The information contained
within this Announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute
inside information. Upon the publication of this Announcement via a
Regulatory Information Service this inside information is now
considered to be in the public domain.
28 March 2024
BBGI Global Infrastructure
S.A.
("BBGI" or the
"Company")
Annual results for
financial year
ended 31
December 2023
Results for 2023 demonstrate
our strong portfolio and operational performance
Continue to deliver
predictable progressive income for our
shareholders
BBGI Global Infrastructure S.A.
(LSE ticker: BBGI), the global infrastructure investment company,
is pleased to announce its full year results for the year ended 31
December 2023.
Key Highlights
· Strong operational performance of our globally diversified
portfolio of 56 high-quality, 100 per cent availability-style
infrastructure assets.
· Increased dividends by 6 per cent to 7.93pps for 2023, in
line with our previously stated target.
· Fully repaid Revolving Credit Facility as of 31 December
2023.
Sarah Whitney, Non-Executive Chair of BBGI,
commented:
"I am
pleased to report on our strong operational performance for 2023.
Our results underscore the robustness of our approach, our sound
business model and the enduring strength within our globally
diversified portfolio of high-quality, core social infrastructure
assets.
Our low-risk investment strategy
and well-managed portfolio have continued to produce a well-covered
and growing dividend for our investors. BBGI takes a careful
approach to capital allocation and directed controlled growth.
During the year we have utilised surplus cash flows generated from
our investment portfolio to pay down in full our revolving credit
facility in 2023, positioning ourselves well for the
future."
Duncan Ball, CEO of BBGI, said:
"Our results for 2023 demonstrate
our strong portfolio and operational performance, despite a period
of significant macroeconomic and market shifts. We continued to
manage our portfolio responsibly to generate high-quality, stable,
predictable and inflation-linked cash flows, with distributions
ahead of our target. These cash flows supported our strong dividend
cover of 1.4x in 2023, and allowed us to increase dividends by 6
per cent to 7.93pps for the year, in line with our previously
stated target. We have also reconfirmed our dividend target of
8.40pps for 2024, representing a 6 per cent increase year-on-year,
and a target of 8.57pps for 2025. We take pride in our track record
of meeting or exceeding all dividend targets set since IPO and
providing our investors with a progressive dividend, which has
always been fully cash covered and has increased every year since
2013.
Our consistent and disciplined
approach to capital allocation, combined with our value driven
active asset management, ensures our investments continue to
perform well and in line with our expectations. Moving forward, we
remain committed to optimising our portfolio construction to
maximise value for our shareholders.
I remain optimistic about the
long-term prospects for BBGI. As governments continue to run
deficits and demand for maintaining, repairing, and constructing
new infrastructure grows, there is an increasing need for private
sector investment in infrastructure, presenting long-term
opportunities for BBGI.
With our robust balance sheet, a
portfolio that generates secure, predictable cash flows surpassing
our dividend objectives, and an undrawn £230 million RCF maturing
in May 2026, we are well-equipped to navigate evolving markets,
with both discipline and ambition, and to deliver attractive value
to all our stakeholders."
Financial highlights
Investment Basis
NAV
£1,056.6
million
down
1.2% as at 31 December 2023
(31
December 2022: £1,069.2 million)
|
NAV per
share
147.8pps
down
1.4% as at 31 December 2023
(31
December 2022: 149.9pps)
|
Annualised total NAV return
per share since IPO
8.6%
(FY
2022: 9.1%)
|
High-quality inflation
linkage
0.5%
(FY
2022: 0.5%)
|
Ongoing
charges
0.93%
(31
December 2022: 0.87%)
|
Cash dividend
cover
1.40x
(FY
2022: 1.47x)
|
2023 dividend
declared
7.93pps
+6%
|
2024 target
dividend
8.40pps
+6%
|
2025 target
dividend
8.57pps
+2%
|
Financial and operational
highlights
Strong operational performance
· Strong operational performance of our globally diversified
portfolio of 56 high-quality, 100 per cent availability-style
infrastructure assets.
· Maintained a consistently high asset availability rate of
99.9 per cent.
· Our
portfolio investments are the essential assets on which people rely
every day, such as schools, healthcare facilities, police and fire
stations, affordable housing, roads and bridges, modern
correctional facilities, a clean energy investment and other types
of social infrastructure.
· We
partner with the public sector, underpinned by government or
government-backed counterparties, to help deliver and responsibly
manage these assets for the long term.
· Located in Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands,
Norway, the UK, and the US, all Portfolio Companies are in stable,
well-developed, and highly-rated investment grade countries with
credit ratings between AA and AAA.
· Disciplined approach to capital allocation and will only
consider transactions that are accretive to our shareholders, while
considering their attractions against alternative capital
allocation options.
Generating high-quality, stable, predictable and
inflation-linked cash flows
· Contracted high-quality inflation linkage of 0.5 per
cent.
· Cash
receipts ahead of projections, with no material lock-ups or
defaults.
· These cash flows supported our strong dividend cover of 1.4x
in 2023.
· Increased dividends by 6 per cent to 7.93pps for 2023, in
line with our previously stated target.
· Reconfirmed our dividend target of 8.40pps for 2024,
representing a 6 per cent increase year-on-year, and a target of
8.57pps for 2025.
· All
target dividends expected to be fully cash-covered.
· We
take pride in our track record of meeting or exceeding all dividend
targets set since IPO and providing our investors with a
progressive dividend, which has always been fully covered and has
increased every year since 2013.
· Based on current estimates, and if there were to be no
further acquisitions, the portfolio could continue to generate a
progressive dividend for the next 15 years, after which the
existing portfolio is forecasted to enter into the capital
repayment phase.
· In
March 2024, BBGI joined The Association of Investment Companies'
(AIC) "Next generation of dividend heroes", in recognition of our
achieving 10 or more consecutive years of dividend
growth.
Net Asset Valuation
· As
of 31 December 2023, NAV per share stood at 147.8pps, a slight
decrease of 1.4 per cent from the previous year, and flat since 30
June 2023. This was attributable to macro-economic drivers beyond
our control, including the increase in the weighted average
discount rate (a knock-on effect from rising global interest rates
and general macro-economic volatility), adverse foreign exchange
rate movements (although our hedging strategy provided a partial
buffer against these fluctuations), and the negative effect of
proposed Canadian tax legislation that we have fully provisioned
for.
· These negative impacts on the portfolio valuation were
partially offset by our proactive asset management, which increased
our NAV by 1.7 per cent, along with changes in our macro-economic
assumptions, driven largely by the effect of revised deposit rate
assumptions, contributing to an increase of 2.6 per
cent.
· Both
the Management Board and the Supervisory Board continue to believe
that BBGI's share price does not adequately reflect the value of
our portfolio, our high-quality inflation linkage, our strong
financial position and operational performance. We continue to see
a disparity between the private market valuations of high-quality
core infrastructure assets and the value ascribed by public markets
and there were a number of market transactions that substantiate
our reported NAV.
· The
weighted average discount rate increased from 6.9 per cent to 7.3
per cent as of 31 December 2023, with BBGI's implied risk premium
as of 31 December 2023 3.7 per cent above the weighted average
government risk-free rate for our portfolio. We view this as
attractive for a low-risk investment portfolio with high-quality
inflation protection, delivering real returns, and progressive
dividend growth, particularly when compared with fixed income
products.
Value-driven active asset management
· Our
active asset management activities included applying high-quality
corporate governance frameworks, which helped enable us to maintain
our track record of no reported lock-ups or material defaults at
any of our Portfolio Companies and generated a consistently high
asset availability rate of 99.9 per cent.
· Our
equity investment in Highway 104 in Nova Scotia, Canada achieved
substantial completion in September 2023 and significantly improves
efficiency and safety of travel, the flow of goods and services,
and connects communities in the region.
· In
2023, we achieved a strong overall net promoter scores from our
project clients, demonstrating our ability to maintain strong
client relationships and to deliver superior
performance.
Prudent financial management
· All
our Portfolio Companies are financed on a non-recourse basis with
55 out of our 56 assets securely financed with fully amortising
fixed rate debt through the length of the concession period
(without the need for refinancing), and only one asset has a
refinancing obligation for a tranche of debt.
· Our
strategic hedging policy has enabled us to mitigate the effects of
foreign exchange fluctuations. Moreover, we have adopted a
proactive treasury management approach to optimise the interest
earned on the reserve accounts of our Portfolio
Companies.
· Our
liquidity position remains robust, with net cash of £9.7 million at
31 December 2023. By using excess cash that we have generated from
our portfolio of investments, we repaid all cash drawings under our
£230 million RCF by 31 December 2023. Additionally, we have no
outstanding acquisition commitments, placing the Company in a
strong financial position.
Environmental, social and governance
progress
· Our
sustainable investment portfolio benefits from a strong social
purpose and the Company is classified as SFDR Article 8.
· BBGI
is committed to net zero both operationally and with our portfolio,
and in 2023 we enhanced our proprietary ESG database, including
greenhouse gas ('GHG') emissions data, and published our first SFDR
Principal Adverse Impact Statement. All our Portfolio Company
assets have a high degree of climate risk resilience, and we now
have a complete overview of their emissions profiles, which will
facilitate future decarbonisation programmes.
· We
believe that a strong commitment to ESG principles plays a crucial
role in mitigating risks and supporting our business over the long
term. Moreover, it not only fosters solid relationships with
clients and partners but also motivates and engages our employees.
Moreover, it plays a crucial role in mitigating risks and
supporting our business over the long term.
Focus on disciplined growth and capital allocation
strategy
· We
used our RCF to acquire two new assets for c. £64.4 million in
2022, which we have now paid off in full using free cashflows we
have generated from our portfolio. This demonstrates our ability to
grow organically without the need to access the equity markets for
funds.
· Our
current return projections, all else remaining equal, are not
contingent on new investments. If we were to abstain from further
investments, our existing portfolio alone would sustain our
progressive dividend policy for the next 15 years. We continue to
pursue disciplined growth that builds shareholder value first,
encouraged by our internal management structure, and not growth in
assets under management for its own sake.
· Furthermore, we are investigating portfolio diversification
prospects with desirable traits, such as consistent long-term cash
flows and inflation correlation, aligning with our existing
investment policy. Any new investment opportunity will be evaluated
by comparing its potential benefits to other ways of allocating our
capital.
Company presentation for analysts and
investors
A Company presentation for
analysts and investors will take place today at 8.30am (UK time)
via an in-person meeting and a live webcast and audio only dial in
conference call.
For those analysts and investors
who wish to attend the in-person presentation or live conference
call, please contact InvestorServices@bb-gi.com
To access the live webcast, please
register in advance here:
https://www.lsegissuerservices.com/spark/BBGIGLOBALINFRASTRUCTURESA/events/7475c889-ccbf-4e56-826b-69745ec41faa
Webcast participants
can type questions into the question
box.
The recording of the annual
results presentation and slides will be made available later in the
day via the Company website: www.bb-gi.com*
Retail investor presentation via Investor Meet
Company
BBGI will host a
live presentation for retail investors via
Investor Meet Company today at 1.30pm
GMT. The presentation is open to
all existing and potential shareholders. Questions can be submitted
at any time during the live presentation.
Investors can sign up to Investor
Meet Company for free and add to meet BBGI Global
Infrastructure S.A. via:
https://www.investormeetcompany.com/bbgi-global-infrastructure-sa/register-investor
Investors who already follow
BBGI Global Infrastructure S.A. on the
Investor Meet Company platform will automatically be
invited.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
BBGI Management Team
|
+352 263 479-1
|
Duncan Ball, CEO
|
|
Michael Denny, CFOO
|
|
|
|
H/Advisors Maitland (Communications
adviser)
|
bbgi-maitland@h-advisors.global
|
James Benjamin
|
+44(0) 7747 113 930
|
Rachel Cohen
|
+44 (0) 20 7379 5151
|
NOTES
BBGI Global Infrastructure S.A.
(BBGI) is a responsible infrastructure investment company and a
constituent of the FTSE 250 that invests
in and actively manages for the long-term a globally diversified,
low-risk portfolio of essential social infrastructure
investments.
BBGI is committed to delivering
stable and predictable cash flows with progressive long-term
dividend growth and attractive, sustainable, returns for
shareholders. BBGI has a proactive approach to preserving and
enhancing the value of its investments, and to delivering well
maintained social infrastructure for communities and end users,
whilst serving society by supporting local communities.
All of BBGI's investments are
supported by secure public sector-backed contracted revenues, with
high quality inflation linked characteristics. BBGI's investment
portfolio is 100% operational with all its investments located
across highly rated investment grade countries with stable, well
developed operating environments.
BBGI's in-house management team is
incentivised by shareholder returns and consistently maintains low
comparative ongoing charges.
Further information about BBGI is
available on its website at www.bb-gi.com*
The Company's LEI:
529900CV0RWCOP5YHK95
Any reference to the Company or
BBGI refers also to its subsidiaries (where applicable).
* Neither the
Company's website nor the content of any website accessible from
hyperlinks on its website (or any other website) is (or is deemed
to be) incorporated into, or forms (or is deemed to form) part of
this announcement.
** These
are guidance levels or targets only and not a profit forecast and
there can be no assurance that they will be met.
BBGI ANNUAL REPORT 2023
bb-gi.com
"Our purpose is to
deliver social infrastructure for healthier, safer and more
connected societies, while creating sustainable value for all
stakeholders"
Our vision:
We invest to
serve and connect people.
Our
values:
Trusted to deliver.
Dependable partner.
Investor with impact.
Present-focused, future-ready.
About BBGI
BBGI Global Infrastructure S.A.
(BBGI, the 'Company', and together with its consolidated
subsidiaries, the 'Group') is a global infrastructure investment
company helping to provide responsible capital to build and
maintain critical social infrastructure[i].
From hospitals to schools, to
affordable housing and safer roads, we partner with the public
sector to deliver social infrastructure that forms the building
blocks of local economies, while creating sustainable value for all
stakeholders.
Financial Highlights[ii]
£1,056.6
million
Investment Basis NAV
down 1.2% as at 31 December 2023
(31
December 2022 £1,069.2 million)
|
147.8pps
NAV per
share
down 1.4% as at 31 December 2023
(31
December 2022: 149.9pps)
|
8.6%
Annualised total NAV return per share
FY
2022: 9.1%
|
0.5 per
cent
High-quality inflation linkage
FY
2022: 0.5 per cent
|
0.93%
Ongoing
charges
(31
December 2022: 0.87%)
|
1.40x
Cash
dividend cover
FY
2022: 1.47x
|
7.93pps[iii]
2023
dividend declared
+6%
|
8.40pps
2024
target dividend
+6%
|
8.57pps
2025
target dividend
+2%
|
Portfolio Highlights
· Strong operational performance of our globally diversified
portfolio of 56 high-quality, 100 per cent availability-style
infrastructure assets.
· Maintained a consistently high asset availability rate of
99.9 per cent.
· Contracted high-quality inflation linkage of 0.5 per
cent.
· Cash
receipts ahead of projections, with no material lock-ups or
defaults.
· 6
per cent dividend growth targets for 2023 and 2024
reaffirmed.
· No
drawings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility ('RCF') as
at 31 December 2023 and no outstanding investment commitments to
finance.
· No
structural gearing at Group level, and, with limited exceptions
only, borrowing costs are fixed at the Portfolio Company level,
providing stability and predictability. 55 of 56 projects have no
refinancing risk during the concession period.
· Disciplined approach to capital allocation and potential
acquisitions.
· Weighted average discount rate increased to 7.3 per cent from
6.9 per cent as at 31 December 2022, reflecting an equity risk
premium of c. 3.7 per cent.
· Hedging strategy aimed to reduce Net Asset Value ('NAV')
foreign exchange ('FX') sensitivity to c. 3 per cent for a 10 per
cent movement in FX.
· Internal management structure which supports alignment with
our investors. Ongoing charges of 0.93 per cent.
· Focus on delivering social impact across portfolio - SFDR
Article 8.
· High
degree of climate resilience independently confirmed across asset
portfolio.
· Tracking and reporting all Scope 1, Scope 2, and material
Scope 3 emissions across all 56 Portfolio Companies.
Portfolio at a Glance
The fundamentals
Based on portfolio value as at 31
December 2023.
Investment type
100 per cent
availability-style[iv] revenue stream.
Investment type
|
|
|
|
Availability-style revenue assets
|
|
100%
|
Regulated assets
|
|
|
-
|
Demand-based assets
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
| |
Investment status
Low-risk operational
portfolio.
Investment status
|
|
|
|
Operations
|
|
|
100%
|
Construction
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
| |
Geographical split
Geographically diversified in
stable developed countries.
Geographic split
|
|
|
|
Canada
|
|
|
35%
|
UK
|
|
|
33%
|
Continental Europe
|
|
|
13%
|
US
|
|
|
10%
|
Australia
|
|
|
9%
|
|
|
|
100%
|
Sector split
Well-diversified sector exposure
with large allocation to lower-risk availability-style road and
bridge investments.
Sector split
|
|
Transport
|
53%
|
Healthcare
|
21%
|
Blue light and modern correctional
facilities
|
12%
|
Education
|
8%
|
Affordable housing
|
3%
|
Clean energy
|
2%
|
Other
|
1%
|
|
100%
|
Top-ten investments
Well-diversified portfolio with no
major single asset exposure.
Top-ten investments
|
|
|
|
Golden Ears Bridge (Canada)
|
|
|
11%
|
Ohio River Bridges (US)
|
|
|
10%
|
Northern Territory Secure Facilities
(Australia)
|
|
4%
|
A7 Motorway (Germany)
|
|
4%
|
A1/A6 Motorway (Netherlands)
|
|
4%
|
Victorian Correctional Facilities
(Australia)
|
|
3%
|
Liverpool & Sefton Clinics (UK)
|
|
3%
|
McGill University Health Centre (Canada)
|
|
3%
|
M1 Westlink (UK)
|
|
3%
|
Women's College Hospital (Canada)
|
|
3%
|
Remaining investments
|
|
|
52%
|
|
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
| |
Investment life
Long investment life with 41 per
cent of portfolio by value with a duration of greater than or equal
to 20 years; weighted average life of 19.3 years. Average portfolio
debt maturity of 15.6 years.
Investment life
|
|
|
|
≥25 years
|
|
|
|
22%
|
≥20 years and <25 years
|
|
|
19%
|
≥10 years and <20 years
|
|
|
52%
|
<10 years
|
|
|
|
7%
|
|
|
|
|
100%
|
Investment ownership
79 per cent of assets by value in
the portfolio are 50 per cent owned or greater.
Investment ownership
|
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
47%
|
≥75% and <100%
|
|
|
|
6%
|
≥50% and <75%
|
|
|
|
26%
|
<50%
|
|
|
|
21%
|
|
|
|
|
100%
|
Country rating
All assets located in countries
with ratings between AA and AAA[v].
Country rating
|
|
|
|
AAA
|
|
|
|
57%
|
AA+
|
|
|
|
10%
|
AA
|
|
|
|
33%
|
|
|
|
|
100%
|
Projected portfolio cash flow
The Company's underlying assets
generate a consistent and long-term stream of cash flows for the
portfolio, extending up to 2051. These cash flows have a high
degree of visibility and certainty, owing to the involvement of
government or government-backed counterparties and the contractual
nature of the agreements.
Investing in concessions involves
a careful balance. On one hand, the long-term contractual cash
flows are exceptionally resilient, indexed to inflation, and
inherently defensive. However, these benefits are tempered by the
fact that the cash flows are finite, concluding at the end of each
concession's term.
When BBGI went public in 2011, its
weighted average portfolio life was 24.5 years. Now, 12 years after
the initial public offering, the weighted average portfolio life
has decreased modestly to 19.3 years, with less than one per cent
of the portfolio subject to hand-back in the next five years. By
prioritising the acquisition of assets with long residual life and
investing excess cash flows into new projects, while maintaining a
progressive dividend, BBGI plans to maintain a portfolio with a
long weighted average life.
Based on current estimates, and if
there were to be no further acquisitions, the portfolio could
continue to generate a progressive dividend for the next 15 years,
after which the existing portfolio is forecasted to enter into the
capital repayment phase.
This illustrative chart is a
target only, as at 31 December 2023, and is not a profit forecast.
There can be no assurance this target will be met. The hypothetical
target cash flows do not consider any further acquisitions,
unforeseen costs, expenses or other factors that may affect the
portfolio assets and therefore the impact on the cash flows to the
Company. As such, the graph above should not in any way be
construed as forecasting the actual cash flows from the portfolio.
There are minor cash flows extending beyond 2051 but for
illustrative purposes, these are excluded from the chart
above.
Chair Statement
Introduction
On behalf of the Supervisory
Board, I am pleased to report on our strong operational performance
for 2023. Despite facing a turbulent economic landscape, our
results underscore the robustness of our approach, our sound
business model and the enduring strength within our globally
diversified portfolio of high-quality, core social infrastructure
assets.
Sustainable value creation
Our low-risk investment strategy
and well-managed portfolio have continued to demonstrate resilience
through the macroeconomic volatility experienced during the
reporting period, and we delivered a well-covered and growing
dividend for our investors. BBGI takes a careful approach to
capital allocation. We have used surplus cash flows generated from
our investment portfolio to pay down our revolving credit facility
in 2023, positioning ourselves well for the future.
I am pleased to report that the
long-term predictable nature of our cash flows and our high-quality
inflation linkage continues to support our dividend payment of 7.93
pence per share for 2023, a 6 per cent increase on 2022 and in line
with our target, returning substantial inflation-linked gains to
shareholders, as well as strong dividend cover of 1.4x. We are also
reconfirming our 2024 dividend target of 8.40pps, reflecting an
increase of 6 per cent year on year. We continue our solid track
record of meeting or exceeding all dividend targets set since IPO
and providing our investors with a progressive dividend that is
expected to be fully cash covered.
Uncertain market backdrop
The effects of rising discount
rates were partly mitigated by the positive effects of increasing
deposit rates, changes to forecast inflation, and value-accretive
activities, which included effective lifecycle cost management,
Portfolio Company cost savings tax and treasury management, and
optimised cash reserving. BBGI was not immune to macro-economic
factors beyond our control, which resulted in a NAV decrease of 1.2
per cent over 2023, or 1.4 per cent on a per share basis - our
first year-on-year NAV decrease since our IPO in 2011. The decrease
in NAV was attributable to several factors, including the increase
in the weighted average discount rate (a knock-on effect from
rising global interest rates and general macroeconomic volatility),
adverse foreign exchange rate movements, and the negative effect of
proposed Canadian tax legislation.
Weak investor sentiment has
affected nearly all UK-listed investment companies over the past
year, and the Board does not believe BBGI's share price adequately
reflects the value of our portfolio, our high-quality inflation
linkage, our strong financial position and operational performance.
As responsible long-term stewards of our shareholders' interests,
we are committed to monitoring closely these developments and
taking appropriate steps. Any potential action to reduce our NAV
discount will only be undertaken after thorough consideration,
based on our disciplined approach to capital allocation and taking
full account of any longer-term implications.
Aligning with shareholder interests
A significant contributor to our
success is our commitment to align Management Board and shareholder
interests.
With an internally managed
structure, unique amongst UK-listed infrastructure equity
investment companies, our Management Board is incentivised to
prioritise sound portfolio construction, value preservation and
creation, as well as growth in dividends and NAV per share, rather
than solely focusing on the expansion of assets under
management.
The Management Board has a
significant stake in BBGI shares and is incentivised through
Long-Term Incentive Plan awards, which fully vest in shares, as
well as Short-Term Incentive Plan awards, where 33 per cent of the
award is settled in shares and deferred for three years. While this
approach is largely viewed as best practice for FTSE-listed
companies, it is much less common among investment companies. These
arrangements underscore the Management Board's dedication to
delivering enhanced shareholder value and prudent capital
allocation.
Our two-tier governance structure,
comprising the Supervisory Board and Management Board, ensures
robust oversight and strategic direction. While we operate
with a clear division of responsibilities between both Boards,
their strong and open relationship fosters a culture of healthy
discourse and diligent inquiry, as well as thorough scrutiny and
comprehensive oversight. We have an experienced Supervisory Board
with a broad set of relevant skills to lead our business forward,
including significant sector and infrastructure asset management
expertise.
Engaging with stakeholders
By fostering open dialogue and
transparent communication, we strive to build enduring
relationships with all our stakeholders, ensuring we realise our
vision and purpose of delivering social infrastructure for
healthier, safer, and more connected societies, while creating
sustainable value. Together with our Management Board, I have
continued to engage with stakeholders throughout the year. The
Supervisory Board also met periodically with employees during 2023
and we remain readily available to engage with shareholders,
underscoring our commitment to transparency and proactive
communication. This approach is central to our mission of fostering
a collaborative and inclusive environment for all our
stakeholders.
Management team succession
The recent evolution of our
Management Board reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and
fostering a culture of continuous growth and development. In
January 2024, Frank Schramm retired after 12 years as Co-CEO
alongside Duncan Ball. I extend my sincere appreciation for his
significant contributions to the Company since its IPO in
2011.
Duncan is now sole CEO, Michael
Denny has additional COO responsibilities alongside his CFO duties,
and we were delighted to appoint Andreas Parzych to the Management
Board. These changes underscore the depth of
senior talent at BBGI.
Embracing our diverse experience
As well as a varied range of
skills and expertise on our Boards and Committees, we endorse
gender and ethnic equality, including initiatives such as FTSE
Women Leaders and the Parker Review.
At BBGI, we recognise the
importance of diversity in all its forms. This is clearly reflected
in the diverse backgrounds of our team, with 26 colleagues
representing 14 different nationalities. The effectiveness of the
Supervisory Board is strengthened by our commitment to diversity,
and we remain among the
few FTSE 350 companies with both a female Supervisory Board Chair
and a female Audit Committee Chair. In 2023, we retained our 60 per cent
female representation on the Supervisory Board as well as having 39
per cent female representation amongst those employees who report
directly to the Management Board. 20 per cent of the Supervisory
Board and eight per cent of direct reports to the Management Board
are considered to be from an ethnic minority background as
categorised by the Parker Review.
Looking to the future
The investment environment has
fundamentally altered over the last 24 months, but BBGI's portfolio
has all the defensive qualities required to deliver a solid income
stream. Our management team continues to manage the Company's
risk profile with their customary attention to detail and will
review opportunities to extend the life of the portfolio in order
to maintain the duration of our asset base for the benefit of
shareholders in the years ahead.
I would like to thank the
dedicated BBGI team for their efforts in delivering a resilient
performance for our shareholders, despite the wider market
backdrop, and also our clients, partners and service providers, who continue to support us in providing a critical
role in our communities. With their steadfast support and
unwavering determination, I am confident that we will continue to
deliver sustainable and attractive value for all our stakeholders
in the years to come.
Sarah
Whitney
Chair of the Supervisory
Board
27 March 2024
CEO Statement
Our results for 2023 demonstrate
our strong portfolio and operational performance, despite a period
of significant macroeconomic and market shifts. Our consistent and
disciplined approach to capital allocation, combined with our
value-driven active asset management, ensures our investments
continue to perform well and in line with our
expectations.
The inherent value of our assets
and active management delivered by our experienced internal
management team were highlighted again during 2023. We continued to
manage our portfolio responsibly to generate high-quality, stable,
predictable and inflation-linked cash flows, with distributions
ahead of our target. These cash flows supported our strong dividend
cover of 1.4x in 2023, and allowed us to increase dividends by six
per cent to 7.93pps for the year, in line with our previously
stated target. We have also reconfirmed our dividend target of
8.40pps for 2024, representing a six per cent increase
year-on-year, and a target of 8.57pps for 2025. We take pride in
our track record of meeting or exceeding all dividend targets set
since IPO and providing our investors with a progressive dividend,
which has always been fully cash covered and has increased every
year since 2013.
We have delivered predictable
progressive income for our shareholders through different economic
cycles by investing in high-quality social infrastructure assets,
which contribute to healthier, safer and more connected societies.
Our low-risk, globally diversified infrastructure portfolio
includes schools, healthcare facilities, police and fire stations,
affordable housing, roads and bridges, modern correctional
facilities, a clean energy investment and other types of social
infrastructure, all of which generate secure, long-term,
contractual government-backed cash flows, with high-quality
inflation linkage.
Highlights
· Dividend of 7.93pps for the year, a six per cent increase and
in line with our target.
· Reconfirmed dividend target of 8.40pps for 2024, representing
a six per cent increase year-on-year, and a target of 8.57pps for
2025.
· Strong cash dividend cover of 1.4x in 2023. All target
dividends are expected to be fully cash-covered.
· Projected cash flows generated from our portfolio of 56
investments can sustain a progressive dividend policy for the next
15 years.
· In
March 2024, BBGI joined the AIC's next generation of
'dividend heroes', in recognition of achieving 10 years of
successive dividend growth.
· NAV
per share decreased by 1.4 per cent to 147.8 pps.
· We
repaid all cash drawings under our £230 million RCF and we
currently have no outstanding investment commitments.
· Annualised total NAV return per share of 8.6 per cent since
IPO.
· Internal management structure which supports alignment with
our investors. Ongoing charges of 0.93 per cent.
· High-quality inflation linkage of 0.5 per cent.
· Focus on delivering social impact across portfolio - SFDR
Article 8 fund.
· High
degree of climate resilience independently confirmed across asset
portfolio.
· Tracking and reporting all Scope 1, Scope 2, and material
Scope 3 emissions across all 56 Portfolio Companies.
Strong business model and resilient
portfolio
Our robust and defensive business
model exemplifies our prudent and low-risk approach to investing,
generating long-term, sustainable value for all our stakeholders.
We offer investors a contracted, stable and predictable revenue
stream with high-quality inflation linkage of 0.5 per cent,
underpinned by highly rated, creditworthy public sector
counterparties. We invest in countries with credit ratings between
AA and AAA, in Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway,
the UK and the US. All have stable operating environments, with
independent and proven legal systems.
Value-driven active asset management
All 56 of our infrastructure
assets are performing strongly and delivering in line with
expectations and are now all in full operation. Our equity
investment in Highway 104 in Nova Scotia, Canada achieved
substantial completion in September 2023 and significantly improves
efficiency and safety of travel, the flow of goods and services,
and connects communities in the region. In 2023, the Canadian
Council for Public-Private Partnerships recognised Highway 104 with
the Gold Award in the P3 Design & Construction
category.
Our active asset management
activities included applying high-quality corporate governance
frameworks, which helped enable us to maintain our track record of
no reported lock-ups or material defaults at any of our Portfolio
Companies and generated a consistently high asset availability rate
of 99.9 per cent.
We place a high importance on
client satisfaction and in 2023, we achieved a strong overall net
promoter scores from our project clients, demonstrating our ability
to maintain strong client relationships and to deliver superior
performance. As we continue to enhance value for our stakeholders,
we remain dedicated to upholding these high standards and
reinforcing our position as a trusted partner.
Prudent financial
management
Our prudent approach to portfolio
construction and financial management helped mitigate the impact of
rising discount rates during the year. All our Portfolio Companies
are financed on a non-recourse basis with 55 out of our 56 assets
securely financed with fully amortising fixed rate debt through the
length of the concession period (without the need for refinancing),
and only one asset has a refinancing obligation for a tranche of
debt. However, this asset benefits from a hedged base market
interest rate and therefore is only sensitive to changes in lenders
required margins over base interest rates.
Once again, our hedging policy
helped mitigate the adverse impact of foreign exchange movements on
the NAV in 2023, and we took a proactive approach to treasury
management to optimise interest earned on reserve accounts at our
Portfolio Companies.
Our liquidity position remains
robust, with net cash of £9.7 million at 31 December 2023. By using
excess cash that we have generated from our portfolio of
investments, I am pleased to report that we repaid all cash
drawings under our £230 million RCF by 31 December 2023.
Additionally, we have no outstanding acquisition commitments,
placing the Company in a strong financial position. Moving forward,
we remain committed to optimising our portfolio construction to
maximise value for our shareholders.
Our Net Asset Valuation (NAV)
We have not been immune to the
significant shifts in macroeconomic and investor sentiment, which
have impacted the broader UK-listed investment company sector.
Increasing interest rates and the volatility of underlying
risk-free rates have had a ripple effect on discount rates, and
throughout 2023, the listed social infrastructure sector has traded
at an average NAV discount of 10.5 per cent.
As of December 31, 2023, our NAV
per share stood at 147.8 pence, a slight decrease of 1.4 per cent
from the previous year and BBGI's first year-over-year decrease
since our 2011 listing. The shift in market discount rates had the
most significant negative effect on our portfolio valuation,
responsible for a 3.8 per cent reduction. Adverse currency exchange
movements further decreased portfolio valuation by 2.2 per cent,
which was partially offset by income arising from foreign exchange
derivative contracts. We have also decreased our portfolio
valuation by 1.5 per cent by fully provisioning for the anticipated
negative effect of proposed changes to Canadian tax legislation,
which are expected to be approved in parliament in 2024 with effect
from 1 January 2024. However, these negative impacts on the
portfolio valuation were partially offset by our proactive asset
management, which increased our NAV by 1.7 per cent, along with
changes in our macroeconomic assumptions, driven largely by the
effect of revised deposit rate assumptions, contributing to an
increase of 2.6 per cent.
Both the Management Board and the
Supervisory Board continue to believe that BBGI's share price does
not adequately reflect the value of our portfolio, our high-quality
inflation linkage, our strong financial position and operational
performance. We continue to see a disparity between the private
market valuations of high-quality core infrastructure assets and
the value ascribed by public markets and there were a number of
market transactions that substantiate our reported NAV. As of 31
December 2023, BBGI's implied risk premium was 3.7 per cent above
the weighted average government risk-free rate for our portfolio.
We view this as attractive for a low-risk investment portfolio with
high-quality inflation protection, delivering real returns, and
progressive dividend growth, particularly when compared with fixed
income products.
Focus on disciplined growth and capital allocation
strategy
During 2023, we fully repaid all
drawings on our RCF by using excess cash that we have generated
from our portfolio of investments, helping to reduce our financing
costs and we currently have no commitments to finance new
investments. We are focused on the construction of our portfolio to
ensure that we continue to deliver value to our shareholders. Our
confidence in the robustness of our portfolio has allowed us to
raise the dividend by six per cent in 2023, with a further six per
cent increase target for 2024, thereby returning to shareholders
the substantial inflation-linked gains accrued in our portfolio. We
target a two per cent increase for the 2025 dividend, as we
consider it too early to predict the direction of inflation
levels.
We believe in pursuing disciplined
growth that prioritises building shareholder value, guided by our
internal management structure, rather than seeking to expand our
assets under management merely for the sake of growth. Our
governance model ensures full alignment between management's
interests and those of our shareholders.
Our stringent criteria for
pursuing new investments are influenced by the relative
attractiveness of alternative capital allocation options, while
considering the longer-term strategic rationale. We will continue
to apply this approach as we have done since our IPO in 2011. We
have used our RCF responsibly and have grown our business in a
disciplined manner, not overextending our balance sheet and not
placing an overreliance on the equity capital markets. We used our
RCF to acquire two new assets (John Hart Generating Station in
Canada and the A7 Motorway in Germany) for c. £64.4 million in
2022, which we have now paid off in full using free cash flows from
our portfolio. This demonstrates our ability to grow organically
and develop our portfolio without the need to access the equity
market for funds. In this context, it is worth noting that our
current return projections, all else remaining equal, are not
contingent on new investments. If we were to abstain from further
investments, our existing portfolio alone would sustain our
progressive dividend policy for the next 15 years.
Although we decided not to make
any further investments during 2023, we continue to monitor new
investment opportunities in the market through our strong network
of industry relationships. We remain poised to seize the right
opportunities that are value-accretive, will strengthen our
portfolio and will enhance our overall portfolio composition and
key metrics, while considering their attractions against
alternative capital allocation options. Despite deciding against
new investments in 2023, we are actively keeping an eye on new
opportunities via our extensive industry connections. We stand
ready to capitalise on investments that will add value, bolster our
portfolio, and improve its overall composition and key metrics.
Furthermore, we are investigating portfolio diversification
prospects with desirable traits, such as consistent long-term cash
flows and inflation correlation, aligning with our existing
investment policy. Any new investment opportunity will of course be
evaluated by comparing their potential benefits to other ways of
allocating our capital.
Environmental, social and governance
progress
Environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) remains a fundamental focus for us, and we are
pleased to report significant progress in this area over the past
year. We believe that a strong commitment to ESG principles plays a
crucial role in mitigating risks and supporting our business over
the long term. Moreover, it not only fosters solid relationships
with clients and partners but also motivates and engages our
employees. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in mitigating risks
and supporting our business over the long term. Our sustainable
investment portfolio benefits from a strong social purpose and the
Company is classified as SFDR Article 8.
