SES H1 2024 Results

Press Release

H1 2024 RESULTS

Luxembourg, 1 August 2024 -- SES S.A. announces financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2024. 

H1 performance underpins 2024 Full Year outlook

•     Revenue of €978 million (-0.6% YOY⁽¹⁾) and Adjusted EBITDA⁽²⁾ of €525 million (-0.9% YOY⁽¹⁾) 

•     Networks (+5.0% YOY⁽¹⁾) including 8.4% YOY⁽¹⁾ growth in Government  

•     Video performance -6.7% YOY⁽¹⁾ with important new long-term renewals signed 

•     Adjusted Free Cash Flow (AFCF) of €146 million and Net Leverage at 1.7x⁽³⁾ (including cash & cash equivalents of €2.1 billion) 

•     2024 revenue outlook⁽⁴⁾ (of €1,940 - 2,000 million) on track and unchanged

•     2024 Adjusted EBITDA outlook⁽⁴⁾ (of €950 - 1,000 million) tracking to upper half of the expected range 

Fully Funded & highly accretive Intelsat acquisition will create a stronger multi-orbit competitor

•     Regulatory process underway and on track for closing during H2 2025 

•     Integration & synergies planning progressing to ensure maximum possible execution from Day 1

•     Combination doubles revenue from growing Networks segments and unlocks €370 million of run-rate synergies (70% within 3 years)

•     Mid-single digit Adjusted EBITDA CAGR (2024E-2028E) to drive ‘normalised’ AFCF of more than €1 billion by 2027E/2028E⁽⁴⁾ 

•     SES’s investment grade rating re-affirmed and Net Leverage expected to be below 3x within 12-18 months after closing

Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, commented: “H1 2024 revenue and Adjusted EBITDA were in line with our expectations reflecting solid execution. We are on track to deliver on our Full Year 2024 financial objectives. Networks, which now represents more than 50% of our business, continued to grow supported by key wins in the government segment, while our Media business secured additional customer commitments to reinforce our solid cash generation fundamentals.

The entry of O3b mPOWER into commercial service in April was a key milestone for SES with committed customers now being deployed onto the system. We remain on track to expand the initial constellation starting with the next launch of satellites 7-8 at the end of this year, followed in 2025 with satellites 9-11 and 2026 with satellites 12-13, accelerating our profitable long-term growth trajectory. 

With the launch of ASTRA 1P to 19.2E in June, we are leveraging the latest technological innovation to sustain our most important cashgenerative media neighbourhood for the long-term, while simultaneously capturing significant CapEx efficiencies. 

We remain focused on strategic execution, which is anchored by efficiency in every aspect of our operations; customer-centric solutions for our Government, Mobility, Fixed Data, and Media clients; and continuous innovation in our intelligent, managed multi-orbit network, while maintaining SES's broadcast quality and global audience.

Lastly, and most significantly, our transformational agreement to acquire Intelsat and the integration of our two companies will, from expected closing the second half of next year, create a stronger multi-orbit operator which will be well positioned to compete with competitive end-to-end solutions in valuable growth segments of the market, strong balance sheet fundamentals, and sustained growth in Adjusted Free Cash Flow driving value for customers and shareholders. We are well underway with our integration planning and regulatory approvals process.”          

1) At constant FX (comparative figures restated to neutralise currency variations)

2) Excluding operating expenses/income recognised in relation to U.S. C-band repurposing and other significant special items (disclosed separately)  3) Adjusted Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA, including 50% of €625 million hybrid bond as debt

4) Financial outlook assumes a €/$ FX rate of €1 = $1.09, nominal satellite health, and nominal launch schedule. ‘Normalised’ AFCF assuming average expected annual Capital Expenditure of €600-650 million for 2025-2028  

Key business and financial highlights (at constant FX unless explained otherwise)

SES regularly uses Alternative Performance Measures (APM) to present the performance of the Group and believes that these APMs are relevant to enhance understanding of the financial performance and financial position. 

“At constant FX” refers to comparative figures restated at the current period FX, to neutralise currency variations. 

Networks (54% of total revenues) revenue of €523 million increased 5.0% year on year driven by higher revenue in Mobility (+11.1% including periodic revenue of €22 million in Q1 2024) and growth across the Government business (+8.4%). The year on year comparison in Fixed Data (-8.1%) was impacted by the recognition of €7 million of periodic revenue in Q1 2023 which accounted for most of the variance. In H1 2024 the business secured over €310 million of renewals and new business.

