Hellenic Petroleum Holdings S.A.

Earnings Release • Aug 27, 2020

National Storage Mechanism | Additional information

RNS Number : 3779X

Hellenic Petroleum S.A.

27 August 2020

PRESS RELEASE

27 August 2020

Second quarter / first half 2020 financial results
Positive operational performance and high utilization sustained amid significant deterioration of the international oil market due to COVID-19

HELLENIC PETROLEUM Group announced its 2Q20 consolidated financial results, with Adjusted EBITDA coming in at €63m in 2Q20 and €191m in 1H20.

The last few months have been marked by a significant decline in global economic activity, while mobility restriction measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a corresponding reduction in fuel demand. The crisis particularly affected the aviation sector with the air traffic reduction in the 2Q20 reaching 81%, while in Greece, tourist arrivals for the 1H20 were down by 77%. The significant drop in global product demand, combined with the agreement by OPEC++ to limit crude oil production resulting in an increase in crude oil prices, led to a decline of refining margins at historically low levels.

An important challenge faced by many refineries in the area, was the continuous operation of the units in an environment of significant challenges and the lack of product storage capacity. Despite the adverse conditions, the Group maintained high operating levels, with the production amounting to 3.7m MT, at the same levels vs 2Q19, utilizing the large storage capacity of its refineries, while, at the same time, proceeded with contango trades, avoiding excessive exposure to price risk and took advantage of the market structure to improve results from international trading.

With regards to the financial results in accordance with IFRS, the gradual recovery of crude oil and product prices, from the lows recorded in the beginning of 2Q, resulted to inventory valuation gains of €26m, partially offsetting the significant loss recorded in the 1Q20 and led Reported EBITDA to €76m.

Strategy and main developments

The gradual lifting of the COVID-19 measures from the middle of 2Q, both in our country and in the Mediterranean region, led to a recovery of economic activity and fuel consumption, which however is still lagging last year levels, especially in sectors such as tourism, air transport and coastal marine. The Group closely monitors developments, with main priority the health and safety of its staff and contractors in its facilities, especially ahead of the turnaround of the Aspropyrgos Refinery and adjusts its operations accordingly.

On 28 August, the full turnaround of the Aspropyrgos Refinery begins with the gradual temporary shut-down of the main units. The program will last 9 weeks, two more than planned, to include additional safety measures for COVID-19. The turnaround, with a total budget of €130m, is the largest similar project in the Group's history. In addition to the maintenance at all units, it includes investments of €60m of projects focused on safety and environment, which will be implemented during the shut-down and are expected to further reduce the refinery's particulate emissions (PMs) by 50%.

Regarding the implementation of the Group's strategy, in relation to the 204MW PV project in Kozani, for which the transaction is expected to be completed in the 3Q20, the technical configuration has been finalised, while the financing is expected to be arranged during 2020.

Regarding the sale procedures of DEPA Commercial and Infrastructure, in which HELLENIC PETROLEUM participates, due diligence procedures are underway.

Finally, the digital transformation program was officially launched with total annual EBITDA benefits expected to exceed €50m in the next three years.

Significant decline in refining margins and recovery of crude oil prices

Crude oil prices reached their lowest levels since 2003, with Brent prices at $30/bbl on average, dropping below $20/bbl during April, a $45/bbl decline since the beginning of the year. However, since May they recorded a gradual recovery, following the OPEC++ countries agreement.

Diesel and gasoline cracks, the main output of the Group's refineries, fell to multi-year lows due to the collapse of demand, especially in the first half of the 2Q20 and the high global inventories. Combined with the strengthening of Urals prices to higher levels than those of Brent, led benchmark refining margins to historically low levels. Specifically, the FCC margins averaged at $0.5/bbl, with Hydrocracking margins at $0.1/bbl.

The €/$ exchange rate remained at the same levels vs the previous quarter, as well as y-o-y, at an average of 1.10 for the 2Q20.

Domestic fuel market demand decline

The domestic ground fuels demand remained at the same level as last year, at 1.6m MT, as the fivefold increase in heating oil market, due to mobility restrictions and low prices, offset the large decline of 24% in motor fuels consumption. The aviation and shipping fuels market recorded an even larger decline (-58%), due to a collapse in aviation fuel demand (-94%) and a reduction in shipping fuels demand of more than 40% in 2Q20.

Strong balance sheet, reduced financing cost

The Group continues its balance sheet management policy for maximization of liquidity and sufficient funding. Discussions are underway for the refinancing of credit lines that mature in the coming months, in order to improve the maturity profile of the Group's debt liabilities.

Financing cost remains at the lowest levels in recent years, down 15% from last year. Net Debt in the 2Q20 stood at €1.8b, with the Gearing Rate at 48%, recording a decrease compared to the previous quarter.

