Central Puerto: Ps. 27.7 per ADR, and Commencement of Operations of Wind Farms La Genoveva II (41.8 MW) and La Castellana II (14.4 MW)

Central Puerto S.A ("Central Puerto” or the "Company”) (NYSE: CEPU), one of the largest private sector power generation companies in Argentina, as measured by generated power, reports its consolidated financial results for the quarter and nine-months period ended on September 30, 2019 ("Third Quarter” or "3Q2019”, and "nine-month period” or "9M2019”, respectively).

A conference call to discuss the results of the Third Quarter 2019 will be held on November 12, 2019 at 12:00 Eastern Time (see details below). All information provided is presented on a consolidated basis, unless otherwise stated.

Financial statements as of and for the quarter and nine-month period ended on September 30, 2019 include the effects of the inflation adjustment, applying IAS 29. Accordingly, the financial statements have been stated in terms of the measuring unit current at the end of the reporting period, including the corresponding financial figures for previous periods informed for comparative purposes. Growth comparisons refer to the same period of the prior year, measured in the current unit at the end of the period, unless otherwise stated. Consequently, the information included in the Financial Statements for the quarter and the nine-months period ended on September 30, 2018, are not comparable to the Financial Statements previously published by the company.

Definitions and terms used herein are provided in the Glossary at the end of this document. This release does not contain all the Company’s financial information. As a result, investors should read this release in conjunction with Central Puerto’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the quarter and six months period ended on September 30, 2019 and the notes thereto, which will be available on the Company’s website.

A. Highlights

3Q2019 energy generation decreased 11% to 3,942 GWh, as compared to 4,438 GWh during the same period of 2018 (see section C. Main Operating Metrics), mainly due to a 18% and 6 % decrease in thermal and hydro generation, respectively, partially offset by a 233% increase in renewable energy generation from the wind farms La Castellana I, Achiras, La Castellana II and La Genoveva II. Thermal units reached 94% availability.

3Q2019 Net income was Ps. 2.77 per ordinary share or Ps. 27.7 per ADR (for more information see section D. Financial).

"During this quarter, our wind farms La Castellana II and La Genoveva II commenced commercial operations, allowing us to serve customers directly under the term market.

Moreover, on October 5, 2019, we reached the COD of the new Luján de Cuyo cogeneration unit, 7 weeks ahead of the agreed schedule, offering power and steam to our clients with high efficiency”

Jorge Rauber, CEO of Central Puerto

Collections of the CVO trade receivables. During the period, the Company continued with the collection of the installments related to the CVO trade receivables as scheduled. Additionally, July, Central Puerto collected Ps. 825 million (including VAT), approximately equivalent to US$ 19,8 million using the exchange rate of the date of the collection, related to the installments corresponding to the March-December 2018 of the CVO agreement.

Trade receivables and debt compensation with CAMMESA. During the quarter, CAMMESA, in accordance to a general offer maid to all generators, cancelled the pending trade receivables from CAMMESA accrued between 2013 and 2016, after offsetting the balance of loans and advances granted by CAMMESA. This agreement included a 18% reduction in the amount of principal plus accrued interests that CAMMESA owed to the Company. As a consequence of this transaction, the Company collected Ps. 1.6 billion (excluding VAT).

Renewable energy

La Castellana II and La Genoveva II reached commercial operation date (COD). On July 16, 2019, and September 14, respectively, the wind farms La Castellana II (14.4 MW) and La Genoveva II (41.8 MW) commenced commercial operations. These wind farms sell energy directly to large users under the MATER regulatory framework and have 100% of their estimated energy generation (considering the median, or Percentile 50%) already contracted.

Advances in renewable projects. During the quarter, Central Puerto continued with the construction of wind farms La Genoveva I (88.2 MW), which will sell electricity under the RenovAr 2.0 program, and Manque (57 MW) and Los Olivos (22.8 MW), which will sell electricity under the MATER framework. As of the date of this report, these last two projects have already signed long-term PPA contracts with private customers for 100% and 80%, of the estimated energy generation of the term market projects (considering the median -Percentile 50%- of the expected energy production), respectively.

