Overview of Encavis AG’s Financial Performance in Q1 2024
In this comprehensive video presentation, Dr. Christoph Husmann, Encavis AG’s CFO, provides an extensive analysis of the company’s financial performance for the first quarter of 2024. Encavis AG, a leading MDAX-listed operator specializing in wind and solar farms, faced a challenging quarter, with results falling below those of the same period in the previous year. Despite this, the outcomes generally aligned with internal expectations and the company’s strategic plan.
Key Factors Influencing Q1 2024 Performance
Dr. Husmann begins by explaining the key factors behind the financial performance. The first quarter of 2023 had benefited from a significant one-off effect, including a retroactive subsidy compensation of EUR 8.1 million for Dutch solar parks and favorable weather conditions that led to higher electricity prices. In contrast, Q1 2024 saw a decline in average electricity prices by about 11% across the company’s entire generating portfolio. Additionally, less favorable meteorological conditions, including lower wind speeds and less sunshine, contributed to a lower electricity production. The company’s risk management strategies, such as the diversification of its energy sources and the use of advanced weather forecasting technologies, helped mitigate the impact of these conditions on its financial performance.
Financial Results Detail
Encavis AG generated approximately 741 gigawatt hours (GWh) of green electricity in Q1 2024, slightly down from 753 GWh in the same period the previous year. This overall decrease of around 2% varied by segment, with the PV segment experiencing a 9% decline and the wind segment a 6% decline. The decline in the PV segment was due to a combination of factors, including a decrease in average electricity prices and less favourable weather conditions. The wind segment’s decline was largely due to the divestment of two wind farms. However, newly connected wind farms helped achieve a 6% increase in electricity production within the wind segment.
Operational Financial Overview
The company’s operating revenue for Q1 2024 amounted to EUR 86.6 million, reflecting a 12% drop from the previous year’s EUR 98.8 million. Operating EBITDA decreased significantly, falling by 25% to EUR 48.5 million from EUR 64.3 million. These declines were largely anticipated, given the previous year’s one-off benefits and lower electricity prices.
Strategic Developments and Financial Projections
Dr. Husmann emphasized that the Management Board has confirmed the financial guidance for the full year 2024. The company expects further revenue growth driven by expanded power generation capacities and increased revenue at Encavis Asset Management, which should largely compensate for the sharp fall in electricity prices. Encavis AG aims for a moderate improvement in essential key figures for the year, including a targeted increase in operating revenue by 5% and a reduction in operating costs by 3%. These targets are expected to be achieved through a combination of operational efficiency improvements, strategic investments, and the signing of new PPAs.
Key Highlights and Future Initiatives
A notable highlight of the presentation is the signing of long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for approximately 2,600 GWh of green electricity. These agreements are expected to contribute significantly to the company’s revenue in the coming years. Additionally, Encavis AG has commenced the construction of two significant solar parks: one in Bartow with a planned generation capacity of around 270 megawatt hours (MWh) per year, and another in Borrentin with a planned generation capacity of around 119 MWh per year. The commissioning of these parks is scheduled for summer 2025 and autumn 2024, respectively.
Conclusion
Dr Husmann reassured investors of the company’s resilience and strategic focus, highlighting Encavis AG’s commitment to growth and sustainable energy production. The company continues to play a crucial role in Europe’s renewable energy sector, with its expanding portfolio contributing to significant CO2 savings annually. Encavis AG remains a strong player in the market, leveraging its strategic investments to navigate the current economic landscape and ensure long-term stability and growth. Overall, Encavis AG has managed to navigate the first quarter’s challenges effectively, maintaining its clear strategic direction and confirming its financial guidance for the year.
May 16, 2024
14:11 
