, usage and storage of the latter.

Contents

1
Interim report
___________
4
1.1
Highlight from the first half of 2021 ________ 4
1.2
Key financial data __________ 5
1.3
Key events ___________ 5
1.4
Transactions with related parties _________ 8
1.5
Financial outlook ___________ 9
1.6
Risk management___________ 9
2 Condensed half-yearly financial statements of Fluxys
Belgium and its subsidiaries consolidated under IFRS -
2021
_________
30
June
13
2.1
General information on the company _________ 13
2.1.1.
Corporate name and registered office _________13
2.1.2.
Group activities _____________13
2.2
Condensed IFRS financial statements of the Fluxys Belgium Group ______ 14
A. Condensed consolidated balance sheet ___________14
B. Condensed consolidated income statement ________16
C. Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income________17
D. Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity _______18
E. Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows _________20
2.3
Notes _______________ 23
Note 1. General information ______________23
Note 2. Seasonal nature of activities in the interim period _____27
Note 3. Acquisitions, disposals and restructuring ________27
Note 4. Income statement and operating segments__________27
Note 5. Segment balance sheet __________32
Note 6. Property, plant and equipment __________34
Note 7. Interest-bearing liabilities __________38
Note 8. Regulatory liabilities_________40
Note 9. Provisions ____________42
Note 10. Contingent assets and liabilities – rights and commitments of Fluxys Belgium and its
subsidiaries ____________43
Note 11. Significant transactions with related parties__________43
Note 12. Financial instruments_____________46
Note 13. Events after the balance sheet date__________48
2.4
Statutory auditor's report__________ 49
2.5
Declaration of responsible persons ______ 51
3
Definition of indicators
________
52

1 Interim report

1.1 Highlights from the first half of 2021

  • Regulated turnover fell to €277.9 million (compared with €284.2 million in the first half of 2020) and net profit rose to €38.3 million (compared with €36.6 million in the first half of 2020)
  • Fluxys Belgium comes together to help those affected by flooding
  • Ready for the network of the future to transport hydrogen and CO2
  • On track to halve our greenhouse gas emissions by 2025
  • Transmission volumes down
  • LNG terminalling
    • Shipping traffic remains strong, loading operations for LNG trailers almost double
    • Additional send-out capacity fully booked
    • Bio-LNG available in the near future
    • Construction of additional regasifiers with seawater and extra truck-loading bays
  • Storage: tariff reduction and new innovative range of services

1.2 Key financial data

Income statement (in thousands of €) 30/06/2021 30/06/2020
Operating revenue 277,900 284,181
EBITDA* 155,290 160,810
EBIT* 68,799 69,553
Net profit 38,319 36,580
Balance sheet (in thousands of €) 30/06/2021 31/12/2020
Investments in property, plant and equipment 15,825 42,255
Total property, plant and equipment 1,948,766 2,011,209
Equity 589,311 639,038
Net financial debt* 873,302 873,111
Total consolidated balance sheet 2,639,440 2,730,039

* For the definitions and rationale for using these indicators: see p. 52.

Turnover and net profit

The Fluxys Belgium Group generated turnover of €277.9 million in the first half of 2021. This represents a decrease of €6.3 million compared with the same period in 2020, when turnover totalled €284.2 million. Net profit rose from €36.6 million to €38.3 million. The change in regulated turnover and net profit is mainly due to the evolution of the different components to be covered by the regulated tariffs. This evolution is in line with the tariff proposal and complies with the tariff methodology for 2020-2023.

Investments totalling €15.8 million

In the first half of 2021, investments in property, plant and equipment amounted to €15.8 million, compared with €17.1 million in the first half of 2020. €4.2 million of these investments went to LNG infrastructure projects and €11.5 million to transmission projects

1.3 Key events

Coming together to help those affected by flooding

The floods in July took a particularly heavy toll on Belgium, especially in the south of the country. Wanting to respond quickly to those in need, our employees set up a solidarity initiative and Fluxys Belgium supported the Red Cross fund with €100,000 to help the victims.

At operational level, we made every effort to assist the distribution system operators in securing their networks. We also deployed people and specialised equipment to carry out drone inspections and underwater checks and to detect gas leaks using infrared technology. We remain on hand to further aid the distribution system operators in restoring their infrastructure.

Ready for the network of the future

Thanks to its energy transition strategy, Fluxys Belgium is ready to sustainably use its infrastructure as a tool to help shape a carbon-neutral society. In line with the European Commission's strategy and taking into account the necessary legal and regulatory changes, we want to transform and develop our infrastructure into complementary networks in which we also transport hydrogen and CO2, for example.

We have been further shaping our plan to provide Belgium with the necessary hydrogen and CO2 infrastructure since early 2021, in collaboration with our customers, public authorities, neighbouring operators abroad, distribution system operators and other stakeholders. We intend to gradually transform the network, taking into account the evolutions on the market. At the same time, we are laying the foundations for Belgium's lasting role as an energy hub in North-West Europe for the molecules of the future.

Based on the extensive response from the market, including some 170 industrial sites in Belgium, we are currently in contact with the range of market parties involved in the process. This will give us an aggregated picture of needs regarding hydrogen and CO2, allowing us to determine where and when infrastructure is needed to foster the necessary synergies for industry to realise an integrated transition. We will then offer the mapped infrastructure to the market in a transparent open season approach.

On track to halve our greenhouse gas emissions by 2025

Fluxys Belgium has set itself the objective of halving its own greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 compared with 2017 levels. The implementation of the various programmes launched to further cut emissions from the operation of our infrastructure has reached cruising speed and we are on schedule to meet the 2025 target.

New this year is that we have made the decision to build three additional regasifiers with seawater to increase the send-out capacity at the Zeebrugge LNG terminal. Using the heat from seawater to regasify LNG will significantly reduce the terminal's energy consumption and emissions. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2023.

Transmission volumes down

The volumes transported through the network were almost 10% lower than in the first half of 2020. Border-to-border volumes fell by close to 22% to 98.5 TWh and volumes for consumption on the Belgian market rose by around 10% to approximately 108 TWh.

  • Transmission to distribution system operators increased by almost 22% (60 TWh), reflecting the lower temperatures.
  • Offtake by directly connected industrial companies fell by approximately 5% (24 TWh).
  • There was a slight increase (0.2%) in transmission volumes for natural gas-fired power plants, taking these volumes to 24 TWh.

Shipping traffic at LNG terminal remains strong

Shipping traffic at the Zeebrugge LNG terminal remained at a similar level to that of the busy first half of 2020. The number of large vessels that docked for transshipment was lower while significantly more small ships came to load LNG. Though there was a drop in the number of large ships arriving at the terminal for unloading operations, for the first time several small ships came to quay to unload.

Additional send-out capacity fully booked

In early 2021, the LNG terminal successfully completed the open season for additional regasification capacity. The offered capacity of approximately 10.5 GWh/h was fully booked. In light of this success, the final investment decision was taken to build the necessary additional infrastructure at the terminal.

Four extra truck-loading bays under construction

The first half of 2021 saw a sharp increase in demand for LNG as a low-carbon fuel for ships and trucks. The LNG terminal loaded a total of 3,200 LNG trailers, almost double the number loaded in the same period the previous year. The number of loading operations is expected to increase to around 6,000 this year.

Taking into account the current utilisation rate, the existing truck-loading bays at the LNG terminal are gradually approaching their maximum capacity. As there is considerable market interest in booking even more loading slots in the future, four extra truck-loading bays are being built at the terminal. They will ensure that the market can continue to rely on sufficient loading capacity to meet growing demand. The new truck-loading bays are scheduled to be commercially available in 2024.

