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Brookfield Renewable Partners: Q4 - Results in Line and 5% Distribution Increase Maintain Outperform Rating
Brookfield Renewable Partners: Q4 - Results in Line and 5% Distribution Increase Maintain Outperform Rating
Despite challenging resource conditions, BEP still delivered in-line FFO/sh for Q4/23. BEP 40
also continues to buck the trend in the out-of-favor renewables sector with growing 35
cash flows, strong liquidity position (US$4.1B), and robust growth opportunities. As 30 3
25 2
such, we expect its premium valuation to persist (~70%), supporting our Outperform
20 1
rating and US$28 target. That said, we continue to highlight better relative value in our
15 0
Top Pick NPI (OP rated) in our broader coverage. Aug Feb Aug Feb
LHS: Price ($) / RHS: Volume (mm) Source: FactSet
Key Changes
Estimates 2024E 2025E
CFPS $1.89 $2.06
Previous $1.91 $2.08
Our Thesis
DCF/Sh $1.50 $1.67
We continue to view BEP units as a core holding for
Previous $1.51 $1.68
investors seeking exposure to the long-term renewable
power growth cycle. Asset quality is strong, and growth
This report was prepared by an analyst(s) employed by BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc., and who is (are) not
is above historical norms. Accordingly, our rating is
registered as a research analyst(s) under FINRA rules.
For disclosure statements, including the Analyst Certification, please refer to page(s) 11 to 15. Outperform.
Brookfield Renewable Partners - Block Summary Model
Key Catalysts
1) Achieving 10%-plus FFO/share long-term guidance to
support distribution growth (5-9% target); 2) additional
project announcements; and 3) further potential
acquisitions.
Company Description
Brookfield Renewable Partners operates one of the largest
renewable power platforms globally, with generating
assets in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
Its portfolio consists of ~33GW of installed capacity and
includes a ~155GW renewable power development pipeline.
Weighted Avg. Total Units O/S 645.9 646.0 649.6 666.9 665.7 657.1 665.3 665.3 665.3 665.3 665.3 665.3 665.3
Weighted Avg. LP Units O/S 275.2 275.4 277.6 288.8 287.8 282.4 287.2 287.2 287.2 287.2 287.2 287.2 287.2
Distribution per Unit $1.28 $0.338 $0.338 $0.338 $0.338 $1.35 $0.355 $0.355 $0.355 $0.355 $1.42 $1.49 $1.57 5.1%
Funds from Operations (reported) 1,005 275 312 253 255 1,095 312 362 270 316 1,259 1,373 1,420
FFO per Unit $1.56 $0.43 $0.48 $0.38 $0.38 $1.67 $0.47 $0.54 $0.41 $0.47 $1.89 $2.06 $2.13 8.6%
Cash Available for Distribution 969 236 314 188 243 1,063 246 296 204 250 995 1,108 1,155
CAFD per Unit $1.50 $0.36 $0.48 $0.28 $0.36 $1.62 $0.37 $0.44 $0.31 $0.38 $1.50 $1.67 $1.74 2.4%
