Azure Power Announces Results for Fiscal Second Quarter 2021

EBENE, Mauritius, Nov. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Azure Power Global Limited (NYSE: AZRE), a leading independent solar power producer in India, today announced its consolidated results under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") for the fiscal second quarter 2021, period ended September 30, 2020.

Fiscal Second Quarter 2021 Period Ended September 30, 2020 Operating Highlights:

Key Operating Metrics

Electricity generation during the quarter and six-months ended September 30, 2020 was 769.2 million kWh and 1,653.1 million kWh, respectively, an increase of 159.2 million kWh or 26%, over the quarter ended September 30, 2019, and an increase of 343.1 million kWh, or 26%, over the six months ended September 30, 2019. The increase in electricity generation was principally a result of an additional 116 MWs of DC operating capacity being commissioned since September 30, 2019. Our Plant Load Factor ("PLF") for the quarter and the six months ended September 30, 2020, was 18.8% and 20.8% respectively, compared to 16.8% and 19.0%, respectively, for the same comparable periods in 2019, which increased principally due to the addition of DC capacity and improved performance by our plants.

We commissioned 25 MWs during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 26 MWs (AC) and 28 MWs (DC) during the six months ended September 30, 2020. We continue to expect that the majority of our capacity under construction will be completed before the expected revised commissioning dates, as approved by the respective counterparties.

Project cost per megawatt operating (megawatt capacity per the PPA or AC) consists of costs incurred for one megawatt of new solar power plant capacity during the reporting period. The project cost per megawatt (DC) operating for the six months ended September 30, 2020 decreased by INR 0.6 million (US$ 0.01 million), or 2%, to INR 34.7 million (US$ 0.47 million) primarily due to lower costs on account of the reduction in solar module prices for the projects commissioned during the period. The project cost per megawatt (AC) operating for the six months ended September 30, 2020 was INR 40.4 million (US$ 0.55 million), compared to INR 51.9 million, for the six months ended September 30, 2019, on account of reduction in solar module prices. Excluding the impact of safeguard duties, the DC and the AC costs per megawatt for the six months ended September 30, 2020 would have been lower by approximately INR 1.3 million (US$ 0.02 million) and INR 1.3 million (US$ 0.02 million), respectively, and for the six months ended September 30, 2019, the DC and the AC costs per megawatt would have been lower by approximately INR 2.4 million and INR 3.6 million, respectively.

As of September 30, 2020, our operating and committed megawatts were 7,115 MWs, an increase of 3,745 MWs compared to September 30, 2019. Committed megawatts include 4,000 MWs for which we have received LOAs but the PPAs have not yet been signed. The PPAs for the committed 4,000 MWs with a LOA will follow only after the sale of power is contracted by SECI under a PSA.

Nominal Contracted Payments

Our Power Purchase Agreements ("PPAs") create long-term recurring customer payments. Nominal contracted payments equal the sum of the estimated payments that the customer is likely to make, subject to discounts or rebates, over the remaining term of the PPAs. When calculating nominal contracted payments, we include those PPAs for projects that are operating or committed. Also, we have included LOAs for 4,000 MW wherein the PPA will follow only after the sale of power is contracted by SECI under a PSA.

The following table sets forth, with respect to our PPAs and LOAs as referred above, the aggregate nominal contracted payments and total estimated energy output as of the reporting dates. These nominal contracted payments have not been discounted to arrive at the present value.

Nominal contracted payments as of September 30, 2020 increased as compared to September 30, 2019 as we entered into additional PPAs and LOAs received. Our nominal contracted payments are not impacted for the delays in construction due to COVID-19, as revenues from our PPAs start on the date of commissioning of the project.

Portfolio Revenue Run-Rate

Portfolio revenue run-rate equals annualized payments from customers extrapolated based on the operating and committed capacity as of the reporting dates. In estimating the portfolio revenue run-rate, we multiply the PPA contract or LOA price per kilowatt hour by the estimated annual energy output for all operating and committed solar projects as of the reporting date. The estimated annual energy output of our solar projects is calculated using power generation simulation software and validated by independent engineering firms. The main assumption used in the calculation is the project location, which enables the software to derive the estimated annual energy output from certain meteorological data, including the temperature and solar insolation based on the project location.

The following table sets forth, with respect to our PPAs and LOAs as referred above, the aggregate portfolio revenue run-rate and estimated annual energy output as of the reporting dates. The portfolio revenue run-rate has not been discounted to arrive at the present value.

