Exhibit 99.1
Allego N.V.
Annual Report 2023
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1 | Introduction |
1.1. Preparation
In this report, the terms we, us, our and the Company refer to Allego N.V. and, where appropriate, its subsidiaries.
This report has been prepared by the Companys board of directors (the Board) pursuant to Section 2:391 and Section 2:391a of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC). This report relates to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and, unless explicitly stated otherwise, information presented in this report is as at December 31, 2023 and for the year then ended.
1.2. Forward-looking statements
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include information about our possible or assumed future results of operations or our performance. Words such as, anticipate, appear, approximate, believe, continue, could, estimate, expect, foresee, intends, indicates, may, might, plan, possible, potential, predict, project, seek, should, would and variations of such words and similar expressions (or the negative version of such words or expressions) may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. The risk factors and cautionary language referring to or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations described in our forward-looking statements, including among other things, the items identified in the section 3. Risk factors of this Annual Report. Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report may include, for example, statements about:
| the ability of Allego to cure the minimum share price deficiency and regain compliance with NYSE listing standards and for Allegos ordinary shares to remain listed on the NYSE; |
| changes adversely affecting Allegos business; |
| the price and availability of electricity and other energy sources; |
| the risks associated with vulnerability to industry downturns and regional or national downturns; |
| fluctuations in Allegos revenue and operating results; |
| unfavorable conditions or further disruptions in the capital and credit markets; |
| Allegos ability to generate cash, service indebtedness and incur additional indebtedness; |
| competition from existing and new competitors; |
| the agreement of various landowners to deployment of Allego charging stations; |
| the growth of the electric vehicle market; |
| Allegos ability to integrate any businesses it may acquire; |
| Allegos ability to recruit and retain experienced personnel; |
| risks related to legal proceedings or claims, including liability claims; |
| Allegos dependence on third-party contractors to provide various services; |
| data security breaches or other network outages; |
| Allegos ability to obtain additional capital on commercially reasonable terms; |
| Allegos ability to remediate its material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting; |
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| the impact of a pandemic or other health crises, including related supply chain disruptions and expense increases; |
| general economic or political conditions, including the Russia/Ukraine and Israel/Hamas conflicts or increased trade restrictions between the United States, Russia, China and other countries; and |
| other factors detailed under the section entitled 3. Risk factors in this Annual Report |
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
2 | Business |
2.1. Main activities
The main activities of Allego N.V. and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the Group, the Company, or Allego) are building, owning and operating charging points for electric vehicles in Europe.
Allego operates one of the largest pan-European electric vehicle (EV) public charging networks and is a provider of high value-add EV charging services to third-party customers. Its large, vehicle-agnostic European public network offers easy access for all EV car, truck and bus drivers. Allegos charging network includes fast, ultra-fast, and slow charging equipment. Allego takes a two-pronged approach to delivering charging solutions, providing an owned and operated public charging network with 100% certified renewable energy in addition to charging solutions for business customers, including leading retail and auto brands.
As of December 31, 2023, Allego owns or operates more than 35,000 (December 31, 2022: 33,000) charging ports across 16,402 (December 31, 2022: 17,000) public and private sites, spanning activities in 16 European countries (December 31, 2022: 16). In addition, it provides a wide variety of EV-related services including site design and technical layout, authorization and billing, and operations and maintenance to more than 497 customers that include fleets and corporations, charging hosts, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and municipalities.
2.2. Allego group structure
Allego N.V., a continuation of the former Allego Holding B.V. (Allego Holding) as detailed below, was incorporated as a Dutch private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) on June 3, 2021, under the laws of the Netherlands, under the name of Athena Pubco B.V.
Athena Pubco B.V. was incorporated for the purpose of effectuating the previously announced business combination (the SPAC Transaction) pursuant to the terms of the business combination agreement (BCA). Following the consummation of the SPAC Transaction on March 16, 2022, Athena Pubco B.V. was redesignated as Allego N.V. and became the parent company of the combined business. In connection with the SPAC Transaction, the Allego Articles were amended and Allego changed its legal form from a Dutch private liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkteaansprakelijkheid) to a Dutch public liability company (naamloze vennootschap).
The Group operates with a one-tier company regime. In 2023, the Board had one executive director and eight non-executive directors. Allego had nine directors, of whom seven are male and two are female.
In 2023, the Executive Board the strategic management of Allego has three directors of whom all are male. Where appropriate, they regularly review the significant risks and decisions that could have a material impact on the Group. These reviews consider the level of risk that the Group is prepared to take in pursuit of the business strategy and the effectiveness
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of the management controls in place to mitigate the risk exposure. The Executive Boards responsibilities include, among other things, setting the Groups management agenda, developing a view on the Groups sustainable long-term value creation, and enhancing the performance of the Group. It should be noted that the Executive Board does not constitute an executive committee in the context of the Dutch Corporate Governance Code.
Allegos culture is inclusive, promoting gender balance and respecting the contribution of all employees regardless of gender, age, race, disability or sexual orientation. Our aim is to attract, retain and develop the best talent regardless of gender, age, race, disability or sexual orientation. We will continue to apply this principle when new board and management position appointments are made, with the long-term objective of having at least 30% of women and 30% of men within the group of non-executive directors of the Board and at least 40% of women and 40% of men in senior management positions. No individual targets have been set for executive directors, as there is only one executive director on the Board. For more information on our diversity and inclusion policy, reference is made to section 5.7.
The Groups principal subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures as at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are included in Note 37.1 in the consolidated financial statements.
2.3. Our business strategy
Growth strategies
Allego considers itself a market leader in fast and ultra-fast charging in terms of sites in the major European markets including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Portugal, Sweden and the United Kingdom, making it a leading EV public charging provider in Europe.
Allegos growth strategy consists of:
| Increasing its leadership in fast and ultra-fast charging by investing in its owned public charging points network, which is the largest segment of Allegos services. |
| Developing its services business to complement its public charging points network. The objective is twofold, triggering more traffic on the Allego network and securing long-term relationships with B2B customers. |
| Offering new functionalities to EV drivers that use the Allego network or its services with enhanced features of Allegos software platform. |
Allego charging network
Allego operates its public charging networks through its local teams and subsidiaries in the countries in which it operates. The selection of a site is managed by a central network team, and the lease agreements for the sites are managed locally. Allegos team efficiently contacts retailers, real estate companies, municipalities, and other entities with space or charging needs that Allego may provide.
Services activity
Allegos approach to servicing customers focuses on two segments.
| Commercial. Many commercial businesses already own or lease parking spaces. Allego targets businesses that wish to electrify some or all of these parking spaces. This often comes in the form of a sale and service, but Allego may choose to invest in the network depending on the quality of the sites. If Allego decides to invest in a network, the charging points are integrated into the Allego charging network. Allegos software platform offers the flexibility to allow businesses to charge specific prices to its customers while giving access to the public generally. Allegos capacity to invest in sites enables it to secure the best locations and to foster long-term relationships with commercial customers. Accordingly, Allego is able to offer its commercial customers a dual-tracked approach, depending upon the needs of its customers, which offers a strong proposition for many commercial sites throughout Europe. |
| Fleet. Allegos fleet customers are organizations that operate vehicle fleets in the delivery and logistics, sales, service, motorpool, shared transit and ridesharing spaces. Allego has developed comprehensive solutions for its fleet customers by offering chargers and installations for special access to its network, specific prices, and charging solutions in their premises. |
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Allegos charging network is a capital-intensive activity with attractive margins. Allegos services offerings do not require substantial capital, but allow it to leverage synergies and create a network effect to increase traffic. Furthermore, there is organizational overlap between developing Allegos charging network and bolstering its services activity which decreases the cost of operations.
Our platform
The Allego go-to-market strategy uses its proprietary platform that facilitates the various steps of development and sales. Site selection, business plan computation, orders, installation, commissioning, maintenance, monitoring and payments are managed through the EVCloudTM and AllamoTM platforms which promotes efficiency and continuously decreases operational costs. Allego continuously invests in the EVCloudTM platform for maintenance and to develop new functionalities. It is essential to have a scalable platform that can handle tens of thousands of transactions simultaneously and manage distributed assets on a large scale with thousands of sites remotely.
Energy supply
Allego has extensive knowledge of the electricity supply in its markets. Its sourcing is from green renewable energy supported by green certificates. Allego can source its electricity on a long-term basis with renewable assets in order to hedge price increases and can pass-through increases in electricity prices in the charging sessions of the Allego network. In addition, Allego has developed its own capacity to operate directly on the electricity market as a wholesale buyer if needed in order to minimize the cost of its sourcing and to have long-term direct relationships with renewable assets such as wind or solar farms. Furthermore, Allego has developed smart charging capacity in order to cope with grid capacity constraints and avoid any overload of the grid. Allego is also developing solutions in order to offer ancillary services to grid operators through its charging points, making it one of the first EV company to propose such services. The anticipated costs associated with providing these ancillary services have been included in the budget for the development of Allegos platform and do not represent additional costs. Management anticipates that these ancillary services will be offered to grid operators in the near future.
Allegos energy supply is an element of its cost structure. Allego obtains electricity for its own charging stations through contracts with power suppliers or through direct sourcing in the market. Supply costs related to energy supply are based on short term, mid-term or long-term power futures prices on the various European power exchanges. In addition to these supply costs, there are grid connection costs (distribution of power, connection, and meters) which are paid by Allego as a consumer of power. These grid connection costs are regulated and paid to the Transmission System Operator and Distribution System Operator which are regulated entities.
2.4. 2023 financial and operating review
Recent developments
Energy cost
The Group provides electricity directly through its own chargers and needs to procure this energy from the power markets in Europe. The results for the year ended December 31, 2022 were heavily influenced by the increase in energy costs. In response, Allego increased charging prices during the second half of 2022 and entered into power purchase agreements (PPAs) to mitigate the future negative impact of increased energy costs. During 2023, Allego entered into more PPAs totaling more than 300 GWh/y. This strategy allows the Group to benefit from the secured energy sourced from renewable PPAs in main markets and to minimize the impact of energy price volatility on the cost base. These agreements have duration of 5 to 11 years and set a fixed price of the renewable electricity for the whole duration of agreements.
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New contracts related to contract solutions
In 2023, Allego entered into several new commercial partnerships to secure optimal locations to grow the network. A strategic partnership was formed with Ikea Belgium for the development of fast charging facilities at all Ikea locations in Belgium. Additionally, Allego has partnered with Fueling Company Goon to install 168 fast and ultra-fast charging ports across Denmark. Further collaborations included a strategic partnership with OIL! Tank & Go to install ultra-fast chargers at all 80 Danish OIL! Tank & Go locations and a partnership with VINCI to install 4 fast charging hubs in France. Allego further expanded its strategic partnership with Porta Group to install 1,500 fast and ultra-fast charging points at 123 Porta Group locations in Germany. Moreover, Allego entered into a partnership with real estate company Trophi to build 32 fast charging points in Sweden and Allego inaugurated its first ultra-fast charging station in the UK at the Stadium MK.
Exchange of warrants
As at December 31, 2023, the Group had no warrants outstanding. On October 3, 2023 and October 18, 2023, all the publicly traded warrants (Public Warrants) were exchanged. As a result of the exchange, 13,799,948 Public Warrants were converted into 3,156,630 Allego N.V. ordinary shares. No consideration was received from the Company as part of the exchange. Please refer to Note 27 (Warrant liabilities) of the consolidated financial statements for details about the warrants.
Achieved revenue and results
For the year ended December 31, |
Change | Change | ||||||||||||||
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | | % | ||||||||||||
Revenue |
145,453 | 133,900 | 11,553 | 9 | % | |||||||||||
Cost of sales |
(109,259 | ) | (126,655 | ) | 17,396 | (14 | %) | |||||||||
Gross profit |
36,194 | 7,245 | 28,949 | 400 | % | |||||||||||
Other income/(expenses) |
(6,603 | ) | 3,724 | (10,327 | ) | (277 | %) | |||||||||
Selling and distribution expenses |
(2,603 | ) | (2,587 | ) | (16 | ) | 1 | % | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
(98,957 | ) | (323,358 | ) | 224,402 | (69 | %) | |||||||||
Operating loss |
(71,969 | ) | (314,976 | ) | 243,008 | (77 | %) | |||||||||
Finance income/(costs) |
(37,809 | ) | 10,320 | (48,130 | ) | (466 | %) | |||||||||
Loss before income tax |
(109,778 | ) | (304,656 | ) | 194,878 | (64 | %) | |||||||||
Income tax |
(504 | ) | (636 | ) | 132 | (21 | %) | |||||||||
Loss for the year |
(110,282 | ) | (305,292 | ) | 195,010 | (64 | %) |
Revenue
Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by 11,553 thousand, or 9%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. The drivers of the changes are further described below:
For the year ended December 31, |
Change | Change | ||||||||||||||
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | | % | ||||||||||||
Type of goods or service |
||||||||||||||||
Charging sessions |
103,265 | 65,347 | 37,918 | 58 | % | |||||||||||
Service revenue from the sale of charging equipment |
10,303 | 33,585 | (23,282 | ) | (69 | %) | ||||||||||
Service revenue from installation services |
20,391 | 28,630 | (8,239 | ) | (29 | %) | ||||||||||
Service revenue from operation and maintenance of charging equipment |
5,399 | 3,230 | 2,169 | 67 | % | |||||||||||
Service revenue from consulting services |
6,095 | 3,108 | 2,987 | 96 | % | |||||||||||
Total revenue from external customers |
145,453 | 133,900 | 11,553 | 9 | % |
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Charging revenue
(in 000) |
2023 | |||
Total charging revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 |
65,347 | |||
Increase related to increase in energy sold |
21,821 | |||
Increase related to increase of charging prices |
16,097 | |||
Total charging revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 |
103,265 |
Charging sessions revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by 37,918 thousand, or 58%, to 103,265 thousand compared to 65,347 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, charging revenue increased by 21,821 thousand year-over-year as a result of an increase in energy sold. This was driven by charging sessions at both new and existing chargers. The total energy sold increased by 33%, from 155 GWh for the year ended December 31, 2022 to 206 GWh for the year ended December 31, 2023 due to an increase in EV usage from a growing number of new cars with extended battery capacity being sold during the year, and an increased installed base of charging ports. As at December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022, the Company had a 106% increase in number of owned ultra-fast charging ports. The increase in energy sold was additionally driven by an increase of 19% in the number of charging sessions and a 12% increase in the utilization of the chargers year-over-year.
Finally, an increase of 16,097 thousand in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, was due to an increase in average charging price per kWh of 18% year-over-year. The average charging price per kWh increased from 0.4 in 2022 to 0.5 in 2023, mainly driven by higher charging tariffs on ultra-fast and fast chargers compared to slow chargers.
As at December 31, 2023, Allego operated owned charging stations predominantly in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
Service revenue
(in 000) |
2023 | |||
Total service revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022 |
68,553 | |||
Decrease related to sale of charging equipment |
(23,282 | ) | ||
Decrease in installation services |
(8,239 | ) | ||
Increase in operation and maintenance of charging equipment |
2,169 | |||
Increase in consulting services |
2,987 | |||
Total service revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 |
42,188 |
Overall service revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by 26,365 thousand or 38%, to 42,188 thousand compared to 68,553 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Service revenue from the sale of charging equipment decreased by 23,282 thousand, or 69%, to 10,303 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 33,585 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022. Service revenue from installation services decreased by 8,239 thousand, or 29%, to 20,391 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 28,630 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022. Service revenue from operation and maintenance of charging equipment increased by 2,169 thousand, or 67%, to 5,399 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 3,230 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022. Revenue from consulting services increased by 2,987 thousand or 96%, to 6,095 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 3,108 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The decrease in service revenue from the sale of charging equipment and installation services for the year ended December 31, 2023 was primarily due to an anticipated decrease in revenues from the project with EV Cars (formerly project Carrefour). As the majority of the project was developed last year, the project slowed down compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, which resulted in a significant decrease of 39,040 thousand. This was partially compensated by an increase in service revenue from the sale of charging equipment to Mercedes Benz of 8,660 thousand. The acquisition of Mega-E in March 2022 has also contributed to the decrease in service revenue by 1,670 thousand in 2023 as Mega-E is consolidated by the Group since April 2022. Moreover, there was a decrease in service revenue on other projects, such as LeasePlan (a decrease of 1,660 thousand) and Nissan (a decrease of 300 thousand). This is offset by an increase in service revenue of 1,870 thousand arising from a collaboration with the Dutch National Post service and an increase of other projects for 619 thousand.
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The increase in service revenue from operation and maintenance of charging equipment was mainly driven by the roll out of the EV Cars project for 2,559 thousand, offset by the decrease of service revenue on other projects for 390 thousand.
The increase in service revenue from consulting services of 2,987 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2023 was driven by the recognition of twelve months revenue in 2023 as opposed to approximately seven months in 2022 in the Groups consolidated statement of profit or loss due to the acquisition of Modélisation, Mesures et Applications S.A. (MOMA) being finalized at the beginning of June 2022.
Cost of sales
The cost of sales numbers are further specified below:
For the year ended December 31, |
Change | Change | ||||||||||||||
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | | % | ||||||||||||
Cost of sales - charging sessions |
(81,396 | ) | (77,792 | ) | (3,604 | ) | 5 | % | ||||||||
Cost of sales - sale of charging equipment |
(8,842 | ) | (28,065 | ) | 19,223 | (68 | %) | |||||||||
Cost of sales - installation services |
(17,400 | ) | (20,167 | ) | 2,767 | (14 | %) | |||||||||
Cost of sales - operation and maintenance of charging equipment |
(1,621 | ) | (631 | ) | (990 | ) | 157 | % | ||||||||
Total cost of sales |
(109,259 | ) | (126,655 | ) | 17,396 | (14 | %) |
Cost of sales for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by 17,396 thousand, or 14%, to 109,259 thousand compared to 126,655 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Cost of sales - Charging sessions
(in 000) |
2023 | |||
Total cost of sales charging sessions for the year ended December 31, 2022 |
(77,792 | ) | ||
Increase related to more energy sold |
(19,188 | ) | ||
Decrease related to lower energy prices |
20,206 | |||
Increase related to depreciation |
(4,622 | ) | ||
Total cost of sales charging sessions for the year ended December 31, 2023 |
(81,396 | ) |
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the increase in cost of sales for charging sessions was substantially driven by an increase in energy sold, resulting from the sale of an additional 51 GWh of energy, when compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2023, maintenance costs also increased by 8%, when compared to the same period in 2022. Moreover, the continued growth of Allegos portfolio of chargers resulted in a larger installed base of chargers, driving depreciation expense up by 23% year-over-year for the year ended December 31, 2023. However, the increase was partially offset by the lower energy prices. On average, the costs of energy / kWh decreased by 26% during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period during 2022.
