Fintech PR
EQT AB (publ) Half-year report 2023
STOCKHOLM, July 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ —
Executing on fundraising, investments and performance in a challenging market
“The first half of 2023 has been all about execution. Having completed the combination with BPEA, EQT entered the year focused on maximizing the potential of our global active ownership platform. Whilst we are faced with continued market uncertainties and a slower fundraising market, EQT has seized investment opportunities globally and secured strong client commitments to our latest generation of flagship funds. We have also executed on our long-term ambition to offer strategies for individual investors.”
Christian Sinding,
CEO and Managing Partner
Highlights for the period Jan-Jun 2023 (Jan-Jun 2022)
Financial
- Adjusted total revenue amounted to EUR 1,019m (EUR 733m), an increase of 39%. Total revenue (according to IFRS) was EUR 1,006m (EUR 733m). Management fees increased by 63%, which was partly offset by a decrease in carried interest
- Adjusted EBITDA amounted to EUR 555m (EUR 413m), corresponding to a margin of 54% (56%). EBITDA (according to IFRS) was EUR 296m (EUR 332m), corresponding to a margin of 29% (45%)
- Adjusted net income amounted to EUR 450m (EUR 363m). Net income (according to IFRS) was EUR 11m (EUR 234m)
- Adjusted basic earnings per share amounted to EUR 0.379 (EUR 0.366). Adjusted diluted earnings per share amounted to EUR 0.379 (EUR 0.366). Reported basic earnings per share amounted to EUR 0.010 (EUR 0.236). Diluted earnings per share amounted to EUR 0.010 (EUR 0.236)
- Net debt amounted to EUR 1,504m (EUR 57m)
Strategic
- EQT launched its first semi-liquid strategy, EQT Nexus, providing access for individuals to a diversified portfolio of EQT’s funds
- Work to integrate and optimize synergies with BPEA, including the alignment of investment teams and processes, was substantially completed
Fundraising
- FAUM increased to EUR 126bn (EUR 77bn). Total AUM1 was EUR 224bn
- EQT Exeter Industrial Value Fund VI held its final close at USD 4.9bn of fee-generating commitments, exceeding its target size of USD 4.0bn
- EQT Infrastructure VI, which has a target fund size of EUR 20.0bn, was activated in December 2022. The fund completed its first close, with fee-generating commitments of approximately EUR 11bn to date (July 14). A significant majority of the fund is expected to be raised in 2023, with fundraising set to continue well into 2024. The fund is expected to meet its target fund size
- Fundraising continued for EQT X with fee-generating commitments of more than EUR 18bn to date (July 14). The target fund size is EUR 20.0bn. Fundraising is expected to be materially completed during the summer, with additional time provided for certain commitments, including private wealth platforms. The fund is expected to meet its target fund size
- Fundraising continued for EQT Future, EQT Exeter US Multifamily Value II, EQT Exeter Europe Logistics Core-Plus II and EQT Active Core Infrastructure, with fundraisings generally taking longer in the current fundraising environment
Investment and exit activity2
- Total investments by the EQT funds during the period amounted to EUR 11bn (EUR 5bn), as EQT increased the pace of thematic investments, primarily in Infrastructure
- Signed investments include Radius Global Infrastructure and Tion Renewables (EQT Active Core Infrastructure), LazerLogistics and SK Shieldus (EQT Infrastructure VI), IntegrityNext and GotPhoto (EQT Growth), Dechra Pharmaceuticals (EQT X), IMG Academy and HDFC Credila (BPEA VIII), and Wind Tre (EQT Infrastructure VI)
- Total gross fund exits announced during the period amounted to EUR 4bn (EUR 4bn)
- Signed exits include the full exit of Vistra (BPEA V and BPEA VI) following its merger with Tricor (BPEA VIII), Blume (EQT Infrastructure II and EQT Infrastructure III), VBill (EQT Mid Market Asia III), a partial selldown in Coforge (BPEA VII), a partial selldown in Beijer Ref (EQT IX), the IPO of Kodiak Gas Services (EQT Infrastructure III and EQT Infrastructure IV), kfzteile24 (EQT Mid Market fund), BBS Automation (EQT Mid Market Europe and EQT Mid Market Asia III), and Ellab (EQT Mid Market Europe)
Investment performance
- All key funds continued to perform On plan or Above plan
- Fund valuations were for the most part flat, underpinned by continued underlying operational performance, and fairly stable public market valuation benchmarks
People and future-proofing
- The number of full-time equivalent employees and on-site consultants (FTE+) amounted to 1,814 (1,471), of which 1,716 (1,356) were FTEs. The increase relates primarily to the combination with BPEA in the second half of 2022, whilst EQT maintains a restrictive approach to new hires
- Suzanne Donohoe joined EQT in January as Chief Commercial Officer (“CXO”) to lead a newly-formed platform to drive EQT’s external commercial activities. In addition to Capital Raising & Client Relations, the new platform (“EQT-Ext”) includes EQT’s Sustainability, Business Development, and Communications efforts
- EQT further strengthened its investment organization with senior talent including Francesco Starace, former CEO and General Manager of Enel, joining EQT as a Partner within the EQT Infrastructure Advisory Team, bringing deep experience and expertise in energy and energy transition related industries