As of September 30, 2020, our portfolio revenue run-rate was INR 53,591 million (US$ 728.7 million), an increase of INR 28,292 million (US$ 384.7 million) compared to September 30, 2019 as we entered into additional PPAs and LOAs received.

Fiscal Second Quarter 2021 Period ended September 30, 2020 Consolidated Financial Results:

Operating Revenues

Operating revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 was INR 3,504 million (US$ 47.6 million), an increase of 23% from INR 2,847 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2019. This increase was driven by the revenue generated from projects which were commissioned during the quarter ended September 30, 2019 until September 30, 2020 and additional revenue of INR 162 million (US$ 2.2 million) for the recovery of Safe Guard Duties and Goods and Service Tax under the change in law provision of our PPAs for four of our projects.

Cost of Operations (Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization)

Cost of operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 increased by 22% to INR 309 million (US$ 4.2 million) from INR 253 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2019. This increase in the cost of operations was primarily due to an increase in operational expenses from projects commissioned during the quarter ended September 30, 2019 until September 30, 2020.

The cost of operations per megawatt during the quarter ended September 30, 2020 increased marginally to INR 0.17 million (~US$ 2,300), from INR 0.15 million in the same comparable period in 2019 primarily due to an increase in solar park charges on new projects capitalised during previous year.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 was INR 877 million (US$ 11.9 million), an increase of INR 363 million (US$ 4.9 million) compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The higher general and administrative expenses primarily reflected an increase in stock appreciation rights (SARs) expense by INR 492 million (US$ 6.7 million) which accrued in the period and related to the 87% increase in the share price during the quarter. Of the total 1,970,000 SARs allotted, 1,642,500 SAR's cannot be exercised until 2024 and the Company will not incur cash payments for those SAR's until that time. Excluding this, general and administrative expenses would have declined by 25% from the same period a year ago.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses during the quarter ended September 30, 2020 increased by INR 102 million (US$ 1.4 million), or 15%, to INR 773 million (US$ 10.5 million) compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The increase primarily relates to the additional depreciation on capital expenditures from projects commissioned during the quarter ended September 30, 2019 until September 30, 2020.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense during the quarter ended September 30, 2020 was increased by INR 96 million (US$ 1.3 million), or 5%, to INR 2,023 million (US$ 27.5 million) compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The increase was primarily due to additional interest expense (net) of INR 141 million (US$ 1.9 million) related to projects commissioned during the past 12 months, partially offset by lower refinancing charges and an increase in interest income of INR 45 million (US$ 0.6 million) during the quarter ended September 30, 2020, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2019.

Gain/ Loss on Foreign Currency Exchange

The Indian Rupee ("INR") appreciated against the U.S. dollar by INR 1.73 for every US$ 1.00 (or 2%) during the period from June 30, 2020 to September 30, 2020. During the quarter ended September 30, 2020, the Company earned an income on foreign exchange of INR 13 million (US$ 0.2 million) compared to an expense on foreign exchange of INR 215 million, during the quarter ended September 30, 2019. During the current year, the Company refinanced a foreign currency loan of INR 3,099 million (US$ 42.1 million) into an INR denominated loan, which should reduce the volatility of Gain /Loss on Foreign Currency Exchange going forward.

Other Income

Other Income, primarily income from current investments, decreased by INR 4 million (US$ 0.1 million) during the quarter ended September 30, 2020 to INR Nil (US$ Nil) as compared to the same period in 2019.

Income Tax Income/ Expense

Income tax income during the quarter ended September 30, 2020 was INR 97 million (US$ 1.3 million), compared to an income tax expense of INR 27 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The company recognised an INR 178 million (US$ 2.4 million) deferred tax benefit during the quarter ended September 30, 2020 related to higher SARs expenses which was the primary reason for the year on year improvement in the company's tax liability.

Net Loss after Tax

Net loss after tax for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 was INR 368 million (US$ 5.0 million), a reduction of INR 388 million (US$ 5.3 million) compared to a net loss of INR 756 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The net loss was lower due to the absence of a foreign exchange loss of INR 228 million (US$ 3.1 million) in the same quarter a year ago and higher revenues from projects commissioned after September 30, 2019 until September 30, 2020, partially offset by higher general and administrative expenses. The higher general and administrative expenses primarily reflected an increase in stock appreciation rights (SARs) expense by INR 492 million (US$ 6.7 million) which accrued in the period and related to the 87% increase in the share price during the quarter. Of the total 1,970,000 SARs allotted, 1,642,500 SAR's cannot be exercised until 2024 and the Company will not incur cash payments for those SAR's until that time.

