SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust — Increased cash generation and portfolio value

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust (LSE: SEIT)

Last close As at 12/12/2024

GBP0.56

−0.90 (−1.57%)

Market capitalisation

GBP622m

More on this equity

Research: Investment Companies

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust — Increased cash generation and portfolio value

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust (SEEIT) recorded a 9% increase in cash from investments in FY24, generating £92.5m (FY23: £85.1m), ensuring its DPS of 6.24p was fully covered by cash 1.1x. The board guided a target dividend of 6.32p per share for FY25 (9.5% prospective yield). The portfolio valuation stood at £1,117m (4.8% increase from H124 and 1.6% from FY23). Both SEEIT’s NAV and NAV per share remained flat for FY24, at £982m and 90.5p/share, compared to H124, with the majority of the reduction from FY23 (£1,125m and 101.5p/share) arising from the unrealised impact of increased discount rates applied in the first half of FY24. SEEIT currently trades at a 26% discount to NAV with a 9.4% dividend yield, and management has made strong progress in addressing the discount to NAV through proving its asset valuations.

Written by

Andrew Keen

MD - Head of Content, Energy & Resources, Industrials

Investment Companies

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust

Increased cash generation and portfolio value

Investment trusts
Renewable energy infrastructure

28 June 2024

Price

66.7p

Market cap

£724m

AUM

£1,117m

NAV/share*

90.5p

Discount to NAV
*Including income. At 31 March 2024.

26%

Dividend yield

9.4%

Ordinary shares in issue

1,085m

Code/ISN

SEIT/GB00BGHVZM47

AIC sector

Renewable Energy Infrastructure

52-week high/low

79.5p

51.8p

NAV* high/low
*Including income.

101.5p

90.5p

Net gearing (% of NAV. As at 31 May 2024)

43%

Fund objective

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust’s objective is to generate an attractive total return for investors, comprising a stable dividend income and capital preservation, with the opportunity for capital growth.

Bull

SEEIT provides a high dividend yield while trading at a significant discount to NAV, offering a total-return focus and an attractive entry position.

A progressive dividend, which has been significantly covered since inception.

Further scope for operation and efficiency gains within its portfolio, adding accretive value.

Bear

Prolonged period of high inflation and interest rates and potential rises in discount rates.

Counterparty risk (although SEEIT is well diversified).

A relative negative investor sentiment remains towards the renewable energy infrastructure investment trust sector.

Analysts

Andrew Keen

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Harry Kilby

+44 (0)20 3077 5724

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust (SEEIT) recorded a 9% increase in cash from investments in FY24, generating £92.5m (FY23: £85.1m), ensuring its DPS of 6.24p was fully covered by cash 1.1x. The board guided a target dividend of 6.32p per share for FY25 (9.5% prospective yield). The portfolio valuation stood at £1,117m (4.8% increase from H124 and 1.6% from FY23). Both SEEIT’s NAV and NAV per share remained flat for FY24, at £982m and 90.5p/share, compared to H124, with the majority of the reduction from FY23 (£1,125m and 101.5p/share) arising from the unrealised impact of increased discount rates applied in the first half of FY24. SEEIT currently trades at a 26% discount to NAV with a 9.4% dividend yield, and management has made strong progress in addressing the discount to NAV through proving its asset valuations.

Year end 31 March

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY23

FY24

NAV (£m)

323.5

694

1,073

1,125

982

NAV per share (p)

101.0

102.5

108.4

101.5

90.5

DPS (p)

5.00

5.50

5.62

6.00

6.24

Dividend cover

1.5x

1.2x

1.2x

1.2x

1.1x

Source: SEEIT

SEEIT completed an asset sale, post FY24, with the disposal of UU Solar for £90.8m (4.5% premium to its carrying value at H124), with all of the proceeds used to reduce the fund’s short-term debt. This led to a net reduction in short-term borrowings, post year end, from £155m (31 March 2024) to £98m (31 May 2024). SEEIT’s sale of UU Solar, at a premium, and its conservative independent asset valuations should bolster investor confidence regarding its NAV.

Throughout FY24, SEEIT invested c £161m (majority into existing investments) and a further c £23m was deployed post year end. SEEIT stated it remains committed to addressing the share price discount and proving asset valuations via selective disposals and/or bringing in funding partners to source cash for reinvestment at greater rates of return and repay its revolving credit facility (RCF). Its capital allocation policy will ensure that returns on new investments outweigh any potential opportunity costs in share buybacks and reducing short-term debt. SEEIT delivered a £38m uplift to the portfolio in FY24 and could see potential additional uplift in excess of £145m over the next two to five years based on accretive upside on its larger assets. SEEIT completed a £20m share buyback programme in H124, highlighting that both the board and management saw, and continue to see, SEEIT as undervalued given the similar current discount to NAV (26%).

Total gearing, including its RCF (utilised to fund organic investments), stood at 49% of NAV at 31 March 2024 and is low compared to its relative peers. Post the sale of UU Solar, this reduced to 43% of NAV, with a further c £200m headroom in gearing capacity. SEEIT’s weighted average interest rate on its portfolio debt stands at 6%, with an average life remaining of 3.7 years, and its fixed interest rate exposure of drawn portfolio debt is 80%. The weighted average discount rate applied increased 90bp in FY24 to 9.4% (FY23: 8.5%), but remained flat from H124 (9.4%).

In our view, SEEIT presents an attractive 9.4% dividend yield and a potential 35% additional return if the discount to NAV were to close. It has also continued to strengthen and add accretive value to its portfolio while making strong progress in addressing the disconnect in valuations between public and private markets.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust. 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 2024 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.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust. 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 2024 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.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

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