Over the past year, we have
further developed our approach to sustainability including our
capacity to measure and report on our progress, as well as
enhancing our robust approach to governance. BBGI is committed to
net zero both operationally and with our portfolio, and in 2023 we
enhanced our proprietary ESG database, including
greenhouse gas ('GHG')
emissions data, and published our first SFDR Principal Adverse
Impact Statement. All our Portfolio Company assets have a high
degree of climate risk resilience, and we now have a complete
overview of their emissions profiles, which will facilitate future
decarbonisation programmes. Our alignment with global standards and
high scores from third-party ESG ratings is testament to our
commitment to sustainability.
Looking ahead
This is my first statement as sole
CEO, having taken on the role in Q1 2024. Concurrently, Michael
Denny has broadened his remit to encompass COO responsibilities
alongside his CFO duties, and we welcomed Andreas Parzych to the
Management Board. My collaboration with Michael dates back to his
initial days as CFO following our 2011 IPO, and his contribution
has been invaluable. Since joining us in 2016, Andreas has been
instrumental in executing our disciplined growth strategy - a role
he will continue to advance. We have a focused succession planning
process to ensure our business remains well managed and prepared
for future developments, with a committed, high-calibre leadership
team in place. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Frank
for his successful tenure and commitment as Co-CEO and offer my
best wishes for his retirement. Additionally, I extend my
appreciation to all our colleagues for their exceptional efforts in
2023.
I remain optimistic about the
long-term prospects for BBGI. We will continue to look ahead in the
management of the portfolio, seeking to enhance the assets that we
own, while also identifying opportunities for new investments to
maintain or improve the portfolio metrics. Growth in the
infrastructure asset class will be driven by the imperatives of
digitalisation, decarbonisation, demographic dynamics, and the
modernisation or renewal of aging infrastructure. As governments
continue to run deficits and demand for maintaining, repairing, and
constructing new infrastructure grows, there is an increasing need
for private sector investment in infrastructure, presenting
long-term opportunities for BBGI. With our robust balance sheet, a
portfolio that generates secure, predictable cash flows surpassing
our dividend objectives, and an undrawn £230 million RCF maturing
in May 2026, we are well-equipped to navigate evolving markets,
with both discipline and ambition, and to deliver attractive value
to all our stakeholders.
Duncan
Ball
CEO
27 March 2024
Our Investment Strategy
BBGI provides access to a globally
diversified portfolio of infrastructure investments, which generate
long-term and sustainable returns and serve a critical social
purpose in their local communities. Our portfolio is well
diversified across sectors in education, healthcare, blue light
(fire and police stations), affordable housing, modern correctional
facilities, clean energy and transport infrastructure
assets.
Our business model serves as the
foundation of our success, enabling us to deliver robust
shareholder returns, a low correlation to other asset classes and
sustainable growth, largely independent of the economic cycle. The
model is structured around four strategic pillars:
Low-risk
· Availability-style investment strategy.
· Secure, public sector-backed contracted revenues.
· Stable, predictable cash flows, with high-quality inflation
linkage and progressive long-term dividend growth.
Internally managed
· In-house management team focused on portfolio construction
and delivering shareholder value, not simply growing assets under
management.
· Management interests aligned with those of
shareholders.
· Strong pricing discipline and portfolio
management.
· Lowest comparative ongoing charges.[vi]
Globally diversified
· Focus on highly rated investment grade countries.
· Stable, well-developed operating environments.
· A
global portfolio, serving society through supporting local
communities.
Strong ESG approach
· ESG
fully integrated into the business model.
· Comprehensive climate risk analysis across the
portfolio.
· Focus on delivering positive social impact - SFDR Article
8[vii] - and high degree
of climate resilience.
Operating Model
We follow a proven operating model
based on three principles: value-driven active asset management,
prudent financial management and a selective acquisition strategy,
which are fundamental to our success. This model aims to preserve
and create value, while achieving portfolio growth, ensuring that
ESG considerations are embedded in our processes.
Our active asset management approach seeks
to ensure stable operational performance, preservation of value and, where possible, identification and
incorporation of value enhancements over the lifetime of the
assets under our stewardship. Our approach aims
to reduce costs to our public sector clients and asset end-users,
to enhance the operational efficiency of each asset and
to generate a high level
of asset availability, underpinning the social purpose of our
portfolio.
Our prudent financial management approach
focuses on efficient cash and corporate cost management and the
implementation of our foreign exchange hedging strategy. Due to our
portfolio's geographical diversification, we are exposed to foreign
exchange volatility, which we actively seek to mitigate.
We pursue a selective acquisition strategy, so our
Management Board's focus remains within its area of expertise, and
we uphold the strategic pillars defined by our investment
proposition. We actively seek, through portfolio construction,
acquisitions with long-term, predictable, and inflation-protection
characteristics that support our contracted, high-quality,
inflation linkage of 0.5 per cent.
Value-driven active asset management
We pursue a standardised approach
across our portfolio to preserve value, to derive operational and
value enhancements, and to improve clients' experience,
including:
· strong client relationships, by prioritising regular meetings
and active engagement to achieve high rates of client
satisfaction;
· focused asset management, to ensure distributions are on
time, and on or above budget;
· focused cost management and portfolio-wide cost-saving
initiatives, to leverage economies of scale or outperform the base
case, such as portfolio insurance and standardised management
contracts for Portfolio Companies, and thorough lifecycle cost
reviews;
· comprehensive monitoring, to ensure we fulfil our contractual
obligations;
· detailed climate risk assessment and ESG KPI tracking tool,
which includes over 100 KPIs and questions, to evaluate the
sustainable performance of each of our investments, ensure good
governance and mitigate risk;
· maintaining high availability levels by proactively managing
any issues, including site visits to all significant
investments;
· monitoring and periodically reviewing Portfolio Company debt
facilities and investigating potential refinancing benefits;
and
· measured exposure to construction risk to support NAV uplift
by de-risking assets over the construction period.
Prudent financial management
We focus on cash performance at
both the asset and portfolio level to drive efficiencies,
including:
· progressive future dividend growth, underpinned by
high-quality inflation linkage and strong portfolio distributions.
Assuming a scenario where no additional investments are made, the
projected cash flows in the income phase from BBGI's current
portfolio of 56 investments could sustain the Company's progressive
dividend policy for 15 years;
· low
ongoing charges through our efficient and cost-effective internal
management structure;
· managing and mitigating foreign exchange risk through our
hedging strategy: hedging forecast portfolio distributions, balance
sheet hedging through foreign exchange forward contracts, and
borrowing in non-Sterling currencies;
· euro-denominated running costs, which provide a natural hedge
against Euro-denominated portfolio distributions;
· efficient treasury management processes to maximise interest
income on deposits in the underlying Portfolio Companies;
and
· maintaining modest cash balances at the corporate level to
limit cash drag, facilitated through access to the RCF.
Selective acquisition strategy and strategic investment
partnership
We maintain strategic discipline
in our acquisition strategy and portfolio composition to ensure we
pursue growth that builds shareholder value, not just for growth's
sake, including:
· broad industry relationships throughout multiple
geographies;
· pre-emption rights to acquire co-shareholders'
interests;
· visible pipeline through a North American strategic
partnership, which offers an option, but not an obligation, to
transact;
· global exposure to benefit from geographical
diversification;
· robust framework embedding ESG principles into investment due
diligence;
· revolving corporate debt facility to support transaction
execution; and
· focus on the Management Board's core areas of
expertise.
We leverage strong relationships
with leading construction companies to source potential pipeline
investments, which support our low-risk and globally diversified
investment strategy. Typically, these contractors have secured the
mandate to design and build new assets, but often look to divest
financially after the construction period has finished - thereafter
often maintaining facility management contracts through a long-term
partnership. BBGI is an attractive partner for several
reasons:
· We
are a long-term investor, which is attractive to government and
government-backed counterparties.
· We
are considered a reliable source of liquidity should a construction
partner decide to sell.
· Having a financial partner is a prerequisite for some
construction companies so they can avoid consolidating Portfolio
Company debt onto the balance sheet of their parent
company.
· We
have extensive asset credentials and a strong track record, which
can assist with the shortlisting process for new
projects.
We operate within a niche of the
infrastructure sector characterised by transactions of a more
modest scale, which affords us specific advantages. In recent
times, a significant portion of capital has flowed into
substantial, unlisted infrastructure funds, many of which aim for
fund targets exceeding US $10 billion. These larger funds
prioritise the deployment of substantial amounts of capital and, as
a result, do not actively engage in the smaller transaction space
where we excel. Within our market niche, we are recognised as a
dependable source of capital and consequently have very good
visibility of potential opportunities.
Portfolio Review
Portfolio summary
Our investments as at 31 December
2023 consisted of interests in 56 high-quality, availability-style
social infrastructure assets, 100 per cent of which are fully
operational (by portfolio value). The portfolio is well diversified
across sectors in education, healthcare, blue light (fire and
police stations), affordable housing, modern correctional
facilities, clean energy,
and transport infrastructure assets.
Located in Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK,
and the US, all Portfolio Companies are in
stable, well-developed, and highly rated investment grade
countries.
No.
|
Asset
|
Country
|
Percentage holding
%
|
1
|
A1/A6
Motorway
|
Netherlands
|
37.1
|
2
|
A7 Motorway
|
Germany
|
49
|
3
|
Aberdeen Western Peripheral
Route
|
UK
|
33.3
|
4
|
Avon & Somerset Police
HQ
|
UK
|
100
|
5
|
Ayrshire and Arran
Hospital
|
UK
|
100
|
6
|
Barking Dagenham &
Havering (LIFT)
|
UK
|
60
|
7
|
Bedford Schools
|
UK
|
100
|
8
|
Belfast Metropolitan
College
|
UK
|
100
|
9
|
Burg Correctional
Facilities
|
Germany
|
90
|
10
|
Canada Line
|
Canada
|
26.7
|
11
|
Champlain Bridge
|
Canada
|
25
|
12
|
Clackmannanshire
Schools
|
UK
|
100
|
13
|
Cologne Schools
|
Germany
|
50
|
14
|
Coventry Schools
|
UK
|
100
|
15
|
E18 Motorway
|
Norway
|
100
|
16
|
East Down
Colleges
|
UK
|
100
|
17
|
Frankfurt Schools
|
Germany
|
50
|
18
|
Fürst Wrede
Barracks
|
Germany
|
50
|
19
|
Gloucester Royal
Hospital
|
UK
|
50
|
20
|
Golden Ears
Bridge
|
Canada
|
100
|
21
|
Highway 104
|
Canada
|
50
|
22
|
John Hart Generating
Station
|
Canada
|
80
|
23
|
Kelowna & Vernon
Hospitals
|
Canada
|
100
|
24
|
Kent Schools
|
UK
|
50
|
25
|
Kicking Horse Canyon
Highway
|
Canada
|
50
|
26
|
Lagan College
|
UK
|
100
|
27
|
Lisburn College
|
UK
|
100
|
28
|
Liverpool & Sefton
Clinics (LIFT)
|
UK
|
60
|
29
|
M1 Westlink
|
UK
|
100
|
30
|
M80 Motorway
|
UK
|
50
|
31
|
McGill University Health
Centre
|
Canada
|
40
|
32
|
Mersey Care
Hospital
|
UK
|
79.6
|
33
|
Mersey Gateway
Bridge
|
UK
|
37.5
|
34
|
N18 Motorway
|
Netherlands
|
52
|
35
|
North Commuter
Parkway
|
Canada
|
50
|
36
|
North East Stoney
Trail
|
Canada
|
100
|
37
|
North London Estates
Partnership (LIFT)
|
UK
|
60
|
38
|
North West Fire and
Rescue
|
UK
|
100
|
39
|
North West Regional
College
|
UK
|
100
|
40
|
Northwest Anthony Henday
Drive
|
Canada
|
50
|
41
|
Northern Territory Secure
Facilities
|
Australia
|
100
|
42
|
Ohio River
Bridges
|
USA
|
66.7
|
43
|
Poplar Affordable Housing
& Recreational Centres
|
UK
|
100
|
44
|
Restigouche Hospital
Centre
|
Canada
|
80
|
45
|
Rodenkirchen
Schools
|
Germany
|
50
|
46
|
Royal Women's
Hospital
|
Australia
|
100
|
47
|
Scottish Borders
Schools
|
UK
|
100
|
48
|
South East Stoney
Trail
|
Canada
|
40
|
49
|
Stanton Territorial
Hospital
|
Canada
|
100
|
50
|
Stoke & Staffs Rescue
Service
|
UK
|
85
|
51
|
Tor Bank School
|
UK
|
100
|
52
|
Unna Administrative
Centre
|
Germany
|
90
|
53
|
Victorian Correctional
Facilities
|
Australia
|
100
|
54
|
Westland Town
Hall
|
Netherlands
|
100
|
55
|
William R. Bennett
Bridge
|
Canada
|
80
|
56
|
Women's College
Hospital
|
Canada
|
100
|
Projects listed above are in alphabetical
order.
Operating model in action
Preserving and enhancing value through active asset
management
The increase in short-term
interest rates across all jurisdictions over the past 12 to 18
months has led to a renewed emphasis on treasury management and
optimisation. During the reporting period, we have finalised cash
pooling arrangements in the UK and Canada to maximise interest
generated on cash deposits of our Portfolio Companies.
Value-accretive activities,
including effective lifecycle cost management, Portfolio Company
savings, change order revenue, tax and treasury management and
optimised cash reserving, contributed approximately £18.5 million
to the NAV.
The operational performance of the
Portfolio Companies continued to be strong. Through our active
value-driven approach to asset management and the robustness of our
portfolio, we have achieved an asset availability level of
approximately 99.9 per cent. Deductions were either borne by
third-party facility management companies and road operators or
were part of planned expenditures.
There were no material lock-ups,
default events or covenant breaches in the underlying debt
financing agreements reported during the year. This means that all
our investments contributed to our strong dividend cover with
portfolio distributions ahead of projections. We are very proud of
this achievement.
Client satisfaction is paramount
to us, and in 2023, our efforts were reflected in consistently high
Net Promoter Scores from our project clients. These metrics
underscore our sustained commitment to fostering robust client
relationships and delivering excellence.
High-quality inflation linkage
During the reporting period,
inflation rates began to decline but remained at elevated levels in
the jurisdictions where BBGI invests. Similarly, the volatility in
long-term interest rates during 2023 had
an impact on discount
rates.
Our equity cash flows are
positively linked to inflation at approximately 0.5 per cent. If
inflation is one per cent higher than our
assumptions for all future periods, returns should increase from
7.3 per cent to 7.8 per cent. We achieve
this high-quality inflation linkage through contractual indexation
mechanics in our Project Agreements with our public sector clients
at each Portfolio Company and update the inflation adjustment at
least annually.
We pass on the indexation
mechanism to our subcontractors - on whom we rely on to support our
assets' operations - providing an inflation cost hedge to manage
effectively our cost base. The Portfolio
Companies enter into facilities management and operating
subcontracts that mirror the inflation arrangements contained in
the Project Agreement. In the UK, Project Agreements tend to have a
Retail Price Index ('RPI') adjustment factor, while other regions
commonly use Consumer Price Index ('CPI') indexation. However, some
Project Agreements have bespoke inflation indices that reflect
expected operations and maintenance costs.
The extent of a Portfolio
Company's linkage to inflation is determined by the portion of
income and costs linked to inflation. In most cases, cash flows are
positively inflation-linked as the indexation of revenues is
greater than the indexation of expenses.
The high-quality and defensive
nature of our inflation linkage is underpinned by:
Contractual increases: The
adjustment for inflation is a contractual component of the
availability-style cash flows for each Portfolio Company, supported
by creditworthy government or government-backed counterparties in
AA to AAA-rated countries. While other types of assets may offer a
strong theoretical inflation linkage (e.g., the ability to raise
prices in response to an increase in CPI), they may be subject to
changes in elasticity of demand. For example, toll roads and
student accommodation projects may have the potential to increase
prices in response to an increase in CPI but may be hindered by
market demand from increasing revenue, while costs may
simultaneously rise. Such assets would therefore need to be priced
at an appropriate risk-adjusted basis.
Protection against rising
costs: We transfer the indexation mechanism to our
subcontractors, who are crucial in supporting the operations of our
assets. This arrangement serves as an inflation cost hedge, helping
us to control efficiently our cost base. Similarly, in most cases,
the risk of energy cost increases rests with our public sector
client or has been passed down to the subcontractor.
No dependence on regulatory
review: The inflation adjustment is automatic and
contractual and is not subject to regulatory review or substantial
lags. Once the relevant reference factor is published, the
adjustment is mechanical.
Portfolio approach: Our
inflation linkage comes from diverse Portfolio Companies in
different countries.
Prudent financial management
Our assets continued to perform
well during the reporting period with cash receipts during the
period ahead of projections. Our net cash position as of 31
December 2023 was £9.7 million with no cash drawings outstanding
under the RCF.
We have efficient cash management
in place, which aims to avoid cash drag. We employ a proven
financing strategy by initially drawing on our RCF to bridge
finance acquisitions, with the cost of borrowing being 165 basis
points (bps) over the reference bank rate. Subsequently, we raise
new equity or use free cash flows generated by the Portfolio
Companies to repay the RCF, thereby clearing the temporary debt.
The committed amount available to the Company from the RCF is £230
million, which matures in May 2026. Furthermore, the Company has
the possibility of increasing the quantum to £300 million by means
of an accordion provision. This provides us with the ability to
execute larger acquisitions in an efficient manner, and ensures we
are a trusted and repeat partner in our key markets.
We have managed our RCF with
prudence and discipline, expanding our portfolio without
overleveraging our financial statements and acknowledging that the
equity capital market is not perpetually accessible. In 2022, we
utilised our RCF to secure two new assets - the John Hart
Generating Station in Canada and the A7 Motorway in Germany - for
approximately £64.4 million. The RCF drawings for these
acquisitions have been fully repaid using surplus cash flows
generated by our portfolio, showcasing our capacity for organic
growth without resorting to external capital resources.
Each of our Portfolio Companies is
financed on a non-recourse basis, with 55 of our 56 assets securely
financed and not subject to refinancing requirements. One Portfolio
Company has a refinancing obligation in December 2025. However, the
Portfolio Company benefits from a hedged base market interest rate
and is therefore only sensitive to changes in lenders required
margins over base interest rates. In line with our loan agreements,
we maintain substantial cash reserves within these Portfolio
Companies. As at 30 September 2023, BBGI's proportionate share in
the total cash balances held by the Portfolio Companies was
approximately £385 million[viii], an amount
equivalent to 36 per cent of our NAV.
Our strategic hedging policy has
enabled us to mitigate the effects of foreign exchange
fluctuations. Moreover, we have adopted a proactive treasury
management approach to optimise the interest earned on the reserve
accounts of our Portfolio Companies.
Despite the increasing cost
pressures attributed to heightened levels of inflation, our
diligent approach to cost management has allowed us to maintain our
ongoing charges at a competitive level of 0.93 per cent.
Selective acquisition strategy
During the period, we remained
active in the market and carefully assessed numerous new investment
opportunities. Although we evaluated a variety of opportunities,
the Management Board chose not to pursue them as they did not meet
our criteria for accretive inflation linkage, attractive yield or
growing NAV profile.
Our commitment to disciplined
growth is centred on enhancing shareholder value, reinforced by our
unique internal management structure, rather than merely increasing
assets under management. As the only internally managed equity
infrastructure investment company listed on the London Stock
Exchange, we are confident that our governance model ensures the
interests of our management are in harmony with those of our
shareholders.
We adhere to strict criteria when
evaluating new investments, carefully weighing the relative appeal
of different capital deployment options, all the while keeping an
eye on the long-term strategic objectives, including the desire to
maintain or lengthen the life of the portfolio. We will continue
with this judicious approach as we pursue sustainable growth and
value creation for our shareholders.
Supply chain monitoring
The Management Board consistently
monitors the potential concentration risk posed by operations and
maintenance ('O&M') contractors that provide counterparty
services to our assets. The table below depicts the level of
O&M contractor exposure as a percentage of portfolio
value.[ix]
O&M contractors
|
|
Portfolio Company
inhouse
|
12%
|
Capilano Highway
Services
|
11%
|
AtkinsRéalis O&M
|
9%
|
Black & McDonald
|
6%
|
Cushman and Wakefield
|
5%
|
Integral FM
|
5%
|
Hochtief Solutions AG
|
4%
|
Honeywell
|
4%
|
Carmacks Maintenance
Services
|
3%
|
Amey Community Ltd
|
3%
|
Intertoll Ltd
|
3%
|
Graham AM
|
3%
|
Guildmore Ltd
|
3%
|
Galliford Try FM
|
3%
|
BEAR Scotland
|
3%
|
Remaining investments
|
23%
|
|
100%
|
The Management Board has
thoroughly assessed the risk exposure and has not identified any
significant risks. We have a strict supply chain monitoring policy,
maintain a diverse contractor base, and implement risk mitigation
measures to address proactively any potential issues in our supply
chain.
Construction defects
We proactively monitor the quality
of our assets to identify promptly any construction defects. When
necessary, we take appropriate remediation measures to ensure the
highest standard of our portfolio. The responsibility for, and the
cost of remediation and related deductions lie with the relevant
construction subcontractor on each asset, in line with statutory
limitation periods. This plays an important role in our effective
counterparty risk management.
Latent defects risk was mitigated
during the reporting period, with 50 per cent of portfolio value
covered by either limitation or warranty periods and there were no
material defects reported on any of our portfolio
assets.
Latent defects limitations /
warranty period remaining
|
Expired
|
|
|
50%
|
Within 1 year
|
|
|
11%
|
1-2 years
|
|
|
4%
|
2-5 years
|
|
|
18%
|
5-10 years
|
|
|
11%
|
10+ years
|
|
|
6%
|
|
|
|
|
100%
|
|
|
|
| |
Project hand-back
At the end of a concession, the
private partner transfers control and management of the project
back to the public sector. This process is termed 'hand-back'. The
concessions for two of the Company's UK accommodation assets will
expire in January 2026 and August 2027. Preparations for their
hand-back is underway. Following the Infrastructure and Projects
Authority UK's guidelines, collaborative working groups have been
established, comprising representatives from the Client, the FM
contractor, and the Portfolio Companies, each involved in the
projects. The FM contractor bears the hand-back risk for both
assets.
The hand-back process is
progressing positively, with notable advancements made so far.
Interactions and cooperation among all parties are robust,
fostering strong relationships. As at the reporting date, no risks
that could affect either of the Portfolio Companies have been
detected in the process. We have established transparent
communication channels with our subcontractors and public partners,
fostering a robust partnership built on measurable outcomes,
including clear hand-back requirements.
Less than one per cent of the
Portfolio is subject to hand-back in the next five
years.
Portfolio Snapshot / Top Ten
Assets
Our ten largest assets
The following summary of our top
10 assets provides a snapshot, offering key data and achievements
over time, which are not necessarily limited to the current
reporting period.
1)
Golden Ears Bridge
· Type: Availability-style
· Status: Operational
· Equity holding BBGI: 100 per cent
· Total investment volume (debt and equity): C$1.1
billion
· Financial close/operational: March 2006/June 2009
· Concession period: 32 years (post-construction) ending in
2041
Golden Ears Bridge represented the
largest private financing for a greenfield Public
Private Partnership ('PPP') in Canada at the time of its
launch. The project involves the design, build, financing,
operation and maintenance of the Golden Ears Bridge in Vancouver,
which is a 1 km, six-lane road that spans the Fraser River and
connects Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows to Langley and Surrey. The
road opened in March 2009 and includes more than 3.5 km of ramps,
viaducts, minor bridges and underpasses, and more than 13 km of
mainline roadway; a large part of which has been
landscaped.
The project brought close to C$1
billion in construction-related activity to the area, while
commuters using the bridge now save up to 40 minutes per peak-hour
round-trip from Maple Ridge to Langley.
In 2023, a four-year replacement
program, coordinated with the asset operator, was successfully
concluded. This initiative involved transitioning all traditional
lighting to LED technology. Since 2019, this transition has
delivered annual energy savings in excess of 400,000 kWh.
Anticipated further reductions are expected with the completion of
this final phase.
2)
Ohio River Bridges
· Type: Availability-style
· Status: Operational
· Equity holding BBGI: 66.7 per cent
· Total investment volume: US$1.175 billion
· Financial close/operational: March 2013/December
2016
· Concession period: 35 years (post-construction) ending in
2051
The project includes a 760 m
cable-stay bridge, a 500 m long twin vehicular tunnel and 2.25 km
of associated six-lane interstate highway, with more than 21
bridges and multiple roundabout style interchanges. The asset
greatly improves connectivity, public safety and economic growth,
which benefits residents, businesses and visitors in the Southern
Indiana region, particularly for road-users travelling to and from
the state of Kentucky.
In October 2021, a US$528 million
green bond offering was completed to refinance its existing
indebtedness. This transaction allowed the Portfolio Company to
optimise its financing costs over the remaining term of the
contract thereby further strengthening its financing structure,
while also benefiting the public sector client through a reduction
in future service payments.
The monitoring of Ohio River
Bridge's energy reduction programme indicates ongoing reductions in
GHG emissions. Since the installation of solar panels on the
O&M buildings, the surplus renewable electricity generated has
exceeded the amount consumed. Specifically, over 40,000 kWh of
renewable electricity generated on-site was subsequently sold back
to the grid. Additionally, the transition of the project's fleet to
electric-powered vehicles has halved the fleet's fuel since
2019.
3)
Northern Territory Secure
Facilities
· Type: Availability-style
· Status: Operational
· Equity holding BBGI: 100 per cent
· Total investment volume (debt and equity): A$620
million
· Financial close/operational: October 2011/November
2014
· Concession period: 30 years (post-construction) ending in
2044
Located near Darwin, Northern
Territory (the 'Territory'), the project involves the design,
build, financing, operation and maintenance of three separate
centres including: a 1,000-bed multi-classification male and female
correctional centre, a 24-bed secure mental health and behavioural
management centre (the first of its kind in the Territory), and a
48-bed supported accommodation and programme centre for
community-based offenders. The latter is designed to support the
Australian Government's goals of enhanced rehabilitation, education
and reduced reoffending rates in the Territory.
The asset is one of the largest
social infrastructure projects in the Territory and is the largest
PPP ever procured to date. BBGI acquired its initial 50 per cent
interest in the asset while it was still in construction and
subsequently acquired the remaining 50 per cent stake in July
2015.
The modern correctional facility
was designed with a focus on providing educational and support
services to prisoners, prioritising rehabilitation to aid their
reintegration into the community. Prisoners have access to a range
of programmes, including education, training, rehabilitation, and
treatment services, all aimed at decreasing the incidence of
reoffending.
4)
A7 Motorway
· Type: Availability-style
· Status: Operational
· Equity holding BBGI: 49 per cent
· Total investment volume: €773 million (incl. state subsidy of
€213 million)
· Financial close/operational: September 2014/December
2019
· Concession period: 30 years (post Financial Close) ending in
2044
The A7 Motorway project is an
availability-based design, build, finance, operate and maintain
project located between the cities of Neumünster and Hamburg in
Germany. The project comprises c. 65 km of highway widening from
four to six lanes including 11 interchanges, six parking
facilities, four rest areas and 79 engineering structures including
a 550 m noise tunnel at the City of Schnelsen.
The noise tunnel provides green
spaces and parks, including 400 allotment gardens which reconnect
two previously divided neighbourhoods. Additionally, over 100,000
square metres of noise protection barriers were built to meet local
requirements. Wildlife crossings were implemented along the
motorway to preserve natural habitats and wildlife migration
patterns.
In 2023, the Portfolio Company has
started the transition process of its vehicle fleet to electric
vehicles. The project is also committed to install solar panels on
the O&M buildings, which is expected to deliver approximately
450,000 kWh p.a. of renewable energy once available.
5)
A1/A6 Motorway
· Type: Availability-style
· Status: Operational
· Equity holding BBGI: 37.14 per cent
· Total investment volume (debt and equity): €727.4
million
· Financial close/operational: February 2013/June
2017
· Concession period: 25 years (post-construction) ending in
2042
At the time of its launch, the
A1/A6 Motorway project represented one of the largest greenfield
PPP projects in the Netherlands and forms part of the wider
Schiphol - Amsterdam - Almere ('SAA') corridor. The project is for
the design, construction, financing, and maintenance of 18 km of
the A1 and A6 motorways to the south of Amsterdam and involves
re-routing and widening of the A1 (to two x five lanes and two
reversible lanes), reconstruction of two major interchanges,
expansion of the A6 (to two x four lanes and two reversible lanes)
and the construction of various new bridges, an aqueduct and the
longest free span railway bridge in Europe, as well as demolition
of the old part of the A1.
The project forms part of a wider
programme of five connected and adjacent projects, which together
provide for significant extra road traffic capacity, reduced
journey times and improved accessibility of the north flank of the
economical heart of the Netherlands around Amsterdam. As a result,
the liveability of the area has been improved
significantly.
Since replacing 2,000 fixtures of
traditional street lighting with LED in 2020, the project has
reduced its electricity consumption by approximately 600,000 kWh
per year compared to the annual consumption in 2019.
6)
Victorian Correctional
Facilities
· Type: Availability-style
· Status: Operational
· Equity holding BBGI: 100 per cent
· Total investment volume (debt and equity): A$242
million
· Financial close/operational: January 2004/March
2006
· Concession period: 25 years (post-construction) ending in
2031
The Victorian Correctional
Facilities project is an availability-based PPP including the
design, finance, construction and maintenance of two correctional
facilities for the State of Victoria, Australia (the 'State'). The
first facility, the maximum security Metropolitan Remand Centre
('MRC'), accommodates up to 1,009 male offenders and is located
approximately 20 kilometres from Melbourne city centre. The second,
smaller facility is the medium security Marngoneet Correctional
Centre ('MCC') that accommodates up to 599 male offenders and is
located approximately 65 kilometres from Melbourne city
centre.
The project is currently
undertaking a significant expansion of both facilities which will
see the bed capacity numbers increase to 1,210 at MRC and 653 beds
at MCC. The Portfolio Company is delivering these works via an
augmentation with the State, with works expected to be completed in
2024. Energy reduction and waste management programmes are in place
at both facilities, with monitoring indicating continuous
reductions in GHG emissions. To date, approximately 80% of
traditional lighting has been replaced by LED. Additionally,
photovoltaic panels have been installed at both facilities,
generating renewable electricity that is sold back to the grid. In
2023, approximately 120 tonnes of waste were diverted from landfill
by either recycling or incineration.
7)
Liverpool and Sefton Clinics
(LIFT)
· Type: Availability-style
· Status: Operational
· Equity holding BBGI: 60 per cent
· Total investment volume (debt and equity): GBP 89
million
· Financial close/operational: June 2004 - November 2011/June
2005 - February 2013
· Concession period: 25 or 30 years (post construction) last
facility ending in 2043
Long-term, public private
strategic partnering agreement to provide strategic estates
services and develop, fund, build, operate and manage primary
healthcare facilities in Liverpool and Sefton. The Project includes
a development company that has a long-term strategic partnering
agreement to provide estate services and new project developments
for public sector organisations within its contract area. Each new
development is delivered by a Portfolio Company sitting under this
development company. To date there are five such Portfolio
Companies and 14 completed facilities. Typical services include GP
practices, chiropody, speech and language therapy, community
nursing, dental surgery and family planning.
The project is currently
constructing a new capital development scheme for MerseyCare NHS
Foundation Trust on the Mossley Hill site in Liverpool for a new 80
bed low secure mental health facility which is due to complete in
2025. The project companies have for a long time worked to make
their buildings a part of the local communities, which are
typically in disadvantaged areas, with spaces within the buildings
being made available for community groups and fundraising
activities. BBGI, along with its management services providers,
regularly funds programmes in partnership with social care
charities, targeting young or vulnerable people. In 2023, a
two-year replacement program was finalised, converting all
traditional lighting to LED across all sites. This transition was
facilitated by leveraging existing automated control systems used
for managing electricity usage throughout the sites.
8)
McGill University Health Centre
(MUHC)
· Type: Availability-style
· Status: Operational
· Equity holding BBGI: 40 per cent
· Total investment volume (debt and equity): C$2.0 billion
(incl. government subsidy)
· Financial close/operational: July 2010/October
2014
· Concession period: 30 years (post construction) ending in
2044
The project involves the design,
build, finance, operation and maintenance of MUHC's campus in
Montreal. It comprises two hospitals, a cancer centre and a
research institute with a total of 500 beds. MUHC is one of the
most innovative academic health centres in North America, and at
214,000 sqm, it is the largest English-speaking hospital in Quebec.
One integrated campus consolidates the Montreal Children's
Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Montreal Chest
Institute, as well as the new Cedars Cancer Centre and the Research
Institute of the MUHC.
The campus project achieved a Gold
certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
('LEED') in 2016. The Portfolio Company regularly makes a financial
contribution to the MUHC Foundation, supporting medical research
programmes at MUHC.
9)
M1 Westlink
· Type: Availability-style
· Status: Operational
· Equity holding BBGI: 100 per cent
· Total investment volume (debt and equity): GBP 161
million
· Financial close/operational: February 2006/November
2009
· Concession period: 30 years (post financial close) ending in
2036
The project required the design,
upgrade, finance and operation of 60 km of two to five lane
motorway and dual carriageway and associated assets including
structures, street lighting, and safety barriers. The project
involved the widening of 4.5km of the M1 and A12 between Stockman's
Lane and Divis junction to a dual three-lane carriageway and grade
separation of three major junctions. In addition, a third lane was
added to the 5km of the downhill section between Sandyknowes and
Greencastle junctions on the M2, including the construction of 4
new bridges.
In 2023 the Portfolio Company and
the operator agreed to replace the current conventional lighting by
LED lighting. The investment programme will be funded by the
Portfolio Company, with financial contributions from the operator.
This investment is expected to generate savings in electricity
consumption.
10) Women's College Hospital
· Type: Availability-style
· Status: Operational
· Equity holding BBGI: 100 per cent
· Total investment volume (debt and equity): C$ 421 million
(incl. government subsidy)
· Financial close/operational: July 2010/May 2013 and September
2015
· Concession period: 30 years (post construction phase 1)
ending in 2043
The project comprises the design,
build, finance, operation and maintenance of the Women's College
Hospital project in Toronto, Ontario. The hospital is a multi-story
building (approximately 60,000 sqm) consisting of ambulatory care,
surgical research and educational facilities, as well as
administrative, parking, and other non-clinical space to support
Women's College Hospital's comprehensive and integrated approach to
providing quality women's health care to patients with a need for
diagnostics, extended treatments and chronic care. The project was
delivered in two phases. The ambulatory hospital facility includes
200 beds.
The project achieved a Gold
certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
('LEED') in 2017. In 2023, the replacement program for traditional
lighting was continued, transitioning 50% of the site to LED
lighting. The Portfolio Company is partnering with the client to
upgrade and expand the number of electric vehicle charging stations
located at the facility from 14 to 20. In
2023, BBGI funded through the Portfolio Company, and facilitated
the construction of a rooftop Medicine Wheel Garden. The Garden is
a place to harvest native, medicinal plants and to be enjoyed by
the Indigenous community.
Market Trends and Pipeline
BBGI continues to operate in a
volatile macroeconomic and geopolitical environment. Financial
markets have oscillated between hopes for a soft economic landing
and fears of sustained high interest and inflation rates during the
reporting period. This culminated in interest rate peaks in autumn,
followed by a repricing in the bond market before year-end. This
volatility continues to be a primary driver of public market
valuations across the infrastructure assets sector and will remain
an important factor until markets establish greater certainty over
the future economic path. Resilient valuations evidenced during
this period continue to demonstrate a disconnect between private
and public markets for attractive core infrastructure assets.
Ultimately, core infrastructure remains an attractive asset class
that can serve as a hedge against both inflation and macroeconomic
stress.
In 2023, the broader
infrastructure asset class endured a sluggish period marked by
diminished fundraising activities in both public and private
markets, along with lower than typical transaction volumes.
Challenging macroeconomic conditions have continued to impact
negatively the share prices of listed infrastructure companies,
thereby limiting public market participants' access to equity
capital. Similarly, transactional activity levels were subdued in
the second half of the year. In core social infrastructure, it is
evident that the progress of new procurements for greenfield social
infrastructure assets remains slow in many relevant markets.
Additionally, while there have been several secondary transactions
observed, transaction volumes were muted compared to recent years,
possibly because the asset class continues to perform well, and
consequently there have been very few forced sales.
