Earnings Release • Mar 3, 2011
Earnings Release
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Gérard Mestrallet, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "GDF SUEZ achieved solid results in 2010, and outperformed all its targets, in spite of the impact of de-correlation of oil and gas prices in the Global Gas and LNG business line. On top of its key positions in domestic markets, GDF SUEZ significantly accelerated its international growth. The Group completed a structuring transaction in 2010 to combine its international activities with International Power. Today the Group is the world leader in independent electricity production, and is especially well positioned in regions that represent 80% of tomorrow's energy demand. We also kept growing organically thanks to a substantial capex program. Our industrial strategy, based on flexibility and balance, has been confirmed by the Group's performance in 2010 and the combination with International Power. This impetus enables us to look with confidence toward the future."
4 Compared to 2009.
1 Dividend to be submitted for shareholder approval at the Shareholders' General Meeting on May 2, 2011.
2 Medium-term = 3 years (2011-2013).
3 With International Power consolidated as of February 3, 2011. Assuming average weather conditions and no major changes in the regulatory or economic environment. Underlying assumptions for 2011 and 2013 are respectively: average Brent, \$92/barrel and \$100/barrel; average price of baseload electricity in Belgium, €50/MWh and €53/MWh; average price of gas at Zeebrugge, €23/MWh for 2011 and 2013.
In electricity, the Group established the world leader in independent power production by combining its international operations with International Power. Meanwhile, GDF SUEZ also maintained its organic growth and expanded its installed capacity by 5.5 GW, particularly in France, the Netherlands and the Middle East. The Group has confirmed its intention to take part in the renewal of nuclear energy around the world, especially in the United Kingdom through the establishment of a joint venture5 with Iberdrola and SSE, and in Italy with the signing of a partnership agreement with E.On. Finally, the Group has signed important electricity supply contracts with industrial customers in Peru, the United Kingdom, and Belgium.
In the gas business, GDF SUEZ renegotiated its long-term contracts with its suppliers to get more flexibility. In Exploration-Production, the Group took over the operatorship of Gjøa, one of the largest fields in Norway. The trend of commercial development in liquefied natural gas (LNG) toward Asian markets accelerated with the signing of important medium-term agreements for more than 5 million tons. The Group also completed the full commissioning of the LNG terminal at Fos Cavaou in France and the Mejillones terminal in Chile. Finally, the Group also signed an agreement to acquire major natural gas storage sites in Germany, making it the European leader in terms of marketable storage capacities.
In energy and environmental services, the Group continued to grow. In energy services, GDF SUEZ consolidated its position as a leader in heating and cooling networks in the United Kingdom, with the inauguration of the network for the future Olympic Park in London and the acquisition of networks in Southampton and Birmingham. Suez Environnement completed its friendly takeover of Agbar in Spain, and signed numerous contracts in water and waste management in both Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
The 2010 EBITDA of EUR 15.1 billion, up 7.7%, reflects the strong performance of the Energy Europe & International and Energy France Business Lines. The Efficio performance plan reached EUR 1.5 billion.6 Net income, group share increased from 2009 to EUR 4.6 billion.
The Group keeps a sound financial structure, with one of the best gearings in the sector, 47.8%7 . It has a well-controlled net debt of EUR 33.8 billion, after the implementation of a net investment program of EUR 8.6 billion.
The Group's "A" rating was confirmed, illustrating the market's confidence in the financial prospects of GDF SUEZ.
These solid results support a further increase in the dividend to EUR 1.50 per share, +2% over 2009.8
5 Nugen.
6 Compared to 2008. The result of recurring synergies, avoided costs and performance gains.
7 Net debt/equity.
8 Subject to approval at the Shareholders' General Meeting on May 2, 2011.
Energy France Business Line reported growth in results in 2010. The Group's electricity generation in France increased 12% in 2010 with the commissioning of combined-cycle gas power plants and wind farms, as well as increased hydroelectric power generation. Sales of natural gas increased 6.7%, primarily because of an exceptionally harsh winter; the correction for weather amounted to +30 TWh compared to 2009. Moreover, from April 1, 2010, the application of the Public Service Contract signed in 2009 created a new regulatory framework for gas sales operations in France.
Energy Europe and International Business Line reported a substantial improvement in its operating performance, particularly thanks to new facilities commissioned in the Netherlands, Latin America, and the Middle East in 2010, with the support of an ambitious capex program implemented since 2008. The most important event of 2010 was the combination of the Business Line's international operations with International Power, a transaction that was approved by more than 99% of the Shareholders' General Meeting in December 2010.
Global Gas & LNG Business Line, as expected, felt the impact in 2010 of the de-correlation of gas and oil prices. Amid an intensely competitive environment, Key Account sales decreased 22 TWh, because the Group decided to prioritize profits over volume. Exploration-Production activities saw an improvement in results thanks to the recovery of commodity prices, despite a slight dip in production.
Infrastructures Business Line reported 6.5% increase in its EBITDA in 2010 as a consequence of growth in regulated activities, the full commissioning of the Fos Cavaou terminal, and the exceptionally harsh weather in France, and in spite of a slight decrease in storage capacity sold in France.
Energy Services Business Line reported stable results in 2010, amid a still-difficult economic environment. In November 2010, Cofely UK inaugurated the energy network for the future Olympic Park in London, reaffirming the company's position as a leader in managing heating and cooling networks in the UK. It also established numerous public-private partnerships in hospitals, public lighting, and transportation infrastructures. The Business Line furthermore expanded its order book in installation and engineering and its commercial growth in the associated services, so that it is well positioned to benefit from the expected economic recovery.