- EQT opened an office in Seoul, South Korea, and EQT Infrastructure made its first investment in South Korea with SK Shieldus
- As of the end of the period, 21 portfolio companies had validated their science-based targets, and additionally, 32 had started the process to set their own science-based targets
- EQT published its Net Zero Guidelines and set the target that 100% of the EQT funds’ portfolio investments3 should be on track to deliver on their own net-zero pathways by 2040
Other
- EQT intends to initiate share buyback programs twice a year, corresponding approximately to the expected number of shares to be delivered under its equity- and option incentive programs
- EQT’s Global Capital Markets team has put in place a structure for equity capital market services, similar to its already established practice of providing debt underwriting, in equity and notes offerings related to EQT and its portfolio companies
- The EQT Public Value Fund (PVF, with FAUM of EUR 0.6bn) has decided to transition into a value creation and realization focus, effectively moving into a closed-end structure. This means the fund will discontinue further fundraising and return proceeds to clients as value is realized. There is no limit on PVF’s ability to support with additional capital and no outer time-limit for PVF’s commitment to its portfolio companies.
Events after the reporting period
- Investment levels in EQT key funds as of 14 July 2023, were 20-25% in EQT X, 15-20% in EQT Infrastructure VI and 25-30% in BPEA VIII
1) Total AUM is defined as the sum of fee-generating AUM, value appreciation of investments and fair market value of non-fee-generating co-investments as well as remaining commitments in active funds and committed capital yet to be fee-generating
2) Signed transactions, if not otherwise mentioned
3) Excluding EQT Ventures, EQT Life Sciences and managed accounts
Presentation of EQT AB’s Half-year report 2023
Financial analysts and media are invited to participate in a conference call, including a presentation at 08:30 CEST.
The presentation and a link to follow the webcast and conference call live can be found here and a recording will be available afterwards.
To participate by phone, please register here. You will then receive your personal dial-in details, to be able to ask questions during the Q&A.
Information on EQT AB’s financial reporting
The EQT AB Group has a long-term business model founded on a promise to its fund investors to invest capital, drive value creation and create consistent attractive returns over a 5 to 10-year horizon. The Group’s financial model is primarily affected by the size of its fee-generating assets under management, the performance of the EQT funds and its ability to recruit and retain top talent.
The Group operates in a market driven by long-term trends and thus believes quarterly financial statements are less relevant for investors. However, in order to provide the market with relevant and suitable information about the Group’s development, EQT publishes quarterly announcements with key operating numbers that are relevant for the business performance (taking Nasdaq’s guidance note for preparing interim management statements into consideration). In addition, a half-year report and a year-end report including financial statements and further information relevant for investors is published. Finally, EQT also publishes an annual report including sustainability reporting.
Contact
Olof Svensson, Head of Shareholder Relations, +46 72 989 09 15
EQT Shareholder Relations, [email protected]
Rickard Buch, Managing Director, Communications, +46 72 989 09 11
EQT Press Office, [email protected] , +46 8 506 55 334
This is information that EQT AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 07:00 CEST on 14 July 2023.
The following files are available for download:
EQT AB Half-Year Report 2023 |
|
EQT |
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/eqt-ab-publ-half-year-report-2023-301877310.html
Fintech PR
GCL Energy Technology and Ant Digital Technologies Launch First Blockchain-Based RWA Project in Photovoltaic Industry
SUZHOU, China, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — GCL Energy Technology Co., Ltd., a leader in the clean energy sector, and Ant Digital Technologies, a pioneer in digital technology services and blockchain technology, have achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the first-ever Real World Asset Tokenization (RWA) issuance in China’s photovoltaic industry, securing 200 million yuan in cross-border financing. The groundbreaking initiative on December 23 not only injects substantial new capital into GCL Energy Technology’s ambitious growth plans but also establishes a novel financing model for Chinese photovoltaic companies seeking to fund green projects internationally.
RWA represents a transformative approach to asset management, where physical assets are digitized as tokens on the blockchain, enhancing liquidity and market accessibility. For this inaugural issuance, GCL Energy Technology has tokenized two strategically significant solar power plants in Hunan and Hubei, with a combined capacity of approximately 82MW, to spearhead this new financing frontier.
