Source - LSE Regulatory
RNS Number : 6585Q
Jersey Electricity PLC
18 December 2024
 

 

JERSEY ELECTRICITY Plc                                                                                           

Financial Results Summary

Year Ended 30 September 2024

 

 

At a meeting of the Board of Directors held on 18 December 2024, the final accounts for the year ended 30 September 2024 were approved and have been published on our website (www.jec.co.uk).

 

The financial information set out in this summary does not constitute the statutory accounts for the year ended 30 September 2024, or 2023, but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 2023 have been delivered to the Jersey Registrar of Companies, and those for 2024 will be delivered in early 2025. The auditor reported on the accounts for both years and their reports were unmodified.

 

A final dividend of 12.00p on the Ordinary and 'A' Ordinary shares in respect of the year ended 30 September 2024 was recommended (2023: 11.40p). Together with the interim dividend of 8.40p (2023: 8.00p) the total dividend declared for the year was 19.80p on each share (2023: 18.80p).

               

The final dividend will be paid on 14 March 2025 to those shareholders registered on 22 February 2025. A dividend on the 5% cumulative participating preference shares of 1.5% (2023: 1.5%) payable on 1 July 2025 was also recommended.

 

The Annual General Meeting will be held on 5 March 2025 at 2.00 pm at the Powerhouse, Queen's Road, St. Helier, Jersey.

 

 

 

 

 

L.G. Fulton                                                                                         

Chief Financial Officer                                                                                 

 

Direct Line:           01534 505270

Mobile Number: 07797 778688                                                                      

Email: lfulton@jec.co.uk                                                                                    

 

 

 

 

 

18 December 2024          

 

 

 

The Powerhouse

PO Box 45

Queens Road

St. Helier

Jersey JE4 8NY

 

 

JERSEY ELECTRICITY plc                

Financial Results Summary

Year ended 30 September 2024                                                                                                                                               

 

The Chair, Phil Austin, comments:

 

One Hundred Years of Service

In this, our centenary year, we have taken time to reflect on the significant achievements of Jersey Electricity over the past 100 years, from its formation in 1924 at Albert Pier, to the move to the Queens Road Power Station in 1964, the formal opening of La Collette in 1973 and the first undersea cable to France in the mid-1980s - all of these developments followed pivotal and bold decisions, which have served the Island well. Throughout the last century, Jersey Electricity has been at the heart of the Island's transformation, empowering our communities and championing sustainability through resilience and visionary thinking.

 

Performance

Whilst, in operational terms, the 2023/24 year got off to a very difficult start with Storm Ciarán, the performance of the Group, throughout the year, was a good one.

 

The ongoing Russia - Ukraine war and the rising tensions in the Middle East continue to create uncertainty in the energy markets and, despite some easing during the year, along with falling inflation, they remain unstable and above historical levels.

 

Revenue for the Group rose 8.5% in the year to £135.7m, producing a Profit Before Tax of £15.1m. Unit sales of electricity remained flat, with growth in connections and fuel switches being offset by efficiencies. Our Energy Business delivered a Return on Assets of 7.3% in year, delivering an on-target performance of 6.3% on a rolling five-year basis.

 

All our other businesses continued to perform in line with expectations.

 

The Board has recommended a final dividend for the year of 12.00p, a rise of 5.3% on the previous year, payable on 14 March 2025.


Delivering safe, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy services

 

As the challenge of decarbonisation becomes increasingly urgent due to global warming, the need to ensure Jersey continues to have a safe, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy system becomes all the more imperative.

 

Jersey Electricity plays a significant role in supporting the Islands' net zero ambitions and has committed to achieving net zero by 2040. In 2023/24, we focused on three major areas to ensure these goals are met.

 

The Big Upgrade, Supply Security and Long-Term Green, Clean Energy all accelerate this year. The flexibility of the Group's business model allows investment to be targeted to have the greatest impact on net zero as well as creating the most values for all stakeholders.

 

The Big Upgrade and Supply Security

In 2024, we embarked on one of our largest investment programmes for some time. 'The Big Upgrade' will see JE investing £120m in the electricity network over the next five years, ensuring our network supports the energy transition and is sustainable not just today but long into the future.

 

 

We also commenced our resilience programme at La Collette, which will notably enhance the Island's security of supply, and we have also replaced and upgraded the transformers at Five Oaks, which both bolsters resilience and reduces environmental impact by lowering noise levels in the

area.

 

Long Term Green, Clean Energy

Our renewables strategy continues to progress. We are investigating the impact of an Offshore Wind project for Jersey and assisting the Government when possible.

 

In 2023/24, we initiated the Solar 5000 campaign with the objective of powering 5,000 homes with solar energy by 2030.

