Just Energy Group Inc. (“Just Energy”) or (the “Company”) (TSX:JE;
NYSE:JE) announced solid second quarter fiscal 2020 results with
improved gross margin and higher Base EBITDA from continuing
operations compared to both the same quarter last year and first
quarter of fiscal 2020.
Gross margin and Base EBITDA from continuing
operations increased in the current quarter despite a reduction in
sales, largely due to improved margin optimization in North
America, lower administrative costs and a $15.2 gain on the
contingent consideration associated with the Filter Group
acquisition, partially offset by higher selling and marketing and
bad debt expenses.
“While the strategic review is ongoing, we
remain focused on running our business well. We are driving
performance improvements and focusing on best-in-class customer
service, as we shape a brighter future for Just Energy,” said Just
Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer, R. Scott
Gahn. “Our objective for the remainder of the fiscal year is
clear: we are focused on signing high-quality customers while we
continue to lower our cost structure and drive improved
profitability.”
“In addition, we have implemented stringent
controls and disposed of non-core operations to allow us to focus
on our higher-margin North American operations,” Mr. Gahn added. “I
am confident that our unwavering commitment to balance sheet
discipline, focus on superior returns on invested capital, and
drive for performance improvements will set the stage for
predictable, prolonged and stable growth for Just Energy.”
Key Developments:
(compared to second quarter fiscal 2019, unless
otherwise stated)
- The previously announced strategic
review remains active and is progressing. The Company has made
progress in disposing of non-core, lower-margin operations, along
with identifying approximately $60 million in costs savings to date
in fiscal 2020.
- Gross margin increased 4% to $155.4
million, despite a 4% reduction in sales, primarily due to lower
hedged supply costs in Texas, partially offset by a decline in the
North American consumer customer base.
- Administrative expenses decreased
7% to $41.5 million, due to savings from the restructuring actions
in fiscal 2019 and as the impact of additional cost cutting
initiatives began to take effect. Costs associated with the
Company’s strategic review of $3.6 million partly offset the impact
of the Company’s improving cost structure. Excluding the impact of
the strategic review costs, administrative expenses were 14% lower
than the same quarter last year.
- Selling and marketing expenses from
continuing operations were $54.3 million, up 8% as the Company
focused on enhancing the quality of its customer base. Selling and
marketing expenses increased largely as a result of higher customer
acquisition costs, higher marketing charges in different channels,
partially offset by the capitalization of new upfront incremental
customer acquisition costs.
- Base EBITDA from continuing
operations, which reflects the Company’s decision to dispose of its
business in the U.K., was $49.1 million, 31% higher than the prior
comparable quarter. Improved profitability in the second quarter
was driven by improvements in gross margin, lower administrative
expenses and a gain on the reduction of the $15.2 million
contingent consideration from the Company’s acquisition of Filter
Group, partially offset by higher bad debts and an increase in
selling expenses to support growth in new sales
channels.
- Finance costs amounted to $28.5
million, an increase of 41% primarily driven by increased interest
expense from higher debts and higher interest rates
- Base funds from continuing
operations of $26.0 million increased from $25.0 million a year
ago.
- The payout ratio on base funds from
continuing operations was 13% for the three months ended September
30, 2019, compared to 89% as at September 30, 2018, largely driven
by the Company’s decision to improve liquidity and suspend its
dividend in the previous quarter.
- Total Residential Customer
Equivalent (“RCE”) count from continuing operations decreased 6%
year-over-year to 3.5 million RCEs, reflecting Just Energy’s
greater focus on attracting and retaining high quality customers
with a potential for multiple product sales, that will drive
greater profitability and brand loyalty.
- Embedded gross margin from
continuing operations is $1.9 billion, a year-over-year reduction
of 10% due to a decrease in the North American consumer commodity
customer base.
- As part of its strategy to narrow
its focus to higher-margin operations the Company agreed to sell
its U.K. operations. The Company will receive £2 million ($3.4
million) of cash on closing, subject to maintaining customary
pre-close conditions, and an amount up to £8.5 million ($14.2
million) subject to the determination of the U.K. capacity market
payment due at the close of the transaction.