As the core entity of China’s largest private power conglomerate, GCL (Group) Holdings Co., Ltd., GCL Energy Technology is at the forefront of integrating clean energy production with comprehensive energy services and advanced digital operations. The company has significantly expanded its renewable energy footprint, with its total installed capacity reaching 5976.36 megawatts as of September 30, 2024, and renewable sources constituting 57.81% of this capacity. Notably, under the GCL SUN brand, residential photovoltaic installations have surged to 1105.89 megawatts across more than 36,500 households, demonstrating robust growth.
This RWA initiative is a cornerstone in GCL Energy Technology’s strategy to harness data for asset valorization, involving around 3000 residential photovoltaic systems. By integrating cutting-edge artificial intelligence, blockchain, and IoT technologies, the project packages and stores operational and revenue data on the blockchain. This dual-chain and one-bridge architecture has garnered strong backing from prominent global investors, reinforcing RWA’s role as a pivotal green finance tool that underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable development and transparency.
The move not only bolsters GCL Energy Technology’s global ESG credentials but also strengthens its position in the international market, aligning investor interests with the burgeoning demand for environmentally responsible, low-carbon investments. Looking ahead, GCL Energy Technology remains dedicated to leading the charge in renewable energy, with a strategic focus on leveraging data to drive innovation across the sector and foster a transparent, effective ESG ecosystem.
During the issuance event, Ant Digital Technologies emphasized that industries are increasingly adopting renewable energy and sustainable assets to drive sustainable growth, and its partnership with GCL Energy Technology aims to better support this trend. Leveraging blockchain and smart contract technologies, the collaboration has dramatically improved the transparency and efficiency of asset management, operations, and transactions, while also reducing costs associated with these activities. The strategic alliance is a response to the growing market demand in the photovoltaic sector, bringing substantial practical benefits to the real economy and demonstrating the scalability of these advanced technologies.
At the same event, strategic ties were further cemented with a comprehensive partnership agreement signed with Ant Digital Technologies in Suzhou. The partnership will broaden to include joint construction, acquisition, and securitization of new energy assets, covering distributed, commercial, industrial, and residential photovoltaic power stations.
In addition, both parties will collaborate to develop AI large model applications for various scenarios including new energy generation forecasting, energy management optimization, and intelligent operations, driving the industry’s move towards enhanced intelligence and sustainability.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2586830/1.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2586835/GCLET_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gcl-energy-technology-and-ant-digital-technologies-launch-first-blockchain-based-rwa-project-in-photovoltaic-industry-302338353.html
Fintech PR
FXCess CFD Broker Now Empowers Partners with up to $5,000 Monthly Earning Opportunity via Referrals
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — FXCess CFD broker, a leading brand in the trading landscape, has introduced a new opportunity for its partners. The IB Reward program is a recently launched initiative that pays participants up to $5,000 per month for referring active traders. Unlike other income opportunities, this program involves zero risk, which makes it a perfect option for partners who want to maximize their financial potential.
“We are genuinely excited to bring this opportunity to our partners. The IB Reward Program is designed with simplicity and high returns in mind,” stated Thomas Pavlatos, the spokesperson for FXCess. “Participants will be able to earn substantial monthly rewards by referring new traders to our platform while enjoying the thrill of a risk-free earning process. This showcases our efforts to help our clients achieve consistent financial success.”
A Structure That Rewards Effort and Success
The FXCess CFD broker offers a Reward Program that is structured into five unique tiers. Starting at the Bronze level, partners can earn $450 if their network meets a net deposit of $10,000 and 100 traded lots in a month. Rewards grow progressively on Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers, and reach the Master level with a maximum of $5,000 earnings for $150,000 net deposits and 1,250 traded lots. The eligibility is checked at the end of every qualifying month to make sure the participants get their due rewards for fluffing the criteria.
“Our Reward Program is more than a simple referral initiative. It is a reflection of our commitment to providing high-value benefits that align with the needs of our partners,” Pavlatos added. “With no risk of loss and the potential to earn up to $5,000 every month, this program sets a new standard in rewards. Moving forward, we remain dedicated to introducing further innovative programs for all of our valued partners.”
About FXCess
FXCess CFD broker is a trusted name for traders worldwide. The company offers over 300 trading instruments, from forex pairs to futures, for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Moreover, they provide competitive trade conditions, multiple account options, and solid customer support so that every client is served with the best services. Supported by advanced platforms like MT4 and PMAM, FXCess CFD broker delivers trading excellence with a focus on transparency and trust.
FXCess is a trade name of Notesco Int Limited; a company incorporated in Anguilla with registration number A000001800 and registered address The Valley, AI2640, Cosely Drive, 1338, AI.
