Polaris Infrastructure reports strong revenue growth for Q2, 2017

San Jacinto-Tizate, geothermal power plant, Ram Power/ Polaris Geothermal Nicaragua (source: Ram Power)

Alexander Richter 9 Aug 2017

In its report on its financial and operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, Polaris Infrastructure, Inc. provides details on its operations in Nicaragua.

Highlights

San Jacinto-Tizate Project Highlights

• Quarterly revenue growth of 31% year-over-year: The San Jacinto-Tizate Power Plant generated 129,233 MWh (net) an average of 59.2 MW (net) resulting in revenue of $15.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, versus revenue of $12.1 million on generation of 101,515 MWh (net) an average of of 46.5 MW (net) in the prior year period. The 31% revenue increase was due to significantly higher average production in 2017 as well as the impact of the 3% annual tariff increase.
• Strong adjusted EBITDA stemming from revenue growth: The company generated adjusted EBIDTA (A non-GAAP Measure) of $13.6 million  in the three months ended June 30, 2017, a 38% increase from the prior year period. This growth, stremming from a strong revenue increase and nominal increase in costs, reflects the core operating leverage built into San Jacinto project. See
•  Progress with 20176 drilling program included new injection well: the company wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Polaris Energy Nicaragua S.A. (Pensa), which owns and operates the San Jacinto project, concluded drilling of SJ 11-2, a new injection well in early June 2017. The well was completed on-time and on-budget, after successfully hitting the targeted zone of permeability. Based on injectivity testing completed to date, SJ 11-2 is expected to accept a significant volume of geothermal fluids for reinjection, further increasing operating flexibility with respect to the long-term management of the San Jacinto reservoir. We anticipate SJ 11-2 being available for service in August 2017, following the completion of construction and fabrication activities.
• Successful drilling execution related to possible new San Jacinto production well: immediately following drilling of SJ 11-2, Pensa proceeded with drilling SJ 4-2, a planned new production well. Having reached the targeted depth, drilling of SJ 4-2 was concluded on July 31, 2017. Preliminary downhole measurements indicated the presence of permeability, while temperature of the well continues to increase and wellhead pressure is adequate. Accordingly, Pensa palns to start testing the well within the next few weeks, at which point we should have a preliminary view as to the productive capacity of SJ 4-2. Our estimate is that SJ 4-2 could be connected to the plant and contributing incremental steam flows by mid-September 2017.
• Further production well drilling to commence in early September: Pensa anticipates drilling of a second new production well, SJ 12-4, as part of the 2017 drilling program, to commence on approximately September 7, 2017. Further we have confirmed rig availability and have identified targets, so drilling a third new production well is something we will assess in the coming weeks, based in part on the outcome of drilling SJ 4-2 and SJ 12-4

Financial Overview

The financial results of Polaris Infrastructure for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 are summarized below:

Three months ended Six months ended

(1) Refer to Use of Non-GAAP Measures section for further details with respect to calculation of Adjusted EBITDA.

For the three months ended June 30, 2017, the Company reported revenue of $15.9 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $13.6 million, compared to revenue of $12.1 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $9.8 million, for the same period in 2016. The increase in revenue resulted from the 3% annual tariff increase combined with a 27% increase in power generation at the San Jacinto project. The improvement in Adjusted EBITDA reflects increased contribution from the San Jacinto plant more than offsetting a modest increase in costs. See Use of Non-GAAP Measures section below for reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Total loss and comprehensive loss.

For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company reported revenue of $29.3 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $24.5 million, compared to revenue of $24.7 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $20.2 million, for the same period in 2016. The increase in revenue resulted from the 3% annual tariff increase combined with a 15% increase in average power generation at the San Jacinto project, which came despite the impact of planned downtime for turbine maintenance in the first quarter of 2017, which did not occur in the prior year. The improvement in Adjusted EBITDA reflects increased revenue from the San Jacinto plant with minimal accompanying cost increases. See Use of Non-GAAP Measures section below for reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Total loss and comprehensive loss.

For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company had net operating cash inflows of $15.0 million, net investing cash outflows of $8.0 million and net financing cash outflows of $8.7 million. At June 30, 2017, the Company had cash of $44.0 million, of which $25.2 million was held for current use in the San Jacinto project.

“We are pleased with our achievements during the second quarter of 2017,” noted Marc Murnaghan, Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Infrastructure. “Our 2017 drilling program at the San Jacinto project is off to a good start and we are optimistic that we will bring additional production online later this year. We look forward to providing further updates with respect to the outcome of the 2017 drilling program in the weeks ahead.”

Source: Company release