TMCnet News
Eutelsat Communications Full Year 2016-17 ResultsRegulatory News: The Board of Directors of Eutelsat Communications (Paris:ETL) (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris: ETL) met yesterday under the chairmanship of Michel de Rosen and reviewed the financial results for the year ended 30 June 2017.
Rodolphe Belmer, CEO of Eutelsat Communications, said: "During the past year, we have delivered or over-delivered on all our financial commitments. In particular, our strong performance on free cash flow generation has enabled us to reduce net debt to below 3.3x EBITDA, and to recommend a strong, 10% rise in dividend. Our performance was supported by solid commercial momentum in our core video business and in other verticals - particularly mobile connectivity, as well as the strengthening of our financial profile. In consequence, we are on track to achieve top-line stability in FY 2017-18, with a return to slight growth thereafter. "The successful execution of our LEAP cost-savings plan will help us deliver an EBITDA margin above 76% in FY 2017-18, and we are raising our target for FY 2018-19 and beyond to above 77%. We also maintain our commitment to free cash flow growth, where we target mid-single digit compound growth for the next three years off the extremely high base achieved in FY 2016-17, with growth back-end loaded in the outer two years. This will enable us to further deleverage, with net debt / EBITDA now forecast below 3.0x within the next couple of years, while continuing to serve a stable to progressive dividend to our shareholders. "At the same time, we are laying the foundations for long term value-creation, with a strong focus on securing durable capex efficiencies while paving the way for step up in growth in the early 2020s, supported by our Connectivity verticals."
1 At constant currency and perimeter HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR Delivery or over-delivery on all financial objectives:
Solid commercial performance:
Strengthened financial profile:
Laying the foundations for ongoing value creation: Securing durable cash-flow generation through capex efficiencies:
Preparing the ground for future revenue growth:
REVENUES4 Total revenues for FY 2016-17 stood at €1,477.9 million, down 2.2% at constant currency and perimeter. On a reported basis revenues were down 3.3%, reflecting a 1.7 points negative perimeter effect (disposal of Alterna'TV, Wins/DHI and DSAT Cinema) and a 0.6 points positive currency effect. Revenues for the Fourth Quarter stood at €358.5 million, with a like-for-like change of -3.1% year-on-year and -0.9% quarter-on-quarter. Unless otherwise stated, all variations indicated below are on a like-for-like basis. 4 i) All revenue growth rates are at constant currency and perimeter; ii) the share of each application as a percentage of total revenues is calculated excluding "other revenues"". IFRS 15 norm will be applied to revenues from FY 2018-19 onwards. Revenues by business application
Core businesses Video Applications (64% of revenues) In FY 2016-17 revenues from Video Applications were down 3.3% like-for-like to €908.0 million. Revenues from Broadcast were down 2.2%, reflecting the negative impact of the rationalisation of capacity and the end of the TV d'Orange contract at the HOTBIRD position as well as lower revenues from FRANSAT off an exceptionally high base in FY 2015-16. Excluding these two factors, Broadcast revenues would have risen 2.7%, notably on the back of the contribution of incremental capacity launched during the course of FY 2015-16 (EUTELSAT 8 West B and EUTELSAT 36C). Professional Video revenues were down 12.4% year-on-year reflecting the on-going tough competitive environment in this application. Fourth Quarter revenues stood at €224.3 million, down 5.4% year-on-year and by 1.4% quarter-on-quarter. At 30 June 2017 the total number of channels broadcast by Eutelsat satellites stood at 6,630 (+288 year-on-year). High Definition penetration continued to increase, representing 17.2% of channels compared to 13.6% a year earlier, or a total of 1,142 channels, versus 863 a year earlier (+279). Fixed Data (12% of revenues) In FY 2016-17 revenues from Fixed Data were down 14.0% like-for-like to €168.1 million. They continued to reflect ongoing pricing pressure as a result of a highly competitive environment in all geographies which is not offset by additional volumes. Fourth Quarter revenues stood at €41.1 million, down by 11.5% on a year-on-year basis and by 0.8% quarter-on-quarter. This confirms a sequential quarterly improvement since the beginning of the year, but does not, however, alter Eutelsat's cautious view on this vertical in coming years. Government Services (12% of revenues) In FY 2016-17 revenues from Government Services were down 4.1% like-for-like to €176.1 million reflecting the carry-over effect of lower renewals in the US Department of Defense Spring 2016 campaign. In FY 2016-17 commercial activity was much more favourable with renewal rates of circa 90% in Fall 2016 and 85% in Spring 2017, together with new contracts representing an additional seven 36-MHz equivalent transponders. Fourth Quarter revenues amounted to €44.8 million, up 6.1% year-on-year and by 0.9% quarter-on-quarter.
