Boralex : generates strong results for the fourth quarter of 2017

The Corporation ends the year well positioned to complete
the next stages of its growth strategy

MONTRÉAL, March 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Boralex Inc. ("Boralex" or the "Corporation") (TSX: BLX) announces improved operating results for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with the previous year. Driven in particular by the strong performance of all of its power generation facilities in the fourth quarter, the Corporation ended the year with a 38% growth in revenues from energy sales and a 46% increase in EBITDA(A) compared with 2016. These increases were mostly attributable to the contributions of sites acquired or commissioned since 2016 under the Corporation's growth strategy.

"Fiscal 2017 proved to be one of the busiest years in Boralex's history," pointed out Patrick Lemaire, Boralex's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our team worked hard to maintain our growth targets while fully leveraging the sites in operation. We've always been committed to acting in a disciplined manner and the results obtained confirm that this approach serves us well. Also, all of our operating segments had a strong fourth quarter, which offset a difficult start to the year for the wind power segment in France."

Mr. Lemaire also highlighted the Corporation's healthy financial position, considering in particular the sharp increase in cash flows from operations compared with last year as well as the relatively limited equity needs for implementing the projects included in the growth path. "With our teams' recognized expertise and our experience in setting up partnerships, we're well positioned to pursue our growth strategy and continue to create shareholder value," concluded Patrick Lemaire.

Operational highlights

Note: The figures in brackets are those arrived at following the proportionate consolidation accounting method compared with those disclosed in conformity with IFRS.

Fourth quarter of 2017
All operating segments contributed to the higher production volume for the fourth quarter of 2017. In total, Boralex generated 871 GWh (1,042 GWh) of electricity compared with 596 GWh (730 GWh) for the same period of 2016. The 46% (43%) increase was fuelled by both contributions from assets acquired and commissioned over the past year, as well as by improved performance at hydroelectric power stations in the U.S. and wind farms in France and Canada. Existing sites on December 31, 2016 alone recorded a 20% (21%) production increase in the fourth quarter compared with the same period a year earlier. Meanwhile, in the fourth quarter, an estimated 87 GWh power limitation was imposed on the Niagara Region Wind Farm and compensated with an amount of $14 million by Independent Electricity System Operator.

Fiscal 2017
For fiscal 2017 as a whole, Boralex generated 3,129 GWh (3,675 GWh) of electricity, up 28% (24%) from 2,441 GWh (2,953 GWh) for fiscal 2016. This increase resulted mostly from the contribution of sites acquired and commissioned since August 2016. Production at existing facilities in 2016 was up 6% (6%). Favourable performance by the U.S. hydroelectric power stations starting in the second quarter and favourable wind conditions at the French wind farms in the second half of the year made it possible to offset the decline in production at the French wind farms and Canadian hydroelectric power stations in early 2017.

Financial highlights

Fourth quarter of 2017
Boralex generated revenues from energy sales of $129 million ($147 million) in the fourth quarter of 2017, up 73% (66%) compared with the same period of 2016. EBITDA(A) for the quarter totalled $93 million ($104 million), almost double the result for the same quarter of 2016. Accordingly, between the fourth quarter of 2016 and the same quarter of 2017, the Corporation's EBITDA(A) margin increased by nine percentage points to 72% from 63%  (six percentage points, to 70% from 64%).

Cash flows from operations totalled $69 million ($79 million) for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared with $28 million ($36 million) one year earlier. This increase fuelled, to a large extent, the $46 million ($47 million) growth in EBITDA(A).

Boralex reported net earnings attributable to shareholders of $26 million ($26 million) or $0.34 ($0.34) per share (basic) and $0.32 ($0.32) per share (diluted) for the fourth quarter of 2017, compared with a loss of $5 million (gain of $1 million) or $0.07 (gain of $0.02) per share (basic and diluted) a year earlier.

Fiscal 2017
Boralex generated revenues from energy sales of $414 million ($473 million) for fiscal 2017, up 38% (33%) compared with the previous fiscal year. With these revenues, Boralex was able to increase EBITDA(A) by 46% (38%) to $276 million ($319 million). EBITDA(A) margin grew to 67% (67%) in 2017 from 63% (65%) in 2016.