B. Recent news

Luján de Cuyo new cogeneration COD. On October 5, 2019, the new cogeneration of the Luján de Cuyo plant reached its COD, 7 weeks ahead of the agreed schedule. This unit will provide electricity through a 15-years PPA with CAMMESA, and steam to YPF during a similar time period.

C. Main operating metrics

The table below sets forth key operating metrics for the 3Q2019, compared to the 2Q2019 and the 3Q2018, and 9M2019, compared to 9M2018:

In the 3Q2019, energy generation decreased 11% to 3,941 GWh, compared to 4,423 GWh in the 3Q2018, mainly due to: a) a 18% decrease in the thermal generation, which during the 3Q2019 was affected by a scheduled maintenance in the steam unit TV06, and a decrease in the dispatch for some of our small steam turbines, and b) a 6% decrease in energy generation form our hydro plant Piedra del Águila due to less waterflow in the Limay and Collón Curá rivers. This was partially offset by a 233% increase in our electricity generation from wind farms, due to the operation during the full quarter of La Castellana I (99 MW) and Achiras I (48 MW) wind farms the commenced their commercial operations during the 3Q2018. During 3Q2019 these plants generated and sold, under the RenovAr Program, a total of 155 GWh. Additionally, as mentioned above, during the 3Q2019, the wind farms La Castellana II (14.4 MW) and La Genoveva II (41.8 MW) reached their COD, generating 32 GWh during the first weeks of operations to supply large users under the Term Market regulatory framework (MATER). As a reference, domestic energy generation decreased 2.3% during the 3Q2019, compared to the 3Q2018, according to data from CAMMESA.

During 3Q2019, machine availability for thermal units reached 94%, compared to 94% in 3Q2018, showing a sustained level and well above the market average availability for thermal units for the same period of 85%, according to data from CAMMESA.

Finally, steam production showed a decrease of 23% totaling 221,000 tons produced during 3Q2019 compared to 286,000 tons during the 3Q2018. These decrease was due to a 12 days scheduled halt in the production of the old cogeneration unit of the Luján de Cuyo plant in order to allow the necessary civil works in the steam pipeline for the connection of the new cogeneration unit, which started operations on October 5, 2019. Steam production is expected to return to normal levels now that the new unit is in service.

In the 9M2019, energy generation decreased 2% to 10,747 GWh, compared to 11,017 GWh in the 9M2018, mainly due to a 13% decrease in the generation of our hydro plant, due to less waterflow in the Limay and Collón Curá rivers, and a 3% decrease in thermal generation, due to less dispatch, especially for small steam turbines. This decrease was partially offset by a 779% increase in our electricity generation from wind farms, due to the operation during the full period of La Castellana I (99 MW) and Achiras I (48 MW) wind farms the commenced their commercial operations during the 3Q2018. During 9M2019 period these plants generated and sold, under the RenovAr Program, a total of 459 GWh. Additionally, as mentioned above, during the 3Q2019, the wind farms La Castellana II (14.4 MW) and La Genoveva II (41.8 MW) reached their COD, generating 32 GWh during the first weeks of operations to supply large users under the Term Market regulatory framework (MATER).

As a reference, domestic energy generation decreased 6.8% during the 9M2019, compared to the 9M2018, according to data from CAMMESA.

During 9M2019, machine availability of thermal units reached 93%, compared to 88% in 9M2018 (which was affected by the unscheduled extension of the maintenance of combined cycle of the Puerto Complex), showing a sustained level, and well above the market average availability for thermal units for the same period of 81%, according to data from CAMMESA.

Finally, steam production decreased 12% totaling 764,000 tons produced during 9M2019 compared to 866,000 tons during the 9M2018. The decrease was related to the connection of the new Luján de Cuyo cogeneration unit to the steam pipeline mentioned above.

