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Northland Power Announces Record Annual Sales and Adjusted EBITDA in 2014

TORONTO, ON --(Marketwired - February 18, 2015) -

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Northland Power Inc. (" Northland " or " the Company ") ( NPI.TO )   ( NPI-PA.TO ) ( NPI-PC.TO ) ( NPI-DBB.TO ) ( NPI-DBC.TO ) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2014.

2014 Highlights:

  • 36% and 32% increase in sales and gross profit, respectively, compared to 2013;

  • 38% increase in adjusted EBITDA from 2013 and a 43% increase in cash provided by operating activities;

  • 6% decrease in both the cash (70%) and total dividend payout (95%) ratios from 2013;

  • Accounting net loss of $177.5 million for the year was primarily due to a $296.6 million marked-to-market non-cash adjustment on Northland's financial derivative contracts;

  • Acquired a 60% interest in Project Gemini, closed financing and commenced construction on the 600 megawatt ( MW ) offshore wind farm located off the coast of the Netherlands;

  • Acquired an 85% stake in three offshore wind farms in Germany, with the first 332 MW near-term project to commence construction in 2015 (" Nordsee One ");

  • Successfully completed over $4 billion of debt and equity financings, including Project Gemini which represented the largest-ever financing for an offshore wind farm; and

  • Achieved commercial operations on 90 MW of projects including the 60 MW (30 MW net interest) McLean's wind project and three 10 MW ground-mounted solar projects.

Fourth Quarter Highlights:

  • 8% and 7% increase in sales and gross profit, respectively, compared to 2013;

  • 12% increase in quarterly adjusted EBITDA from $83 million in 2013 to $93.2 million in 2014, primarily due to contributions from the inclusion of McLean's wind project and three additional ground-mounted solar projects;

  • 8% increase in quarterly free cash flow over the same period in 2013; from $38.1 million to $41.1 million, commensurate with the higher adjusted EBITDA;

  • Quarterly dividend payout ratio was 71% of free cash flow versus 72% in the fourth quarter of 2013; and

  • Accounting net loss of $70.4 million for the quarter was primarily due to a $98.7 million marked-to-market non-cash adjustment on Northland's financial derivative contracts.

The following comments are made with reference to the attached unaudited consolidated financial statements of Northland.

"Our strong performance in 2014 reflects our ability to manage significant growth while delivering stable returns," said John Brace, Chief Executive Officer. "The continued expansion of our European offshore wind portfolio, coupled with our extensive platform of operating assets has validated our business strategy. We are well-positioned for continued growth in Canada, Europe and other international jurisdictions throughout 2015 and beyond, while maintaining the dividend payments and delivering results our shareholders can depend on."