LNG terminal makes available bio-LNG

The Zeebrugge LNG terminal has been officially certified to make bio-LNG available since last year. Bio-LNG is carbon-neutral and offers both hauliers and shipping companies the opportunity to move towards full decarbonisation. In consultation with the market and federal energy regulator CREG, a regulated service package is being developed to this end and we expect that customers will soon be able to book capacity for bio-LNG.

Tariff reduction and new innovative service range for storage

In line with the tariff methodology, Fluxys Belgium in consultation with the market and CREG lowered its tariffs for storage services by 30% on 1 July. The tariff reduction has no impact on Fluxys Belgium's results. In response to the evolving needs of the market, we have also developed a new commercial approach to storage, offering simplified products, greater flexibility and innovative sales mechanisms.

1.4 Transactions with related parties

For more information on transactions with related parties, please refer to Note 11 in the condensed half-yearly financial statements.

1.5 Financial outlook

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

The recurring dividend will continue to evolve mainly in accordance with these parameters.

Based on the information available at the time of this report, we do not anticipate any significant changes involving the consolidated result of the Fluxys Belgium Group in the second half of the year.

1.6 Risk management

Fluxys Belgium works with a risk management system based on ISO 31000 with a view to generating maximum sustainable value for the organisation's activities. To this end, we map out the possible consequences of uncertainty - both positive and negative that will have an impact on the organisation. Risk management is integrated into the company's strategy, business decisions and activities.

Risk management at Fluxys Belgium is based on five domains that are material to the company's activities, taking into account the context and value chain within which the company operates and the interests of the company's stakeholders. Risk management also incorporates three domains that are not considered materially significant but are mandatory for non-financial reporting, namely diversity, human rights and corruption.

We have monitored developments from various angles (industrial, financial, regulatory and market context, the energy transition, environment and corporate social responsibility) and have analysed the risk landscape accordingly. The analysis shows that the expected risks and uncertainties for the second half of 2021 have not changed significantly compared to the risk reporting in the 2020 Annual Financial Report. The overview below details the risks and provides a summary of the measures taken for each domain.

The recent evolution in gas prices has no impact on Fluxys Belgium's results as the company is not active in the sale of molecules but in infrastructure operations. Fluxys Belgium's infrastructure has sufficient capacity available for additional volumes that may need to be transported.

Safe and reliable infrastructure

Risk Measures
Industrial incidents can damage Fluxys • Safety management system
Belgium's infrastructure, endanger people's • A series of preventive, detection and
safety, cause unavailability impacting service reactive measures, including cyber security
continuity, and result in financial loss and terrorism

Health, safety and well-being at work

Risk Measures
Circumstances and events that may harm • Active Health, Safety and Environment Policy
employees. These may include illness or other • Global Prevention Plan
health problems, mental health issues or • Absenteeism policy and actions to support
physical injury. well-being

Transporting gases for a carbon-neutral future

Risk Measures
Drop in demand for natural gas due to the
energy transition: the risk that part of Fluxys
Belgium's infrastructure can no longer be used
and investment is needed to make it future
proof (transport of gases for a carbon-neutral
future)
• Investment plan with projects to gradually
reconfigure infrastructure as part of a carbon
neutral energy system (see also 'Opportunity' in
this table)
• Support for the development of the
biomethane market and the injection of
biomethane into the existing network
Opportunity Actions
Develop new activities to advance the energy
transition: compared to building new
Investment planning with projects to gradually
reconfigure the existing network as part of a
infrastructure, converting existing natural gas carbon-neutral energy system
infrastructure is a cost-efficient solution to

Systematically reducing our own climate impact

Risk Measures
Greenhouse gas emissions from Fluxys Belgium's
activities do not decrease in line with climate
targets
• Go for net 0 project to halve Fluxys Belgium's
greenhouse gas emissions by 2025
• Project to further cut emissions by building
additional regasifiers with seawater at the
Zeebrugge LNG terminal
Opportunity Actions
Improve the energy efficiency of our activities Renewable energy technology improves both
energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions

Financial resilience

Risk Measures
The risk that market events or developments will
impact Fluxys Belgium's revenues and/or assets
• Monitoring the market by continuously
adapting existing services and/or developing
new services
• Financial monitoring of counterparties
• Insurance
• Warranties from suppliers and customers

Diversity

Risk Measures
A lack of diversity in the workforce can lead to • Equal opportunities policies that encourage
a business organisation that lacks the necessary diversity
skills, talents and experience

Efforts to combat corruption

Risk Measures
Corruption having a negative impact on the
company's business reputation and/or financial
results
• Specific provisions for Fluxys staff and for
suppliers
• Internal controls and control processes
involving customers and suppliers, among
others

Human rights

Violation of human rights having a negative impact on the company's business reputation and/or financial results

Risk Measures

• Specific provisions for staff and suppliers

2 Condensed half-yearly financial statements of Fluxys Belgium and its subsidiaries consolidated under IFRS - 30 June 2021

2.1 General information on the company

2.1.1. Corporate name and registered office

The registered office of the parent entity Fluxys Belgium SA is Avenue des Arts 31, B – 1040 Brussels, Belgium.

2.1.2. Group activities

The main activities of the Fluxys Belgium group are transmission and storage of natural gas as well as terminalling services for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Belgium. The Fluxys Belgium group also provides complementary services related to these main activities.

Please refer to the specific chapters in the 2020 Annual Report for further information on these activities.

2.2 Condensed IFRS financial statements of the Fluxys Belgium Group

Condensed consolidated balance sheet (adjusted) (in thousands of €)
Notes 30.06.2021 31.12.2020
Adjusted
01.01.2020
Adjusted
I. Non-current assets 2,141,012 2,196,174 2,305,518
Property, plant and equipment 6 1,948,766 2,011,209 2,129,400
Intangible assets 26,319 28,207 33,424
Right-of-use assets 35,520 36,467 39,970
Investments in associates and joint
ventures
50 50 16
Other financial assets 116,137 109,506 90,200
Financial lease receivables 2,697 2,697 3,300
Other receivables 6,144 4,144 144
Other non-current assets 5,379 3,894 9,064
II. Current assets 498,428 533,865 562,057
Inventories 32,045 26,378 26,488
Financial lease receivables 299 601 601
Current tax receivables 8,161 5,108 3,965
Trade and other receivables 56,445 71,000 89,421
Short-term investments 24,588 39,458 58,205
Cash and cash equivalents 369,314 377,359 369,005
Other current assets 7,576 13,961 14,372
Total assets 2,639,440 2,730,039 2,867,575

A. Condensed consolidated balance sheet

Condensed consolidated balance sheet (adjusted) (in thousands of €)
Notes 30.06.2021 31.12.2020
Adjusted
01.01.2020
Adjusted
I. Equity 589,311 639,038 662,677
Equity attributable to the parent
company's shareholders
589,311 639,038 662,677
Share capital and share
premiums
60,310 60,310 60,310
Retained earnings and
other reserves
529,001 578,728 602,367
Non-controlling interests 0 0 0
II. Non-current liabilities 1,855,278 1,819,250 1,957,483
Interest-bearing liabilities 7 + 1e 1,203,517 1,208,055 1,254,254
Regulatory liabilities 8 + 1e 427,746 381,499 464,718
Provisions 4,415 4,465 4,272
Provisions for employee
benefits
9.1 66,697 70,631 63,336
Other non-current financial
liabilities
3,807 2,054 2,669
Deferred tax liabilities 149,096 152,546 168,234
III. Current liabilities 194,851 271,751 247,415
Interest-bearing liabilities 7 + 1e 49,392 58,186 35,069
Regulatory liabilities 8 + 1e 61,323 126,657 108,508
Provisions 60 875 0
Provisions for employee
benefits
9.1 2,271 5,143 4,134
Current tax payables 5,113 4,146 3,844
Trade and other payables 72,740 73,950 92,668
Other current liabilities 3,952 2,794 3,192
Total liabilities and equity 2,639,440 2,730,039 2,867,575

The adjustments, that concern changes in presentation in the comparative figures, are explained in note 1e.