D. Financials

Main financial magnitudes of continuing operations

Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

3Q 2019 Results Analysis

Revenues from continuing operations increased 37% to Ps. 7,770 million in the 3Q2019, as compared to Ps. 5,662 million in the 3Q2018. The increase in revenues was mainly driven by:

This increase was partially offset by:

Gross profit increased 36% to Ps. 4,575 million, compared to Ps. 3,359 million in 3Q2018. This increase was due to (i) the above-mentioned increase in revenues, which was partially offset by an increase in costs of sales that totaled Ps. 3,195 million, a 39% increase as compared to Ps. 2,303 million in the 3Q2018. The increase in the cost of sales was primarily driven by:

Gross Profit Margin remained stable, totaling around 59% for both the 3Q2019 and the 3Q2018.

Operating income before other operating results, net, increased 36% to Ps. 3,984 million, compared to Ps. 2,928 million in the 3Q2018. This increase was due to (i) the above-mentioned increase in gross profits, and (ii) an approximately proportional increase in administrative and selling expenses that totaled Ps. 592 million, a 37% increase as compared to Ps. 431 million in the 3Q2018. This increase was mainly driven by (i) a 41% increase in taxes on bank account transactions, due to increased revenues and costs, among others; (ii) Ps. 38 million during the 3Q2019 related to the maintenance costs of office buildings; (iii) a Ps. 88 million increase in professional services, mainly related to the new renewable energy subsidiaries.

Adjusted EBITDA was Ps. 14,137 million in the 3Q2019, compared to Ps. 13,726 million in the 3Q2018. This variation was mainly due to (i) the increase in operating results before other operating income, net mentioned above, and (ii) a Ps. 3,502 million one-time-gain in interests from clients associated to the trade receivables and debt compensation with CAMMESA (See Section A. Highlights); and (iii) a Ps. 779 million during the 3Q2019, as compared to Ps. 558 million from interest accrued on the trade receivables denominated in US dollars related to the FONI program; which was partially offset by (i) a Ps. 6,203 million gain during the 3Q2019, from the foreign exchange difference on operating assets (mainly the FONI trade receivables), compared to a gain of 9,447 million during the 3Q2018, (ii) a Ps. 616 million non-cash charge related to the property, plant and equipment impairment during 3Q2019.

Consolidated Net income was Ps. 3,526 million and Net income for shareholder was Ps. 4,167 million or Ps. 2.77 per share, in the 3Q2019, compared to Ps. 5,426 million and 5,893 million, respectively, or Ps. 3.92 per share, in the 3Q2018. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, net income was (i) negatively impacted by higher financial expenses that amounted to Ps. 9,712 million in the 3Q2019, compared to Ps. 4,634 million in the 3Q2018, mainly due to the interest accrued on a higher debt balance during the period, related to the loans obtained for the thermal and renewable energy expansion projects and the acquisition of the Brigadier López plant, and the foreign exchange difference on such loans, which are denominated in US dollars, and (ii) positively impacted by higher financial income which amounted to Ps. 878 million during the 3Q2019, compared to Ps. 697 million in the 3Q2018, mainly due to the higher foreign exchange difference over US dollar denominated financial assets (which excludes FONI and other trade receivables). Additionally, the results from the share of profit of associates decreased to Ps. 431 million in the 3Q2019, as compared to Ps. 613 million in the 3Q2018, mainly due to weaker results from the operations of Ecogas.

Finally, the gain on net monetary position totaled Ps. 698 million during the 3Q2019, as compared to loss on the net monetary position of Ps. 1,268 million in the 3Q2018.

FONI collections totaled Ps. 2,177 million in the 3Q2019, -including VAT- (approximately equivalent to US$ 38 million, at the exchange rate as of September 30, 2019), associated to the FONI trade receivables for San Martín, Manuel Belgrano, and Vuelta de Obligado Plants, including a portion of the amounts related to the installments 1 to 10 (See section A. Highlights above for more information).

