During the financial year ending 31st December 2017, revenue of K 3,724 million (US$390 million) (2016:
K3,503 million (US$355 million) was recorded driven mostly by the increase to the end-user mining tariff. Adjusted Earnings Before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) was K964 million (US$101 million) [(2016: K923.54 million (US$90 million)].
As at 31 March 2018, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of K645 million (US$68 million) compared to total borrowings of K835 million (US$88 million) out of which K133 million (US$14 million) is payable in 2018. The Company’s net current assets as at that date was K664 million (US$70 million). Based on the financial forecast, it is expected that the working capital of the business over the next 12 months will be positive and that the Company will be profit-making during the same period.
The telecoms subsidiaries (CEC Liquid Telecom and Hai Telecoms) has been expanding its market share in the wholesale and retail segments and have been profitable two years consecutively; exhibiting potential for further growth prospects. The CEC board further recognises that the Company is primarily a power business and that there is need to continuously review its strategy around its continued investment in the telecoms operations going forward.
On 23 January 2018, the Company received a firm intention by Zambian Transmission LLP to buy all the shares in the capital of CEC. The board considered the offer and appointed an Independent Committee of the Board to consider the offer. The offer was sent, through an offer document to all shareholders, with an offer period commencing 20 February 2018.
Total Dividend paid for 2017 was K209 million (US$21 million) [(2016: K161.8 (US$16.4 million)].