B. Condensed consolidated income statement

Condensed consolidated income statement (in thousands of €)
Notes 30.06.2021 30.06.2020
Operating revenue 4 277,900 284,181
Sales of gas related to balancing operations
and operational needs
10,497 22,220
Other operating income 6,645 5,095
Consumables, merchandise and supplies
used
-1,668 -1,141
Purchase of gas related to balancing of
operations and operational needs
-10,497 -22,208
Miscellaneous goods and services -67,819 -68,816
Employee expenses -55,885 -54,533
Other operating expenses -3,883 -3,988
Depreciation -84,744 -86,910
Provisions -1,752 -1,599
Impairment losses 4 5 -2,748
Operating profit/loss 68,799 69,553
Change in the fair value of financial
instruments
-240 -6
Financial income 618 423
Finance costs 4 -19,179 -20,272
Profit/loss before tax 49,998 49,698
Income tax expenses 4 -11,679 -13,118
Net profit/loss for the period 4 38,319 36,580
Fluxys Belgium share 38,319 36,580
Non-controlling interests 0 0
Basic earnings per share, attributable to the
parent company's shareholders, in €
0.5454 0.5206
Diluted earnings per share, attributable to
the parent company's shareholders, in €
0.5454 0.5206

C. Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Condensed consolidated statement of
comprehensive income
(in thousands of €)
Notes 30.06.2021 30.06.2020
Net profit/loss for the period 38,319 36,580
Items that will not be reclassified
subsequently to profit or loss
Remeasurements of employee
benefits
9.1 10,955 -14,995
Income tax expenses on other
comprehensive income
-2,739 3,749
Other comprehensive income 8,216 -11,246
Comprehensive income for the period 46,535 25,334
Fluxys Belgium share 46,535 25,334
Non-controlling interests 0 0

D. Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

Condensed consolidated stateme
changes in equity
(in thousands of €)
Share capital Share
premium
Reserves not
available for
distribution
I. Closing balance as at 31.12.2019 60,272 38 54,072
1. Comprehensive income for the period
2. Paid dividends -9,905
II. Closing balance as at 30.06.2020 60,272 38 44,167
III. Closing balance as at 31.12.2020 60,272 38 44,167
1. Comprehensive income for the period
2. Paid dividends
IV. Closing balance as at 30.06.2021 60,272 38 44,167
Condensed consolidated statement
(in thousands of €)
of changes in equity
Retained
earnings
Reserves for
employee
benefits
Other
elements of
comprehensive
income
Equity
attributable to
the parent
company's
shareholders
Non
controlling
interests
Total equity
560,643 -12,348 0 662,677 0 662,677
36,580 -11,246 0 25,334 0 25,334
-81,441 0 -91,346 0 -91,346
515,782 -23,594 0 596,665 0 595,665
552,442 -17,881 0 639,038 0 639,038
38,319 8,216 0 46,535 0 46,535
-96,262 0 -96,262 0 -96,262
494,499 -9,665 0 589,311 0 589,311

E. Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
(indirect method)
(in thousands of €)
Notes 30.06.2021 30.06.2020
Adjusted
I. Cash and cash equivalents, opening balance A. 377,359 369,005
II. Cash flows from operating activities 130,481 132,980
1. Cash flows from operating activities 152,943 152,325
1.1. Operating profit/loss B. 68,799 69,553
1.2. Non-cash adjustments 65,761 57,377
1.2.1. Depreciation B. 84,744 86,910
1.2.2. Provisions B. 1,752 1,599
1.2.3. Impairment losses B. -5 2,748
1.2.4. Changes in regulatory liabilities 4+8 -19,989 -33,774
1.2.5. Other non-cash adjustments -742 -106
1.3. Changes in working capital 18,383 25,395
1.3.1. Inventories -5,666 -1,878
1.3.2. Tax receivables -3,053 -3,598
1.3.3. Trade and other receivables 14,559 29,476
1.3.4. Other current assets 6,550 6,952
1.3.5. Tax payables 6,045 5,509
1.3.6. Trade and other payables -1,210 -12,549
1.3.7. Other current liabilities 1,158 1,483
1.3.8. Other changes in working capital 0 0
2. Cash flows relating to other operating activities -22,462 -19,345
2.1. Current tax paid -22,946 -19,626
2.2. Interests from investments, cash and cash
equivalents
511 374
2.3. Other inflows (outflows) relating to other
operating activities
-27 -93
Condensed consolidated statement of cash
flows (indirect method)
(in thousands of €)
Notes 30.06.2021 30.06.2020
Adjusted
III. Cash flows relating to investment activities -9,448 -21,009
1. Acquisitions -25,947 -56,983
1.1. Payments to acquire property, plant and
equipment, and intangible assets
-19,062 -18,511
1.2. Payments to acquire subsidiaries, joint
arrangements or associates
A. 0 -34
1.3. Payments to acquire other financial
assets
-6,885 -38,438
2. Disposals 1,116 545
2.1. Proceeds from disposal of property, plant
and equipment, and intangible assets
1,115 545
2.2. Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries,
joint arrangements or associates
0 0
2.3. Proceeds from disposal of other financial
assets
1 0
3. Dividends received classified as investment
activities
0 0
4. Subsidies received 6 513 0
5. Increase (-) / Decrease (+) of short-term
investments
A. 14,870 35,429
IV. Cash flows relating to financing activities -129,078 -97,091
1. Proceeds from cash flows from financing 10,528 14,389
1.1. Proceeds from issuance of equity
instruments
D. 0 0
1.2. Proceeds from issuance of treasury shares D. 0 0
1.3. Proceeds from finance leases A. 302 302
1.4. Proceeds from other non-current assets 0 0
1.5. Proceeds from issuance of compound
financial instruments
0 0
1.6. Proceeds from issuance of other financial
liabilities
7. 10,226 14,087
Condensed consolidated statement of cash
flows (indirect method)
(in thousands of €)
Notes 30.06.2021 30.06.2020
Adjusted
2. Repayments relating to cash flows from
financing
-30,930 -7,449
2.1. Repurchase of equity instruments
subsequently cancelled
0 0
2.2. Purchase of treasury shares 0 0
2.3. Repayment of lease liabilities 7. -1,566 -1,443
2.4. Redemption of compound financial
instruments
0 0
2.5. Repayment of other financial
liabilities
7. -29,364 -6,006
3. Interests -12,414 -12,685
3.1. Interest paid classified as financing -12,445 -12,718
3.2. Interest received classified as
financing
31 33
4. Dividends paid D. -96,262 -91,346
V. Net change in cash and cash equivalents -8,046 14,880
VI. Cash and cash equivalents, closing balance A. 369,314 383,885

The adjustments, that concern changes in presentation in the comparative figures, are explained in note 1e.

2.3 Notes

Note 1. General information

Note 1a. Statement of compliance with IFRS

The condensed financial statements of Fluxys Belgium and its subsidiaries ("the group" or "the group Fluxys Belgium") for the first half of 2021 have been established in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards, and in particular with the IAS 34 'Interim financial reporting' as adopted by the European Union, and have been subjected to a limited review by the statutory auditor.

They include a selection of explanatory notes and should be read in parallel with the consolidated financial statements of 31 December 2020.

All amounts are stated in thousands of euros.

