OPG Power Ventures — FY22 interim results

OPG Power Ventures (LN: OPG)

Last close As at 18/04/2024

7.00

0.05 (0.72%)

Market capitalisation

GBP28m

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Research: Industrials

OPG Power Ventures — FY22 interim results

OPG Power Venture (OPG) has modern thermal power generation assets and a strong balance sheet to see it through the current coal price headwind, which is also masking the short-term valuation. Future value generation could also come from the intention to expand renewables activities, which could benefit from the group’s current roster of captive customers.

David Larkam

Written by

David Larkam

Analyst, Industrials

Industrials

OPG Power Venture

FY22 interim results

Industrials

Spotlight - Update

8 December 2021

Price

12.8p

Market cap

£51m

Share price graph

Share details

Code

OPG

Listing

AIM

Shares in issue

400.7m

Reported net debt at 30 September 2021

£5.0m

Business description

OPG Power Ventures is an independent power producer based in Chennai, India. Its key asset is a 414MW coal-fired thermal power plant in Chennai and it also has 62MW of solar assets in Karnataka (31% interest). The majority of power (c 80%) is sold to independent commercial captive consumers, permitting preferential tariffs, improved payment terms and reduced concentration of risk with over 200 individual captive consumers.

Bull

Strong cash flow generation from a mature asset base (no development risk) and rapidly deleveraging balance sheet.

Exposure to the high-growth Indian economy.

Opportunities from nascent renewables business funded through solar investment disposal.

Bear

Coal price volatility against fixed-price tariffs affects margins (negatively and positively).

Environmental legislation likely to require additional capex at the Chennai plant.

Recent low solar tariff bid levels affect the returns available from new investment.

Analyst

David Larkam

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

OPG Power Venture is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

OPG Power Ventures (OPG) has modern thermal power generation assets and a strong balance sheet to see it through the current coal price headwind, which is also masking the short-term valuation. Future value generation could also come from the intention to expand renewables activities, which could benefit from the group’s current roster of captive customers.

Consensus estimates

Year
end

Revenue
(£m)

PBT
(£m)

EPS
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

03/20

154.0

14.5

2.11

0.0

6.1

N/A

03/21

93.8

21.6

3.52

0.0

3.6

N/A

03/22e

73.7

9.9

1.50

0.0

8.5

N/A

Source: Company reports, Refinitiv consensus forecasts

Results in brief

OPG reported positive H1 results with a strong recovery from the impact of COVID-19 in the previous year as highlighted by the rise in demand for power across India, which increased by 12.7% in the period. The group generated 1.3 billion units (kWhs) +63% with a plant load factor (PLF) of 71.3%, up from 46%, although tariff rates were marginally softer at R5.47/kWh from R5.60/kWh. Total sales were £55.6m, up 54%, and operating profit at £8.7m was lower than the £16.2m the previous year, which benefited from credit recoveries of £9.6m. The operating margin was 15.6%. Cash generation was strong with net debt reduced to £5.0m (£16.2m at 31 March 2021, £34.9m at 30 September 2020).

Outlook

The price of Indonesian coal has surged due to demand, particularly from China. The price roughly quadrupled to the end of October and, while having halved, is still approximately twice the previous year’s level with freight prices also remaining elevated. Hence management has reduced generation (PLF in October/November averaged 20.6%). As a consequence, profitability will be significantly affected in the second half and full year.

ESG

OPG is continuing to work on its forward strategy. This will include meeting the Indian emissions requirements by December 2023 for which capex has already been allocated. In addition, management is looking to expand the group’s renewables activities where current industrial customers using OPG thermal power, could provide an opportunity as they look to decarbonise their own activities.

Valuation overshadowed by the coal price spike

The coal price machinations are affecting profitability and hence short-term valuation metrics. The underlying valuation is highlighted by the pre COIVD-19 2020 P/E of 6.1x or the 69% discount to net asset value (41.0p/share).

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by OPG Power Venture and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by OPG Power Venture. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

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The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

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London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

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United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

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Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

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Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by OPG Power Venture and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by OPG Power Venture. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2021 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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