Gold prices hold sharp gains as soft US jobs data fuels Fed rate cut bets
Introduction & Market Context
Aker Horizons AS (OB:AKH) presented its first quarter 2025 results on May 8, 2025, highlighting a substantial dividend from Aker Carbon Capture that strengthened the company’s liquidity position despite operational challenges across its renewable energy portfolio. The company’s stock closed at NOK 1.33 on May 7, down 1.48% ahead of the results announcement, reflecting ongoing investor caution about the company’s financial performance.
Quarterly Performance Highlights
Aker Horizons reported consolidated operating revenues of NOK 643 million for Q1 2025, a slight increase from NOK 639 million in the previous quarter. However, operating expenses rose to NOK 804 million from NOK 727 million, resulting in a negative EBITDA of NOK 161 million compared to negative NOK 88 million in Q4 2024. The company’s net loss widened to NOK 656 million from NOK 575 million in the previous quarter.
The most significant positive development was a substantial dividend from Aker Carbon Capture, with NOK 1.26 billion received in March and NOK 0.26 billion expected in May. This dividend significantly bolstered Aker Horizons’ liquidity position, which stood at NOK 9.76 billion in cash and undrawn revolving credit facilities at the end of the quarter.
As shown in the following financial summary:
Strategic Initiatives
Mainstream Renewable Power (MRP), a key Aker Horizons asset, completed a strategic refinancing to secure funding for growth in its core markets of South Africa and Asia-Pacific. The company is advancing three projects with a combined capacity of 350 MW toward financial close in South Africa within the next 18 months, while divesting its Colombia portfolio totaling 675 MW to local developer Celsia.
MRP appointed Morten Henriksen as its new CEO in April, signaling a fresh leadership approach as the company continues to review the commercial viability of its offshore wind portfolio. The company’s Andes Renovables platform in Chile, with 1.0 GW fully operational, saw its commercial margin affected by a blackout on February 25th, though quarterly results ended broadly in line with targets.
The following chart illustrates MRP’s Andes commercial margin performance:
MRP’s construction projects are progressing with varying timelines. A 97.5 MW solar PV Corporate PPA project is targeting commercial operation by the end of Q2 2025, while the 50 MW Ilikwa solar project is expected to be operational in the first half of 2026. The 109 MW Ckhúri onshore wind project has experienced delays, with commercial operation now targeted for the second half of 2025.
Forward-Looking Statements
Aker Horizons is diversifying its portfolio beyond traditional renewable energy assets. The company is exploring the potential for data centers with Nordkraft in northern Norway, leveraging its "Powered Land" strategy that capitalizes on sites with significantly lower power prices compared to other European markets.
The company’s Kvandal site is particularly promising for data center development, with 230 MW of capacity market-ready and strong customer interest from data center operators. The site’s strategic location and existing infrastructure provide a competitive advantage in the growing green digital infrastructure market.
As illustrated in this comprehensive overview of the company’s powered land sites:
The Narvik Green Ammonia project represents another strategic growth initiative, with plans for a 430 MW facility capable of producing 350,000 tons of green ammonia annually, potentially abating 500,000 tons of CO2. The project has secured a 10-year power purchase agreement with Statkraft and 250 MW of grid capacity reserved with Statnett, though the decision gate 2 milestone has been postponed pending clarity on additional grid capacity.
In the technology space, SuperNode completed initial full-scale testing of its superconducting technology prototype, with a demonstration of 30 meters transmission distance planned for mid-2025. This technology could potentially enhance the efficiency of renewable energy transmission systems.
Detailed Financial Analysis
Aker Horizons’ net capital employed stood at NOK 4,294 million as of Q1 2025, with a book value per share of NOK 0.8. The company’s net interest-bearing debt was NOK 2,587 million, with cash holdings of NOK 4,055 million providing a strong liquidity buffer.
The company’s debt maturity profile shows NOK 2,500 million due in 2025, with financing facilities including a EUR 500 million revolving credit facility, a NOK 2,500 million senior unsecured green bond, a NOK 2,585 million subordinated shareholder loan, and a NOK 1,596 million subordinated convertible bond.
Additional financial support has been provided to MRP, with USD 75 million drawn in April 2025 and a residual USD 53 million expected later in 2025 and 2026. This support underscores Aker Horizons’ commitment to its renewable energy portfolio despite the financial challenges.
Competitive Industry Position
Aker Horizons maintains a diverse global pipeline of wind and solar assets totaling approximately 23 GW. The portfolio is geographically concentrated in Africa (54%), followed by Asia-Pacific (20%), Latin America (15%), and Europe (10%). By technology, the pipeline consists of onshore wind (43%), solar PV (36%), and offshore wind (21%).
This diversified approach positions the company to capitalize on renewable energy growth across multiple markets and technologies, though the ongoing review of offshore wind viability suggests a potential strategic shift in response to market conditions.
In conclusion, Aker Horizons’ Q1 2025 results reflect a company in transition, bolstered by significant dividend income from Aker Carbon Capture while navigating operational challenges in its renewable energy portfolio. The strategic diversification into data centers and green ammonia, combined with portfolio optimization efforts, indicates a forward-looking approach to creating long-term value despite current financial headwinds.
Full presentation:
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.