 

The first solar array at St Clement will be commissioned in January 2025. It will provide approximately 4MW of electricity to the Island and offers agricultural benefits from the project. We are also continuing to develop our 'Beyond the Meter' services for homes and businesses. Our aim is to develop products and solutions to enable customers to transition from fossil fuels to low carbon energy at an affordable cost.

In Conclusion

In looking back over 100 years of operation, it is amazing to see the how the Company has developed into what it is today - the brave, and sometimes bold, decisions that were taken along the way, and the life-changing technological improvements which could never have been anticipated. Throughout all of that, though, there has been a constant - the dedication, expertise and passion of our staff to provide the best service possible to our customers, at all times. For that, we thank employees, past and present. Finally, I would like to extend my thanks to my fellow Directors for their support and expertise. It is very much appreciated.

 

Financial Performance

 

Financial Highlights

2024

2023


 


Revenue

£135.7m

£125.1m

Profit before tax 

£15.1m

£14.9m

Earnings per share 

37.92p

36.81p

Dividend paid per share

19.80p

18.80p

Final proposed dividend per share       

12.00p

11.40p

Net cash             

£19.2m

£17.4m

In Year Return on Assets

7.3%

7.2%

Return on Assets - 5 year rolling average

6.3%

6.2%

 


Our financial performance in 2023/24 remains strong, with a healthy balance sheet supported by high-quality assets. Our power procurement and hedging strategy has shielded us from the wholesale energy

market volatility in recent years, where prices have soared up to more than tenfold from the historic prices. Despite the challenges posed by the macro-economic climate, which have pressurised the cost base, our financial performance and long-term resilience remains strong.


Group revenue for the year to 30 September 2024 increased year-on-year by £10.6m (8.5%) due to tariff

price increases in the Energy Business. Revenue across the wider group remained materially in line with the previous financial year. Group Profit before tax for the year to 30 September 2024 was £15.1m compared to £14.9m in 2023. The property revaluation impact decreased by £0.3m from a £1.2m reduction in 2023, to £0.9m. Profit before tax excluding the property revaluation and net interest income at £15.3m compared to £15.7m in 2023, predominately due to slightly reduced profits in the Retail and Property Businesses.

 

 

Energy Business: Operating Profit at £13.0m, is in line with the prior year. Revenue increased by £11m, following a tariff price increase on 1 January 2024, however, this was offset by a £11m increase in

wholesale energy costs and operating costs. Operating costs increased year-on-year due to a combination of high inflation and continued investment in our people, processes and technology to support growth in our capital, maintenance and IT programmes.

 

As we embark on our Big Upgrade programme, we have accelerated the replacement of one of our subsea cables. The cable has seen some deterioration, and the cable has been impaired, resulting in a £1.5m charge in the year. Our operating plans have been reviewed should a failure occur and there are no material increases for future operating costs should this occur.

 

The Energy Business delivered a Return on Assets (ROA) of 7.3% in year, compared to 7.2% in 2023. Our target is to deliver between 6%-7% ROA on a rolling five-year basis. The 2024 rolling 5-year ROA is on target at 6.3%.

 

Property: The £0.9m profit in our property division, is £0.2m lower than in 2023. In March 2023 one of the commercial spaces at Queens Road was vacated. The new tenant arrived in April 2024, which accounts for the small year-on-year reduction in profit.

 

Powerhouse.je: Profit in our retail business was £0.6m compared to £0.9m in 2023. This was predominantly due to a fall in revenues following a slower than anticipated year and high inflation affecting storage costs.

 

JEBS: Profits increased by £0.1m across our building services as the level of activity returned to expected levels following the temporary reduction in the pace of fuel switching as the government incentive scheme was being launched.

 

Other business units: Jersey Energy, Jendev, Jersey Deep Freeze and fibre optic lease rentals produced combined profits of £0.4m being £0.1m below last year.

 

Net interest income was £0.8m in 2024 compared to a net interest income of £0.3m in 2023.

 

Taxation at £3.4m was in line with the prior year.

 

Group basic and diluted earnings per share, at 37.92p, comparable to 36.81p in 2023, rose due to increased profitability. Dividends paid in the year, net of tax, rose by 5.3%, from 18.80p in 2023 to 19.80p in 2024. The proposed final dividend for this year is 12.00p, a 5.3% rise on the previous year. Dividend cover, at 1.9 times is broadly in line with 2023.

 

Net cash at £19.2m was £1.8m higher than in 2023. This increase was due to £6.8m increased net cashflows from operating activities (mainly driven by favourable working capital movements) offset by increased cash in investment activities of £5m.