Video (46% of total revenues) revenue of €453 million represented a reduction of -6.7% compared with H1 2023, mainly driven by lower revenue in mature markets which were partially offset by double-digit year on year growth in Sports & Events revenue. In H1 2024, the business secured more than €120 million of renewals and new business. 

During Q2 2024, a bankruptcy court approved the restructuring plans of SES’s media customer in Brazil. While SES has secured the revenue for Full Year 2024, it is expected that the outcome of this bankruptcy process will result in lower revenue in 2025 equivalent to approximately 5% of annual Media revenue. Through continuous operational efficiency and commercialisation of the group’s deal pipeline, SES expects to at least offset this impact on Adjusted EBITDA starting from 2025.   

Adjusted EBITDA of €525 million represented an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 54% (H1 2023: 54%). Adjusted EBITDA excludes significant special items of €20 million in expenses (H1 2023: €31 million expenses) including net U.S. C-band income of €2 million (H1 2023: net expenses of €10 million).

Adjusted Net Profit of €111 million was €5 million lower than H1 2023, in line with the €5 million year on year reduction in Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted Net Profit included €62 million of interest income (H1 2023: €11 million) which was largely offset by higher year on year Depreciation & Amortisation, mainly arising from a change in accounting treatment of orbital slot licence rights, and higher year on year Income Tax Expense.   

Adjusted Net Profit excludes the significant special items highlighted above, as well as non-cash net impairment expense of €25 million (H1 2023: nil) and net tax benefit of €7 million (H1 2023: benefit of €7 million) associated with all the significant special items. The noncash net impairment expense included a €34 million write down of a GEO satellite in line with the evolution of the Media business in Brazil as outlined above.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow (excluding significant special items) of €146 million was €60 million, or 69.8%, higher year on year including lower year on year investing activities of €200 million (H1 2023: €307 million) and higher interest received of €61 million (H1 2023:

€10 million). These items were partly offset by higher year on year cash tax payments and changes in working capital. 

Adjusted Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio (including 50% of €625 million of hybrid bond as debt) at 30 June 2024 was 1.7 times, (30 June 2023: 3.6 times; 31 December 2023: 1.5 times) including cash & cash equivalents of €2.1 billion. In January 2024, SES called and repaid the €550 million hybrid bond and, in June 2024, repaid €150 million of Schuldshein Loans. SES further expects to repay approximately €250 million of additional upcoming debt maturities during 2024-2025.  

The total amount of remaining U.S. C-band clearing cost reimbursements expected to be received in future is now approximately $420 million and SES is continuing to engage with insurers regarding the claim of $472 million relating to O3b mPOWER satellites 1-4. 

Contract backlog on 30 June 2024 was €3.8 billion (€4.7 billion gross backlog including backlog with contractual break clauses), of which Media backlog was €1.9 billion and Networks backlog was €1.9 billion.

The Full Year 2023 dividend of €0.50 per A-share and €0.20 per B-share was paid to shareholders on 18 April 2024. In October 2024,

SES will pay an interim dividend of €0.25 per A-share (€0.10 per B-share) to shareholders, followed by a final dividend (subject to shareholder approval) of at least €0.25 per A-share (€0.10 per B-share) in April 2025.

A share buyback programme of €150 million (started in November 2023) is being executed under the authorisation given by the Annual General Meeting of shareholders. On 30 June 2024, SES had purchased 16 million A-shares at an average price of €5.50 per A-share. To maintain the 2:1 ratio of A-shares to B-shares, as required by the Articles of Association, SES will also be purchasing B-shares (which carry 40% of the economic rights of an A-share) in equal proportion. The total purchase of A-shares and B-shares shall not exceed €150 million. The shares acquired are intended to be cancelled, reducing the total number of voting and economic shares in issue.

For Full Year 2024, group revenue and Adjusted EBITDA (assuming an FX rate of €1=$1.09, nominal satellite health, and nominal launch schedule) are expected to be in the range of €1,940-2,000 million and €950-1,000 million respectively, with growth in Networks revenue expected to mostly offset lower year-on-year Video revenue. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the upper half of the range.

Capital expenditure (net cash absorbed by investing activities excluding acquisitions, financial investments, U.S. C-band repurposing, and assuming an FX rate of €1=$1.09) is expected to be in the range of €500-550 million in 2024 with an average annual capital expenditure of approximately €350 million for the period 2025-2028.

