AES Sells 100% of its Interests in French Wind Assets
ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) announced today that it closed the sale of its interests in wind generation assets in France for approximately €34 million (US$ 42 million) to Boralex Europe S.A. Through its subsidiary AES Southern Europe Holdings, B.V., AES sold the 34.5 MW St. Patrick wind farm and its minority share of InnoVent SAS, which controls 114 MW of wind assets in operation and under construction. On a proportional basis, the transaction represents 73 MW of generation capacity.
“The sale of our French wind assets fits our strategy to exit some markets in order to focus on those where we can sustain a competitive advantage,” said Andrés Gluski, AES President and Chief Executive Officer. “Despite the difficult macroeconomic environment, we are continuing to execute on our plan to create shareholder value.”
The use of proceeds will be evaluated in accordance with AES’ capital allocation policy to maximize total shareholder returns by paying down debt, investing in new businesses or repurchasing shares. These assets contributed approximately $3.5 million of net income to AES in 2011. With total expected proceeds of approximately $42 million, the implied P/E multiple for this transaction is 12 times 2011 earnings.
About AES
The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 200 global power company. We provide affordable, sustainable energy to 27 countries through our diverse portfolio of distribution businesses as well as thermal and renewable generation facilities. Our workforce of 27,000 people is committed to operational excellence and meeting the world's changing power needs. Our 2011 revenues were $17 billion and we own and manage $45 billion in total assets. To learn more, please visit www.aes.com.
Safe Harbor Disclosure
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those related to future earnings, growth and financial and operating performance. Forward-looking statements are not intended to be a guarantee of future results, but instead constitute AES’ current expectations based on reasonable assumptions. Forecasted financial information is based on certain material assumptions. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, our accurate projections of future interest rates, commodity price and foreign currency pricing, continued normal levels of operating performance and electricity volume at our distribution companies and operational performance at our generation businesses consistent with historical levels, as well as achievements of planned productivity improvements and incremental growth investments at normalized investment levels and rates of return consistent with prior experience.
Actual results could differ materially from those projected in our forward-looking statements due to risks, uncertainties and other factors. Important factors that could affect actual results are discussed in AES’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the risks discussed under Item 1A “Risk Factors” in AES’ 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Readers are encouraged to read AES’ filings to learn more about the risk factors associated with AES’ business. AES undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Any Stockholder who desires a copy of the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K dated on or about February 24, 2012 with the SEC may obtain a copy (excluding Exhibits) without charge by addressing a request to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, The AES Corporation, 4300 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Exhibits also may be requested, but a charge equal to the reproduction cost thereof will be made. A copy of the Form 10-K may be obtained by visiting the Company’s website at www.aes.com.
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