Cash flows from operations totalled $195 million ($210 million) for fiscal 2017 compared with $128 million ($144 million) one year earlier. This increase fuelled, to a large extent, the $87 million ($88 million) growth in EBITDA(A).

In light of the foregoing, the Corporation reported net earnings attributable to shareholders of $22 million ($22 million) or $0.29 ($0.29) per share (basic and diluted) for fiscal 2017, compared with a net loss of $2 million ($2 million) or $0.03 ($0.03) per share (basic and diluted) a year earlier.

Outlook

Considering the projects included in its growth path, the Corporation expects to grow its installed capacity by 120 MW or 8% during fiscal 2018. In Canada, during the second half of the fiscal year, Boralex will commission its first hydroelectric power station in Ontario, namely Yellow Falls (16 MW) and its first wind farm in British Columbia, namely Moose Lake (15 MW). Other projects comprising four wind farms in France will be commissioned at different points in time during the year, for an additional 89 MW in total.

Four other wind farms in France will be commissioned in 2019, for an additional 113 MW in total, just 311 MW short of Boralex's target of 2,000 MW at the end of 2020. This does not include the different projects in the wind power portfolio in France which would be added to the growth path once their respective administrative procedures are completed. The project for adding 10 MW to the capacity of the Buckingham power station in Québec would also be included in the growth path once the required authorizations are obtained.

The Corporation is also continuing its development efforts in different markets, relying mostly on its solid experience in setting up partnerships. A 50-50 partnership agreement with U.K.-based Infinergy was thus finalized and announced in October 2017. Since the signing of this agreement, the two partners have been combining their efforts to move forward with the different onshore wind power projects included in their common portfolio, which, once completed, could represent 325 MW in installed capacity. Primarily located in Scotland, a region recognized for its wind power potential, these projects are at different stages of development with some in the prospecting phase, while others are in the final evaluation phases potentially leading to their full authorization.

Boralex also favours a partnership approach for penetrating the United States, in the solar and wind power markets. In Alberta, where the government has announced a shift in favour of energy diversification, the Corporation has teamed up with Alberta Wind Energy Corporation (AWEC) to respond to a series of request for proposals covering the years up to 2030. We would also like to highlight the possibilities opening up with the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec becoming Boralex's main shareholder. This institutional investor, one of Canada's largest, has a well-established network across the world and could act as partner in much larger scale projects than what the Corporation would be able to take on alone.

Dividend declaration

The Corporation's Board of Directors has authorized and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per common share to be paid on March 15, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2018.  Boralex has designated this dividend as an eligible dividend within the meaning of Section 89.14 of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and all provisions of provincial laws applicable to eligible dividends.

Adoption of shareholder rights plan

The Corporation announced today that its Board of Directors has adopted a shareholder rights plan (the "SRP") which is effective immediately and will be submitted for ratification by the Corporation's shareholders at the annual and special meeting scheduled to be held on May 9, 2018.  If the SRP is not ratified by the Corporation's shareholders, it will automatically terminate.

The SRP has been adopted to ensure, to the extent possible, that all shareholders of the Corporation are treated fairly and equally in connection with any unsolicited take-over bid or other acquisition of control of the Corporation, and that the Corporation's Board is provided with adequate time to consider and evaluate such a take-over bid or other acquisition and, if appropriate, identify, develop and negotiate any value-enhancing alternatives.

The SRP is not being adopted in response to any specific proposal to acquire control of the Corporation, nor is the Board of Directors aware of any pending or threatened take-over bid for the Corporation. The SRP has been prepared to meet the guidelines of proxy advisory firms, including Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS) and a number of leading Canadian institutional investors and is similar in structure to shareholders rights plans adopted by, and approved by the shareholders of, many Canadian public companies.

The SRP has been conditionally approved by the Toronto Stock Exchange. The full text of the SRP will be available under the Corporation's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and a summary of the SRP will be included in the management information circular which will be sent to shareholders in due course.

Adoption of advance notice by-law

Boralex also announced today that its board of directors approved the adoption of an advance notice by-law (the "Advance Notice By-law"), establishing a framework for advance notice of nominations of directors by shareholders of the Corporation. Among other things, the Advance Notice By-law fixes certain deadlines by which shareholders must submit a notice of director nominations to the Corporation prior to any annual or special meeting of shareholders where directors are to be elected and sets forth the information that must be included in the notice.