- To further advance its disposal of
non-core operations, Just Energy entered into a sale of operations
for its wholly-owned subsidiary Just Energy (Ireland) Limited to
Flogas Natural Gas Limited for up to €0.7 million ($1.0
million).
Financial
Highlights |
For the three
months ended September 30, 2019 |
|
|
|
(thousands of
dollars, except where indicated and per share amounts) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
%increase |
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2020 |
|
(decrease) |
|
Fiscal 2019 |
Sales |
$ |
768,440 |
|
(4)% |
|
$ |
804,309 |
Gross margin |
|
155,384 |
|
4% |
|
|
149,022 |
Administrative expenses |
|
41,466 |
|
(7)% |
|
|
44,478 |
Selling and marketing
expenses |
|
54,279 |
|
8% |
|
|
50,427 |
Restructuring costs |
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
1,319 |
Finance costs |
|
28,451 |
|
41% |
|
|
20,123 |
Profit (loss) from continuing
operations |
|
83,581 |
|
NMF3 |
|
|
(54,335) |
Profit (loss) from
discontinued operations |
|
(9,809) |
|
NMF3 |
|
|
32,885 |
Profit (loss)1 |
|
73,772 |
|
NMF3 |
|
|
(21,450) |
Profit (loss) per share from
continuing operations available to shareholders – basic |
|
0.55 |
|
|
|
|
(0.38) |
Profit (loss) per share from
continuing operations available to shareholders – diluted |
|
0.45 |
|
|
|
|
(0.38) |
Dividends/distributions |
|
3,289 |
|
(85)% |
|
|
22,330 |
Base EBITDA from continuing
operations2 |
|
49,069 |
|
31% |
|
|
37,380 |
Base Funds from continuing
operations2 |
|
25,960 |
|
4% |
|
|
25,022 |
Payout
ratio on Base Funds from continuing operations2 |
|
13% |
|
|
|
|
89% |
1 Profit (loss) includes the impact of
unrealized gains (losses), which represents the mark to market of
future commodity supply acquired to cover future customer demand as
well as weather hedge contracts as part of the risk management
practice. The supply has been sold to customers at fixed prices,
minimizing any realizable impact of mark to market gains and
losses.2 See “Non-IFRS financial measures” in Q2 fiscal 2020’s
Management’s Discussion and Analysis.3 Not a meaningful figure
Outlook
Just Energy continues to focus on enhancing its
customer base by adding new high-quality customers and providing a
variety of energy management solutions to its customer base to
drive customer loyalty and improved profitability.
The impact of cost cutting initiatives
implemented to date is evident in the second quarter results and
Just Energy expects this progress to continue as additional changes
are made. The Company has identified approximately $60 million in
cost cutting initiatives in fiscal year 2020 and will continue to
review its operations for additional ways to improve efficiencies
and lower its cost structure.
The recent sale of two non-core operations
demonstrates Just Energy’s commitment to focus on its higher-margin
North American operations. The sale of the U.K. and Ireland
operations are expected to close by the end of 2019. The
Company continues to actively market its remaining non-core
operations.
The previously announced strategic review remains active and is
progressing. Just Energy has not set a specific timeframe for
the conclusion of the strategic review. The Company plans to
provide an update when the Board has approved a specific course of
action.
Just Energy remains focused on best-in-class
service to its customers while the review is underway.
The strategic review has provided necessary
insights into understanding how best to unlock additional value
from the business through a comprehensive review of capital
expenditures, streamlining the organization, and further refinement
of the geographic footprint via disposition of non-core
businesses.
Management is maintaining its previously issued
fiscal year 2020 Base EBITDA from continuing operations in the
range of $180 million to $200 million, as well as fiscal 2020 free
cash flow guidance of between $50 million to $70 million, defined
as cash flow from operating activities minus cash flow from
investing activities.