SES Operational performance 

REVENUE BY BUSINESS UNIT

                                               Revenue (€ million) as reported                                Change (YOY) at constant FX

Late 2024

Final launch dates are subject to confirmation by launch providers

Agreement to acquire Intelsat

All financial information in this press release is stated using a foreign exchange (FX) rate of €1: $1.09. Pro forma (combined) revenue and is adjusted to eliminate intercompany transactions. Pro forma leverage is after acquisition costs and related fees. The financial outlook assumes nominal satellite launch schedule and nominal satellite health status.

On 30 April 2024, SES announced an agreement to acquire Intelsatthrough the purchase of 100% of the equity of Intelsat Holdings S.a.r.l. for a cash consideration of $3.1 billion (€2.8 billion) and certain contingent value rights in respect of a portion of any potential future monetisation of the combined collective usage rights for up to 100 MHz of C-band spectrum. 

The transaction, unanimously approved by the Boards of SES and Intelsat, is subject to relevant regulatory clearances and filings expected to be received during H2 2025 and is funded by a €2.1 billion bridge facility and $1 billion term loan concluded in June 2024. Following the transaction announcement, SES’s Investment grade credit rating was re-affirmed by both Fitch (BBB) and Moody’s (Baa3).

Combining the collective capabilities of both companies will create a stronger multi-orbit operator with greater coverage; improved resiliency; expanded suite of vertical solutions to serve customers across the government, mobility, fixed data, and media segments; and enhanced financial resources to maintain strong balance sheet metrics, return cash to shareholders, and profitably invest to enhance the combined company’s growth and competitiveness in a dynamic market.

The transaction is expected to be Free Cash Flow accretive from Year 1 and deliver annual run-rate synergies of €370 million (comprising run-rate operating expense synergies of €210 million and capital expenditure synergies of €160 million) of which approximately 70% are targeted to be executed within the first 3 years of closing. 

On a pro forma basis, the combined company is expected to deliver a mid-single digit compound average growth rate (CAGR) in Adjusted EBITDA (for the period 2024E-2028E) from the combination of revenue growth (with approximately 60% of 2023 pro forma revenue coming from growing government, mobility, and fixed data segments) and the realisation of the operating expense synergies. 

On closing, Adjusted Net Debt and Adjusted EBITDA for the combined company is expected to be approximately 3.5 times before reducing to below 3 times, consistent with the Board’s commitment to maintaining investment grade credit metrics, benefiting from the expansion of Adjusted Free Cash Flow (AFCF) which is expected to ramp to over €1 billion by 2027E/2028E (assuming annual ‘normalised’ capital expenditure of €600-650 million). Additionally, the FCF expansion, increases the group’s financial flexibility for additional potential shareholder returns (dividend increases and/or share buy backs), as well as incremental profitable investment (subject to meeting the Board’s investment criteria of delivering an internal rate of return of 10% or higher). 

Integration and synergies execution planning and regulatory approval process is well underway.  

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

1) Earnings per share is calculated as profit attributable to owners of the parent divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year, as adjusted to reflect the economic rights of each class of share. For the purposes of the EPS calculation only, the net profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders has been adjusted to include the assumed coupon, net of tax, on the perpetual bonds. 

U.S. C-band income                                                                                                    5                                         3

U.S. C-band operating expenses                                                                                (3)                                       (13)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Trade and other receivables⁽¹⁾                                                                                     97                                      87

                                                                                                                                    54                                      57

1) Trade and other receivables (current and non-current) include €264 million related to U.S. C-band repurposing (31 December 2023: €350 million).  

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

€ million                                                                                                                       H1 2024                             H1 2023

Taxes paid during the year                                                                                           (155)                                  (38)

Payments for purchases of intangible assets                                                               (8)                                      (13)

Payments for purchases of tangible assets⁽¹⁾                                                               (132)                                  (209)

Proceeds from borrowings                                                                                           -                                         50

1) Including net reimbursements of €80 million related to U.S. C-band repurposing (H1 2023: net payments of €87 million). 2) Comprising €61 million interest received on deposit and €24 million interest received in relation to U.S. C-band clearing 3) Net of dividends received on treasury shares of €7 million (H1 2023: €3 million).  

€ million                                                                                                                       H1 2024                             H1 2023

Payments in respect of other significant special items                                                  30                                      10

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

QUARTERLY INCOME STATEMENT (AS REPORTED)

Depreciation expense                                 (148)                   (146)                   (153)                   (156)                   (139)                   (162)

Income tax benefit/(expense)                       (3)                      (17)                     (472)                   316                     (43)                     5

1) Earnings per share is calculated as profit attributable to owners of the parent divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year, as adjusted to reflect the economic rights of each class of share. For the purposes of the EPS calculation only, the net profit for the year attributable to ordinary shareholders has been adjusted to include the coupon, net of tax, on the perpetual bonds. Fully diluted earnings per share are not significantly different from basic earnings per share.