Cash Flow and Working Capital

Cash flow from operating activities for the quarter and six months ended September 30, 2020 was INR 2,993 million (US$ 40.7 million) and INR 2,431 million (US$ 33.1 million), respectively, compared to INR 1,522 million and INR 1,063 million, respectively, for the prior comparable period. The cash flow from operating activities was higher primarily on account of additional revenue and better collections of accounts receivables offset by an additional semi-annual payment on bond interest on the new US$ 350 million solar green bond issued in September 2019.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2020, the working capital inflow was INR 1,369 million (US$ 18.7 million), compared to an inflow of INR 950 million, for the quarter ended September 30, 2019, primarily on account of additional revenue and collections from accounts receivables. During the six months ended September 30, 2020, the working capital outflow was INR 866 million (US$ 11.7 million), compared to an outflow of INR 559 million, for the six months ended September 30, 2019 primarily on account of an additional semi-annual payment of interest on bonds reflecting the issuance of a new US$ 350 million solar green bond in September 2019.

The Company's days receivable improved during the current quarter and were 114 days, as of September 30, 2020, as compared to 139 days as of June 30, 2020 on account of higher collections.

Cash used in investing activities for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 was INR 5,315 million (US$ 72.3 million), compared to INR 9,691 million for the comparable period in 2019, primarily due to lower capital expenditures for new solar projects amounting to INR 3,369 million (US$ 45.8 million) and lower investment in mutual funds amounting to INR 993 million (US$ 13.5 million). Cash used in investing activities for the six months ended September 30, 2020 was INR 7,174 million (US$ 97.6 million), compared to INR 15,366 million for the comparable period in 2019, primarily due to lower capital expenditures for new solar projects amounting to INR 7,182 million (US$ 97.7 million) and lower investment in mutual funds amounting to INR 993 million (US$ 13.5 million).

Cash generated from financing activities for the six months ended September 30, 2020 was INR 3,356 million (US$ 45.6 million) compared to INR 29,766 million for the comparable period in 2019, primarily due to net proceeds from the issuance of solar green bonds amounting to US$ 350 million in the month of September 2019 and a lower increase in other borrowings (net of repayments) of INR 3,085 million (US$ 41.9 million) in the current period as compared to an increase in other borrowings (net of repayments) of INR 5,342 million during the six months ended September 30, 2019. Cash generated from financing activities for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 was INR 3,088 million (US$ 42.0 million) compared to INR 19,024 million in the prior comparable period in 2019.

Liquidity Position

As of September 30, 2020, the Company had INR 7,828 million (US$ 106.4 million) of cash, cash equivalents and current investments. The Company had undrawn project debt commitments of INR 22,267 million (US$ 302.8 million) as of September 30, 2020.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-GAAP metric, please refer to the reconciliation of Net Profit/(loss) to Adjusted EBITDA in this document.

Adjusted EBITDA was INR 2,318 million (US$ 31.5 million) for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, compared to INR 2,080 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The increase was primarily due to the increase in revenue during the quarter ended September 30, 2020, partially offset by higher expenses related to general and administrative expenses, including expense of INR 492 million (US$ 6.7 million) related to stock appreciation rights.

Cash Flow to Equity (CFe) for Operating Assets

CFe is a Non-GAAP metric, please refer to the reconciliation of total CFe to GAAP Cash from Operating Activities in this document.

Cash Flow to Equity for Operating Assets was INR 1,066 million (US$ 14.5 million) for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, an increase of 50% compared to INR 713 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2019. The increase in Cash Flow to Equity for Operating Assets was primarily driven by higher revenues from the completion of new projects during the previous 12 months and higher EBITDA margins during the period due to lower expenses.

COVID-19 Update

We are continuously monitoring the COVID-19 situation and taking the requisite steps to address the situation. Our construction activities are gradually increasing to normal levels; however, they have still not reached the pre-COVID-19 or planned level. However, we expect our projects to get commissioned within the expected revised commissioning deadlines, as extended by respective counter parties and within the original budgeted cost. The Company has further applied to the Indian regulatory authorities seeking extension of commissioning deadlines for certain of our projects. Our operational and maintenance activities continue to perform at near normal levels. The extension of schedule COD's for projects under construction has had some impact on our fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 revenue guidance.