5 Proforma revenues reflecting disposals of Alterna'TV,
Wins/DHI and DSAT Cinema. For more details, please refer to appendix 2. Connectivity Fixed Broadband (7% of revenues) In FY 2016-17 Fixed Broadband revenues stood at €96.2 million, up 18.4% year-on-year. This reflected, on one hand the positive effect of the entry into service in May 2016 of EUTELSAT 65 West A - on which the Ka-band payload is fully leased - and a solid European broadband performance driven by positive ARPU trends, and on the other, the negative effect of the early termination of the contract for Ka-band capacity on EUTELSAT 3B in December 2015 (since mostly resold to Taqnia and classified under Mobile Connectivity). Fourth Quarter revenues amounted to €23.4 million, up 5.0% year-on-year and down by 2.2% quarter-on-quarter. The launch of Konnect Africa in June 2017, and, to a lesser extent the ramp-up of the Russian broadband programme, are expected to support revenue growth next fiscal year. Mobile Connectivity (5% of revenues) In FY 2016-17 Mobile Connectivity revenues stood at €74.6 million, up 22.5% year-on-year, reflecting notably the effect of the agreement with Taqnia for the sale of four spotbeams on the High Throughput payload of the EUTELSAT 3B satellite as well as widebeam capacity sales at several orbital slots, notably 172° East and 21° East and over the Americas. EUTELSAT 172B, successfully launched in June, will bring additional capacity dedicated to this application in FY 2017-18. Fourth Quarter revenues amounted to €18.9 million, up 30.8% year-on-year, and 12.1% quarter-on-quarter. Other revenues In FY 2016-17 Other Revenues amounted to €55.0 million compared with €50.8 million a year earlier. They included fees in respect of technical and engineering services as well as, in the first quarter, termination fees related to the rationalisation of distribution at HOTBIRD. Since 1 January 2017, 'Other Revenues' no longer include revenues related to the agreements with SES at 28.5° East. OPERATIONAL AND LEASED TRANSPONDERS The number of operational 36 MHz-equivalent transponders stood at 1,372 at 30 June 2017, up 44 over 12 months, mainly reflecting the entry into service of EUTELSAT 117 West B in January 2017. The fill rate stood at 67.9%, compared to 70.9% a year ago, mostly reflecting the entry into service of the new capacity mentioned above.
Note: Based on 36 MHz-equivalent transponders excluding high throughput capacity (KA-SAT 82 spotbeams, EUTELSAT 3B 5 Ka-band spotbeams, EUTELSAT 65 West A 24 Ka-band spotbeams, EUTELSAT 36C 18 Ka-band spotbeams and 16 spotbeams leased on Al-Yah 2 satellite). BACKLOG Note: The backlog represents future revenues from capacity lease agreements and can include contracts for satellites under procurement. At 30 June 2017, the backlog stood at €5.2 billion, down 8% compared to 30 June 2016. Contracts during the year included notably the agreement with Taqnia for high throughput capacity on EUTELSAT 3B and agreements with NTV Plus at 56° East and 140° East as well as renewal of capacity with Digiturk at 7° East and Arqiva at 28° East. The backlog was equivalent to 3.5 times 2016-17 revenues with 85% represented by Video, the same level as at 30 June 2016.