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Cost of sales - Service
(in 000) |
2023 | |||
Total cost of sales - service for the year ended December 31, 2022 |
(48,863 | ) | ||
Decrease related to sale of charging equipment |
19,223 | |||
Decrease related to installation services |
2,767 | |||
Increase related to operation and maintenance of charging equipment |
(990 | ) | ||
Total cost of sales - service for the year ended December 31, 2023 |
(27,863 | ) |
The decrease in cost of sales for services for the year ended December 31, 2023, was primarily driven by the decrease of 24,530 thousand and 9,750 thousand in relation to the EV Cars project and the acquisition of Mega-E, respectively. However, this was partially offset by an increase of 5,968 thousand in relation to the Mercedes Benz project.
Gross profit and gross margin
Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased by 28,949 thousand, or 400%, to 36,194 thousand compared to 7,245 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022. The gross margin for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased to 25% compared to 5% for the year ended December 31, 2022. This was driven primarily by higher prices charged to customers and the decrease in energy prices compared to 2022. The decrease in margin on service revenue was due to the lower revenue on several projects as discussed above.
Result for the year
Loss attributable to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by 195,010 thousand or 64% to 110,282 thousand compared to 305,292 thousand the year ended December 31, 2022. This is mainly due to the increase in gross profit and reduction in general and other administrative expenses, which has been partially offset by increased finance costs and increased other expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased due to a decrease in share-based payments subsequent to the completion of the Business Combination and the decreased share-based payment expenses related to the Management Incentive Plan, which were partially offset by the share-based payment expenses related to the Long-term Incentive Plan. Finance costs, as opposed to finance income in 2022, were mainly driven by fair value movements on derivatives and warrant liabilities, as well as increased interest expenses on the renewed facility.
Information on cash flows
The net cash outflow for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 38,441 thousand (2022: net cash inflow 58,364 thousand). The net cash outflow in 2023 can be summarized as follows:
For the year ended December 31, | ||||||||
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Cash flows used in operating activities |
(45,169 | ) | (108,349 | ) | ||||
Cash flows used in investing activities |
(68,906 | ) | (94,960 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities |
75,634 | 261,673 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
(38,441 | ) | 58,364 |
Cash flows used in operating activities
Cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 45,169 thousand compared to cash used in operating activities of 108,349 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the cash used in operating activities primarily consisted of a net loss before income tax of 109,778 thousand, reduced by non-operating elements of 106,739 thousand, an increase in net operating assets of 27,643 thousand, interest paid of 14,792 thousand and income taxes paid of 852 thousand. The major components of non-operating elements relate to depreciation, amortization and (reversal of) impairments of 32,394 thousand, other finance costs of 31,535 thousand, share-based payment expense of 21,120 thousand, net (gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment of 7,975 thousand, fair value losses/(gains) on derivatives (PPAs) of 7,442 thousand and fair value (losses)/gains on warrant liabilities of 6,273 thousand. The increase in net operating assets was mainly due to an increase of 20,490 thousand in trade and other receivables, contract assets and prepayments, an increase of 9,491 thousand in other financial assets and an increase of 7,828 thousand in trade and other payables and contract liabilities, as well as an increase in inventory of 8,087 thousand.
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Cash flows used in investing activities
Cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 68,906 thousand compared to 94,960 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2022. The year-over-year movement was primarily due to an increase in purchases of property, plant and equipment of 43,524 thousand. This was offset by a decrease in cash used for acquisitions of 68,364 thousand, a decrease in proceeds from government grants of 375 thousand and a decrease in the purchases of intangible assets of 1,572 thousand.
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash from financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 75,634 thousand compared to cash from financing activities of 261,673 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2022. The year-over-year movement was primarily due to a decrease in proceeds received from issuance of equity instruments of 142,769 thousand, a decrease in proceeds from borrowings of 76,810 thousand, a decrease in repayment of borrowings of 23,403 thousand and a decrease in the payment of transaction costs related to borrowings of 9,175 thousand.
Trade and other receivables and payables
As at December 31, 2023, the closing balances of trade and other receivables and trade and other payables were 56,043 thousand (December 31, 2022: 47,235 thousand) and 76,948 thousand (December 31, 2022: 56,390 thousand), respectively. The increase of trade and other receivables was a result of increasing revenues in 2023 and the increase in trade and other payables resulted from the interest payable on the renewed facility and increased expenses.
Information on solvency, liquidity and future financing
The Groups strategy requires significant capital expenditures, and investments in building the Groups organization aimed at increasing the scale of its operations. The Group incurred losses during the first years of its operations including during the year ended December 31, 2023, and expects to continue to incur losses in the next twelve months from the issuance date of these consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. This is typical in the industry, as builders and operators of EV charging sites often incur losses in the early years of operation as the network grows and consumers begin adopting EVs. Therefore, the Group relies heavily on funding from bank borrowings and equity issuance. During 2022, the Group entered into a new facility agreement with a group of lenders led by Société Générale and Banco Santander, increasing the total available facility by 230,000 thousand to 400,000 thousand, to further support its growth. The Groups strategy is based on further growth and will require additional significant funding from lenders or its existing or new shareholders.
As at December 31, 2023, the losses incurred during the first years of its operations (partially offset by equity contributions from 2022), resulted in a negative equity of 79,322 thousand (December 31, 2022: positive 27,758 thousand). The Groups operations to date have been funded by borrowings from the banks, as well as proceeds from the SPAC Transaction. In the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2023, the carrying value of the Groups borrowings amounts to 350,722 thousand (December 31, 2022: 269,033 thousand).
Borrowings
On December 19, 2022, the Group entered into a new facility agreement (the renewed facility) with a group of lenders led by Société Générale and Banco Santander, increasing the total available facility by 230,000 thousand to 400,000 thousand, to further support its growth. The renewed facility consists of:
i. | 170,000 thousand used to settle the old facility |
ii. | up to 200,000 thousand to be used for financing and refinancing certain capital expenditures and permitted acquisitions (and for other permitted debt servicing uses), and |
iii. | up to 30,000 thousand to be used for issuance of guarantees and letters of credit (and when utilized by way of letters of credit, for general corporate purposes). |
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The renewed facility expires in December 2027 and bears interest at EURIBOR plus a margin. As of December 31, 2023, the Group has not drawn on 8,390 thousand of this facility and the unutilized amount from the guarantee facility is 17,500 thousand. The Company has not drawn any further amount from the renewed facility till the date of issuance of financial statements, however additional letters of credit were issued in 2024 to renewable electricity suppliers in relation to existing power purchase agreements and site construction suppliers for a total amount of 10,527 thousand. Refer to Note 38 of the consolidated financial statements.
Under the terms of the renewed facility, the Group is required to comply with financial covenants, including leverage ratio and interest cover ratio, at the consolidated level of Allego N.V. Historically, the Group met its covenants as per the old facility agreement. A covenant breach would negatively affect the Groups financial position and cash flows. In the event of a covenant breach, the Group may within ten business days from the occurrence of a breach or the anticipated breach of the loan covenants remedy such default by providing evidence of receipt of new funding, sufficient to cure such breach (equity cure right). Such remediation is available for not more than two consecutive testing dates and four times over the duration of the renewed facility. In case the covenants breach is not cured, such a breach is considered a default and could lead to the cancellation of the total undrawn commitments and the loan to become immediately due and payable.
Even though the Group has complied with the covenants of the old facility and renewed facility throughout all reporting periods presented, the Group is also forecasted to potentially breach the interest cover ratio and leverage ratio covenants at December 31, 2024 and the Group is dependent on obtaining additional financing to execute on its business plan. The covenant ratios are increasing every testing date until June 30, 2027 in line with this business plan. For more information on the impact of the Groups potential breach of its covenants on the going concern assumption, refer to Note 2.2 of the consolidated financial statements.
The compliance with covenants under the renewed facility agreement shall be tested every 6 months, with the testing period being the 12 months ending December 31 and June 30. The first testing date of the interest cover ratio was June 30, 2023, and as at that date, the Group complied with these covenants. The Group has also complied with these covenants as at December 31, 2023. The first testing date of the leverage ratio is June 30, 2024.
Please refer to Note 34 (Capital management) and Note 25 (Borrowings) to the consolidated financial statements for additional detail on loan covenants and information on the terms and conditions of the renewed facility.
In parallel to the renewed facility, the Group entered into interest rate caps derivatives to help offset the interest rate risk on at least 65%. The Group has two interest rate caps in place with a notional of 240,500 thousand (December 31, 2022: two interest rate caps with a notional of 181,487 thousand) which mature in December 2027. As at December 31, 2023, the interest rate caps cover approximately 67% (December 31, 2022: 65%) of the variable loan principal outstanding. The strike price changes over time and ranges between 1.50% and 3.43%. Details about the Groups interest rate caps are included in Note 19 (Other financial assets) and Note 33 (Financial risk management) to the consolidated financial statements.
Pledged balances
The renewed facility is secured by pledges on the bank accounts (presented as part of cash and cash equivalents and non-current other financial assets), pledges on trade and other receivables and pledges on the shares of its main subsidiaries in the capital of Allego Holding B.V., Allego B.V., Allego GmbH and Allego France SAS held by the Company.
The carrying amount of assets pledged as security for the renewed facilities as of December 31, 2023 is 58,306 thousand. Refer to Note 25 (Borrowings) to the consolidated financial statements for more information.
Tender offer for ordinary shares of Allego and voluntary delisting from the NYSE
In June 2024, it was announced that Madeleine will launch a tender offer (the Offer) to purchase all ordinary shares of the Allego that are not held by Madeleine or its affiliates. The completion of the Offer will be followed by Allegos voluntary delisting of its ordinary shares from the NYSE and deregistration of its securities from the SEC.
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After exploring various options, in June 2024, the Group entered into a Development and Installation Contract and an O&M contract with a special purpose vehicle that is wholly owned by Meridiam to develop, operate and maintain charging sites in Germany (collectively, Project Faolan). As a result from this transaction, the Group will receive an amount of cash equal to 25,300 thousand at the closing of Project Faolan and an amount of cash equal to 20,517 thousand on September 15, 2024 (collectively, the Faolan Contribution). The Faolan Contribution relates to the sale of assets to the special purpose vehicle and remuneration for services to be provided in the future. The Faolan Contribution is contingent upon the fulfillment of certain operational conditions, which include the novation of specific lease contracts. As these conditions have been satisfied, the Group is entitled to receive the first payment of 25,300 thousand. The payment of 20,517 thousand remains subject to fulfillment of certain operational conditions.
In addition, the Group expects to receive an additional 310,000 thousand through the issuance of convertible bonds to Madeleine or its affiliates (the Meridiam Contribution). The Faolan Contribution and Meridiam Contribution are each conditional upon several factors specific to the respective contribution, however, the conditions for the 25,300 thousand contribution related to the Faolan project have by now been met. For further information, reference is made to Note 2.2 Going concern assumption and financial position. For further details on the Offer, reference is made to Note 38 Subsequent events.
2.5. Sustainability
Allego takes social responsibility seriously and aims to contribute positively to society. One of our main ambitions is to accelerate the transition towards sustainable mobility with 100% renewable energy. To further our mission, we source electricity from renewable sources.
In November 2022, Allego signed its first long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). During the year ended December 31, 2023, we entered into additional PPAs in the Netherlands and Germany to secure electricity from renewable sources. Our aim is to cover at least 80% of the Groups electricity supply with PPAs. During the year 2023, we have made progress towards this goal, with the supply from PPAs covering 52% of the total electricity consumption in the Netherlands and Germany. Besides reducing the overall carbon intensity of the grid, there are other initiatives that Allego uses to improve the efficiency of charging EVs in a similar manner to demand side management of normal electricity.
At Allego, we strongly believe in human rights. We therefore embed non-discriminatory practices, adhere to internationally acceptable working conditions and promote diversity and inclusion within our workforce. We also strive to uphold the highest working conditions and our objectives are to maintain high health & safety procedures, have healthy and happy employees and prevent unacceptable risks to the environment that may result from our activities. To ensure Allegos policies and procedures remain current, the Code of Conduct and the Whistle-blower procedure are continuously updated to reflect the latest best practices. In addition, the Company has implemented a diversity and inclusion policy.
We are currently further developing specific policies related to sustainability. Recognizing the importance of having a robust sustainability strategy, we have introduced a stakeholder dialogue policy. In 2024, we plan to focus on further engaging with our key stakeholders to discuss the sustainability aspects of our strategy.
2.6. Business and market developments and outlook 2024 - 2025
Allego continues to benefit from a European EV market that, according to Allegos estimates, is nearly twice the size of the United States EV market, and Allego estimates that the European EV market will have a 35% CAGR from 2023 to 2027. Based on this projection, the number of EVs in Europe is expected to grow to nearly 22 million by 2027, as compared to 7 million today. The combination of a high urbanization rate and a scarcity of in-home parking means European EV drivers require fast, public EV charging locations that provide reliable and convenient charging. As part of Allegos expansion plans, Allego will focus on fast and ultra-fast charging locations, which maximize utilization rates, carry higher gross margins and are preferred by EV drivers and fleets operators.
Additionally, stringent European CO2 regulations for internal combustion engines (ICE) and highly favorable incentives for electric vehicle purchases are expected to continue to drive adoption rates of EV over ICE vehicles. For example, the sale of new ICE cars will end by 2035 in Europe. In addition, the French government initiated a social lease program, aiming to support households with a taxable income of less than 15,400 to drive an electric vehicle for just 100 per month. There are also other European initiatives aimed at providing sufficient and accessible charging infrastructure to EV drivers across the continent, such as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR).
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With a first mover advantage, a robust pipeline of over 1,525 premium sites to be equipped with fast and ultra-fast chargers, and an additional pipeline of more than 1,000 sites being currently negotiated, Allego believes it is well positioned to execute its growth objectives. In 2024, Allego entered into a partnership with Ford to install Ultra-Fast chargers in hundreds of Ford dealerships across Europe and a partnership with Burger King France to provide its restaurants with Ultra-Fast charging stations throughout the country. In addition, in May 2024, Allego has been selected for the project Cross-border Charging Electric, along with three other companies to install 911 high-powered charging points across 239 locations in Europe for both light and heavy-duty electric vehicles. The project is scheduled to be finalized by October 2026 and it is part of the AFIRs initiatives.
Allegos business model is based on the mission of providing easily accessible, highly reliable, hassle-free charging points to all types of EV users. Allego developed a unique, proprietary software platform that can manage any hardware chargers and charging sessions while enabling any MSP to use Allegos network. Allego used this platform to create two complementary business segments to capitalize on the full breadth of EV charging opportunity: its owned fast and ultra-fast public charging network and high value-add third-party services.
Going forward the Group will maintain the focus on growth by developing and operating new charging points and providing related service solutions. The Group will also continue to focus on improving gross margin by optimizing operational efficiencies, leveraging procurement efficiencies, systems and IT development.
As EV adoption increases throughout Europe, utilization rates are expected to continue to increase. In 2023, utilization rates went up to 13.05% (December 31, 2022: 10.40%) and remained stable as of March 31, 2024. This is mainly due to the impact of newly installed ultra-fast chargers, which offset the increased utilization rates on mature chargers. Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023 increased to 145,453 thousand from 133,900 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was mainly due to an increase in public charging points and number of charging sessions, an increase in average charging price per kWh and an increase in utilization rates. Further revenue growth is expected for 2024 in line with the EV market growth. Overall, Allego expects to capitalize on additional growth opportunities through accelerating the installation of chargers in line with the expected growth in the EV market, combined with the measures taken by the Group to improve the margin with the strategy to secure long-term renewable low-cost electricity from PPAs.
Allego believes its performance and future success depend on several factors that present significant opportunities for it but also pose risks and challenges, including those discussed below (and also mentioned in the section related to major risks and uncertainties for the Group):
| Growth of EV adoption; |
| EV drivers usage patterns; |
| Competition; |
| Technology risks; |
| Supply risks; |
| Energy pricing; |
| Potential pandemic or other health crises. |
Research and development
Allego has invested a significant amount of time and expense into the research and development of its platform technologies. Allegos ability to maintain its leadership position depends in part on its ongoing research and development activities. Allegos technical teams are responsible for defining technical solutions for all of the services Allego provides, from hardware specifications to the technical layout for installation, to the development of its software platform.
Allego has a software development team that develops its platform technologies, as well as the different components that comprise such platforms. For specific development needs, Allego will sometimes use external parties that are closely supervised by Allego.
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Allegos research and development is principally conducted at its headquarters in Arnhem, Netherlands. As of December 31, 2023, Allegos research and development team consisted of more than 8 full-time employees (December 31, 2022: more than 11 full-time employees). The team decreased as a portion of its members have been transferred to a different team that focuses on searching for new locations for charging sites.
Future investments and financing
Details on the main sources of liquidity and financing during the year ended and as of December 31, 2023 have been disclosed in section 2.4. Although the expectation for the coming year is that the Company will continue to have net losses and make additional investments, the Group believes the cash flows from operations and renewed credit facility is expected to be sufficient until December 31, 2025 based on the Companys forecast and the remediation options available. This is subject, to a certain extent, to general economic, financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.