9M2019 Results Analysis

Revenues from continuing operations increased 70% to Ps. 21,998 million in the 9M2019, as compared to Ps. 12,955 million in the 9M2018. The increase in revenues was mainly driven by:

This was partially offset by the decrease in energy and power prices for units under the Energy Base Regulatory framework established by Res. 1/19, starting on March 1, 2019, and a decrease in the energy generated during the 9M2019 of 2%, as compared to the 9M2018.

Gross profit increased 53% to Ps. 10,590 million, compared to Ps. 6,921 million in 9M2018. This increase was due to (i) the above-mentioned increase in revenues, which was partially offset by an increase in costs of sales that totaled Ps. 11,408 million, an 89% increase as compared to Ps. 6,035 million in the 9M2018. The increase in the cost of sales was primarily driven by:

Gross Profit Margin totaled 48% during 9M2019, as compared to 53% in the 9M2018. This change was mainly related to the effect of Res. 70/18, which increased both the income and the cost of energy production from thermal units.

Operating income before other operating results, net, increased 59% to Ps. 8,983 million, compared to Ps. 5,635 million in the 9M2018. This increase was due to (i) the above-mentioned increase in gross profits, and (ii) a less-than-proportional increase in administrative and selling expenses that totaled Ps. 1,607 million, a 25% increase as compared to Ps. 1,286 million in the 9M2018. This increase was mainly driven by (i) a 46% increase in taxes on bank account transactions, due to increased revenues, costs and the acquisition of the Brigadier López Plant, among others.

Adjusted EBITDA was Ps. 24,316 million in the 9M2019, compared to Ps. 41,409 million in the 9M2018 which included a Ps. 15,170 million gain during the 9M2018 from a one-time-gain from the CVO Commercial Operation Approval (the "CVO effect”). Without taking into account this extraordinary gain, the decrease would have been 8%. This variation was mainly due to a Ps. 9,275 million gain during the 9M2019, lower than a Ps. 17,865 million gain during the 9M2018 from the foreign exchange difference on the trade receivables denominated in US dollars mainly related to the FONI program, which was partially offset by, (ii) the increase in operating results before other operating income, net mentioned above, (ii) a Ps. 3,502 million one-time-gain in interests from clients associated to the trade receivables and debt compensation with CAMMESA (See Section A. Highlights). (iii) a Ps. 5,492 million gain during the 9M2019, as compared to Ps. 1459 million from interest form clients accrued, mainly related to the FONI and similar trade receivables.

Consolidated Net income was Ps. 6,562 million and Net income for shareholder was Ps. 7,022 million or Ps. 4.67 per share, in the 9M2019, compared to Ps. 24,204 million and 25,102 million, respectively, or Ps. 16.68 per share, in the 9M2018, which included a Ps. 15,170 million gain – before income tax- accrued during the 9M2018 from a one-time-gain from the CVO Commercial Operation Approval (the "CVO effect”). In addition to the above-mentioned factors, net income was negatively impacted by (i) higher financial expenses that amounted to Ps. 12,190 million in the 9M2019, compared to Ps. 7,928 million in the 9M2018 mainly due to the interest accrued on a higher debt balance during the period, related to the loans obtained for the thermal and renewable energy expansion projects and the acquisition of the Brigadier López plant, and the foreign exchange difference on such loans, which are denominated in US dollars, and (ii) a lower financial income which amounted to Ps. 1,974 million during the 9M2019, compared to Ps. 2,581 million in the 9M2018, mainly due to the lower foreign exchange difference over US dollar denominated financial assets (which excludes FONI and other trade receivables). Additionally, the results from the share of profit of associates decreased to Ps. 818 million in the 9M2019, as compared to Ps. 1,359 million in the 9M2018, mainly due to weaker results from the operations of Ecogas.

