OPG Power Ventures — Positive FY21 results

OPG Power Ventures (LN: OPG)

Last close As at 01/11/2024

7.00

0.05 (0.72%)

Market capitalisation

GBP28m

More on this equity

Research: Industrials

OPG Power Ventures — Positive FY21 results

OPG Power Ventures reported a strong year in profit and cash generation despite COVID shutdowns and lower power consumption in India. A significant increase in the coal price is providing a headwind. The strong financial position and captive model provide confidence, while the historical valuation (last three-year average P/E of 3.7x and EV/EBITDA of 1.9x) is compelling.

David Larkam

Written by

David Larkam

Analyst, Industrials

Industrials

OPG Power Ventures

Positive FY21 results

Industrials

Spotlight - Update

30 September 2021

Price

11.8p

Market cap

£47m

Share price graph

Share details

Code

OPG

Listing

AIM

Shares in issue

400.7m

Last reported net debt at 31 March 2021

£16.2m

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 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 Ventures is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

OPG Power Ventures reported a strong year in profit and cash generation despite COVID shutdowns and lower power consumption in India. A significant increase in the coal price is providing a headwind. The strong financial position and captive model provide confidence, while the historical valuation (last three-year average P/E of 3.7x and EV/EBITDA of 1.9x) is compelling.

Historical results

Year
end

Revenue
(£m)

PBT
(£m)

EPS
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

03/19

140.6

16.8

3.81

0.0

3.1

N/A

03/20

154.0

14.5

2.11

0.0

5.6

N/A

03/21

93.8

21.6

3.52

0.0

3.4

N/A

Source: Company reports

Results in brief

The number of units generated declined by 13% and plant load factor declined from 75% to 58% due to COVID, leading to a 39% fall in revenue to £93.8m. Operating profit increased from £24.0m to £27.5m, assisted by credit recoveries of £9.4m against expected credit losses of £3.0m. Operating margins increased from 15.5% to 29.3%. EPS increased by 67% to 3.52p. Cash generation was strong, assisted by credit recoveries/working capital and limited capex requirements. Net debt reduced from £53.4m to £16.2m, leaving net debt/EBITDA at 0.5x. In light of uncertainties due to the rapid escalation of the coal price management has decided not to pay a dividend in order to preserve balance sheet strength and flexibility.

Outlook

The key metric for a thermal power generator is the dark spread, the margin over the coal price. OPG primarily uses Indonesian coal, where prices have more than doubled in recent months. Freight costs have also been rising. OPG is partially covered through fixed price agreements for coal and freight in FY22 but remains exposed to market fluctuations for the unhedged element. Hence management feels unable to provide forward guidance until there is greater stability.

ESG

OPG’s first ESG report highlights progress in reducing emissions including NOx, SOx and particulates, low water consumption, a strong health & safety record and a range of community actions. This will form part of the future strategy to develop the group’s sustainability credentials, including commercial opportunities arising from the Indian government’s latest National Energy Policy (NEP) 2021.

Valuation

The rising coal price is likely to affect short-term earnings until it reverses or is passed through under the group’s captive model. Hence it is more insightful to look at the historical results valuation. Using an average of the last three years, the shares trade on a P/E of 3.7x and EV/EBITDA of 1.9x. In addition, the solar investments translate to 4.1p/share at the carrying value of £16.4m.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by OPG Power Ventures and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by OPG Power Ventures. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 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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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.

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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

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 Ventures and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by OPG Power Ventures. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 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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