Other matters

During the quarter, the Company has received a demand cum show cause notice from the service tax department for demand of INR 110 million (US$ 1.5 million) in September 2020 in respect of levy of GST liability on certain activities, including certain input disallowances. The Company is in the process of contesting the demand and has appointed external counsel to file replies against the order on said matter.

During the current quarter, the Company received favourable orders from Appellate Authority in respect of ongoing legal proceedings in Karnataka 4 (40 MW). The DISCOM has been directed to pay overdue invoices within defined timeliness amid COVID 19. The Company has received INR 139 million (US$ 1.9 million) from the DISCOM following the favourable orders.

Guidance for Fiscal Year 2021

The following statements are based on our current expectations. These statements are forward-looking and actual results may differ materially. For fiscal year ending March 31, 2021, we now expect MWs operational between 2,300 – 2,500. The extension of schedule COD's  for projects under construction has had some impact on our fiscal year ended March 31, 2021 revenue guidance, and we now expect revenues of between INR 15,300 – 15,800 million (or US$ 208– 215 million at the September 30, 2020 converted at exchange rate of INR 73.54 to US$ 1.00).

For the third fiscal quarter of 2021, we expect revenues of between INR 3,600 – INR 3,800 million (or US$ 48.9 – US$ 51.7 million at the September 30, 2020 exchange rate of INR 73.54 to US$ 1.00) and a PLF of between 19.5% and 20.5%.

Webcast and Conference Call Information

The Company will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss earnings results on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time. The conference call can be accessed live by dialing +1-866-746-2133 (in the U.S.) and +91-22-6280-1444 (outside the U.S.) and reference the Azure Power Fiscal Second Quarter 2021 Earnings Conference Call.

Investors may access a live webcast of this conference call by visiting http://investors.azurepower.com/events-and-presentations. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, an archived podcast will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call at http://investors.azurepower.com/events-and-presentations.

Exchange Rates

This press release contains translations of certain Indian rupee amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, the translation of Indian rupees into U.S. dollars has been made at INR 73.54 to US$1.00, which is the noon buying rate in New York City for cable transfer in non-U.S. currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on September 30, 2020. The Company makes no representation that the Indian rupee or U.S. dollar amounts referred to in this press release could have been converted into U.S. dollars or Indian rupees, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

About Azure Power Global Limited

Azure Power is a leading independent solar power producer in India. Azure Power developed India's first private utility scale solar project in 2009 and has been at the forefront in the sector as a developer, constructor and operator of utility scale, micro-grid and rooftop solar projects since its inception in 2008. With its in-house engineering, procurement and construction expertise and advanced in-house operations and maintenance capability, Azure Power manages the entire development and operation process, providing low-cost solar power solutions to customers throughout India.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company's future financial and operating guidance, operational and financial results such as estimates of nominal contracted payments remaining and portfolio run rate, and the assumptions related to the calculation of the foregoing metrics. The risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include: the availability of additional financing on acceptable terms; changes in the commercial and retail prices of traditional utility generated electricity; changes in tariffs at which long term PPAs are entered into; changes in policies and regulations including net metering and interconnection limits or caps; the availability of rebates, tax credits and other incentives; the availability of solar panels and other raw materials; its limited operating history, particularly as a relatively new public Company; its ability to attract and retain its relationships with third parties, including its solar partners; the Company's ability to meet the covenants in its debt facilities; meteorological conditions; issues related to the corona virus; supply disruptions; solar power curtailments by state electricity authorities and such other risks identified in the registration statements and reports that the Company has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, from time to time. Portfolio represents the aggregate megawatts capacity of solar power plants pursuant to PPAs, signed or allotted or has received the LOA. There is no assurance that we will be able to sign a PPA even though we have a letter of award. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company presents Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure of its performance. This measurement is not recognized in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be viewed as an alternative to U.S. GAAP measures of performance. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that the Company's future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net loss (income) plus (a) income tax expense, (b) interest expense, net, (c) depreciation and amortization and (d) loss (income) on foreign currency exchange, net (e) Other income/ mutual fund income. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in assessing the Company's ongoing financial performance and provides improved comparability between periods through the exclusion of certain items that management believes are not indicative of the Company's operational profitability and that may obscure underlying business results and trends. However, this measure should not be considered in isolation or viewed as a substitute for net income or other measures of performance determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Moreover, Adjusted EBITDA as used herein is not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies due to potential inconsistencies in the methods of calculation.