Finally, loss from exposure to the change in the purchasing power of the currency totaled Ps. 2,272 million during the 9M2019, as compared to Ps. 2,514 million in the 9M2018.

FONI collections totaled Ps. 7,101 million in the 9M2019, -including VAT- (approximately equivalent to US$ 123 million, at the exchange rate as of September 30, 2019), associated to the FONI trade receivables for San Martín, Manuel Belgrano, and Vuelta de Obligado Plants, including amounts related to the installments 1 to 10 (See section A. Highlights above for more information).

Financial Situation

As of September 30, 2019, the Company and its subsidiaries had Cash and Cash Equivalents of Ps. 1.6 billion, and Other Current Financial Assets of Ps. 5.1 billion.

Loans and borrowings were received to finance the expansion of the current installed capacity, which includes the construction of the Luján de Cuyo thermal project, and the wind farms La Castellana I, Achiras and La Castellana II, and the acquisition of the Brigadier López Plant. The following chart breaks down the Net Debt position of Central Puerto (on a stand-alone basis) and its subsidiaries:

Cash Flows of the 9M2019

Net cash provided by operating activities was Ps. 7,327 million during the 9M2019. This cash flow arises from (i) Ps. 22,788 million from the operating income from continuing operations obtained during the 9M2019, (ii) Ps. 11,512 million due to a decrease in the stock of trade receivables, mainly related to the FONI collections, (iii) Ps. 3,848 million in collection of interests from clients, including the ones from FONI, during the period, minus (iv) the non-cash items included in the operating income, including Ps. 9,275 million from foreign exchange difference on trade receivables; (v) Ps. 7,965 million from income tax paid, and (vi) a Ps. 8,020 million of non-cash effect of loss on the net monetary position re-expression.

Net cash used in investing activities was Ps. 18,933 million in the 9M2019. This amount was mainly due to (i) Ps. 9,993 million payments for the purchase of property, plant and equipment for the construction of the renewable and thermal projects, (ii) Ps. 7,578 million for the purchase of the Brigadier López Plant, and (i) Ps. 1,723 million invested in de acquisition of short-term financial assets, net.

Net cash provided by financing activities was Ps. 12,015 million in the 9M2019. This amount was the result of Ps. 14,059 million in loans received related to the expansion projects mentioned above (see Section A. Highlights) mainly related to the acquisition of the Brigadier López Plant, which was partially offset by (i) interest and financial expenses paid, related to the loans received for the expansion projects, for a net amount of Ps. 1,971 million, and (ii) Ps. 584 million in loan principal payments.

E. Tables

a. Consolidated Statement of Income

b. Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

c. Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow

F. Information about the Conference Call

There will be a conference call to discuss Central Puerto’s Third Quarter 2019 results on November 12, 2019 at 12:00 New York Time / 14:00 Buenos Aires Time.

The hosts will be Mr. Jorge Rauber, Chief Executive Officer, and Fernando Bonnet, Chief Financial Officer. To access the conference call, please dial:

United States Participants (Toll Free): 1-888-317-6003
Argentina Participants (Toll Free) : 0800-555-0645
International Participants : +1-412-317-6061
Passcode : 0531841

The Company will also host a live audio webcast of the conference call on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.centralpuerto.com. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the website and download any streaming media software that might be required to listen to the webcast. The call will be available for replay until November 11, 2020 at +1-412-317-0088 with access code #10136493 and on the Company website under the Investor Relations section.