Further long-term investments, development activities, and operations until December 31, 2025 will require additional financing to be obtained. Currently, no commitments exist for further growth investments. The Group will be required to seek additional financing to continue to execute its growth strategy and business plan in the long-term. The realization of such financing is inherently uncertain. Securing additional funding - by raising additional equity or debt financing - is important for the Groups ability to continue as a going concern in the long-term. However, there is no assurance that the Group will be able to raise additional equity or debt financing on acceptable terms, or at all.
As a result of managements forecast and the potential breach of its covenants disclosed in section 2.4, combined with the need for additional funding, there is a material uncertainty that casts significant doubt upon the Groups ability to continue as a going concern. For more information related to the going concern assumption of the Group and the refinancing of the old facility, refer to Note 2.2 and Note 25 in the consolidated financial statements.
For more information regarding the Offer that was announced in June 2024 and the funding expected to be received as part of this transaction, reference is made to Note 38 Subsequent events. For the impact of the transaction on the going concern assumption, refer to Note 2.2 Going concern assumption and financial position.
Employees
Allego strives to offer competitive employee compensation and benefits in order to attract and retain a skilled and diverse work force. As of December 31, 2023, Allego had 243 (December 31, 2022: 220) employees, 190 (December 31, 2022: 182) of whom were regular full-time and 52 (December 31, 2022: 38) of whom were engaged on a part-time basis. All of Allegos employees are located in Europe, with the majority in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Allego has a works council as required by law in the Netherlands and Allego believes it maintains good relations with its employees.
3 | Risk factors |
3.1. Major risks and uncertainties of the Group
Summary of key risk factors
The principal risks and uncertainties which the Company faces include the risks and uncertainties summarized in this chapter 3.1 See chapter 3.2 of this report for additional detail and additional risks and uncertainties which the Company faces.
Risk factors
Our approach to risk management is practical to our needs and follows good practice. It is recognized by the Board that risk management is integral to Allegos strategy and to the achievement of Allegos long-term goals. The success of Allego as an organization depends on its ability to identify and mitigate risks as well as to identify and exploit opportunities generated by its business and the markets it operates in.
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Allego defines risks as actions or events that have the potential to impact our ability to achieve our objectives. Allego identifies and mitigates risks such as loss of money, performance, reputation and talent. Our risk appetite serves as a guideline to determine the measures we may take in mitigating some of the risks and uncertainties we face. Our risk appetite is aligned with our strategy and priorities. We have a low to moderate appetite, as expressed in the overview on this page. When determining the appetite for certain risk categories, Allego determines the probability of each risk becoming a reality and the impact it would have on, which are categorized as follows: strategy, operating activities, financial position and reporting, and laws and regulations.
Low risk appetite |
Moderate risk appetite |
High risk appetite | ||
Operational activities | Strategy | |||
Laws and regulations | Financial position and reporting |
The key risks identified are those that threaten the achievement of Allegos goals and objectives. Below is an overview of the key risk factors and mitigating actions taken or planned to be taken by us. These risk factors are viewed by Allegos Management Team as being the most relevant. The company has put in place mitigating actions to counter the identified risks. The mentioning of these mitigating actions may not in any way be viewed as an implied or express guarantee that such mitigation will in practice be effective in limiting the risk exposure and/or the potential damage to us from any such risk materializing.
# | Risks | Mitigating factors | ||
Strategy | ||||
1 | Allegos business is subject to risks associated with the price of electricity, which may hamper its profitability and growth
Allego obtains electricity for its own charging stations through contracts with power suppliers or through direct sourcing on the market from producers. In most of the countries in which Allego operates, there are many suppliers that can offer medium or long-term contracts that can allow Allego to hedge the price of electricity. However, market conditions may change, triggering fluctuations and global increases in the price of electricity. For example, the price of electricity is generally higher in the winter due to higher electricity demands, and Europe experience record high electricity price increases in 2022 caused in large part by the Russia/Ukraine conflict. While these costs could be passed on to EV customers, increases in the price of electricity could result in near-term cash flow strains to Allego. In addition, global increases in electricity pricing will increase the price of charging, which could impact demand and hamper the use of public charging by EV customers, thus decreasing the number of charging sessions on Allegos charging stations and adversely impacting its profitability and growth. Furthermore, competitors may be able to source electricity on better terms than Allego, which may allow those competitors to offer lower prices for charging, which may also decrease the number of charging sessions on Allegos charging stations and adversely impact its profitability and growth. |
More frequent reviews of the budget and forecasts by management will provide insight on the effect of any increased cost on the companys supply chain and business.
Continuous review of electricity market trends, actively negotiating applicable terms,(pro-)active and transparent dialogue with business partners, vendors and customers.
Allego has entered into medium- and long-term power purchase agreements with renewable power suppliers to mitigate the future negative impact of increased energy costs. | ||
2 | Allego is dependent on the availability of electricity at its current and future charging sites. Delays and/or other restrictions on the availability of electricity (for example, grid connections delays) would adversely affect Allegos business and results of operations
The operation and development of Allegos charging points is dependent upon the availability of electricity, which is beyond its control. Allegos charging points are affected by problems accessing electricity sources, such as planned or unplanned power outages or limited grid capacity. In the event of a power outage, Allego will be dependent on the grid operator, and in some cases the site host, to restore power for its B2B solutions or to unlock grid capacity. Any prolonged power outage or limited grid capacity could adversely affect customer experience and Allegos business and results of operations. Allegos public charging points may be exposed to vandalism or misuse by customers and other individuals, increasing wear and tear of the charging equipment. Such increased wear and tear could shorten the usable lifespan of the chargers and require Allego to increase its spending on replacement and maintenance costs. |
Management will continue to closely monitor the operation and development of charging points. Through monitoring, the company may better anticipate and assess any impact on the relevant parts of its supply chain and business activities.
Executing commercial, technical and business plans by strict project management, adequate staffing, project governance and oversight. |
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3 | Allegos future revenue growth will depend in significant part on its ability to increase the number and size of its charging sites, traffic, and the sales of services to Business to Business customers
Allegos future revenue growth will depend in significant part on its ability to increase the number and size of its charging sites, traffic, and its sales of services to B2B customers. The sites Allego may wish to lease or acquire may first be leased or acquired by competitors or they may no longer be economically attractive due to certain adverse conditions such as increased rent which would hamper the growth and profitability of Allegos business.
Furthermore, Allegos B2B customer base may not increase as quickly as expected because the adoption of EVs may be delayed or transformed by new technologies. In addition to the factors affecting the growth of the EV market generally, transitioning to an EV fleet for some customers or providing EV equipment to facilities for other customers can be costly and capital intensive, which could result in slower than anticipated adoption. The sales cycle for certain B2B customers could also be longer than expected. |
Performance of strategic research into megatrends, competitors, the global economy, and external markets via an established intelligence network.
Regular internal portfolio assessment reviews and continuous scenario planning which helps navigate the impact of specific market events.
Promoting commercial excellence, a uniform growth culture linked to the brand, and enablement of strategy development through both organic and inorganic means.
Focusing on client relationships to broaden the value provided, therefore creating a stronger market connection.
Performance of an annual client experience survey allows Allego to track its performance. Better practices are shared across client account teams and leadership, and plans have been established to address areas for improvement.
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Operational activities | ||||
4 | Customers - If Allego fails to offer high-quality support to its customers and fails to maintain the availability of its charging points, its business and reputation may suffer
Once Allego charging points are operational, customers rely on Allego to provide maintenance services to resolve any issues that might arise in the future. Rapid and high-quality customer and equipment support is important so that drivers can reliably charge their EVs. The importance of high-quality customer and equipment support will increase as Allego seeks to expand its public charging network and retain customers, while pursuing new EV drivers and geographies. If Allego does not quickly resolve issues and provide effective support, its ability to retain EV drivers or sell additional services to B2B customers could suffer and its brand and reputation could be harmed. |
Actively managing relationships with all relevant stakeholders, including existing partners, potential new partners and customers.
Keeping up continuous technology development to maintain competitiveness.
Maintaining strong industry and business partner relationships.
Monitoring and analyzing competitors through various sources and their IP filings.
Actively maintaining, protecting and expanding our current IP portfolio.
Warning potential violators on infringement and the consequences.
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5 | Allego relies on a limited number of suppliers and manufacturers for its hardware and equipment and charging stations. A loss of any of these partners or issues in their manufacturing and supply processes could negatively affect its business
Allego has extended its hardware and equipment supplier base, but it still relies on a limited number of suppliers, although it is not dependent on any one supplier. This reliance on a limited number of hardware manufacturers increases Allegos risks, since it does not currently have proven alternatives or replacement manufacturers beyond these key parties. In the event of interruption or insufficient capacity, it may not be able to increase capacity from other sources or develop alternate or secondary sources without incurring material additional costs and substantial delays. In particular, disruptions or shortages at such suppliers, including as a result of delays or issues with their supply chain, in respect of electronic chips, processors, semiconductors and other electronic components or materials, can negatively impact deliveries by such suppliers to Allego. Thus, Allegos business could be adversely affected if one or more of its suppliers is impacted by any interruption at a particular location or decides to reduce its deliveries to Allego for any reason including its acquisition by a third party or is unable to provide Allego with the quantities Allego requires for its growth. |
Maintaining Allegos strong connections with partners in the value chain.
Continuous review of alternative suppliers and manufacturers, actively negotiating applicable terms,(pro-)active and transparent dialogue with suppliers, manufacturers and business partners. |
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6 | Cybersecurity - Computer malware, viruses, ransomware, hacking, phishing attacks and similar disruptions could result in security and privacy breaches and interruption in service, which could harm Allegos business
Not keeping Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure, systems, procedures and user awareness up to date may result in security risks, business interruptions, information loss or leakage and reporting omissions. Our brands business operations are dependent on the uninterrupted operation of IT systems. Information security threats or the malicious exploitation of a system vulnerability may result in a compromised IT system, system failure or a breach of sensitive company information. |
Perform risk assessments designed to help identify material cybersecurity risks to our critical systems, information, products, services, and our broader enterprise information technology (IT) environment, including those related to use of external cyber security partners.
Perform regular internal assessments of our cybersecurity program against the -ISO/IEC 27001 standard. The results of these assessments are then reviewed and, based on such findings, action plans are developed and progress tracked through completion.
Maintain security teams principally responsible for managing (1) our cybersecurity risk assessment processes, (2) our security controls, and (3) our response to cybersecurity incidents.
Analyze cybersecurity incidents to determine applicability to our environment and industry. Findings from such analyses are then reviewed and utilized to create action plans where applicable and relevant to our environment and industry.
Perform regular cybersecurity awareness trainings for our employees, and senior management; and
Implemented a cybersecurity incident response plan that includes procedures for responding to cybersecurity threats.
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7 | If Allego is unable to attract and retain key employees and hire qualified management, technical, engineering and sales personnel, its ability to compete and successfully grow its business would be harmed
Allegos success depends, in part, on its continuing ability to identify, hire, attract, train, develop and retain highly qualified and skilled personnel, including software engineers and other employees with the technical skills in design and engineering that will enable us to deliver quality EV charging products and energy management solutions. The inability to do so effectively would adversely affect its business. Competition for employees can be intense in the various parts of Europe where Allego operates, as there is a high demand of qualified personnel, and we expect certain of our key competitors, who generally are larger than us and have access to more substantial resources, to pursue top talent even more aggressively. The ability to attract, hire and retain personnel depends on Allegos ability to provide competitive compensation. Allego may not be able to attract, assimilate, develop or retain qualified personnel in the future, and failure to do so could adversely affect its business, including the execution of its strategy. |
Offering employees competitive compensation, the opportunity to make a direct business impact, autonomy, an inspiring culture and colleagues and a multitude of learning and development opportunities.
Attrition rates are closely monitored across the business, with actions taken as and when required to address areas where attrition is higher than expected.
Initiating learning workshops where people can share knowledge on a variety of topics to promote development. Allego invests in skill development courses, management trainings and leadership programs to enable the personal and professional growth of all our employees.
Securing equal opportunities and a feel-safe culture.
Leadership is committed to deliver flexible working arrangements, empowering all employees to succeed, and creating sustainable, inclusive workplaces which enhance employee experience.
The implementation of a well-being and resilience strategy enables all employees to focus on their health and well-being while working.
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8 | Inflation could adversely affect Allegos business and financial results
Inflation, which increased significantly during 2022 and 2023, could adversely affect Allego by increasing the costs of materials and labor needed to operate Allegos business and could continue to adversely affect the Company in future periods. If this current inflationary environment continues, there can be no assurance that Allego would be able to recover related cost increases through price increases, which could result in downward pressure on Allegos operating margins. As a result, Allegos financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows, could be adversely affected over time. |
Management will continue to closely monitor market developments. Through monitoring, the company may better anticipate and assess any impact on the relevant parts of its supply chain and business activities.
More frequent reviews of the budget and forecasts by management will provide insight on the effect of any increased cost on the companys supply chain and business. |
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9 | Allegos business may be adversely affected if it is unable to maintain, protect or enforce its rights on its technology and intellectual property.
Allegos success depends, in part, on Allegos ability to establish, maintain and protect its rights in its core technology and intellectual property. To accomplish this, Allego relies on, and plans to continue relying on, trade secrets, copyright, trademark and other intellectual property laws, employee and third-party nondisclosure agreements, intellectual property licenses and other contractual rights. Failure to adequately maintain, protect or enforce its rights in its technology and intellectual property could result in competitors offering similar products, potentially resulting in the loss of some of Allegos competitive advantage and a decrease in revenue which would adversely affect its business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Allego cannot guarantee that competitors will not infringe its intellectual property. Despite Allegos efforts to protect its intellectual property, third parties may attempt to copy or otherwise obtain and use Allegos intellectual property or seek court declarations that Allegos intellectual property is invalid or unenforceable or that they do not infringe upon Allegos intellectual property. Monitoring unauthorized use of Allegos intellectual property is difficult and costly and the steps Allego has taken or may take in the future in an effort to prevent infringement or misappropriation may not be successful. From time to time, Allego may have to resort to litigation to enforce its intellectual property, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources, and ultimately may not be successful. |
Actively maintaining, protecting and expanding Allegos IP portfolio in line with the companys IP strategy.
Actively monitoring and analyzing competitors (through various sources and their IP filings), worldwide trends and technology developments, especially with respect to the patent landscape.
Ensuring regular reviews with the technical teams and committees to consider proactively publishing or seeking patent protection.
Maintaining adequate ICT and HR security and IP protection controls.
Warning potential violators on infringement and the consequences.
Providing recurring confidentiality and IP protection awareness training to Allego employees. | ||
10 | Increasing attention to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters may adversely impact Allegos business
Climate-related events, including the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and their impact on critical infrastructure, have the potential to disrupt our business and those of our third-party suppliers and customers, and may cause us to experience higher attrition, losses and additional costs to maintain or resume operations or provide services.
Increasing attention to, and societal expectations on companies to address, climate change and other environmental and social impacts and investor and societal expectations regarding voluntary ESG disclosures may result in increased costs and impact access to capital.
In addition, organizations that provide information to investors on corporate governance and related matters have developed ratings processes for evaluating companies on their approach to ESG matters. These ratings are often developed in a manner that can make it challenging to predict a companys performance, and unfavorable ESG ratings could lead to increased negative investor sentiment toward the Company and could impact Allegos access to and costs of capital. Additionally, to the extent ESG matters negatively impact Allegos reputation, Allego may not be able to compete as effectively to recruit or retain employees, which may adversely affect Allegos business. ESG matters may also impact Allegos suppliers, which may lead to Allego being required or choosing to change suppliers that may otherwise have been the most economically efficient, which may in turn adversely impact Allegos business and financial condition. |
Perform an assessment of the material topics facing the organization according to our stakeholders on an annual basis and develop targets and KPIs to measure our performance and ensure actions are being taken to address the most pertinent societal expectations. |
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11 | Allego has identified, and has previously identified, material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting. If Allego is unable to remediate these material weaknesses, or if Allego identifies additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fails to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, this may result in material misstatements of Allego consolidated financial statements or cause Allego to fail to meet its periodic reporting obligations, which may have an adverse effect on the share price.
Allego is required to provide managements attestation on internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The standards required for a public company under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are significantly more stringent than those previously required of Allego as a privately-held company. Management has not been able to effectively implement controls and procedures that adequately respond to the increased regulatory compliance and reporting requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act which may subject it to adverse regulatory consequences or restatements of its consolidated financial statements and could harm investor confidence. |
Allego has begun implementing a plan to remediate these material weaknesses; however, its overall control environment is still immature and may expose it to errors, losses or fraud. These remediation measures are ongoing and include hiring additional IT, accounting and financial reporting personnel and implementing additional policies, procedures and controls.
Engage with third-party advisors to assist implement controls and procedures timely and effectively. | ||
Financial position and reporting | ||||
12 | Inadequate access to capital from external sources at commercially acceptable/favorable terms resulting in an inability to invest in organic growth and/or business acquisitions.
If Allego cannot raise additional funds when needed, its financial condition, results of operations, business and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. If Allego raises funds through the issuance of debt securities or through loan arrangements, the terms of such arrangements could require significant interest payments, contain covenants that restrict Allegos business, or other unfavorable terms. |
Actively managing relationships with all relevant stakeholders, including existing shareholders, potential new investors/partners and financial institutions.
Managing cash prudently, without jeopardizing strategic progress or compromising the safety of employees or the security of the companys technologies and freedom to operate.
Constantly monitoring the national/international grant landscape for new opportunities. Actively monitoring commitments and compliance under grant programs.
Maintaining dialogue with banks and prospective investors and actively seeking strategic opportunities to raise new funding, and obtaining the flexibility to raise new equity when market conditions are optimal.
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13 | Financial statements contain material misstatements, leading to a loss of confidence in the accounts by key external and internal users.
Allego must comply with financial reporting requirements. Material misstatements in reporting could lead to a loss of confidence in the accounts by key external and internal users and significantly affect Allegos reputation and/or its stock market value. |
Maintaining corporate accounting policies and making them available across the company.
Our control framework includes financial reporting controls for compliance with IFRS.
Ensuring the Finance function has appropriate and adequately skilled staff, clear policies, processes and consistent standards rolled out to drive quality.
Engage with third-party advisors to understand evolving accounting and financial reporting requirements in place.
