Central Puerto(CEPU)

Search documents
Central Puerto(CEPU) - 2022 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2022-11-10 21:17
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues decreased by 17% to Ps.20.3 billion compared to Ps.24.3 billion in Q3 2021, primarily due to a 35% decrease in certain sales and a 2% decrease in sales and contracts [16][23] - Consolidated net income was Ps.4.5 billion in Q3 2022, down from Ps.4.9 billion in the same period of 2021 [23] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 42% to Ps.20.7 billion in Q3 2022 compared to Ps.14.6 billion in Q3 2021 [19][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Energy generation decreased by 10% to 33,452 gigawatts in Q3 2022 compared to 37,059 gigawatts in Q3 2021, with a 21% decrease in thermal generation and a 19% decrease in nuclear generation [10][11] - The main sources of energy generation were thermal (57%) and hydro (22%), while renewables accounted for 14% and nuclear for 7% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Installed capacity in the system reached 42,899 megawatts, a 1% increase from 42,589 megawatts in Q3 2021, with 59% thermal, 25% hydro, 12% renewable, and 4% nuclear [9] - Energy demand increased by 1% to 34,730 kilowatts compared to 34,454 kilowatts in Q3 2021, with commercial demand growing by 5% and residential demand decreasing by 1% [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is negotiating with an engineering firm to complete the combined cycle power plant at Brigadier López, with expected completion between 22 to 24 months after contract closure [34][38] - The Board of Directors approved the acquisition of shares, indicating a focus on shareholder value [7] - The company aims to broaden its business scope beyond energy generation to include industries such as mining, forestry, and agriculture [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is in discussions with the government regarding the extension of concessions for hydroelectric power plants, with a decision expected early next year [33] - There is an expectation for an increase in energy asset prices this year, with plans to set a path for future increases to keep up with inflation [40][41] - The company is analyzing the possibility of paying dividends next year, indicating positive cash flow generation [41] Other Important Information - The company received a rating upgrade from Category A+ to AA- with a stable outlook, reflecting improved credit quality [6] - The financial figures are stated in Argentinian pesos and include inflation adjustments [2] Q&A Session Summary Question: Updates on hydroelectric power plant concessions - Management is in discussions with the government regarding the concession of Piedra del Águila, with no concrete information available yet [33] Question: Status of the Brigadier Lopez project - Management is working with an EPC provider to close the cycle, expecting to finalize the contract by early next year, with completion anticipated in 22 to 24 months [34][38] Question: Maintenance and remuneration for combined cycle plants - Management is discussing additional remuneration for maintenance with the government, particularly for combined cycle plants reaching their lifetime limits [38][39] Question: Consideration of paying dividends next year - Management confirmed that paying dividends is under analysis and is a possibility due to positive cash flow generation [41]
Central Puerto(CEPU) - 2022 Q3 - Quarterly Report
2022-09-29 16:00
Company Information - Central Puerto S.A. filed its report for the month of September 2022 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934[1] - The registrant's principal executive office is located at Avenida Thomas Edison 2701, Buenos Aires, Argentina[2] Report Details - The report was signed by Leonardo Marinaro, Attorney-in-Fact, on September 30, 2022[8]
Central Puerto(CEPU) - 2022 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2022-08-08 20:38