Embedded
Gross Margin |
|
Management’s
estimate of the future embedded gross margin is as follows: |
|
(millions of
dollars) |
|
As at |
|
As at |
|
Sept. 30 vs. |
|
As at |
|
2019 vs. |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
June 30, |
|
June 30 |
|
Sept. 30, |
|
2018 |
|
|
2019 |
2019 |
|
variance |
|
2018 |
|
variance |
|
Commodity EGM |
$ |
1,852.5 |
|
$ |
1,870.8 |
|
(1)% |
|
$ |
2,050.6 |
|
(10)% |
|
Value-added products and services (“VAPS”) EGM |
|
39.5 |
|
|
44.1 |
|
(10)% |
|
|
45.2 |
|
(13)% |
|
Total
EGM from continuing operations |
$ |
1,892.0 |
|
$ |
1,914.9 |
|
(1)% |
|
$ |
2,095.8 |
|
(10)% |
|
- Embedded gross margin from continuing operations of $1.9
billion decreased 10% year-over-year due to the decline in the
North American customer base. The embedded gross margin includes
$39.5 million from Filter Group, which was acquired by Just Energy
on October 1, 2018.
Customer
Summary |
|
|
As at |
As at |
|
|
Sept. 30, |
Sept. 30, |
% increase |
|
|
2019 |
2018 |
(decrease) |
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity |
1,110,000 |
1,240,000 |
(10)% |
|
VAPS |
68,000 |
34,000 |
100% |
|
Commodity and VAPS bundle |
20,000 |
31,000 |
(35)% |
|
Total customer count |
1,198,000 |
1,305,000 |
(8)% |
|
Total customer count decreased 8% to 1,198,000
in the second fiscal quarter compared to the prior comparable
quarter excluding discontinued operations. The decline in customers
is a result of the Company’s focus on renewing and signing higher
quality and long-lasting customers, as well as the natural
attrition of the customer base. The customer count captures
customers with a distinct service address. These customers can have
multiple products contracted with Just Energy and multiple active
assets installed by Just Energy. The total VAPS customer count also
includes 27,000 distinct customers from Filter Group’s water filter
subscriptions, with 29,000 active assets and 73,000 smart
thermostat customers.
Gross
Margin per RCE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q2 Fiscal |
|
Number of |
|
|
Q2 Fiscal |
|
Number of |
|
2020 |
|
RCEs |
|
2019 |
|
RCEs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer customers added and
renewed |
$ |
314 |
|
161,000 |
|
$ |
322 |
|
220,000 |
Consumer customers lost |
|
331 |
|
157,000 |
|
|
190 |
|
147,000 |
Commercial customers added and
renewed1 |
|
87 |
|
110,000 |
|
|
96 |
|
179,000 |
Commercial customers lost |
|
91 |
|
45,000 |
|
|
81 |
|
100,000 |
1 Annual gross margin per RCE excludes margins
from Interactive Energy Group and large Commercial and Industrial
customers.
- The average gross margin per RCE for the customers added and
renewed by the Consumer segment was $314/RCE in the quarter, a
decrease of 2% from $322/RCE in the prior comparable quarter. The
average gross margin per RCE for the Consumer customers lost during
the quarter was $331/RCE, an increase from $190/RCE for customers
lost in the prior comparable quarter. The increase in gross margin
on customers lost is a result of the natural attrition in response
to the pricing actions implemented in fiscal 2019.
- For the Commercial segment, the average gross margin per RCE
for the customers signed during the quarter was $87/RCE, a decrease
of 6% from $96/RCE in the prior comparable quarter. Customers lost
through attrition and failure to renew during the quarter were at
an average gross margin of $91/RCE, an increase from $81/RCE
reported in the prior comparable quarter. This increase is a result
of competitive pricing pressures in North America.