Suez Environnement saw its EBITDA grow 13.6% in 2010, in connection with the resurgence of its activities in water and waste management. It is also benefiting from the scope effects thanks to the consolidation of Agbar. The Business Line enjoys the benefits of the Melbourne contract, positive price/volume effects in International operations, and high prices for secondary raw materials in its activities for the sorting, reuse and recycling of waste.
GDF SUEZ ambition is to become the benchmark in all its businesses, with the following priorities:
The Group's consolidated accounts and the corporate accounts for GDF SUEZ SA as of December 31, 2010 were approved by the Board of Directors on March 2, 2011. The Group's statutory auditors have performed their audit of these accounts, and the relevant audit reports certifying them are currently being issued.
GDF SUEZ develops its businesses around a model based on responsible growth to take up today's major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, combating climate change and optimizing the use of resources. The Group provides highly efficient and innovative solutions to individuals, cities and businesses by relying on diversified gas-supply sources, flexible and low-emission power generation as well as unique expertise in four key sectors: liquefied natural gas, energy efficiency services, independent power production and environmental services. GDF SUEZ employs 215,000 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €84.5 billion in 2010. The Group is listed on the Brussels, Luxembourg and Paris stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Stoxx 50, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe, ASPI Eurozone and ECPI Ethical Index EMU.
This communication includes forward-looking information and statements. Such statements include financial projections and estimates, the assumptions on which they are based, as well as statements about projects, objectives and expectations regarding future operations, profits, or services, or future performance. Although GDF SUEZ management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and GDF SUEZ shareholders should be aware that such forward-looking information and statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties that are generally difficult to predict and beyond the control of GDF SUEZ, and may cause results and developments to differ significantly from those expressed, implied or predicted in the forward-looking statements or information. Such risks include those explained or identified in the public documents filed by GDF SUEZ with the French Financial Markets Authority (AMF), including those listed in the "Risk Factors" section of the GDF SUEZ reference document filed with the AMF on April 6, 2010 (under number D.10-218). Investors and GDF SUEZ shareholders should note that if some or all of these risks are realized they may have a significant unfavorable impact on GDF SUEZ.
Tel France: +33 (0)1 44 22 24 35 Tel Belgium: +32 2 510 76 70 E-Mail: [email protected]
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 22 66 29 E-Mail: [email protected]
| 12/31/09 12/31/10 | 12/31/09 12/31/10 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity, group share | 60.3 | 62.2 | |||
| 122.3 | 132.7 | Non controlling interests | 5.2 | 8.5 | |
| 49.1 | 52.0 | 65.5 | 70.7 | ||
| o/w financial assets valued at fair value through profit/loss |
1.7 | 1.7 | Provisions | 14.1 | 14.5 |
| o/w cash & equivalents | 10.3 | 11.3 | Financial debt | 42.3 | 47.2 |
| Other liabilities | 49.5 | 52.3 | |||
| 171.4 | 184.7 | 171.4 | 184.7 |
| In €m | ||
|---|---|---|
| 79,908 | 84,478 | |
| Purchases | (41,406)(1) | (44,673) |
| Personnel costs | (11,365) | (11,755) |
| Amortization depreciation and provisions | (5,183) | (5,899) |
| Other operating incomes and expenses | (13,607) (1) | (13,356) |
| 8,347 | 8,795 | |
| MtM, impairment, restructuring, disposals and other | (173) | 702 |
| 8,174 | 9,497 | |
| Financial result (expense) o/w cost of net debt o/w discounting expense related to long term provisions o/w dividends and others |
(1,628) (1,266) (601) 239 |
(2,222) (1,686) (588) 52 |
| Income tax o/w current income tax o/w deferred income tax |
(1,719) (1,640) (79) |
(1,913) (2,164) 251 |
| Share in net income of associates | 403 | 264 |
| Non controlling interests | (753) | (1,010) |
| 4,477 | 4,616 | |
| EBITDA | 14,012 | 15,086 |
| (1) Restatement of €103m from Other operating incomes and expenses to Purchases |
| Gross cash flow before financial loss and income tax Income tax paid (excl. income tax paid on disposals) Change in operating working capital |
13,016 (1,377) 1,988 |
14,736 (2,146) (258) |
|---|---|---|
| 13,628 | 12,332 | |
| Net tangible and intangible investments Financial investments Disposals and other investment flows |
(9,646) (1,663)(1) 3,133(1) |
(9,292) (1,386) 2,895 |
| (8,177)(1) | (7,783) | |
| Dividends paid Share buy back Balance of reimbursement of debt / new debt Interests paid on financial activities Capital increase Other cash flows |
(4,028) - 1,990 (1,293) 84 (1,035)(1) |
(3,918) (491) 1,285 (1,565) 563 443(2) |
| (4,282)(1) | (3,683) | |
| Impact of currency, accounting practices and other | 107 | 106 |
| 9,049 | 10,324 | |
| 1,274 | 972 | |
| 10,324 | 11,296 |
(1) Reclassification of €191m from Cash flow from investment activities to Cash Flow from financial activities due to the application of IAS27-R (2) Including cash impact of Suez Environnement hybrid capital security €750m
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