8 Number of transponders on satellites in stable orbit,
back-up capacity excluded. PROFITABILITY EBITDA amounted to €1,133.6 million (€1,164.6 million at 30 June 2016), down 2.7%. Despite lower revenues, the EBITDA margin stood at 76.7% (76.6% at constant currency), compared to 76.2% last year, reflecting the early benefits of cost-savings measures, a lower level of bad debt and the positive impact on margin of the disposal of Wins/DHI. Group share of net income stood at €351.8 million versus €348.5 million in 2015-16, an increase of 0.9%. The net margin stood at 23.8%. This reflected mainly:
CASH-FLOW Net cash flow from operating activities stood at €982.9 million compared to €895.7 million in 2015-16, up €87.2 million. The decrease in EBITDA was more than offset by lower tax paid, relating to the timing of tax payments and the reduction of the tax rate in France as well as a more favourable evolution in working capital than last year notably on the back of actions taken to optimise days sales outstanding (DSO). Cash Capex10 amounted to €414.4 million in FY 2016-17 compared to €514.4 million a year earlier, showing the first results of the 'design-to-cost' approach and a strong reduction in on-ground capex. This amount is net of the €132.5 received from ViaSat following the agreement reached in February. Interest and other fees paid net of interest received stood at €160.7 million (€134.0 million in 2015-16); the €26.7 million increase reflected notably the full-year impact of interest related to the financial lease of EUTELSAT 36C (which entered into service in February 2016) and the payment of the coupon on the bond issued in June 2016. As a result, Discretionary Free-Cash-Flow11 stood at €407.8 million at 30 June 2017, up by €160.5 million versus a year earlier or 65%. FINANCIAL STRUCTURE At 30 June 2017 net debt stood at €3,640.7 million versus €4,006.8 million a year earlier. Discretionary free cash-flow more than covered the dividend payments (€266.2 million) while equity asset disposals (predominantly Wins/DHI) generated a cash inflow of €54.7 million; export credit financings and financial leases - which are progressively repaid - decreased by €140.012 million. As a result, the net debt to EBITDA ratio stood at 3.2 times, a 0.2 points improvement on 30 June 2016. Throughout the year, Eutelsat continued to optimise its debt:
10 See Appendix 3 for the definition of this indicator At 30 June 2017 the weighted average maturity of the Group's debt stood at 3.0 years, compared to 3.4 years at 30 June 2016. The average cost of debt was 3.1% (after hedging), down from 3.5% in FY 2015-16. Liquidity remains strong, with undrawn credit lines of €650 million and cash of €408.0 million. DIVIDEND On 27 July 2017 the Board of Directors agreed to submit for approval at the 8 November 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders a dividend of €1.21 per share compared to €1.10 last year, up by 10%, in line with the Group's commitment to serving a stable to progressive dividend. The dividend will be paid on 23 November 2017, subject to the vote of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. OUTLOOK All elements of the financial outlook are confirmed or raised:
FLEET DEVELOPMENTS Nominal launch programme The upcoming launch schedule is indicated below. Since the last quarterly update in May 2017, EUTELSAT 172B has been launched.
13 For fiscal year 2016-17, revenues on the basis of
perimeter as of 30 June 2017 stood at €1,472 million (excluding revenues
from Wins/DHI and DSAT Cinema which were sold during fiscal year 2016-17) Procurement of new capacity
Changes in the fleet
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE In April 2017 Yohann Leroy was appointed Deputy CEO in addition to his function as Chief Technical Officer, alongside Michel Azibert, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial and Development Officer. In June 2017 Miriem Bensalah Chaqroun left the Board of Directors of Eutelsat Communications. The Board of 27 July 2017 proposed, amongst others, the following resolutions to be submitted to the vote of shareholders present at the Annual General Meeting of 8 November 2017:
RECENT EVENTS In July 2017, Eutelsat repurchased the minority holding of Inframed in BroadBand4Africa. **** Note: This press release contains audited consolidated financial statements prepared under IFRS, reviewed by the Audit Committee on 25 July 2017 and adopted by the Board of Directors of Eutelsat Communications on 27 July 2017. These accounts will be subject to the approval of shareholders of Eutelsat Communications at the Annual General Shareholders Meeting of 8 November 2017. Documentation Consolidated accounts are available at www.eutelsat.com/investors/index.html Results presentation Eutelsat Communications will hold a results presentation on Friday, 28 July 2017 by conference call and webcast at 9:00 CET. To join the call, please dial the following numbers:
Access code: 9924963# A live webcast will be available on: http://www.eutelsat.com/en/investors.html A replay will be available from 28 July, 14:00 CET to 4 August, midnight by dialling the following numbers:
Access code: 9924963# Financial calendar Note: The financial calendar is provided for information purposes only. It is subject to change and will be regularly updated.