COMMODITY
RCE SUMMARY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July. 1, |
|
|
Failed to |
|
Sept. 30, |
|
Sept. 30, |
|
|
2019 |
Additions |
Attrition |
|
renew |
|
2019 |
% decrease |
|
2018 |
% decrease |
|
Consumer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gas |
384,000 |
10,000 |
(29,000 |
) |
(8,000 |
) |
357,000 |
(7)% |
|
464,000 |
(23)% |
|
Electricity |
957,000 |
61,000 |
(83,000 |
) |
(20,000 |
) |
915,000 |
(4)% |
|
1,031,000 |
(11)% |
|
Total
Consumer RCEs |
1,341,000 |
71,000 |
(112,000 |
) |
(28,000 |
) |
1,272,000 |
(5)% |
|
1,495,000 |
(15)% |
|
Commercial |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gas |
435,000 |
17,000 |
(9,000 |
) |
(6,000 |
) |
437,000 |
- |
|
438,000 |
- |
|
Electricity |
1,789,000 |
80,000 |
(34,000 |
) |
(44,000 |
) |
1,791,000 |
- |
|
1,792,000 |
- |
|
Total
Commercial RCEs |
2,224,000 |
97,000 |
(43,000 |
) |
(50,000 |
) |
2,228,000 |
- |
|
2,230,000 |
- |
|
Total
RCEs |
3,565,000 |
168,000 |
(155,000 |
) |
(78,000 |
) |
3,500,000 |
(2)% |
|
3,725,000 |
(6)% |
|
- Total RCE base of 3.5 million declined 6% compared to the prior
year.
- Gross RCE additions for the quarter were 168,000 compared to
256,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2019, reflecting the
transition from a purely RCE driven focus to a greater emphasis on
attracting and retaining strong-fit customers that will drive
greater profitability.
- Net additions were negative 65,000 for the quarter, compared
with a positive 9,000 net RCE additions in second quarter of fiscal
2019.
- Consumer segment gross RCE additions amounted to 71,000 for the
quarter, a 41% decrease from 120,000 gross RCE additions recorded
in fiscal 2019. The variance was primarily driven by a greater
focus on attracting and retaining strong-fit customers that will
drive greater profitability and the natural attrition in response
to the pricing actions implemented in fiscal 2019.
- Consumer customers failed to renew RCEs for the three months
ended September 30, 2019 decreased from 42,000 RCEs to 28,000 RCEs
due to improved retention offerings including the perks points
loyalty program.
- Commercial segment RCE additions were 97,000 for the second
fiscal quarter, a 29% decrease over the prior comparable quarter in
fiscal 2019 due to competitive pressures and the natural attrition
in response to the fiscal 2019 pricing actions. The Commercial
segment failed to renew RCEs in the quarter fell from 52,000 RCEs
to 50,000 RCEs.
- The combined attrition rate was 15% for the trailing 12 months
ended September 30, 2019, a 2% increase with the prior comparable
quarter. The Consumer attrition rate increased one percentage point
to 23% and the Commercial attrition rate increased two percentage
points to 8%. The increase in the Consumer and overall attrition
rate is a result of the decline and drop off of lower-quality Texas
residential customers.
- The increase in the attrition rates reflect a very competitive
market for renewals with competitors pricing aggressively, and Just
Energy’s focus on improving retained customers’ profitability.
- The renewal rate for the trailing 12 months ended September 30,
2019 was 59%, an increase of three percentage points from 56% as at
September 30, 2018. The Consumer renewal rate decreased by two
percentage points to 69%, while the Commercial renewal rate
increased by six percentage points to 53% compared to the prior
trailing 12 months. The increase in the overall renewal rate is
driven by better retention of Commercial customers.
Balance Sheet &
Liquidity
- Total cash and short-term investments increased from $9.9
million as at March 31, 2019 to $30.1 million as at September 30,
2019, driven by the cash savings from the restructuring actions
that occurred in fiscal 2019, along with suspension of the
Company’s dividend and seasonality of the Company’s
operations.
- Total debt remained consistent at $725.4 million as at
September 30, 2019 and March 31, 2019. Although there were
redemptions during the first six months of fiscal 2020, the
issuances and withdrawals during the same period resulted in no
change in the overall debt balance outstanding.
- Base funds from continuing operations of $26.0 million
increased 4% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020. The
increase was driven by the improvements in Based EBITDA and lower
maintenance capital expenditure, partially offset by higher
financing costs and costs incurred to support the strategic
review.
- The payout ratio on base funds from continuing operations was
13% for the three months ended September 30, 2019, compared to 89%
reported a year ago.