Configurations of the financial IT system are being performed to ensure IT system facilitates a strong automated control environment.
The Groups financial statements are audited by an external auditor.
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Laws and regulations | ||||
14 | Allego is expanding operations in many countries in Europe, which will expose it to additional tax, compliance, market, local rules and other risks
Allegos operations are within the European Union and in the United Kingdom, and it maintains contractual relationships with parts and manufacturing suppliers in Asia, directly or indirectly through its suppliers. Allego also intends to expand into other EEA countries. Managing this global presence and expansion in Europe requires additional resources and controls, and could subject Allego to certain risks, associated with international operations. As a result, Allegos current expansion efforts and any potential future international expansion efforts may not be successful. |
Regularly update the policy framework with procedures and internal controls that are designed to ensure compliance with certain critical company standards and regulations.
Regularly engaging with the relevant regulatory bodies and other stakeholders.
Diligently and swiftly acting upon observations and recommendations made during inspections by line management, staff, consultants and relevant regulatory bodies.
Monitoring and adapting to relevant (changes in) rules and regulations.
Maintaining a dialogue with authorities, where possible. |
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15 | Fraud, bribery, corruption and money laundering (or non-compliance of laws and regulations)
Allego may be subject and/or exposed to Fraud, bribery, corruption and money laundering. |
Clearly setting the tone at the top that any fraud is not tolerated.
Managing a stringent approach to fraud, bribery and corruption with internal controls, coordinated by the Finance and Legal teams.
Implementing segregation of duties and other internal control activities.
Continuous awareness communication and training.
Allego has a whistleblower procedure in place to safely report any suspicion of non-compliance with our ethics code. Following a report, any potential violation will be investigated.
Including clauses on fraud and appropriate remedial actions in many different agreements the company enters into.
Including clauses on anti-bribery, corruption, anti-money laundering clauses and appropriate remedial actions in many different agreements the company enters into.
Allego has an Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy in place.
Allego performs regular risk assessments on corruption, bribery and anti-money laundering and reports those assessments to the Audit Committee on a regular basis. |
3.2. Financial instrument risk management policy
Financial instruments
The Groups primary financial instruments, not being derivatives, serve to finance the Groups operating activities or directly arise from these activities. The Groups policy is not to trade in financial instruments for speculative purposes. The Group considers that the carrying amount of these financial instruments approximates their fair value (excl. long-term borrowings). The principal risks arising from the Groups financial instruments are as follows:
Liquidity risk
As an early-stage company, we maintain a strong focus on liquidity and define our liquidity risk tolerance based on uses and sources to maintain a sufficient liquidity position to meet our obligations under both normal and stressed conditions. Management prepares detailed liquidity forecasts and monitors cash and liquidity forecasts on a continuous basis. In assessing the going concern basis of preparation of the consolidated financial statements, management estimated the expected cash flows until December 31, 2025, incorporating current cash levels, revenue projections, detailed capital expenditures, operating expense budgets, interest payment obligations, and working capital projections, as well as compliance with covenants, potential future equity raises, and availability of other financial funding from banks and the shareholder. The Group invests in new stations, chargers, grid connections, and potential business acquisitions only if the Group has secured financing for such investments. These forecasts reflect potential scenarios and management plans and are dependent on securing significant contracts and related revenues.
Note 2.2 of the consolidated financial statements provides more information on the outcome of the liquidity forecasts performed by management and the Groups going concern assessment.
Interest rate risk
The Group has long term variable interest bearing loans. To mitigate this risk the group has acquired interest rate cap products. Changes in interest percentages could have an impact on the fair value of these loans and are monitored on periodic basis. The Group does not apply hedge accounting.
Credit risk
The Group has been predominantly contracting industrial customers of sound commercial standing and their payment behavior was generally good. In a limited number of cases the Group was unable to fulfil the requirements of its customers to provide a financial guarantee in order to qualify for a prepayment. Furthermore, the Group has a strict policy of cash collection. Therefore, the credit risk is considered to be limited.
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Currency risk
The largest part of the Groups assets, liabilities, income and expense are denominated in euro therefore currency risk is deemed to be limited. The Group also has limited activities outside the Eurozone (UK), however due to the fact that these activities are small, the currency risk related to these activities are deemed immaterial.
Investments price risk
The Group holds an investment in equity securities classified as fair value through other comprehensive Income (FVOCI), which is subject to price risk. Price risk arises from various factors such as market conditions and economic indicators which can cause fluctuations in the fair value of these investments. The price risk is mitigated by monitoring quarterly valuation updates and forecasts of future cash flows and aligning the business strategy accordingly.
Commodities price risk
The Groups exposure to commodities price risk arises from fluctuations in the energy market prices. These price fluctuations can be influenced by various factors, such as changes in energy supply and demand, government policies, and market dynamics. To mitigate price risk, the Group entered to long-term fixed price PPAs for wind and solar energy, with the aim to cover at least 80% of the Groups electricity supply with these agreements.
For more information on the primary risks arising from the Groups financial instruments and financial risk management, see Note 33 (Financial risk management) in the consolidated financial statements.
4 Controls and procedures
4.1. Risk management and control systems
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements and includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of a companys assets, (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that a companys receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of a companys management and directors, and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of a companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
In connection with the preparation and audit of our consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, our management and our independent registered public accounting firm identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
A remediation project has been set in place to remediate the internal controls according to the design. The remediation of the controls design and effectiveness is currently in progress. Allego described but did not adequately maintain an effective control environment commensurate with the criteria set forth in the report Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), which was used to assess the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting.
Management identified the following material weaknesses:
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| Allego did not maintain a sufficient complement of personnel with an appropriate degree of accounting knowledge, experience and training, including supervision of external consultants, to appropriately analyze, record and disclose accounting matters commensurate with its accounting and reporting requirements. |
| Allego did not adequately maintain formal accounting policies, procedures, including those around risk assessments, and controls, including segregation of duties, over accounts and disclosures to achieve complete, accurate and timely financial accounting, reporting and disclosures, including segregation of duties and adequate controls related to the preparation and review of journal entries. Further, Allego did not maintain sufficient entity level controls to prevent and correct material misstatements. |
| Allego did not adequately maintain controls over the identification and assessment of recurring transactions in revenue recognition, including modification to contracts, inventory management and valuation, and lease accounting as well as the proper accounting of unusual significant transactions such as in areas of share-based payments and related parties. |
| Allego did not adequately document controls over certain information technology (IT) general controls, including third-party IT service providers, for information systems that are relevant to the preparation of its consolidated financial statements. Specifically, Allego did not design and maintain (a) program change management controls to ensure that information technology program and data changes affecting financial IT applications and underlying accounting records are identified, tested, authorized and implemented appropriately and (b) user access controls to ensure appropriate segregation of duties and that adequately restrict user and privileged access to its financial applications and data to appropriate company personnel. |
The material weakness related to formal accounting policies, procedures and controls resulted in adjustments to several accounts and disclosures. The IT deficiencies did not result in a material misstatement to the consolidated and company financial statements, however, the deficiencies, when aggregated, could impact maintaining effective segregation of duties, as well as the effectiveness of IT-dependent controls that could result in misstatements potentially impacting financial statement accounts and disclosures that would not be prevented or detected. Each of these material weaknesses could result in a misstatement of account balances or disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to the annual or interim financial statements that would not be prevented or detected.
Allego has begun implementing a plan to remediate these material weaknesses. In the second half of 2023, Allego has hired several senior accounting and finance personnel with IFRS and financial reporting experience allowing for the replacement of all temporary accounting and finance staff. This will not only support the company in enhancing controls over routine processes but also in the accounting for more technical topics in its financial statements. Also in 2023, the Company enhanced the policies and procedures over the identification and disclosure of related party transactions. In 2023, Allego has also started to implement improved IT systems to support a faster, more efficient and higher quality financial closing process. Lastly, Allego has initiated the implementation of a Sarbanes Oxley (SOx) framework, including IT general controls, through which it aims to improve its financial controls over all processes.
Allego currently cannot estimate when it will be able to remediate the material weaknesses noted above in full and it cannot, at this time, provide an estimate of the costs it expects to incur in connection with implementing the plan to remediate this material weakness. These remediation measures may be time consuming, costly, and might place significant demands on its financial and operational resources. If Allego is unable to successfully remediate these material weaknesses or successfully rely on outside advisors with expertise in these matters to assist it in the preparation of its financial statements, the financial statements could contain material misstatements that, when discovered in the future, could cause Allego to fail to meet its future reporting obligations and cause the trading price of Allego Ordinary Shares to decline.
Other than as described herein, no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the financial year ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
4.2. In control statement
On the basis of reports and information provided to the Board and its committees, the Board is of the opinion that:
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a. | this board report provides sufficient insight into any failings in the effectiveness of the Companys risk management and control systems with respect to strategic, operational, compliance and reporting risks; |
b. | the Companys risk management and control systems do not provide reasonable assurance that the Companys financial reporting does not contain material inaccuracies because of the material weaknesses described above; |
c. | based on the Companys state of affairs as at the date of this report, it is justified that the Companys financial reporting is prepared on a going concern basis; and |
d. | this board report states the material strategic, operational, compliance and reporting risks and uncertainties that the Company faces, to the extent they are relevant to the expectation of the Companys continuity for a period of twelve months after the date of this report. |
5 Corporate governance
5.1. Dutch Corporate Governance Code
The Dutch Corporate Governance Code (the DCGC) of 2016 applied to the Company as of the completion of our listing in March 2022. The DCGC has been updated in the course of 2022, with effect from January 1, 2023. Therefore the updated DCGC applies to us as from the fiscal year 2023, included as such in this report. The text of the DCGC can be accessed at http://www.mccg.nl.
Except as set out below, during the fiscal year to which this report relates, the Company complied with the principles and best practice provisions of the DCGC, to the extent that these are directed at the Board.
Independence of the Board (best practice provision 2.1.7(ii), 2.1.7(iii) and 5.1.1)
The DCGC recommends that, for each shareholder or group of affiliated shareholders, who directly or indirectly hold more than ten percent of our issued share capital, there should be no more than one member of our Board who is affiliated with that shareholder or group of shareholders. Furthermore, the DCGC recommends that, less than half of the total number of our non-executive directors should be not independent within the meaning of the DCGC. At the date of this report, Meridiam holds indirectly more than ten percent of our issued share capital and four non-executive directors of our Board (including one temporary non-executive director of our Board) are directly affiliated with Meridiam. Consequently, half (instead of less than half) of the total number of our non-executive directors (in each case including our temporary non-executive director) are not independent within the meaning of the DCGC.
Composition of the committees (best practice provision 2.3.4.)
The DCGC recommends that more than half of the members of the audit committee, the compensation committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee should be independent within the meaning of the DCGC. More than half of the members of our audit committee are independent within the meaning of the DCGC. However, more than half of the members of our compensation committee and more than half of the members of our nominating and corporate governance committee are currently not independent within the meaning of the DCGC.
Remuneration (best practice provisions 3.1.2 and 3.3.2)
The DCGC recommends against providing equity awards as part of the compensation of a non-executive director. However, we may deviate from this recommendation and grant equity awards to our non-executive directors, consistent with U.S. market practice. Our long-term incentive plan (the Plan) allows us to set the terms and conditions of equity awards granted thereunder. Under the Plan, we may grant shares that are not subject to a lock-up period of at least five years after the date of grant, and we may grant options without restricting the exerciseability of those options during the first three years after the date of grant.
Majority requirements for dismissal and setting-aside binding nominations (best practice provision 4.3.3)
Under our articles of association, our directors are appointed on the basis of a binding nomination prepared by our Board. This means that the nominee will be appointed unless the general meeting removes the binding nature of the nomination (in which case a new nomination will be prepared for a subsequent general meeting). Our articles of association provide that the general meeting can only pass such resolution by a two-thirds majority representing more than half of the issued share capital. However, the DCGC recommends that the general meeting can pass such a resolution by simple majority, representing no more than one-third of the issued share capital.
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Under our articles of association, our directors can only be dismissed by the general meeting by simple majority, provided that our Board proposes the dismissal. In other cases, the general meeting can only pass such resolution by a two-thirds majority representing more than half of the issued share capital. The DCGC recommends that the general meeting can pass a resolution to dismiss a director by simple majority, representing no more than one-third of the issued share capital.
Independence of the chair of the Board (best practice provision 5.1.3)
Jane Garvey serves as chair of the Board, although she is not independent within the meaning of the DCGC. The Board believes that Jane Garvey is the best person to lead the Board based on, among other considerations, her experience across both public and private operations of the transportation sector.
5.2. Code of business conduct and ethics and other corporate governance practices
The Company has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics which can be accessed at https://ir.allego.eu/corporate-governance/governance-documents. Next to the code of business conducts and ethics, the Company has a whistle-blower policy in place. The Company does not voluntarily apply other formal codes of conduct or corporate governance practices.
5.3. General meeting
Functioning of the General Meeting
Annually, at least one general meeting of the Company (the General Meeting) must be held. This annual General Meeting must be held within six months after the end of the Companys fiscal year. A General Meeting must also be held within three months after the Board has decided that it is likely that the Companys equity has decreased to or below 50% of its paid up and called up share capital. In addition, without prejudice to the best practice provisions of the DCGC with respect to invoking a response period or the provisions under Dutch law with respect to invoking a cooling-off period, a General Meeting must be held when requested by one or more shareholders and/or others with meeting rights under Dutch law collectively representing at least 10% of the Companys issued share capital, provided that certain criteria are met. Any additional General Meeting shall be convened whenever the Board would so decide. Each General Meeting must be held in Amsterdam, Arnhem, Assen, The Hague, Haarlem, s-Hertogenbosch, Groningen, Leeuwarden, Lelystad, Maastricht, Middelburg, Rotterdam, Schiphol (Haarlemmermeer), Utrecht or Zwolle.
For purposes of determining who have voting rights and/or meeting rights under Dutch law at a General Meeting, the Board may set a record date. The record date, if set, shall be the 28th day prior to that of the General Meeting. Those who have voting rights and/or meeting rights under Dutch law on the record date and are recorded as such in one or more registers designated by the Board shall be considered to have those rights at the General Meeting, irrespective of any changes in the composition of the shareholder base between the record date and the date of the General Meeting. The Companys articles of association require shareholders and others with meeting rights under Dutch law to notify the Company of their identity and their intention to attend the General Meeting. This notice must be received by the Company ultimately on the seventh day prior to the General Meeting, unless indicated otherwise when such General Meeting is convened.
Powers of the General Meeting
All powers that do not vest in the Board pursuant to applicable law, the Companys articles of association or otherwise, vest in the Companys general meeting (the General Meeting). The main powers of the General Meeting include, subject in each case to the applicable provisions in the Companys articles of association:
a. | the appointment, suspension and dismissal of Directors; |
b. | the approval of certain resolutions of the Board concerning a material change to the identity or the character of the Company or its business; |
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c. | the reduction of the Companys issued share capital through a decrease of the nominal value, or cancellation, of ordinary shares in its capital; |
d. | the adoption of the Companys statutory annual accounts; |
e. | the appointment of the Dutch independent auditor to examine the Companys statutory annual accounts; |
f. | amendments to the Companys articles of association; |
g. | approving a merger or demerger by the Company, without prejudice to the authority of the Board to resolve on certain types of mergers and demergers if certain requirements are met; and |
h. | the dissolution of the Company. |
In addition, the General Meeting has the right, and the Board must provide, any information reasonably requested by the General Meeting, unless this would be contrary to an overriding interest of the Company.
Shareholder rights
Each ordinary share in the Companys capital carries one vote. Shareholders, irrespective of whether or not they have voting rights, have meeting rights under Dutch law (including the right to attend and address the General Meeting, subject to the concept of a record date as described in the section Functioning of the General Meeting). Furthermore, each ordinary share in the Companys capital carries an entitlement to dividends and other distributions as set forth in the Companys articles of association. Pursuant to the Companys articles of association, any such dividend or other distribution shall be payable on such date as determined by the Board and the Board may also set a record date for determining who are entitled to receive any such dividend or other distribution (irrespective of subsequent changes in the shareholder base). The record date for dividends and other distributions shall not be earlier than the date on which the dividend or other distribution is announced. In addition, shareholders have those rights awarded to them by applicable law.
5.4. Board
The Board is charged with managing the Companys affairs, which includes setting the Companys policies and strategy. Our executive director is charged primarily with the Companys day-to-day business and operations and the implementation of the Companys strategy. Our non-executive directors are charged primarily with the supervision of the performance of the duties of the Board. Each director is charged with all tasks and duties of the Board that are not delegated to one or more other specific directors by virtue of Dutch law, the Companys articles of association or any arrangement catered for therein (e.g., the internal rules of the Board). In performing their duties, our directors shall be guided by the interests of the Company and of the business connected with it.
As at December 31, 2023, the Board was composed as follows:
Name and age |
Gender identity | Nationality | Date of initial appointment |
Expiration of current term of office |
Attendance rate at meetings of the board | |||||
M.J.J. Bonnet (50)* |
M | French | March 16, 2022 | AGM 2025 | 100% | |||||
J.C. Garvey (80)** |
F | American | March 16, 2022 | AGM 2024 | 100% | |||||
C. Vollmann (46)** |
M | German | March 16, 2022 | AGM 2026 | 100% | |||||
J.E. Prescot (65)** |
F | British | March 16, 2022 | AGM 2025 | 100% | |||||
T.J. Maier (65)** |
M | German | March 16, 2022 | AGM 2026 | 100% | |||||
P.T. Sullivan (64)** |
M | American | March 16, 2022 | AGM 2024 | 100% | |||||
R.A. Stroman (72)** |
M | American | March 16, 2022 | AGM 2025 | 100% | |||||
T.E. Déau (54)** |
M | French | June 30, 2023 | AGM 2026 | 75% | |||||
M. Muzumdar (41)*** |
M | French | December 20, 2023*** | AGM 2024 | 25% |
* | Executive director |
** | Non-executive director |
*** | Mr M. Muzumdar was appointed as temporary non-executive director on December 20, 2023. He was appointed to replace Mr J.M. Touati, who resigned as per October 18, 2023. As a result, Mr M. Muzumdar only attended one board meeting. |
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Executive director
Mathieu Bonnet joined Allego in 2019 as Chief Executive Officer. Before Allego, he founded a group of energy companies including E6, a European energy management platform for renewable energy. Mr. Bonnet also served as Chief Executive Officer of Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR), the second biggest hydro company in France. Prior to CNR, he worked for Electrabel in Belgium, where he was in charge of outage management, and the Ministry of Industry, where he was in charge of implementing programs for small-and-medium-size enterprise development in the Provence region. Additionally, he spent several years in the United States, working on commercial bilateral issues between the United States and France and leading programs to sustain French exports in the United States. Mr. Bonnet graduated from Ecole Polytechnique in 1993, where he ranked first in mathematics, and Ecole des Mines de Paris in 1996. He also holds a Masters of Nuclear Engineering from the Université Catholique de Louvain.