We believe that infrastructure
assets with established customer bases, robust market positions,
and/or contractual and regulatory protections offer a cushion
against economic uncertainty and a prolonged higher interest rate
environment. Additionally, these assets provide a collateral-based
exposure to secular trends, thereby mitigating risks. Specifically,
core infrastructure remains an attractive asset class due to its
defensive nature, predictable cash flows and inflation
linkage.
As long-term investors in the
sector, we believe that uncertain market environments can present
intriguing opportunities. Investing in assets that underpin
essential social infrastructure has proven effective in providing
inflation linked returns and stability during economic uncertainty.
Historically, the most compelling opportunities have arisen after
challenging periods. Looking ahead, growth in the infrastructure
asset class will be driven by the imperatives of digitalisation,
decarbonisation, demographic dynamics, and the modernisation or
renewal of ageing infrastructure.
With our strong balance sheet and
an untapped RCF, we are well positioned to navigate the dynamic
landscape of core infrastructure. We will maintain our disciplined
approach, pursuing only those transactions that add value, bolster
our portfolio, and improve our overall portfolio composition,
duration and other key metrics. Our primary objective remains to
deliver long-term, predictable, and inflation-linked cash flows
that are value accretive to our shareholders.
New opportunities
The most significant long-term
driver for infrastructure investment is the immense, unmet global
demand for it. According to the Global Infrastructure Hub, the
disparity between government infrastructure spending and the
required amount will reach US$ 15 trillion by 2040. Infrastructure
investment remains pivotal in supporting GDP growth and economic
progress. The next decades will witness a transformative shift in
how we create a social and secure environment for individuals,
generate and use energy, transport goods and people, foster
community connectivity, and reshape the environment.
Extensive public investment in
infrastructure appears to be constrained, with governments ruling
out significant fiscal expansions due to considerable debts
and ongoing government deficits. If governments are not able to
take on the role of infrastructure owner-investors themselves, many
infrastructure market participants, including BBGI, believe that
private capital is well placed to step in and fill the
gap.
In this landscape, we are
committed to identifying attractive opportunities that will allow
us to diversify and expand our essential social infrastructure
portfolio. We are exploring prospects for portfolio diversification
that exhibit desirable characteristics, including consistent
long-term cash flows and inflation correlation, in line with our
established investment policy. Such investments may include
extended concessions or outright asset ownership. We will pursue
these opportunities with strict adherence to ESG standards,
ensuring that any new investment opportunity is thoroughly
evaluated by comparing their potential benefits with other capital
allocation options.
North America
Canada:
Canada's 'Investing in Canada
Plan' commits over CAD 180 billion until 2035 for infrastructure
projects. It is designed to achieve three objectives: create
long-term economic growth to build a stronger middle class; support
the resilience of communities and transition to a clean growth
economy; and build social inclusion and socioeconomic outcomes for
all Canadians. To promote these objectives, the plan delivers
investments across five streams: Public Transit; Green; Social;
Trade and Transportation; and Rural and Northern Communities. To
date, the plan has invested over CAD 144 billion in more than
94,000 projects.
To support Canada's investment
ambitions, the Canadian Infrastructure Bank ('CIB') has a mandate
to invest in revenue-generating infrastructure that benefits
Canadians and attracts private capital. The following areas remain
priorities for CIB investment: Public Transit (CAD 5 billion);
Green Infrastructure (CAD 10 billion); Clean Power (CAD 10
billion); Trade and Transportation (CAD 5 billion); and Broadband
Connectivity (CAD 3 billion). CIB's role is continuously evolving,
and new areas such as clean fuel production; hydrogen production,
transportation and distribution; carbon capture, utilisation, and
storage; and large-scale zero-emission vehicle charging and
refuelling infrastructure, have been added to its
mandate.
BBGI has benefited from Canada's
infrastructure investments in the past and has built a portfolio of
16 social infrastructure assets in the country. With a reputation
as a highly credible purchaser and manager of such assets, BBGI is
well-positioned to take part in infrastructure investments going
forward. While opportunities in traditional PPP procurements have
reduced over the last years, we anticipate there will continue to
be a diverse range of social infrastructure investment
opportunities in Canada, in addition to the continued push into
energy, communication, and community services
investments.
US:
Deglobalisation is an important
megatrend that will bolster private infrastructure investments. The
onshoring of manufacturing capacity and an increased focus on
energy security will necessitate significant investments. Macro
data is beginning to reflect this trend. US construction spending
for manufacturing reached a record high of over USD 130 billion in
2022, following six years of stagnation, and further accelerated to
USD 214 billion in 2023. However, billions of dollars will not be
spent without certainty around energy supply, transportation
networks, utility services, and high-speed internet access. These
tailwinds support investments across all core infrastructure
sectors in the US.
US government policies are playing
a significant role. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
('IIJA'), also known as the Infrastructure Bill, provides for USD
1.2 trillion in spending, USD 550 billion of which will be new
federal spending to rebuild roads and bridges, improve clean water
infrastructure resilience, enhance EV charging infrastructure,
expand broadband access, and more. The IIJA also expands how states
and municipalities may use private activity bonds to help finance
projects involving private investment, such as carbon capture and
broadband access. The historic investments included in the IIJA
will significantly reshape the future of infrastructure in the US.
There is optimism that an attractive pipeline of infrastructure
projects will continue to emerge, whether through PPP projects at
the federal, state, and municipal levels, under alternative
procurement models, or through private-led initiatives.
Europe
EU:
European Union ('EU') frameworks
and initiatives will continue to support significant infrastructure
investments in the region. The European Commission's ('EC')
priorities include objectives such as becoming the first
climate-neutral continent (European Green Deal), creating an
economy that ensures social fairness and prosperity for all,
modernising Europe for the digital age, and enhancing Europe's role
and influence in the global arena.
Reducing emissions remains a key
focus for the EC, which recently recommended a 90 per cent net
greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2040 compared to 1990 levels,
as part of its commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050
under the European Green Deal. All 27 EU Member States have
committed to this target. Setting a 2040 climate target sends
important signals on how to invest and plan effectively for the
long term, thereby minimising the risks of stranded assets. The
energy and transportation sectors are significantly impacted by the
ambitions of the European Green Deal. Similarly, the EU's digital
strategy, with a clear focus on data, technology, and
infrastructure, aims to make digital transformation beneficial for
people and businesses, while also contributing to the target of a
climate-neutral Europe by 2050.
In 2021, the European Commission
unveiled a significant infrastructure investment strategy aimed at
mobilising up to EUR 300 billion of investments in global
development by 2027. The Global Gateway strategy aims to develop
physical infrastructure worldwide in five key sectors: digital,
climate and energy, transport, health, and education and research.
This strategy allows the EU to leverage both public and private
investment in priority areas.
By clearly defining its priorities
and providing supporting initiatives, the EU establishes a
framework that significantly influences infrastructure investments
across various sub-sectors in its member states. We anticipate a
continuous flow of pipeline opportunities in the core
infrastructure space, which we will diligently review according to
our mandate. BBGI has established a strong investment presence in
two key EU countries, Germany and the Netherlands. With seven
existing PPP assets in Germany and three in the Netherlands, we are
well positioned to capitalise on future social infrastructure
opportunities. We have the necessary internal resources, including
native BBGI senior team members, to engage efficiently in
forthcoming transactions. As seen over the last years, PPP deal
flow in greenfield and brownfield assets has been inconsistent and
we do not anticipate a swift change. Nonetheless, we continue to
monitor and evaluate alternative infrastructure activities,
particularly focusing on decarbonisation and digitalisation
investments. We believe that Continental European infrastructure
markets remain active and are likely to offer attractive investment
opportunities over the medium term.
UK:
The Infrastructure and Projects
Authority ('IPA') published the 2023 Analysis of the National
Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline in February 2024. This
report provides a robust assessment of infrastructure investments
over the next decade in the UK, estimated at a total of GBP 700-775
billion. Like other jurisdictions, the report identifies the most
pressing investment needs in energy, transportation, and social
infrastructure in the short and medium term. The IPA maps out the
expected funding mix, highlighting that energy and utilities, both
privatised sectors, have high proportions of privately financed
infrastructure projects. In contrast, transport and social
infrastructure projects are predominantly funded by the public
sector or through a mixed funding approach (public and private). In
total, the IPA estimates current or future opportunities for
private investment worth GBP 63 billion over the 10-year
pipeline.
Established in 2021, the UK
Infrastructure Bank ('UKIB') focuses on increasing domestic
infrastructure investment by partnering with the private sector and
local governments. UKIB has two strategic objectives: to address
climate change and to support regional and local economic growth by
enhancing connectivity, creating new job opportunities, and
increasing productivity levels. The bank invests across the
infrastructure landscape, primarily targeting economic
infrastructure in five priority sectors: clean energy, transport,
digital, water, and waste. This sector-based approach aligns with
the UK Government's net zero strategy, aiming for a 100 per cent
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
By understanding UK government
priorities and having access to supporting initiatives like UKIB,
private partners can contribute to the tasks ahead. Private capital
has been essential for maintaining and developing the UK's existing
infrastructure, as well as financing new projects, and will
continue to do so in the future. Despite some high-profile
setbacks, we believe the UK has a well-established and attractive
infrastructure market for private investors. The Private Finance
Initiative ('PFI') was a preferred method of involving the private
sector in delivering essential infrastructure in the UK, but it has
not been utilised in recent years (being discontinued in 2018). We
have observed the development of alternative procurement models
with similar attributes, such as the Mutual Investment Model used
for several procurements in Wales. Additionally, we see bespoke
partnership models being applied in other social infrastructure
areas, such as health, and there remains openness to consider
next-generation procurement models with well-understood attributes
and risk and return profiles.
With the UK government continuing
to recognise the importance of infrastructure investment alongside
private partners in creating jobs, boosting the economy, and
reaching its net zero targets, we remain confident and committed
that opportunities to engage in the future UK investment pipeline
will emerge. We are actively seeking opportunities to expand our
essential social infrastructure portfolio in the UK, searching for
investments with long-term, inflation-linked revenue streams
involving public sector counterparties or with a link to the public
sector. We also ensure that our investments align with our strong
ESG approach.
Australia
In Australia, an independent
review of the Infrastructure Investment Program was announced in
May 2023, with the aim of ensuring that significant projects had an
adequate business case that would support funding from the
Australian Government. At the announcement of the review, it
brought about reassurance that the Australian Government remained
committed to a ten-year, AUD 120 billion infrastructure pipeline.
In November 2023 the Australian Government released its
Infrastructure Policy Statement, which aims to define nationally
significant transport infrastructure, sets out three strategic
themes that will guide investment decisions, and outlines how the
Government will put these themes into action.
With the focus on nationally
significant infrastructure projects, this will continue benefitting
investments in the land transport network and/or other key freight
routes, but also in projects supporting other broader national
priorities such as housing. Productivity and resilience,
liveability and sustainability are the three strategic themes
identified from the policy. While all themes are centred around
transportation, sustainability provides a strong link to the
Australian Government's commitment to cut emissions by 43 per cent
by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. Here the Government will look
to decarbonise transport assets through the design, construction,
and operation of transport infrastructure, and will encourage
projects to facilitate the take-up of low or zero emission
transport technologies, which is consistent with the Government's
National Electric Vehicle Strategy. With the additional planned
activities from the State and Territory governments, we believe
that there will also be significant effort towards energy
transformation and social infrastructure, including hospitals,
education and housing.
Over the last decade, Australia
has been very active in the development of core social
infrastructure projects and has demonstrated that it is open for
public and private collaboration. With three large operational PPP
assets in Australia, BBGI has a well-established foundation in the
country. We will continue to monitor actively the market for
investment opportunities, which we believe will continue emerging
from the infrastructure investment activities envisaged at both
State and Federal level.
Outlook
BBGI remains committed to
expanding our core infrastructure portfolio. Since 2011, our
portfolio has grown from 19 social infrastructure assets to 56,
including roads, schools, healthcare facilities, transportation,
and modern correctional facilities. This growth was achieved while
maintaining price discipline and a selective approach to evaluating
potential investment opportunities. As governments continue to run
deficits and the demand for repairing and constructing new
infrastructure grows, there is an ongoing need for private sector
investment in infrastructure. We remain poised to seize the right
investment opportunities that are value-accretive, with long-term
predictable and inflation-linked revenues. These future investments
will further diversify and strengthen our portfolio and enhance our
overall portfolio composition and key metrics, ensuring sustainable
returns for our shareholders.
Operating and Financial Review
The Management Board is pleased to
present the Operating and Financial Review for the year ended 31
December 2023.
Highlights and key performance indicators
Certain key performance indicators
('KPIs') for the past five years are outlined below:
KPI
|
Target
|
Dec-19
|
Dec-20
|
Dec-21
|
Dec-22
|
Dec-23
|
Commentary
|
Dividends
(paid or
declared)
|
Progressive long-term dividend growth in pps
|
7.00
|
7.18
|
7.33
|
7.48
|
7.93
|
Achieved
Targets: 8.40pps for 2024 and
8.57pps
for 2025
|
NAV per share
|
Positive NAV per share growth
|
2.0%
|
1.2%
|
2.1%
|
6.6%
|
(1.4%)
|
Not
achieved during the reporting period
|
Annualised total NAV per share return since
IPO
|
7% to
8% annualised
|
10.0%
|
8.9%
|
8.8%
|
9.1%
|
8.6%
|
Achieved
|
Annualised total shareholder return since
IPO
|
7% to
8% annualised
|
11.3%
|
11.0%
|
10.4%
|
8.8%
|
7.6%
|
Achieved
|
Ongoing charge
|
Competitive cost position
|
0.88%
|
0.86%
|
0.86%
|
0.87%
|
0.93%
|
Achieved
|
Cash dividend cover
|
>1.0x
|
1.30x
|
1.27x
|
1.31x
|
1.47x
|
1.40x
|
Achieved
|
Asset availability
|
>
98% asset availability
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Achieved
|
Single asset concentration risk
(as a percentage of portfolio)
|
To be
less than 25% of portfolio immediately post-acquisition
|
10%
(GEB)
|
9%
(GEB)
|
11%
(ORB)
|
11%
(ORB)
|
11%
(GEB)
|
Achieved
|
Availability-style assets
(as a percentage of portfolio)
|
>=
75% availability-style assets
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
Achieved
|
Asset management
Cash performance
Our portfolio performed well
during the period, with total cash flows ahead of projections and
the underlying financial models.
Construction exposure
Our investment policy is to invest
principally in assets that have completed construction and are
operational. Accordingly, investments in assets that are under
construction are limited to 25 per cent of the portfolio's value.
We aim to produce a stable dividend, while gaining exposure to the
potential NAV uplift that occurs when assets move from successful
construction to the operational phase.
As the year closed, all our
infrastructure assets were fully operational. The equity investment
in Highway 104, Nova Scotia, Canada reached substantial completion
in September 2023, notably enhancing the region's travel efficiency
and safety, facilitating the flow of goods and services, and
strengthening community connections.
This significant achievement was
acknowledged in 2023 when the Canadian Council for Public-Private
Partnerships honoured Highway 104 with the Gold Award for P3 Design
& Construction.
Investment performance
Return track record
The Company's share price has not
been immune to the market turbulence affecting the alternative
investment trust sector, leading to the Company's shares trading at
a discount to NAV for a significant part of the year. This trend of
share price softness, reflective of concerns over high interest
rates, high inflation, and potential consumer downturns, has
extended to our UK-listed counterparts within the infrastructure
and wider alternatives sector. Nevertheless, the Board does not
believe BBGI's share price adequately reflects the value of our
portfolio, our high-quality inflation linkage, our strong financial
position and operational performance..
With a focus on long-term
investment, our Company's portfolio of low-risk, long-duration
assets, allows us to navigate through these episodes of market
volatility. The Board remains vigilant in monitoring the share
price discount, considering it within the broader scope of our
capital allocation strategy. Any measures aimed at reducing the
discount are contemplated carefully, with the overarching goal of
ensuring they align with the long-term interests of the Company and
its shareholders.
Against the FTSE All-Share, the
Company has shown a low ten-year beta of 0.28[x]
The share price closed at 141.60
pence on 31 December 2023, representing a 4.2 per cent discount to
the NAV per share at the period-end.
The total NAV return per share
from IPO to 31 December 2023 was +8.6 per cent on an annualised
basis.
Distribution policy
Distributions on the ordinary
shares are planned to be paid twice a year, normally in respect of
the six months to 30 June and the six months to 31
December.
Dividends
In April 2023, we paid a second
interim dividend of 3.74pps for the period 1 July 2022 to 31
December 2022. Together with the first interim dividend (which was
paid in October 2022), the total dividend for the year ended 31
December 2022 amounted to 7.48pps. The Board approved a 2023
interim dividend of 3.965pps which was paid in October 2023. In
February 2024, after the year-end, the Company declared a second
interim dividend of 3.965pps, which is in line with its dividend
target for the year of 7.93pps. Furthermore, the Board is
reaffirming its 2024 dividend target of 8.40pps and a dividend
target for 2025 of 8.57pps.
Proven progressive dividend policy
· Average dividend increase of 3.4 per cent on a compound
annual growth rate from 2012 to 2023, which has outpaced UK CPI
over the same period.
· BBGI's progressive dividend outpaced UK CPI delivering
positive real returns to shareholders
Investor communications
The Company places great
importance on communication with its shareholders and welcomes
their views. We intend to remain at the forefront of disclosure and
transparency in our sector, and therefore, the Management Board
and, where required, the Supervisory Board, regularly review the
level and quality of the information that the Company makes
public.
The Company formally reports twice
a year through its Annual and Interim Reports. Other Company
information is provided through the Company's website and through
market announcements. At Shareholder General Meetings, each share
is entitled to one vote. All votes validly cast at such meetings
(including by proxy) are counted, and the Company announces the
results on the day of the relevant meeting.
The Management and Supervisory
Boards are keen to develop and maintain positive relationships with
the Company's shareholders. As part of this process, immediately
following release of the Annual and Interim Reports at the end of
March and August each year, members of the Management Board present
the Company's results to market analysts and subsequently conduct
investor roadshows and offer shareholder meetings to discuss the
results, explain the ongoing strategy of the Company, and receive
feedback. Webcasts of the results presentations are available for
viewing on BBGI's corporate website and through the London Stock
Exchange website.
Outside of these formal meetings,
feedback from investors is received by the Management Board and the
Corporate Brokers and, together with the feedback from results
meetings, is reported to the Supervisory Board. Throughout the
year, Management Board have made themselves available to
shareholders and sector analysts, for discussion of key issues and
expectations around Company performance. The CEO and CFOO intend to
continue to be available to meet with shareholders periodically to
facilitate an open two-way communication on the development of the
Company. Shareholders may contact members of both the Management
and Supervisory Boards at the registered office of the Company, the
address for which can be found at the end of the Annual Report or
on the Company's website at www.bb-gi.com.
While shareholder engagement is
typically conducted by the CEO and CFOO, the Chair of the
Supervisory Board and Chairs of each committee make themselves
available throughout the year to understand shareholder views on
governance and performance.
In 2021, we undertook a
comprehensive materiality assessment among our employees,
shareholders, clients, partners and subcontractors to identify ten
material topics influencing our ESG strategy. These ten topics have
informed key ESG commitments and KPIs that we are now tracking to
ensure incremental progress in our delivery of positive stakeholder
outcomes. A progress update of each KPI is provided annually in our
ESG Report.
Given this level of engagement
with shareholders and other stakeholders, the Management and
Supervisory Boards consider that they meet the requirements of
Association of Investment Companies ('AIC') Code of Corporate
Governance Principle 5D.
Share capital
The issued share capital of the
Company is 714,876,637 ordinary shares of no-par value. All of the
issued ordinary shares rank pari passu. During the year ended 31
December 2023, the Company issued 1,545,560 ordinary
shares.
Voting rights
There are no special voting
rights, restrictions, or other rights attached to the ordinary
shares, nor are there any restrictions on the voting rights they
carry.
Discount management
The Management Board actively
monitor any discount to the NAV per share at which the ordinary
shares may trade and report to the Supervisory Board on any such
discount and to the extent appropriate, propose actions to mitigate
this.
Purchase of ordinary shares by the Company in the
market
In order to assist in the
narrowing of any discount to the NAV at which the ordinary shares
may trade from time to time and/or to reduce discount volatility,
the Company may, subject to shareholder approval:
· make
market purchases of up to 14.99 per cent annually of its issued
ordinary shares; and
· make
tender offers for ordinary shares.
No shares have been bought back
during the year ended 31 December 2023. The most recent authority
to purchase ordinary shares, which may be held in treasury or
subsequently cancelled, was granted to the Company on 28 April
2023. This authority expires on the date of the next Annual General
Meeting ('AGM') to be held on 30 April 2024, at which point the
Company will propose to renew its authority to buy back ordinary
shares.
Continuation vote
The Company's Articles of
Association ('Articles') require the Boards to offer a continuation
vote to the Company's shareholders at every second AGM to allow the
Company to continue in its current form. On 28 April 2023, at the
Company's AGM, the shareholders voted unanimously for the
continuation of the Company. In accordance with the Articles, a
further continuation vote will be offered to shareholders at the
AGM due to be held on 30 April 2025.
Valuation
The Management Board is
responsible for carrying out the fair market valuation of the
Company's investments, which is then presented to the Supervisory
Board for consideration as part of its approval of the Annual and
Interim Reports. The valuation occurs semi-annually on 30 June and
31 December and is reviewed by an independent third-party valuation
expert.
The Company's investments are
principally non-market traded investments with predictable
long-term contracted revenue; therefore, the valuation is
determined using the discounted cash flow methodology. Our forecast
assumptions for key macroeconomic factors impacting cash flow
include inflation rates and deposit rates, changes in tax
legislation, and enacted changes in taxation rates during the
reporting period. These assumptions are based on market data,
publicly available economic forecasts, and long-term historical
averages. We also exercise judgement in assessing the future cash
flows from each investment, using detailed financial models
produced by each Portfolio Company and adjusting these models,
where necessary, to reflect our assumptions as well as any specific
cash flow assumptions. The Company's consolidated valuation is a
sum-of-the-parts valuation with no further adjustments made to
reflect scale, scarcity, or diversification of the overall
portfolio.
The fair value of each investment
is then determined by applying an appropriate discount rate,
alongside contracted foreign exchange rates, or reporting
period-end foreign exchange rates, and withholding taxes (as
applicable).
The discount rates applied
consider investment risks, including the phase of the investment
(construction, ramp-up or stable operation), investment-specific
risks and opportunities, and country-specific factors.
Our determination of appropriate
discount rates involves judgement based on market knowledge,
insights from investment and bidding activities, benchmark analysis
with comparable companies and sectors, discussions with advisers
and publicly available information. As a reasonability check to our
market-based approach and providing
further guidance to determine the appropriate market discount
rates, the Company complements its
market-based approach by using the capital asset pricing model
('CAPM') where government risk-free rates plus a risk premium are
used to calibrate discount rates.
A sensitivity analysis on the key
assumptions is provided further in this Valuation
section.
The below illustrates the
breakdown of movements in the NAV.
NAV movement 31 December 2022 to 31 December
2023
The NAV at 31 December 2023 was
£1,056.6 million (31 December 2022: £1,069.2 million), representing
a decrease of 1.2 per cent.
NAV movement 31 December
2022 to 31 December 2023
|
£ million
|
NAV at 31 December 2022
|
1,069.2
|
Add: other net liabilities at 31
December 2022i
|
27.9
|
Portfolio value at 31 December 2022
|
1,097.0
|
Distributions from
investmentsii
|
(90.9)
|
Rebased opening portfolio value at
1 January 2023
|
1,006.2
|
Portfolio
returniii
|
93.7
|
Change in market discount
rate
|
(41.0)
|
Change in macroeconomic
assumptions
|
11.4
|
Foreign exchange net
movement
|
(23.3)
|
Portfolio value at 31 December 2023
|
1,047.1
|
Add: other net assets at 31
December 2023
|
9.5
|
NAV at 31 December 2023
|
1,056.6
|
i These figures represent the net assets of the Group after
excluding the investments at fair value through profit or loss
('Investments at FVPL') and the net position on currency hedging
instruments. Refer to the Pro Forma Balance Sheet in the Financial
Results section of this Annual Report for further
detail.
ii While distributions from Investments at FVPL reduce the
portfolio value, there is no impact on the Company's NAV as the
effect of the reduction in the portfolio value is offset by the
receipt of cash at the consolidated Group level. Distributions in
the above table are shown net of withholding tax.
iii Portfolio return comprises the unwinding of the discount
rate, portfolio performance, the net effect of actual inflation,
and updated operating assumptions to reflect current
expectations.
Key drivers for NAV change
The rebased opening portfolio
value, after cash distributions from investments of £90.9 million,
was £1,006.2 million.
Portfolio return consists of several components, including
the unwinding of the discount rate, portfolio performance, the net
effect of actual inflation, and updated operating
assumptions:
During the period, the Company
recognised a £93.7 million portfolio return, representing an 8.8
per cent increase in the NAV resulting from the unwinding of
discount rates, and portfolio performance, which reflects current
expectations based on the Company's hands-on active asset
management. As the portfolio moves closer to forecasted investment
distribution dates, the time value of those cash flows increases on
a net present value basis and this effect is called unwinding.
£18.5 million of the £93.7 million is attributable to value
enhancements delivered by our active asset management approach.
These value-accretive activities
included effective lifecycle cost
management, Portfolio Company savings, change order revenue, tax
and treasury management and optimised cash
reserving.
Change in market discount rates:
The Company has increased the
weighted average discount rate to 7.3 per cent (31 December 2022:
6.9 per cent), which the Management Board believes to be
appropriate for a portfolio of availability-style
social infrastructure investments. This increase resulted in a
reduction of £41.0 million, representing a 3.8 per cent decrease in
the NAV.
To determine the appropriate
discount rate for each jurisdiction, the Company employs its
judgement using a multifaceted approach; combining, transactional
analysis, benchmarking with comparable companies and sectors,
discussions with advisers in the relevant markets, and utilising
publicly available information. Complementing this approach when
there is reduced market transaction data, is the CAPM, which
integrates government risk-free rates and a risk premium, with
adjustments made to account for observed volatility in risk-free
rates during the year.
While there is no direct
correlation between government bond yields and the risk premium on
the one hand and market discount rates on the other, the risk
premium is a useful additional data point.
Transaction volumes showed an
increase in the first half of 2023 compared to the latter half of
2022, but slowed in the second half of 2023, and whilst at subdued
levels, still provided relevant market data. During the first half
of 2023, we obtained at least one relevant transactional data point
for each currency in which we invest, except for the Norwegian
krone. The CAPM analysis acts as a reasonability check, providing
guidance for potential discount rate adjustments in instances where
transaction data is more limited.
The period saw ongoing
macroeconomic uncertainty, marked by significant volatility in
government bond yields between December 2022 and December 2023,
ultimately closing at or below the levels observed in December
2022. These fluctuations contributed to a cautious environment in
the infrastructure secondaries market as mentioned
above.
Individual risk-free rates have generally closed at or below
the December 2022 rates, resulting in a reduction in the weighted
average risk-free rate to 3.6 per
cent (31 December 2022: 3.8 per cent). The
decision to increase the discount rate to
7.3 per cent on a weighted average basis represents a risk premium
of approximately 3.7 per cent.
A risk premium of 3.7 per cent is
within historic ranges. The Management Board believes this to be
appropriate for the Company's investment portfolio, particularly
considering the heightened macroeconomic volatility observed during
the period.
1 Sector average from listed peers for the period from December
2007 until December 2010 and the BBGI discount rate from December
2011.
2 Based on the weighted geographical breakdown of BBGI
portfolio as at each valuation period; considering the following
securities yield rates: Canadian Government Debt - 20 Years, UK
Government Debt - 20 Years, Australian Government Debt - 15 Years,
US Treasury Bond - 30 Years, German Government - 20 Years, Norway
Swap Rate - 10 Years and Netherlands Government Debt - 20
Years.
Going forward, the Company is
confident that investment demand for stable and resilient social
infrastructure assets, offering long-term, predictable and
inflation-linked cash flows, will remain strong.
Specific discount rates consider
risks associated with the investment including the phase the
investment is in, such as construction, ramp-up or stable
operation, investment-specific risks and opportunities, and
country-specific factors. For investments in the construction
phase, we apply a risk premium to reflect the higher-risk inherent
during this stage of the investment's lifecycle. Currently, the
portfolio has one investment in the ramp-up phase, Highway 104,
which represents approximately 0.6 per cent of the overall
portfolio value.
Furthermore, we have applied risk
premiums or discounts to a limited number of other investments
based on their individual circumstances. For example, we have
adjusted acute care hospitals in the UK, where a risk premium of
50bps continues to be applied. The only UK acute care hospital in
the portfolio is Gloucester Royal Hospital, representing less than
1 per cent of the overall NAV. This risk premium reflects the
ongoing situation in the UK, where some public health clients are
facing cost pressures and are actively seeking cost savings,
including deductions. To date, BBGI has not been
affected.
Change in macroeconomic assumptions:
During the period, the Company
recognised an increase in the portfolio value of £11.4 million, or
a 1.1 per cent increase in the NAV, attributed to changes in
macroeconomic assumptions. The primary drivers of this increase
included positive revisions to short-term and long-term deposit
rate assumptions, as well as inflation assumptions. These positive
revisions were partially offset by the negative effect of proposed
changes in Canadian tax legislation.
Short-term and long-term deposit
rates accounted for £25.7 million of this increase. Short-term
deposit rates have risen in conjunction with the increase in
underlying benchmark rates and are expected to remain at elevated
levels in most jurisdictions. We also believe it appropriate to
update some of our long-term deposit rate assumptions to reflect
the current rate environment, bringing them in line with long-term
averages. The effect of revised deposit rate assumptions resulted
in a £25.7 million, or a 2.4 per cent increase in NAV.
The net effect of changes to
inflation forecasts represented a further increase of £4.2
million.
The final legislation of the
Canadian excessive interest and financing expenses limitation rules
('EIFEL') were released in late 2023 (see the risk section for
further details). These rules are expected to have an additional
negative impact of £16.3 million on the Company's Canadian
portfolio, adding to the £9.8m provision taken in FY2022. As
a result, the Company's NAV at 31 December 2023 fully reflects the
expected impact of the final legislation.
Foreign exchange:
A significant proportion of the
Company's underlying investments are denominated in currencies
other than Sterling. The Company maintains its accounts, prepares
the valuation and pays dividends in Sterling. Accordingly,
fluctuations in exchange rates between Sterling and the relevant
local currencies will affect the value of the Company's underlying
investments.
The forecasted distributions from
investments are converted to Sterling at either the contracted
foreign exchange rate, for 100 per cent of non-Sterling and
non-Euro-denominated cash flows forecasted to be received over the
next four years, or at the closing foreign exchange rate for the
unhedged future cash flows.
During the period ended 31
December 2023, the appreciation of Sterling ('GBP') against the
Canadian Dollar ('CAD'), Australian Dollar ('AUD'), the Euro
('EUR'), the US Dollar ('USD'), and the Norwegian Krone ('NOK')
accounted for a net decrease in the portfolio value of £23.3
million. Since IPO in December 2011, the net cumulative effect of
foreign exchange movements on the portfolio value, after
considering the effect of balance sheet hedging, has been an
increase of £2.0 million, or 0.2 per cent of the 31 December 2023
NAV.
The table below shows the closing
exchange rates, which were used to convert unhedged future cash
flows into the reporting currency at 31 December 2023.
GBP/
|
Valuation impact
|
FX rates as at
31 December 2023
|
FX rates as at
31 December 2022
|
FX rate change
|
AUD
|
Negative
|
1.8690
|
1.7743
|
(5.34%)
|
CAD
|
Negative
|
1.6871
|
1.6386
|
(2.96%)
|
EUR
|
Negative
|
1.1532
|
1.1298
|
(2.07%)
|
NOK
|
Negative
|
12.9571
|
11.9150
|
(8.75%)
|
USD
|
Negative
|
1.2731
|
1.2097
|
(5.24%)
|
Although the closing rate is the
required conversion rate to use for the unhedged future cash flows,
it is not necessarily representative of future exchange rates as it
reflects a specific point in time.
The Group uses forward currency
swaps to (i) hedge 100 per cent of forecasted cash flows over the
next four years on an annual rolling basis, and (ii) to implement
balance sheet hedging in order to limit the decrease in the NAV to
approximately three per cent, for a ten per cent adverse movement
in foreign exchange rates.[xi] This is
achieved by hedging a portion of the non-Sterling and non-Euro
portfolio value. Forecasted
distributions in Euro are not hedged, as a natural hedge is in
place due to a significant portion of the running costs incurred at
the consolidated level being denominated in Euro. The effect of the Company's
hedging strategy can also be expressed as a theoretical or implicit
portfolio allocation to Sterling exposure. In other words, on an
unhedged basis, the portfolio allocation to Sterling exposure at 31
December 2023 would need to be approximately 72 per cent to obtain
the same NAV sensitivity to a ten per cent adverse change in
foreign exchange rates, as shown in the foreign exchange
sensitivity table below.
Macroeconomic events
The quality and predictability of
portfolio cash flows has come into sharper focus given uncertainty
in the markets generally and continued elevated inflation levels.
Against this backdrop, the Company is well-positioned through its
high-quality inflation linkage, which is achieved through annually
updated contractual indexation in the Company's Project
Agreements.
Additionally, there has been no
material adverse effect on the portfolio valuation resulting from
current global conflicts. This is primarily because the Company
holds a low-risk portfolio with contracted cash flows, coupled with
strong stakeholder collaboration to identify and mitigate any
potential adverse effects.
Macroeconomic assumptions
In addition to the discount rates,
we use the following assumptions ('Assumptions') for the cash
flows:
|
|
31 December 2023
|
31 December 2022
|
Inflation
|
UK(i)
RPI/CPIH
|
5.20% (actual) for 2023; 3.80% for
2024 then 3.00% (RPI) / 2.25% (CPIH)
|
13.40% (actual) for 2022; 5.80%
for 2023 then 2.75% (RPI) / 2.00% (CPIH)
|
Canada
|
3.90% (actual) for 2023; 2.50% for
2024; 2.10% for 2025 then 2.00%
|
6.30% (actual) for 2022; 4.00% for
2023; 2.30% for 2024 then 2.0%
|
Australia
|
4.50% for 2023; 3.50% for 2024
3.00% for 2025 then 2.50%
|
8.00% for 2022; 4.75% for 2023;
3.25% for 2024 then 2.50%
|
Germany(ii)
|
3.70% (actual) for 2023; 2.70% for
2024; 2.10% for 2025 then 2.00%
|
8.40% for 2022; 6.30% for 2023;
3.40% for 2024 then 2.00%
|
Netherlands(ii)
|
3.80% (actual) for 2023; 2.70% for
2024; 2.10% for 2025 then 2.00%
|
8.40% for 2022; 6.30% for 2023;
3.40% for 2024 then 2.00%
|
Norway(ii)
|
4.80% (actual) for 2023; 4.50% for 2024;
2.50% for 2025 then 2.25%
|
5.90% (actual) for 2022; 4.90% for 2023
then 2.25%
|
US
|
3.40% (actual) for 2023 then
2.50%
|
6.50% (actual) for 2022; 3.40% for 2023
then 2.50%
|
Deposit rates (p.a.)
|
UK
|
4.50% to Q4 2024 then
2.50%
|
2.00% to Q4 2024 then
1.50%
|
Canada
|
4.75% to Q4 2024 then
2.50%
|
3.50% to Q4 2024 then
1.75%
|
Australia
|
4.75% to Q4 2024 then
3.50%
|
3.25% to Q4 2024 then
3.00%
|
Germany/ Netherlands
|
3.25% to Q4 2024 then
2.00%
|
0.50% to Q4 2024 then
1.00%
|
Norway
|
4.75% to Q4 2024 then
2.75%
|
2.00% to Q4 2024 then
2.00%
|
US
|
4.50% to Q4 2024, then
2.50%
|
3.75% to Q4 2024, then
1.50%
|
Corporate tax rates
|
UK
|
25.00%
|
19.00% until March 2023 then
25.00%
|
Canada(iii)
|
23.00% / 26.50% / 27.00% /
29.00%
|
23.00% / 26.50% / 27.00% /
29.00%
|
Australia
|
30.00%
|
30.00%
|
Germany(iv)
|
15.83%
|
15.83%
|
Netherlands
|
25.80%
|
25.80%
|
Norway
|
22.00%
|
22.00%
|
US
|
21.00%
|
21.00%
|
(i) On 25 November 2020, the UK Government announced the phasing
out of the Retail Price Index ('RPI') after 2030
to be replaced with the
Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers Housing costs
('CPIH'). The Company's UK portfolio indexation factor changes from
RPI to CPIH beginning on 1 January 2031.