- Dividends and distributions for the three months ended
September 30, 2019 were $3.3 million reflecting the Company’s
decision to suspend its dividend on common shares after the first
quarter of fiscal 2020.
Earnings Call
The Company will host a conference call and live
webcast with R. Scott Gahn, Just Energy’s Chief Executive Officer,
and Jim Brown, Chief Financial Officer to review the fiscal second
quarter results beginning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Nov. 7,
2019.
Just Energy Conference Call and Webcast
- Thursday, November 7th, 2019
- 10:00 a.m. ET
Those who wish to participate in the conference
call may do so by dialing 1-877-501-3160 in the U.S. and Canada.
International callers may join the call by dialing 1-786-815-8442.
The Conference ID# is 8978072. The call will also be webcast live
over the internet at the following link:
https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/srxeoecw
A webcasted replay for the call will also be
archived on the JE investor relations website a few hours after the
event.
About Just Energy Group
Inc.
Just Energy is a consumer company focused on
essential needs, including electricity and natural gas commodities;
health and well-being, such as water quality and filtration
devices; and utility conservation, bringing energy efficient
solutions and renewable energy options to consumers. Currently
operating in the United States and Canada, Just Energy serves
residential and commercial customers. Just Energy is the parent
company of Amigo Energy, EdgePower Inc., Filter Group Inc., Green
Star Energy, Hudson Energy, Interactive Energy Group, Just Energy
Advanced Solutions, Tara Energy, and TerraPass. Visit
https://investors.justenergy.com to learn more. Also, find us
on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSThis
press release may contain forward-looking statements. These
statements are based on current expectations that involve a number
of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to
differ from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not
limited to, statements and information regarding the completion of
the sale of Hudson Energy Supply UK and Just Energy
Ireland Limited and the timing for completion thereof, the
satisfaction of closing conditions to the sale of
Hudson Energy Supply UK and Just Energy Ireland Limited, the
Company’s ability to improve its business by boosting
efficiency and lowering costs, the success of the Company’s
cost reductions and optimization efforts, the ability of the
Company to reduce selling, marketing and general and administrative
expenses and the quantum of such reductions and the impact thereof
on the Company’s current fiscal year, the Company’s ability
to identify further opportunities to improve its cost
structure, the results of the strategic review process, general
economic and market conditions, levels of customer natural gas and
electricity consumption, rates of customer additions and renewals,
rates of customer attrition, fluctuations in natural gas and
electricity prices, changes in regulatory regimes, results of
litigation and decisions by regulatory authorities, competition and
dependence on certain suppliers. Additional information on these
and other factors that could affect Just Energy’s operations,
financial results or dividend levels are included in Just Energy’s
annual information form and other reports on file with Canadian
securities regulatory authorities which can be accessed through the
SEDAR website at www.sedar.com on the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission’s website at www.sec.gov or through Just Energy’s
website at https://investors.justenergy.com.
Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor the New
York Stock Exchange has approved nor disapproved of the information
contained herein.
NON-IFRS MEASURES
The financial measure such as “EBITDA”, “Base
EBITDA”, “FFO”, “Base FFO”, “Base FFO Payout Ratio”, “free cash
flow” and “Embedded Gross Margin” do not have a standardized
meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards
(“IFRS”) and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by
other companies. This financial measure should not be considered as
an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss), cash
flow from operating activities and other measures of financial
performance as determined in accordance with IFRS, but the Company
believes that these measures are useful in providing relative
operational profitability of the Company’s business. Please refer
to “Key Terms” in the Just Energy Q2 Fiscal 2020 Quarterly Report’s
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the Company’s definition
of “EBITDA” and other non-IFRS measures.
Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor the New
York Stock Exchange has approved nor disapproved of the information
contained herein.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE
CONTACT:
Jim BrownChief Financial OfficerJust
Energy713-544-8191jbrown@justenergy.com
or
InvestorsMichael CummingsAlpha
IRPhone: (617) 982-0475 michael.cummings@alpha-ir.com
MediaBoyd ErmanLongview
CommunicationsPhone: 416-523-5885berman@longviewcomms.ca
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