Discounted FCF
Terminal 2025-'34
2024E 2025E 2026E 2027E 2028E 2029E 2030E 2031E 2032E 2033E 2034E Value CAGR
Funds from Operations $2,543 $2,474 $2,522 $2,532 $2,507 $2,484 $2,460 $2,437 $2,412 $2,387 -0.7%
Less: Capital Expenditures (8,233) (5,189) (2,296) (2,296) (75) (75) (75) (75) (75) (75)
Less: Non-Controlling Distributions (1,450) (1,565) (1,615) (1,665) (1,665) (1,665) (1,665) (1,665) (1,665) (1,665)
Add: After-tax Interest Expense 1,730 1,891 1,924 1,958 2,005 2,053 2,101 2,148 2,196 2,244
Free Cash Flow to Firm (5,410) (2,389) 536 530 2,772 2,797 2,821 2,846 2,869 2,891 80,916
Target TTM Terminal Multiple 15.5x
Discount factor 0.95 0.91 0.86 0.82 0.78 0.74 0.71 0.67 0.64 0.61
Discounted cash flows (5,148) (2,163) 462 434 2,163 2,077 1,994 1,914 1,836 1,760 49,280
Cost of Capital Cost Weight WACC 4.6% $25.02 $27.53 $30.04 $32.54 $35.05 $37.56 $40.06
Debt 4.0% 43% 1.7% 5.1% $21.17 $23.56 $25.95 $28.34 $30.73 $33.12 $35.51
Preferred shares 5.0% 3% 0.1% 5.6% $17.51 $19.78 $22.06 $24.34 $26.62 $28.90 $31.18
Equity 6.0% 54% 3.2% 6.1% $14.02 $16.20 $18.37 $20.54 $22.72 $24.89 $27.07
WACC 5.1% 6.6% $10.71 $12.79 $14.86 $16.94 $19.01 $21.08 $23.16
CAGR
2023A-
(figures in USD, unless otherwise stated) 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024E 2025E 2026E 2026E
Reported Earnings per LP Unit (basic & diluted) ($0.10) $0.07 ($0.10) ($0.68) ($0.69) ($0.60) ($0.32) ($0.09) ($0.17) ($0.24)
FFO per unit (in USD) $1.01 $1.15 $1.30 $1.32 $1.45 $1.56 $1.67 $1.89 $2.06 $2.13 8.6%
First Call Consensus (FFO/unit) $1.89 $2.05 $2.20 9.6%
Cash Available for Distribution (CAFD/unit) $0.85 $1.11 $1.29 $1.28 $1.49 $1.50 $1.62 $1.50 $1.67 $1.74 2.4%
Distribution per LP Unit $1.00 $1.05 $1.10 $1.16 $1.22 $1.28 $1.35 $1.42 $1.49 $1.57 5.1%
Distribution payout (% of FFO) 101.7% 95.1% 89.9% 95.3% 91.4% 91.0% 91.1% 85.1% 82.6% 84.6%
Distribution payout (% of CAFD) 120.9% 99.2% 90.6% 98.8% 88.9% 94.4% 93.8% 107.7% 102.4% 104.0%
Average Units (diluted - mm) 573.4 586.1 583.5 609.5 645.6 645.9 657.1 665.3 665.3 665.3
Market Valuation
Price High $19.09 $18.61 $25.81 $43.15 $49.36 $41.28 $32.76 - - -
Low $15.03 $13.11 $13.80 $16.38 $33.27 $24.82 $19.97 - - -
Current - - - - - - - $25.41 - -
P/E Ratio High nmf nmf nmf nmf nmf nmf nmf - - -
Low nmf nmf nmf nmf nmf nmf nmf - - -
Distribution Yield High 5.2% 5.6% 4.3% 2.7% 2.5% 3.1% 4.1% - - -
Low 6.6% 8.0% 8.0% 7.1% 3.7% 5.2% 6.8% - - -
Current - - - - - - - 5.6% 5.9% 6.2%
CAFD Yield High 4.5% 5.9% 5.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.6% 4.9% - - -
Low 5.7% 8.4% 9.4% 7.8% 4.5% 6.0% 8.1% - - -
Current - - - - - - - 5.9% 6.6% 6.8%
EV/EBITDA High 18.5x 16.9x 19.1x 29.7x 30.3x 24.1x 18.6x - - -
Low 16.3x 14.3x 13.9x 18.1x 23.8x 18.1x 14.3x - - -