(ii)
Consumer Price Index ('CPI') indexation only.
Where investments are subject to a basket of indices, a projection
for non-CPI indices is used.
(iii)
Individual tax rates vary among Canadian
provinces: Alberta; Ontario; Quebec;
Northwest Territories; Saskatchewan; British Columbia; New
Brunswick.
(iv)
Including solidarity charge; individual local
trade tax rates are considered in addition to the tax rate
above.
Sensitivities
Discount rate sensitivity
The weighted average discount rate
applied to the Company's portfolio of investments is the single
most important judgement and variable.
The following table shows the
sensitivity of the NAV to a change in the discount rate.
Discount rate
sensitivity(i)
|
Change in NAV 31 December
2023
|
Increase by 1% to c.
8.3%
|
£(77.0) million, i.e.
(7.3)%
|
Decrease by 1% to c.
6.3%
|
£88.3 million, i.e.
8.4%
|
(i) Based on the weighted average rate of 7.3 per
cent.
Inflation has increased in all
jurisdictions across BBGI's geographies, and interest rates have
risen from historical lows, although in some jurisdictions these
trends have reversed over the period. Should long-term interest
rates change substantially further, this is likely to further
affect discount rates, and as a result, impact portfolio
valuation.
Combined sensitivity: inflation, deposit rates and discount
rates
It is reasonable to assume that
macroeconomic movements would affect discount rates, deposit rates
and inflation rates, and not be isolated to one variable. To
illustrate the effect of this combined movement on the Company's
NAV, two scenarios were created assuming a one percentage point
change in the weighted average discount rate, and a one percentage
point change in both deposit and inflation rates above the
macroeconomic assumptions.
Combined sensitivity: inflation,
deposit rates and discount rates
|
Change in NAV 31 December
2023
|
Increase by 1%
|
£(16.3) million, i.e.
(1.5)%
|
Decrease by 1%
|
£19.9 million, i.e.
1.9%
|
Inflation sensitivity
The Company's investments are
contractually entitled to receive contracted revenue streams from
public sector clients, which are typically adjusted every year for
inflation. Facilities management subcontractors for accommodation
investments and operating and maintenance subcontractors for
transport investments have similar indexation arrangements. The
portfolio cash flows are positively linked with inflation (e.g.
RPI, CPI, or a basket of indices).
This inflation linkage is achieved
through contractual indexation mechanics in the various Project
Agreements with the public sector clients at the Portfolio
Companies and the inflation adjustment updated at least
annually.
Inflation sensitivity
The table below shows the
sensitivity of the NAV to a change in inflation rates compared to
the assumptions in the table above:
Inflation sensitivity
|
Change in NAV 31 December
2023
|
Inflation +1%
|
£45.4 million, i.e. 4.3%
|
Inflation −1%
|
£(40.9) million, i.e. (3.9)%
|
Short-term inflation
sensitivity
Inflation may continue to be
elevated for the short-term before diminishing. To illustrate the
effect of persistent higher short-term inflation on the Company's
NAV, two scenarios were created assuming inflation is two
percentage points above our
assumptions for the next
one and three years.
Short-term inflation
sensitivity
|
Change in NAV 31 December
2023
|
Inflation +2% for one
year
|
£11.7 million, i.e.
1.1%
|
Inflation +2% for three
years
|
£30.7 million, i.e.
2.9%
|
Foreign exchange sensitivity
As described above, a significant
proportion of the Company's underlying investments are denominated
in currencies other than Sterling.
The following table shows the
sensitivity of the NAV to a change in foreign exchange
rates:
Foreign exchange
sensitivity(i)
|
Change in NAV 31 December
2023
|
Increase by 10%
|
£(30.8) million, i.e. (2.9)%
|
Decrease by 10%
|
£31.1 million, i.e.
2.9%
|
(i) Sensitivity in comparison to the spot foreign exchange rates
as at 31 December 2023 and considering the contractual and natural
hedges in place, derived by applying a ten per cent increase or
decrease to the Sterling/foreign currency rate.
Deposit rate sensitivity
Portfolio Companies typically have
cash deposits that are required to be maintained as part of the
senior debt funding requirements (e.g. six-month debt service
reserve accounts and maintenance reserve accounts). The asset cash
flows are positively correlated with the deposit rates.
The table below shows the
sensitivity of the NAV to a percentage point change in long-term
deposit rates compared to the long-term assumptions in the table
above:
Deposit rate
sensitivity
|
Change in NAV 31 December
2023
|
Deposit rate +1%
|
£21.0 million, i.e.
2.0%
|
Deposit rate −1%
|
£(21.7) million, i.e. (2.1)%
|
Lifecycle costs sensitivity
Lifecycle costs are the cost of
planned interventions or replacing material parts of an asset to
maintain it over the concession term. They involve larger items
that are not covered by routine maintenance and, for
roads, will include items such as replacement of
asphalt, rehabilitation of surfaces, or replacement of equipment.
Lifecycle obligations are generally passed down to the facility
maintenance provider, except for transportation investments, where
these obligations are typically retained by the Portfolio
Company.
Of the 56 investments in the
portfolio, 20 investments retain the lifecycle obligations. The
remaining 36 investments have this obligation passed down to the
subcontractor.
The table below shows the
sensitivity of the NAV to a change in lifecycle costs:
Lifecycle costs
sensitivity(i)
|
Change in NAV 31 December
2023
|
Increase by 10%
|
£(24.9) million, i.e.
(2.4)%
|
Decrease by 10%
|
£22.8 million, i.e. 2.2%
|
(i) Sensitivity applied to the 20 investments in the portfolio
that retain the lifecycle obligation i.e. the obligation is not
passed down to the subcontractor.
Corporate tax rate sensitivity
The profits of each Portfolio
Company are subject to corporation tax in the country where the
Portfolio Company is located.
The table below shows the
sensitivity of the NAV to a change in corporate tax rates compared
to the assumptions in the table above:
Corporate tax rate
sensitivity
|
Change in NAV 31 December
2023
|
Tax rate +1%
|
£(12.2) million, i.e.
(1.2)%
|
Tax rate −1%
|
£12.0 million, i.e. 1.1%
|
Refinancing: senior debt rate sensitivity
Assumptions are used where a
refinancing of senior debt is required for an investment during the
remaining investment concession term. There is a risk that such
assumptions may not be achieved.
The table below shows the
sensitivity of the NAV to a one percentage point increase in the
forecasted debt rate.
Senior debt refinancing
sensitivity
|
Change in NAV 31 December
2023
|
Debt rate +1%
|
£(7.9) million, i.e.
(0.8)%
|
Refinancing sensitivity relates to
the Northern Territory Secure Facilities, as it is common practice
in the Australian infrastructure market to have senior debt
durations that are typically between five and seven years. We
assume three refinancings for the Northern Territory Secure
Facilities, between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the fourth
quarter of 2038. Long-term interest rate
hedges fully mitigate base rate risk, leaving exposure only to
potential changes in margin.
Gross Domestic Product sensitivity
Our portfolio is not sensitive to
movements in GDP.
The principal risks faced by the
Group and the mitigants in place are outlined in the Risk
section.
Key Portfolio Company and portfolio cash flow Assumptions
underlying the NAV calculation include:
· The
discount rates and the Assumptions, as set out above, continue to
be applicable.
· The
updated financial models used for the valuation accurately reflect
the terms of all agreements relating to the Portfolio Companies and
represent a fair and reasonable estimation of future cash flows
accruing to the Portfolio Companies.
· Cash
flows from and to the Portfolio Companies are received and made at
the times anticipated.
· Non-UK investments are valued in local currency and converted
to Sterling at either the period-end spot foreign exchange rates or
the contracted foreign exchange rate.
· Where the operating costs of the Portfolio Companies are
contractually fixed, such contracts are performed according to
terms, and where such costs are not fixed, they remain within the
current forecasts in the valuation models.
· Where lifecycle costs/risks are borne by the Portfolio
Companies, they remain in line with current forecasts in the
valuation models.
· Contractual payments to the Portfolio Companies remain on
track and contracts with public sector or public sector-backed
counterparties are not terminated before their contractual expiry
date.
· Any
deductions or abatements during the operations period of Portfolio
Companies are passed down to subcontractors under contractual
arrangements or are part of the planned (lifecycle)
forecasts.
· Changes to the concession period for certain investments are
realised.
· In
cases where the Portfolio Companies have contracts which are in the
construction phase, they are either completed on time or any delay
costs are borne by the construction contractors.
· Enacted tax rates, enacted regulatory changes, or expected
regulatory changes with a high probability, on or prior to this
reporting period-end with a future effect materially impacting cash
flow forecasts, are reflected in the financial
models.
In forming the above assessments,
BBGI uses its judgement and works with our Portfolio Company
management teams, as well as using due diligence information from,
or working with, suitably qualified third parties such as
technical, legal, tax and insurance advisers.
Financial Results
The Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2023 are in
the Financial Statements section of this Annual Report.
Basis of accounting
We have prepared the Group's
Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards accounting standards ('IFRS') as
adopted by the European Union ('EU'). In accordance with IFRS, the
Company qualifies as an Investment Entity and, as such, does not
consolidate its investments in subsidiaries that qualify as
investments at fair value through profit or loss. Certain
subsidiaries that are not Investments at FVPL, but instead provide
investment-related services or activities that relate to the
investment activities of the Group, are consolidated. As an
Investment Entity, the Company recognises distributions from
Investments at FVPL as a reduction in their carrying value. These
distributions reduce the estimated future cash flows which are used
to determine the fair value of the Investments at FVPL. The
accounting principles applied are in line with those principles
applied in the prior year reporting.
Income and costs
|
Year ended
|
Year ended
|
Pro forma Income Statement
|
31 Dec 23
|
31 Dec 22
|
Investment Basis
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
Income from Investments at
FVPL(i)
|
44.5
|
154.0
|
Other operating income
|
1.4
|
0.1
|
Operating income
|
45.9
|
154.1
|
Administrative expenses
|
(12.1)
|
(11.7)
|
Other operating
expenses(i)
|
(1.1)
|
(5.3)
|
Net finance result
|
(2.5)
|
(2.0)
|
Net gain/(loss) on balance
sheet hedging(i)
|
13.4
|
(12.6)
|
Profit before tax
|
43.6
|
122.5
|
Tax expense - net
|
(3.3)
|
(3.5)
|
Profit for the year
|
40.3
|
119.0
|
Other comprehensive
loss
|
(0.8)
|
(0.5)
|
Total comprehensive income
|
39.5
|
118.5
|
Basic earnings per share
(pence)
|
5.6
|
16.7
|
(i) Prior year comparative figures
have been reclassified to ensure consistency with the current
year's presentation. The realised gain or loss on the
settlement of cash flow hedges is presented under Other operating
income (expenses), and balance sheet hedging is presented under Net
gain(loss) on balance sheet hedging. The unrealised components on
the marked-to-market of the cash flow and balance sheet hedges are
included under Income from Investments at FVPL. This
reclassification does not change the previously reported profit for
the year nor the prior period NAV.
During the year, the Group
recognised income from Investments at FVPL of £44.5 million (31
December 2022: £154.0 million). This income comprises the following
components:
|
Year ended
|
Year ended
|
|
31 Dec 23
|
31 Dec 22
|
Investment Basis
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
Discount unwinding
|
75.2
|
67.8
|
Change in market discount
rate
|
(41.0)
|
(28.5)
|
Value enhancements
|
18.5
|
13.8
|
Change in macroeconomic
assumptions
|
11.4
|
60.7
|
Net movement on foreign
exchange
|
(23.3)
|
37.1
|
Others
|
3.7
|
3.1
|
Income from investments at FVPL
|
44.5
|
154.0
|
Administrative expenses include
personnel expenses, legal and professional fees, and office and
administration expenses. For more details, refer to the Group Level
Corporate Cost analysis provided below.
Group Level Corporate Cost Analysis
The table below is prepared on an
accrual basis.
|
Year ended
|
Year ended
|
|
31 Dec 23
|
31 Dec 22
|
Corporate costs
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
Personnel expenses
|
8.0
|
7.9
|
Legal and professional
fees
|
2.7
|
2.6
|
Office and
administration
|
1.4
|
1.2
|
Acquisition-related
costs
|
0.1
|
0.6
|
Corporate costs
|
12.2
|
12.3
|
Acquisition-related costs incurred
for the year amounted to £0.1 million (31 December 2022: £0.6
million), and include unsuccessful bid costs of £0.1 million (31
December 2022: less than £0.1 million).
Taxes
Taxes for the year ended 31
December 2023 totalled £3.3 million (31 December 2022: £3.5
million). This includes withholding taxes from the countries
of origin for certain portfolio distributions received by
consolidated entities, the Company's annual subscription tax and
both current and deferred taxes of the consolidated
subsidiaries.
The Company, being an undertaking
for collective investment in Luxembourg, is exempt from corporate
income tax and instead incurs a 0.05 per cent annual subscription
tax on its total net assets. As a SICAV, it is not liable for
capital gains or income taxes. Taxes on all other consolidated
subsidiaries adhere to the rates applicable in their respective
jurisdictions.
Net finance result
|
Year ended
|
Year ended
|
|
31 Dec 23
|
31 Dec 22
|
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
Finance costs on loan and
borrowings
|
3.1
|
2.2
|
Interest income on bank
deposits
|
(0.6)
|
(0.2)
|
Net finance result
|
2.5
|
2.0
|
The net finance result for the
year amounted to £2.5 million (31 December 2022: £2.0
million). This figure includes borrowing costs, commitment
fees, and other related fees associated with the RCF. As of 31
December 2023, the Group had no outstanding borrowings under the
RCF.
Ongoing Charges
The Ongoing Charges ('OGC')
percentage presented in the table below is prepared in accordance
with the AIC recommended methodology, latest update published in
April 2022.
Ongoing Charges Information
|
Year ended
31 Dec 23
£ million
|
Year ended
31 Dec 22
£ million
|
Ongoing Charges (using AIC
recommended methodology)
|
0.93%
|
0.87%
|
In accordance with the AIC
recommended methodology, fees that are linked to investment
performance could be viewed as analogous to performance fees paid
by externally-managed investment companies and should therefore be
excluded from the principal OGC calculation.
Fees directly linked to investment
performance recorded in 2023 as a percentage of average NAV were
0.11 per cent (2022: 0.09 per cent). Combined, the aggregate of
Ongoing Charges plus investment performance fees was 1.04 per cent
in the year (2022: 0.96 per cent).
The table below provides a
reconciliation of Ongoing Charges and the Ongoing Charges
Percentage to the administration expenses under IFRS.
|
Year ended
31 Dec 23
£ million
(except %)
|
Year ended
31 Dec 22
£ million (except
%)
|
Corporate costs to 31
December
|
12.2
|
12.3
|
Less: Non-recurring costs as per
AIC guidelines
|
|
|
Non-recurring
professional and external advisory costs
|
(0.6)
|
(0.6)
|
Non-recurring
personnel costs
|
(0.5)
|
(0.8)
|
Acquisition related
advisory costs
|
(0.1)
|
(0.6)
|
Compensation linked to
investment performance
|
(1.2)
|
(1.0)
|
|
|
|
Recurring costs per AIC
guidelines(i)
|
9.8
|
9.3
|
Divided by:
|
|
|
Average undiluted Investment Basis
NAV for 2023 (average of 31
|
|
|
December 2023: £1,056.6
million and 30 June 2023: £1,056.7 million)
|
1,056.7
|
1,069.0
|
Ongoing Charges percentage(i)
|
0.93%
|
0.87%
|
(i) Figures reported are based on actual results rather than the
rounded figures presented in this table.
Movement in net cash / debt
|
Year ended
|
Year ended
|
|
31 Dec 23
|
31 Dec 22
|
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
Net
cash/(debt) at the beginning of the year
|
(26.3)
|
26.9
|
Distributions from Investments at
FVPL(i)
|
94.5
|
96.3
|
Dividends paid
|
(53.5)
|
(51.7)
|
Net cash flows used in operating
activities
|
(19.4)
|
(20.3)
|
Additional Investments at FVPL and
other assets
|
-
|
(64.5)
|
Realised hedging gain/(loss) on
investing activities
|
13.4
|
(12.6)
|
Impact of foreign exchange
movements
|
1.0
|
(0.4)
|
Net
cash/(debt) at the end of the year
|
9.7
|
(26.3)
|
(i) Distributions from
Investment at FVPL are shown gross of withholding tax. The
associated withholding tax outflow is included in 'Net cash flows
used in operating activities'.
The Group's portfolio of
investments continued to perform strongly over the year, with gross
distributions ahead of forecast.
During the year, the Company made
a total repayment of £71.4 million on the RCF and had no drawdowns
outstanding as at 31 December 2023. All drawdowns relating to the
previous year's John Hart and the A7 portfolio acquisitions were
repaid in full by utilising free cash flow generated by the Group's
operations.
Refer to the Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows for further details on cash flows during
the year ended 31 December 2023.
Cash dividend cover
For the year ended 31 December
2023, the Group achieved a cash dividend cover ratio of 1.40x (year
ended 31 December 2022: 1.47x) calculated as follows:
|
31 Dec
2023
£million
(except
ratio)
|
31 Dec
2022
£ million
(except
ratio)
|
Distributions from Investments at
FVPL
|
94.5
|
96.3
|
Less: Net cash flows used in
operating activities
|
(19.4)
|
(20.3)
|
Net distributions
|
75.1
|
76.0
|
Divided by: Cash dividends
paid
|
53.5
|
51.7
|
Cash dividend cover (ratio)
|
1.40x
|
1.47x
|
The strong cash dividend coverage
for the year was underpinned by BBGI's contracted, high-quality
inflation-linked portfolio cash flows. We are reconfirming our
progressive dividend policy and we expect our dividend target for
2024 of 8.40pps to be fully covered.
Pro Forma Balance Sheet
|
31 Dec
2023
|
31 Dec
2022
|
Investment Basis
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
Investments at FVPL
|
1,047.1
|
1,097.0
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
0.9
|
0.9
|
Other assets and liabilities
(net)
|
(1.1)
|
(2.4)
|
Net cash/(debt)
|
9.7
|
(26.3)
|
NAV attributable to ordinary
shares
|
1,056.6
|
1,069.2
|
Three-year comparative of Investment Basis
NAV
|
31 Dec 23
|
31 Dec 22
|
31 Dec 21
|
NAV (millions)
|
1,056.6
|
1,069.2
|
1,001.6
|
NAV per share (pence)
|
147.8
|
149.9
|
140.7
|
The NAV decreased by 1.2 per cent
to £1,056.6 million at 31 December 2023 (31 December 2022: £1,069.2
million), and by 1.4 per cent on an NAV per share basis. The NAV
per share is calculated by dividing the NAV by the number of
Company shares issued and outstanding at the end of the reporting
period. This information presents the residual claim of each
shareholder to the net assets of the Group.
Alternative Performance Measures
('APM')
APM is understood as a financial
measure of historical or future financial performance, financial
position, or cash flows, other than a financial measure defined or
specified under IFRS. The Group reports a selection of APM as
summarised in the table below and as used throughout this Annual
Report. The Management Board believes that these APM provide
additional information that may be useful to the users of this
Annual Report.
The APM presented here should
supplement the information presented in the Financial Statement
section of this Annual Report. The APM used are not measures of
performance or liquidity under IFRS and should not be considered in
isolation or as a substitute for measures of profit, or as an
indicator of the Group's operating performance or cash flows from
operating activities, as determined in accordance with
IFRS.
|
|
31
December
|
31
December
|
APM
|
Explanation
|
2023
|
2022
|
Annualised total NAV return per share
|
On a compounded annual growth rate
basis. This represents the steady state annual growth rate based on
the NAV per share at 31 December 2023 assuming dividends declared
since IPO in December 2011 have been
reinvested.[xii]
|
8.6%
|
9.1%
|
Annualised Total Shareholder Return Since IPO ('Annualised
TSR')
|
On a compounded annual growth rate
basis. This represents the steady state annual growth rate based on
share price as at 31 December 2023, assuming dividends declared
since IPO in December 2011 have been reinvested. Investment
performance can be assessed by comparing this figure to the seven
per cent to eight per cent TSR target set at IPO.
|
7.6%
|
8.8%
|
Asset availability
|
Calculated as a percentage of
actual availability payments received, as a percentage of scheduled
availability fee payments. The Company targets a rate in excess of
98 per cent. A high asset availability rate can be viewed as a
proxy to strong underlying asset performance.
|
99.9%
|
99.9%
|
Cash dividend cover ratio
|
The cash dividend cover ratio is a
multiple that divides the total net cash generated in the period
(available for distribution to investors) by the total cash
dividends paid in the period based on the cash flow from operating
activities under IFRS. A high cash dividend cover ratio reduces the
risk that the Group will not be able to continue making fully
covered dividend payments.
|
1.40x
|
1.47x
|
Inflation linkage
|
Represents the contractual,
index-linked provisions, which adjust annually to provide a
positive and high-quality link to inflation. The measure represents
the increase in portfolio returns if inflation is one percentage
point higher than our modelled assumptions for all future periods.
Under current assumptions, the expected portfolio return would
increase from 7.3 per cent to 7.8 per cent for a one percentage
point increase to our inflation assumptions.
|
0.5%
|
0.5%
|
Net cash/(debt)
|
This amount, when considered in conjunction with the available commitment
under the Group's RCF (unutilised RCF amount of £228.9 million as
at 31 December 2023), is an indicator of the Group's ability to
meet financial commitments, to pay dividends, and to undertake
acquisitions.
|
£9.7
million
|
£(26.3)
million
|
Ongoing charges
|
Represents the estimated reduction
or drag on shareholder returns as a result of recurring operational
expenses incurred in managing the Group's consolidated entities and
provides an indication of the level of recurring costs likely to be
incurred in managing the Group in the future.
|
0.93%
|
0.87%
|
Target dividend
|
Represents the forward-looking
target dividend per share. These are targets only and are not a
profit forecast. There can be no assurance that these targets will
be met or that the Company will make any distribution at
all.
|
8.40 for 2024; 8.57 for
2025
|
7.93 for
2023; 8.40 for 2024; 8.57 for 2025
|
Ten-year beta
|
Calculated using the FTSE
All-Share], ten-year data representing the ten years preceding 31
December 2023. This performance measure demonstrates the level of
volatility of the Company's shares in comparison to the wider
equity market.
|
0.28
|
0.24
|
Total Shareholder Return since IPO ('TSR')
|
The TSR combines share price
appreciation and dividends paid since IPO in December 2011 to
represent the total return to the shareholder expressed as a
percentage. This is based on share price at 31 December 2023 and
after adding back dividends paid or declared since IPO.
|
141.1%
|
152.6%
|
Weighted average portfolio life
|
Represents the weighted average,
by value, of the remaining individual project concession lengths.
Calculated by reference to the existing portfolio at 31 December
2023, assuming no future portfolio additions.
|
19.3
|
20.2
|
Reconciliation of Investment Basis to
IFRS
Reconciliation of Consolidated Income
Statement
|
31 December
2023
|
31 December
2022
|
|
Investment
Basis
|
Adjust
|
Consolidated
IFRS
|
Investment
Basis
|
Adjust
|
Consolidated
IFRS
|
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
Income from Investments at
FVPL(i)
|
44.5
|
(5.6)
|
38.9
|
154.0
|
5.5
|
159.5
|
Other operating
income(ii)
|
1.4
|
9.2
|
10.6
|
0.1
|
-
|
0.1
|
Operating income
|
45.9
|
3.6
|
49.5
|
154.1
|
5.5
|
159.6
|
Administrative expenses
|
(12.1)
|
-
|
(12.1)
|
(11.7)
|
-
|
(11.7)
|
Other operating
expenses(ii)
|
(1.1)
|
0.9
|
(0.2)
|
(5.3)
|
(7.5)
|
(12.8)
|
Net finance result
|
(2.5)
|
-
|
(2.5)
|
(2.0)
|
-
|
(2.0)
|
Net gain/(loss) on balance sheet
hedging(ii)
|
13.4
|
(4.5)
|
8.9
|
(12.6)
|
2.0
|
(10.6)
|
Profit before tax
|
43.6
|
-
|
43.6
|
122.5
|
-
|
122.5
|
Tax expense - net
|
(3.3)
|
-
|
(3.3)
|
(3.5)
|
-
|
(3.5)
|
Profit from continuing operations
|
40.3
|
-
|
40.3
|
119.0
|
-
|
119.0
|
(i) As outlined above, prior year
comparative figures have been reclassified to ensure consistency
with the current year's presentation. This reclassification
does not change the previously reported profit for the year nor the
prior period NAV.
(ii) The adjustment to Other operating income, Other operating
expenses and Net gain/(loss) on balance sheet hedging relates to
the unrecognised net results from our hedging transactions. While
these transactions are presented separately under IFRS, they are
partly included as part of Income from Investments at FVPL under
Investment basis reporting.
Reconciliation of Consolidated Statement of Financial
Position
|
31 December
2023
|
31 December
2022
|
|
Investment
Basis
|
Adjust
(i)
|
Consolidated
IFRS
|
Investment
Basis
|
Adjust
|
Consolidated
IFRS
|
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
£ million
|
Investments at FVPL
|
1,047.1
|
0.1
|
1,047.2
|
1,097.0
|
5.8
|
1,102.8
|
Trade and other
receivables
|
0.9
|
-
|
0.9
|
0.9
|
-
|
0.9
|
Other net liabilities
|
(1.1)
|
0.1
|
(1.0)
|
(2.4)
|
-
|
(2.4)
|
Net cash (debt)
|
9.7
|
-
|
9.7
|
(26.3)
|
-
|
(26.3)
|
Derivative financial liability -
net
|
-
|
(0.2)
|
(0.2)
|
-
|
(5.8)
|
(5.8)
|
NAV attributable to ordinary
shares
|
1,056.6
|
-
|
1,056.6
|
1,069.2
|
-
|
1,069.2
|
(i) Under IFRS, unrealised positions on foreign exchange hedging
contracts are reported separately under derivative financial asset
(liability).
Risk
We follow a risk-based approach to
internal controls. Our risk management function facilitates the
Management Board's duty to effectively govern and manage the risks
we face. Given the nature of our assets and our interaction with
the capital markets, we do not operate in a risk-free environment.
In an uncertain environment, we take proactive action to address
risks, and to achieve our business and investment
objectives.
We identify, analyse, assess,
report, and manage all material risks, and aim to identify risks we
face as early as possible, so we can minimise their
impact.
We classify risks into the
following risk categories:
· Market risks
· Credit risks
· Counterparty risks
· Liquidity risks
· Operational risks
· Sustainability risks
We analyse all identified risks
during the risk reporting process to understand the range of
possible impacts on BBGI. By undertaking this risk review, we can
determine material risks to analyse and respond to, and which risks
require no further attention. This gives the Management Board a
universal interpretation of risk.
Our risk management function
performs a risk assessment to determine the likelihood that a
predefined event will occur and any subsequent impact it may have;
it also estimates risk levels for a particular situation, compares
these against benchmarks or standards, and determines an acceptable
level of risk.
In the Risk Profile all identified
risks are classified according to risk type, in line with the risk
categories above. For material risks identified, BBGI's Risk
Manager advises on key risk indicators to include in the risk
profile and suggests appropriate quantitative and qualitative
limits to mitigate the potential impact of those risks, which are
discussed and approved by the Management Board before being
formally included in the Risk Profile.
We have assessed inherent risk and
have applied relevant mitigating factors to arrive at a remaining
residual risk that the Management Board deems manageable and
acceptable.
The following table summarises our
material risks but is not an exhaustive list of all the potential
risks BBGI faces. There may be other unknown risks, or those
regarded as less material, that could, in the future, materially
impact our performance, our assets, and our capital
resources.
|
Risk
description
|
Risk
mitigation
|
MARKET RISKS
|
|
|
Volatility of discount rates
|
We use a discounted cash flow
methodology to value our portfolio of investments. Higher discount
rates have a negative impact on valuation and the ultimate rate of
return realised by our investors, while lower discount rates may
have a positive impact.
Our most important judgement and
variable is the discount rate we apply to individual investments in
our portfolio. Appropriate discount rates are key to deriving a
fair and reasonable portfolio valuation.
Changes in market rates of
interest (in particular, government bond yields) may impact the
discount rates used to value our future projected cash flows, and
thus our valuation.
|
BBGI primarily uses a market-based
valuation to determine a base discount rate for steady-state,
operational investments in the different jurisdictions we operate,
and we use our judgement in arriving at the appropriate discount
rates.
During the review period,
government bond yields experienced significant fluctuations. As at
31 December 2023, relevant bond yields had shown a modest reduction
on average compared to the year-end figures of 2022. Over the same
period transaction activity, whilst still at subdued levels,
provided some relevant market data.
In this environment, BBGI has
continued to complement its market-based approach by utilising the
principles of the CAPM approach, where risk-free rates plus a risk
premium are employed to calculate discount rates. While there is no
direct correlation between government bond yields and the risk
premium on the one hand, and market discount rates on the other,
the risk premium serves as a valuable supplementary data point.
This method serves as a reasonability check for our market-based
approach, particularly in periods such as the last 12 months, where
the number of observed transactions in the market was fewer than in
previous years.
As discount rates, government bond
yields, deposit rates, and inflation rates are in principle
interlinked - while the individual rates may not move in lockstep -
this concept acts as mitigation for a change in discount rates.
Changes in discount rates often coincide with shifts in government
bond yields, deposit rates and inflation, but are also reflective
of overall market sentiment. Higher inflation rates and deposit
rates offset, partially at least, increased discount rates in our
portfolio valuation and vice versa.
A sensitivity analysis to changes
in discount rates, and the resulting effect on NAV, is provided in
the Valuation section of this Report.
|
Foreign exchange
|
A significant proportion of our
underlying investments - 67 per cent of
the portfolio value at 31 December 2023 - are denominated in
currencies other than Sterling.
We maintain our financial
statements, prepare the portfolio valuation, and pay dividends in
Sterling.
There is a risk that fluctuations
in exchange rates between Sterling and relevant local currencies
will potentially adversely affect the value of our underlying
investments, distributions and the ultimate rate of return realised
by our investors.
|
Currency-hedging arrangements for
portfolio distributions denominated in Australian Dollar, Canadian
Dollar, Norwegian Krone and US Dollar are in place for a rolling
period of four years to mitigate some foreign exchange
risk.
In addition to cash flow hedging,
we also hedge a portion of the non-Sterling, non-Euro portfolio
value, and aim to reduce NAV sensitivity to approximately 3 per
cent for a 10 per cent adverse foreign exchange
movement.
Euro-denominated fund running
costs currently provide a natural hedge against the
Euro-denominated portfolio distributions.
Furthermore, the ability to draw
on the RCF in the currency of the underlying asset distributions
provides an additional hedging alternative.
BBGI has investments in five
currencies other than Sterling, thereby providing some natural
diversification among underlying currencies.
A sensitivity analysis to the
movement in foreign exchange rates, and the resulting effect on
NAV, is provided in the valuation section of this
Report.
|
Interest and deposit rates
|
Our performance may be adversely
affected by changes in interest rates. BBGI has a direct
exposure to interest rates through borrowings under the RCF,
unhedged debt at the Portfolio Company level and cash
deposits.
The Portfolio Companies typically
have some cash reserves and deposits. From a financial modelling
perspective, we assume that deposits can be placed at a forecast
rate, which varies depending on country.
If deposit rates exceed or fall
below projections for short-term and long-term rates, the effect on
investment returns will depend on the amount of
deposits.
|
Our Portfolio Companies have
sought to hedge substantially all of their floating rate interest
liabilities against changes in underlying interest rates with
interest rate swaps. We have no underlying base rate exposure
across our portfolio. We have a single asset that carries
refinancing risk. However, this risk is confined to the margin, as
the base rate for the loan has been fully mitigated for its entire
term.
At the Group level, we maintain
deposits at low levels. At 31 December 2023, the Group had no
borrowings outstanding under its RCF.
A sensitivity analysis to movement
in the senior debt rate, and the resulting effect on NAV, is
provided in the Valuation section of this Report.
|
Inflation
|
We have observed varying levels of
inflationary pressure, and the resulting valuation effects, across
the portfolio. Our portfolio's valuation and the ultimate rate of
return realised by our investors may be adversely or positively
impacted by lower or higher than expected inflation. Prolonged
periods of deflation could potentially result in defaults under
Portfolio Company loan arrangements.
The revenues and expenditures of
our Portfolio Companies frequently undergo partial or complete
indexation.
From a financial modelling
perspective, it is typically assumed that inflation will increase
at a predetermined rate (which may vary depending on country). The
impact on investment returns, if inflation surpasses or falls short
of the projections for this rate, typically depends on how each
Portfolio Company's costs and revenues are influenced by inflation
and the underlying indexation provisions.
|
A scenario of persistent high
inflation across our jurisdictions presents the risk of declining
real returns to investors.
We typically mitigate inflation
risk for our Portfolio Companies to some extent by seeking to match
the indexation of the revenues to the indexation of the operational
cost.
It is also important to note that
BBGI's equity cash flows are positively linked to inflation at 0.5
per cent across the BBGI portfolio.
A sensitivity analysis to
movements in inflation rates, and the resulting effect on NAV, is
provided in the Valuation section of this Report.
The level of inflation linkage
across the investments held varies and is inconsistent. The
consequences of higher or lower levels of inflation than assumed by
the Company will not be uniform across our investments.
|
Changes to tax legislation, treaties, and
rates
|
There continues to be a risk that
enacted changes in tax law, tax rates and global tax initiatives,
including the OECD's recommendations regarding base erosion and
profit shifting or tax treaty eligibility, could adversely affect
our cash flows and reduce investors' returns.
|
Certain risks, such as changes to
corporation tax rates (including those arising from fiscal
constraints), cannot be prevented or mitigated.
We value our portfolio of
investments based on enacted tax rates. Our management team works
closely with our global tax advisers and is briefed periodically on
relevant tax developments.
In Canada, the legislation for
Excessive Interest and Financing Expenses Limitation ('EIFEL')
rules, which limit the deduction of 'interest and financing
expenses' to a fixed percentage of earnings before interest, tax,
depreciation, and amortisation for Canadian income tax purposes, is
now in its final stage, and is scheduled to take effect from 1
January 2024. The latest draft legislation does not currently
provide for the grandfathering of existing related party debt, a
matter for which the PPP industry representative body continues to
lobby. In light of these developments, and with the draft bill
likely to be enacted in its present form, BBGI recorded an
additional provision of approximately GBP 16.3 million in December
2023.
In addition to these specific
legislative changes in Canada, it is important to recognise that
certain risks, such as changes in corporation tax rates, are beyond
our control and cannot be effectively mitigated. However, BBGI's
approach of maintaining a globally diversified portfolio of assets
is instrumental in reducing the tax concentration risk associated
with any single country. This diversification forms a crucial part
of our strategy in managing the overall risk exposure of our
investment portfolio.
A sensitivity analysis to
movements in corporate tax rates, and the resulting effect on NAV,
is provided in the Valuation section of this Report.
|
Lifecycle or operational cost risk
|
During the life of an investment,
components of our assets - such as asphalt or concrete for roads
and bridges; or roofs and air handling plants for buildings - are
likely to need to be replaced or undergo a major
refurbishment.
There is a risk that the actual
cost of replacement or refurbishment of these lifecycle obligations
will be greater than the forecasted cost, or that the timing of the
intervention may be earlier than forecasted.
Additionally, a potential risk
arises if there is a disparity in the interpretation of hand-back
obligations at the end of the concession period, when the Portfolio
Company transfers control and management of the project back to the
public sector. This could lead to a budgetary overrun in lifecycle
or operational costs.
There is also the general risk
that other operational costs may be higher than budgeted. This
typically relates to insurance costs and management service
contracts or where Portfolio Company management teams are
responsible for operational service delivery.
|
Of the 56 assets in the BBGI
portfolio, 20 Portfolio Companies retain the lifecycle obligations
and hand-back obligations at the end of the concession period and
two of those Portfolio Companies self-deliver the operations. The
remaining 36 assets have these lifecycle and hand-back obligations
passed down to the subcontractor.
Each Portfolio Company forecasts,
models, and provides for the timing and costs of such replacements
or refurbishments. This is based on internal or external technical
advice to assist in forecasting of lifecycle timings, scope of work
and costs. Operation & maintenance activities are tailored to
the ongoing needs of the asset and with a view to perform in line
with contractual hand-back requirements. A robust review process is
put in place and in many cases reviewed by the Lenders technical
advisor to ensure that sufficient hand-back funds are available to
meet pre-defined contractual requirements. Less than 1% of the BBGI
Portfolio is subject to hand-back in the next five years. The
concessions for two of the Company's UK accommodation assets will
expire in January 2026 and August 2027 respectively. Preparations
for their hand-back are underway and following the Infrastructure
and Projects Authority UK's guidelines, collaborative working
groups have been established, comprising representatives from the
public sector, the subcontractors, and the Portfolio Companies,
involved in the projects.
