Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Drax describes strong first quarter performance

(Sharecast News) - Drax Group reported strong system support and generation performance in a first-quarter update on Thursday, with its expectations for full-year adjusted EBITDA remaining in line with analysts' consensus estimates. The FTSE 250 company said it had taken steps to further extend its maturity profile with new balance sheet facilities.

That included £408m of term loans with three to five-year maturities and a €350m five-year bond extending to 2029.

Moreover, there had been the repayment of 2025 bonds and a notice of redemption issued for the $500m 2025 bond.

Additionally, Drax initiated a tender process for the repurchase of a €250m 2025 bond.

In terms of shareholder returns, a final dividend of 13.9p per share had been proposed, pending shareholder approval at the annual general meeting.

The final dividend, along with previous payments, brought the total dividend for 2023 to 23.1p per share, up from 21p per share in 2022.

"We continue to deliver a strong system support and generation performance, providing dispatchable, renewable power for millions of homes and businesses," said chief executive officer Will Gardiner.

"We are excited about the opportunity to deliver BECCS at Drax Power Station, the country's largest source of 24/7 renewable power by output.

"With a bridging mechanism and the right support from Government, our BECCS plans could help the UK meet its net zero targets and continue to support the country's long-term energy security, while creating thousands of new jobs across the region."

Gardiner said BECCS could also help deliver the global energy transition and, through the company's new global BECCS business, he said Drax was continuing to develop options for projects in North America.

"These could provide long-term, large-scale carbon removals and attractive opportunities for growth as part of a potential trillion-dollar global carbon removals market."

At 0852 BST, shares in Drax Group were up 2.04% at 524p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Lexington Gold upbeat on assay results from Jennings-Pioneer project
(Sharecast News) - Explorer and developer Lexington Gold announced positive assay results from its recent drilling programme at the Jennings-Pioneer Project in South Carolina on Monday.
Fulcrum kicks off phased test programme at Sylvanite project
(Sharecast News) - Canada-focussed mineral exploration and development company Fulcrum Metals announced the start of a phased sampling, testing, and study programme at its Sylvanite Gold Tailings project in the Kirkland Lake area of Ontario on Monday.
Mind Gym confident despite swinging to losses
(Sharecast News) - Mind Gym reported on a challenging year in which it swung to losses on Monday, while also outlining a new strategy aimed at medium-term growth and profitability.
NY Empire State manufacturing index contracts again
(Sharecast News) - Manufacturing activity in the state of New York weakened again in June, according to a survey released on Monday.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.