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

SES regularly uses Alternative Performance Measures (‘APM’) to present the performance of the Group and believes that these APMs are relevant to enhance understanding of the financial performance and financial position. These measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies and are not measurements under IFRS or any other body of generally accepted accounting principles, and thus should not be considered substitutes for the information contained in the Group’s financial statements. 

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin                    EBITDA adjusted to exclude significant special items of a non-recurring nature. The

primary exceptional items are the net impact of the repurposing of U.S. C-band spectrum, restructuring charges, costs associated with the development and/or implementation of merger and acquisition activities, specific business taxes, one-off regulatory charges arising outside ongoing operations. Adjusted EBITDA margin is Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue.

Presentation of Results:

A presentation of the results for investors and analysts will be hosted at 9.30 CEST on 1 August 2024 and will be broadcast via  webcast and conference call. The details for the conference call and webcast are as follows:

The presentation is available for download from https://www.ses.com/company/investors/financial-resultsand a replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the presentation.

For further information please contact:

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About SES

SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on Earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless data connectivity services around the world. As a provider of global content and connectivity solutions, SES owns and operates a geosynchronous orbit fleet and medium earth orbit (GEO-MEO) constellation of satellites, offering a combination of global coverage and high performance services. By using its intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES delivers high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners around the world. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com. 

About Intelsat

Intelsat’s global team of professionals is focused on providing seamless and secure, satellite-based communications to government, nongovernmental organisations, and commercial customers through the company’s next-generation worldwide network and managed services. Bridging the digital divide by operating one of the most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructures, Intelsat enables people and their tools to speak over oceans, see across continents and listen through the skies to communicate, cooperate, and coexist. Since its founding six decades ago, the company has been synonymous with satellite industry “firsts” in service to its customers and the planet. Leaning on a legacy of innovation and focusing on addressing a new generation of challenges Intelsat team members now have their sights on the “next firsts” in space as they lead in the digital transformation of the industry. Further information is available at: www.intelsat.com. 

Forward looking statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements. Generally, the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “contemplate,” “predict,” “forecast,” “likely,” “believe,” “target,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “potential,” “may” and similar expressions or their negative, may, but are not necessary to, identify forward-looking statements. 

Such forward-looking statements, including those regarding the timing and consummation of the transaction described herein, involve risks and uncertainties. SES’s and Intelsat’s experience and results may differ materially from the experience and results anticipated in such statements. The accuracy of such statements is subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, but not limited to, the following factors: the risk that the conditions to the closing of the transaction are not satisfied, including the risk that required approvals of the transaction from the shareholders of Intelsat or from regulators are not obtained; litigation relating to the transaction; uncertainties as to the timing of the consummation of the transaction and the ability of each party to consummate the transaction; risks that the proposed transaction disrupts the current plans or operations of SES or Intelsat; the ability of SES and Intelsat to retain and hire key personnel; competitive responses to the proposed transaction; unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the transaction; potential adverse reactions or changes to relationships with customers, suppliers, distributors and other business partners resulting from the announcement or completion of the transaction; the combined company’s ability to achieve the synergies expected from the transaction, as well as delays, challenges and expenses associated with integrating the combined company’s existing businesses; the impact of overall industry and general economic conditions, including inflation, interest rates and related monetary policy by governments in response to inflation; geopolitical events, and regulatory, economic and other risks associated therewith; and continued uncertainty around the macroeconomy. Other factors that might cause such a difference include those discussed in the prospectus on Form F-4 to be filed in connection with the proposed transaction. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date hereof and, except as required by federal securities laws and rules and regulations of the SEC, SES and Intelsat undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, SES intends to file with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-4 that also constitutes a prospectus of SES. SES also plans to file other relevant documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. No offer of securities shall be made, except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT MAY BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and shareholders will be able to obtain free copies of these documents (if and when available), and other documents containing important information about SES and Intelsat, once such documents are filed with the SEC through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by SES will be available free of charge on SES’s website at www.ses.com or by contacting SES’s Investor Relations Department by email at ir@ses.com. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Intelsat will be available free of charge on Intelsat’s website at www.intelsat.com or by contacting Intelsat’s Investor Relations Department by email at investor.relations@intelsat.com. 

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made, except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.