Non-executive directors
Jane Garvey has served as a director on our Board since Closing and has served as the Global Chairman of Meridiam Infrastructure, a global investor and asset manager specializing in long-term public infrastructure projects, since August 2009. Before Meridiam, Ms. Garvey was the 14th Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from August 1997 to August 2002, where she led the FAA through the formidable events of September 11, 2001 and through many safety and modernization milestones. She also served as the Acting Administrator and Deputy Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration. After leaving public service, Ms. Garvey led the U.S. Public/Private Partnerships advisory group at JP Morgan, where she advised states on financing strategies to facilitate project delivery for state governments. She joined the board of United Airlines Holdings, Inc. in 2016 and served as chairman of the board from 2017 until 2019. Ms. Garvey has served as a member of the board of Blade Urban Mobility since 2020.
Christian Vollmann has served as a director on our Board since Closing and is an entrepreneur and angel investor who has made 75 angel investments since 2005. Mr. Vollmann is currently an executive director at Good Hood GmbH. His most recent venture is nebenan.de, Germanys leading social neighborhood network. Before nebanan.de, Mr. Vollmann built iLove.de into Germanys leading dating service at the start of the millennium, founded the online video portal MyVideo.de and co-founded Affinitas (now Spark Networks), a global leader in online dating with activities in 29 countries. Mr. Vollmann serves as the Vice Chairman of the board of directors of Linus Digital Finance AG and is a Venture Partner and Member of the Investment Committee of PropTech1 Ventures. Mr. Vollmann advises the German Federal Ministry of Economics as Chairman of the Advisory Board Young Digital Economy and advocates for the interests of startups as Vice-Chairman of the German Startups Association.
Julia Prescot has served as a director on our Board since Closing and has been a co-Founder of Meridiam since 2005 and currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer. Before Meridiam, Ms. Prescot was a Senior Director at HBOS, London. Prior to HBOS, she served as a Director and Head of Project Advisory at Charterhouse Bank and a Director and Head of Project Finance at Hill Samuel Bank. Ms. Prescot has served as the chair of London-based Neuconnect Limited, a company developing a major energy interconnector between the United Kingdom and Germany, since 2017 and has served on the board of Fulcrum Infrastructure Group since 2007. Ms. Prescot was a non-executive director for InfraCo Asia Investments between 2016 and 2018 and the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund from 2015 to 2018. Ms. Prescott is a Commissioner for the UKs National Infrastructure Commission, a member of the UKs Investment Council, a member of the Advisory Panel of Glennmont Partners and a non-executive director at the Port of Tyne. She is currently on the board of P4G, a multilateral organization focused on environmental public-private partnerships, and is an Honorary Professor at University College London.
Thomas Josef Maier has served as a director on our Board since Closing and currently serves as a director on the Regional Advisory Board of Meridiam Infrastructure Europe and Eastern Europe. He is also a strategic advisor to the Global Infrastructure Hub, a G20 body and has been Chairman of the Board of INFEN Limited since 2017. Mr. Maier has been a member of the Advisory Board of Stirling Infrastructure Partners since April 2021. Previously, he was Managing Director
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for Infrastructure at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, where he oversaw both commercial and social infrastructure delivery. He has chaired the Global Infrastructure Council of the World Economic Forum and has been involved in infrastructure related work streams of G20 since 2013. He served on the board of Global Ports Holding from 2017 to 2020.
Patrick T. Sullivan has served as a director on our Board since Closing and served as a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) from 1993 until his retirement in 2020. From 2014 to 2020, he led PwCs New York market private equity practice. Over his career, he primarily led teams in assisting global private equity and corporate clients in their evaluation of potential transactions across a wide range of industries, including consumer, energy, technology, business services and industrials. In addition, he worked extensively with portfolio companies on financings, operational improvements, and public and private exits. Since his retirement from PwC in 2020, Mr. Sullivan has provided consulting services to private equity firms and their portfolio companies. Mr. Sullivan obtained his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Maryland.
Ronald Stroman has served as a director on our Board since Closing and is currently serving on the United States Postal Service Board of Governors (the U.S. Postal Board), a position he was appointed to by President Joseph Biden and confirmed by the Senate, with his current term expiring on December 8, 2028. Mr. Stroman also serves on the U.S. Postal Board Audit and Finance Committee and Operations Committee. Previously, Mr. Stroman served as the 20th Deputy Postmaster General (DPMG), the second-highest ranking postal executive, from March 2011 until his retirement in June 2020. While serving as DPMG, Mr. Stroman was directly responsible for the Postal Service functions of Government Relations and Public Policy, International Postal Affairs, Sustainability, and the Judicial Officer Department. Mr. Stroman also had more than 30 years of professional experience in government, legislative affairs and leadership before becoming DPMG. Mr. Stroman earned his undergraduate degree from Manhattan College and his Juris Doctorate from Rutgers University Law Center.
Thierry Déau has served as a temporary director of our Board since October 13, 2022 and was appointed by the Annual General Meeting as per June 30, 2023 and is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Meridiam. He founded Meridiam, an independent investment firm specialized in the development, financing and management of long-term and sustainable infrastructure projects in 2005. Managing over $19 billion of assets, the firm has to date more than 100 projects under development, construction or in operation. Prior to Meridiam, Mr. Déau worked for Frances Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations where he held several positions with its engineering and development subsidiary Egis Projects to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in 2001. Mr. Déau is currently a board member of Fondation des Ponts, Chairman of Archery for Inclusive Leadership and founder of Africa Infrastructure fellowship program Foundation (AIFP Foundation). In addition, he is a founding member of the Sustainable Development Investment Partnership (SDIP) of the World Economic Forum, a member of Prince of Wales Sustainable Markets Council for the Commonwealth, and honorary chairman of the Long Term Infrastructure Association (LTIIA). Mr. Déau graduated from École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées engineering School.
Matthieu Muzumdar was appointed as a temporary director since December 20, 2023 and is a Partner and Deputy CEO responsible for Europe Investment and Investor Relations at Meridiam. He joined Meridiam in 2011 as an Investment Director with a focus on project development in Europe. From 2013 onwards, he was Investor Relations Director, before moving into the role of Chief Operating Officer Europe in 2018 and was appointed Deputy CEO in 2023. Before joining Meridiam Mr. Muzumdar worked for the French Ministry of Transport as head of concession operations. Mr, Muzumdar graduated from the Ecole Polytechnique and Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris. He has been teaching project finance at the Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées (ENPC) since 2009 and was in 2016-2017 the inaugural program director for the Infrastructure Project Finance Advanced Master Degrees program at the ENPC.
All of our non-executive directors, except for Mr T.E. Déau, Ms J.C. Garvey, Mr J.E. Prescot and Mr M. Muzumdar, are independent within the meaning of the DCGC. These non-executive directors of our Board are affiliated with Meridiam that holds indirectly more than ten percent of the Companys issued share capital. In other words Mr C Vollmann, Mr T.J. Maier, Mr R.A. Stroman and Mr P.T. Sullivan are independent non-executive directors.
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5.5. Committees
General
The Board has established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nomination and corporate governance committee and a strategy and business committee. Each committee operates pursuant to its charter.
As at December 31, 2023, the committees were composed as follows:
Name |
Audit committee (and attendance rate) |
Compensation committee (and attendance rate) |
Nomination and corporate governance committee (and attendance rate) |
Strategy and business committee | ||||
M.J.J. Bonnet |
X (100% attendance) | |||||||
J.C. Garvey |
X (100% attendance) | X (100% attendance) | ||||||
C. Vollmann |
X (100% attendance) | |||||||
J.E. Prescot |
X (100% attendance) | X (100% attendance)* | X (100% attendance) | |||||
T.J. Maier |
X (100% attendance) | |||||||
P.T. Sullivan |
X (100% attendance) | X (100% attendance)* | X (100% attendance) | |||||
R.A. Stroman |
X (100% attendance)* | |||||||
T.E. Déau |
||||||||
M. Muzumdar** |
X (100% attendance) | X (100% attendance) | X (100% attendance)* |
* | Chair |
** | Mr Muzumdar was appointed on December 20, 2023 and he attended one meeting per committee. |
Audit committee
The responsibilities of our audit committee include:
a. | preparing the decision-making of the Board regarding the supervision of the integrity and quality of the Companys financial and sustainability reporting and the effectiveness of the Companys risk management and control systems; |
b. | monitoring the Board with respect to (i) the relations with, and the compliance with recommendations and follow-up of comments made by, the Companys internal audit function, the Dutch independent auditor and, if relevant, other external parties involved in the audit of the Companys sustainability reporting, (ii) the Companys funding, (iii) the application of information and communication technology by the Company, including risks relating to cybersecurity and (iv) the Companys tax policy; |
c. | issuing recommendations concerning the appointment and the dismissal of the head of the Companys internal audit function; |
d. | reviewing and discussing the performance of the Companys internal audit function; |
e. | reviewing and discussing the Companys audit plan with the Companys internal audit function and the Dutch independent auditor; |
f. | reviewing and discussing the audit results with the Companys internal audit function and the external auditor: |
g. | reviewing and discussing certain matters with the Dutch independent auditor: |
h. | determining whether and, if so, how the Dutch independent auditor should be involved in the content and publication of financial reports other than the Companys financial statements; |
i. | reviewing and discussing the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Companys risk management and control systems; |
j. | advising the Board regarding the nomination of the Dutch independent auditor for (re)appointment or dismissal and preparing the selection of the Dutch independent auditor for such purpose, as relevant; and |
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k. | submitting proposals to the Board concerning the engagement of the Dutch independent auditor to audit the Companys financial statements, including the scope of the audit, the materiality to be applied and the auditors compensation. |
During the fiscal year to which this report relates, our audit committee met eleven times in order to carry out its responsibilities. The main items discussed at those meetings included the quarterly financial reports; accounting, legal and tax matters; risks associated with Allegos business, including IT risks; the companys internal risk management and control systems; strategic risk assessment; hedging of increasing energy costs; funding strategy; refinancing of the debt facility; Related Party Transactions Policy and Process; the audit of Allego Holding B.V.s 2021 financial statements; and the 2022 audit plan for Allego N.V.
Compensation committee
The responsibilities of our compensation committee include:
a. | submitting proposals to the Board concerning changes, as relevant, to the Companys compensation policy (the Compensation Policy); |
b. | submitting proposals to the Board concerning the compensation of individual Directors; and |
c. | preparing the disclosure included in this report on the Companys compensation practices. |
During the fiscal year to which this report relates, our compensation committee met four times in order to carry out its responsibilities. The main items discussed at those meetings included executive remuneration; the employees & executives long term incentive plan; and director cash and equity compensation.
Nominating and corporate governance committee
The responsibilities of our nominating and corporate governance committee include:
a. | drawing up selection criteria and appointment procedures for our directors; |
b. | reviewing the size and composition of the Board and submitting proposals for the composition profile of the Board; |
c. | reviewing the functioning of individual directors and reporting on such review to the Board; |
d. | drawing up a plan for the succession of our directors; |
e. | submitting proposals for (re)appointment of our directors; and |
f. | supervising the policy of the Board regarding the selection criteria and appointment procedures for the Companys senior management. |
During the fiscal year to which this report relates, our nominating and corporate governance committee met one time in order to carry out its responsibilities. The main items discussed at this meeting included board composition, appointment procedures for directors and board diversity.
Strategy and business committee
The responsibilities of our strategy and business committee include:
a. | preparing the business plan including a gap analyses; |
b. | formulating and recording the Companys objectives mentioned in the business plan; |
c. | reporting about strategic developments; |
d. | overseeing the Companys strategy and business development; and |
e. | submitting proposals to the Board and reviewing possible acquisitions, divestments, joint ventures and other corporate alliances of the Company. |
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During the fiscal year to which this report relates, our strategy and business committee met one time in order to carry out its responsibilities. The main items discussed at this meeting included the Companys strategy; funding strategy; and business development.
5.6. Evaluation
During the fiscal year to which this report relates, the Board has evaluated its own functioning, the functioning of the committees of the Board, and that of the individual directors on the basis of self-evaluation. These evaluations were distributed to, completed by, and discussed by the directors in executive sessions amongst themselves in which, amongst others, board performance was discussed. As part of these evaluations, the Board has considered (i) substantive aspects, mutual interaction, (ii) events that occurred in practice from which lessons may be learned and (iii) the desired profile, composition, competencies and expertise of the Board, including its governance effectiveness as well as the fiduciary duties of the Board in relation to the business. These evaluations are intended to facilitate an examination and discussion by the Board of its effectiveness and areas for improvement. Based on these evaluations, it was observed that a more structured approach to governance was achieved, and the board will continue to make improvements on governance effectiveness. The Board has concluded that it considers itself to be involved and engaged with the business. Furthermore, the Board has noted that there is a substantial frequency of (committee) meetings with a high attendance rate. The Board has concluded that it is functioning properly.
5.7. Diversity and inclusion
The Company is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, which is formalized through a diversity and inclusion policy. The policy aims to promote diversity at all levels, but sets specific objectives with respect to the composition of the Board, executive committee (if established) and senior management. The Company is committed to supporting, valuing and leveraging the value of diversity. However, the importance of diversity, in and of itself, should not set aside the overriding principle that someone should be recommended, nominated and appointed for being the right person for the job. The Company believes that it is important for the Board to represent a diverse composite mix of personal backgrounds, experiences, qualifications, knowledge, abilities and viewpoints, but does not set a specific target in this respect. The Company seeks to combine the skills and experience of long-standing members of the Board with the fresh perspectives, insights, skills and experiences of new members. To further increase the range of viewpoints, perspectives, talents and experience within the Board, the Company strives for a mix of ages in the composition of those bodies. Furthermore, the Company has set in its diversity and inclusion policy concrete, suitable and ambitious objectives in order to achieve an appropriate balance in gender diversity and other relevant diversity and inclusion aspects with respect to the composition of the Board, executive committee (if established) and senior management.
The Company recognizes and welcomes the value of diversity with respect to age, gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation and other important cultural differences. The Company is committed to seeking broad diversity in the composition of the Board and will consider these attributes when evaluating new candidates in the best interests of the Company and its stakeholders. In terms of experience and expertise, the Company intends for the Board to be composed of individuals who are knowledgeable in one or more specific areas detailed in the Companys diversity and inclusion policy. Allegos culture is inclusive, promoting gender balance and respecting the contribution of all employees regardless of gender, age, race, disability or sexual orientation. We will continue to apply this principle when new Board and management position appointments are made. The Company aims to achieve representation within the group of non-executive directors of at least 30% of men and at least 30% of women by 2027 and to achieve representation within the executive committee (if established) and within senior management of at least 40% of men and at least 40% of women by 2026. No individual targets have been set for executive directors, as there is only one executive director on the Board.
Allego reports on diversity to the Sociaal Economische Raad (i.e. the Social Economic Council of the Netherlands, or SER), including the action plan to achieve these results. Amongst other initiatives, the HR department will evaluate its hiring practices on a yearly basis. During the recruitment process, as well as in vacancy profiles, an undertaking is made to opt for a diverse and balanced candidate profile. Any recruitment efforts are made with a wide target audience to ensure the potential for a large pool of candidates. The Board of Allego is responsible for meeting the goals that have been set. Senior management has already expanded, with more women have joining the senior management in 2023 compared to the end of 2022.
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As at December 31, 2023, the Board had eight non-executive directors, of whom six are male and two are female. Allego has defined its senior management, or management positions as the Executive Board, business line directors and directors. As at December 31, 2023, there were 20 employees in management positions, of whom 18 are male and 2 are female.
5.8. Corporate values, culture and code of business conduct and ethics
We have a code of business conduct and ethics which covers a broad range of matters including the handling of conflicts of interest, compliance issues and other corporate policies such as insider trading and equal opportunity and non-discrimination standards, as well as numerous internal and external policies dealing with corporate values, codes of conduct, ethics and culture. In 2023, the policies concerning these topics have been amended and new policies have been implanted highlighting the culture of Allego. The principles and best practices established in the Code of Conduct reflect the corporate culture that the Board wants to embed in the day-to-day routines of all employees and contribute to sustainable long-term value creation of the Company and its stakeholders. We believe our code of business conduct and ethics is effective.
6 Remuneration report
This remuneration report outlines the implementation of the Compensation Policy for the executive and non-executive members of the Board of Allego N.V. for the financial year ended December 31, 2023.
6.1. Compensation policy
Pursuant to Section 2:135(1) DCC, the General Meeting has adopted a Compensation Policy. The Compensation Policy is designed to contribute to the Companys strategy, long-term interests and sustainability by:
a. | attracting, retaining and motivating highly skilled individuals with the qualities, capabilities, profile and experience needed to support and promote the growth and sustainable success of the Company and its business; |
b. | driving strong business performance, promoting accountability and incentivizing the achievement of short and long-term performance targets with the objective of furthering sustainable long-term value creation in a manner consistent with the Companys identity, mission and values; |
c. | assuring that the interests of the Directors are closely aligned to those of the Company, its business and its stakeholders; and |
d. | ensuring overall market competitiveness of the Compensation Packages, while providing the Board sufficient flexibility to tailor the Companys compensation practices on a case-by-case basis, depending on the market conditions from time to time. |
We believe that this approach and philosophy benefits the realization of the Companys (sustainable) long-term objectives while keeping with the Companys risk profile.