Additionally, as part of
acquisition due diligence, we review budgeted costs and assess
their adequacy.
A sensitivity analysis to
movements in lifecycle costs is provided in the Valuation section
of this Report.
The risk of insurance cost
increases is partly mitigated by a contractual premium risk-sharing
mechanism with certain public sector clients. For other Portfolio
Companies, the risk is borne entirely by the public sector client
but for a limited number of Portfolio Companies there is no
mitigation available.
|
COUNTERPARTY RISKS
|
|
|
Failure of subcontractor performance or credit risk
(construction contractors, facility managers, operations and
maintenance contractors)
|
The risk of a subcontractor
service failure, poor performance or subcontractor insolvency,
which is sufficiently serious to cause a Portfolio Company to
terminate or to be required by the client or lenders to terminate a
subcontract.
There may be a loss of revenue
during the time taken to find a replacement subcontractor. The
replacement subcontractor may also levy a surcharge to assume the
subcontract, or charge more to provide the services.
|
Regarding assets under
construction, which currently do not feature in our portfolio, we
implement several mitigants and steps to effectively manage this
risk:
· A
construction joint venture with two or more counterparties is
typically jointly and severally liable: if one party fails, the
other is obligated to take over the obligations.
· We
perform a contractor replacement analysis as part of our initial
investment due diligence. Most subcontractors on our investments
are well established, with several competing providers. Therefore,
we expect that a pool of potential replacement supplier
counterparties is available if a service counterparty fails,
although not necessarily at the same cost.
· Construction subcontractors are typically required by lenders
to provide a robust security package, often consisting of letters
of credit, parent company guarantees and/or performance
bonding.
The latter two mitigants are also
in place for investments once they become operational. However, any
liability of subcontractors is typically capped at contractually
agreed amounts.
Other mitigants during operations
include:
· periodic benchmarking of defined soft facility services on
some investments;
· a
diversified group of subcontractors, with no substantial
concentration risk; and
· ongoing subcontractor monitoring for our investments, as well
as contingency plans as appropriate, to ensure we mitigate the risk
of counterparty failure.
|
LIQUIDITY RISKS
|
|
|
Access to capital
|
Prolonged disruptions in the
equity markets could hinder our ability to raise new capital. Such
market disruptions may potentially limit our capacity for growth
and our ability to repay any future debt that might be incurred
under our RCF.
We will continue to be disciplined
in our approach to capital allocation and will only consider
investment opportunities when they are clearly value accretive.
Although we have maintained an RCF since July 2012 and have
refinanced it subsequently, there is no absolute certainty that
this facility will always be available to us in the future.
Additionally, the ability to issue further shares in the market
cannot be guaranteed.
|
As of 31 December 2023, there were
no outstanding drawings under the RCF and the Company has no
investment transaction commitments outstanding. The Company has
adequate access to capital with a net cash position of GBP 9.7
million and with GBP 229 million available for drawing under the
RCF as required.
Our RCF expires in May 2026. We
can seek to refinance the RCF to extend its maturity and reduce a
near-term requirement to repay any potential (future) drawings,
though we do not intend to be drawn for substantial periods of
time.
The Board and our Company's
brokers regularly assess market sentiment. The Company can also
consider, as part of an effective portfolio construction strategy,
the sale of one or more investments to fund potential future
acquisitions.
|
Premium or discount to NAV
|
The risk of share price
volatility, or trading at a discount to NAV, leading to lower
returns to existing shareholders.
|
To assist BBGI in addressing any
temporary or permanent share price to NAV discount, as experienced
during the year ended 31 December 2023, we employ a strategic
capital allocation policy. This policy includes the option for the
Company to purchase up to 14.99 per cent of its ordinary shares in
the market annually. In the past year, our primary focus was on
repaying all drawings under the RCF with free cash flows generated
from our portfolio of investments. The Management Board,
Supervisory Board, and our brokers consistently review the options
available to the Company to ensure the effective execution of our
capital allocation policy.
We offer a continuation vote to
shareholders every two years; the next will be proposed at our
Annual General Meeting on 30 April 2025.
|
OPERATIONAL RISKS
|
|
|
Poor investment due diligence
|
There is a risk that errors may be
made in the assumptions, calculations, or methodology applied
during an acquisition due diligence process.
In such circumstances, the figures
and/or the returns generated by the Portfolio Company and the
ultimate rate of return realised by our investors may be lower than
those estimated or projected.
|
BBGI has developed a robust asset
acquisition due diligence process. Our typical due diligence
includes model, legal, tax, technical, anti-money laundering, ESG,
sustainability and insurance reviews.
Internal expertise is complemented
with external advice on a case-by-case basis.
|
Valuation
|
The most significant risk of
material misstatement in our financial statements applies to the
fair valuation of the investment portfolio and in particular the
discount rates used and key assumptions applied when valuing these
investments.
There is a risk that errors may be
made in the assumptions, calculations or methodology used in a
periodic valuation process.
Financial models, either for the
Group or our underlying Portfolio Companies, may also contain
errors, or incorrect inputs, resulting in inaccurate projections of
distributions. These could adversely impact the valuation on
individual investments and the overall assessment of our financial
position.
|
Our portfolio valuation is
prepared semi-annually by an experienced internal team, overseen by
our Management Board.
Furthermore, the valuation is
reviewed by an independent, third-party valuation expert, and is
also reviewed and audited by the Company's External
Auditor.
Financial models are typically
reviewed or audited by external advisers.
All key assumptions used in the
valuation process are outlined in the Valuation section of this
Report, some of which are subject to sensitivity
testing.
Although key assumptions in the
valuation are subject to sensitivity testing, this has its
limitations: it cannot provide a comprehensive assessment of every
risk we face and should be considered accordingly.
|
Construction defects
|
The risk of certain operational
costs in relation to construction defects lies with the Portfolio
Company.
|
In general, Portfolio Companies
can submit claims against construction subcontractors for defects
in the design, construction or commissioning of project assets.
This 'right to claim' applies for a pre-determined period following
the completion of construction ('statutory limitations period'),
and this may differ between jurisdictions.
If disputes arise, an arbitration
or court process may be used. Once the statutory limitations period
has ended, the remediation of construction defects identified after
this point typically falls to the Portfolio Company itself, and
thus becomes the risk of the Portfolio Company. In addition, there
may be other situations where the risk would lie with the Portfolio
Company, for example where a subcontractor becomes insolvent, and
may no longer be able to fulfil its obligations to correct these
defects.
|
Change in law or regulation
|
Different laws and regulations
apply in the countries where BBGI and our Portfolio Companies are
located. There is a risk that changes in laws and regulations may
have an adverse effect on the performance of the underlying
investment, which will then affect the cash flows derived from the
investments and/or the valuation of the investments.
|
The Management Board seeks regular
briefings from its legal and tax advisers to stay abreast of
impending or possible changes in law.
Change in law provisions are
included in some contracts, thus providing further
mitigation.
BBGI has a globally diversified
portfolio of assets, thereby reducing the Group's exposure to
changes in any single country.
A robust internal control
framework, including Compliance, Risk Management and Internal Audit
functions, is in place and operating effectively, under the
supervision of the Management Board.
|
Succession planning
|
Inadequate succession planning
can, if not effectively mitigated, pose a significant risk to an
organisation's long-term stability and growth. The absence of
robust succession strategies could potentially disrupt key
leadership transitions, impacting the ability to ensure seamless
operations and strategic continuity.
|
Succession planning: Proactive
succession plans are in place to contribute to smooth transitions
and continuity in leadership roles. By regularly reviewing and
assessing the talent within the Company, the Board can identify and
develop pathways for key individuals and also identify areas where
there may be over reliance on a single individual.
Contractual notice periods:
Adequate notice periods are in place for each of the Management
Board members.
Competitive compensation packages:
The Company offers benchmarked compensation packages to attract and
retain top talent.
Deferred remuneration: The Company
has implemented a deferred remuneration strategy ensuring that
Management Board and key individuals have a vested interest in the
long-term success and stability of the Company.
|
Failing IT systems or cyber-attacks
|
A breach of data security could
occur by accident or because of an external cyber-attack. A
cyber-attack could affect our IT systems or those of our Portfolio
Companies, causing theft, loss of data, or damage to the
infrastructure's control systems and equipment.
A cyber-attack could affect not
only BBGI's reputation, but could also have legal, financial, and
operational repercussions for the Group.
|
BBGI has taken several measures to
reduce the risk of a cyber-attack.
We have outsourced the hosting of
our IT platform to an industry specialist. In doing so, we benefit
from access to IT security experts, with our platform monitored by
an advanced IT security system. By doing so we benefit from scale.
This approach would be less cost-effective if our IT infrastructure
was maintained onsite.
Each year, we engage an external
expert to carry out an intrusion test on our IT platform to
identify and, if required, patch any identified
vulnerabilities.
We perform business continuity
tests, carry out disaster recovery tests every year, and our
employees periodically undergo cyber-security training.
In a typical PPP structure, public
sector clients have their own IT systems. However, most of our
Portfolio Companies do not maintain their own IT systems. Instead,
subcontractors of a Portfolio Company (such as management service
providers, facility maintenance contractors for accommodation
assets, and maintenance contractors for transport assets) will have
their own IT systems, which will likely house data relating to a
project.
Consistent with a typical PPP
structure, as seen in BBGI's portfolio, risks are typically
transferred to subcontractors by the Portfolio Company.
However, any liability of a third
party is capped to contractually agreed amounts, including risks
relating to design and construction, warranties for IT systems
(such as a warranty that the system will meet specifications
requiring it to meet robust security requirements), and the risk of
a cyber-attack interrupting the provision of services to an
asset.
|
Corporate strategy
|
The chosen strategy may not align
with organisational goals or market dynamics, potentially leading
to ineffective outcomes.
|
BBGI has taken several measures to
reduce this risk: (i) Regular strategy reviews: We schedule
periodic reviews of the strategy to ensure alignment with Company
objectives and market dynamics, (ii) Stakeholder feedback: We
periodically engage with key stakeholders including shareholders to
gather feedback and insights on the strategy's effectiveness, and
(iii) Market analysis: We conduct regular market and competitive
reviews to ensure the strategy remains relevant in the environment
in which we operate.
|
Voluntary termination
|
There remains a risk that public
sector clients of our Portfolio Companies choose to exercise their
right to voluntarily terminate the contracts.
When this happens, the public
sector is typically contractually obliged to pay compensation on
termination to equity holders, debt providers, and other parties,
depending on the circumstances.
While provisions vary between
contracts, they generally ensure that our investors are paid either
market value for their equity interests, or a value to achieve the
originally projected IRR, and in these cases, where the
compensation amount is less than current valuation levels, we could
suffer a material loss.
|
The Management Board believes
there are mitigants or deterrents to the risk of voluntary
termination of contracts:
· Delivering high levels of asset performance, as demonstrated
across the BBGI portfolio, and ensuring open and direct interaction
with clients, are key levers to demonstrate the value provided by
the Portfolio Companies under the existing contractual
framework.
· In
cases where debt or bond facilities were agreed when interest rates
were higher than current levels, interest rate swaps remain largely
'out of the money' for our Portfolio Companies, and any public body
wishing to terminate a contract in the current interest rate
environment would also need to cover the cost of the swap breakage
fee. Conversely, the cost of unwinding Project Agreements and
repaying senior debt in a rising interest rate environment could
also prove a mitigant to early termination.
· Our
Portfolio Company equity investors would, depending on the
contractual provisions, also need to be compensated, as well as the
public sector being required to budget for the ongoing provision of
the service.
|
SUSTAINABILITY RISKS
|
|
|
Sustainability risk
|
Sustainability risk, as defined in
the Company's ESG and Sustainability Risk Policy, and as specified
in Article 2(22) of SFDR, means an environmental, social or
governance event or condition that, if it occurs, could cause an
actual or potential material negative impact on the value of the
investment.
Sustainability risks include,
environmental risks such as climate risks. These encompass both
physical disruptions due to factors such as extreme weather and
transition challenges in adapting to low-carbon technologies. Other
environmental risks include biodiversity risks related to ecosystem
disruption. Sustainability risks also include; social risks arising
from labour practices, occupational health and safety, or human
rights violations; and governance risks involving legal, financial,
and reputational issues due to inadequate corporate
governance.
The potential impact of
sustainability risk to BBGI could materialise, for instance, as the
risk of material damage to an asset in the portfolio, poor
performance of an asset, disruption of operations and maintenance
works, un-insurability or difficulty in adequately insuring an
asset, the risk of an asset being unavailable, the risk of stranded
assets, increased lifecycle costs, repricing/value depreciation,
risk of early termination, as well as regulation, litigation, and
reputational risks.
|
Sustainability risk assessment is
integrated into our decision-making process, and sustainability
risks are monitored during the due diligence phase and throughout
the holding period of investments. These risks are primarily
assessed, monitored, and managed at the investment level. Factors
influencing our sustainability risk assessment include the
investment sector and the location. For each type of sustainability
risk, the materiality of potential financial harm to the Company
(outside-in), as well as the potential likelihood and severity of
damages caused by investments (inside-out) are assessed.
· Our
focused approach of investing in social infrastructure assets that
serve society should limit sustainability risks linked to a social
event or condition.
· BBGI's exclusion policy, developed to mitigate a variety of
sustainability risks, avoiding certain types of activities that
could cause significant harm to society and/or the
environment.
· BBGI
monitors Portfolio Companies' sustainability practices by
implementing various policies relating to sustainability risks
across all investments. While we recommend those standard policies
at all Portfolio Companies, it is not always possible to achieve
100 per cent adoption when we have co-shareholders.
· BBGI
collects data at the level of our Portfolio Companies through its
ESG monitoring questionnaire, to calculate all SFDR Principal
Adverse Impact ('PAI') indicators. PAI are the most significant
negative impacts of our investment decisions on sustainability
factors related to environmental, social and governance
issues.
· For
climate-risk specifically, BBGI implements a formal assessment to
understand the impact of physical climate risks for its entire
portfolio. This assessment quantifies the physical impact severity
of each investment under multiple climate scenarios and time
periods. The screening of physical climate-related risks is
embedded in the due diligence process.
|
Environmental, Social and
Governance
2023 Update
As BBGI's ESG and Sustainability
Director, I am proud to reflect on a year of progress in our
commitments to sustainability. A standalone ESG Report, providing
more details on activities undertaken in 2023 will be published
later in 2024 and made available on our website.
BBGI's ESG Committee (the Committee)
is responsible for oversight of the Group's ESG activities and
comprises each of the members of the Management Board, the Company
Secretary, and the Director of ESG and Sustainability. The
Committee functioned throughout 2023 in accordance with its defined
Terms of Reference, which are available on our website.
Investing responsibly
Investing and focusing our business
model through an environmental, social and governance lens improves
our operational performance and contributes towards new investment
opportunities, reduced risk, employee retention and better
long-term value. A disciplined approach to ESG is fundamental not
only to deliver positive returns and facilitate access to essential
infrastructure, but also to ensure the long-term durability of the
portfolio of infrastructure assets we maintain on behalf of the
public sector.
Continuous improvements in our ESG approach
We are continuously improving our
approach to sustainability. In 2023, we developed our tools and
systems for measurement and reporting. We now have a complete
overview of our 56 Portfolio Companies' emissions profiles,
expanding our proprietary ESG database with greenhouse gas ('GHG')
emissions data, which will facilitate developing decarbonisation
plans across the portfolio. We have used this detail to feed into
our first SFDR Principal Adverse Impact Statement, and to respond
to the first step of our commitment to the Net Zero Asset Managers
initiative: a GHG inventory covering 100 per cent of our
portfolio.
Collaborating and working with others
We recognise that by working with
others we can identify opportunities to improve our sustainability
practices and desired outcomes. In 2023, we reinforced our
collaboration with peers and industry bodies to align with relevant
developments and to shape an industry response to emerging
sustainability and energy transition requirements. We
have:
- joined the UK IPA Net Zero Working Group, which aims to
establish a net zero strategy for PPP investments in the
UK;
- engaged with the Institutional Investors Group on Climate
Change ('IIGCC') for guidance on setting our net zero targets as an
infrastructure investor and our net zero targets were reviewed and
validated;
- engaged with the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials
('PCAF') Secretariat to understand better how to apply the
attribution methodology to our infrastructure portfolio;
and
- provided feedback to the EU Commission's consultation on
Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR).
Testament to our commitments to
transparency is our alignment with global standards. We incorporate
the SFDR, UN Principles for Responsible Investment ('PRI'), UN
Global Compact, the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative ('NZAM'),
and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
('TCFD'), and are proud of the high scores that we obtain from
third-party ESG ratings, including UN PRI and Institutional
Shareholder Services ('ISS').
|
UN PRI Assessment 2023:
Policy Governance and
Strategy: ★★★★★
Direct Infrastructure:
★★★★★
Confidence Building
Measures: ★★★★✩
Read more:
UN PRI 2023 Assessment Report I
UN PRI 2023 Transparency Report
|
|
ISS E&S Disclosure Quality
Score 2023[xiii]:
Environment (Decile Rank: 3) I
Social (Decile Rank: 2)
ISS Corporate ESG Rating
2022: Prime B- (Decile Rank: 1)
|
|
Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating
2021:
Strong ESG performance with a risk
rating of Negligible (8.3)[xiv]
|
Outlook
Our regulatory and disclosure
requirements will increase together with our stakeholders'
expectations. We continue to enhance our disclosures to align with
upcoming regulatory standards, while engaging with our investors
and ensuring ESG compliance. We will also continue to evaluate our
portfolio's impact materiality for our stakeholders, and the
financial materiality of sustainability risks and opportunities to
BBGI. Our biggest challenges will be the decarbonisation of our
portfolio and increasing diversity in our Portfolio Company boards,
which will require our ongoing focus. We have opted to disclose an
overview of our ESG strategy and outcomes in this Annual Report,
but we invite you to read our more comprehensive ESG Report to find
out more about our activities and future ambitions.
Cécilia Vernhes
ESG/Sustainability Director
on behalf of the ESG Committee
ESG Commitments and Progress
Environmental commitment: Managing and mitigating
impact
Focus
- Ensuring our investments are resilient to climate hazards
today and under future climate warming scenarios.
- Reducing the carbon intensity of our portfolio and absolute
emissions from our direct operations. Target: by 2030, 70 per cent
of Portfolio Companies (by value) will have a long-term goal to be
net zero by 2050 or sooner.
- Monitor portfolio companies' biodiversity
practices.
Key achievements in 2023
- Quantified Portfolio Companies GHG emissions for the first
time, in line with GHG Protocol and PCAF Guidance.
- Supported asset-level decarbonisation initiatives.
Outlook for 2024
- Use
our influence to implement net zero plans where we exercise
significant influence.
- Engage with subcontractors to better understand where
opportunities exist to upgrade existing equipment.
- Consider potential acquisitions that support the transition
towards a lower-carbon economy.
- Continue to oversee the biodiversity practices of our
portfolio companies.
Social commitment: Making an essential social
contribution
Focus
- Fund
the infrastructure needed to deliver essential services for
healthier, safer and more connected societies.
- Align each of our investments with at least one of six
Sustainable Development Goals ('SDGs') where we intend to make the
greatest contribution.
- Guarantee fair employment practices, skills development and
health and safety standards at all levels of our
business.
- Address human rights and modern slavery risk at all levels of
our business.
- Support initiatives that benefit the communities living near
to our assets.
Key achievements in 2023
- 100
per cent of our portfolio aligns with our six core SDGs,
demonstrating the strong social contribution of our
portfolio.
- Maintaining 60 per cent female board representation with at
least one ethnic minority Board Director and female leaders for
both Supervisory Board and Audit Committee.
- ESG
annual training programme focused on Human Rights for all
employees.
- Portfolio Companies donated over £100,000 to local charities,
and offered various employees volunteering.
- BBGI
donated £10,000 as matching donations for our employees' personal
donations, fundraising or volunteering.
Outlook for 2024
- Improve the gender representation of our Directors at
Portfolio Company boards.
- Enhance our oversight of material ESG risks and sustainable
practices across our supply chains.
Governance commitment: Integrity and
transparency
Focus
- Operate with integrity and transparency at all levels of our
business.
- Continue to integrate sustainability risks and opportunities
in our strategy and decision-making.
- Tie
executive remuneration (Short Term Incentive Plan ('STIP') and Long
Term Incentive Plan ('LTIP')) to ESG targets. 10 per cent of LTIP
is subject to reducing corporate emissions and a further 10 per
cent is subject to progress in the implementation of net zero
plans.
- Enhance sustainability reporting, in line with evolving
regulations and stakeholders' expectations.
Key achievements in 2023
- Published our first Principal Adverse Impact Statement under
SFDR.
- Zero
corruption incidents, fines, or penalties across our operations or
at portfolio level.
- UN
PRI Assessment 2023: Policy Governance and Strategy:
★★★★★, Direct
Infrastructure: ★★★★★, Confidence Building Measures: ★★★★✩
- ISS
E&S Disclosure Quality Score 2023: Environment (Decile Rank: 3) I Social (Decile Rank:
2).
Outlook for 2024
- Continuous oversight of our remuneration structure by the
Remuneration Committee.
- Maintain our focus on data quality and explore external
assurance of ESG data.
Responsible investment approach
Contribution to the Sustainable Development
Goals
Our investment strategy seeks to
provide access to essential social infrastructure by our
investments and future acquisitions. The SDGs are used to assess,
measure and monitor our approach and ensure that we keep investing
beyond mere alignment and make a positive contribution to social
and environmental outcomes. Each investment is aligned with at
least one of six SDGs where we intend to make the greatest
contribution.
Facilitate essential services for
society
|
SDG 3
|
23%
|
600,000 m2 of
healthcare facilities managed providing healthcare delivery for
>4 million patients
33,000 m2 of fire
stations managed providing protection against fire-related injuries
for >800,000 people
|
SDG 4
|
9%
|
430,000 m2 of schools
and colleges managed providing access to education for >36,000
pupils
|
SDG 9
|
53%
|
2,800 single-lane km of roadways
operated providing reliable transport and reducing travel times for
>290 million vehicles
132 MW installed hydroelectric
power station supporting access to clean and reliable electricity
for >80,000 homes
|
SDG 11
|
5%
|
39 km of fully electric urban rail
providing safe and sustainable public transport for >32 million
passengers
17,000 m2 of
residential housing units, completed by a sport and a leisure
centre, supporting the access to affordable housing for 200
people
|
SDG 16
|
10%
|
16,000 m2 of police
stations managed providing safety for >1.5 million
people
190,000 m2 of modern
correctional facilities managed providing safety and applying the
rule of law for 3,200 detainees
37,000 m2 of public
administration buildings providing access to public services for
>500,000 people
|
Managing and mitigating
impacts
|
SDG
13
|
100%
|
100 per cent of our assets are
screened for resilience to climate hazards demonstrating a high
degree of climate resilience
|
Case study: Haileybury Youth
Centre, Tower Hamlets, London
Increasing access for young people and underrepresented
groups
The Poplar Baths affordable
housing and recreation centres development project included the
Haileybury Youth Centre, which ran several sessions for local youth
groups. However, the building wasn't being fully used due to budget
constraints. As part of our supporting initiatives that benefit
communities living near to our assets, BBGI, through the Portfolio
Company, committed to help fund the centre for four
years.
By donating £20,000 each year, we
are enabling Haileybury Youth Centre to increase its range of
sessions, engage more effectively with local young people and reach
out to underrepresented groups. During 2023, Haileybury Youth
Centre reached around 200 more young people with over 350 hours of
additional contact each week as a result of this additional
funding.
ESG governance
We believe that high-quality
governance brings accountability and is essential to achieving
positive outcomes for our investors, society and the environment.
Our Management and Supervisory Boards have endorsed and adopted the
main principles of good corporate governance outlined in the AIC
Code of Corporate Governance ('AIC Code').
The Management Board works in close
collaboration with the ESG Committee. We achieve the successful
integration of material ESG considerations throughout every phase
of the investment lifecycle by ensuring close coordination across
essential functions like Asset Management, Valuation, Business
Development, Compliance, Risk and Investor
Relations.
Case study: Workplace giving
programme
Giving back to our colleagues where it
matters
Supporting our communities and our
people are core values. Last year, we launched a new giving
programme to connect social impact with those who we are most
closely connected to: our colleagues. We match our employees'
financial donations, fundraising or volunteering time with a
contribution to the same project.
In 2023, c. 40 per cent of BBGI
employees volunteered, raised funds and donated over £6,000 to 27
causes all over the world. We contributed more than £10,000 to
charities including Red Cross, Kanner-Jugendtelefon, Young Lives
vs. Cancer, Rote Nasen, L'Ile aux Clowns, World Food Programme,
WWF, Médecins sans Frontières, World Vision Development and UNICEF,
to help causes including children's education in developing
countries; cancer research; and helping refugees integrate through
sports.
Some of our employees even got
together to join a sponsored run in Luxembourg. Together with their
families, they raised £4,200 for paediatric cancer research
(Kriibskrank Kanner Fondatioun), with a further £1,900 donated by
BBGI through the workplace giving programme.
Applying ESG frameworks
Sustainable Development
Goals
The SDGs inform our entire ESG and
social outcomes management process, impacting every investment and
operational decision we make.
|
ESG & Sustainability Risk
Policy
We have implemented a robust
framework for ESG integration, sustainability-risk screenings and
impacts assessment across all aspects of the investment cycle, from
initial screening through to end-of-investment life.
Read more:
ESG & Sustainability Risk policy
|
Sustainable Finance Disclosures
Regulation (SFDR)
We have an SFDR Article 8
classification, which means we focus on sustainable investments
with a social objective. We screen our investments to avoid doing
significant harm to other aspects of sustainability, and follow
good governance practices.
The periodic disclosure for SFDR specifically
addresses our disclosure obligations under Article 11 of SFDR,
supplemented by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1288 of 6
April 2022 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/363 of 31
October 2022.
BBGI's SFDR Periodic disclosure for 1 January 2023 to 31 December
2023 is at https://www.bb-gi.com/sfdr-periodic-disclosure-2023/
Read more:
SFDR PAI Statement
|
Sustainability Disclosure
Regulation (SDR)
As BBGI is considered a non-UK
investment company, it does not fall within the scope of the
Sustainability Disclosure Regulation ('SDR'), and the Company is
therefore currently not required to publish SDR disclosures, nor
can it align to the SDR investment labels regime.
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Materiality
We consider a broad range of ESG
factors when we assess the sustainability of our investments. To
identify the most material sustainability factors to include in our
due diligence, risk assessment and monitoring, we draw from the
latest regulatory requirements, ESG frameworks and industry best
practices, like the Principal Adverse Impacts set out in SFDR, as
well as third-party tools such as the GRI Standards, SASB
Materiality Finder or the GRESB Infrastructure materiality
tool.
|
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial
Disclosures (TCFD)
The Management Board recognises
the importance of the TCFD and its related disclosures and has
voluntarily decided to report against the TCFD recommendations
(refer to the section Climate disclosures and the detailed
reporting included in our ESG
Report).
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Net Zero Asset Managers initiative
(NZAM)
We are signatories to the NZAM
Initiative and have set our Financed Emissions reduction targets
and Engagement targets in line with the Paris-Aligned Investment
Initiative Net Zero Investment Framework ('NZIF') and the specific
IIGCC guidance for the infrastructure sector, following a 1.5°C
reduction pathway.
|
Institutional Investors Group on
Climate Change (IIGCC)
Our net zero targets across our
portfolio were validated and approved by the IIGCC in March
2023.
|
Partnership for Carbon Accounting
Financials (PCAF)
Our Financed Emissions have been
quantified in accordance with the Partnership for Carbon Accounting
Financials ('PCAF') Financed Emissions Standard.
|
Engagement
Commitment: Embracing partnership and
engagement
As stewards of important social
infrastructure investments, many stakeholders are impacted by our
actions: users of the infrastructure; communities living next to
our assets; our employees; investors; public sector clients;
subcontractors; the environment; and society at large.
Focus
-
Quality services and positive relations with our
public sector clients.
-
Contribute to the development of industry best
practices.
Key achievements in 2023
-
Net Promoter Score: Strong NPS of
56[xv], which is
in the top quartile of the achievable range.
-
During wildfires and flooding in Canada and the
UK, BBGI's local teams were in close contact with our clients,
maintenance and operations contractors to support teams on-site and
to ensure assets available for users or rescue services.
-
Joined the UK Infrastructure and Projects
Authority's ('IPA') Net Zero Working Group.
Outlook for 2024
-
Leverage on relationships with local governments
to implement decarbonisation initiatives across our
investments.
-
Continue to participate in industry groups to
keep us informed of industry trends.
-
Engage with industry practitioners and share
learnings on best practices.
Case study: Medicine Wheel
Garden, Women's College Hospital, Toronto
A
space for healing, celebration and tranquillity
Toronto has the largest urban
Indigenous population in Ontario. In 2020, the city's Women's
College Hospital opened its Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous
Health to support a wellness system that acknowledges and respects
Indigenous people, providing meaningful, culturally safe care,
which is free of racism and discrimination.
Following a request from the
Centre, BBGI funded £4,000 through the Portfolio Company, and
facilitated the construction of a rooftop Medicine Wheel Garden. In
Native American culture, the Medicine Wheel is a symbol of the
circle of life. The Garden is a place to harvest native, medicinal
plants and to be enjoyed by the Indigenous community.
Christine Monague, Indigenous Peer
Support and Relations Advocate, explains the benefits of the
Garden: "When First Nations,
Inuit or Métis patients come to Women's College Hospital for
testing, treatments or procedures, we will have a viable means to
offer them comforts for preparation, prayer, purification and
spiritual healing by maintaining our crop of medicinal instruments
at the Medicine Wheel Garden."
Section 172
As a member of the AIC, BBGI
acknowledges Provision 5 of the AIC Code's expectation for all
members to comply with the continuing requirement under Section
172(1) of the UK Companies Act 2006 (the 'CA2006') for boards to
take stakeholder interests into account and to report how they have
done so when performing their duties. We have previously utilised
Investor Meet Company for our results presentations and have
retained their services for our 2023 Annual Results. We will
continue to do so in the future as we actively seek to increase our
engagement with retail investors. The AIC Code reflects the main
principles set out in the UK Code on Corporate Governance and
associated disclosure requirements of the Listing Rules, as they
apply to investment companies, including internally managed
investment companies.
Detailed insights into how we
embody the spirit of those Section 172 provisions, consider our key
stakeholders, and uphold our commitment to generating positive and
sustainable outcomes for all stakeholders are outlined below,
highlighting specific actions in 2023.
Key stakeholders
|
Focus area of our engagement
|
Types of engagement and metrics used to monitor and assess
relationships
|
Considerations in the Board decision-making
process
|
Our people
Our people are the driving force
behind what we do. They are well positioned to bring their
expertise to our clients, subcontractors and partners and deliver
the results expected by our investors.
|
Our relatively flat hierarchy
empowers our talented people to deliver our purpose. We promote an
inclusive work environment where all people are treated equally and
are supported to achieve their potential. We regularly engage with
our teams and seek feedback through a range of communications
channels.
|
- Annual and mid-year assessments
- Direct liaison with the Management Board
- Regular meetings
- Well defined expectations and targets, including ESG targets
for all executives
- Regular training
- Training metrics
- Whistleblower hotline
|
Feedback from individual
assessments is regularly discussed by the Management
Board
Two of our people are elected as
representative staff delegates. They act as a liaison and mediator
between employees in Luxembourg (our headquarters, where most BBGI
employees are based) and the Management Board, on any individual or
collective grievances with our employment practices.
|
Communities
The positive experience of the
people who use our assets and the communities who live near to our
assets are vital to ensuring our success and the satisfaction of
our public sector clients.
|
By maintaining high-quality and
resilient social infrastructure assets, we facilitate access to
essential services for everyone.
We support initiatives that
benefit the communities living near our assets.
|
- Client satisfaction discussed at corporate and Portfolio
Companies' level
- Partnership, sponsorship and donations
- Community initiatives
|
BBGI donated more than £10,000 to
charities supported by our employees through the first year of our
workplace giving programme.
Our Portfolio Companies donated
over £100,000 to local charities.
|
Investors
Our investors provide capital,
feedback on our business model, and help to shape our future
plans.
|
Our goal is to generate long-term,
predictable and inflation-linked returns for our investors. We
measure our progress against key KPIs.
|
- Investor relations activities, including meetings, webinars,
roadshows and direct discussions
- Close interactions and feedback with our Corporate
Brokers
- Annual General Meeting
- Annual Report and Interim Report
- ESG Report
- Website
|
We engaged with selected ESG
ratings providers to ensure shareholders have accurate and
up-to-date insights into BBGI's ESG credentials.
The Board continually keeps under
review the returns we offer to our investors, along with our
ability to continue to deliver those returns. This forms the basis
of discussions when determining dividends.
Investor roadshows provide the CEO
with an opportunity to speak directly to our investors, including
discussions on ESG initiatives, to understand better their
expectations.
|
Supply chain
Our supply chain is made of
long-term partnerships that are critical to ensure that we can do
business and provide our public sector clients with operational and
available assets.
|
We monitor our contractors to
ensure that they conduct their business according to the high
standards of performance, ethics and integrity that we
expect.
Our Portfolio Companies
collaborate with the maintenance and operations contractors for
each of our assets. They strive to develop mutually beneficial
long-term relationships and react to any possible event.
|
- Contractor monitoring
- ESG onboarding
- Annual ESG KPI survey
- Ongoing ESG engagement topics and joint
initiatives
- Responsible contractor policy
|
We selected key contractors to
assist us in designing the GHG data collection framework for our
portfolio emissions inventory and reporting.
|
Public sector clients
Satisfied public sector clients
are critical to our business model.
|
We aim to build trust by
delivering well-maintained and safe social infrastructure
facilities and services for our public sector clients.
|
- Regular client meetings
- Service quality feedback
- Ongoing reporting
- Net Promoter Score survey
- Sharing results of our climate risk monitoring and GHG
inventories
|
Meetings with our clients drive
our asset management approach and feed directly into our
decision-making process. Lessons learned from one asset are adapted
and applied across the portfolio.
BBGI joined the UK IPA Net Zero
Working Group in 2023, aimed at establishing a net zero strategy
for PPP investments in the UK.
We share the GHG data collected
from our investments and share experiences from our own
portfolio
|
Climate disclosures
Corporate Emissions
Scope
|
2019
|
2022
|
2023
|
tonnes
CO2e
|
tonnes
CO2e
|
tonnes
CO2e
|
Scope 1
|
12
|
10
|
10
|
Scope 2
(location-based)
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
Scope 2 (market-based)
|
5
|
7
|
10
|
Scope 3
|
264
|
226
|
199
|
Total GHG emissions (location-based)
|
280
|
241
|
213
|
Total GHG emissions (market-based)
|
281
|
243
|
219
|
GHG intensity (market-based)
|
11
tCO2e/employee
|
9
tCO2e/employee
|
8 tCO2e/employee
|
0.3 tCO2e/£m
invested
|
0.2 tCO2e/£m
invested
|
0.2 tCO2e/£m
invested
|
Financed Emissions
Attributable GHG emissions
|
2022
|
2023
|
All operational assets
|
Scope 1
|
5,806
tCO2e
|
The
data collection being in progress, we will report on our 2023
Financed Emissions in our 2023 ESG Report.
|
Scope 2
|
10,997
tCO2e
|
Scope 3
|
7,513
tCO2e
|
Total GHG emissions from operational assets
|
24,316
tCO2e
|
|
Assets under construction or major
expansion
|
Scope 3
|
30,583
tCO2e
|
|
Total GHG emissions
|
54,899
tCO2e
|
|
Avoided GHG emissions
|
404,192
tCO2e
|
|
Carbon footprint
|
60 tCO2e/€m
invested
|
|
GHG intensity
|
40 tCO2e/€m
revenue
|
|
Application of PCAF Financed Emissions framework, as reported
in our SFDR Principal Adverse Impact Statement:
- Data coverage:
GHG emissions are reported for the entire
portfolio.
- Methodologies
used: BBGI has quantified Scope 1,
Scope 2 and material Scope 3 GHG emissions from its portfolio
('Financed Emissions') in accordance with GHG Protocol[xvi]and PCAF guidance[xvii].
- Attribution
factor: In accordance with the PCAF
guidance, BBGI calculated its attributed emissions based on the
proportional share of equity and subordinated debt held in the
Portfolio Companies. GHG emissions reported the Scope 1, Scope 2
and material Scope 3 emissions of BBGI's investments, apportioned
using an attribution factor.