Current - - - - - - - 17.1x 17.5x 17.9x
Balance Sheet (US$mm)
Debt (S-T) 88 558 156 1,457 1,054 1,278 (968) (242) (794) (1,561)
Debt (L-T) 1,670 1,613 1,808 2,135 2,149 2,299 2,660 2,968 2,968 2,968
Subsidiary Borrowings 9,208 8,860 8,904 14,921 17,562 20,275 26,926 31,003 37,803 42,841
Preferred Shares/Perpetual Subordinated 1,127 1,275 1,430 1,637 2,086 1,923 1,935 2,028 2,028 2,172
Non-Controlling Interest 6,356 8,195 8,810 11,100 12,303 14,755 18,863 19,556 20,073 19,391
Participating non-controlling interest—BEPC N/A N/A N/A 2,408 2,562 2,561 2,479 2,224 1,926 1,589
Redeemable/Exchangeable and GP Units 2,901 3,318 3,383 2,777 2,953 2,951 2,739 2,461 2,133 1,760
Limited Partners' Equity 3,956 4,484 4,576 3,845 4,092 4,096 3,963 3,531 3,054 2,536
25,306 28,303 29,067 40,280 44,761 50,138 58,597 63,528 69,192 71,695
Balance Sheet (%)
Debt (S-T) 0.3% 2.0% 0.5% 3.6% 2.4% 2.5% -1.7% -0.4% -1.1% -2.2%
Debt (L-T) 6.6% 5.7% 6.2% 5.3% 4.8% 4.6% 4.5% 4.7% 4.3% 4.1%
Subsidiary Borrowings 36.4% 31.3% 30.6% 37.0% 39.2% 40.4% 46.0% 48.8% 54.6% 59.8%
Preferred Shares + Preferred Limited Partners' Equity 4.5% 4.5% 4.9% 4.1% 4.7% 3.8% 3.3% 3.2% 2.9% 3.0%
Non-Controlling Interest 25.1% 29.0% 30.3% 27.6% 27.5% 29.4% 32.2% 30.8% 29.0% 27.0%
Participating non-controlling interest—BEPC N/A N/A N/A 6.0% 5.7% 5.1% 4.2% 3.5% 2.8% 2.2%
Redeemable/Exchangeable Units 11.5% 11.7% 11.6% 6.9% 6.6% 5.9% 4.7% 3.9% 3.1% 2.5%
Limited Partners' Equity 15.6% 15.8% 15.7% 9.5% 9.1% 8.2% 6.8% 5.6% 4.4% 3.5%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Income and Cash Flow Metrics (US$mm)
Total Revenue 2,625 2,982 2,980 3,087 4,096 4,711 5,038 n/a n/a n/a
Adjusted Proportionate EBITDA (after mgt. fees) 1,060 1,243 1,336 1,397 1,588 1,759 1,977 2,174 2,288 2,340 5.8%
Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA (after mgt. fees) 1,669 2,143 2,231 2,545 2,889 3,298 3,776 4,368 4,588 4,690 7.5%
Net Earnings to LP Unitholders (32) 24 (34) (184) (191) (166) (90) (25) (48) (68)
Cash Available for Distribution 489 648 755 778 960 969 1,063 995 1,108 1,155 2.8%
Funds from Operations (reported) 581 676 761 807 934 1,005 1,095 1,259 1,373 1,420 9.0%
Sustaining Capital Expenditures (68) (72) (72) (73) (80) (80) (88) (86) (87) (87)
Financial Leverage
Proportionate Net Debt 7,582 8,820 9,092 13,608 14,191 13,862 13,219 18,227 21,075 22,827
Proportionate Net Debt/EBITDA 7.2x 7.1x 6.8x 9.7x 8.9x 7.9x 6.7x 8.4x 9.2x 9.8x
Consolidated Net Debt 10,966 11,031 10,868 18,513 20,765 23,852 28,618 33,728 39,977 44,247
Consolidated Net Debt/EBITDA 6.6x 5.1x 4.9x 7.3x 7.2x 7.2x 7.6x 7.7x 8.7x 9.4x
Source: BMO Capital Markets, Company Reports, FactSet
P/E AFFO Yield Est. EBITDA CAGR EV/EBITDA Debt/EBITDA S&P Sr.