Note 1b. Judgement and use of estimates

There have been no significant changes in the accounting estimates and judgements compared with the 2020 annual report.

Note 1c. Date of authorisation for issue

The Board of Directors of Fluxys Belgium SA authorised these half-yearly IFRS financial statements of Fluxys Belgium and its subsidiaries for issue on 29 September 2021.

Note 1d. Changes or additions to the accounting principles and policies

Except for the changes in presentation of regulatory liabilities, explained in note 1e, the condensed interim financial statements ended 30 June 2021 were prepared using the same accounting methods as those adopted for the consolidated financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2020.

Several other amendments and interpretations apply for the first time in 2021 but do not have any impact on the group's condensed interim financial statements:

  • Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16 Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2
  • Amendment to IFRS 16 Leases: COVID-19-Related Rent Concessions

The group has not proceeded with the early adoption of any other standard, interpretation or amendment that has been published but is not yet applicable.

Note 1e. Changes in the presentation of regulatory liabilities

The group is closely following the latest evolutions of the IASB project for a new standard on regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities (ED 2021/1). Even if this new standard is still being developed, the group estimates it is useful to anticipate the application of some principles to improve transparency on the effects of regulation.

In the exposure draft, it is already becoming clear that regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities will not be considered as financial assets or liabilities (ED 2021/ BC52) and will have to be presented separately on the balance sheet. That is why the group, in agreement with the market regulator, has decided to present its regulatory liabilities henceforth as a separate line item on the balance sheet. Before, these liabilities were considered as part of the interest-bearing liabilities (as explained in note 5.11 of the annual financial report 2020). The group does not have any regulatory assets in the published periods.

Considering the above and after further analysis, we concluded that presenting the initial recognition and subsequent movements of regulatory liabilities as cash flow from financing activities was not compliant with IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows and we applied IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. Therefore, the evolution of the regulatory liabilities is no longer presented as cash flow from financing activities but as cash flow from operating activities.

The effects of this change in presentation can be summarized as follows:

On the balance sheet, the interest-bearing liabilities are split between regulatory and other liabilities. Since this is simply a split into two line-items, there is no impact on the net financial debt, total debt, solvency or equity.

Condensed consolidated balance sheet (in thousands of €)
31.12.2020
Adjusted
31.12.2020
Published
Difference
II. Non-current liabilities 1,819,250 1,819,250 0
Interest-bearing liabilities 1,208,055 1,589,554 -381,499
Regulatory liabilities 381,499 0 381,499
(…)
III. Current liabilities 271,751 271,751 0
Interest-bearing liabilities 58,186 184,843 -126,657
Regulatory liabilities 126,657 0 126,657
(….)
Condensed consolidated balance sheet (in thousands of €)
01.01.2020
Adjusted
31.12.2019
Published
Difference
II. Non-current liabilities 1,957,483 1,957,483 0
Interest-bearing liabilities 1,254,254 1,718,972 -464,718
Regulatory liabilities 464,718 0 464,718
(…)
III. Current liabilities 247,415 247,415 0
Interest-bearing liabilities 35,069 143,577 -108,508
Regulatory liabilities 108,508 0 108,508
(….)

In the consolidated statement of cash flows, there is a shift between financial and operational cash flows for an amount of € 33,774 thousand (decrease of operational cash flow), that can be detailed as follows:

Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
(indirect method)
(in thousands of €)
30.06.2020
Adjusted
30.06.2020
Published
Difference Note
I. Cash and cash equivalents,
opening balance
369,005 369,005 0
II. Cash flows from operating
activities
132,980 166,754 -33,774 Subtotal
1. Cash flows from operating
activities
152,325 186,099 -33,774 Subtotal
1.1. Operating profit/loss 69,553 69,553 0
1.2. Non-cash adjustments 57,377 91,151 -33,774 Subtotal
1.2.1. Depreciation 86,910 86,910 0
1.2.2. Provisions 1,599 1,599 0
1.2.3. Impairment losses 2,748 2,748 0
1.2.4. Changes in regulatory
liabilities
-33,774 0 -33,774 A)
1.2.5. Other non-cash
adjustments
-106 -106 0
1.3. Changes in working capital 25,395 25,395 0
2. Cash flows relating to other
operating activities
-19,345 -19,345 0
III. Cash flows relating to investment
activities
-21,009 -21,009 0
Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows
(indirect method)
(in thousands of €)
30.06.2020
Adjusted
30.06.2020
Published
Difference Note
IV. Cash flows relating to financing
activities
-97,091 -130,866 33,774 Subtotal
1. Proceeds from cash flows from
financing
14,389 14,198 191 Subtotal
1.3. Proceeds from finance leases 302 302 0
1.6. Proceeds from issuance of
other financial liabilities
14,087 13,896 191 B)
2. Repayments relating to cash
flows from financing
-7,449 -39,940 32,491 Subtotal
2.3. Repayment of lease
liabilities
-1,443 -1,443 0
2.5. Repayment of other
financial liabilities
-6,006 -38,497 32,491 C)
3. Interests -12,685 -13,777 1,092 Subtotal
3.1. Interest paid classified as
financing
-12,718 -13,810 1,092 D)
3.2. Interest received classified
as financing
33 33 0
4. Dividends paid -91,346 -91,346 0
V. Net change in cash and cash
equivalents
14,880 14,880 0
VI. Cash and cash equivalents,
closing balance
383,885 383,885 0

Notes to the table above:

  • A) The difference of € 33,774 thousand relates to the regulatory liabilities excluding interests accrued (see D). This amount equals the change in the regulatory liabilities in the operational result in the segment reporting (see note 4: € 37,394 thousand minus € 3,620 thousand = € 33,774 thousand).
  • B) After elimination of the change in regulatory liabilities, that is now presented in the operational cash flows, a cash inflow related to the issuance of other financial liabilities of € 14,087 thousand remains. It concerns the evolution of the cash pooling of Fluxys LNG with the internal bank of group Fluxys (Fluxys SA, which is not consolidated by Fluxys Belgium group).
  • C) The change in regulatory liabilities has been eliminated from this line item and has been transferred to the operational cash flow (see A). What remains is a reimbursement of 6 million € of a loan with the EIB.
  • D) The reclassified amount of € 1,092 thousand concerns the interests that have been accrued under the regulatory framework on the regulatory liabilities.

As apparent in the table, there is no impact on the total cash flow or on the cash position.

There is also no impact on the income statement and hence neither on the main indicators of the group such as EBITDA, EBIT, net result, earnings per share and the ratio's that are derived from the latter such as FFO and RCF (see annual financial report 2020).

The comparative figures in the condensed financial statements and in the notes have been adapted where necessary.

Notwithstanding these changes in presentation, the interests that are accrued on the regulatory liabilities under the regulatory framework are still presented in the financial results.

Note 2. Seasonal nature of activities in the interim period

Even though some gas transport services can be contracted on a seasonal basis, the operating income from activities subject to the Gas Act is barely influenced by the seasonal nature of activities.

The operating income from these activities corresponds for the period pro rata with the estimated annual fair profit margin on invested capital.

This margin is reduced or supplemented by manageable cost variances resulting from considering an efficiency factor determined ex ante.

Note 3. Acquisitions, disposals and restructuring

Consolidation scope

The consolidation scope and percentage of interests in consolidated entities remained identical to those of 31 December 2020.

Note 4. Income statement and operating segments

Operating segments

Fluxys Belgium and its subsidiaries carry out activities in the following operating segments: transmission, storage, LNG terminalling activities in Belgium and other activities.

The segment information is based on classification into these operating segments.

Transmission activities comprise all operations subject to the Gas Act related to transmission in Belgium.

Storage activities comprise all operations subject to the Gas Act related to storage at Loenhout in Belgium.