Formulas for Total GHG emissions:
Total GHG emissions (tCo2e) =
|
∑
|
Current
value of investment
|
x
|
Investee company's Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions
|
Investee company's enterprise value
|
Which applying the PCAF guidance translates into the
following application for the Company:
Total attributable GHG emissions (tCo2e) =
|
∑
|
Outstanding investment
|
x
|
Portfolio Company's Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions
|
(Equity
+ Debt)
|
where:
Outstanding investment
|
BBGI's equity and subordinated
debt in the investment
|
Investee company's enterprise value
|
Portfolio Company's Equity plus
Debt
|
Equity
|
Total equity and subordinated debt
of the investment excluding the impact of hedging
reserves
|
Debt
|
Total external debt of the
investment
|
Case study: Ohio River Bridges,
Indiana, US
Advantages of electric vehicles for highway
patrols
Highway operations and maintenance
involve various tasks such as routine inspections, debris removal,
pothole repairs, snow ploughing, and emergency response.
Traditionally, these tasks rely on conventional gasoline or
diesel-powered vehicles, contributing to elevated carbon emissions
and high operational costs. The emergence of electric vehicles
('EV') presents an opportunity to address these challenges while
promoting sustainability and enhancing public
perception.
In 2023, BBGI, through its
Portfolio Company, acquired the first EV for the Ohio River Bridge
Project fleet, a Ford F-150 Lightning specially outfitted to meet
the unique needs of highway operations. This vehicle offered
multiple advantages, including operating without air pollutants,
lower maintenance requirements and operating costs, connectivity
with smart technologies with real-time data and acting as a
portable supply power for hand tools for interventions without the
need of a generator. With an estimated range of over 300 miles per
charge, a maximum payload of 2,200 lbs, and a towing capacity of
10,000 lbs, this vehicle effectively meets the operational
requirements of highway maintenance tasks. The existing solar panel
array provides enough capacity to charge the 98 kWh battery of the
vehicle.
Despite certain limitations common
to the usage of EV, such as reduced range in winter, higher capital
costs compared to traditional vehicles, faster tires wear, and
charging times: "The
incorporation of the Ford F-150 Lightning into our highway
operations and maintenance fleet, exemplifies the potential of
electric vehicles to transform traditional infrastructure
management practices. By embracing EV technology, BBGI not only
achieved environmental and economic benefits but also positioned
itself as a leader in sustainable transportation.", says
Volker Ellenberg, BBGI Global Head of Asset Management.
Task Force on Climate-related Financial
Disclosures (TCFD) Summary Report
As BBGI is considered a non-UK
investment company, it does not fall within the scope of the
Financial Conduct Authority's ('FCA') requirement for commercial
companies with a premium listing to make TCFD disclosures.
Notwithstanding this exemption, the Management Board recognises the
importance of the TCFD and its related disclosures and has, as a
result, taken the voluntary decision to report against the TCFD
recommendations. Our full TCFD disclosure is included in our ESG
Report: https://www.bb-gi.com/esg/sustainability-related-disclosures/
Recommended disclosure
|
Summary
|
Section
|
Governance
|
a) Describe the Board's oversight
of climate-related risks and opportunities.
|
The Supervisory and Management
Boards, supported by an executive-led ESG Committee, ensure
comprehensive governance over all climate change and ESG-related
activities.
The Management Board considers
climate change issues when setting strategy, considering new
investment opportunities, approving annual budgets, monitoring
performance metrics and targets and approving related
disclosures.
The Supervisory Board's
constituted Remuneration Committee designs reward structures for
our Management Board to foster long-term value-creation and
reinforce the organisation's ability to achieve its climate change
goals and targets.
|
ESG
Report
Section: 'TCFD
Disclosures'
Section: 'Remuneration
Report'
|
b) Describe management's role in
assessing and managing climate-related risks and
opportunities.
|
The Management Board has overall
responsibility for ESG considerations and ensuring they are
integrated into BBGI's investment strategy, including in relation
to climate change. This is achieved through our Investment
Committee, Risk Management function, Corporate Governance function,
and ESG Committee.
|
ESG
Report
Section: 'TCFD
Disclosures'
ESG Committee Terms of
Reference
|
Strategy
|
a) Describe the climate-related
risks and opportunities the organisation has identified over the
short, medium and long-term.
|
Climate-related risks can
encompass both physical disruptions due to factors such as extreme
weather, and transition challenges in adapting to low-carbon
technologies or biodiversity risks related to ecosystem
disruptions.
Overall, scenario analysis has
highlighted that the majority of BBGI's portfolio is very resilient
to climate hazards both today and under future climate warming
scenarios.
Our assessment considered climate
impacts over short (1-5 years), medium (5-10 years) and long-term
(10+ years) time horizons up until 2050, covering the maximum
investment life duration of our portfolio. When local mitigation
measures are also considered, the exposure of our assets to climate
change may reduce further.
The changes arising from a
transition to a low-carbon economy include changes to laws and
regulations, reputational risks, adapting to new low-carbon
materials and technologies (this includes alternatives for road
surfaces, electric vehicles charging infrastructure, and
energy-efficient or motion sensor equipment) and increased
electrification.
|
ESG
Report
Section: 'TCFD
Disclosures'
|
b) Describe the impact of
climate-related risks and opportunities on the organisation's
businesses, strategy and financial planning.
|
The screening of physical
climate-related risks is systematically done for each asset during
the due diligence and monitoring phases of our investment
cycle.
The results of the quantitative
climate change assessment have fed into our strategy in several
ways: it informs us on the type of climate risk each of our assets
is exposed to, the magnitude of that risk (from low risk to high
risk, if any) and the corresponding reinstatement value (i.e., the
potential cost of damage from physical climate risks).
There is no climate-related cost
in our financial models, but this may change in relation to
increased insurance premiums; however, there is a degree of
contractual protection from increased insurance costs.
The cash flows of our
availability-based assets remain largely unaffected by physical and
transition climate-related risks, as they are based on pre-agreed
criteria with the public sector.
|
ESG
Report
Section: 'TCFD
Disclosures'
|
c) Describe the resilience of the
organisation's strategy, taking into consideration different
climate-related scenarios, including a 2°C or lower
scenario.
|
Our climate modelling demonstrates
that our investment strategies focus our investments into
infrastructure assets. They are built to the latest engineering
standards and due to the long-term nature of these assets, we
consider the long-term effects of climate change when they are
built. In our capacity as an investor, we are developing our
resilience by transitioning to net zero through a mix of portfolio
decarbonisation, engagement with key stakeholders and an ESG
integrated investment approach.
A transition to a lower carbon
economy presents several opportunities for client-supported change
orders and new investment, should the business case support
it.
|
ESG
Report
Section: 'Climate-related
risks'
Net Zero Plan
|
Risk
|
a) Describe the organisation's
processes for identifying and assessing climate-related
risks.
|
In line with our commitment to
executing due diligence on new acquisitions, within six months of
an asset integrating into our portfolio we perform a systematic
screening for various risks.
We also identify climate-related
risks through physical risk due diligence. A summary of the
immediate risk exposure is provided under a 'Paris-aligned'
scenario and a 'high emissions' scenario, and then in decadal time
steps until 2100. We have reviewed all existing investments for
physical climate change exposure against eight climate perils
through quantitative scenario-analysis.
To ensure our portfolio remains
resilient to climate risk, we continue to embed these insights into
our investment screening process, ensuring physical climate risk
impacts are assessed for all new investments. The output from the
screening is a bespoke climate factsheet.
|
ESG
Report
Section: 'TCFD
Disclosures'
|
b) Describe the organisation's
processes for managing climate-related risks.
|
Climate risks identified through
our climate risk modelling are managed by our Risk Manager and the
Management Board, who take steps to ensure climate risk
considerations are formally embedded within risk management
procedures.
|
ESG
Report
Section: 'TCFD
Disclosures'
|
c) Describe how processes for
identifying, assessing and managing climate-related risks are
integrated into the organisation's overall risk
management.
|
Climate-related risks have been
integrated into our risk management procedures.
Where we identify material climate
risks, these are escalated where necessary to the Management Board,
ensuring risks can then be appropriately assessed, managed and
monitored per our risk management procedure.
For our portfolio to remain
resilient to climate risk, we embed findings into our investment
screening process, ensuring we assess physical climate risk impacts
for all new investments.
|
ESG
Report
Section: 'TCFD
Disclosures'
|
Metrics
|
a) Disclose the metrics used by
the organisation to assess climate-related risks and opportunities
in line with its strategy and risk management process.
|
We have quantified both physical
severity risk scores and potential projected financial impacts from
2020 to 2100 for every asset under each warming scenario
assessed. For each time horizon and for each warming
scenario, each asset is scored with a climate risk score, on a
scale from very low to very high.
For the 22 assets that have
undergone a deep-dive assessment, we conducted further sensitivity
analysis that considers all existing resilience measures and the
engineering of our assets in the climate risk score. Since June
2023, BBGI discloses climate change related metrics as part of our
SFDR Principal Adverse Impact Statement.
|
ESG
Report
Section: 'Climate-related
risks'
SFDR Principal Adverse Impact Statement
|
b) Disclose Scope 1, Scope 2 and,
if appropriate, Scope 3 GHG emissions, and the related
risks.
|
Refer to section 'Financed
Emissions'.
|
ESG
Report
Section: 'GHG Protocol'
SFDR Principal Adverse Impact Statement
|
c) Describe the targets used by
the organisation to manage climate-related risks and opportunities
and performance against targets.
|
Physical risk targets:
For 22 assets, where we produced a
bespoke climate factsheet, we have used it when engaging with
clients. We will continue to perform a climate-risk screening for
each new investment.
Corporate Emissions reduction
targets:
BBGI has committed to reduce its
Corporate Emissions (Scope 1, 2 and 3) 50 per cent by 2030 from a
2019 baseline and to reach net zero by 2040.
Financed Emissions reduction
targets:
We aim for 70 per cent of our
Financed Emissions to be 'net zero', 'aligned', or 'aligning' to
net zero by 2030. This means that by 2030, 70 per cent of AUM
(portfolio companies by value) will have a long-term goal to be net
zero by 2050 or sooner. We have a goal to have 100 per cent of our
Financed Emissions to be 'net zero' or 'aligned', by
2040.
|
ESG
Report
Section: 'Climate-related
risks'
Net Zero Plan
|
Corporate Governance
Relevant Application of European Union and
Luxembourg Law
BBGI is regulated by the CSSF
under Part II of the amended Luxembourg law of 17 December 2010 on
undertakings for collective investment, and is subject to the
Luxembourg amended law of 12 July 2013 on Alternative Investment
Fund Managers ('AIFM Law'), which implemented the EU Alternative
Investment Fund Managers Directive ('AIFMD') into national
legislation.
AIFM
On 24 November 2023, the Company
announced that Frank Schramm, Co-CEO, would be retiring with effect
from 31 January 2024. At the same time, the Company announced that
Andreas Parzych would join the Management Board with effect from 31
January 2024.
Other than this announcement of
intention to retire, there have been no other material changes
during the year in respect of Art. 20 paragraph. 2(d) of the AIFM
Law that warrant further disclosure to our shareholders.
Material risk takers
All members of BBGI's Management
Board are considered the material risk takers, in accordance with
Luxembourg's AIFM law of 12 July 2013. Frank Schramm, as former
Co-CEO, therefore, was a material risk taker until his retirement
from the Management Board on 31 January 2024. Andreas Parzych is
deemed a material risk taker since he joined the Management Board
with effect from 31 January 2024. Duncan Ball and Michael Denny are
the remaining two members of the Management Board and remain
material risk takers.
Incorporation and administration
The ordinary shares were created in
accordance with Luxembourg law and conform to the regulations made
thereunder, have all necessary statutory and other consents, and
are duly authorised according to, and operate in conformity with,
the Articles.
Articles of Association
The Articles were originally
approved and formalised before a Luxembourg notary public on 24
November 2011. The Articles are filed with the Luxembourg Registre
de Commerce et des Sociétés and are published in the Recueil
Électronique des Sociétés et Associations ('RESA'). The Articles
may be amended in accordance with the rules set out in article 32
of the Articles.
A copy of the Articles, which were
most recently amended by shareholder approval on 30 November 2020,
is available on our website:
www.bb-gi.com/investors/policies/articles-of-association/.
Governance at a glance
Compliance statement
As an internally-managed
investment company, our robust internal controls play a pivotal
role in ensuring the strong financial and operational performance
of our investments.
BBGI is a member of the
Association of Investment Companies ('AIC') and aligns its
reporting with the AIC Code of Corporate Governance (the 'AIC
Code').
Our work and reporting involve
thorough consideration of the Principles and Provisions of the AIC
Code, which in turn addresses the Principles and Provisions set out
in the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 (the 'UK Code'), along
with additional Provisions of specific relevance to BBGI as an
investment company. We believe that reporting against the
Principles and Provisions of the AIC Code, which has been endorsed
by the Financial Reporting Council, offers pertinent insight for
our shareholders.
For the most part, we comply with
the Principles and Provisions of the AIC Code. Where we do not, we
provide explanations. Below, we detail specific Provisions where we
deviate from compliance with the provisions of the AIC Code,
accompanied by relevant section references for detailed
explanations:
· AIC
Provision 17 (establishing separate Management Engagement
Committee): See Committees of the Supervisory Board.
· AIC
Provision 23 (annual re-election of all directors by the
shareholders): See Management Board - General section.
Board attendance
For the year ended 31 December 2023
|
Name
|
Function
|
Independence
|
Age
|
Original
appointment
|
Next renewal
date
|
Attendance at Meetings
(total meetings held in the year)
|
|
|
Supervisory Board
|
Supervisory
Board
|
Audit
Committee
|
Nomination
Committee
|
Remuneration
Committee
|
|
|
(7)
|
(5)
|
(3)
|
(4)
|
|
|
Sarah Whitney(i)
(ii)
|
Chair of Supervisory Board and
Chair of Nomination Committee
|
Independent
|
60
|
01-May-19
|
30-Apr-24
|
6/7
|
-
|
3/3
|
4/4
|
|
|
Andrew Sykes
|
Senior Independent Director and
Chair of the Remuneration Committee
|
Independent
|
66
|
29-Apr-22
|
30-Apr-24
|
7/7
|
5/5
|
3/3
|
4/4
|
|
|
Jutta af Rosenborg
|
Chair of Audit
Committee
|
Independent
|
65
|
01-Jul-18
|
30-Apr-24
|
7/7
|
5/5
|
3/3
|
4/4
|
|
|
Chris Waples
|
Director of the Supervisory
Board
|
Independent
|
65
|
01-May-21
|
30-Apr-24
|
7/7
|
5/5
|
3/3
|
4/4
|
|
|
June Aitken
|
Director of the Supervisory
Board
|
Independent
|
64
|
29-Apr-22
|
30-Apr-24
|
7/7
|
5/5
|
3/3
|
4/4
|
|
(i)Ms Whitney was unable to attend one meeting of the
Supervisory Board due to illness. (ii)Ms Whitney is
invited to attend the Audit Committee meetings as an observer. She
attended all Audit Committee meetings held in the year.
|
|
|
|
Name
|
Function
|
Independence
|
Age
|
Original
appointment
|
Next renewal
date
|
Attendance at
Meetings
|
|
|
|
Management Board
|
Management Board
(22)
|
|
|
|
Duncan Ball
|
Member of the Management
Board
|
Non-independent
|
58
|
05-Oct-11
|
05-Oct-24
|
22/22
|
|
|
|
Frank
Schramm(i)
|
Member of the Management
Board
|
Non-independent
|
55
|
05-Oct-11
|
-
|
22/22
|
|
|
|
Michael Denny
|
Member of the Management
Board
|
Non-independent
|
46
|
30-Apr-13
|
30-Apr-24
|
22/22
|
|
|
|
Andreas
Parzych(ii)
|
Member of the Management
Board
|
Non-independent
|
51
|
31-Jan-24
|
31-Jan-25
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)Mr Schramm retired from the Management Board on 31 January
2024.
(ii)Mr Parzych was appointed 31 January 2024. Prior to his
appointment, he was invited to attend the three preceding meetings
of the Management Board as an observer.
All appointments may be renewed in
accordance with the provisions of the Company's
Articles.
Biographies of Directors
Supervisory Board
Sarah Whitney
Chair, Supervisory Board and
Nomination Committee
Sarah Whitney has a 35-year career
advising on strategy, corporate finance, real estate,
infrastructure, investment and economic matters. She has provided
consultancy services to national and local governments, investors
and real estate companies.
Her prior executive roles include
Corporate Finance Partner at PwC; leading the Government &
Infrastructure Team at CB Richard Ellis; and Head of Consulting
& Research at DTZ Holdings plc (now Cushman &
Wakefield).
At BBGI, Ms Whitney became Chair
of the Supervisory Board on 31 July 2020 and is Chair of the
Nomination Committee.
Ms Whitney sits as a Non-Executive
Director on the board of Bellway plc (where she serves as Senior
Independent Director). She also serves as a Non-Executive Director
on the boards of two other investment trusts, JPMorgan Global
Growth & Income plc (where she serves as Chair of the Audit
Committee) and Tritax EuroBox plc (where she serves as Senior
Independent Director).
She is a Fellow of the Institute
of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales, Member of the
Council of University College London, and has a BSc in Economics
& Politics from the University of Bristol.
Andrew Sykes
Chair, Remuneration
Committee and Senior Independent Director
Andrew Sykes has a wealth of
financial services and non-executive experience and spent 26 years
of his executive career at Schroders plc. He is an experienced
director of UK-listed companies and has deep knowledge of the
financial services sector and of corporate governance
requirements.
He was Chair of SVG Capital plc
from 2012 until 2017, serving on the Board from 2010. He was also
Chair of Smith & Williamson from 2013 to 2020.
At BBGI, Mr Sykes was appointed as
a Non-Executive Director in April 2022, and became Senior
Independent Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee on 29
April 2022. He is a Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director of
Intermediate Capital Group plc, Chairman of Alder Investment
Management Limited and Deputy Chair of the Governing Body of
Winchester College.
Mr Sykes holds a Master's degree
in Modern Languages from Oxford University.
Jutta af Rosenborg
Chair, Audit
Committee
Jutta af Rosenborg has extensive
experience in management and strategy from her background as an
Executive and other senior operational roles at listed companies.
She is also an experienced non-executive director of listed
companies.
Ms af Rosenborg served as CFO,
Executive Vice President of Finance and IT and Member of the Board
of Management at ALK-Abelló A/S until 2010. Before this, Ms af
Rosenborg worked at Chr. Hansen Holding A/S as Vice President of
Group Accounting from 2000 to 2003.
At BBGI, Ms af Rosenborg became a
Non-Executive Director on 1 July 2018 and Chair of the Audit
Committee on 31 August 2018. She is also a Non-Executive Director
and Chair of the Audit Committee at RIT Capital Partners plc,
Nilfisk Holding A/S and JP Morgan European Growth & Income
plc.
Ms af Rosenborg holds an MSc in
Business Economics and Auditing from Copenhagen Business School,
and qualified as a state-authorised public accountant in
1992.
Chris Waples
Independent
Director
Chris Waples (CDir FloD) has 35
years' global experience of managing the acquisition, construction
and divestment of infrastructure projects in progressive
high-profile companies. He spent 12 years at John Laing Group plc
where he was Executive Director Asset Management, leading the
international public-private partnership asset portfolio across
Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific, and was also a member of
the Executive team that oversaw the successful £1 billion market
capitalisation IPO of John Laing Group plc in 2015. He was Chair of
the Investment Committee, Chair of the Investment Portfolio
Committee and Trustee of the John Laing Charitable
Trust.
He previously served as Managing
Director of Amey plc and held senior positions with Scottish Power
plc and Blue Circle plc.
Mr Waples became a Non-Executive
Director at BBGI in May 2021. He is a Fellow and Chartered Director
of the Institute of Directors and holds a Postgraduate degree in
Management Studies and Agricultural Engineering LICG.
June Aitken
Independent
Director
June Aitken has over 30 years of
experience in global equity markets as an institutional
stockbroker and has been involved in
establishing fund structures in multiple jurisdictions.
She has held senior roles at HSBC
Bank plc including as Global Head of Emerging Market Equity
Distribution and Head of Strategy Management. Previously, Ms Aitken
was a Managing Director at UBS (AG), Head of Global Equity Product,
and Global Head of Asian Equities. She was a founding partner and
investor of Osmosis Investment Management LLP, a specialist
investment manager focused on environmental and responsible
investment mandates.
At BBGI, Ms Aitken was appointed
as a Non-Executive Director in April 2022. She is the Non-Executive
Chair at CC Japan Income & Growth Trust plc, and a
Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee at JP
Morgan Asia Growth and Income plc and Schroder Income Growth Fund
plc.
Ms Aitken holds a degree in
Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University, is a
member of the Chartered Banker Institute and acts as a mentor to
female entrepreneurs.
Management Board
Duncan Ball
Co-CEO (to 31 January 2024),
CEO (from 31 January 2024) and member of the Management
Board
Duncan Ball has worked in the
infrastructure sector, investment banking and advisory business for
over 30 years. As Co-CEO of BBGI, he is responsible for BBGI's
overall strategy and management. He is a member of the Management
Board and sits on the Group's Investment and ESG Committees. He is
also a shareholder representative and holds directorships in key
investments of BBGI.
During the financial reporting
period ending 31 December 2023, Mr Ball served as Co-CEO. He was
subsequently appointed as CEO, effective 31 January 2024. He was
actively involved in the BBGI IPO in 2011 and BBGI's subsequent
growth from 19 assets to 56 assets at the end of the reporting
period.
Michael Denny
CFO (to 1 February 2024),
CFOO (from 1 February 2024) and member of the Management
Board
Michael Denny has over 20 years'
experience in corporate finance, with a focus on the infrastructure
and real estate sectors.
He joined BBGI in early 2012,
shortly after its IPO. As CFO of the Group, he is primarily
responsible for all corporate financial matters including financial
reporting, UK listing requirements, taxation, foreign exchange
hedging and regulatory compliance. Mr Denny is a member of the
Management Board and sits on the Group's Investment and ESG
Committees.
During the financial reporting
period ending 31 December 2023, Mr Denny served as CFO. His role
was subsequently expanded to Chief Financial and Operating Officer,
effective from 1 February 2024.
Andreas Parzych
Executive Director and
member of the Management Board (from 31 January
2024)
Andreas Parzych has over 20 years'
experience in infrastructure investment across transport, social
infrastructure, and renewables in Europe and North
America.
Mr Parzych joined BBGI in 2016 as
Director, Head of Business Development, responsible for
identifying, evaluating, and executing investment opportunities for
the fund, and has been actively involved in implementing our growth
strategy since joining BBGI.
Frank Schramm
Former Co-CEO and member of
the Management Board to 31 January 2024
During the financial reporting
period ending 31 December 2023, Frank Schramm served as Co-CEO of
BBGI since its inception, until he retired from his role as a
member of the Management Board and as Co-CEO on 31 January
2024.
Board leadership and purpose
Our governance structure
BBGI is internally managed and
operates with a two-tier governance structure, comprising a
Management Board and a Supervisory Board. The respective
responsibilities of each Board are:
Management Board
· Manages BBGI and its representation vis-à-vis third parties
(e.g. entry into agreements on BBGI's behalf).
· Operational management, including discretionary investment
management of BBGI's investments.
· Sets
and implements the Group's overall strategy.
· Implements risk management, monitoring operational risks and
measures related to risks.
· Oversees BBGI's administration, including preparing its
semi-annual valuations, statutory financial statements, management
accounts and its business plan, which defines its active approach
to asset management.
· Primary interface for BBGI's investor relations.
· Engages with the Supervisory Board on behalf of BBGI's
shareholders.
In carrying out the function of
investment manager via the Management Board, BBGI does not engage
an external investment adviser to provide investment management
services. Accordingly, as Executive Directors, none of the
Management Board sit on the Supervisory Board, nor on its formally
constituted Committees.
Supervisory Board
· Appoints and, where relevant, dismisses members of the
Management Board.
· Supervises management by the Management Board, without being
authorised to interfere with the management.
· Exercises its powers attributed by our Articles,
including:
o supervising and monitoring the appointment of the Company's
service providers and those of its subsidiaries;
o reviewing remuneration and compensation levels and structure,
and other benefits and entitlements of our Management Board
officers and all BBGI employees;
o considering prospective issues, purchases, or redemptions of
shares proposed by the Management Board;
o reviewing and monitoring compliance with our corporate
governance framework and financial reporting procedures;
o reviewing and (if thought fit) approving interim and annual
financial statements; and
o providing general supervisory oversight to the Management
Board and Group operations.
The Supervisory Board consists
solely of independent Non-Executive Directors and the Chair, who
was considered independent at the time of her appointment.
Directors on both the Management and Supervisory Boards are
accountable under the Listing Rules, as the Listing Rules do not
distinguish between different types of directors.
While BBGI's shares are listed on
the Official List of the UK Listing Authority, the Supervisory
Board and the Management Board act as one in approving any circular
or corporate action where the Listing Rules require the
recommendation of the board of a publicly-listed company (or where
recommendation is customarily given). Any responsibility applied to
directors under the Listing Rules applies to all of our
directors.
Stakeholder engagement
Effective engagement with our
stakeholders is integral to realising our vision and purpose. As a
non-domiciled, publicly-listed entity on the UK London Stock
Exchange, the UK Companies Act 2006 (the 'CA2006') has limited
application. Nonetheless, we acknowledge the significance of
stakeholder interests, and the continuing requirements under
Section 172(1) CA2006 for boards of UK large or publicly-listed
companies to take stakeholder interests into account and report on
how they have done so when performing their duties. As a member of
the AIC, we align with the AIC Code requirement for the matters set
out in Section 172 to be reported on by all companies, irrespective
of domicile and provided there is no conflict with local company
law.
Detailed insights into how we
embody the spirit of those Section 172 provisions, fully consider
our stakeholders, and uphold our commitment to generating positive
and sustainable outcomes for all stakeholders are outlined in the
ESG section.
Under AIC Code Provision 3,
members of our Management Board regularly engage with our major
shareholders to understand their views on significant matters.
Going forward, this engagement will be led by the CEO and CFOO. The
Chairs of the Supervisory Board and its delegated Committees are
always available to engage at our shareholders' request.
General Meetings
2023
Our AGM was held on 28 April 2023.
There were no other shareholder meetings held during the
year.
2024
Our next AGM will be held on
Tuesday 30 April 2024. The Notice of Meeting, proposed Resolutions
and Explanatory Notes, and the associated Proxy Form, will be
circulated to shareholders in accordance with the regulatory
deadlines, and will be available on our website.
Substantial shareholdings
As at 31 December 2023, BBGI had
714,876,637 shares in issue. Pursuant to DTR 5 of the FCA's
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, we had received notice
of substantial interests (five per cent or more) in the total
voting rights of BBGI as follows, in compliance with DTR
7.2.6R:
Name
|
Held
|
% of total share
capital1
|
M&G plc
|
59,502,903
|
9.42%
|
Schroders plc
|
56,304,964
|
8.48%
|
Newton Investment Management
Limited
|
39,947,825
|
8.46%
|
Rathbones Group plc
|
31,569,569
|
5.01%
|
Evelyn Partners
|
28,885,124
|
5.00%
|
1The percentage of voting rights detailed in the table above
was calculated at the time of the relevant disclosure made in
accordance with Rule 5 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency
Rules, and the shareholders' percentage interests in BBGI may have
changed since that date.
Board members and other interests
The members of the Management
Board also serve as managers of BBGI Management HoldCo S.à r.l. On
31 January 2024, Mr Parzych was appointed to the Board of BBGI
Management HoldCo S.à r.l., coinciding with Mr Schramm's retirement
from his Board position. Mr Ball, Mr Denny, and Mr Parzych hold
service contracts with BBGI Management HoldCo S.à r.l. Mr Schramm
also holds a service contract with BBGI Management HoldCo S.à r.l.
and, following his retirement from the Management Board on 31
January 2024, will continue to be available as an adviser until 31
December 2024. No other Board member held service or management
contracts during 2023.
Notice periods of 12 months apply
to and from the Company for the CEO, the CFOO and Mr Schramm.
Notice periods of 6 months apply to and from the Company for Mr
Parzych, following his appointment to the Management Board. The
Company has not granted any loans to, nor provided any guarantees
for the benefit of, any Director.
All members of the Supervisory
Board (Ms Whitney, Mr Sykes, Ms af Rosenborg, Mr Waples and Ms
Aitken) are considered independent Board members, as
they:
· have
not been employees of BBGI;
· have
not had material business relationships with BBGI;
· have
not received performance-based remuneration from BBGI;
· do
not have family ties with any of BBGIs advisers, directors, or
senior employees;
· do
not hold cross-directorships or have links with other directors
through involvement on other companies;
· do
not represent a significant shareholder; and
· have
not served on the Board for more than nine years.
Details of Directors' holdings in
BBGI's shares are disclosed in our Remuneration Report.
Internal controls
The Management Board has robust
processes and internal controls to help BBGI manage risk. It
oversees the internal control framework and determines the nature
and extent of principal risks we are willing to take to achieve our
long-term strategic objectives. As well as ongoing monitoring, we
review these policies and procedures at least annually.
We recognise that through
effective control systems we can manage and mitigate the risks of
failure to achieve business objectives, but we cannot eliminate
them. By their very nature, these procedures are
unable to provide absolute assurance against material misstatement
or loss.
During 2023, our Compliance and
Risk functions reviewed, assessed and reinforced our robust
governance and risk controls frameworks, including delegate and due
diligence process monitoring, through in-person meetings and
on-site attendance at delegate offices.
· The
Supervisory Board monitors our investment performance against our
stated objectives and reviews our activities on a quarterly basis
to ensure that our Management Board is adhering to our investment
policy and guidelines, including: clearly defined investment
criteria; return targets; our risk profile; and compliance
framework. During these meetings, the Management Board reports KPIs
on operating performance, cash projections, investment valuations
and corporate governance matters.
· The
Head of Compliance and Risk presents our Interim and Annual Risk
Report and quarterly Compliance updates to the Management Board and
the Supervisory Board, and to the Audit Committee, with Board
Directors present.
· The
ESG Committee oversees the management of material ESG activities
and reports to the Management Board on any recommendations and
proposed actions following each Committee meeting. The ESG
Committee meets at least quarterly. Its membership for 2023
comprised the Co-CEOs, the CFO, the Director ESG/Sustainability and
the Company Secretary. Through the ESG Committee, the Management
Board remains informed about the dual aspect of sustainability
risks: the risk of financial, operational, and direct physical
impacts from sustainability factors on our portfolio (with
associated increased regulation), as well as the effects caused by
our investments to sustainability aspects.
The Internal Auditor carries out
its review as part of our triennial audit plan, as agreed by the
Management Board and Audit Committee and communicated to the CSSF.
The nature, timing, and extent of our internal audit procedures are
determined by assessing risk related to specific activities, and
the complexity and sophistication of our operations and systems,
including how we control information processing. The Internal Audit
Summary Report is presented to the Audit Committee in March each
year and then submitted to the CSSF.
Division of Responsibilities
Management Board
General
The Management Board comprises
three members, each contractually engaged by BBGI Management HoldCo
S.à r.l., a direct consolidated 100 per cent-held BBGI subsidiary.
As a result, no member is deemed independent under AIC Code
Provision 10. However, the Management Board's functions are
overseen by the Supervisory Board, which meets the independence
criteria set out in Provision 10.
While our two-tier structure is
not explicitly covered by the AIC Code, our independent Supervisory
Board ensures we are compliant with AIC Code Provision
10.
The Company's Articles require the
re-election of the Management Board's members annually by the
Supervisory Board, and not by shareholders. This does not meet the
requirements of AIC Code Provision 23, which requires that
directors be subject to election by shareholders. However, as the
Management Board carries out the role of investment manager, the
Supervisory Board deems it appropriate that it elects the members
of the Management Board. The Articles also require that the members
of the Supervisory Board are subject to annual re-election by
shareholders, who may also dismiss any member. We consider this
procedure satisfies the requirements of AIC Code Provision
23.
Performance evaluation and reappointment
As stated above, the Management
Board carries out the functions of BBGI's investment manager.
Management Board Directors are appointed by the Supervisory Board
for a year, and these appointments are then renewed. Mr Ball was
originally appointed in October 2011 for BBGI's IPO. Mr Denny was
originally appointed to the Management Board in April 2013, and Mr
Parzych was appointed in January 2024, following the concurrent
retirement of Mr Schramm from the Management Board.
Delegated functions
We are required to have dedicated
Risk Management, Compliance and Internal Audit functions under AIFM
Law; and each function must be functionally and hierarchically
separate from all other operating unit functions. Grant Thornton
Vectis remained as our Internal Auditor for the year ended 31
December 2023.
Our Head of Risk and Compliance is
authorised by the CSSF to perform the Risk Management and
Compliance functions, and reports to our Management Board and
Supervisory Board, or one of its formally constituted Committees,
as well as reporting to respective Designated Board Members, who
retain responsibility for overseeing the performance of the
respective functions.
Our Management Board is
responsible for the correct and effective operation of the
following delegated functions.
Other key delegates and providers:
|
|
Central Administrative Agent,
Depositary, Paying Agent and Transfer Agent:
|
CACEIS Investor Services Bank S.A.
(CACEIS)
|
Depository (UK):
|
Link Market Services Trustees
Limited ('Link')
|
Central Securities Depository
(CSD):
|
LuxCSD S.A. ('Lux CSD')
|
Principal
Agent:
|
Banque Internationale à Luxembourg
S.A. ('BIL')
|
Information
Technology:
|
G.I.T.S. PSF
|
Our shares trade on the main
market of the London Stock Exchange. In this context, Link is our
depository, receiving agent and UK transfer agent. All shares are
held in dematerialised form, in accordance with the Luxembourg
Dematerialisation Law.
LuxCSD acts as the Company's
EEA-based CSD. BIL acts as the required intermediary between the
Company and LuxCSD. Both LuxCSD and BIL are classified as delegates
and are subject to the appropriate level of delegate oversight in
accordance with our delegate oversight framework.
G.I.T.S. PSF provide a fully
outsourced IT solution to BBGI, covering many areas, including but
not limited to private managed hosting, backup services, and IT
security services.
BBGI is registered under the UK's
National Private Placement Regime ('NPPR'), allowing us to continue
to market our shares in the UK.
Supervisory Board
General
The Supervisory Board consists of
five Non-Executive Directors, all of whom are independent. All
Supervisory Board members are elected for a 12-month period ending
at our AGM each year, when they are required to retire, in
accordance with the Articles. The members can offer themselves for
re-election by shareholders however, reappointment is not
automatic.
The Supervisory Board meets at
least four times a year and between these formal meetings, the
Management Board and the Company's corporate brokers have regular
contact. Where necessary, both Supervisory and Management Board
members have access to independent professional advice at BBGI's
expense. The Supervisory Board considers items in the Notices and
Agendas of meetings, which are formally circulated to its members
before each meeting as part of the Board papers. It reviews
investment performance and associated matters, compliance and risk
profile, the performance of key service providers, investment and
financial controls, marketing and investor relations, peer group
information, industry issues, general administration and other
matters relevant to fulfil its oversight remit. At each meeting,
members must advise of any potential or actual conflicts of
interest before discussion.
The Supervisory Board has formally
established Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees. Further
details are below and in each Committee Report. Copies of the Terms
of Reference for each of our Committees are available on our
website at www.bb-gi.com.
Audit Committee
In accordance with Provision 29 of
the AIC Code and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules
('DTR') rule 7.1, the Company has a formally constituted Audit
Committee, to which the Supervisory Board has delegated
responsibility for the general oversight and monitoring of the
Company's compliance with financial and regulatory controls in
accordance with AIC Code and Disclosure, Guidance and Transparency
Rules requirements.
The Audit Committee operated
throughout 2023 in accordance with the AIC Code and within clearly
defined terms of reference, which are regularly reviewed, including
all matters indicated by DTR 7.1 and the AIC Code.
The Audit Committee reports its
findings to the Supervisory Board, identifying matters where it
recommends action or improvement. If there is a conflict between
the provisions of the AIC Code and the provisions of the law on the
Audit Profession, we comply with the provisions of the law on the
Audit Profession and disclose any conflict.
As External Auditor, PwC attends
specific Audit Committee meetings to consider BBGI's Annual and
Interim Financial Statements, where PwC presents the conclusions of
its work, and whenever the Audit Committee considers
necessary.