Ticker 2023E 2024E 2025E 2023E 2024E 2025E 2023E 2024E 2025E 23E-25E 2023E 2024E 2025E 2024E Rating
Power/Utility
AQN(1) 12.0x 10.4x 10.6x 11.0% 12.3% 11.5% $1,214 $1,307 $1,351 5.5% 12.1x 10.9x 11.1x 5.7x BBB
ALA 14.6x 13.2x 12.1x 9.2% 9.5% 10.4% $1,575 $1,740 $1,851 8.4% 11.1x 10.9x 10.2x 5.8x BBB-
ACO.X 10.2x 10.9x 10.6x 8.8% 9.9% 10.7% $2,517 $2,493 $2,526 0.2% 7.5x 7.7x 7.6x 4.3x N/A
BLX nmf nmf nmf 4.0% 5.6% 5.3% $647 $723 $714 5.0% 11.5x 11.0x 11.1x 5.6x N/A
BEP (1) nmf nmf nmf 6.4% 5.9% 6.6% $1,977 $2,174 $2,288 7.6% 16.4x 17.1x 17.5x 8.4x BBB+
CU 14.2x 14.0x 13.5x 8.7% 9.6% 10.4% $2,186 $2,230 $2,257 1.6% 9.4x 9.3x 9.3x 4.7x N/A
CPX 6.2x 14.6x 18.8x 18.6% 16.4% 15.0% $1,455 $1,438 $1,384 -2.5% 5.8x 7.3x 7.8x 3.6x BBB-
EMA 16.2x 15.6x 15.0x 9.8% 9.6% 7.1% $3,009 $3,170 $3,365 5.7% 11.4x 11.2x 11.1x 6.5x BBB
FTS 17.4x 17.4x 16.6x 5.4% 5.4% 5.6% $5,269 $5,366 $5,590 3.0% 10.8x 10.6x 10.2x 5.0x A-
H 22.1x 21.1x 19.5x 5.2% 5.6% 6.0% $2,865 $2,971 $3,165 5.1% 14.0x 14.0x 13.6x 5.9x A-
INE nmf nmf nmf 7.1% 9.5% 10.1% $703 $771 $834 8.9% 12.0x 11.1x 9.9x 8.2x N/A
NPI 26.1x 13.6x 11.4x 5.3% 4.7% 5.1% $1,207 $1,322 $1,376 6.8% 9.5x 9.3x 9.9x 4.4x BBB
TA nmf nmf nmf 33.1% 18.2% 14.7% $1,665 $1,230 $1,078 -19.5% 4.6x 6.6x 7.1x 3.3x BB+
Power Average 16.2x 14.1x 15.1x 12.4% 10.0% 9.5% 1.0% 10.0x 10.4x 10.6x 5.6x
Utility Average 15.3x 14.7x 14.0x 8.3% 8.9% 8.8% 4.2% 10.9x 10.7x 10.4x 5.4x
P&U Average 15.5x 14.5x 14.2x 10.2% 9.4% 9.1% 2.8% 10.5x 10.5x 10.5x 5.5x
Coverage Average 15.5x 15.4x 14.8x 10.4% 9.6% 9.5% 3.2% 10.5x 10.6x 10.5x 5.2x
Notes: (1) All figures in US dollars; AFFO defined as Cash Flow From Operations Before W/C Less Maintenance Capex, NCI Distributions and Scheduled Debt Amortization
We believe Brookfield Renewable's approach to ESG is best-in-class for the Canadian energy
infrastructure and renewables industry. The company offers its stakeholders comprehensive, well-
organized, and easy to understand ESG disclosures and demonstrates industry leadership with a Green
Bond framework established in 2018 and commitment to carbon neutrality despite an already low
emissions profile. We think Brookfield Renewable's ESG strategy sets the pace for the industry.