Terminalling activities comprise all activities subject to the Gas Act related to the LNG terminal at Zeebrugge in Belgium.

The segment 'other activities' comprises other services rendered by Fluxys Belgium and its subsidiaries such as participating in the IZT and ZPT1 terminals in Belgium and work for third parties.

The Fluxys Belgium group operates mainly in Belgium and therefore does not publish information by geographical sector.

The Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM) is the CEO.

Basis of accounting relating to transactions between operating segments

Transactions between operating segments mainly relate to capacity reservations by one segment subject to the Gas Act with another. These transactions are charged at the same regulatory tariffs as for external clients.

1 Interconnector Zeebrugge Terminal (IZT): Fluxys Belgium rents part of its installations to IZT under a finance lease and also provides operational support and maintenance. The cooperation with IZT is based on contracts (no participation by Fluxys Belgium). Zeepipe Terminal (ZPT): Fluxys Belgium contributes to the operations of ZPT on a contractual basis (no participation).

Segment income statement as at 30.06.2021 (in thousands of €)
Trans
mission
Storage Terminalling Other Inter
segment
transfers
Total
Operating revenue 185,178 16,797 72,317 13,081 -9,473 277,900
Sales and services to
external customers
142,976 18,512 68,998 9,491 0 239,977
Transactions with other
segments
445 4,721 717 3,590 -9,473 0
Changes in regulatory
assets and liabilities
41,757 -6,436 2,602 0 0 37,923
Sales of gas related to
balancing operations and
operational needs
6,673 463 3,361 0 0 10,497
Sales 20,719 463 7,250 0 0 28,432
Changes in regulatory
assets and liabilities
-14,046 0 -3,889 0 0 -17,935
Other operating income 2,163 24 1,201 3,294 -37 6,645
Consumables, merchandise
and supplies used
-81 -4 -12 -1,571 0 -1,668
Purchases of gas related to
balancing of operations
and operational needs
-6,673 -463 -3,361 0 0 -10,497
Miscellaneous goods and
services
-53,921 -3,878 -13,166 -6,364 9,510 -67,819
Employee expenses -40,435 -3,311 -9,731 -2,408 0 -55,885
Other operating expenses -3,147 -257 -368 -111 0 -3,883
Depreciation -55,696 -4,946 -23,708 -394 0 -84,744
Provisions 192 17 -82 -1,879 0 -1,752
Impairment losses 1 0 0 4 0 5
Operating Profit/loss 34,254 4,442 26,451 3,652 0 68,799
Change in the fair value of
financial instruments
-240 -240
Financial income 50 6 30 532 618
Finance costs -12,011 -1,357 -5,074 -737 -19,179
Profit/loss before tax 22,293 3,091 21,407 3,207 0 49,998
Income tax expenses -11,679
Net profit/loss for the period 38,319

Operating revenue for the first half of 2021 amounted to € 277,900 thousand, compared to € 284,181 thousand for the first half of 2020, a decrease of € 6,281 thousand.

Transmission, storage and terminalling services in Belgium are subject to the Gas Act. Revenue from these services aims to ensure an authorised return on capital invested

and to cover the permitted depreciation and operating expenses related to these services, while integrating the productivity efforts to be accomplished by the network operator.

Revenue from regulated activities2 amounted to € 268,409 thousand (or 96,6% of total revenue), which represents a decrease of € 7,352 thousand compared with the same period in 2020. The revenue decrease of the transport activities is mainly related to the expiration of some long-term contracts and is partially compensated by a higher use of the regulatory accounts. The revenue of the storage activities remained stable. In terminalling, fewer extra spot slots were sold than in the first half-year of 2020, but the number of truckloads increased.

The figures of both sales and purchases related to balancing of operations and operational needs have dropped significantly, because the balancing activity has been taken over by Balansys since the first of June 2020. Balansys is a joint venture and is accounted for by the equity method. The remaining amounts are mainly related to purchases for Fluxys' own operational needs and their inclusion in the tariffs.

The evolution of most operating cost items is quite limited. The impairment losses of € 2,748 thousand in the first semester of 2020 were related to the valuation of the gas in stock and resulted from a decline in market prices. There are no such impairment losses in the first half of 2021.

The finance costs decreased from € 20,272 thousand to € 19,179 thousand, as a consequence of the reduced debt level.

The income tax expenses decrease by € 1,439 thousand. In the second semester 2020, based on a tax ruling, Fluxys Belgium SA obtained tax deductibility for revenues from innovation. The positive impact amounted to € 1,4 million in the first semester 2021. Note that this tax advantage is integrated in the regulated tariffs.

The net result of the first semester 2021 amounted to € 38,319 thousand compared to € 36,580 thousand for the first semester 2020, or an increase of € 1,739 thousand.

2 After eliminating transactions with other segments

Segment income statement as at 30.06.2020 (in thousands of €)
Transmission Storage Terminalling Other Inter
segment
transfers
Total
Operating revenue 189,255 17,481 74,604 12,028 -9,187 284,181
Sales and services to
external customers
150,367 18,267 69,733 8,420 0 246,787
Transactions with other
segments
439 4,426 714 3,608 -9,187 0
Changes in regulatory
assets and liabilities
38,449 -5,212 4,157 0 0 37,394
Sales of gas related to
balancing operations and
operational needs
18,720 161 3,339 0 0 22,220
Sales 21,870 161 3,809 0 0 25,840
Changes in regulatory
assets and liabilities
-3,150 0 -470 0 0 -3,620
Other operating income 886 32 1,764 2,447 -34 5,095
Consumables, merchandise
and supplies used
-470 -9 -10 -652 0 -1,141
Purchases of gas related to
balancing of operations and
operational needs
-18,723 -146 -3,338 -1 0 -22,208
Miscellaneous goods and
services
-53,111 -3,874 -15,140 -5,912 9,221 -68,816
Employee expenses -38,503 -3,256 -10,143 -2,631 0 -54,533
Other operating expenses -3,256 -266 -359 -107 0 -3,988
Depreciation -57,129 -5,402 -24,244 -135 0 -86,910
Provisions -18 -1 -106 -1,474 0 -1,599
Impairment losses -2,815 0 55 12 0 -2,748
Operating Profit/loss 34,836 4,720 26,422 3,575 0 69,553
Change in the fair value of
financial instruments
0 0 0 -6 0 -6
Financial income 8 1 1 413 0 423
Finance costs -12,352 -1,391 -5,386 -1,143 0 -20,272
Profit/loss before tax 22,492 3,330 21,037 2,839 0 49,698
Income tax expenses -13,118
Net profit/loss for the period 36,580