Andreas Shiamishis, Group CEO, commented on results:

"We faced unprecedented conditions during 2Q20, affecting mainly oil products market, as mobility restrictions and air traffic drop led to significantly lower demand.

As expected, our efforts focused mainly on managing this crisis and adjusting our business model to the new reality. Results are positive, as we safely maintained high levels of operation, uninterrupted supply for all markets, while taking advantage of commercial opportunities with positive contribution.

We also continued on our strategy implementation, with progress on the Kozani renewable project, the start of an integrated digital transformation program for the Group, as well as launching new high value products at our network.

Our key objectives in the coming months are the successful implementation of the Aspropyrgos turnaround, as well as the acceleration of our growth strategy."

Key highlights and contribution for each of the main business units in 2Q20 were:

REFINING, SUPPLY & TRADING

-     Refining, Supply & Trading 2Q20 Adjusted EBITDA at €40m.

-    Production amounted to 3.7m MT, at levels similar to last year, allowing the use of storage capacity for contago transactions, while sales amounted to 3.6m MT (-12%).

-  High value-added products yield maintained at high levels, while the crude oil slate was significantly differentiated, due to the IMO operating model of the Aspropyrgos refinery.

PETROCHEMICALS

-  Adjusted EBITDA amounted to €16m (-43%) in the 2Q20, mainly due to weak polypropylene benchmark margins.

MARKETING

-  In Domestic Marketing, the collapse of the aviation & bunkering market and the of demand drop in ground fuels, due to mobility restrictions, led to a significant decline in sales volumes and profitability with 2Q20 Adjusted EBITDA to €-1m.

-  In International Marketing, respectively, a decrease in volumes and contribution was recorded, with the Adjusted EBITDA of the 2Q20 at €10m (-30%).

ASSOCIATED COMPANIES

-  DEPA Group contribution to 2Q20 consolidated Net Income (excluding the positive impact of BOTAS case arbitration) came in at €1m.   

-  Elpedison's EBITDA for the second quarter of 2020 amounted to €11m, significantly improved compared to last year, due to increased production.

HELLENIC PETROLEUM GROUP

Key consolidated financial indicators (prepared in accordance with IFRS) for 2Q/1H20 are shown below:

€ million	2Q19	2Q20	% Δ	1H19	1H20	% Δ
P&L figures
Refining Sales Volumes ('000 ΜΤ)	4,139	3,623	-12%	7,690	7,506	-2%
Sales	2,465	1,067	-57%	4,457	2,986	-33%
EBITDA	187	76	-60%	323	-341	-
Adjusted EBITDA 1	130	63	-52%	252	191	-24%
Net Income	75	5	-93%	121	-336	-
Adjusted Net Income 1	33	-22	-	70	21	-70%
Balance Sheet Items
Capital Employed				3,766	3,658	-3%
Net Debt				1,398	1,752	25%
Debt Gearing (ND/ND+E)				37%	48%	-

Notes:

1. Calculated as Reported adjusted for inventory effects and other non-operating items.

Further information:

V. Tsaitas, Investor Relations Officer

Tel.:      +30-210-6302399

Email:   vtsaitas@helpe.gr

Group Consolidated statement of financial position

		As at
	Note	30 June 2020	31 December 2019
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment	10	3.270.843	3.297.668
Right-of-use assets	11	236.648	242.934
Intangible assets	12	105.274	104.426
Investments in associates and joint ventures	7	403.365	384.747
Deferred income tax assets		68.991	59.358
Investment in equity instruments	3	906	1.356
Loans, advances and long term assets		44.187	55.438
		4.130.214	4.145.927
Current assets
Inventories	13	631.536	1.012.802
Trade and other receivables	14	606.557	748.153
Income tax receivables		91.587	91.391
Assets held for sale		2.209	2.520
Derivative financial instruments	3	5.830	3.474
Cash and cash equivalents	15	1.128.570	1.088.198
		2.466.289	2.946.538
Total assets		6.596.503	7.092.465
EQUITY
Share capital and share premium	16	1.020.081	1.020.081
Reserves	17	270.958	276.972
Retained Earnings		552.465	964.972
Equity attributable to equity holders of  the parent		1.843.504	2.262.025
Non-controlling  interests		63.173	64.548
Total equity		1.906.677	2.326.573
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loans & borrowings	18	1.231.906	1.610.094
Lease liabilities		169.564	169.357
Deferred income tax liabilities		51.926	213.495
Retirement benefit obligations		183.253	180.398
Provisions		25.485	25.625
Other non-current liabilities		28.102	28.376
		1.690.236	2.227.345
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	19	1.237.498	1.401.732
Income tax payable		7.975	7.147
Interest bearing loans & borrowings	18	1.649.190	1.022.270
Lease liabilities		27.986	30.537
Dividends payable		76.941	76.861
		2.999.590	2.538.547
Total liabilities		4.689.826	4.765.892
Total equity and liabilities		6.596.503	7.092.465