All trading involves risk. It is possible to lose all your capital.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fxcess-cfd-broker-now-empowers-partners-with-up-to-5-000-monthly-earning-opportunity-via-referrals-302338245.html
Fintech PR
Smartkem Closes $7.65 Million Offering
MANCHESTER, England, Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Smartkem (Nasdaq: SMTK), which is seeking to change the world of electronics using its disruptive organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs), announced it has completed its previously announced concurrent public and private offerings of its securities, including shares of its common stock and common stock equivalents, for an aggregate total gross proceeds of $7.65 million.
Smartkem issued 1,449,997 registered shares of common stock and unregistered Class D warrants to purchase up to 1,449,997 shares of common stock to investors in concurrent public and private offerings at a price of $3.00 per share and related Class D warrant. Each investor received one Class D warrant for each share purchased in the public offering.
Pursuant to the separate concurrent private placement, the Company sold to certain institutional investors, including existing investors in the Company, 169,784 unregistered shares of common stock, unregistered pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 930,215 shares of common stock and unregistered Class D warrants to purchase up to 1,099,999 shares of common stock at a price of $3.00 per share and related Class D warrant and a price of $2.9999 per pre-funded warrant and related Class D warrant. Each investor received one Class D warrant for each share of common stock or pre- funded warrant purchased in the offering.
The Class D warrants are immediately exercisable at an exercise price of $3.00 per share and expire on December 31, 2025. The pre-funded warrants are immediately exercisable at an exercise price of $0.0001 per share and may be exercised at any time until all of the pre-funded warrants have been exercised in full.
The gross proceeds of the offerings described above were $7.65 million before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offerings for working capital and general corporate purposes.
Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC acted as the Company’s exclusive placement agent for the offerings.
In connection with the offerings described above, the Company has entered into a registration rights offering pursuant to which it has agreed to register the shares of common stock issued in the private placement, the shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Class D warrants and the pre-funded warrants sold in the offerings and certain other securities for resale by the holders thereof no later than the earlier of (i) the 10th day after the filing of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 or (ii) April 25, 2025.
The sale of the registered shares of common stock was made pursuant to Smartkem’s effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (file no. 333- 281608), including a base prospectus, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and declared effective by the SEC on August 22, 2024 and a prospectus supplement dated December 18, 2024 filed with the SEC. Copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may be obtained from Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC, Attention: Equity Capital Markets, 222 South Ninth Street, Suite 350, Minneapolis, MN 55402, by telephone at (612) 334-6300 or by email at [email protected]. Alternatively, copies of the prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may be obtained for free at the SEC’s EDGAR website at www.sec.gov.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any Smartkem securities.
About Smartkem
Smartkem is seeking to reshape the world of electronics with its disruptive organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) that have the potential to revolutionize the display industry. Smartkem’s patented TRUFLEX® liquid semiconductor polymers can be used to make a new type of transistor that can be used in a number of display technologies, including next generation microLED displays. Smartkem’s organic inks enable low temperature printing processes that are compatible with existing manufacturing infrastructure to deliver low-cost displays that outperform existing technology.
Smartkem develops its materials at its research and development facility in Manchester, UK and provides prototyping services at the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) at Sedgefield, UK. It has a field application office in Taiwan. The company has an extensive IP portfolio including 138 granted patents across 18 patent families, 16 pending patents and 40 codified trade secrets.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements, including, among other things, the expected use of proceeds received from the offerings. These statements are not historical facts but rather are based on Smartkem Inc.’s current expectations, estimates, and projections regarding its business, operations and other similar or related factors. Words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “believe,” “estimate,” and other similar or related expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult or impossible to predict and, in some cases, beyond the Company’s control. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update information in this release to reflect events or circumstances in the future, even if new information becomes available.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/smartkem-closes-7-65-million-offering-302337973.html
-
Fintech7 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Synapse, Shenzhen Institute, Visa, AutomatIQ, MeridianLink)
-
Fintech6 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Revolut, Bestow, Advyzon, Tyme Group, Nubank)
-
Fintech4 days ago
Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Chime, ZBD, MiCA)
-
Fintech6 days ago
Asian Financial Forum returns as region’s first major international financial assembly in 2025
-
Fintech PR3 days ago
According to Tickmill survey, 3 in 10 Britons in economic difficulty: Purchasing power down 41% since 2004
-
Fintech PR3 days ago
President Emmerson Mnangagwa met this week with Zambia’s former Vice President and Special Envoy Enoch Kavindele to discuss SADC’s candidate for the AfDB
-
Fintech4 days ago
Airtm Enhances Its Board of Directors with Two Strategic Appointments
-
Fintech4 days ago
SPAYZ.io prepares for iFX EXPO Dubai 2025