The Audit Committee meets at least
three times per year, and whenever the Audit Committee Chair may
require. Any member of the Audit Committee, or the External
Auditor, may request additional meetings. Other Directors,
employees and third parties may be invited by the Audit Committee
to attend meetings when appropriate. Ms Whitney is not a Committee
member, however, as Supervisory Board Chair, she is invited to
attend each of its scheduled meetings.
Remuneration Committee
In accordance with AIC Code
Provision 37, the Company has a formally constituted Remuneration
Committee, to which the Supervisory Board has delegated its
responsibilities for: establishing the general principles of the
policy for Directors' remuneration; setting remuneration for the
Management Board; and supervising remuneration structure and levels
for other employees' compensation and other benefits and
entitlements. The Remuneration Committee reports its findings and
any recommendations to the Supervisory Board.
The Remuneration Committee meets
at least twice a year, and whenever the Remuneration Committee
Chair may require. Additional meetings may be requested by any
member of the Remuneration Committee, if necessary. Other
Directors, employees and third parties may be invited by the
Remuneration Committee to attend meetings as and when
appropriate.
Nomination Committee
In accordance with AIC Code
Provision 22, the Company has a formally constituted Nomination
Committee, to which the Supervisory Board has delegated its
responsibilities for appointing the members of the Management Board
and the appointment of any further Supervisory Board
members.
The Nomination Committee meets to
consider the renewal of the appointments of Management Board
members (renewable annually for one year), the appointment of new
Supervisory Board members, to review the succession plans for both
the Management and Supervisory Boards and oversees the annual
performance evaluation of the Supervisory Board and its formally
constituted Committees.
In recruiting new directors, the
Nominations Committee actively seeks greater diversity by gender,
ethnicity, nationality, and other criteria, and is committed to
selecting members based on merit and with the relevant and
complementary skills for BBGI to maximise stakeholder
value.
The Nomination Committee meets at
least twice a year, and at other times as the Nomination Committee
Chair requires, in accordance with its Terms of Reference. If
necessary, Nomination Committee members can request additional
meetings. Other Directors, employees and third parties may be
invited by the Nomination Committee to attend meetings when
appropriate.
In accordance with AIC Code
Provision 22, the Chair does not chair any Committee meeting where
her succession is discussed.
Further details on the roles of
each Committee and their activities during 2023 are in the
individual Committee reports in this Annual Report. Committee
Chairs attend our AGM, where they can respond to any shareholder
queries on their Committee's activities.
Management Engagement Committee
Oversight of delegates and key
service providers is highly regulated by the Luxembourg CSSF,
including formal reporting structures, regular oversight visits and
compliance monitoring plans, in accordance with the Company's
Oversight of Delegated Activities framework. Given the Company's
internally managed structure and the Management Board's primary
role in overseeing the delegate process, along with the size of the
Supervisory Board, the Supervisory Board performs the functions of
a Management Engagement Committee. Ms. Whitney serves as the Chair.
As a result, we consider it unnecessary to have a separately
constituted management engagement committee, as prescribed under
AIC Code Provision 17, as there would be no material benefit to
BBGI and our shareholders.
In its role as Management
Engagement Committee, the Supervisory Board met four times in 2023
to consider, together with the Management Board, the performance,
effectiveness and appropriateness of the ongoing appointments of
our third-party service providers under Principle H of the AIC
Code. During these meetings, the Management Board provided feedback
and key findings from any meetings with third-party service
providers.
Composition, succession and
evaluation
We believe the Supervisory Board
members have an appropriate combination of skills, experience and
knowledge to fulfil their obligations. They also have a breadth and
diversity of experience relevant to BBGI, and we believe any future
changes to the composition of the Supervisory Board can be managed
without undue disruption. We are unaware of any circumstances that
are likely to impair, or could appear to impair, the independence
of any of the Supervisory Board members.
Board composition, tenure and diversity
The Nomination Committee and the
Management Board regularly review BBGI's succession plans, but
ultimate decision-making rests with the Supervisory Board. To
ensure continuity and stability, and to maximise retained knowledge
transfer, our Non-Executive Directors are expected to retire on a
staggered basis, as part of our structured succession
plan.
Our Management and Supervisory
Boards take the gender and ethnic diversity of their composition
into full consideration. We are supporters of the goals of FTSE
Women Leaders and the Parker Review on Ethnic Diversity on Boards
and integral to this, the Nomination Committee regularly
reviews our policies on diversity, equity
and inclusion. We remain one of the few
FTSE 350 companies with both a female Chair and Audit Committee
Chair and female representation on our Supervisory Board at the
reporting date remains unchanged at 60 per
cent. Several of our staff
at the level reporting
directly to the Management Board are women, with 39 per cent female
representation. 20 per cent of the
Supervisory Board and 8 per cent of those employees who report
directly to the Management Board are considered to be from an
ethnic minority background as categorised by the Parker
Review. We intend to comply with the
Parker Review's recommendation from next year for disclosure of a
target for ethnic minority representation below the Board level by
2027.
We are proud of having a low
employee turnover rate, with no change in the year across the
consolidated Group. Combined with the small number of people
employed, this inevitably presents us with limited opportunities to
promote greater diversity of gender and ethnicity to senior roles.
Wherever possible, the Management and Supervisory Boards understand
our need to take all reasonable and practical steps to evolve
diversity throughout the Group, without compromising on the quality
and skills of our team.
Further details on Board
composition, tenure, and diversity are in the Nomination Committee
Report.
Re-election of Supervisory Board members
In accordance with the Articles,
all members of the Supervisory Board will offer themselves for
re-election at our forthcoming AGM in 2024 and, as a result of the
successful performance evaluation, the Supervisory Board recommends
the re-election of each of its members.
Re-election of Management Board members
The Supervisory Board evaluates
the performance of the Management Board and its Directors annually
to ensure they operate effectively and efficiently, and that the
appointment of the individual Directors is in the best interests of
BBGI and its shareholders. Following satisfactory evaluations
carried out in 2023, the Supervisory Board resolved to renew Mr
Denny's appointment for a year with effect from 30 April 2023, and
Mr Ball for a year with effect from 5 October 2023. While Mr
Schramm's appointment was also renewed on 5 October 2023, he
informed the Board in November 2023 of his intention to retire,
after 12 years, as Co-CEO and member of our Management Board. Mr
Schramm remained in his position until 31 January 2024 and will be
an adviser to the business until December 2024. Mr Parzych was
appointed a member of the Management Board on 31 January 2024 for a
year. His mandate will also be considered for renewal on an annual
basis.
Nomination Committee
Report
Annual statement from Nomination Committee
Chair
I am pleased to present the
Nomination Committee (the 'Committee') Report for the financial
year ended 31 December 2023 on behalf of the Supervisory
Board.
Terms of Reference
The Committee functioned
throughout 2023 according to its defined Terms of Reference, which
are prepared in accordance with the AIC Code. They are regularly
reviewed throughout the year by the Committee and are available to
view on the Company's website. Any proposed amendments to the Terms
of Reference are referred to the Supervisory Board for approval.
The roles and responsibilities of the Committee, as set out in its
Terms of Reference, are reviewed at least annually, and consider
relevant regulatory changes and recommended best practice. There
were no material amendments to the Terms of Reference during
2023.
Responsibilities
The Committee and its Chair are
appointed by the Supervisory Board. Membership is solely confined
to Independent Non-Executive Directors. Each of the five
Independent Non-Executive Directors is a Committee Member. The
Nomination Committee's responsibilities include:
· reviewing the renewal of the appointments of the Management
Board members (appointments are renewable annually for one year
only);
· considering the composition of the Supervisory Board and the
appointment of new Supervisory Board members (subject to annual
shareholder approval);
· succession planning for the Management and Supervisory
Boards; and
· the
annual performance evaluation of the Supervisory Board and its
formally constituted Committees.
Key activities during the year
During the year, the Committee met
three times, with all members present.
Supervisory Board composition, tenure, and
diversity
As part of its annual oversight
and assessment of the composition of the Supervisory Board, the
Committee considered the relationship between the Supervisory and
Management Boards, as well as the balance of skills and backgrounds
of the Non-Executive Directors. Their collective experience ensures
that the relationship with the Management Board is robust,
fostering a culture of healthy discourse and diligent inquiry,
leading to thorough scrutiny and comprehensive
oversight.
As such, it is the Committee's
view that the size, structure, and composition of the Supervisory
Board and its Committees adequately meet the Company's needs and
effectively fulfil their respective duties.
We appreciate the sustained
support from shareholders in affirming the reappointment of all the
Directors at the April 2023 AGM, providing confidence that we are
serving our shareholders' best interests effectively in our
oversight of the Company and Management Board.
We wholeheartedly support the
initiatives and regulatory efforts aimed at advancing gender and
ethnic diversity within publicly-listed companies. This includes
initiatives such as the FTSE Women Leaders and the Parker Review.
While after the period to which this Report relates, in light of
the FTSE Women Leaders' Report published in February 2024
identifying BBGI as maintaining an all-male Executive Committee, we
wish to clarify an important aspect of our corporate structure that
has a significant impact on the interpretation of these
findings.
BBGI operates under a two-tier
board system, which the Report does not fully take into account.
This structure distinctively separates the roles and
responsibilities of our Supervisory Board from those typically
associated with an Executive Committee. It is crucial to note that
our Supervisory Board boasts a 60 per cent female representation,
with both a female Chair of the Supervisory Board and a female
Audit Committee Chair, showcasing our firm commitment to diversity
and inclusion at the highest levels of governance. This level of
female representation is among the highest within the FTSE 350
companies and significantly contributes to the effectiveness and
diversity of thought within our leadership.
Furthermore, the characterisation
of our Management Board as an equivalent to an Executive Committee
does not accurately reflect our operational structure. In reality,
a broader Executive Committee within our organisation would
encompass a wider range of senior roles, including direct reports
that significantly bolster female representation beyond the three
Executive Directors. Female representation at the level reporting
directly to the Management Board is at 39 per cent.
We strive to meet gender and
ethnic compositional goals at all levels, including our Management
Board and their direct reports. As at 31 December 2023, our team of
26 colleagues comprised 14 different nationalities.
20 per cent of the Supervisory Board and eight
per cent of direct reports to the Management Board are considered
to be from an ethnic minority background as categorised by the
Parker Review.
While we have made significant
progress in the area of diversity and inclusion, we remain
committed to enhancing the representation and diversity of skills
and expertise not just among the members of our Supervisory Board
and Committees but throughout the business. This commitment not
only aligns with our corporate values but also ensures we continue
to meet the evolving needs and expectations of our
stakeholders.
It is important to note that one
of the key positive attributes of our business has been stability
at the Management Board level. Since IPO, the same team has been
serving our shareholders investing for the long term, and below
them sits a team of people who too have seen an enviably low
turnover rate, with no changes in the year across the consolidated
Group. Whilst this stability has clearly played an important part
in delivering to our investors over the long term, this inevitably
presents limited opportunities to promote greater diversity of
gender and ethnicity to senior roles within BBGI. Despite these
challenges, we are dedicated to taking all reasonable and practical
steps to evolve diversity throughout the Group.
Succession planning
Following last year's review of
our policy on the Appointment and Tenure of the Supervisory Board
Directors, we re-assessed the revised policy, with no material
amendments deemed necessary, and only minor changes were
incorporated. As stated in last year's Annual Report, the Committee
recognises that the AIC does not explicitly preclude a Director
from serving more than nine years, but stating that doing so is one
of several factors that could lead to a Director losing independent
thinking. In recognition of the market sentiment towards excessive
periods of tenure beyond nine years, we have retained those same
limits in respect of our Supervisory Board members, allowing only
for an extension of the Chair in exceptional circumstances, such as
to facilitate an effective succession plan and in furthering the
development of a diverse Board.
During the year, the Committee
reviewed the composition and membership of the Management Board,
the Supervisory Board, and their formally constituted Committees.
It was determined that no further appointments to the Supervisory
Board were necessary.
Following Frank Schramm's
retirement on 31 January 2024, we extend a warm welcome to Andreas
Parzych upon his appointment to the Management Board. We look
forward to the valuable contributions he will make to the Company,
leveraging his unique combination of skills and extensive
experience with a strong focus on business development.
The appointment of Andreas
underscores the depth of senior talent within the
Company.
For further information regarding
Andreas' background and qualifications, please refer to the
Biographies section of this Annual Report.
The Committee will continue its
work in assessing capacity within the organisation, key person
risks and continuous development of appropriate succession plans
for the Supervisory and Management Boards and their direct reports.
We remain committed to complying with AIC Code Provision 26, and
plan to engage an independent third party to facilitate an external
performance evaluation process in 2024.
Succession planning was
considered, at both the Supervisory and Management Board level and
also for direct reports to the Management Board. As part of those
reviews and planning, we consider the existing skills and
experience within the business, any potential future departures and
key person risks. We also consider the adequacy of plans to develop
talent within the Company. Where necessary, the Committee will
appoint external consultants to assist with the identification and
recruitment of suitable candidates. However, the Management Board
remains responsible for recruitment of all senior positions below
Board-level, and it regularly keeps the Committee and Supervisory
Board appraised of existing and potential future human resourcing
requirements.
The process of appointing any new
Directors is led by the Nomination Committee. Our approach is to
make appointments across all levels based on merit, and the
strengths, skills and experience that individual candidates bring
to the composition and balance of the Management and Supervisory
Boards, or Company.
Annual Committee planning and member
development
During the year, the Committee
reviewed its formalised annual work plan. The plan ensures
individual Committee members regularly consider all material
matters, and that sufficient time is allocated for
discussion.
We also reviewed the induction
process for, and information pack available to, new Non-Executive
Directors. These have been used to support Andreas Parzych's
integration on to the Management Board.
We maintain an internal register
of training undertaken by all staff and Directors. Members of the
Supervisory Board are required to provide evidence of relevant
training undertaken in the year. During the year, they were invited
to take part in staff-wide training on Anti-Money Laundering
('AML') and Counter-Terrorism Financing ('CTF'), Market Abuse
Regulations ('MAR'), cyber-security and ESG related
topics.
The Committee also reviews
training undertaken to determine the ongoing commitment and
suitability of each Supervisory Board member as an independent
Non-Executive Director of the Company. I am pleased to once again
be able to say that each Supervisory Board member has undertaken
relevant training, ensuring continuing familiarity with the latest
regulatory and operational developments relevant to BBGI's
business.
Annual performance review
In response to the 2022
performance review of the Supervisory Board's effectiveness, we
made some minor changes to the management of the Board's business
to improve the effective working of the Board. The 2022 review also
recognised the importance of keeping the Company's strategy and
risk management processes under review given the challenging
macroeconomic environment. The Supervisory Board has allocated a
considerable proportion of its time to these activities, and
expects to continue doing so in 2024 and beyond.
The Committee decided to postpone
its earlier resolution to undertake an externally-facilitated
performance review in 2023. This delay is intended to allow for a
smooth integration of a new Management Board member and to enhance
the effectiveness of the subsequent evaluation process in
2024.
Accordingly, the 2023 performance
review was conducted by way of individual one-to-one interviews
between myself and each of the Supervisory Board members. The
interviews considered the performance of the Supervisory Board, its
three Committees and their respective Chairs. I also received
feedback from the Management Board. The Committee subsequently met
to consider formally the conclusions from these
discussions.
The feedback from those interviews
and the Management Board concluded that the Supervisory Board and
its Committees were effective and collaborative, with all members
actively contributing.
The adjustments made in response
to last year's performance review, including holding separate
discussions on key matters, were recognised for having enhanced the
value and effectiveness of our regularly scheduled Board and
Committee meetings.
Key priorities for the Supervisory
Board for the year will be for enhancing our involvement in
oversight of asset management and leadership development. A
proposal to increase engagement with our assets through site visits
and presentations from key personnel below the Management Board has
been set in motion, with potential for an annual site visit to
assets. The Management Board has our full confidence, and we will
support them in maintaining their continued disciplined approach to
asset acquisition and management. The Committee will also review
plans for Supervisory Board succession to ensure it remains
appropriate, sufficiently forward-looking and well-balanced when
accounting for the experience, skills and diversity of our current
members.
The 2023 review concluded that
the Supervisory Board and its Committees comprise an
appropriate balance of experience, skills, and knowledge to enable
them to discharge their responsibilities properly. Furthermore, the
2023 evaluation concluded that the Board and its Committees
operated effectively throughout the year.
As the Senior Independent
Director, Mr Sykes evaluated my performance as Chair of the
Supervisory Board, in accordance with Provision 14 of the AIC Code,
and he concluded that I continue to perform my role
effectively.
I have also evaluated the
performance of each Supervisory Board member, and concluded that
each member performed their duties effectively throughout the
reporting period, and has sufficient capacity to carry out their
duties properly, with no single member over-boarded by other
directorships.
Renewal of Executive Director mandates
The Supervisory Board reviewed the
performance of each Management Board member. Each member is
considered to have performed their duties effectively and was
reappointed for another year.
The Committee reviewed the plans
for all senior positions for succession planning. These plans are
regularly updated by the Management Board and reviewed by the
Nomination Committee at least annually.
The year ahead
With Frank's retirement, 2024 will
bring changes to the composition of the Management Board. We have
strong confidence in the leadership of Duncan and Michael, both
with extensive tenures on the Management Board, serving for 12 and
11 years respectively. Alongside Andreas, who has been a valuable
member of the BBGI team since 2016 and has played a significant
role in implementing the Company's growth strategy, this team is
well-prepared to guide BBGI to success in 2024 and
beyond.
As a Committee, we are committed
to regular meetings to ensure that the Supervisory Board continues
to provide the essential support required by the Management Board.
This responsibility remains our top priority and holds the highest
position on our agenda for the year. We will also maintain vigilant
oversight of the dynamic macroeconomic landscape and its effects on
the Company's strategy and risk management procedures.
Approval
This Report was approved by the
Board on 27 March 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Sarah Whitney
Nomination Committee
Chair
Audit Committee Report
Annual statement from Audit Committee Chair
I am pleased to present the Audit
Committee (the 'Committee') Report for the financial year ended 31
December 2023 on behalf of the Supervisory Board.
Terms of Reference
The Committee functioned
throughout 2023 according to its defined Terms of Reference, which
are prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency
Rule 7.1, the AIC Code and applicable Luxembourg regulations. They
are regularly reviewed throughout the year by the Committee and are
available to view on the Company's website. Any proposed amendments
to the Terms of Reference are referred to the Supervisory Board for
approval. The roles and responsibilities of the Committee, as set
out in its Terms of Reference, are reviewed at least annually, and
consider relevant regulatory changes and recommended best practice.
There were no material amendments to the Terms of Reference during
2023.
Committee membership
The Committee and its Chair are
appointed by the Supervisory Board. The
Committee currently consists of four Independent Non-Executive
Directors, all of whom sit on the Supervisory Board, and
membership is at all times confined to
Independent Non-Executive Directors. Ms Whitney, as Chair of the
Supervisory Board, is invited to attend
each Committee meeting as an observer, but is not a member. The
biographies of each Committee member are in the Corporate
Governance section of this Annual Report. The Supervisory Board
considers that at least one Committee member has recent and
relevant financial experience for the Committee to discharge its
functions effectively.
Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the
Committee include the following:
· Advising the Supervisory Board on whether the Group's Annual
and Interim Reports and financial statements, taken as a whole, are
fair, balanced, and understandable, and provide the information
necessary for shareholders to assess the Group's position and
performance, business model and strategy.
· Monitoring the integrity of the consolidated and standalone
financial statements of the Company and any formal announcements
relating to the Group's financial performance, satisfying
themselves that the financial statements are compliant with
relevant accounting standards and that any significant financial
reporting issues and judgements raised by the External Auditors are
appropriately considered.
· Reviewing the semi-annual valuations of BBGI's investment
portfolio.
· Reviewing the effectiveness of the Group's internal financial
controls and risk monitoring including consistency of accounting
policies and practices on a year-to-year basis, the Group's
internal control and risk management systems, including reviewing
the Internal Auditors' Annual Regulatory Report.
· Reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of the Group's
Internal Audit function, including the appointment and removal of
the third-party service provider of Internal Audit and reviewing
and approving the tri-annual internal audit plan.
· Formally reporting and making recommendations to the
Supervisory Board for resolutions to be put to shareholders at the
AGM, to approve the appointment, re-appointment, and removal of the
External Auditor, and keeping their associated remuneration and
terms of engagement under review.
· Reviewing and monitoring the External Auditor's independence
and objectivity and the effectiveness of the audit process, taking
into consideration relevant Luxembourg and UK professional and
regulatory requirements.
· Ensuring implementation of a policy on non-audit services,
considering relevant guidance and legislation regarding the
provision of non-audit services by the External Auditor and the
Company's Non-Audit Services Policy.
· Reviewing the adequacy and security of the Group's
arrangements for its employees and stakeholders to raise concerns
in confidence via BBGI's whistleblower hotline, about possible
wrongdoing in financial reporting, fraud, bribery, discrimination
or any other matters.
These responsibilities form the
basis of the Committee's annual work plan. The Committee is
authorised to seek any information it requires from the Management
Board and external parties, and to investigate issues or concerns
as it deems appropriate. The Committee may also obtain independent
professional advice at the Company's expense, to perform its
duties.
The External Auditor is routinely
invited to attend Committee meetings, particularly when the Annual
and Interim Reports are under review. Additionally, there are
occasions throughout the year when the External Auditor engages
directly with Committee members, independent of the presence of the
Management Board. The Committee maintains direct lines of
communication with both the External Auditor and the Management
Board, ensuring comprehensive oversight. All findings and
recommendations are consistently reported to the Supervisory Board
for further action and consideration.
Key activities during the year
At the Audit Committee meetings, the
Committee considered, inter alia:
· the
Committee's Terms of Reference and annual work plan;
· semi-Annual Valuation Reports for our investment portfolio,
focusing on the assumptions used, sensitivity scenarios, and
observations from the External Auditor and third-party independent
valuation specialists;
· management's proposals for interim dividends, including
benchmarking against market peers;
· our
2022 Annual Report, the 2023 Interim Report, and the
appropriateness and consistency of our accounting
policies;
· the
impact of changes to IFRS reporting standards;
· the
re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers as our External Auditor,
overseeing their independence, and the provision of any non-audit
services, where applicable;
· the
effectiveness of the audit process and recommending the External
Auditor's plan for the financial year to the Supervisory Board,
including key business risks relevant to the audit;
· reports from the External Auditor to the
Committee;
· an
in-depth review with management on BBGI's tax strategy;
· the
introduction and enhancement of comprehensive climate-related
disclosures;
· an
analysis of our overall Risk Profile, Key Risk Indicators, related
tools, and the effectiveness of our risk monitoring;
· an
annual review of the Charters and Policies relevant to the
Committee;
· the
effectiveness of our Internal Auditor, including the review of the
Internal Auditor's Annual Regulatory Report for 2022 and the scope
of the 2020-2022 triennial internal audit plan, as well as the
upcoming 2023-2025 triennial plan;
· the
potential ongoing impact of geo-political conflicts on our
portfolio and broader macroeconomic consequences;
· a
thorough review of internal controls and policies;
· the
results of an externally conducted cyber-security risk assessment
for BBGI, including a review of existing controls and recent
adaptations to mitigate this risk;
· ongoing consultations on, and updates to, the UK BEIS Audit
and corporate governance reforms;
· quarterly presentations from the Head of Compliance and Risk
to the Committee, with all Supervisory Board members present, on
the activities and achievements of the Compliance function,
including;
o periodic updates on the oversight of delegated activities and
risk-based monitoring of service providers, including new and
forthcoming legislation concerning IT outsourcing risks;
o the increasing reporting requirements being imposed by the
Luxembourg regulator (CSSF) and across the EU, including
self-assessment questionnaires, financial crime surveys,
sustainability disclosures, targeted financial sanctions screening,
etc;
o training in regulatory and corporate governance matters made
available by the Company to staff and board members; and
o periodic updates on the internal control framework including
anti-fraud safeguards such as the whistleblowing hotline, policy
updates and data protection monitoring of group entities and
service providers.
· the
Director ESG/Sustainability, who chairs BBGI's ESG Committee,
presented to the members of the Committee and Supervisory Board the
status of the Company's various ESG workstreams and related topics,
including;
o alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and
setting of net zero targets;
o stakeholder engagement;
o collection of portfolio GHG inventories; and
o ongoing compliance and disclosures in accordance with
regulatory and voluntary reporting frameworks, including SFDR and
TCFD.
Valuation of investments
As in previous years, the
Committee engaged in discussions with the Management Board, the
External Auditor, and the Internal Auditor, covering a broad range
of topics. We continue to regard the fair valuation of the
Company's underlying investments as the most significant risk of
material misstatement in our financial statements. To address this,
we have comprehensive pre-publication discussions of the Company's
annual and interim financial statements. Sufficient time is
allocated for in-depth conversations with the Management Board,
whose twice-yearly valuation of underlying investments, including
NAV sensitivity analyses, are independently reviewed by a
third-party valuation expert.
The Committee was able to request
detailed explanations from the Management Board, scrutinising the
rationale behind investment valuations, and examining the applied
assumptions, judgements, and methodologies.
The External Auditor participates
in Committee meetings at least twice per year to present and
discuss their audit or review findings. Their audit process
includes a valuation specialist who reviews and reports on the
adequacy of the underlying investment valuations. Special attention
is paid to key assumptions for fair valuation, applied discount
rates, and the macroeconomic context.
The Committee also received
briefings from the External Auditor on the outcomes of their
controls testing and audit procedures, with a particular focus on
the risk of material misstatement during the audit/review of the
Annual and Interim Financial Statements.
Following this process and
reviews, the Committee concluded that the valuation methodology
applied to the Group's investments in 2023 was appropriate, and the
resulting investment values were reasonable.
External Auditor independence and
effectiveness
In assessing the ongoing
independence of the External Auditor, the Committee:
· reviewed the External Auditor's report outlining the extent
of non-audit services provided by them and related parties to the
Company and its subsidiaries;
· received confirmation from the External Auditor as to its
compliance with ethical requirements regarding independence and the
application of appropriate safeguards, along with the arrangements
in place to identify, manage and disclose conflicts of interest and
that it has remained independent of the Group in accordance with
Regulation (EU) No 537/2014 and the AIC Code; and
· considered existing engagements with the External Auditor
having been entered into prior to their appointment as External
Auditor, along with associated changes in personnel to maintain
independence.
In assessing the ongoing
effectiveness of the External Auditor's work, the Committee
considered;
· the
External Auditor's fulfilment of the agreed audit plan and
variations;
· feedback from the Management Board evaluating the performance
of the audit team; and
· the
Financial Reporting Councils ('FRC's) Annual Report on audit
quality inspections.
With regards to the Audit Plan, I
also spoke directly with the External Audit Partner to ensure that
the Committee's specific expectations were met with regard to any
topics of relevance to the Company.
In reviewing the performance of
the External Auditors, the Committee noted with approval the high
level of professional scepticism exhibited during the fiscal year.
This was evident from the thorough and probing nature of the
questions posed by the External Auditor, particularly regarding the
valuation process. The Committee was further reassured by the
quality and depth of Management's responses, especially concerning
the applied discount rates and macroeconomic assumptions. These
interactions underscored a robust and effective audit
process.
The Committee has reviewed the
audit process and confirms its satisfaction with the adherence to
the established terms of engagement. We have observed that the
audit carried out by the External Auditor upholds the principles of
independence and objectivity, thus ensuring its effectiveness. This
conclusion is based on an evaluation of the External Auditor's
methodologies and the transparency of their audit
procedures.
Non-audit services
The Committee considered the level
of non-audit services provided by the External Auditor. To the
extent that non-audit services are not prohibited, the Committee
will continue to review and, where appropriate, approve non-audit
service engagements performed by the External Auditor on controlled
subsidiaries, in accordance with the Non-Audit Services
Policy.
As a general principle, the
Committee will not approve the use of the External Auditor for
non-audit services, unless there is a valid and specific
justification.
For the financial year ended 31
December 2023, the External Auditor did not provide any non-audit
services. There were no other non-audit related fees paid to the
External Auditor during the year ended 31 December 2023.
Internal controls and risk management
The Committee reviews the
effectiveness of the Group's internal financial control
systems.
The Company has a well-established
framework for assessing the effectiveness of the internal controls.
During the year, I worked with our Head of Compliance and Risk, CFO
and Company Secretary to ensure that this framework was fully
documented and that it remained appropriate to the present risks
and operational strategy.
As a Committee, we believe that
this framework remains effective, operating within the three lines
of defence:
- The first line of
defence are the business units that take or acquire risks
under predefined policy and limits and carry out
controls.
- The second line of
defence is monitoring the effectiveness and implementation
of those controls on an ongoing basis by the Compliance and Risk
Management functions.
- The third line of
defence is the internal audit function providing an
independent, objective and critical review of the first two lines
of defence, and which itself has been delegated to an external and
independent third party, providing further reassurance.
As further reinforcement of the
framework's effectiveness, the Committee receives regular
presentations throughout the year from relevant members of staff
and third parties in respect of the Risk Management, Compliance and
Internal Audit functions;
· Risk
Management: The Head of Risk and
Compliance, in her role as Risk Manager, presents the Annual and
Semi-Annual Risk Reports in person directly to the Committee, with
all members of the Committee and Supervisory Board in attendance at
those presentations. During these presentations, as well as outside
of them, Committee members had the opportunity to challenge the
Risk Manager and members of the Management Board, enabling an
appropriate level of direct oversight. Additionally, the Committee
regularly receives and reviews BBGI's risk profile and related key
risk indicators, including any changes thereto, prepared by the
Risk Manager and overseen by the Designated Management Board Member
for Risk.
· Compliance: The Head of Risk and
Compliance also presents on matters of compliance to the Committee
on a quarterly basis. To this end, the Committee receives quarterly
compliance reports, which describe the work performed by the
Compliance function, and cover all key areas of the compliance
monitoring programme, including, but not limited to, AML/CTF,
delegate oversight, conflicts of interest, training, regulatory
watch, data protection, fraud, cyber-security, whistleblowing,
implementation and update of policies, ESG and personal
transactions. As with our oversight of Risk, the Management Board
members and other representatives were available and responded to
the Committee members' queries and requests for further
clarification. The Head of Risk and Compliance further presented
the Committee with the Annual Compliance Report for the Financial
Year ended 31 December 2022, which was required to be submitted to
the Luxembourg Regulator, CSSF, during the year.
· Internal audit: As described in the
responsibilities section above, the Committee undertook a review of
the Internal Auditor's effectiveness, the 2022 Internal Auditor's
Annual Regulatory Report and the final year of the Internal
Auditor's 2020-2022 triennial internal audit plan. As part of this
process, the Committee received a presentation from the Internal
Auditor, which covered their specific approach to engagement, a
detailed outline of their scope of work, the audit objectives and
their conclusions resulting from the 2022 engagement. The Internal
Auditor also presented its next triennial internal audit plan, for
fiscal years 2023-2025, to the Committee.
For all three internal control
functions - Risk Management, Compliance and Internal Audit - the
Committee and its members are presented with necessary information
to monitor their respective effectiveness. For 2023, the Committee
concluded that each of the Risk Management, Compliance, and
Internal Audit functions have performed effectively and continue to
have suitable processes and controls in place.
Annual Deep Dive: Tax
In alignment with its Annual Work
Plan, the Committee allocates time to explore specific topics
preselected earlier in the year. In 2023, Management presented an
overview of BBGI's tax strategy. The Committee engaged in
discussions about global tax regulations, their impact on the
Group, and the existing policies and measures to address
tax-related risks. The Management Board is responsible for tax
management and regularly updates the Committee and Supervisory
Board on taxation matters and their influence on the Group. The
Committee appreciates the presentation and the conservative
approach to tax risk, with no aggressive tax structures
employed.
Following the presentation, the
Committee acknowledged the Company's commendable standards in tax
management. Looking ahead to 2024, the Company plans to invite its
global tax adviser to a scheduled meeting. This will provide
additional reassurance regarding the Company's stance on taxation
and risk appetite.
Going concern and viability statements
Having regard to our assets and
liabilities, the Committee considered the Viability and Management
Board Responsibilities Statements, and the processes and
assumptions underlying the statements, considering:
· BBGI's investment policy and investment pipeline;
· the
long-term and contractual nature of BBGI's investments;
· investment reviews;
· BBGI's risk profile and key risk indicators (including
principal risks and uncertainties) and mitigating actions put in
place;
· relevant financial and economic information and long-term
assumptions;
· scenario testing;
· annual and semi-annual valuations of the investments;
and
· whether the Management Board has diligently carried out its
responsibilities in:
o selecting suitable accounting policies and applying them
consistently;
o making judgements and estimates that are reasonable and
prudent;
o stating whether applicable accounting standards have been
followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and
explained in the financial statements;
o preparing the financial statements on a going concern basis,
unless it would be inappropriate to presume that the Group will
continue in business;
o maintaining proper accounting records that disclose with
reasonable accuracy the Group's financial position and enable it to
ensure that the financial statements comply with all relevant
regulations; and
o safeguarding the Group's assets and taking reasonable steps
for the prevention and detection of fraud and other
irregularities.
Having considered all of the
above, and the discussions held with the Management Board, the
Committee is satisfied the Viability Statement and the Management
Board Responsibilities Statement are prepared on an appropriate and
reasonable basis.
Regulatory environment
The Committee was kept informed of
regulatory changes throughout 2023, including changes in scope or
interpretation by the regulator, and potential future developments.
This monitoring and update process is facilitated by our Regulatory
Watch, maintained by our Compliance function and is included in the
regular compliance reporting to Committee members by the Head of
Compliance and Risk and the Designated Management Board Member for
Compliance.
Focus for 2024
For 2024, we will continue our
oversight of the External Auditor and their effectiveness. We will
continue to monitor the integrity of the Company's reported
financial position and disclosures, the effectiveness of the
internal audit function, and our response to material regulatory
changes.
As part of our Annual Work Plan to
dedicate sessions to deeper analysis of specific topics, in 2024
the Committee has invited BBGI's Director, Sustainability and ESG,
who also chairs BBGI's ESG Committee, to present on the topic of
sustainability, including global regulatory developments and
disclosure expectations, which she believes are relevant to
BBGI.
More generally, the Committee will
also continue its work in monitoring the effectiveness of our
internal controls, financial reporting and disclosures, as well as
the impact of political, tax and regulatory developments in
relevant geographies, including the ongoing developments in the UK
around audit and corporate governance reforms.
Together with all Committee
members, I am available at the AGM to respond to any shareholder
questions regarding the Committee's activities.
Approval
This report was approved by the
Board on 27 March 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Jutta af Rosenborg
Audit Committee Chair
27 March 2024
Remuneration Committee
Report
Annual Statement from Remuneration Committee
Chair
I am pleased to present the
Remuneration Committee (the 'Committee') report for the financial
year ended 31 December 2023 on behalf of the Supervisory
Board.
Terms of Reference
The Committee functioned
throughout 2023 according to its defined Terms of Reference, which
are prepared in accordance with the AIC Code, and were last updated
on 26 January 2023. They are regularly reviewed throughout the year
by the Committee and are available to view on the Company's
website. Any proposed amendments to the Terms of Reference are
referred to the Supervisory Board for approval. The roles and
responsibilities of the Committee, as set out in its Terms of
Reference, are reviewed at least annually, and consider relevant
regulatory changes and recommended best practice. There were no
material amendments to the Terms of Reference during
2023.
Composition of the Committee
The Committee consists of a
minimum of three members. The Supervisory Board appoints Committee
members and the Chair (who cannot be the Supervisory Board Chair)
and membership is confined to independent non-executive
directors.
Each of our five Independent
Non-Executive Directors is also a Committee member. Our biographies
are in the Biographies section of this Annual Report.
Key activities during the year
The Committee met four times
during the year.
Responsibilities
The Committee is responsible for
establishing the general principles and terms of the Remuneration
Policy for our Directors and employees, for setting the
remuneration of the Management Board and Supervisory Board, and for
determining the terms of the Remuneration Policy.
This Remuneration Report has been
prepared in compliance with reporting obligations outlined in the
relevant Luxembourg legislation. To provide greater transparency to
shareholders and employees alike, we have again voluntarily
disclosed additional remuneration detail beyond our legal reporting
obligations. We continue to comply with the provisions of the AIC
Code on remuneration.
Performance in 2023
Despite ongoing macroeconomic
challenges, the operational performance of BBGI's globally
diversified portfolio of social infrastructure assets was strong
throughout 2023. This performance is a testament to the Company's
low-risk investment strategy, prudent financial management, and a
value-driven asset management approach.