Group Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

		For the 6 month period ended		For the 3 month period ended
	Note	30 June 2020	30 June 2019	30 June 2020	30 June 2019
Revenue from contracts with customers	4	2.986.016	4.456.629	1.067.051	2.465.413
Cost of sales		(3.233.578)	(4.037.224)	(946.485)	(2.232.323)
Gross profit / (loss)		(247.562)	419.405	120.566	233.090
Selling and distribution expenses		(158.445)	(157.434)	(77.599)	(81.887)
Administrative expenses		(67.680)	(65.660)	(33.243)	(31.696)
Exploration and development expenses		(2.337)	(1.712)	(1.033)	(1.262)
Other operating income / (expenses) and other gains / (losses) - net	5	9.589	13.080	3.920	10.164
Operating profit / (loss)		(466.435)	207.679	12.611	128.409
Finance income		2.725	2.956	1.664	1.956
Finance expense		(54.932)	(66.444)	(28.225)	(33.149)
Finance expense - lease finance cost		(5.435)	(4.705)	(2.687)	(2.432)
Currency exchange gain / (loss)	6	4.254	743	1.992	(512)
Share of profit / (loss) of investments in associates and joint ventures	7	18.398	14.445	(27.009)	(3.646)
Profit / (loss) before income tax		(501.425)	154.674	(41.654)	90.626
Income tax credit (expense)	8	165.646	(33.313)	46.571	(15.881)
Profit / (loss) for the period		(335.779)	121.361	4.917	74.745
Profit / (loss) attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent		(335.841)	121.321	3.966	74.205
Non-controlling interests		62	40	951	540
		(335.779)	121.361	4.917	74.745
Other comprehensive income / (loss):
Other comprehensive income / (loss) that will not be reclassified to profit or loss (net of tax):
Actuarial gains / (losses) on defined benefit pension plans	17	-	(56)	-	-
Share of other comprehensive income / (loss) of associates	17	217	(41)	441	(41)
Changes in the fair value of equity instruments	17	(348)	700	88	704
Net other comprehensive income / (loss) that will not be reclassified to profit or loss (net of tax):		(131)	603	529	663
Other comprehensive income / (loss) that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (net of tax):
Recycling of (gains) / losses on hedges through comprehensive income	17	25.077	1.501	-	-
Fair value gains / (losses) on cash flow hedges	17	(31.140)	5.186	19.411	(1.202)
Currency translation differences and other movements	17	145	66	361	36
Net other comprehensive income / (loss) that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (net of tax):		(5.918)	6.753	19.772	(1.166)
Other comprehensive income / (loss) for the period, net of tax		(6.049)	7.356	20.301	(503)
Total comprehensive income / (loss) for the period		(341.828)	128.717	25.218	74.242
Total comprehensive income / (loss) attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent		(341.855)	128.683	24.249	73.695
Non-controlling interests		27	34	969	547
		(341.828)	128.717	25.218	74.242
Basic and diluted earnings / (loss) per share (expressed in Euro per share)	9	(1,10)	0,40	0,01	0,24

Group Consolidated statement of cash flows

		For the 6 month period ended
	Note	30 June 2020	30 June 2019
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from / (used in) operations	20	16.386	228.949
Income tax received / (paid)		(6.533)	(3.052)
Net cash generated from / (used in) operating activities		9.853	225.897
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment & intangible assets	10,12	(78.583)	(78.262)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment & intangible assets		3.382	363
Share capital issue expenses		(30)	(342)
Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired	25	-	(5.341)
Grants received		174	199
Interest received		2.725	2.956
Prepayments for right-of-use assets		(218)	(463)
Dividends received		-	1.347
Proceeds from disposal of investments in equity instruments		-	21
Net cash generated from / (used in) investing activities		(72.550)	(79.522)
Cash flows from financing activities
Interest paid		(47.946)	(63.127)
Dividends paid to shareholders of the Company		(76.381)	(122)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests		-	(2.246)
Participation of minority shareholders in share capital increase of subsidiary		34	-
Proceeds from borrowings		267.927	10.000
Repayments of borrowings		(21.820)	(27.671)
Payment of lease liabilities - principal		(16.877)	(19.729)
Payment of lease liabilities - interest		(5.435)
Net cash generated from / (used in) financing activities		99.502	(102.895)
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		36.805	43.480
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	15	1.088.198	1.275.159
Exchange gain / (loss) on cash and cash equivalents		3.567	1.049
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		36.805	43.480
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	15	1.128.570	1.319.688