Note 5. Segment balance sheet

Segment balance sheet as at 30.06.2021 (in thousands of €)
Trans
mission
Storage Termi
nalling
Other Un
allocated
Total
Property, plant and
equipment
1,252,603 136,994 559,086 83 0 1,948,766
Intangible assets 25,000 11 1,308 0 0 26,319
Right-of-use assets 9,745 331 22,811 2,633 0 35,520
Other non-current financial
assets
91 0 0 116,046 0 116,137
Inventories 27,947 3,085 553 460 0 32,045
Financial lease receivables 0 0 0 2,996 0 2,996
Net trade receivables 41,101 3,228 5,905 5,195 0 55,429
Other assets 422,228 422,228
Total assets 2,639,440
Interest-bearing liabilities 595,858 48,696 267,776 340,579 0 1,252,909
Other financial liabilities 0 0 21 3,786 0 3,807
Other liabilities 291,336 52,203 145,530 0 304,344 793,413
2,050,129
Equity 589,311
Total equity and liabilities 2,639,440
Investments in property, plant
and equipment for the period
11,519 86 4,217 3 0 15,825
Investments in intangible
assets for the period
3,098 7 132 0 0 3,237
Segment balance sheet as at
31.12.2020 (adjusted)
(in thousands of €)
Trans
mission
Storage Termi
nalling
Other Un
allocated
Total
Property, plant and
equipment
1,291,689 141,848 577,589 83 0 2,011,209
Intangible assets 26,818 5 1,384 0 0 28,207
Right-of-use assets 10,590 336 24,091 1,450 0 36,467
Other non-current financial
assets
97 0 0 109,409 0 109,506
Inventories 21,902 3,084 815 577 0 26,378
Financial lease receivables 0 0 0 3,298 0 3,298
Net trade receivables 53,960 3,377 5,491 4,396 0 67,224
Other assets 447,750 447,750
Total assets 2,730,039
Interest-bearing liabilities 618,717 59,445 285,737 302,342 0 1,266,241
Other financial liabilities 0 0 11 2,043 0 2,054
Other liabilities 318,972 45,758 143,426 0 314,550 822,706
2,091,001
Equity 639,038
Total equity and liabilities 2,730,039
Investments in property, plant
and equipment for the period
31,925 675 9,642 14 0 42,256
Investments in intangible
assets for the period
4,880 0 170 0 0 5,050

Note 6. Property, plant and equipment

Movements in property, plant and equipment (in thousands of €)
Land Buildings Natural gas
transmission
networks*
Gas storage*
Gross book value
As at 31-12-2019 48,362 161,314 3,440,612 386,171
Investments 141 43 20,895 499
Subsidies received 0 0 0 0
Disposals and retirements -87 -65 -2,700 0
Internal transfers 0 -61 4,030 0
Changes in the consolidation
scope
0 0 0 0
Translation adjustments 0 0 0 0
As at 31-12-2020 48,416 161,231 3,462,837 386,670
Investments 5 7 4,183 20
Subsidies received 0 0 0 0
Disposals and retirements -3 0 -375
Internal transfers 0 0 810
Changes in the consolidation
scope
0 0 0 0
Translation adjustments 0 0 0 0
As at 30-06-2021 48,418 161,238 3,467,455 386,690

* Subject to the Gas Act.

In the first half of 2021, Fluxys Belgium and its subsidiaries have invested for k€ 15,825 in property, plant and equipment, compared to k€ 17,104 over the same period of 2020. k€ 4,217 of these investments were allocated to LNG infrastructure and k€ 11,519 to gas transport projects.

Movements in property, plant and equipment
(in thousands of €)
LNG terminal* Other
installations and
machinery
Furniture,
equipment &
vehicles
Assets under
construction &
instalments paid
Total
1,448,792 43,511 59,256 5,055 5,593,073
8,514 0 6,470 5,694 42,256
0 0 0 0 0
-59 0 -2,949 0 -5,860
61 0 0 -4,030 0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
1,457,308 43,511 62,777 6,719 5,629,469
834 0 2,353 8,423 15,825
-513 0 0 0 -513
-18 0 -720 0 -1,116
0 0 0 -810 0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
1,457,611 43,511 64,410 14,332 5,643,665

* Subject to the Gas Act.

Movements in property, plant and equipment (in thousands of €)

Land Buildings Natural gas
transmission
networks*
Gas storage*
Depreciation and
impairment losses
As at 31-12-2019 0 -94,627 -2,197,002 -240,932
Depreciation 0 -4,041 -94,939 -10,458
Disposals and
retirements
0 47 2,072 0
Internal transfers 0 3 0 0
Changes in the
consolidation scope and
assets held for sale
0 0 0 0
Translation adjustments 0 0 0 0
As at 31-12-2020 0 -98,618 -2,289,869 -251,390
Depreciation 0 -2,003 -46,099 -4,842
Disposals and
retirements
0 0 263 0
Internal transfers 0 0 0 0
Changes in the
consolidation scope and
assets held for sale
0 0 0 0
Translation adjustments 0 0 0 0
As at 30-06-2021 0 -100,621 -2,335,705 -256,232
Net book value as at
30.06.2021
48,418 60,617 1,131,750 130,458
Net book value as at
31.12.2020
48,416 62,613 1,172,968 135,280

* Subject to the Gas Act.

The depreciation charge for the period amounts to € 77,142 thousand and reflects the rate at which Fluxys Belgium and its subsidiaries expect to consume the economic benefits of the property, plant and equipment.

At the balance sheet date, Fluxys Belgium and its subsidiaries have identified no indications or events that would lead to consideration of an impairment of any item of property, plant and equipment.

Movements in property, plant and equipment (in thousands of €)
LNG terminal* Other
installations and
machinery
Furniture,
equipment &
vehicles
Assets under
construction &
instalments paid
Total
-845,060 -43,259 -42,793 0 -3,463,673
-44,525 0 -5,453 0 -159,416
18 0 2,692 0 4,829
-3 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
-889,570 -43,259 -45,554 0 -3,618,260
-21,588 0 -2,610 0 -77,142
2 0 238 0 503
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
-911,156 -43,259 -47,926 0 -3,694,899
546,455 252 16,484 14,332 1,948,766
567,738 252 17,223 6,719 2,011,209

* Subject to the Gas Act.

Note 7. Interest-bearing liabilities

Non-current interest-bearing liabilities (in thousands of €)
30.06.2021 31.12.2020
adjusted
change
Leases 33,538 32,288 1,250
Bonds 696,343 696,131 212
Other borrowings 473,636 479,636 -6,000
Total 1,203,517 1,208,055 -4,538
Current interest-bearing liabilities (in thousands of €)
30.06.2021 31.12.2020
adjusted
change
Leases 1,493 2,783 -1,290
Bonds 10,736 2,523 8,213
Other borrowings 37,163 52,880 -15,717
Total 49,392 58,186 -8,794
Changes in liabilities related to financing activities
(in thousands of €)
31.12.2020
adjusted
Cash
flows
New lease
contracts
Variation
in
accrued
interests
Amorti
sation of
issuance
costs
Internal
transfers
30.06.2021
Non-current interest
bearing liabilities
1,208,055 0 1,526 0 212 -6,276 1,203,517
Leases 32,288 0 1,526 0 0 -276 33,538
Bonds 696,131 0 0 0 212 0 696,343
Other borrowings 479,636 0 0 0 0 -6,000 473,636
Current interest
bearing liabilities
58,186 -20,703 5,633 6,276 49,392
Leases 2,783 -1,566 0 276 1,493
Bonds 2,523 0 8,213 0 10,736
Other borrowings 52,880 -19,137 -2,580 6,000 37,163
Total 1,266,241 -20,703 1,526 5,633 212 0 1,252,909

Cash flows for interest-bearing liabilities are included in sections IV.1.6, IV.2.3 and IV.2.5 of the condensed statement of cash flows.

The evolution of the interests to be paid and the amortization of issue costs (in total € 5,845 thousand) equals the difference between:

  • interests paid (see section IV.3.1 of the condensed statement of cash flows: € - 12,445 thousand) and
  • the finance costs on debt and lease liabilities (excluding regulatory liabilities) (€ 18,290 thousand). These are included in the total finance cost of € 19,179 thousand as mentioned in the condensed income statement.

Note 8. Regulatory liabilities

As mentioned in note 1e, regulatory liabilities are from now on presented separately.