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for Q2 2022 were ARS 19.1 billion, a 5% decrease from ARS 20.1 billion in Q2 2021, primarily due to a 37% decrease in Spot/Energía sales [19] - EBITDA for Q2 2022 was ARS 12 billion, a 6% increase from ARS 11.3 billion in Q2 2021, driven by a 5% decrease in cost of sales [21] - Consolidated net income was ARS 2.4 billion in Q2 2022, compared to a net loss of ARS 7.2 billion in the same period of 2021 [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Energy generation in Q2 2022 was 4,280 gigawatts, a 14% increase from the same period in 2021, mainly due to a 39% increase in thermal units [14] - Energy generation from hydro plants decreased by 45% due to lower water inflows [14] - In the first half of 2022, energy generation increased 23% to 8,865 gigawatts compared to 7,218 gigawatts in the same period in 2021 [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total energy demand increased by 6% to 34,948 gigawatts in Q2 2022, with commercial users growing by 7% and residential users also growing by 7% [13] - The energy generation mix as of Q2 2022 was 60% thermal, 32% hydro, 13% renewable, and 6% nuclear [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company successfully bid for 10 megawatts of dispatch priority for the Parque Solar San Carlos Project, indicating a focus on renewable energy projects [8] - The company is in discussions with the government regarding the renewal of the concession for the Piedra del Águila hydro plant, indicating a strategic focus on maintaining and expanding its operational capacity [31][32] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a recovery in industrial demand, returning to pre-COVID levels, but indicated uncertainty regarding residential demand due to potential subsidy changes [28][29] - There is an expectation of improved hydro conditions for the Piedra del Águila plant, but management remains cautious about the sustainability of this improvement [30] Other Important Information - The company reported a significant increase in financial expenses due to foreign exchange differences and inflation, impacting net income [22] - Cash flow from operating activities was ARS 16.9 billion, including collections from trade receivables [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the current plans for any stoppages or maintenance in the second half of the year? - Management indicated no significant maintenance is expected for the rest of the year, with only small regular maintenance planned [26] Question: What changes in demand are expected in the second half? - Management noted some recovery in industrial demand but expressed uncertainty regarding residential demand due to potential subsidy changes [28][29] Question: What is the current situation regarding the Piedra del Águila hydro plant? - Management reported improved inflows but stated it is too early to determine if production levels will return to medium levels [30] Question: What percentage of EBITDA does Piedra del Águila represent? - Management indicated that Piedra del Águila contributes around $30 million to EBITDA [33] Question: What are the payment delays from CAMMESA? - Management reported delays of around 60 days currently, with expectations to reduce this as the new administration stabilizes [35]
Central Puerto(CEPU) - 2022 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2022-05-17 20:37
Central Puerto S.A. (NYSE:CEPU) Q1 2022 Earnings Conference Call May 13, 2022 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Fernando Bonnet - Chief Executive Officer Milagros Grande - Financial Manager Conference Call Participants MartÃn Arancet - Balanz Capital John Barnett - Barnett & Associates Operator Good morning and welcome to the Central Puerto Conference Call following the Results Announcement for the First Quarter Ended on March 31st 2022. All participants will be in a listen-only mode. [Operator Instructions] ...
Central Puerto(CEPU) - 2022 Q1 - Quarterly Report
2022-05-12 16:00