6.2. Compensation of directors
The remuneration of the individual members of the Board of Directors is proposed by the compensation committee, within the framework of the Compensation Policy. In determining the level and structure of the compensation of the directors in the fiscal year to which this report relates relevant scenario analyses carried out in advance have been considered. Such analyses have been discussed in executive sessions and compensation committee meetings in which certain scenarios and outcomes were presented and discussed.
Currently, Allego pays Non-Executive Directors an annual base fee of $100,000 payable per annum. A committee chair is entitled to an additional fee of $25,000 for the additional duties and responsibilities related to that role, payable per annum.
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Allego also pays each Non-Executive Director serving on one of Allegos committees of the board an additional fee as set forth below:
| Audit Committee$25,000 (chairperson), $10,000 (other members) |
| Compensation Committee$25,000 (chairperson), $10,000 (other members) |
| Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee$25,000 (chairperson), $10,000 (other members) |
The Board shall submit proposals concerning compensation arrangements for the Board in the form of Allego Ordinary Shares or rights to subscribe for Allego Ordinary Shares to the General Meeting for approval. This proposal must at least include the number of Allego Ordinary Shares or rights to subscribe for Allego Ordinary Shares that may be awarded to the Board and which criteria apply for such awards or changes thereto. The absence of the approval of the General Meeting shall not affect the powers of representation.
Long Term Incentive Plan
The Board and the Compensation Committee approved the general framework for the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) on the Closing Date. The purpose of the LTIP is to provide eligible directors and employees the opportunity to receive stock-based incentive awards for employee motivation and retention and to align the economic interests of such persons with those of Allegos shareholders. The delivery of certain shares or other instruments under the LTIP to directors and key management are agreed and approved in certain Board meetings. On December 20, 2022, the Board approved a detailed plan for the LTIP for future years.
The following tables summarize the compensation received by the executive member of the Board for the year ended December 31, 2023:
Executive director (in 000) |
Base compensation (1) |
Additional benefits |
Pension expenses |
Share- based payments(2) |
Total | |||||||||||||||
M.J.J. Bonnet (CEO) |
604 | | | 3,751 | 4,355 |
1. | Base compensation represents the cash compensation paid annually to our CEO and statutory director (or his companies), as well as any social security payment relating to premiums paid in addition to the cash salary for mandatory employee insurances required by Dutch law and paid to the tax authorities. |
2. | Share-based compensation includes payments made by Allego under the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) described below. For details related to the specific share-based compensation received, refer to Note 11.4. Certain of Allegos executive officers have received and may in the future receive share-based compensation related to the Second Special Fees Agreement from E8 Investor, including in connection with the employment agreements with Mathieu Bonnet and Alexis Galley. For further detail, see Note 36.3 of the consolidated financial statements. |
Under the LTIP, Mr Bonnet was granted LTIP Performance Options based on company performance in financial year 2022 and LTIP Performance Options based on company performance in financial year 2023. The number of LTIP Performance Options issued under the LTIP is based on four equally-weighted performance criteria: revenue, operational EBITDA, renewable GWh delivered, and appreciation at the discretion of the board of directors. The targets for the performance criteria are set annually. We believe that the plan is designed to encourage good performance over time and supports the objectives of long-term sustainable value creation.
As displayed below, the LTIP Performance Options will not vest until the first quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, for the LTIP Performance Options based on company performance in financial years 2022 and 2023, respectively. The target number of LTIP Performance Options granted based on company performance in financial year 2022 was determined in line with the known level of completion of the performance criteria for that financial year. The completion was 100% for all performance criteria. The target number of LTIP Performance Options granted based on company performance in financial year 2023 was determined based on a target level of completion of 100% of the performance criteria for that financial year (to be adjusted according to actual level of completion of performance criteria). The number of LTIP Performance Options based on financial year 2023 company performance expected to vest is estimated to be 471,772 options, in accordance with the expected level of completion (i.e. partial achievement) of the performance criteria as at December 31, 2023.
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Set out below is a summary of the target number and exercise price of LTIP Performance Options granted to Mr. Bonnet:
2023 | ||||||||
|
|
|||||||
Average exercise price per LTIP Performance Option (in ) |
Target number of LTIP Performance Options |
|||||||
As at January 1 |
| | ||||||
Granted during the period |
0.12 | 1,225,411 | ||||||
Exercised during the period |
| | ||||||
Forfeited during the period |
| | ||||||
As at December 31 |
0.12 | 1,225,411 | ||||||
Vested and exercisable at December 31 |
| |
The LTIP Performance Options outstanding granted to Mr. Bonnet at the end of the reporting period have the following expiry dates and share prices:
Grant date | Vesting date | Expiry date | Share price on grant date (in ) |
Share price on vesting date (in ) |
Target number of options December 31, 2023 |
|||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Performance Options (2022) |
April 12, 2023 | April 12, 2025 | April 12, 2032 | 1.95 | | 455,116 | ||||||||||||||||||
LTIP Performance Options (2023) |
January 1, 2023 | April 12, 2026 | April 12, 2033 | 2.94 | | 770,295 |
For further details about the LTIP, refer to Note 11.4 (Long-Term Incentive Plan) to the consolidated financial statements.
The following table summarize the compensation received by the non-executive members of the Board for the year ended December 31, 2023:
Non-executive directors (in 000) |
Board of directors membership |
Committee membership |
Share-based payments*** |
Total | ||||||||||||
J.C. Garvey* |
| | | | ||||||||||||
J.M. Touati** |
| | | | ||||||||||||
C. Vollmann |
94 | 9 | 415 | 518 | ||||||||||||
J.E. Prescot* |
| | | | ||||||||||||
T.J. Maier |
94 | 9 | 415 | 518 | ||||||||||||
P.T. Sullivan |
94 | 42 | 415 | 551 | ||||||||||||
R.A. Stroman |
94 | 23 | 415 | 532 | ||||||||||||
T.E. Déau* |
| | | | ||||||||||||
M. Muzumdar* |
| | | | ||||||||||||
Total |
376 | 83 | 1,660 | 2,119 |
* | Please note that Ms. Jane Garvey, Mr. Julien Touati, Ms. Julia Prescot, Mr. Thierry Déau and Mr. Matthieu Muzumdar are employed by Meridiam SAS and did not receive compensation for their Board activities. |
** | Mr. Julien Touati resigned on October 18, 2023. |
*** | Share-based compensation includes payments made by Allego under the LTIP. |
During 2023, four non-executive directors were granted 238,203 RSUs per person under the LTIP on May 24, 2023 (grant date). 166,742 RSUs per non-executive director were not subject to any vesting conditions and vested fully on the grant date. 71,461 RSUs per non-executive director have a vesting period of one year and have vested on May 23, 2024, subject to continuous involvement within the board of directors until the vesting date. The assessed fair value of RSUs granted during the period ended 2023, was 1.97 per RSU. As of December 31, 2023, the vested RSUs awards to non-executive directors were issued. For further details, refer to Note 11.4 (Long-Term Incentive Plan) to the consolidated financial statements.
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For the avoidance of doubt, compensation received by an executive officer who is subject to the Allego N.V. Incentive-Based Compensation Recovery Policy (the Clawback Policy) shall be subject to such Clawback Policy in accordance with its terms. During 2023, no circumstances were identified that resulted in the application of clawback provisions.
Other disclosures
During the financial year ended December 31, 2023, the Company has not granted any loans, advances or guarantees to any of the members of the Board of Directors.
6.3. Pay ratio
The DCGC recommends that the Company reports the ratio between the remuneration of our executive director and a representative reference group within the Company. In line with the revised DCGC (2022), the Companys internal ratio is calculated as the ratio between the total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as disclosed in section 6.2, and the average compensation of a median full-time permanent employee. Our methodology for producing this ratio excludes employees employed on a non-permanent or part-time basis. Consequently, the Companys pay ratio in 2023 is 21.42 (20221: 90.82). The pay ratio decreased significantly in comparison with previous year. This is mainly due to the termination of the First Special Fees Agreement in connection with the Business Combination in 2022, which has resulted in lower share-based payment expenses in 2023. Best practice provision 3.4.1 of the DCGC recommends disclosing changes in the pay ratio compared to the five previous financial years. However, as the Company has been listed since 2022, only changes in the pay ratio compared to the previous financial year are disclosed, in deviation from best practice provision 3.4.1.
7 Related party transactions
For information on related party transactions, see Note 36 (Related party disclosures) to the consolidated financial statements.
As stated in Note 36 (Related-party transactions), certain related party transactions with majority shareholders occurred during the financial year ended December 31, 2023 and best practice provision 2.7.5 of the DCGC has been observed. No transactions that include a conflict of interest occurred between the Company and the directors of the Board during the financial year ended December 31, 2023.
8 Protective measures
Under Dutch law, various protective measures are possible and permissible within the boundaries set by Dutch law and Dutch case law.
In this respect, certain provisions of our articles of association may make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire control of us or effect a change in the composition of our board of directors. These include:
a. | a provision that our directors can only be appointed on the basis of a binding nomination prepared by our Board which can only be overruled by a two-thirds majority of votes cast representing more than half of our issued share capital; |
b. | a provision that our directors can only be dismissed by the General Meeting by a two-thirds majority of votes cast representing more than half of our issued share capital, unless the dismissal is proposed by our Board in which latter case a simple majority of the votes cast would be sufficient; |
1 | The calculation methodology as per December 31, 2023 has been updated in line with the revised DCGC to include the total compensation, whereas the pay ratio disclosed in the Annual Report as of December 31, 2022 excluded non-cash compensation components. The prior year pay ratio has been recalculated based on the new methodology for consistency with the current year. |
35
c. | a provision allowing, among other matters, the former chairperson of our Board or our former Chief Executive Officer to manage our affairs if all of our directors are dismissed and to appoint others to be charged with our affairs, including the preparation of a binding nomination for our directors as discussed above, until new directors are appointed by the general meeting on the basis of such binding nomination; and |
d. | a requirement that certain matters, including an amendment of our articles of association, may only be resolved upon by our general meeting if proposed by our Board. |
Dutch law also allows for staggered multi-year terms of our directors, as a result of which only part of our directors may be subject to appointment or re-appointment in any given year.
Furthermore, in accordance with the DCGC, shareholders who have the right to put an item on the agenda for our General Meeting or to request the convening of a General Meeting shall not exercise such rights until after they have consulted our Board. If exercising such rights may result in a change in our strategy (for example, through the dismissal of one or more of our directors), our Board must be given the opportunity to invoke a reasonable period of up to 180 days to respond to the shareholders intentions. If invoked, our Board must use such response period for further deliberation and constructive consultation, in any event with the shareholder(s) concerned and exploring alternatives. At the end of the response time, our Board shall report on this consultation and the exploration of alternatives to our General Meeting. The response period may be invoked only once for any given General Meeting and shall not apply (i) in respect of a matter for which either a response period or a statutory cooling-off period (as discussed below) has been previously invoked or (ii) in situations where a shareholder holds at least 75% of our issued capital as a consequence of a successful public bid.
Moreover, our Board can invoke a cooling-off period of up to 250 days when shareholders, using their right to have items added to the agenda for a General Meeting or their right to request a General Meeting, propose an agenda item for our General Meeting to dismiss, suspend or appoint one or more directors (or to amend any provision in our articles of association dealing with those matters) or when a public offer for our company is made or announced without our support, provided, in each case, that our Board believes that such proposal or offer materially conflicts with the interests of our company and its business. During a cooling-off period, our General Meeting cannot dismiss, suspend or appoint directors (or amend the provisions in our articles of association dealing with those matters) except at the proposal of our Board. During a cooling-off period, our Board must gather all relevant information necessary for a careful decision-making process and at least consult with shareholders representing 3% or more of our issued share capital at the time the cooling-off period was invoked, as well as with our Dutch works council. Formal statements expressed by these stakeholders during such consultations must be published on our website to the extent these stakeholders have approved that publication. Ultimately one week following the last day of the cooling-off period, our Board must publish a report in respect of its policy and conduct of affairs during the cooling-off period on our website. This report must remain available for inspection by shareholders and others with meeting rights under Dutch law at our office and must be tabled for discussion at the next General Meeting. Shareholders representing at least 3% of our issued share capital may request the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal, or the Enterprise Chamber (Ondernemingskamer), for early termination of the cooling-off period. The Enterprise Chamber must rule in favor of the request if the shareholders can demonstrate that:
a. | our Board, in light of the circumstances at hand when the cooling-off period was invoked, could not reasonably have concluded that the relevant proposal or hostile offer constituted a material conflict with the interests of our company and its business; |
b. | our Board cannot reasonably believe that a continuation of the cooling-off period would contribute to careful policy-making; or |
c. | other defensive measures, having the same purpose, nature and scope as the cooling-off period, have been activated during the cooling-off period and have not since been terminated or suspended within a reasonable period at the relevant shareholders request (i.e., no stacking of defensive measures). |
9 | Subsequent events |
For information with respect to subsequent events, reference is made to Note 38 to the consolidated financial statements.