 


 

 

 

 

Consolidated Income Statement for the year ended 30 September 2024

 

2024

£000

2023

£000

Revenue 

135,742

125,078

Cost of sales 

(83,184)

(80,924)

Rebate of past energy costs - non recurring item 

-

3,593

Gross profit

52,558

47,747

Movement in valuation of investment properties 

(890)

(1,215)

Operating expenses

(37,299)

(32,010)

Group operating profit

14,369

14,522

Finance income

2,291

1,871

Finance costs

(1,533)

(1,528)

Profit from operations before taxation

15,127

14,865

Taxation

         (3,427)

(3,432)

Profit from operations after taxation

          11,700

11,433

Attributable to:

Owners of the Company

11,618

11,280

Non-controlling interests

82

153

 

11,700

11,433

Earnings per share - basic and diluted

37.92p

36.81p


 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 30 September 2024

2024

2023

 

 

£000

£000

 

Profit for the year 

11,700

11,433

 

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Actuarial gain/loss on defined benefit scheme 

925

(815)

 

Income tax relating to items not reclassified

(185)

163

 

 

740

(652)

 

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Fair value loss on cash flow hedges 

(3,483)

(3,361)

 

Income tax relating to items that may be reclassified

697

672

 

 

(2,786)

 

Total comprehensive income for the year 

9,654

8,092

 

 

Attributable to:

Owners of the Company

9,572

7,939

 

Non-controlling interests

82

153

 

 

 9,654

  8,092

 







All results in the year have been derived from continuing operations


Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 30 September 2024

 

 

2024

£000

2023

£000

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

364

681

Property, plant and equipment

225,523

216,136

Right of use assets

4,621

3,194

Investment properties

26,725

27,615

Trade and other receivables 

300

300

Retirement benefit asset 

27,952

25,546

Derivative financial instruments 

-

129

Other investments 

5

5

Total non-current assets

285,490

273,606

Current assets

Inventories

8,435

9,187

Trade and other receivables

24,902

25,959

Derivative financial instruments

-

64

Cash and cash equivalents

49,190

47,429

Total current assets

82,527

82,639

Total assets

368,017

356,245

Current Liabilities

Trade and other payables

23,027

19,459

Current tax liabilities

3,413

3,301

Lease liabilities

306

81

Derivative financial instruments

2,601

536

Total current liabilities

29,347

23,377

Net current assets

53,180

59,262

Non-current liabilities

Trade and other payables

27,222

26,249

Lease liabilities

3,878

3,193

Derivative financial instruments

1,451

225

Financial liabilities - preference shares

235

235

Borrowings

30,000

30,000

Deferred tax liabilities

30,923

31,422

Total non-current liabilities

93,709

91,324

Total liabilities

123,056

114,701

Net assets

244,961

241,544

Equity

Share capital

1,532

1,532

Revaluation reserve

5,270

5,270

ESOP reserve

(35)

(35)

Other reserves

(3,241)

(455)

Retained earnings

241,391

235,100

Equity attributable to the owners of the Company

244,917

241,412

Non-controlling interests

44

132

Total equity

244,961

241,544

 

 


 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 30 September 2024

 

 

Share Capital

Revaluation

reserve

ESOP

reserve

Other

reserves*

Retained

earnings

Total

                                                 

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

At 1 October 2023                                                                                   

1,532

5,270

(35)

(455)

235,100

241,412

Total recognised income and expense for the year           

-

-

-

-

11,618

11,618

Movement on hedges (net of tax)                                                  

-

-

-

(2,786)

-

(2,786)

Actuarial gain on defined benefit scheme (net of tax) 

-

-

-

-

740

740

Equity dividends                                                                                         

-

-

-

-

(6,067)

(6,067)

At 30 September 2024                                                                         

1,532

5,270

(35)

(3,241)

241,391

244,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 1 October 2022                                                                                   

1,532

5,270

(38)

2,234

230,232

239,230

Total recognised income and expense for the year           

-

-

-

-

11,280

11,280

Amortisation of employee share option scheme                 

-

-

3

-

-

3

Movement on hedges (net of tax)                                                  

-

-

-

(2,689)

-

(2,689)

Actuarial loss on defined benefit scheme (net of tax) 

-

-

-

-

(652)

(652)

Equity dividends                                                                                         

-

-

-

-

(5,760)

(5,760)

At 30 September 2023                                                                          

1,532

5,270

(35)

(455)

235,100

241,412

*'Other reserves' represents the foreign currency hedging reserve.