Key Initiatives Key Initiatives Key Initiatives Key Initiatives Key Initiatives
Support the goal of net zero GHG Hydro assets provide back up Water is relevant in three areas: Achieve zero high-risk safety Board reviews ESG performance
emissions by 2050 or sooner, capacity and grid stabilization 1) hydro business where water incidences each quarter; CEO responsible for
with interim targets of reaching Advancing battery storage flows through the stations and Maintain a cumulative high-risk implementing the ESG strategy;
net zero in existing renewable technology to allow renewables then returns to the river; 2) DG incident frequency rate of less ESG Steering Committee drives
operations by 2030 to balance services to the grid business, where water is used than 1.5 per one million hours the strategic ESG framework
Primary business is the Energy consumption is low given for cooling several plants; and 3) worked By 2025, maintain gender
development and ownership of majority of assets are solar segment for periodic Provide on-boarding HSS&E diversity at the executive team
carbon-free renewable power renewables assets that are washing of modules training to 100% of new and increase representation at
facilities; develop additional powered by natural forces By 2023, develop water employees and contractors the Board and senior leadership
21GW of new clean energy management plans for 100% of working in our facilities levels
capacity by 2030 operations in high water Train 100% of employees on In 2021, formed a global Climate
Power generation from portfolio stressed areas cybersecurity annually; achieve Change Working Group focused
and development (once Dams are formally inspected by zero security breaches on on climate risk assessment and
completed) will help avoid 56 internal technical experts at Personal Identification integration across BEP's business
million tonnes of CO2 emissions least annually and every 5 years Information Executive compensation is tied
annually by independent dam expert Achieve 95% of planned Safe to developing clean energy
Issued ~US$11.7B of green Robotic systems in India to clean Work Observations assets, which in turn is
securities and financings, a solar modules can reduce water supporting the decarbonization
sustainability-linked loan, and use by 85% of global electricity generation
green preferred units as of
December 31, 2022; Green Bond
Framework was established in
2018
Working towards setting up a
Scope 3 interim target
Our Take Our Take Our Take Our Take Our Take
Brookfield Renewable was one Energy consumption is low Brookfield Renewable is Safety is core to BEP's strategy. Brookfield Renewable has a
of the first renewable given renewable power facilities proactive with water It has set a zero high-risk clear ESG management structure
companies to set net zero management and has creatively incidence target in place coupled with frequent
targets found ways to further reduce its board-level oversight of ESG
water usage issues. It has a high % of
women in executive leadership
Source: BMO Capital Markets
Exhibit 2: ESG Disclosure Analysis1,2
% of % of % of
Peers Peers Peers
That Do That Do That Do
Sustainability report? 100% Reporting to CDP? 78% Scope 1 GHG emissions? 100%
Audited sustainability report? 78% Workforce breakdown by gender? 100% Scope 2 GHG emissions? 100%
Disclosures in line with TCFD? 94% Workforce breakdown by BIPOC? 67% Scope 3 GHG emissions? 83%
Disclosures in line with GRI? 94% Energy consumption? 100% GHG emissions reduction target? 89%
Disclosures in line with SASB? 100% Water use? 83% Net zero target? 72%
Source: BMO Capital Markets
We believe Brookfield Renewable is at the forefront of its peers when it comes to a comprehensive ESG
strategy. Notable practices include the company’s Green Financing framework released in 2018 (years
ahead of the industry), commitments to net zero and GHG emissions targets, and the ownership of ESG-
friendly renewable power facilities. Brookfield Renewable also has goals for water management, safety,
and gender diversity that are in line with best practices in reporting. The bonus structure for executives
is influenced by organizational ESG performance, another best practice for the industry.
WORK-RELATED EMPLOYEE
0 1 0
FATALITIES
% WOMEN IN EXECUTIVE
50% 50% 50%
MANAGEMENT
Source: BMO Capital Markets Note: ND refers to No Disclosure or Not Yet Available
Notes
1. Audited sustainability report refers to a report that includes a statement of assurance from independent auditor or verifier.
2. Peer comparisons based on 18 Energy Infrastructure companies in the BMO Equity Research coverage universe
3. Two-year trend analysis captures the desired direction of the underlying numbers, not necessarily the absolute direction (e.g.,
an increase in energy intensity receives a “down” arrow).