Installed Capacity and Energy Generation - Installed capacity reached 42,871 MW in 1Q2022, a 1.4% increase from 42,286 MW in 1Q2021, with renewable capacity rising 14.3% to 5,008 MW[16] - Energy generation increased by 1% to 35,719 GWh in 1Q2022, driven by a 2% rise in thermal generation and a 37% increase in nuclear generation, while hydro generation decreased by 26%[19] - Renewable energy's share of installed capacity reached 14% in 1Q2022, up 3 percentage points from 1Q2021[23] - The installed capacity from thermal sources decreased by 0.2% from 25,315 MW in 1Q2021 to 25,274 MW in 1Q2022[16] - The availability of thermal generation decreased to 84% in 1Q2022, down 5 percentage points from the previous year[27] - Machine availability for thermal units was 84% in 1Q2022, compared to 89% in the same period of 2021, with the market average at 76%[32] Energy Demand - Energy demand rose 4% to 34,520 GWh in 1Q2022, with residential demand increasing by 5% and commercial demand by 7%[25] - The increase in energy demand is attributed to the recovery of economic activity and lower COVID-19 restrictions compared to the previous year[25] Financial Performance - Revenues increased to Ps. 17.2 billion in 1Q2022, an 8.8% increase from Ps. 15.8 billion in 1Q2021, driven by a 7% increase in sales under contracts and an 8% increase in Energía Base Sales[39] - Adjusted EBITDA was Ps. 15.7 billion in 1Q2022, a 5% increase from Ps. 15.0 billion in 1Q2021, despite a 38% decrease in foreign exchange difference on operating assets[42] - Consolidated net income for 1Q2022 was Ps. 4.8 billion, a 382% increase compared to Ps. 1 billion in 1Q2021, positively impacted by higher financial income and lower financial expenses[44] - Operating income before other operating results was Ps. 8.6 billion, a 32% increase from Ps. 6.5 billion in 1Q2021, due to a 9% increase in revenues and a 6% decrease in costs of sales[41] Cash Flow and Financial Position - Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2022, were Ps. 0.3 billion, with other current financial assets totaling Ps. 25.9 billion[48] - Financial debt stood at Ps. 15.8 billion as of March 31, 2022, with a consolidated net debt position of Ps. 17.4 billion[49] - Net cash provided by operating activities was Ps. 8.15 billion during 3M2022, driven by a gross profit of Ps. 6.6 billion[54] - Net cash used in investing activities amounted to Ps. 6.0 billion, primarily for the acquisition of other financial assets totaling Ps. 5.8 billion[55] - Total assets as of March 31, 2022, were Ps. 230.75 billion, a decrease from Ps. 233.25 billion as of December 31, 2021[60] - Total equity increased to Ps. 151.96 billion from Ps. 147.17 billion year-over-year[62] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period were Ps. 315 million, down from Ps. 327 million at the beginning[52] Expenses and Inflation - The company experienced a 24% inflation rate in 1Q2022, compared to 12.95% in 1Q2021, impacting financial performance[38] - Administrative and selling expenses decreased to Ps. 0.99 billion from Ps. 1.23 billion year-over-year[58] - Financial expenses decreased significantly to Ps. 4.71 billion from Ps. 10.88 billion in the previous year[58] Other Financial Metrics - The share of profit of associates was a loss of Ps. 0.19 billion in 1Q2022, an improvement from a loss of Ps. 0.41 billion in 1Q2021[47] - The company reported a loss on net monetary position of Ps. 3.15 billion, compared to a gain of Ps. 0.28 billion in the previous year[58] - Earnings per share for 3M2022 were Ps. 3.18, compared to Ps. 0.65 in 3M2021[59] - The company reported a foreign exchange difference for trade receivables of $(2,761,549), compared to $(4,439,146) in the previous period[1] - The loss on net monetary position was $1,947,296, a significant improvement from a loss of $(7,795,569) in the prior period[1] Future Plans - The company plans to discuss its first quarter 2022 results in a conference call scheduled for May 13, 2022[2]
Central Puerto(CEPU) - 2021 Q4 - Annual Report
2022-04-27 16:00