Regulatory liabilities
(in thousands of €)
Note 30.06.2021 31.12.2020
adjusted
Change 01.01.2020
adjusted
Other financing – non-current 85,310 65,557 19,753 82,789
Other financing – current 13,419 25,775 -12,356 12,554
Total other financing (A) 8.1 98,729 91,332 7,397 95,343
Other liabilities – non-current 342,436 315,942 26,494 381,929
Other liabilities – current 47,904 100,882 -52,978 95,954
Total other liabilities (B) 8.2 390,340 416,824 -26,484 477,883
Total regulatory liabilities
(A+B = C)
489,069 508,156 -19,087 573,226
Presented on the balance sheet as:
Non-current regulatory liabilities 427,746 381,499 46,247 464,718
Current regulatory liabilities 61,323 126,657 -65,334 108,508
Total regulatory liabilities (C) 489,069 508,156 -19,087 573,226

8.1. Other financing concerns the specific allocations of the regulatory liabilities that are available for the group to finance specific investments, in particular the second jetty and other investments in the LNG terminal of Zeebrugge, on the one hand, and costs that relate to the conversion of part of the gas transport network, on the other hand. A 10-year interest rate is applied to part of these amounts and the average 'Euribor 1 year' rate to the rest.

8.2 The other regulatory liabilities, presented in the line item 'Other liabilities' reflect the positive difference between the invoiced and the vested regulatory tariffs that have not (yet) been specifically allocated. The average 'Euribor 1 year' rate is applied to these amounts.

The regulatory liabilities can be reconciled as follows with the segment reporting and the statement of cash flows.

Regulatory liabilities (in thousands of €)
Non-current + current Other financing
(A)
Other liabilities
(B)
Total
as at 01-01-2021 91,332 416,824 508,156
Use -3,419 -51,117 -54,537
Additions 0 34,548 34,548
Interests 816 85 902
Transfers 10,000 -10,000 0
as at 30-06-2021 98,729 390,340 489,069

The sum of use and additions amounts to € -19,989 thousand and corresponds with the sum of the changes in regulatory liabilities in note 4 (segment reporting – net increase of revenue).

This net decrease of the regulatory liabilities also corresponds with the evolution of the regulatory liabilities presented in item 1.2.4 of the statement of cash flows.

The interest charges on regulatory liabilities, that amount to € 902 thousand, are accounted for as a finance cost.

The transfer of € 10 million relates to specific future investments in Zeebrugge.

Note 9. Provisions

9.1. Provisions for employee benefits

Provisions for employee benefits (in thousands of €)
Provisions at 31-12-2020 75,774
Additions 5,655
Use -3,099
Release 0
Unwinding of the discount 377
Actuarial gains/losses recognised in the profit/loss
(seniority bonuses)
-197
Expected return -236
Actuarial gains/losses recognised in equity -10,955
Reclassification to assets 1,649
Provisions as at 30-06-2021 of which: 68,968
Non-current provisions 66,697
Current provisions 2,271

The cost of services rendered during the period is accounted for as employee expenses and in additions to the provisions.

Expenses relating to the unwinding of discounts are presented in financial result, after compensation with the expected return on plan assets. The expected return on plan assets is in line with the discount rate used to determine actuarial debt.

The decrease of provisions for employee benefits is mainly due to the increase in discount rates per end of June 2021 compared to year end 2020. In line with IAS 19, this evolution was accounted for in other comprehensive income.

Per end of June 2021, the provisions for employee benefits for 'defined benefit obligations' show a surplus of € 5,976 thousand of the plan assets compared to the actuarial debt. Per end of December 2020, the surplus amounted to € 4,236 thousand. The surpluses are classified as assets in the balance sheet items 'other non-current assets' and 'other current assets'.

Note 10. Contingent assets and liabilities – rights and commitments of Fluxys Belgium and its subsidiaries

There is no significant evolution to report in terms of contingent assets and liabilities & rights and commitments. Please refer to Note 7 'Contingent assets and liabilities – rights and commitments of the group' in the IFRS financial statements of the 2020 annual report.

Note 11. Significant transactions with related parties

Fluxys Belgium and its subsidiaries are controlled by Fluxys, which is itself controlled by Publigas.

The consolidated financial statements include transactions performed by Fluxys Belgium and its subsidiaries in the normal course of their activities with unconsolidated related companies or associates. These transactions take place under market conditions and mainly involve transactions realised with Fluxys SA (administrative services, IT and housing services and the management of cash funds and financing), Interconnector (UK) (inspection and repair services), IZT (IZT lease and facilities operation and maintenance services), Dunkerque LNG (IT development and other services), Gaz-Opale (terminalling services), Balansys (balancing operator) and FluxRe (reinsurance).

Other related parties in the following tables concern other entities of the Fluxys group, in which Fluxys Belgium does not hold a stake.

Significant transactions with related parties
as at 30.06.2021
(in thousands of €)
Parent
company
Joint
arrange
ments
Other related
parties
Total
I. Assets with related parties 334,174 6,000 6,091 346,265
1. Other financial assets 0 0 0 6,000
Loans 0 6,000 0 6,000
2. Financial lease receivables
(current and non-current)
0 0 2,996 2,996
3. Trade and other receivables 5 0 3,095 3,100
Clients 5 0 3,095 3,100
4. Cash and cash equivalents 334,169 0 0 334,169
5. Other current assets 0 0 0 0
II. Liabilities with related parties 245,854 0 185 246,039
1. Interest-bearing liabilities
(current and non-current)
245,239 0 0 245,239
Other borrowings 245,239 0 0 245,239
2. Trade and other payables 174 0 0 174
Suppliers 86 0 0 86
Other payables 88 0 0 88
3. Other current liabilities 441 0 185 626
III. Transactions with related parties
1. Services rendered and goods
delivered
2,055 597 8,698 11,350
2. Services received (-) -1,081 0 -82 -1,163
3. Net financial income -3,943 0 0 -3,943
Significant transactions with related parties
as at 31.12.2020
(in thousands of €)
Parent
company
Joint
arrange
ments
Other related
parties
Total
I. Assets with related parties 353,025 4,000 6,256 363,281
1. Other financial assets 0 4,000 0 4,000
Loans 0 4,000 0 4,000
2. Financial lease receivables
(current and non-current)
0 0 3,298 3,298
3. Trade and other receivables 0 0 2,940 2,940
Clients 0 0 2,940 2,940
4. Cash and cash equivalents 353,025 0 0 353,025
5. Other current assets 0 0 18 18
II. Liabilities with related parties 263,593 10 327 263,930
1. Interest-bearing liabilities
(current and non-current)
263,330 0 0 263,330
Other borrowings 263,330 0 0 263,330
2. Trade and other payables 64 10 0 74
Suppliers 2 10 0 12
Other payables 62 0 0 62
3. Other current liabilities 199 0 327 526
III. Transactions with related parties
1. Services rendered and goods
delivered
3,451 1,060 19,075 23,586
2. Services received (-) -2,502 -454 0 -2,956
3. Net financial income -8,364 0 0 -8,364

Note 12. Financial instruments

The group's main financial instruments consist of financial and trade receivables and payables, cash investments, cash and cash equivalents.