36
Arnhem, the Netherlands,
June 28, 2024
Statutory Board of Directors
M.J.J. Bonnet - Chief Executive Officer
J.C. Garvey - Chair of the Board of Directors
C. Vollmann - Non-Executive Director
J.E. Prescot - Non-Executive Director
T.J. Maier - Non-Executive Director
P.T. Sullivan - Non-Executive Director
R.A. Stroman - Non-Executive Director
T.E. Déau - Non-Executive Director
M. Muzumdar - Interim Non-Executive Director
37
Consolidated statement of profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
(in 000) |
Notes | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Revenue from contracts with customers |
6 | |||||||||||||||
Charging sessions |
103,265 | 65,347 | 26,108 | |||||||||||||
Service revenue from the sale of charging equipment |
10,303 | 33,585 | 37,253 | |||||||||||||
Service revenue from installation services |
20,391 | 28,630 | 19,516 | |||||||||||||
Service revenue from operation and maintenance of charging equipment |
5,399 | 3,230 | 3,414 | |||||||||||||
Service revenue from consulting services |
6,095 | 3,108 | | |||||||||||||
Total revenue from contracts with customers |
145,453 | 133,900 | 86,291 | |||||||||||||
Cost of sales |
||||||||||||||||
Cost of sales - charging sessions |
(81,396 | ) | (77,792 | ) | (31,021 | ) | ||||||||||
Cost of sales - sale of charging equipment |
(8,842 | ) | (28,065 | ) | (21,243 | ) | ||||||||||
Cost of sales - installation services |
(17,400 | ) | (20,167 | ) | (15,793 | ) | ||||||||||
Cost of sales - operation and maintenance of charging equipment |
(1,621 | ) | (631 | ) | (1,219 | ) | ||||||||||
Total cost of sales |
(109,259 | ) | (126,655 | ) | (69,276 | ) | ||||||||||
Gross profit |
36,194 | 7,245 | 17,015 | |||||||||||||
Other income/(expenses) |
7 | (6,603 | ) | 3,724 | 10,853 | |||||||||||
Selling and distribution expenses |
8 | (2,603 | ) | (2,587 | ) | (2,472 | ) | |||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
9 | (98,957 | ) | (323,358 | ) | (329,297 | ) | |||||||||
Operating loss |
(71,969 | ) | (314,976 | ) | (303,901 | ) | ||||||||||
Finance income/(costs) |
12 | (37,809 | ) | 10,320 | (15,419 | ) | ||||||||||
Loss before income tax |
(109,778 | ) | (304,656 | ) | (319,320 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax |
30 | (504 | ) | (636 | ) | (352 | ) | |||||||||
Loss for the year |
(110,282 | ) | (305,292 | ) | (319,672 | ) | ||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of the Company |
(109,898 | ) | (304,778 | ) | (319,672 | ) | ||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
(384 | ) | (514 | ) | | |||||||||||
Loss per share attributable to the Equity holders of the Company: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted loss per ordinary share |
13 | (0.41 | ) | (1.21 | ) | (1.68 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
38
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
(in 000) |
Notes | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Loss for the year |
(110,282 | ) | (305,292 | ) | (319,672 | ) | ||||||||||
Other comprehensive income/(loss) |
||||||||||||||||
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods |
||||||||||||||||
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations |
24 | (65 | ) | 98 | (14 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax related to these items |
| | | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income/(loss) that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods, net of tax |
(65 | ) | 98 | (14 | ) | |||||||||||
Items that may not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods |
||||||||||||||||
Changes in the fair value of equity investments at fair value through other comprehensive income |
19 | (14,832 | ) | (10,595 | ) | | ||||||||||
Remeasurements of post-employment benefit obligations |
26 | (9 | ) | (27 | ) | | ||||||||||
Income tax related to these items |
461 | 326 | | |||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income/(loss) that may not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods, net of tax |
(14,380 | ) | (10,296 | ) | | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, net of tax |
(14,445 | ) | (10,198 | ) | (14 | ) | ||||||||||
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year, net of tax |
(124,727 | ) | (315,490 | ) | (319,686 | ) | ||||||||||
Attributable to: |
||||||||||||||||
Equity holders of the Company |
(124,343 | ) | (314,976 | ) | (319,686 | ) | ||||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
(384 | ) | (514 | ) | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
39
Consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
(in 000) |
Notes | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
Assets |
||||||||||||
Non-current assets |
||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment |
15 | 176,603 | 134,718 | |||||||||
Intangible assets |
16 | 21,013 | 24,648 | |||||||||
Right-of-use assets |
17 | 76,812 | 47,817 | |||||||||
Deferred tax assets |
30 | 807 | 523 | |||||||||
Other financial assets |
19 | 52,641 | 64,693 | |||||||||
Total non-current assets |
327,876 | 272,399 | ||||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||||||
Inventories |
18 | 34,104 | 26,017 | |||||||||
Prepayments and other assets |
21 | 17,934 | 6,873 | |||||||||
Trade and other receivables |
20 | 56,043 | 47,235 | |||||||||
Contract assets |
6 | | 1,512 | |||||||||
Other financial assets |
19 | 1,776 | 601 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
22 | 44,585 | 83,022 | |||||||||
Total current assets |
154,442 | 165,260 | ||||||||||
Total assets |
482,318 | 437,659 | ||||||||||
Equity |
||||||||||||
Share capital |
23 | 32,521 | 32,061 | |||||||||
Share premium |
23 | 372,135 | 365,900 | |||||||||
Reserves |
24 | (23,141 | ) | (6,860 | ) | |||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(461,198 | ) | (364,088 | ) | ||||||||
Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company |
(79,683 | ) | 27,013 | |||||||||
Non-controlling interests |
361 | 745 | ||||||||||
Total equity |
(79,322 | ) | 27,758 | |||||||||
Non-current liabilities |
||||||||||||
Borrowings |
25 | 350,722 | 269,033 | |||||||||
Lease liabilities |
17 | 71,563 | 44,044 | |||||||||
Provisions and other liabilities |
26 | 11,793 | 520 | |||||||||
Contract liabilities |
6 | 180 | 2,442 | |||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
30 | 1,549 | 2,184 | |||||||||
Derivative liabilities |
29 | 6,720 | | |||||||||
Total non-current liabilities |
442,527 | 318,223 | ||||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||||||
Trade and other payables |
28 | 76,948 | 56,390 | |||||||||
Contract liabilities |
6 | 9,823 | 7,917 | |||||||||
Current tax liabilities |
30 | 1,050 | 1,572 | |||||||||
Lease liabilities |
17 | 11,927 | 7,280 | |||||||||
Provisions and other liabilities |
26 | 18,643 | 17,223 | |||||||||
Warrant liabilities |
27 | | 1,296 | |||||||||
Derivative liabilities |
29 | 722 | | |||||||||
Total current liabilities |
119,113 | 91,678 | ||||||||||
Total liabilities |
561,640 | 409,901 | ||||||||||
Total equity and liabilities |
482,318 | 437,659 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
40
Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021
Attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in 000) |
Notes | Share capital | Share premium | Reserves | Accumulated deficit |
Total | Non-controlling interests |
Total equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
As at January 1, 2021 |
1 | 36,947 | 3,823 | (114,515 | ) | (73,744 | ) | | (73,744 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss for the year |
| | | (319,672 | ) | (319,672 | ) | | (319,672 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year |
| | (14 | ) | | (14 | ) | | (14 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year |
| | (14 | ) | (319,672 | ) | (319,686 | ) | | (319,686 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share premium contribution |
23 | | 26,000 | | | 26,000 | | 26,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other changes in reserves |
24 | | | 386 | (386 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based payment expenses |
11 | | | | 291,837 | 291,837 | | 291,837 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transaction costs, net of tax |
23 | | (1,059 | ) | | | (1,059 | ) | | (1,059 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
As at December 31, 2021 |
1 | 61,888 | 4,195 | (142,736 | ) | (76,652 | ) | | (76,652 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
As at January 1, 2022 |
1 | 61,888 | 4,195 | (142,736 | ) | (76,652 | ) | | (76,652 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss for the year |
| | | (304,778 | ) | (304,778 | ) | (514 | ) | (305,292 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year |
| | (10,169 | ) | (29 | ) | (10,198 | ) | | (10,198 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year |
| | (10,169 | ) | (304,807 | ) | (314,976 | ) | (514 | ) | (315,490 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other changes in reserves |
24 | | | (886 | ) | 886 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity contribution (Allego Holding shareholders) |
23 | 28,311 | 73,620 | | | 101,931 | | 101,931 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity contribution (Spartan shareholders) |
23 | 1,789 | 85,808 | | | 87,597 | | 87,597 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity contribution (PIPE financing) |
23 | 1,800 | 130,890 | | | 132,690 | | 132,690 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity contribution (Private warrants exercise) |
23 | 160 | 13,694 | | | 13,854 | | 13,854 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-controlling interests on acquisition of subsidiary |
4 | | | | | | 1,259 | 1,259 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based payment expenses |
11 | | | | 82,569 | 82,569 | | 82,569 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
As at December 31, 2022 |
32,061 | 365,900 | (6,860 | ) | (364,088 | ) | 27,013 | 745 | 27,758 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
As at January 1, 2023 |
32,061 | 365,900 | (6,860 | ) | (364,088 | ) | 27,013 | 745 | 27,758 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss for the year |
| | | (109,898 | ) | (109,898 | ) | (384 | ) | (110,282 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year |
| | (14,436 | ) | (9 | ) | (14,445 | ) | | (14,445 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the year |
| | (14,436 | ) | (109,907 | ) | (124,343 | ) | (384 | ) | (124,727 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other changes in reserves |
| | (1,845 | ) | 1,845 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares under the LTIP from IPO Grant Shares |
23 | 1 | | | | 1 | | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares under the LTIP from RSUs |
23 | 80 | | | (80 | ) | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares in exchange of Public Warrants |
23 | 379 | 7,190 | | | 7,569 | | 7,569 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Transaction costs related to issuance of ordinary shares in exchange of Public Warrants |
23 | | (955 | ) | | | (955 | ) | | (955 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based payment expenses |
11 | | | | 11,032 | 11,032 | | 11,032 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
As at December 31, 2023 |
32,521 | 372,135 | (23,141 | ) | (461,198 | ) | (79,683 | ) | 361 | (79,322 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
41
Consolidated statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
(in 000) |
Notes | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities |
||||||||||||||||
Cash generated from/(used in) operations |
14 | (30,681 | ) | (95,704 | ) | (2,921 | ) | |||||||||
Interest paid |
(14,792 | ) | (9,224 | ) | (5,996 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest received |
1,156 | | | |||||||||||||
Proceeds from settlement of interest cap derivatives |
19 | | 1,071 | | ||||||||||||
Payment of interest cap derivative premiums |
19 | | (4,068 | ) | | |||||||||||
Income taxes received/(paid) |
(852 | ) | (424 | ) | (296 | ) | ||||||||||
Net cash flows from/(used in) operating activities |
(45,169 | ) | (108,349 | ) | (9,213 | ) | ||||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities |
||||||||||||||||
Acquisition of Mega-E, net of cash acquired |
4 | | (9,720 | ) | | |||||||||||
Acquisition of MOMA, net of cash acquired |
4 | | (58,644 | ) | | |||||||||||
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
15 | (69,060 | ) | (25,581 | ) | (9,983 | ) | |||||||||
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment |
15 | | 45 | 1,207 | ||||||||||||
Purchase of intangible assets |
16 | | (1,572 | ) | (6,793 | ) | ||||||||||
Proceeds from government grants |
15 | 137 | 512 | 1,702 | ||||||||||||
Other cash flows used in investing activities |
17 | | (1,500 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net cash flows from/(used in) investing activities |
(68,906 | ) | (94,960 | ) | (15,367 | ) | ||||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities |
||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from borrowings |
25 | 82,400 | 159,210 | 44,315 | ||||||||||||
Repayment of borrowings |
25 | | (23,403 | ) | | |||||||||||
Payment of principal portion of lease liabilities |
17 | (4,692 | ) | (5,227 | ) | (3,215 | ) | |||||||||
Payment of transaction costs on new equity instruments |
23 | (498 | ) | (925 | ) | (134 | ) | |||||||||
Payment of transaction costs on borrowings |
25 | (1,576 | ) | (10,751 | ) | | ||||||||||
Proceeds from issuing equity instruments (Spartan shareholders) |
4, 23 | | 10,079 | | ||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuing equity instruments (PIPE financing) |
4, 23 | | 132,690 | | ||||||||||||
Net cash flows from/(used in) financing activities |
75,634 | 261,673 | 40,966 | |||||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
(38,441 | ) | 58,364 | 16,386 | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year |
83,022 | 24,652 | 8,274 | |||||||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
4 | 6 | (8 | ) | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year |
22 | 44,585 | 83,022 | 24,652 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
42
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
Index to notes to the consolidated financial statements
1. |
Reporting entity | 45 | ||||||
2. |
Material accounting policies | 45 | ||||||
2.1. | Basis of preparation | 45 | ||||||
2.2. | Going concern assumption and financial position | 46 | ||||||
2.3. | Basis of consolidation | 49 | ||||||
2.4. | Principles for the consolidated statement of cash flows | 50 | ||||||
2.5. | Foreign currency translation | 51 | ||||||
2.6. | New and amended standards | 51 | ||||||
2.7. | Summary of material accounting policies | 53 | ||||||
3. |
Significant accounting estimates, assumptions and judgments | 74 | ||||||
3.1 | Judgments | 74 | ||||||
3.2 | Estimates and assumptions | 76 | ||||||
4. |
Business combinations and capital reorganization | 77 | ||||||
5. |
Segmentation | 79 | ||||||
6. |
Revenue from contracts with customers | 80 | ||||||
7. |
Other income/(expenses) | 82 | ||||||
8. |
Selling and distribution expenses | 83 | ||||||
9. |
General and administrative expenses | 83 | ||||||
10. |
Breakdown of expenses by nature | 84 | ||||||
10.1 | Depreciation, amortization and impairments | 84 | ||||||
10.2 | Employee benefits expenses | 85 | ||||||
10.3 | Audit Fees | 88 | ||||||
11. |
Share-based payments | 89 | ||||||
11.1 | First Special Fees Agreement | 89 | ||||||
11.2 | Second Special Fees Agreement | 89 | ||||||
11.3 | Management incentive plan | 90 | ||||||
11.4 | Long-term incentive plan | 92 | ||||||
12. |
Finance income/(costs) | 96 | ||||||
13. |
Loss per share | 96 | ||||||
14. |
Cash generated from operations | 97 | ||||||
15. |
Property, plant and equipment | 98 | ||||||
16. |
Intangible assets | 100 | ||||||
17. |
Leases | 101 | ||||||
17.1 | Group as a lessee | 101 | ||||||
17.2 | Group as a lessor | 103 | ||||||
18. |
Inventories | 103 | ||||||
19. |
Other financial assets | 103 | ||||||
20. |
Trade and other receivables | 105 | ||||||
21. |
Prepayments and other assets | 106 | ||||||
22. |
Cash and cash equivalents | 106 | ||||||
23. |
Share capital, share premium and transaction costs on new equity instruments | 106 |
43
24. |
Reserves | 110 | ||||||
25. |
Borrowings | 111 | ||||||
26. |
Provisions and other liabilities | 116 | ||||||
27. |
Warrant liabilities | 118 | ||||||
28. |
Trade and other payables | 119 | ||||||
29. |
Derivative liabilities | 120 | ||||||
30. |
Taxation | 120 | ||||||
30.1 | Income taxes | 120 | ||||||
30.2 | Deferred taxes | 121 | ||||||
30.3 | Fiscal unity for Dutch corporate income tax purposes | 123 | ||||||
31. |
Financial instruments | 124 | ||||||
32. |
Fair value measurement | 125 | ||||||
33. |
Financial risk management | 130 | ||||||
34. |
Capital management | 135 | ||||||
35. |
Commitments and contingencies | 137 | ||||||
36. |
Related-party transactions | 137 | ||||||
36.1 | Transactions with related parties | 138 | ||||||
36.2 | Balances with related parties | 139 | ||||||
36.3 | Remuneration of key management personnel | 139 | ||||||
37. |
Group information | 141 | ||||||
37.1 | List of principal subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures | 141 | ||||||
37.2 | Changes to the composition of the Group | 143 | ||||||
38. |
Subsequent events | 143 |
44
1 | Reporting Entity |
Allego N.V. (Allego or the Company) was incorporated as a Dutch private limited liability company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) on June 3, 2021 under the laws of the Netherlands, under the name of Athena Pubco B.V.
On March 16, 2022, Athena Pubco B.V. changed its legal form from a private limited liability company to a public limited liability company (naamloze vennootschap), changed its name to Allego N.V. and entered into the Deed of Conversion containing the Articles of Association of Allego N.V. Allego N.V. consummated the previously announced business combination (the SPAC Transaction) with Spartan Acquisition Corp. III (Spartan) pursuant to the terms of the business combination agreement (BCA) and became a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The public company Allego N.V. trades under the Allego name with the ticker ALLG. The Companys registered seat and head office are in Arnhem, the Netherlands. Its head office is located at Westervoortsedijk 73 KB, 6827 AV in Arnhem, the Netherlands. The Company is registered with the Dutch Trade Register under number 82985537.
The Companys main activity is enabling electrification through designing, building and the operation of charging solutions for electric vehicles in Europe. The Company services corporate customers with the long-term operation of comprehensive charging solutions. The Companys goal is to offer the best EV charging experience with end-to-end charging solutions through different charging products (e.g. slow, fast, ultra-fast charging) in combination with our EV Cloud platform and additional service support. The majority of the Allego N.V. shares are held by Madeleine which is an indirectly controlled subsidiary of Meridiam SAS (Meridiam) a global investor and asset manager based in Paris, France. Meridiam specializes in the development, financing and long-term management of sustainable public infrastructure in the mobility, energy transition and social infrastructure sectors.
These financial statements are consolidated financial statements for the group consisting of Allego N.V. and its subsidiaries (jointly referred to as the Group or Allego Group). Further disclosure on why the Companys consolidated financial statements include comparative information for transactions occurring during the year ended December 31, 2021, despite the Company only being incorporated on June 3, 2021, is provided in Note 2 and Note 3. Allegos principal subsidiaries are listed in Note 37.
2 Material accounting policies
This section provides an overview of the material accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements. These policies have been consistently applied to all the periods presented, unless otherwise stated.
2.1. Basis of preparation
2.1.1 Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union (EU) and also comply with the financial reporting requirements included in Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.
The consolidated financial statements were prepared by the Board of Directors and were authorized for issue in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors on June 28, 2024. The consolidated financial statements are subject to adoption by the General Meeting of Shareholders.
2.1.2 Basis of measurement
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, unless otherwise stated. All amounts disclosed in the consolidated financial statements are presented in thousands of euros (), unless otherwise indicated.
The Company cannot be considered a separate entity acting in its own right for the period prior to the completion of the BCA, and the economic substance of its incorporation and the holding of the shares of Allego Holding constitutes a capital reorganization of the Group subsequent to the completion of the BCA and to aid with integrating new investors.
45
Consequently, management has concluded that Allego should recognize in its consolidated financial statements the net assets of Allego Holding and subsidiaries as per their preceding carrying amounts, and that comparative information should be represented, as the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries are a continuation of those of Allego Holding and its subsidiaries.
Therefore, the comparable consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the prior period from January 1, 2022, until March 16, 2022 represent the consolidated financial statements of Allego Holding and its subsidiaries.
2.1.3 The application of section 402, Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code
As the financial data of the Company are included in the consolidated financial statements, the income statement in the company financial statements is presented in its condensed form in accordance with section 402, Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code.
2.2. Going concern assumption and financial position
Going concern
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared assuming the Group will continue as a going concern. The going concern basis of presentation assumes that the Group will continue in operation for a period of at least one year after the date these financial statements are issued and contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities in the normal course of business. See further discussion below.
The Groups scale of operations
The Groups strategy requires significant capital expenditures, as well as investments in building the Groups organization aimed at increasing the scale of its operations. The Group incurred losses during the first years of its operations including 2023 and expects to continue to incur losses in the next twelve months from the issuance date of these consolidated financial statements. This is typical in the industry, as builders and operators of EV charging sites often incur losses in the early years of operation as the network grows and consumers begin adopting EVs. Therefore, the Group relies heavily on funding from bank financing and equity issuance. During 2022, the Group entered into a new facility agreement with a group of lenders led by Société Générale and Banco Santander, increasing the total available facility by 230,000 thousand to 400,000 thousand, to further support its growth. Refer to the more detailed description of the terms and conditions in the Financing section below. The Groups strategy is based on further growth and will require additional significant funding from lenders or its existing or new shareholders.
Financial position of the Group
As at December 31, 2023, the losses incurred during the first years of its operations (partially offset by equity contributions from 2022), resulted in a negative equity of 79,322 thousand. (December 31, 2022: positive 27,758 thousand) and cash and cash equivalents of 44,585 thousand (December 31, 2022: 83,022 thousand). As of December 31, 2023 an amount of approximately 39,000 thousand included in the cash and cash equivalents originated from the drawdown of the renewed facility and will be used for capital expenditures in early 2024.
The Groups operations to date have been funded by borrowings from the banks, as well as proceeds from the SPAC Transaction. In the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2023, the carrying value of the Groups borrowings amounts to 350,722 thousand (December 31, 2022: 269,033 thousand). Additionally, the Group had 83,490 thousand in lease liabilities (December 31, 2022: 51,324 thousand) and 76,948 thousand in trade and other payables (December 31, 2022: 56,390 thousand).
46
Financing
On December 19, 2022, the Group entered into a new facility agreement (the renewed facility) with a group of lenders led by Société Générale and Banco Santander, increasing the total available facility by 230,000 thousand to 400,000 thousand, to further support its growth. The renewed facility consists of (i) 170,000 thousand used to settle the old facility, (ii) up to 200,000 thousand to be used for financing and refinancing certain capital expenditures and permitted acquisitions (and for other permitted debt servicing uses) and (iii) up to 30,000 thousand to be used for issuance of guarantees and letters of credit (and when utilized by way of letters of credit, for general corporate purposes). The renewed facility expires in December 2027 and bears interest at EURIBOR plus a margin. As of December 31, 2023, the Group has not drawn on 8,390 thousand of this facility and the unutilized amount from the guarantee facility is 17,500 thousand. The Company has not drawn any further amount from the renewed facility till the date of issuance of financial statements, however additional letters of credit were issued in 2024 to renewable electricity suppliers in relation to existing power purchase agreements and site construction suppliers for a total amount of 10,527 thousand. Refer to Note 38 of the consolidated financial statements.
The renewed facility is secured by pledges on the bank accounts (presented as part of cash and cash equivalents in Note 22 and non-current other financial assets in Note 19), pledges on trade and other receivables presented in Note 20 and pledges on the shares of its main subsidiaries in the capital of Allego Holding B.V., Allego B.V., Allego GmbH and Allego France SAS held by the Company.