Financial performance proved
resilient, notwithstanding the challenging macroeconomic
environment. The Company met its full-year dividend target of
7.93pps, an increase of six per cent compared to the prior year,
with strong cash dividend coverage of 1.40x. NAV was £1,056.6
million representing a decrease of 1.4 per cent on a NAV-per-share
basis. This decline can be attributed to several factors, including
shifts in the market discount rate, adverse foreign exchange
movements affecting the portfolio's value, and a provision made to
account for the impact of draft Canadian tax legislation, which
seeks to limit excessive interest and
financing expense deductibility for tax purposes, affecting both
domestic and international investors and which is commonly referred
to as EIFEL.
The Management and Supervisory
Boards of the Company continue to assert the importance of sound
ESG practices for long-term value and resilience, with sustainable
investments in social infrastructure at its core. Several of BBGI's
employees have ESG-related targets and the Management Board's
remuneration framework includes both LTIP and STIP metrics related
to ESG.
This year, BBGI advanced its ESG
goals, notably collecting comprehensive Financed Emissions data
(Scope 1, 2, and significant Scope 3 GHG emissions) across all
assets, being a key step in the Company's journey to net
zero.
Key decisions during the year
As part of its planned
remuneration review process, the Committee commissioned an
independent review of the Management Board compensation framework
in 2023.
The review indicated that the
compensation framework is in line with market practice and
benchmarks, and the Committee has therefore concluded that no
material changes to the framework are required. The Committee's
work in 2023 included the following key decisions:
· approval of the annual Remuneration Committee
cycle;
· assessing performance against the 2022 STIP targets and
approving the outcome;
· formalising the assessment of the 2019 LTIP
outcome;
· setting metrics and targets for 2023 STIP and LTIP
awards[xviii];
and
· reviewing and updating the Company's Remuneration Policy and
the Remuneration Committee terms of reference.
Detailed decisions of the Committee
Salary increases
There were no salary increases
awarded to the Management Board in 2023. The average increase
awarded to our employees was 7.7 per cent. This approach reflects
the Company's commitment to equitable compensation practices and
furthermore acknowledges the broader economic challenges and
increased costs of living faced by our employees.
Annual bonus (FY23) outcome
For the financial year ended 31
December 2023, the Co-CEOs and CFO were each eligible for a maximum
bonus of 150 per cent of base salary as at 31 December 2023. The
Committee assessed the award of this annual bonus against a range
of stretching financial and strategic KPIs (see further in this
report) The Management Board delivered strong performance and
progress against targets, with the annual bonus outcomes at 70 per
cent of the maximum opportunity for the 2023 financial year.
One-third of the earned bonus is deferred and will be used to
purchase shares, to be held for three years.
LTIP outcome (2020 award)
In December 2020, LTIP awards were
granted to the Co-CEOs and CFO. These equated to an award value of
200 per cent of salary for the Co-CEOs, and 150 per cent of salary
for the CFO, and were based on a stretching NAV total return
target. The 2020 awards will be released following the publication
of the Group's 2023 audited accounts, vesting at 100 per cent of
the maximum for the Co-CEOs and CFO. This outcome reflects the
performance against targets for the three-year period to 31
December 2023. In the period the Company achieved a NAV total
return of 23 per cent.
No discretion was exercised in
determining the annual bonus and incentive outcomes described
above.
Supervisory Board remuneration
The Supervisory Board fees were
unchanged in 2023, with the last review conducted in 2022. Further
details are provided in this report.
Management Board changes
As announced on 24 November 2023,
Frank Schramm informed the Board of his intention to retire after
12 years as Co-CEO and stepped down from the Management Board on 31
January 2024. In accordance with his service contract, Frank's
notice period runs to the end of 2024 during which time he will
continue to be available to ensure an orderly handover and seamless
transition.
Remuneration payments for Frank
will be made in line with his service contract and will be
disclosed in full in the 2024 Remuneration Committee report. The
Committee agreed to treat Mr Schramm as a good leaver in accordance
with the provisions of the incentive plan rules in respect of his
outstanding incentive awards. Frank was eligible for the 2023 and
the 2024 annual bonus award which will be paid in cash and shares.
He did not participate in the LTIP award made to the Management
Board in February 2024. Frank will be subject to post-employment
shareholding requirements in line with the remuneration
policy.
Following Frank's departure,
Duncan Ball will continue in his role as sole CEO. From 1 February
2024, Michael Denny was appointed COO alongside his existing CFO
duties. Effective from 31 January 2024, Andreas Parzych was appointed to the Management
Board.
Mr Parzych's base salary on
appointment was set at €250,000 per annum. The committee believes
that this salary level is representative of Mr Parzych's skills and
experience and is appropriately positioned in the market. In line
with other Management Board members, Mr Parzych will receive a
pension allowance of 15 per cent of base salary and will
participate in the existing short-term and long-term incentive
plans, with a maximum award opportunity of 75 per cent of salary
under both plans.
Andrew Sykes
Remuneration Committee
Chair
27 March 2024
Remuneration at a glance
Key remuneration principles
BBGI's remuneration framework is based on the following key
principles:
The objectives of the Company's Remuneration Policy are
to:
|
· Attract and retain highly qualified executives and employees
with a history of proven success.
· Align the interests of BBGI's Management Board and employees
with shareholders' interests, executing our investment policy and
fulfilling our investment objectives.
· Support strategy and promote our long-term sustainable
success.
· Establish performance goals that, if met, are accretive to
long-term shareholder value.
· Link
compensation to performance goals and provide meaningful rewards
for achieving these goals. This incorporates both financial and
non-financial performance indicators, including key ESG goals and
health and safety factors.
In considering Management Board
remuneration during 2023, the Committee acknowledged the principles
of transparency, clarity, simplicity, risk management,
proportionality, and alignment to culture.
Risk and conduct
BBGI's Remuneration Policy
encourages sound and efficient management of risks and does not
encourage excessive risk-taking. The Remuneration Policy is
consistent with sound and effective risk management
through:
· implementing a sound governance structure for establishing
goals and for communicating performance goals to colleagues to
ensure transparency;
· including financial and non-financial objectives in
performance and result assessments; and
· ensuring an appropriate mix of fixed and variable
compensation to discourage inappropriate risk-taking.
Ex-post risk adjustment
mechanisms, in the form of market standard malus and clawback
arrangements, are in place for the Management Board, who are all
identified as material risk takers, in accordance with Luxembourg's
AIFM law of 12 July 2013.
In evaluating the components of
variable remuneration, we consider long-term performance, and
current and future risks associated with it, and the lifetime of
the assets under management.
During the year, the Committee
reviewed the remuneration policy and its implementation, and
concluded that the relevant remuneration processes and procedures
were implemented in accordance with the policy. Furthermore, the
Committee concluded that the remuneration policy remains consistent
with and promotes sound and effective risk management and does not
encourage levels of risk-taking which are inconsistent with the
risk profile of BBGI.
|
Management Board remuneration framework summary for
2023
Element
|
|
Base salary
|
Base salaries[xix]:
Co-CEOs: C$902,839 and
€596,035[xx]
CFO: €381,754
|
Pension and benefits
|
Co-CEOs and CFO: 15 per cent of
salary (cash allowance).
The Co-CEOs receive a monthly car
allowance.
|
Annual bonus (STIP)
|
Co-CEOs and CFO: performance
measures established entitling beneficiaries to 50 per cent of
salary at threshold performance, 75 per cent of salary at target
and 150 per cent at maximum.
One-third of bonus is used to
purchase BBGI shares to be held for three years.
STIP is based on a balance of
strategic, financial, operational, compliance and ESG metrics, with
robust quantitative and qualitative performance requirements set
for threshold, target, and maximum performance.
|
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
|
Co-CEOs: performance measures
established entitling beneficiaries to 50 per cent of salary at
threshold performance, 100 per cent of salary at target and 200 per
cent at maximum.
CFO: threshold: 50 per cent of
salary at threshold, 75 per cent of salary at target and: 150 per
cent of salary at maximum.
Performance is measured over three
years. For the 2023 LTIP awards, 80 per cent of the award is
subject to stretching NAV Total Return targets; 10 per cent is
subject to reducing corporate GHG emissions and 10 per cent subject
to progress in the implementation of net zero targets related to
BBGI's Portfolio Companies.
|
Shareholding requirements
|
The Management Board members are
required to build and maintain a minimum holding of BBGI shares
with a value of 200 per cent of salary[xxi] .
Post-employment shareholding
requirements: Management Board
members are required to hold 100 per cent
of salary in shares for two years after leaving
BBGI.
|
Below we have set out total
remuneration for each Management Board member for the year ended 31
December 2023[xxii].
Single figure table - Management Board
|
Duncan
Ball
|
Frank
Schramm
|
Michael
Denny
|
In Sterling
|
(Co-CEO)
|
(Co-CEO)
|
(CFO)
|
|
2023
|
2022
|
2023
|
2022
|
2023
|
2022
|
Base salary
|
538,189
|
553,435
|
518,444
|
500,097
|
332,058
|
320,307
|
Benefits
|
15,165
|
15,594
|
14,547
|
14,032
|
-
|
-
|
Annual bonus
|
563,376
|
843,542
|
542,708
|
762,245
|
347,598
|
488,210
|
Pension
|
80,728
|
84,354
|
77,767
|
76,225
|
49,809
|
48,821
|
LTIP[xxiii]
|
757,242
|
239,942
|
786,303
|
240,822
|
377,713
|
40,134
|
Total fixed
|
634,082
|
653,384
|
610,758
|
590,354
|
381,867
|
369,128
|
Total variable
|
1,320,618
|
1,083,484
|
1,329,010
|
1,003,067
|
725,311
|
528,343
|
Total remuneration
|
1,954,700
|
1,736,868
|
1,939,768
|
1,593,421
|
1,107,178
|
897,471
|
The figures in the table above are
derived from the following:
(a)
|
Base salary
|
Salary earned over the year, shown
in the reporting currency of the Group (Sterling). Both Mr Denny
and Mr Schramm receive all cash entitlements in Euro. Mr Ball
receives all cash entitlements in Canadian Dollars. The Sterling
amounts are converted using the average exchange rate for the
respective financial year. For the year ended 31
December 2023, the relevant average exchange rates were £1 =
C$1.6776 and £1 = €1.1497.
|
(b)
|
Benefits
|
The taxable value (gross) of
benefits received in the year. These are principally car
allowance.
|
(c)
|
Annual bonus (STIP)
|
The value of the bonus earned in
respect of the financial year: one-third will be paid in shares and
held for three years. Below we describe achievements against the
performance measures for the latest financial year.
|
(d)
|
Pension
|
The pension figure represents the
cash value of any pension contributions, including any cash
payments in lieu of pension contributions made in the
year.
|
(e)
|
Long-term incentives
|
The value of LTIP shares vesting,
calculated by the estimated number of shares that vest in respect
of the 2020 LTIP award multiplied by the average
share price over the last quarter of the year ended 31 December
2023 (£1.319).
|
Additional disclosures for the single figure
table
Base salary
|
Base salary at 31 December
2023
|
Base salary at 31 December
2022
|
Duncan Ball
|
£535k
|
£551k
|
Frank Schramm
|
£517k
|
£528k
|
Michael Denny
|
£331k
|
£338k
|
Management Board members receive
an annual base salary, payable monthly in arrears. Both Mr Denny
and Mr Schramm receive salaries in Euro (€381,754 and €596,035
respectively). Mr Ball receives his salary in Canadian Dollars
(C$902,839). The table above presents
figures in Sterling, the Group's reporting currency. The changes in
these figures, when compared, solely result from exchange rate
fluctuations, as there were no adjustments made to the base
salaries of Management Board members during the year.
The combined annual base salary
received by the members of the Management Board during the year
ended 31 December 2023 was £1,388,691
(2021: £1,373,839).
Taxable benefits and pension-related
benefits
The Co-CEOs received a car
allowance amounting to a total amount of £29,712
(2022: £29,627) for 2023. The Co-CEOs and the CFO also
received an annual cash payment for pension, retirement, or similar
benefits, equating to 15 per cent of their annualised base salary
as at 31 December 2023.
BBGI has fewer than 30 employees
across six different countries and individual pension arrangements
across the team vary by location. In Luxembourg, where most of the
Group's employees are located, normal pension contributions are
made up of eight per cent of salary from the employer, eight per
cent of salary from the state and eight per cent from the
employee.
STIP - annual bonus for year ended 31 December
2023
The following table summarises the
STIP performance metrics and achievements in respect of the
financial year ended 31 December 2023. The maximum STIP opportunity
for the Co-CEOs and the CFO is 150 per cent of base salary. The
Remuneration Committee is responsible for determining both whether
the relevant financial and non-financial performance objectives
have been satisfied and the level of award under the STIP for the
relevant year. Against a challenging economic backdrop, the
Management Board delivered strong performance and progress against
the targets set at the start of the year and as a result achieved
70 per cent of the maximum outturn. No payment under the STIP is
made if performance is below the threshold criteria.
Assessment and performance criteria and
weighting
Performance measure
|
Assessment and performance
achievement
|
Weighting
|
Outturn
(% of maximum)
|
Threshold
performance
(33%
vesting equating to 50% of base salary)
|
Target
performance (50% vesting equating
to 75% of base salary)
|
Maximum
performance
(100%
vesting equating to 150% of base salary)
|
Key financial targets - dividends
|
·
A dividend of 7.93pps was declared for 2023,
representing dividend growth of 6 per cent.
|
20%
|
50%
|
Key financial targets - NAV per
share
|
·
The Company's NAV per share decreased by 1.4 per
cent in the year. Therefore, the threshold performance requirement
was not met and as a result there will be no payout under this
metric.
|
Operational financial targets - ongoing charge, cash
management and budgetary controls
|
· BBGI maintained the sector's low comparative ongoing charge
at 0.93 per cent, attributed to its efficient and
cost-effective internal management, in line with target
performance.
· Effective cash management and capital allocation were
consistently maintained, ensuring appropriate cash balances,
limited use of the RCF and robust dividend coverage.
· Expenses were well controlled, with an outturn below budget
in line with maximum performance.
|
20%
|
86%
|
Disciplined growth
|
Throughout the year, the
Management Board assessed various acquisition opportunities.
However, adhering to the Company's disciplined capital allocation
strategy, it was decided not to proceed with these opportunities as
they were not deemed accretive to the overall portfolio key
performance metrics. Instead, the primary focus, was on repaying
all drawings under the Group's RCF, which was achieved through
using free cash flows generated from the underlying Portfolio
Companies.
|
15%
|
0%
|
Portfolio management
|
The Committee considered
management performance against key metrics including portfolio
controls; organisational effectiveness; and project risk
management. The Committee considered that performance continued to
be very strong in the following key areas:
·
high levels of asset availability at 99.9 per
cent; and
·
no material lock-ups or defaults.
|
20%
|
100%
|
Effective oversight, regulatory watch, and risk
management
|
The Committee considered the
effectiveness of the control frameworks in place to ensure
continued regulatory compliance, the strategy for future regulatory
adaptability and the quality of the risk management and reporting.
Achievements include the following:
·
high-quality reporting of regulatory
risks;
·
effective oversight of key delegates;
·
full and continued compliance with
AIFMD;
·
strong regulatory performance relating to FATCA,
IFRS, CSSF and UKLA;
·
proactive planning for potential future
regulatory challenges; and
·
risk management was seen as strong overall with
an outcome between target and maximum achieved.
|
10%
|
75%
|
ESG
|
The Committee considered the
significant progress against the Company's ESG objectives during
the reporting period, including the following
achievements:
·
enhanced portfolio-ESG data collection and
reporting enabling the company to have a detailed overview of the
portfolio's Financed Emissions, covering scope 1, 2, and material
scope 3 GHG emissions across all our assets;
·
full compliance with the Sustainable Finance
Disclosure Regulation;
·
voluntary compliance with TCFD disclosure
requirements; and
·
improved UN PRI ratings across two modules Policy
Governance and Strategy and Direct Infrastructure, scoring 100/100
and 99/100 respectively.
|
15%
|
100%
|
Overall bonus out-turn (% of maximum)
|
|
70%
|
|
|
|
|
| |
For 2023, awards of 105 per
cent of base salary were achieved by the
Co-CEOs and CFO. One-third of the earned bonus will be settled in
BBGI shares, with the net number of shares after settling the
associated tax liability to be held for a period of three years.
The remaining STIP awards will be paid in cash after the release of
the annual results for financial year ended 31 December 2023.
During the year ended 31 December 2023, the total amount accrued in
respect of the 2023 STIP amounted to £1,453,683 (2022: £2,093,997). Cash payments under the STIP are made
in Canadian Dollars and Euros.
LTIP - awards vesting (2020 award)
In December
2020, LTIP awards were granted to
the Co-CEOs and CFO. These equated to an award value of 200 per
cent of salary for the Co-CEOs and 150 per cent of salary for the
CFO. Following the achievement of a NAV Total Return of 23.5 per cent against stretching targets, the
awards vested at 100 per cent of maximum.
NAV Total Return reflects both capital returns generated, and
dividends returned to shareholders.
These reflect performance against
targets for the three-year period to 31 December 2023.
LTIP - awards granted with effect during the financial
year
An LTIP award of 200 per cent of base salary was granted to the Co-CEO (CEO
designate) in February 2024 with effect from December 2023. The
CFO's maximum LTIP award is set at 150 per
cent of base salary. As Frank Schramm was retiring from the
Company, he did not participate in the 2023 LTIP award (award in
respect of the period December 2023 to December 2026). All awards
granted are within the approved limits under the current LTIP
Plan.
For awards issued in February
2024, 80 per cent of the performance
target will be subject to stretching NAV Total Return targets. NAV
Total Return reflects both capital returns generated, and dividends
returned to shareholders.
20 per cent of the award will be linked to key
climate-related environmental metrics, comprising (i) ten per cent
linked to a reduction in corporate GHG emissions (Scopes 1, 2 &
3) (against a 2019 baseline) and (ii) ten per cent linked to
progress in the implementation of net zero targets related to BBGI
Portfolio Companies (Financed Emissions) by value, in accordance
with published targets related to BBGI's commitments as a signatory
of the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative.
Performance metric
|
Threshold
performance
|
Target
performance
|
Maximum
performance
|
|
|
NAV growth per share +
dividends paid
(expressed as a percentage
of opening NAV)
(80% of
weighting)
|
17%
|
19%
|
23%
|
|
ESG - percentage of
corporate GHG emissions (Scope 1, 2 & 3)
(10% weighting)
|
GHG
emissions as a percentage of 2019 baseline (at 31 December
2026)
|
|
68%
|
65%
|
61%
|
|
ESG - the implementation of
net zero plans across BBGI assets (by value)
(10%
weighting)
|
The
percentage of asset by value meeting the criteria for 'net zero',
'aligned' or 'aligning'
|
|
31%
|
35%
|
40%
|
|
For the CEO designate, 25 per cent
and 50 per cent of the maximum award vests for threshold and target
performance respectively. The award vests in full for maximum
performance.
For the CFO, 33 per cent and 50
per cent of the maximum award vests for threshold and target
performance respectively. The award vests in full for maximum
performance.
A key feature of these awards is
that they will be settled entirely in BBGI shares and not cash. All
LTIP awards settled by shares fall under the scope of IFRS 2
'Share-Based Payments' and its specific reporting requirements.
Refer to Note 20 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for
further details on share-based payments.
In line with previous years, no
expense was accrued for the LTIP awards granted with effect in
December 2023.
During the year ended 31 December
2023, we settled our 2019 award obligation by issuing the
respective share entitlement to each Management Board member. In
total, we issued and allotted 175,242 shares by way of settlement,
which equated to the net entitlement after taxes.
As at the date of this Report,
there are no amounts set aside, needing to be set aside or accrued
by the Company to provide pension, retirement, or similar benefits
to any Management Board members.
Total basic and variable remuneration for the financial
year
The total basic
remuneration paid to all employees (including Management Board)
during 2023 was £3.6 million (2022: £3.4 million). The total amount
accrued for cash-settled variable remuneration at 31 December 2023
was £1.6 million. The total variable remuneration paid in cash in
2023 relating to the 2022 financial year was £1.9 million (2022:
£1.8 million).
Restricted share plan
We operate a restricted share plan
for most employees (excluding the Management Board members) with
ordinary BBGI shares awarded, subject to a three-year vesting
period. During 2023, we recorded an expense of £0.3 million (2022:
£0.2 million) for these restricted share
awards. The primary vesting condition is continued employment at
BBGI.
Payments made to former Directors and payments for loss of
office during the year
In 2023, we made no payments for
loss of office and no payments to any former Management Board
member.
Single total figure table - Supervisory
Board
The Supervisory Board members are
our Independent Non-Executive Directors and they are paid a fixed
quarterly fee in GBP. The Remuneration Committee considers the
Non-Executive Directors' fees annually within the approved maximum
aggregate remuneration cap, as approved by the Company's
shareholders. No member of the Supervisory Board is entitled to
vote on his or her own individual remuneration. Supervisory Board
members are not entitled to any other fees, pension payments,
incentive plans, performance-related payments, or any other form of
compensation except for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and ex
gratia fees, which were considered for an exceptional or
substantial increase in the members' workload.
Single total figure of remuneration - Supervisory
Board
During the year ended 31 December
2023, the Supervisory Board received fees totalling £315,000 (2022:
£259,190). The table below outlines the fees paid in Sterling to
each of the Supervisory Board members.
|
Base fee
|
Senior Non-Executive
Director
|
Committee
Chair
|
Total
|
In Sterling
|
2023
|
2022
|
2023
|
2022
|
2023
|
2022
|
2023
|
2022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June Aitken1
|
55,000
|
32,788
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
55,000
|
32,788
|
Howard
Myles2
|
-
|
14,835
|
-
|
1,648
|
-
|
1,648
|
-
|
18,131
|
Jutta af Rosenborg
|
55,000
|
47,500
|
-
|
-
|
5,000
|
5,000
|
60,000
|
52,500
|
Andrew
Sykes3
|
55,000
|
32,788
|
5,000
|
3,365
|
5,000
|
3,365
|
65,000
|
39,518
|
Chris Waples
|
55,000
|
47,500
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
55,000
|
47,500
|
Sarah Whitney
|
80,000
|
68,750
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
80,000
|
68,750
|
Total
|
300,000
|
244,161
|
5,000
|
5,013
|
10,000
|
10,013
|
315,000
|
259,187
|
1June Aitken was appointed to the Supervisory Board with
effect from 29 April 2022.
2Howard Myles retired from the Supervisory Board with effect
from 29 April 2022.
3Andrew Sykes was appointed to the Supervisory Board with
effect from 29 April 2022.
Supervisory Board fees
Details of Supervisory Board fees
are below.
In Sterling
|
2023
|
Fees with effect from 1
October 2022
|
|
|
|
Chair
|
80,000
|
80,000
|
Non-Executive Director
|
55,000
|
55,000
|
Senior Independent
Director1
|
5,000
|
5,000
|
Committee
Chair1
|
5,000
|
5,000
|
1These additional fees are paid to the Senior Independent
Director, Remuneration Committee Chair and the Audit Committee
Chair.
Supervisory Board fees were
unchanged during 2023.
The fees paid to the Supervisory
Board are subject to a shareholder approved maximum aggregate
remuneration cap of £400,000.
Share interests and statement of Directors'
shareholdings
Total share interests as at 31 December
2023
The Directors' interests and those
of their connected persons in BBGI's ordinary shares as at 31
December 2023 are below.
Shares owned by Directors:
Management Board
|
At 31
December 2023
|
At 31
December 2022
|
|
Duncan Ball
|
1,071,358
|
870,983
|
Michael Denny
|
650,485
|
504,004
|
Frank Schramm
|
1,001,290
|
829,184
|
Supervisory Board
|
At 31
December 2023
|
At 31
December 2022
|
|
June Aitken
|
56,000
|
31,000
|
Jutta af Rosenborg
|
8,000
|
-
|
Andrew Sykes
|
40,000
|
40,000
|
Chris Waples
|
17,321
|
17,321
|
Sarah Whitney
|
59,641
|
39,000
|
Awards under share plans:
|
Award
|
At 31 December
2022(1)
|
Granted in the
year(2)
|
Vested in the
year
|
Lapsed or
forfeited in the year
|
At 31 December
2023
|
Management Board
|
|
Duncan Ball
|
LTIP
|
2,194,628
|
791,704
|
(152,125)
|
(200,729)
|
2,633,478
|
Frank Schramm
|
LTIP
|
2,160,819
|
-
|
(152,683)
|
(201,466)
|
1,806,670
|
Michael Denny
|
LTIP
|
918,774
|
367,527
|
(25,445)
|
(25,445)
|
1,235,411
|
(1) Reflects maximum potential number of shares under all the
awards granted, including the 2019 award settled in May
2023.
(2) This LTIP award was announced in February 2024 with effect in
December 2023.
Shareholding guidelines:
The Committee has adopted a
shareholding guideline for the Management Board, which requires a
shareholding equivalent to 200 per cent of
salary. The respective Management Board members' achievement
of this guideline at 31 December 2023 is summarised
below:
Management Board
|
Shares counting towards the
guideline at 31 December 2023
|
Required shareholding
to achieve(1)
|
Percentage of shareholding
requirement achieved
|
Duncan Ball
|
1,071,358
|
699,903
|
153%
|
Frank Schramm
|
1,001,290
|
688,427
|
145%
|
Michael Denny
|
650,485
|
440,930
|
148%
|
(1) Two times the base salary with effect from 1 May 2023 divided
by the Company share price on the same date. The minimum holding
requirement is fixed for a period of three years and will be reset
in 2026.
Post-employment shareholding
requirements: Management Board
members are required to hold shares to the value of 100 per cent of
salary for a period of two years after leaving the
Company.
Other information
Advisers
Deloitte LLP is engaged to provide
independent advice to the Committee as required. Deloitte is a
member of the Remuneration Consultants Group and voluntarily
operates under the Code of Conduct in relation to executive
remuneration consulting in the UK. Deloitte LLP's fees for
providing remuneration advice to the Committee were £43k for 2023.
The Committee regularly assesses if Deloitte's appointment remains
appropriate or should be put out to tender, while considering the
Remuneration Consultants' Group Code of Conduct.
Consideration by the Directors of matters relating to
Directors' remuneration
Committee responsibilities and composition
BBGI's Remuneration Committee
comprises five members: Andrew Sykes, Sarah Whitney, Jutta af
Rosenborg, June Aitken and Chris Waples. Andrew Sykes was appointed
as Remuneration Committee Chair in April 2022. The Terms of
Reference for the Remuneration Committee are available here
www.bb-gi.com/investors/policies/remuneration-committee-terms-of-reference/
The Committee is responsible for
establishing the general principles of the policy for Directors'
and staff remuneration and for setting the remuneration for the
Management Board and for the Supervisory Board. In doing so, the
Committee is responsible for ensuring that the remuneration of the
Management supports the delivery of BBGI's strategic and
operational goals without encouraging undesirable risk-taking
behaviour. This is achieved through the Committee overseeing and
approving all aspects of Management Board remuneration, including
development of the remuneration policy, and monitoring pay
arrangements for the wider workforce.
There were four scheduled
Committee meetings plus further ad-hoc meetings during the year.
During the year, all members of the Committee were and remain
independent, and represent a broad range of backgrounds and
experience to provide balance and diversity.
The following parties may attend
Committee meetings by invitation in relation to its consideration
of matters relating to Directors' remuneration: Co-CEOs, CFO,
Company Secretary and Deloitte LLP. No Management Board member is
involved in deciding their own remuneration outcome and no attendee
is present when their own remuneration is being
discussed.
Remuneration and AIFM law
In 2013, the European Securities
and Markets Authority ('ESMA') published its final guidelines on
sound remuneration policies under the AIFMD. These guidelines
indicate that remuneration disclosures may be made on a
'proportional' basis and acknowledge that the application of
proportionality may lead exceptionally to the 'disapplication' of
some requirements, provided this is reconcilable with the risk
profile, risk appetite and strategy of the AIFM and the AIFs it
manages.
According to the guidelines, the
different risk profiles, and characteristics among AIFMs justify a
proportionate implementation of the remuneration principles and,
where a company chooses to disapply requirements, it must be able
to explain the rationale to a competent authority. No such
requirements were disapplied by the Company during or for
2023.
Employee remuneration
BBGI provides development
opportunities for employees to build their careers and enhance
their skills. We encourage and embrace employee diversity, equality
and inclusion. We support and invest in individuals to achieve
their potential across the business.
Our remuneration components
combine to ensure an appropriate and balanced remuneration package
that reflects our business units, the job grade and professional
activity, as well as market practice.
Statement of implementation of Directors' Remuneration Policy
for the financial year commencing 1 January 2024
Base salary
Management Board salaries were
unchanged during the year ended 31 December 2023 and are as
follows:
Duncan Ball
|
Co-CEO
|
£535k
|
Frank Schramm
|
Co-CEO
|
£517k
|
Michael Denny
|
CFO
|
£331k
|
Andreas Parzych
|
Executive Director
|
£217k
(effective 1 February 2024)
|
As noted earlier in this report,
the Committee commissioned an independent review of the Management
Board's compensation packages in 2023. The review indicated that
the compensation framework is in line with market practice and
benchmarks, and the Committee has therefore concluded that no
material changes to the framework are required. However,
acknowledging the importance of maintaining competitiveness and
alignment with evolving market standards, the Committee will keep
the remuneration packages under review throughout 2024. This
approach ensures that our compensation policies remain relevant and
effectively support our strategic objectives in a changing market
environment. As previously noted, both Mr
Denny and Mr Schramm receive salaries in Euro (€381,754 and
€596,035, respectively). Mr Ball receives his salary in Canadian
Dollars (C$902,839). Mr Parzych will receive his salary in Euro
(€250,000).
Full details of any salary changes
made in 2024 will be disclosed in the 2024 Remuneration Committee
report.
Annual bonus (STIP)
The maximum bonus opportunity for
2024 will be 150 per cent of salary for
the CEO[xxiv], former Co-CEO (now in an
advisory role), the CFOO and 75 per cent of salary for the
Executive Director. The target opportunity will be 50 per cent of maximum. One-third of any bonus earned
will be used to buy BBGI shares, to be held for a period of three
years.
Payment of the annual bonus is
subject to stretching financial and strategic targets, which are
commercially sensitive and therefore remain confidential. However,
the Committee will disclose an overview of the bonus performance
measures and out-turns in the 2024 Directors' Remuneration
Report.
LTIP
The Committee intends to recommend
the grant of ongoing annual maximum LTIP awards of 200 per cent of salary to the CEO, 150 per cent of salary to the CFOO and 75 per cent of
salary to the Executive Director, subject to stretching NAV Total
Return and climate-related ESG targets.
Approval
This Report was approved by the
Board on 27 March 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Andrew Sykes
Chair of the Remuneration
Committee
Viability Statement
As part of the ongoing risk
monitoring process, and in compliance with AIC Code Principle N and
Provision 36, the Management Board has conducted a thorough
evaluation of BBGI's viability and prospects for the next five
years.
While the average remaining life
of the portfolio of assets is 19.3 years, we believe that five
years is an appropriate and acceptable length of time to consider
the risks to BBGI's continuing existence. This judgement involves a
comprehensive review of information at Board meetings,
including:
· BBGI's investment policy and the investment
pipeline;
· the
long-term and contractual nature of BBGI's investments;
· investment reviews;
· BBGI's risk profile and key risk indicators (including the
principal risks and uncertainties);
· relevant financial and economic information and long-term
economic assumptions;
· scenario testing; and
· annual and semi-annual valuations.
This viability assessment is an
integral part of BBGI's broader annual risk review process, with
further information on principal risks and uncertainties, including
detailed descriptions of the areas and factors of the risks, and
the processes by which the Management Board monitors, reviews, and
assesses them, outlined in the Risk section of this Annual
Report.
We maintain a robust risk and
internal controls framework to mitigate the likelihood and impact
of poor decision making, risk-taking above agreed levels and human
error.
Our Management Board regularly
reviews and assesses principal risks faced by our business,
including those that could threaten our business model, strategy,
solvency, liquidity and future performance. All identified risks
are assessed based on their:
· probability or likelihood of occurrence;
· impact; and
· mitigation measures.
These risks are then scored and
ranked in accordance with remaining residual risk and monitored on
an ongoing basis by the Management Board.
In addition to the risk management
and the mitigation measures in place, a valuation of each
individual asset is carried out every six months at our financial
half-year and year-ends (30 June and 31 December). Such valuations
are based on long-term discounted future cash flows; themselves
predominantly based on long-term contracts and other assumptions.
Together, these form a key part of our overall viability
assessment. Once complete, an independent third-party valuer
reviews each portfolio valuation, which is also subject to audit
and review by our External Auditor, and internal oversight by our
Audit Committee.
A key part of the viability
assessment is analysing how our NAV could be impacted in stressed
macroeconomic scenarios. This provides further insight into how
BBGI could perform if affected by variables and events outside the
control of our Management Board and our risk management framework.
A more detailed description of the valuations, assumptions and
stress-testing applied is in the Valuation section of this Annual
Report.
Having conducted its assessment,
the Management Board has a reasonable expectation that BBGI will be
able to continue in operation and meet all its liabilities as they
fall due, up to March 2029. This assessment is subject to the
following conditions: the availability of sufficient capital and
market liquidity allowing for the refinancing/repayment of any
short-term recourse RCF obligations that may be due; and that
BBGI's investments are not materially affected by changes to
government policy, laws, regulations, or other risks that we do not
consider material or probable.
BBGI is also
subject to a biennial shareholder continuation vote, with the next
scheduled to take place at the AGM in April 2025.
Management Board Responsibilities
Statement
The Management Board is
responsible for ensuring proper preparation of BBGI's Annual and
Interim Reports and financial statements for each financial
reporting period, in accordance with applicable laws and
regulations, which require it to:
· give
a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position
and profit or loss of the Group as of and at the end of the
financial period, in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and the
Listing Rules;
· give
a true and fair view of the development and performance of the
business and the position of the Group; and
· give
a true and fair description of the principal risks and
uncertainties the Group may encounter and put in place an
appropriate control framework designed to meet the Group's
particular needs and the risks to which it is exposed.
In addition, the Management Board
is responsible for ensuring that BBGI complies with applicable
company law and other UK or Luxembourg applicable laws and
regulations.
In preparing these financial
statements, the Management Board is responsible for:
· selecting suitable accounting policies and applying them
consistently;
· making judgements and estimates that are reasonable and
prudently;
· stating whether applicable accounting standards have been
followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and
explained in the financial statements;
· preparing the financial statements on a going concern basis,
unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue
in business;
· maintaining proper accounting records, which disclose with
reasonable accuracy the Group's financial position and enable it to
ensure that the financial statements comply with all relevant
regulations; and
· safeguarding the Group's assets and taking reasonable steps
for the prevention and detection of fraud and other
irregularities.
Management Board Responsibilities Statement
We confirm that to the best of our
knowledge:
· the
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the
applicable set of accounting standards and give a true and fair
view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or
loss of the Company and Group included in the
consolidation.
· the
Chair's Statement and the Report of the Management Board
('Strategic Report') include a fair review of the development and
performance of the business, and the position of the Company and
Group included in the consolidation, together with a description of
the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.
Luxembourg, 27 March
2024
Duncan Ball
CEO
|
Michael Denny
CFOO
|
Andreas Parzych
Executive Director
|
Audit Report
To the Shareholders of BBGI Global Infrastructure
S.A.
Our opinion
In our opinion, the accompanying
consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the
consolidated financial position of BBGI Global Infrastructure S.A.
(the "Company") and its subsidiaries (the "Group") as at 31
December 2023, and of its consolidated financial performance and
its consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as
adopted by
the European
Union.
What we have audited
The Group's consolidated financial
statements comprise:
• the consolidated statement of financial position as at 31
December 2023;
• the consolidated income statement for the year then
ended;
• the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income for
the year then ended;
• the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year
then ended;
• the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then
ended; and
• the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which
include a summary of significant accounting policies.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in
accordance with the Law of 23 July 2016 on the audit profession
(Law of 23 July 2016) and with International Standards on Auditing
(ISAs) as adopted for Luxembourg by the "Commission de Surveillance
du Secteur Financier" (CSSF). Our responsibilities under the Law of
23 July 2016 and ISAs as adopted for Luxembourg by the CSSF are
further described in the "Responsibilities of the "Réviseur
d'entreprises agréé" for the audit of the consolidated financial
statements" section of our report.
We believe that the audit evidence
we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis
for our opinion.
We are independent of the Group in
accordance with the International Code of Ethics for Professional
Accountants, including International Independence Standards, issued
by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA
Code) as adopted for Luxembourg by the CSSF
together with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our
audit of the consolidated financial statements.
We have
fulfilled our
other ethical
responsibilities under those ethical requirements