Parent Company Statement of Financial Position

		As at
	Note	30 June 2020	31 December 2019
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment	9	2.672.864	2.693.794
Right-of-use assets	10	28.684	32.084
Intangible assets	11	7.868	8.704
Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures		1.053.138	1.045.138
Investment in equity instruments	3	530	965
Loans, advances and long-term assets		10.424	22.089
		3.773.508	3.802.774
Current assets
Inventories	12	535.205	899.760
Trade and other receivables	13	527.275	791.257
Income tax receivable		87.955	87.616
Derivative financial instruments	3	5.830	3.474
Cash and cash equivalents	14	930.271	888.564
		2.086.536	2.670.671
Total assets		5.860.044	6.473.445
EQUITY
Share capital and share premium	15	1.020.081	1.020.081
Reserves	16	276.712	283.106
Retained Earnings		541.403	935.648
Total equity		1.838.196	2.238.835
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Interest bearing loans and borrowings	17	1.082.618	1.607.838
Lease liabilities		19.755	21.264
Deferred income tax liabilities		21.258	182.065
Retirement benefit obligations		149.537	147.074
Provisions		22.797	22.797
Other non-current liabilities		13.049	13.620
		1.309.014	1.994.658
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	18	1.122.853	1.271.809
Income tax payable		5.767	5.785
Interest bearing loans and borrowings	17	1.499.498	875.576
Lease liabilities		7.775	9.919
Dividends payable		76.941	76.863
		2.712.834	2.239.952
Total liabilities		4.021.848	4.234.610
Total equity and liabilities		5.860.044	6.473.445

Parent Company Statement of Comprehensive Income

		For the 6month period ended		For the 3month period ended
	Note	30 June 2020	30 June 2019	30 June 2020	30 June 2019
Revenue from contracts with customers	4	2.690.940	4.087.415	950.340	2.263.042
Cost of sales		(3.036.594)	(3.826.905)	(862.662)	(2.123.081)
Gross profit / (loss)		(345.654)	260.510	87.678	139.961
Selling and distribution expenses		(51.922)	(49.637)	(24.369)	(25.343)
Administrative expenses		(41.058)	(39.110)	(20.446)	(18.067)
Exploration and development expenses		(1.066)	(52)	(49)	(23)
Other operating income/(expenses) & other gains/(losses)	5	7.282	(485)	2.818	(3.336)
Operating profit / (loss)		(432.418)	171.226	45.632	93.192
Finance income		4.910	5.509	2.690	3.121
Finance expense		(52.066)	(60.605)	(26.674)	(30.038)
Lease finance cost		(692)	(464)	(334)	(245)
Dividend income		-	7.917	-	7.917
Currency exchange gains/(losses)	6	4.316	1.032	2.021	(531)
Profit / (Loss) before income tax		(475.950)	124.615	23.335	73.416
Income tax credit / (expense)	7	158.114	(28.666)	39.472	(13.522)
Profit / (Loss) for the period		(317.836)	95.949	62.807	59.894
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Other comprehensive income/(loss), that will not be reclassified to profit or loss (net of tax):
Changes in the fair value of equity instruments	16	(331)	651	7	668
		(331)	651	7	668
Other comprehensive income/(loss), that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss (net of tax):
Fair value gains / (losses) on cash flow hedges	16	(31.140)	5.186	(5.666)	(2.703)
Recycling of losses / (gains) on hedges through comprehensive income	16	25.077	1.501	25.077	1.501
		(6.063)	6.687	19.411	(1.202)
Other Comprehensive income/(loss) for the period, net of tax		(6.394)	7.338	19.418	(534)
Total comprehensive income / (loss) for the period		(324.230)	103.287	82.225	59.360
Basic and diluted earnings / (losses) per share (expressed in Euro per share)	8	(1,04)	0,31	0,21	0,20

Parent Company Statement of Cash flows

		For the 6month period ended
	Note	30 June 2020	30 June 2019
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from / (used in) operations	19	(13.243)	172.120
Income tax received / (paid)		(4.843)	(1.768)
Net cash generated from / (used in) operations		(18.086)	170.352
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment & intangible assets	9,11	(58.706)	(55.856)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment & intangible assets		4.846	1.074
Dividends received		150.000	6.571
Interest received		4.910	5.509
Participation in share capital increase of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures		(10.000)	(10.014)
Net cash generated from / (used in) investing activities		91.050	(52.716)
Cash flows from financing activities
Interest paid		(49.633)	(66.132)
Dividends paid		(76.385)	(122)
Proceeds from borrowings		265.010	10.067
Repayments of borrowings		(168.278)	(302.423)
Payment of lease liabilities - principal		(4.866)	(3.063)
Payment of lease liabilities - interest		(692)	(464)
Net cash generated from /(used in) financing activities		(34.844)	(362.137)
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		38.120	(244.501)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	14	888.564	1.070.377
Exchange gains / (losses) on cash and cash equivalents		3.587	1.999
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		38.120	(244.501)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	14	930.271	827.875

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