Remuneration and Pricing - From February 1, 2020, a new remuneration scheme for Energía Base was implemented, resulting in a 16% reduction in initial power prices for thermal units and a 45% reduction for hydroelectric plants[420]. - As of February 2021, remuneration prices were updated by approximately 29% under Resolution SE 440/21, impacting generation revenues[422]. - A new remuneration scheme for peak demand hours was established to mitigate fixed power prices, considering the equipment of generating companies[420]. Electricity Generation and Capacity - Electricity generation in Argentina increased by 5.7% in 2021, rising from 134,177 GWh in 2020 to 141,797 GWh in 2021[425]. - Thermal generation accounted for 64% of electricity supply in 2021, contributing 90,073 GWh, while hydroelectric generation contributed 24,116 GWh (17%)[427]. - Installed generation capacity increased from 41,951 MW in 2020 to 42,989 MW in 2021, driven by new thermal and renewable energy units[428]. - In 2021, renewable energy generation increased by 63% compared to 2019, mainly due to new wind and solar farms[427]. Financial Performance - Revenues for 2021 totaled Ps. 57.08 billion, a 0.77% decrease from Ps. 57.52 billion in 2020, primarily due to a 9.7% decrease in spot sales/Energía Base[452]. - Operating income for 2021 was Ps. 25.71 billion, a 39.04% decrease from Ps. 42.18 billion in 2020[452]. - Net loss for the year was Ps. 647.86 million, a 106.17% decrease from a net income of Ps. 10.50 billion in 2020[452]. - Finance income decreased by 75.06% to Ps. 1.94 billion in 2021, compared to Ps. 7.79 billion in 2020[452]. - Total cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2021, was Ps. 29.56 billion, a 16.47% increase from Ps. 25.38 billion in 2020[459]. Impairment and Asset Management - An impairment loss of Ps. 4,703.1 million was recognized for the Thermal Station Brigadier López due to its book value exceeding its recoverable value[440]. - The impairment loss recognized for Nuevo Puerto combined cycle power plant was Ps. 1,025.2 million, resulting in a net book value of Ps. 4,221.9 million[442]. - Total impairment of property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets was Ps. 7.77 billion in 2021, reflecting economic uncertainties and asset value reductions[465]. Strategic Initiatives and Government Policies - The Argentine electric power sector is in a state of emergency, with a need to incorporate 10 GW of conventional and 10 GW of renewable generating capacity over the next ten years to meet increasing demand[429]. - The RenovAR Program aims for renewable energy sources to account for at least 8% of Argentina's electric power consumption by December 31, 2017, increasing to 20% by December 31, 2025[432]. - The Ministry of Energy has emphasized the need for new generating capacity to reduce reliance on imports and improve the quality of electric power supply[429]. Corporate Governance and Management - The current Board of Directors includes 10 directors and 8 alternate directors, with Osvaldo Arturo Reca serving as Chairman since April 5, 2011[153]. - The company has adopted a corporate governance code based on transparency, efficiency, ethics, and investor protection[531]. - The board's composition reflects a mix of experience in both public and private sectors, enhancing governance and strategic decision-making[516][520]. Employee and Workforce Management - As of December 31, 2021, the company had 861 employees, a decrease from 885 in 2020 and 894 in 2019, indicating a downward trend in workforce size[549]. - The company has a total of 532 employees under collective bargaining agreements (CBA) as of 2017, with 464 affiliated with unions[549]. - The company has seen fluctuations in employee numbers over the years, reflecting potential operational adjustments[549]. Debt and Financial Obligations - As of December 31, 2021, total indebtedness was Ps. 43 billion, with 100% denominated in U.S. dollars[487]. - The company has committed to maintain a leverage ratio of not more than 3.5:1.00 and an interest coverage ratio of not less than 2.00:1.00 under various loan agreements[501]. - The maximum dividend payment allowed during 2023 is US$20 million, with restrictions on dividend payments maintained until 2021[494]. Renewable Energy Projects - The company has been awarded three wind farm projects under the RenovAr Program with a total awarded electric capacity of 233.6 MW and two co-generation projects with a total awarded electric capacity of 647 MW[508]. - The Terminal 6 San Lorenzo cogeneration project commenced operations on August 15, 2021, after delays originally scheduled for September 2020[511]. - The company has entered into long-term PPA contracts for 100% of the estimated energy generation capacity of its renewable energy projects developed under Resolution No. 281-E/17[508].
