SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust — Robust performance in H125

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust (LSE: SEIT)

Last close As at 25/12/2024

GBP0.55

0.40 (0.74%)

Market capitalisation

GBP595m

More on this equity

Research: Investment Companies

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust — Robust performance in H125

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust (SEEIT) reported robust H125 results. Its net asset value (NAV) increased marginally to 90.6p (90.5p at 31 March 2024), demonstrating resilience and stability despite the challenging market conditions. NAV was positively affected by portfolio valuation changes, but offset by FX movements. SEEIT paid a dividend of 3.16p in the six-month period (31 March to 30 September), 1.1x covered by cash inflows. Management also stated that the company is on track to deliver its FY25 dividend target of 6.32p (while maintaining its fully covered status). Based on the current share price, SEEIT offers a c 12% dividend yield and trades at a significant discount to NAV of c 43%.

Written by

Harry Kilby

Analyst

Investment Companies

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust

Robust performance in H125

Investment trusts
Renewable energy infrastructure

5 December 2024

Price

51.90p

Market cap

£563m

AUM

£1,102m

NAV/share*

90.6p

Discount to NAV
*Including income. As at 30 September 2024.

43%

Dividend yield

12.2%

Ordinary shares in issue

1,085m

Code/ISN

SEIT/GB00BGHVZM47

AIC sector

Renewable Energy Infrastructure

52-week high/low

69.5p

51.8p

NAV high/low
(including income)

101.5p

90.5p

Total gearing*

35%

*% of enterprise value. As at 30 September 2024.

Fund objective

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust’s objective is to generate an attractive total return for investors, comprising a stable dividend income and capital preservation, with the opportunity for capital growth.

Bull

SEEIT provides a high dividend yield while trading at a significant discount to NAV, offering a total-return focus and an attractive entry position.

A progressive dividend, which has been significantly covered since inception.

Further scope for operation and efficiency gains within its portfolio, adding accretive value.

Bear

Coming out of a prolonged period of high inflation and interest rates, but there is still uncertainty within the economic and geopolitical environment.

Counterparty risk (although SEEIT is well diversified).

A relative negative investor sentiment remains towards the renewable energy infrastructure investment trust sector.

Analysts

Harry Kilby

+44 (0)20 3077 5724

Andrew Keen

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust (SEEIT) reported robust H125 results. Its net asset value (NAV) increased marginally to 90.6p (90.5p at 31 March 2024), demonstrating resilience and stability despite the challenging market conditions. NAV was positively affected by portfolio valuation changes, but offset by FX movements. SEEIT paid a dividend of 3.16p in the six-month period (31 March to 30 September), 1.1x covered by cash inflows. Management also stated that the company is on track to deliver its FY25 dividend target of 6.32p (while maintaining its fully covered status). Based on the current share price, SEEIT offers a c 12% dividend yield and trades at a significant discount to NAV of c 43%.

Year
end

NAV
(£m)

NAV per share
(p)

DPS
(p)

Dividend cover
(x)

03/20

323.5

101.0

5.00

1.5

03/21

694.0

102.5

5.50

1.2

03/22

1,073.0

108.4

5.62

1.2

03/23

1,125.0

101.5

6.00

1.2

03/24

982.0

90.5

6.24

1.1

Source: SEEIT

The cash inflow from SEEIT’s portfolio increased by c 2.1% y-o-y to £48m, with distributions underpinned by a solid operational performance and aggregate EBITDA broadly in line with management’s budget. The weighted average discount rate applied to the portfolio remained constant at 9.4%, with the impact of reductions in the risk-free rate absorbed through increases in the risk premium.

SEEIT has invested c £100m through organic investments since March 2024, primarily into Onyx and EVN. This highlights SEEIT’s continued proactive approach to progress the construction of accretive investment opportunities, positioning the company’s portfolio for greater total return growth. Funded through the company’s revolving credit facility (RCF), these investments were subject to its disciplined capital allocation policy, which demands that all capital distributions meet a minimum threshold at the time of investment. SEEIT is also increasing its focus on reducing short-term borrowings, aiming to cut its RCF to £100–150m by the end of calendar 2025 (£165m drawn at 30 September 2024). Management continues to look at potential full or partial asset disposals, enabling the recycling of capital, following the successful sale of UU Solar in May 2024, from which the £90m proceeds were used to pay down its RCF to below £100m. Management also stated the potential for future share buybacks, using the proceeds from prospective disposals to enhance the company’s NAV and return capital to shareholders.

SEEIT’s significant discount to NAV (c 43%) seems unjust in our opinion, given its large and diversified portfolio mix, positive inflation correlation, strong balance sheet with low gearing relative to peers (35% of enterprise value), progressive fully covered dividend (1.1x covered by cash inflows from the portfolio at H125), which yields c 12%, and its long-dated average weighted contract value of c 16 years with high-quality counterparties. SEEIT therefore presents an attractive entry point for investors into the renewable energy infrastructure investment trust sector.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2024 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2024 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

More on SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust

View All

Latest from the Investment Companies sector

View All Investment Companies content

Research: Industrials

Severfield — Short-term issues cloud long-term outlook

Severfield remains the leading UK structural steel fabricator, with a strong presence in Northern Europe and an Indian joint venture. However, news that it is required to remediate 12 bridge structures and that its underlying markets are showing signs of short-term weakness have resulted in a downgrade to profit estimates and a material share price correction. We believe the markets will recover in time and that there is potential for third-party cost recoveries relating to the bridge issues, but resolution of either is not likely to be imminent. That said, the stock trades on a low FY26e P/E.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free