 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 30 September 2024

                         

                         

2024

£000

2023

£000

Cash flows from operating activities

Operating profit                                                                                                                                                                             

14,369

14,522

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment charges                                              

14,181

11,581

Share-based reward charges                                                                                                                                                  

-

3

Loss on revaluation of investment property                                                                                                              

890

1,215

Pension operating charge less contributions paid                                                                                                 

(1,481)

73

Deemed interest income from hire purchase arrangements                                                                        

201

183

Loss/(profit) on sale of property, plant and equipment                                                                                     

1

(3)

Operating cash flows before movement in working capital                                                                           

28,161

27,574

Working capital adjustments:

 


    Decrease/(Increase) in inventories 

752

(2,014)

    Increase in trade and other receivables                                                          

(1,133)

(3,835)

    Increase/(Decrease) in trade and other payables                                               

1,130

(617)

Net movement in working capital                                                                                                                                    

749

(6,466)

Interest paid on borrowings                                                                                                                                                  

(1,208)

(1,368)

Preference dividends paid                                                                                                                                                     

(9)

(9)

Income taxes paid                                                                                                                                                                        

(3,301)

(2,089)

Net cash flows from operating activities                                                                                                                     

24,392

17,642

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment                                                                                                             

(18,036)

(13,046)

Investment in intangible assets                                                                                                                                          

(53)

(92)

Deposit interest received                                                                                                                                                      

2,090

1,688

Net proceeds from disposal of fixed assets                                                                                                                

34

3

Net cash flows used in investing activities                                                                                                                 

(15,965)

(11,447)

Cash flows from financing activities

Equity dividends paid                                                                                                                                                                

(6,067)

(5,760)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interest                                                                                                                

(170)

(165)

Repayment of lease liabilities                                                                                                                                              

(429)

(242)

Net cash flows used in financing activities                                                                                                                

(6,666)

(6,167)

 

 


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                 

1,761

28


 


Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year                                                                                   

47,429

47,397

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes                                                                                                                       

-

4

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year                                                                                                 

49,190

47,429

IAS 7 'Statement of Cash Flows' requires the explanation of both cash and non-cash movements in assets and liabilities relating to financing activities. Of the £49.2m cash and cash equivalents at 30 September 2024, £35.0m (2023: £40.0m) is on fixed term deposits with an average of 93 days remaining (2023: 70 days).



 

Notes to the accounts

Year ended 30 September 2024

 

1.   Basis of Preparation

The consolidated financial statements of Jersey Electricity plc, for the year ended 30 September 2024, have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union (EU), including International Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC).  This is consistent with the accounting policies in the 30 September 2023 annual report and accounts and the 31 March 2024 interim report.

While the financial information included in this summary announcement has been prepared in accordance with the appropriate recognition and measurement criteria, this announcement does not itself contain sufficient information to comply with IFRS. Full financial statements that comply with IFRS have additionally been published on our website; www.jec.co.uk.

 

The business segments below are those reported to the Directors for the purposes of resource allocation and performance assessment:

 

 

2024

2024

2024

2023

2023

2023

 

External

Internal

Total

External

Internal

Total

 

Revenue

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

£000

Energy - arising during the course of ordinary business

108,102

100

108,202

97,053 

89 

97,142

Building Services  

3,872

936

4,808

3,349 

831 

4,180

Retail  

17,767

110

17,877

18,514 

56 

18,570

Property  

2,346

639

2,985

2,350 

641 

2,991

Other*  

3,655

112

3,767

3,812 

466 

4,278


135,742

1,897

137,639

125,078 

2,083 

127,161

Intergroup elimination  

 

 

(1,897)



(2,083)

Revenue 

 

 

135,742



125,078

 

Operating profit

Energy profit before rebate of past energy costs**

 

 

13,020



9,329

Rebate of past energy costs

 

 

-



3,593

Energy profit including rebate

 

 

13,020



12,922

Building Services 

 

 

248



162

Retail  

 

 

618



917

Property  

 

 

931



1,149

Other*  

 

 

442



587

  

 

 

15,259



15,737

Revaluation of investment properties  

 

 

(890)



(1,215)

Operating profit  

 

 

14,369



14,522

Finance income  

 

 

2,291



1,871

Finance costs  

 

 

(1,533)



(1,528)

Profit from operations before taxation  

 

 

15,127



14,865

Taxation 

 

 

(3,427)



(3,432)

Profit from operations after taxation  

 

 

11,700



11,433

Attributable to:

 

Owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

 

11,618

82



 

 

11,280

153

 

 

 

11,700



11,433

*The Other segment includes the divisions of Jersey Energy and Jendev, operating profit from IRU contracts as well as Jersey Deep Freeze Limited, the Group's sole subsidiary.

 Materially, all the Group's operations are conducted within the Channel Islands. All transfers between divisions are on an armslength basis. Revaluation of investment properties is shown separately from Property operating profit.

 Revenues disclosed by the business segments above are recognised both on a point in time and over time basis. The treatment of revenue recognition in accordance with IFRS 15.

**During the year ended 30 September 2023, the Company received a credit which was been disclosed as 'Rebate of past energy costs - non-recurring item' within gross profit in these financial statements.

 

 

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