Tuesday 24th January 2017 |
Text too small? |
Z Energy may review its interim distribution policy after reducing debt levels ahead of schedule following its acquisition of Chevron New Zealand's Caltex and Challenge! brands.
The company expects to be close to its target range of 2 times net debt to replacement cost operating earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and fair value adjustments (ebitdaf) by the end of the 2018 financial year with anticipated deleveraging in FY18 from operating earnings and divestment proceeds, it said in a statement.
"This is three to four quarters earlier than was originally anticipated at the time of announcing the acquisition," Z Energy said in a quarterly update to the NZX.
The transport fuel company bought the Chevron assets for $785 million last year, making it the country's biggest petrol retailer, with about 49 percent of the retail transport fuels market. Bank debt was reduced by $25 million in the second quarter of 2017 and $45 million in the third quarter with proceeds from the sale of some gas stations used to pay down debt.
The faster debt reduction provides it with the flexibility in the second half of 2018 to review its current interim distribution policy (currently 10 percent annual growth in DPS) and/or support investment in growth options beyond the core, Z Energy said today.
It also reiterated it is on track to deliver $40 million-to-$45 million of savings in FY18 and outlined some measures to generate further savings.
Z Energy said three sites will be divested to a Caltex retailer during the 2018 financial year with net proceeds still to be determined. Two sites, Fanshawe Street and North Highway in Paraparaumu have already been sold and $22 million and $300,000 respectively will be used to reduce debt. Among other measures to grow value post the merger, it aims to grow jet capacity at Auckland International Airport. However, the measures are subject to implementation planning and therefore it is premature to provide guidance, it said.
Z Energy shares were trading up 0.8 percent at $7.50.
BusinessDesk.co.nz
No comments yet
GTK - Half-Year Results Announcement Date
Government ends war on farming
Sky and BBC Studios renew expanded, multi-year agreement
AOF - Q1 Improved Trading Performance & FY24 Guidance Maintained
Devon Funds Morning Note - 23 April 2024
April 23rd Morning Report
RYM - Group CEO Update
BGI - Director Michael Chai
RAD - Final Dividend and Strong FY24 Operating Performance
RYM - Group CEO Update