Central Puerto(CEPU) - 2021 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2022-03-10 20:55
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for Q4 2021 were ARS 14.1 billion, a 1% increase from ARS 14 billion in Q4 2020 [18] - Consolidated net income was ARS 0.85 billion in Q4 2021, compared to ARS 0.82 billion in the same period of 2020 [24] - Full year revenues decreased 1% to ARS 57.1 billion in 2021 from ARS 57.5 billion in 2020 [28] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2021 reached ARS 35.3 billion, down from ARS 39.4 billion in 2020 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Energy generation in Q4 2021 was 3,727 gigawatt-hours, a 2% decrease from the same period in 2020 [12] - Thermal generation decreased by 29% at the Piedra del Aguila plant due to drought conditions [13] - Steam production increased by 36% in Q4 2021, totaling 360,411 tons [14] - For the full year, thermal generation increased by 7% to 10,500 gigawatt-hours, while renewables rose by 18% [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Energy demand increased by 6% to 33,472 gigawatt-hours in Q4 2021 compared to 31,432 gigawatt-hours in Q4 2020 [10] - The market share for residential users was 44%, commercial users 28%, and industrial users 27% as of Q4 2021 [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on increasing generation capacity from Terminal 6, which began operations in October 2021 [35] - There is an ongoing interest in developing new renewable projects despite rising costs and challenges in profitability [47][48] - The company is exploring opportunities in energy exports but has faced limitations due to increased domestic consumption and fuel shortages [39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management does not expect significant changes in hydro generation due to low inflow conditions [35] - The company anticipates stable availability for thermal units, with a focus on maximizing dispatch during periods of low natural gas supply [42][43] - Future cash uses will likely include maintenance CapEx, with no significant increases expected for 2022 [52] Other Important Information - The company reported a 36% decrease in spot sales due to lower hydro generation and reduced production from combined cycle units [20] - FONI collections totaled ARS 1.87 billion in Q4 2021, with timely collections reported [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expected maintenance affecting generation levels in 2022 - Management indicated no major maintenance expected for combined cycles in 2022, with an increase in generation anticipated from Terminal 6 [34][35] Question: Outlook for hydro generation - Management does not foresee significant improvements in hydro generation due to ongoing low inflow conditions [35] Question: Status of energy exports - The company has seen some benefits from energy exports but has ceased exporting since November due to increased domestic consumption and fuel shortages [39] Question: Capacity factor for thermal units - The capacity factor is expected to remain stable, with the elimination of penalties for thermal units favorably impacting dispatch [42] Question: Main cash uses and new project investments - The company is exploring new renewable projects but faces challenges due to rising transportation costs [47][48] Question: Expected CapEx for the year - Maintenance CapEx is expected to remain consistent with previous years, with potential new projects depending on favorable conditions [52][53]
Central Puerto(CEPU) - 2021 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2021-11-10 19:29
Central Puerto S.A. (NYSE:CEPU) Q3 2021 Earnings Conference Call November 10, 2021 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Fernando Bonnet – Chief Executive Officer Milagros Grande – Financial Manager Conference Call Participants Operator Good morning, and welcome to the Central Puerto Conference Call following the results announcement for the Third Quarter Ended on September 30, 2021. All participants will be in listen-only mode. [Operator Instructions] After todayÂ's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ...
Central Puerto(CEPU) - 2021 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2021-08-12 19:19
Central Puerto S.A. (NYSE:CEPU) Q2 2021 Earnings Conference Call August 12, 2021 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Fernando Bonnet - Chief Executive Officer Milagros Grande - Financial Manager Conference Call Participants Operator Good morning, and welcome to the Central Puerto conference call, following the results announcement for the second quarter ended on June 30th, 2021 [Operator Instructions]. After today's presentation there will be an opportunity to ask question. Please note, this event is being rec ...
Central Puerto(CEPU) - 2021 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2021-05-13 21:13
Central Puerto S.A. (NYSE:CEPU) Q1 2021 Earnings Conference Call May 13, 2021 12:00 PM ET Company Participants Fernando Bonnet - Chief Executive Officer Enrique Terraneo - Chief Financial Officer Milagros Grande - Chief Financial Manager Nicolas Macchi - Investor Relations Officer Conference Call Participants Frank McGann - Bank of America Operator Good morning, and welcome to the Central Puerto conference call following the results announcement for the quarter ended on March 31, 2021 [Operator Instructions ...