The following table gives an overview of financial instruments:

Summary of financial instruments
as at 30.06.2021
(in thousands of €)
Category Book value Fair value Level
I. Non-current assets
Other financial assets at amortized cost A 112,331 112,855 1 & 2
Other financial assets at fair value
through profit and loss
B 3,807 3,807 2
Financial lease receivables A 2,697 2,697 2
Other receivables A 6,144 6,144 2
II. Current assets
Financial lease receivables A 299 299 2
Trade and other receivables A 56,445 56,445 2
Cash investments A 24,588 24,588 2
Cash and cash equivalents A 369,314 369,314 2
Total financial instruments – assets 575,625 576,149
I. Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities A 1,203,517 1,254,577 2
Other financial liabilities B 3,807 3,807 2
II. Current liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities A 49,392 49,392 2
Trade and other payables A 72,740 72,740 2
Total financial instruments – liabilities 1,329,456 1,380,516
Summary of financial instruments
as at 30.12.2020 (adjusted)
(in thousands of €)
Category Book value Fair value Level
I. Non-current assets
Other financial assets at amortized cost A 107,452 107,963 1 & 2
Other financial assets at fair value
through profit and loss
B 2,054 2,054 2
Financial lease receivables A 2,697 2,697 2
Other receivables A 4,144 4,144 2
II. Current assets
Financial lease receivables A 601 601 2
Trade and other receivables A 71,000 71,000 2
Cash investments A 39,458 39,458 2
Cash and cash equivalents A 377,359 377,359 2
Total financial instruments – assets 604,765 605,276
I. Non-current liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities A 1,208,055 1,261,317 2
Other financial liabilities B 2,054 2,054 2
II. Current liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities A 58,186 58,186 2
Trade and other payables A 73,950 73,950 2
Total financial instruments – liabilities 1,342,245 1,395,507

The categories correspond to the following financial instruments:

  • A. Financial assets or financial liabilities at amortised cost.
  • B. Assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

All the group's financial instruments are measured at fair value and fall within levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Their fair value is measured on a recurring basis.

Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy includes short-term investments and cash equivalents whose fair value is based on quoted prices. They consist mainly of bonds.

Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy includes other financial assets and liabilities whose fair value is based on other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

The techniques for measuring the fair value of Level 2 financial instruments are as follows:

  • The items 'Interest-bearing liabilities' include the fixed-rate bonds issued by Fluxys Belgium, whose fair value is determined based on active market rates, usually provided by financial institutions.
  • The fair value of other Level 2 financial assets and liabilities is largely identical to their book value:
    • o either because they have a short-term maturity (such as trade receivables and payables), or
    • o because they bear interest at the market rate at the closing date of the financial statements.

Note 13. Events after the balance sheet date

The floods in July took a particularly heavy toll on Belgium, especially in the south of the country. Wanting to respond quickly to those in need, our employees established a solidarity initiative and Fluxys Belgium donated € 100,000 to the Red Cross to help the flooding victims. At operational level, we made every effort to assist the distribution system operators in securing their networks. We also deployed people and specialised equipment to carry out drone inspections and underwater checks and to detect gas leaks using infrared technology, for example. We remain on hand to further aid the distribution system operators in restoring their infrastructure.

As a consequence of the floods, some of the installations of Fluxys Belgium were submerged and damaged. In the meantime, a major part of the cleaning work and repairs has already been performed.

At this stage the financial impact cannot be accurately estimated, because not all costs are known yet. However, the net impact on result is expected to be limited, since most of the costs should be covered by insurance or integrated in the regulatory settlement.

In line with the tariff methodology and in consultation with the market and the federal energy regulator CREG, Fluxys Belgium has reduced tariffs for gas storage by 30% since the 1st of July. In response to evolving market needs, a new commercial approach with simplified products, increased flexibility and innovative sales mechanisms has been developed for gas storage. The tariff decrease has no impact on the results of Fluxys Belgium.

For the rest, no events after the balance sheet date had a material impact on the present financial statements.

2.4 Statutory auditor's report

Statutory auditor's report on the review of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Fluxys Belgium NV/SA as of 30 June 2021 and for the 6 month period then ended

Introduction

We have reviewed the accompanying interim condensed consolidated balance sheet of Fluxys Belgium NV/SA (the "Company"), and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "the Group") as at 30 June 2021 and the related interim condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the 6 month period then ended, and explanatory notes, collectively, the "Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements". The board of directors is responsible for the preparation and presentation of this condensed consolidated interim financial information in accordance with IAS 34, "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the European Union. Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on these Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements based on our review.

Scope of Review

We conducted our review in accordance with the International Standard on Review Engagements 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity". A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial information as at 30 June 2021 and for the six-month period then ended is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34, "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted by the European Union.

Diegem, 29 September 2021

EY Bedrijfsrevisoren BV/EY Réviseurs d'Entreprises SRL Statutory auditor represented by

Marnix Van Dooren * Wim Van Gasse * Partner Partner *Acting on behalf of a BV/SRL *Acting on behalf of a BV/SRL

2.5 Declaration of responsible persons

Declaration regarding the first half-year ending 30 June 2021

I hereby attest that, to my knowledge:

  • the condensed financial statements of Fluxys Belgium, drawn up in accordance with the applicable accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, financial position and profit/loss of the issuer and the companies included in the consolidation scope;
  • the interim report gives a true and fair view of the information that should be included therein, including the key events and the main transactions with related parties that have taken place in the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed financial statements, as well as a description of the main risks and uncertainties for the remaining months of the financial year.

Brussels, 29 September 2021

Pascal De Buck Managing Director Chief Executive Officer

3 Definition of indicators

EBIT

Earnings Before Interests and Taxes or operating profit/loss from continuing operations plus the result of investments accounted for by the equity method and the dividends received from unconsolidated entities. EBIT is used to monitor the operational performance of the group over time.

EBITDA

Earnings Before Interests, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization or operating profit/loss from continuing operations, before depreciation, amortization, impairment and provisions, plus the result of investments accounted for by the equity method and the dividends received from unconsolidated entities. EBITDA is used to monitor the operational performance of the group over time, without considering non-cash expenses.

Net financial debt

Interest-bearing liabilities (including leases), less regulatory liabilities, non-current loans linked to debts, cash linked to early refinancing transactions and 75% of the balance of cash, cash equivalents and short- and long-term cash investments (the other 25% is considered as reserve for operational needs and therefore not available for investments). This indicator gives an idea about the amount of interest-bearing debt that would remain if all available cash would be used to reimburse loans.

Consolidated income statement (in thousands of €) 30.06.2021 30.06.2020
Operating profit/loss 68,799 69,553
Depreciation 84,744 86,910
Provisions 1,752 1,599
Impairment losses -5 2,748
Earnings from associates and joint ventures 0 0
Dividends from unconsolidated companies 0 0
EBITDA 155,290 160,810
Consolidated income statement (in thousands of €) 30.06.2021 30.06.2020
Operating profit/loss 68,799 69,553
Earnings from associates and joint ventures 0 0
Dividends from unconsolidated companies 0 0
EBIT 68,799 69,553
Consolidated balance sheet (in thousands of €) 30.06.2021 31.12.2020
adjusted
31.12.2020
published
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities (+) 1,203,517 1,208,055* 1,589,554
Current interest-bearing liabilities (+) 49,392 58,186* 184,843
Other financing (non-current) (-) 0* 0* -25,775
Other financing (current) (-) 0* 0* -65,557
Other liabilities (non-current) (-) 0* 0* -100,882
Other liabilities (current) (-) 0* 0* -315,942
Term deposits (75%) (-) -18,441 -29,594 -29,594
Cash and cash equivalents (75%) (-) -276,986 -283,019 -283,019
Other financial assets (75%) (-) -84,180 -80,517 -80,517
Net financial debt 873,302 873,111 873,111

* The regulatory liabilities are henceforth presented as a separate line item on the balance sheet (including in the comparative figures). See note 1e of the half-yearly report for further explanations.

Questions about accounting data Filip De Boeck +32 2 282 79 89 [email protected]

Press contacts Laurent Remy +32 2 282 74 50 [email protected]

Fluxys Belgium SA • Avenue des Arts 31 • 1040 Brussels +32 2 282 72 11 • fluxys.com/belgium VAT BE 0402.954.628 • RPM Brussels •D/2021/9484/16

Responsible publisher • Erik Vennekens • Avenue des Arts 31 • 1040 Brussels

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