The Company's management believes this measure is useful to compare general operating performance from period to period and to make certain related management decisions. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by securities analysts, lenders and others in their evaluation of different companies because it excludes certain items that can vary widely across different industries or among companies within the same industry. For example, interest expense can be highly dependent on a Company's capital structure, debt levels and credit ratings. Therefore, the impact of interest expense on earnings can vary significantly among companies. In addition, the tax positions of companies can vary because of their differing abilities to take advantage of tax benefits and because of the tax policies of the various jurisdictions in which they operate. As a result, effective tax rates and tax expense can vary considerably among companies.

Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations include:

Investors are encouraged to evaluate each adjustment and the reasons the Company considers it appropriate for supplemental analysis. For more information, please see the Reconciliations of Net Profit/(loss) to Adjusted EBITDA in this document.

Cash Flow to Equity (CFe)

Cash Flows to Equity is a Non-GAAP financial measure. We present CFe as a supplemental measure of our performance. This measurement is not recognized in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be viewed as an alternative to U.S. GAAP measures of performance. The presentation of CFe should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

We believe GAAP metrics, such as net income (loss) and cash from operating activities, do not provide the same level of visibility into the performance and prospects of our operating business as a result of the long term capital-intensive nature of our businesses, non-cash depreciation and amortization, cash used for debt servicing as well as investments and costs related to the growth of our business.

Our business owns high-value, long-lived assets capable of generating substantial Cash Flows to Equity over time. We define CFe as profit before tax (the most comparable GAAP metric), adjusted for net cash provided for/ used in operating activities, other than changes in operating assets and liabilities, income and deferred taxes and amortization of hedging costs; less: cash paid for income taxes, debt amortization and maintenance capital expenditure.

We believe that changes in operating assets and liabilities is cyclical for cash flow generation of our assets, due to high growth environment. Furthermore, to reflect the actual cash outflows for income tax, we deduct income and deferred taxes computed under US GAAP presented in our consolidated financial statements and instead include the actual cash tax outflow during the period, are considered as part of tax expense.

We believe that external consumers of our financial statements, including investors and research analysts, use Cash Flows to Equity both to assess Azure Power's performance and as an indicator of its success in generating an attractive risk-adjusted total return, assess the value of the business and the platform. This has been a widely used metric by analysts to value our business, and hence we believe this will better help potential investors in analysing the cash generation from our operating assets.

We have disclosed CFe for our operational assets on a consolidated basis, which is not the Cash from Operations of the Company on a consolidated basis. We believe CFe supplements GAAP results to provide a more complete understanding of the financial and operating performance of our businesses than would not otherwise be achieved using GAAP results alone. CFe should be used as a supplemental measure and not in lieu of our financial results reported under GAAP.

We have also bifurcated the CFe into Operational Assets and Others, as defined below, so that users of our financial statements are able to understand the Cash generation from our operational assets.

We define our Operational Assets, as the Projects which had commenced operations on or before September 30, 2020. The operational assets represent the MW operating as on the date.

We define Others as the project SPV's which are under construction, or under development, Corporate which includes our three Mauritius entities, the other than projects covered under operational assets, as well as a Company incorporated in the U.S.A. and other remaining entities under the group.

We define debt amortisation as the current portion of long-term debt which has been repaid during the period as part of debt repayment obligations, excluding the debt which has been repaid before maturity or refinanced. It does not include the amortisation of debt financing costs or interest paid during the period.

Other items from the Statement of Cash Flows include most of the items that reconcile "Net (loss) gain" and "Changes in operating assets and liabilities" from the Statement of Cash Flows, other than deferred taxes, non-cash employee benefit and amortization of hedging costs.

Investor Relation Contacts:

For investor enquiries, please contact Nathan Judge, CFA at ir@azurepower.com. For media related information, please contact Samitla Subba at pr@azurepower.com.

AZURE POWER GLOBAL LIMITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(INR and US$ amounts in millions, except share and par value data)

AZURE POWER GLOBAL LIMITED
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(INR and US$ amounts in millions, except share and per share data)

AZURE POWER GLOBAL LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(INR and US$ amounts in millions)

AZURE POWER GLOBAL LIMITED
Unaudited NON-GAAP metrices
(INR and US$ amounts in millions)

CASH FLOWS TO EQUITY (CFe)