You may find additional information on the Company at:

• http://investors.centralpuerto.com/
• www.sec.gov
• www.cnv.gob.ar 

Glossary

In this release, except where otherwise indicated or where the context otherwise requires:

• "CAMMESA” refers to Compañía Administradora del Mercado Mayorista Eléctrico Sociedad Anónima;
• "COD” refers to comercial operation date;
• "CVP” refers to Variable Cost of Production of producing energy, which may be declared by the generation companies to CAMMESA;
• "CVO effect” refers to the CVO receivables update, and interests triggered by the CVO Plant Commercial Operation Approval;
• "Ecogas” refers collectively to Distribuidora de Gas Cuyana ("DGCU”), and its controlling company Inversora de Gas Cuyana ("IGCU”) and Distribuidora de Gas del Centro ("DGCE”), and its controlling company Inversora de Gas del Centro ("IGCE”);
• "Energía Base” (legacy energy) refers to the regulatory framework established under Resolution SE No. 95/13, as amended, and, since February 2017, regulated by Resolution SEE No. 19/17;
• "FONINVEMEM” or "FONI”, refers to the Fondo para Inversiones Necesarias que Permitan Incrementar la Oferta de Energía Eléctrica en el Mercado Eléctrico Mayorista (the Fund for Investments Required to Increase the Electric Power Supply) and Similar Programs, including Central Vuelta de Obligado (CVO) Agreement;
• "MATER”, refers to Mercado a Término de Energía Renovable, is the regulatory framework that allows generators to sell electric energy from renewable sources directly to large users.
• "p.p.”, refers to percentage points;

Disclaimer

Rounding amounts and percentages: Certain amounts and percentages included in this release have been rounded for ease of presentation. Percentage figures included in this release have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures, but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, certain percentage amounts in this release may vary from those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in the financial statements. In addition, certain other amounts that appear in this release may not sum due to rounding.

This release contains certain metrics, including information per share, operating information, and others, which do not have standardized meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Such metrics have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company’s performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods.

OTHER INFORMATION

Central Puerto routinely posts important information for investors in the Investor Relations support section on its website, www.centralpuerto.com. From time to time, Central Puerto may use its website as a channel of distribution of material Company information. Accordingly, investors should monitor Central Puerto’s Investor Support website, in addition to following the Company’s press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls and webcasts. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this release.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to in this Earnings Release as "forward-looking statements”) that constitute forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words ‘‘anticipate’’, ‘‘believe’’, ‘‘could’’, ‘‘expect’’, ‘‘should’’, ‘‘plan’’, ‘‘intend’’, ‘‘will’’, ‘‘estimate’’ and ‘‘potential’’, and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Statements regarding possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, industry environment, potential growth opportunities, the effects of future regulation and the effects of competition, expected power generation and capital expenditures plan, are examples of forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required under securities laws. Further information concerning risks and uncertainties associated with these forward-looking statements and the Company’s business can be found in the Company’s public disclosures filed on EDGAR (www.sec.gov).

Adjusted EBITDA

In this release, Adjusted EBITDA, a non-IFRS financial measure, is defined as net income for the year, plus finance expenses, minus finance income, minus share of the profit of associates, minus depreciation and amortization, plus income tax expense, plus depreciation and amortization, minus net results of discontinued operations.

Adjusted EBITDA is believed to provide useful supplemental information to investors about the Company and its results. Adjusted EBITDA is among the measures used by the Company’s management team to evaluate the financial and operating performance and make day-to-day financial and operating decisions. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other parties to evaluate companies in the industry. Adjusted EBITDA is believed to be helpful to investors because it provides additional information about trends in the core operating performance prior to considering the impact of capital structure, depreciation, amortization and taxation on the results.

• Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, including:
• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, including cash requirements for, our working capital needs or contractual commitments;
• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our finance expenses, or the cash requirements to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness, or interest income or other finance income;
• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our income tax expense or the cash requirements to pay our income taxes;
• although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated or amortized often will need to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for these replacements;
• although share of the profit of associates is a non-cash charge, Adjusted EBITDA does not consider the potential collection of dividends; and
• other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

The Company compensates for the inherent limitations associated with using Adjusted EBITDA through disclosure of these limitations, presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS and reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable IFRS measure, net income. For a reconciliation of the net income to Adjusted EBITDA, see the tables included in this release.

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