Disclaimer The forward-looking statements included herein are for illustrative purposes only and are based on management's current views and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks. For illustrative purposes only, such risks include but are not limited to: postponement of any ground or in-orbit investments and launches including but not limited to delays of future launches of satellites; impact of financial crisis on customers and suppliers; trends in Fixed Satellite Services markets; development of Digital Terrestrial Television and High Definition television; development of satellite broadband services; Eutelsat Communications' ability to develop and market Value-Added Services and meet market demand; the effects of competing technologies developed and expected intense competition generally in its main markets; profitability of its expansion strategy; partial or total loss of a satellite at launch or in-orbit; supply conditions of satellites and launch systems; satellite or third-party launch failures affecting launch schedules of future satellites; litigation; ability to establish and maintain strategic relationships in its major businesses; and the effect of future acquisitions and investments. Eutelsat Communications expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any projections, forecasts or estimates contained in this presentation to reflect any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which any such statements are based, unless so required by applicable law. APPENDICES Appendix 1: Additional financial data Revenues by business application in the Fourth Quarter (€ millions)
Extract from the consolidated income statement (€ millions)
17 Operating expenses is defined as the sum of operating
costs and of selling, general & administrative expenses. Change in net debt (€ millions)
Appendix 2: Quarterly revenues by application Pro-forma revenues Pro-forma revenues for FY 2015-16 were published with the H1 revenues release on 9 February 2017. They reflect:
The table below shows quarterly revenues for FY 2015-16 (pro-forma) and FY 2016-17 under the new classifications:
19 See detailed calculation below Reported Revenues For information purposes, the table below shows reported revenues for FY 2015-16 and first quarter of FY 2016-17 under the former classifications.
Appendix 3: Alternative performance indicators In addition to the data published in its accounts, the Group communicates on three alternative performance indicators which it deems relevant for measuring its financial performance: EBITDA, cash capex and Discretionary free cash flow (DFCF). These indicators are the object of reconciliation with the consolidated accounts. EBITDA, EBITDA margin and Net debt / EBITDA ratio EBITDA reflects the profitability of the Group before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortization. It is a key indicator in the Fixed Satellite Services Sector. The table below shows the calculation of EBITDA based on the consolidated P&L accounts for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17:
The EBITDA margin is the ratio of EBITDA to revenues. It is computed as follows:
The Net debt / EBITDA ratio is the ratio of net debt to EBITDA. It is computed as follows:
21 Net debt includes all bank debt, bonds and all liabilities from long-term lease agreements and Export Credit Agencies as well as Forex portion of the cross-currency swap, less cash and cash equivalents (net of bank overdraft). Cash Capex The Group on occasion operates capacity within the framework of financial leases, or finances all or part of certain satellite programs under export credit agreements, leading to outflows which are not reflected in the item "acquisition of satellites and other tangible or intangible assets". Cash Capex including these two elements is published in order to reflect the totality of Capital Expenditures undertaken in any financial year. Cash Capex therefore covers the acquisition of satellites and other tangible or intangible assets as well as payments in respect of export credit facilities and long term financial leases on third party capacity. Cash Capex for 2016-17 is restated from the value of the payment owed in FY 2015-16 to RSCC in respect of lease of EUTELSAT 36C but paid effectively in 2016-1722 (payment of €95.2m) which was already accounted for in FY 2015-16 cash capex. Cash Capex for 2016-17 is also net of the €132.5m received from ViaSat. The table below shows the calculation of Cash Capex for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17:
Discretionary free cash flow (DFCF) The Group communicates on Discretionary free cash flow which reflects its ability to generate cash after the payment of interest and taxes. DFCF generally and principally serves the dividend payment and debt reduction. Discretionary free cash flow is defined as Net cash flow from operating activities less Cash Capex as well as interest and other financial costs, net of interest income. The table below shows the calculation of Discretionary free cash flow for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17 and its reconciliation with the cash flow statement:
22 In FY 2015-16 the payment was frozen in the context of the
legal action brought against the Russian State by former Yukos
shareholders. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170727006594/en/ |