4. MTCO2e - million tonnes of CO2e; Location-based emissions.
5. Location-based emissions.
6. Energy intensity figure is calculated by dividing total internal energy consumption by $B revenue.
7. Employee Lost Time Incident Rate; Per 200,000 hours worked.
8. Total High-Risk Incident Rate; Per 200,000 hours worked.
$45
$40
$35
$30
$25
$20
Apr 2021 Jul 2021 Oct 2021 Jan 2022 Apr 2022 Jul 2022 Oct 2022 Jan 2023 Apr 2023 Jul 2023 Oct 2023 Jan 2024
Outperform (OP); Market Perform (Mkt); Underperform (Und); Speculative (S); Suspended (Spd); Not Rated (NR); Restricted (R)
Outperform (OP); Market Perform (Mkt); Underperform (Und); Speculative (S); Suspended (Spd); Not Rated (NR); Restricted (R)
Source: FactSet, BMO Capital Markets
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
Analyst's Certification
I, Ben Pham, hereby certify that the views expressed in this report accurately reflect my personal views about the subject securities or issuers. I
also certify that no part of my compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendations or views expressed
in this report.
Analysts who prepared this report are compensated based upon (among other factors) the overall profitability of BMO Capital Markets and
their affiliates, which includes the overall profitability of investment banking services. Compensation for research is based on effectiveness in
generating new ideas and in communication of ideas to clients, performance of recommendations, accuracy of earnings estimates, and service
to clients.
Analysts employed by BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. and/or BMO Capital Markets Limited are not registered as research analysts with FINRA. These
analysts may not be associated persons of BMO Capital Markets Corp. and therefore may not be subject to the FINRA Rule 2241 restrictions on
communications with a subject company, public appearances and trading securities held by a research analyst account.
Disclosure 3: BMO Capital Markets has managed or co-managed a public offering of securities with respect to Brookfield Renewable Partners
and Northland Power within the past 12 months.
Disclosure 4: BMO Capital Markets or an affiliate has received compensation for investment banking services from Brookfield Renewable Partners
and Northland Power within the past 12 months.
Disclosure 8C: BMO Capital Markets or an affiliate has a financial interest in 0.5% or more in the issued share capital of Brookfield Renewable
Partners and Northland Power.
Methodology and Risks to Target Price/Valuation for Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP-NYSE)
Methodology: Our target price is based on the average of applying an EV/EBITDA multiple of 18x to our 2025 estimate (reflecting the premium
hydro assets and strong management track record) and a DCF.
Risks: Key risks include interest rates, management execution, construction, capital markets, foreign exchange, and weather risk.
Methodology: Our target price is based on the average of applying an EV/EBITDA multiple of 11x to our 2025 estimate and a DCF.
Risks: Key risks include interest rates, execution, capital markets, foreign exchange, and weather risk.
Distribution of Ratings (February 03, 2024)
* Reflects rating distribution of all companies covered by BMO Capital Markets Corp. equity research analysts.
** Reflects rating distribution of all companies from which BMO Capital Markets Corp. has received compensation for Investment Banking services
as percentage within ratings category.
*** Reflects rating distribution of all companies from which BMO Capital Markets Corp. has received compensation for Investment Banking
services as percentage of Investment Banking clients.
**** Reflects rating distribution of all companies covered by BMO Capital Markets equity research analysts.
***** Reflects rating distribution of all companies from which BMO Capital Markets has received compensation for Investment Banking services
as percentage of Investment Banking clients.
~ As of April 1, 2019.
Ratings Key (as of October 2016)
We use the following ratings system definitions:
OP = Outperform - Forecast to outperform the analyst’s coverage universe on a total return basis;
Mkt = Market Perform - Forecast to perform roughly in line with the analyst’s coverage universe on a total return basis;
Und = Underperform - Forecast to underperform the analyst’s coverage universe on a total return basis;
(S) = Speculative investment;
Spd = Suspended - Coverage and rating suspended until coverage is reinstated;
NR = No Rated - No rating at this time; and
R = Restricted - Dissemination of research is currently restricted.
The total return potential, target price and the associated time horizon is 12 months unless otherwise stated in each report. BMO Capital Markets'
seven Top 15 lists guide investors to our best ideas according to different objectives (CDN Large Cap, CDN Small Cap, US Large Cap, US Small Cap,
Income, CDN Quant, and US Quant have replaced the Top Pick rating).
Prior BMO Capital Markets Rating System
(April 2013 - October 2016)