The Advance Notice By-law has been prepared to meet the guidelines of proxy advisory firms, including Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS), and the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange, and is similar to the advance notice by-laws adopted by many other Canadian public companies.

The Advance Notice By-law is effective immediately and will be placed before shareholders for approval at the next annual and special meeting of shareholders scheduled to be held on May 9, 2018. If shareholders do not ratify the adoption of the Advance Notice By-Law, it will no longer be valid. A copy of the Advance Notice By-law will be available under Boralex's profile at www.sedar.com and a copy and a summary of the Advance Notice By-Law will be included in the management information circular which will be sent to shareholders in due course.

About Boralex

Boralex develops, builds and operates renewable energy power facilities in Canada, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. A leader in the Canadian market and France's largest independent producer of onshore wind power, the Corporation is recognized for its solid experience in optimizing its asset base in four power generation types—wind, hydroelectric, thermal and solar. It drives sustained growth through a geographic and segment diversification approach and over 25 years of expertise. Boralex's shares and convertible debentures are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbols BLX and BLX.DB.A. More information is available at www.boralex.com or www.sedar.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements

Some of the statements contained in this press release, including those regarding future results and performance, are forward-looking statements based on current expectations, within the meaning of securities legislation. Boralex would like to point out that, by their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties such that its results or the measures it adopts could differ materially from those indicated by or underlying these statements, or could have an impact on the degree of realization of a particular forward-looking statement. The main factors that could lead to a material difference between the Corporation's actual results and the forward-looking financial information or expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the general impact of economic conditions, currency fluctuations, volatility in energy selling prices, the Corporation's financing capacity, competition, changes in general market conditions, the regulations governing the industry and raw material price increases and availability, regulatory disputes and other issues related to projects in operation or under development, well as certain other factors described  in the documents filed by the Corporation with the different securities commissions.

Unless otherwise specified by the Corporation, the forward-looking statements do not take into account the possible impact on its activities, transactions, non-recurring items or other exceptional items announced or occurring after the statements are made.

There can be no assurance as to the materialization of the results, performance or achievements as expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Unless required to do so under applicable securities legislation, Boralex management does not assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or other changes.

Non-IFRS measures

The Annual Report contains a "Non-IFRS measures" section. In order to assess the performance of its assets and reporting segments, Boralex uses EBITDA(A) and cash flows from operations as performance measures under IFRS and proportionate consolidation. EBITDA(A) represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted to include other items such as the net loss (gain) on financial instruments, the foreign exchange gain and certain other losses (gains). Cash flows from operations are equal to net cash flows related to operating activities before change in non-cash items related to operating activities.

Management believes that these measures are widely accepted financial indicators used by investors to assess the operational performance of a company and its ability to generate cash through operations. The non-IFRS measures also provide investors with insight into the Corporation's decision making as the Corporation uses these non-IFRS measures to make financial, strategic and operating decisions. These non-IFRS measures are derived primarily from the audited consolidated financial statements, but do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS; accordingly, they may not be comparable to similarly named measures used by other companies. Non-IFRS measures are not audited. These non-IFRS measures have important limitations as analytical tools and investors are cautioned not to consider them in isolation or place undue reliance on ratios or percentages calculated using these non-IFRS measures.

Proportionate consolidation

The Annual Report also contains a section entitled, "Reconciliations between IFRS and proportionate consolidation," in which the results of Joint Ventures 50% owned by Boralex are treated as if they were proportionately consolidated and not as if they were accounted for using the equity method as required by IFRS. Under proportionate consolidation, which is not permitted in accordance with IFRS, Interests in the Joint Ventures and Share in earnings (losses) of the Joint Ventures items have been eliminated and replaced by Boralex's share (50%) in all of the financial statement items (revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities). Since the information that Boralex uses to perform internal analyses and make strategic and operating decisions is compiled on a proportionate consolidation basis, management has considered it relevant to include the "Proportionate Consolidation" section to make it easier for investors to understand the concrete impacts of decisions made by the Corporation. Accordingly, tables included in this section reconcile IFRS data with data presented on a proportionate consolidation basis.

SOURCE Boralex Inc.