Under the terms of the renewed facility, the Group is required to comply with financial covenants, including leverage ratio and interest cover ratio, at the consolidated level of Allego N.V. Historically, the Group met its covenants as per the old facility agreement. A covenant breach would negatively affect the Groups financial position and cash flows. In the event of a covenant breach, the Group may within ten business days from the occurrence of a breach or the anticipated breach of the loan covenants remedy such default by providing evidence of receipt of new funding, sufficient to cure such breach (equity cure right). Such remediation is available for not more than two consecutive testing dates and four times over the duration of the renewed facility. In case the covenants breach is not cured, such a breach is considered a default and could lead to the cancellation of the total undrawn commitments and the loan to become immediately due and payable.
The compliance with covenants under the renewed facility agreement shall be tested every 6 months, with the testing period being the 12 months ending December 31 and June 30. The first testing date of the interest cover ratio was June 30, 2023, and the first testing date of the leverage ratio is June 30, 2024.
Even though the Group has complied with the covenants of the old facility and renewed facility throughout all reporting periods presented the Group is also forecasted to potentially breach the interest cover ratio and leverage ratio covenants at December 31, 2024 and the Group is dependent on obtaining additional financing to execute on its business plan. The covenant ratios are increasing every testing date until June 30, 2027 in line with this business plan.
Please refer to Note 34 for additional detail on loan covenants, and Note 25 for information on the terms and conditions of the renewed facility.
In parallel to the renewed facility, the Group entered into interest rate cap derivatives to help offset the interest rate risk on at least 65% of the outstanding loan amounts under the renewed facility. The Group has two interest rate caps in place with a notional of 240,500 thousand (December 31, 2022: two interest rate caps with a notional of 181,487 thousand) which mature in December 2027. As at December 31, 2023, the interest rate caps cover approximately 67% (December 31, 2022: 65%) of the variable loan principal outstanding. The strike price changes over time and ranges between 1.50% and 3.43%.
Interest rate risks on the remaining portion of the outstanding loan amounts, including the impact that higher interest rates would have on the Companys going concern analysis, was included in the cash flow forecasts described below. Additional information on interest rate risk is described in Note 33.
Liquidity forecasts
Management prepares detailed liquidity forecasts and monitors cash and liquidity forecasts on a continuous basis. In assessing the going concern basis of preparation of the consolidated financial statements, management estimated the expected cash flows until December 31, 2025, incorporating current cash levels, revenue projections, detailed capital expenditures, operating expense budgets, interest payment obligations, and working capital projections, as well as compliance with covenants, potential future equity raises, and availability of other financial funding from banks and the shareholder. The Group invests in new stations, chargers, grid connections, and potential business acquisitions only if the Group has secured financing for such investments. These forecasts reflect potential scenarios and management plans and are dependent on securing significant contracts and related revenues.
47
Management has performed an analysis of its liquidity forecast until December 31, 2025 and prepared a scenario that assumes capital expenditure levels based on the currently available funds, remaining undrawn portion of the renewed facility, as well as service revenue inflows derived from only existing contracts.
Under this scenario, the Group is forecasted to have sufficient available cash and liquidity but has limited headroom. The key assumptions in the analysis are related to the utilization rates of charging stations and the sales prices. These assumptions are sensitive and any adverse change in these assumptions will result in insufficient available cash and liquidity. Under this scenario the Group is also forecasted to breach the interest cover ratio and leverage ratio covenants at December 31, 2024.
In the event the Group fails to meet its loan covenants, or the Groups forecasts prove to be inaccurate, the Group may be required to obtain additional financing, a waiver for its covenants and/or renegotiation with its current lender. The Group may not be able to negotiate on acceptable terms, or at all. If the Group is unable to raise additional capital when desired, its business, financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected and may no longer be able to operate as a going concern.
The Company is exploring various options to mitigate the uncertainties related to the limited headroom, funding to be obtained and the potential breach of its covenants by:
| obtaining additional external and shareholder funding. |
| delaying capital expenditures. |
| negotiating with their current lenders to obtain a covenant waiver. |
| funding operations through the special purpose vehicles (i.e. asset companies) with external parties. |
| securing non-committed pipeline of sales and services projects. |
After exploring various options, in June 2024, the Group entered into a Development and Installation Contract and an O&M contract with a special purpose vehicle that is wholly owned by Meridiam to develop, operate and maintain charging sites in Germany (collectively, Project Faolan). As a result from this transaction, the Group will receive an amount of cash equal to 25,300 thousand at the closing of Project Faolan and an amount of cash equal to 20,517 thousand on September 15, 2024 (collectively, the Faolan Contribution). The Faolan Contribution relates to the sale of assets to the special purpose vehicle and remuneration for services to be provided in the future. The Faolan Contribution is contingent upon the fulfillment of certain operational conditions, which include the novation of specific lease contracts. As these conditions have been satisfied, the Group is entitled to receive the first payment of 25,300 thousand. The payment of 20,517 thousand remains subject to fulfillment of certain operational conditions.
As provided in the TFA, on June 14, 2024, the Group entered into a Development and Installation Contract and an O&M contract with a special purpose vehicle that is wholly owned by Meridiam to develop, operate and maintain charging sites in Germany (collectively, Project Faolan). As a result from this transaction, the Group will receive an amount of cash equal to 25,300 thousand at the closing of Project Faolan and an amount of cash equal to 20,517 thousand on September 15, 2024 (collectively, the Faolan Contribution). The Faolan Contribution is contingent upon the fulfillment of certain operational conditions, which include the novation of specific lease contracts. As these conditions have been satisfied, the Group is entitled to receive the first payment of 25,300 thousand. The payment of 20,517 thousand remains subject to fulfillment of certain operational conditions.
Additionally, in June 2024, it was announced that Madeleine will launch a tender offer (the Offer) to purchase all ordinary shares of Allego that are not held by Madeleine or its affiliates. The completion of the Offer will be followed by Allegos voluntary delisting of its ordinary shares from the NYSE and deregistration of its securities from the SEC. The Offer may not be completed if the parties to the Transaction Framework Agreement (TFA) decide to terminate the agreement, or if any regulatory body prohibits the transaction. Subject to the successful completion of the delisting, the Group will receive an additional 310,000 thousand through the issuance of convertible bonds to Madeleine or its affiliates (the Meridiam Contribution), of which the definitive terms and conditions are still subject to finalization. The first tranche of the convertible bonds, with an aggregate principal amount of at least 150,000 thousand, is expected to be issued in the last quarter of 2024. For further details, reference is made to Note 38 Subsequent events.
48
The receipt of the first portion of the Faolan Contribution is expected to address the cash and liquidity requirements in the short-term. Obtaining the funding upon the successful execution of the transactions described above will further contribute to this.
Please note that securing non-committed pipeline of sales and service projects does not guarantee immediate mitigation of any potential breach of financial covenants. The effectiveness of this measure is contingent upon the Companys success in generating adequate operational EBITDA, which is unpredictable and depends on the timings and the satisfaction of various performance obligations.
As described above, long-term investments, development activities, and operations beyond December 31, 2025 will require additional financing to be obtained. Currently, no commitments exist for further growth investments. The Group will be required to seek additional financing to continue to execute its growth strategy and business plan in the long-term. The realization of such financing is inherently uncertain. Securing additional funding by raising additional equity or debt financing is important for the Groups ability to continue as a going concern in the long-term. However, there is no assurance that the Group will be able to raise additional equity or debt financing on acceptable terms, or at all.
As a result of managements forecast and the potential breach of its covenants combined with the need for additional funding, there is a material uncertainty that casts significant doubt upon the Groups ability to continue as a going concern, and therefore, whether the Group will realize its assets and settle its liabilities in the ordinary course of business at the amounts recorded in the financial statements.
Although the expectation for the coming year is that the Company will continue to have net losses and make additional investments, its cash flows from operations and renewed credit facility is expected to be sufficient until December 31, 2025 based on the Companys forecast and the remediation options available. Therefore, the consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the assumption that the Group operates on a going concern basis.
The financial statements do not contain any adjustments that would result if the Group and Company were unable to continue as a going concern.
2.3. Basis of consolidation
Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group has control. Control is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. Specifically, the Group controls an investee if, and only if, the Group has:
| power over the investee (i.e., existing rights that give it the current ability to direct the relevant activities of the investee); |
| exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee; |
| the ability to use its power over the investee to affect its returns. |
Generally, there is a presumption that a majority of voting rights results in control. To support this presumption and when the Group has less than a majority of the voting or similar rights of an investee, the Group considers all relevant facts and circumstances in assessing whether it has power over an investee, including:
| the contractual arrangement(s) with the other vote holders of the investee; |
| rights arising from other contractual arrangements; |
| the Groups voting rights and potential voting rights. |
The Group re-assesses whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control. Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Group obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Group loses control of the subsidiary. Assets, liabilities, income and expenses of a subsidiary acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date the Group gains control until the date the Group ceases to control the subsidiary.
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Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income are attributed to the equity holders of the Company and to the non-controlling interests, even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated statement of profit or loss, statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of financial position respectively.
Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by the Group. All intra-group assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions between members of the Group are eliminated in full on consolidation. Unrealized losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of an impairment of the transferred asset.
The Group treats transactions with non-controlling interests that do not result in a loss of control as transactions with equity owners of the Group. A change in ownership interest results in an adjustment between the carrying amounts of the controlling and non-controlling interests to reflect their relative interests in the subsidiary. Any difference between the amount of the adjustment to non-controlling interests and any consideration paid or received is recognized in equity and attributed to the equity holders of the Company.
If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognizes the related assets (including goodwill), liabilities and non-controlling interest, while any resultant gain or loss is recognized in profit or loss. Amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income in respect of that entity are accounted for as if the group had directly disposed of the related assets or liabilities. This may mean that amounts previously recognized in other comprehensive income are reclassified to profit or loss. Any retained interest in the entity is remeasured to its fair value, with the change in the carrying amount recognized in profit or loss. This fair value becomes the initial carrying amount for the purposes of subsequent accounting for the retained interest as an associate, joint venture or financial asset.
Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant influence but not control or joint control. Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method and are initially recognized at cost, including any potential transaction costs, as of the date the significant influence was obtained. Subsequently, the Groups share of the profit or loss and other comprehensive income/(loss) of the associates is included in the consolidated financial statements until the date on which the significant influence ceases. As at December 31, 2023, the Group has one associate (December 31, 2022: one, December 31, 2021: nil).
The Group discontinues applying the equity method when the investment in associates is reduced to zero. Accordingly, additional losses are not recognized unless the Group has guaranteed certain obligations of the associates. When the associates subsequently report net income, the Group resumes applying the equity method but only after its share of that net income equals the share of net losses not recognized during the period the equity method was suspended.
2.4. Principles for the consolidated statement of cash flows
The consolidated statement of cash flows is prepared based on the indirect method. The consolidated statement of cash flows distinguishes between cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities. The cash items disclosed in the statement of cash flows comprise cash at bank, cash in hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, and bank overdrafts when they are considered an integral part of the Groups cash management.
Cash flows denominated in foreign currencies have been translated at average exchange rates. Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents are shown separately in the consolidated statement of cash flows. The Group has chosen to present interest paid as cash flows from operating activities and interest received as cash flows from investing activities.
The Group has classified the principal portion of lease payments within cash flows from financing activities and the interest portion within cash flows from operating activities. The Group has classified cash flows received from operating leases as cash flows from operating activities.
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2.5. Foreign currency translation
2.5.1 Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Groups entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are presented in euros (), which is the Companys functional and presentation currency.
2.5.2 Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions, and from the translation of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year-end exchange rates, are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss. All foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the consolidated statement of profit or loss, within finance income/(costs).
Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates at the date when the fair value was determined. Translation differences on assets and liabilities carried at fair value are reported as part of the fair value gain or loss. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.
2.5.3 Translation of foreign operations
The results and financial position of foreign operations that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency of the Group are translated into the presentation currency as follows. Assets and liabilities for each statement of financial position presented are translated at the closing rate at the date of that statement of financial position. Income and expenses for each statement of profit or loss and statement of comprehensive income are translated at average exchange rates, unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the date of transactions are used. All resulting exchange differences are recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income and accumulated in a foreign currency translation reserve, as a separate component in equity (attributed to non-controlling interests as appropriate).
When a foreign operation is sold, the associated exchange differences are reclassified to the consolidated statement of profit or loss, as part of the gain or loss on sale.
Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the foreign operation and translated at the closing rate. Exchange differences arising are recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
2.6. New and amended standards
2.6.1 New and amended standards adopted by the group
A number of amended standards have been published by the IASB and are effective as of January 1, 2023, The Group did not have to change its accounting policies or make retrospective adjustments as a result of applying these standards and amendments because these amended standards do not have a material effect on the Groups consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023:
| IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts. This standard does not have an impact on the Groups consolidated financial statements because the Group does not have any contracts qualifying as insurance contracts. |
| Amendments to IAS 12International Tax Reform Pillar Two Model Rules. This amendment will only become relevant if the Group reaches an annual turnover of at least Euro 750 million per year. The Group does not yet reach this revenue threshold and no assessment was yet performed to determine if it would be in scope via its majority shareholders. Should any of these conditions change, then the application of Pillar Two could have a material adverse effect on the Groups business, financial position and results of operations. |
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| Amendments to IAS 12 - Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction. This amendment does not have an impact on the Groups consolidated financial statements |
| Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2 - Disclosure of Material Accounting Policies. The Group assessed the impact of this amendment and updated its consolidated financial statements accordingly. |
| Amendments to IAS 8 - Definition of Accounting Estimates. This amendment does not have an impact on the Groups consolidated financial statements |
2.6.2 New standards and interpretations not yet adopted
The new and amended standards and interpretations that are issued, but not yet effective, up to the date of issuance of the Groups financial statements are disclosed below. The Group intends to adopt these new and amended standards and interpretations, if applicable, when they become effective.
Amendments to IAS 1 Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current
The narrow-scope amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements clarify that liabilities are classified as either current or non-current, depending on the rights that exist at the end of the reporting period. Classification is unaffected by the expectations of the entity or events after the reporting date (e.g., the receipt of a waiver or a breach of covenant). The amendments also clarify what IAS 1 means when it refers to the settlement of a liability. In October 2022 further amendments were issued to clarify that covenants of loan agreements which an entity must comply with only after the reporting date would not affect classification of a liability of current or non-current at the reporting date. These amendments introduce additional disclosure requirements.
The amendments could affect the classification of liabilities, particularly for entities that previously considered managements intentions to determine classification and for some liabilities that can be converted into equity. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024 and must be applied retrospectively in accordance with the normal requirements of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors. The Group does not expect the standard to have an impact on the classification of the Groups liabilities within the consolidated financial statements, but will evaluate any additional disclosure requirements, as applicable.
Other new and amended standards and interpretations
The following new and amended standards have been published by the IASB and will become effective on or after January 1, 2024:
| Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7 - Supplier Finance Arrangements |
| Amendment to IFRS 16 Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback |
| Amendments to IAS 1 - Non- Current Liabilities with Covenants |
| Amendments to IAS 21 - Lack of Exchangeability |
| IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements |
| IFRS 19 Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures |
| Amendments to the Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments (Amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7) |
The adoption of the amendments listed above is not expected to have an impact on the Groups consolidated financial statements. The impact of adopting the new standard IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements was evaluated, revealing that the effects only relate to presentation and disclosure.
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The amendments to IAS 21 - Lack of Exchangeability, the new standard IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements, the new standard IFRS 19 Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures and the amendments to IFRS 9 and IFRS 7, have not yet been endorsed by the EU. All other amendments and effective dates have been endorsed by the EU.
2.7. Summary of material accounting policies
2.7.1 Segment reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker (CODM), who is responsible for assessing the performance of the operating segments and allocating resources, has been identified as the Executive Board of the Group. The Executive Board consists of the chief executive officer (CEO), the chief financial officer (CFO) and the chief technology officer (CTO).
2.7.2 Business combinations
The Group accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method when the acquired set of activities and assets meets the definition of a business as per IFRS 3 and control is transferred to the Group. To determine whether a particular set of activities and assets is a business, the Company assesses whether the set of assets and activities acquired includes, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process and whether outputs can be produced.
The cost of an acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the consideration transferred, which is measured at acquisition date fair value, and the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree. For each business combination, the Group elects whether to measure non-controlling interests in the acquiree at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquirees identifiable net assets. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred.
Any contingent or deferred consideration is measured at fair value at the date of acquisition. If an obligation to pay contingent or deferred consideration that meets the definition of a financial instrument is classified as equity, then it is not remeasured, and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, other contingent or deferred consideration is remeasured at fair value at each reporting date and subsequent changes in the fair value of the consideration are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
If the business combination is achieved in stages, the acquisition date carrying value of the Groups previously held equity interest in the acquiree is remeasured to fair value at the acquisition date. Any gains or losses arising from such remeasurement are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
In the event of an asset acquisition, the Group applies the guidance prescribed by IFRS 3 and allocates the cost of the transaction to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values at the date of purchase with no goodwill recognized. For any identifiable asset or liability initially measured at an amount other than cost, the Group initially measures that asset or liability at the amount specified in the applicable IFRS Standard. The Group then allocates the residual transaction price to the remaining identifiable assets and liabilities based on their relative fair values at the date of the acquisition.
2.7.3 Goodwill
In a business combination, goodwill is initially measured at cost (being the excess of the aggregate of the: consideration transferred, amount of non-controlling interests and the fair value of any previously interest held, over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed). After initial recognition, goodwill is not amortized but it is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Refer to the accounting policies on impairment of non-financial assets (including goodwill) in Note 2.7.15.
On disposal of an entity, the associated goodwill is included in the carrying amount of the entity when determining the gains or losses on disposal.
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2.7.4 Revenue recognition
The Group recognizes revenue from the following activities:
| revenue from charging sessions; |
| revenue from the sale of charging equipment to customers; |
| revenue from installation services; |
| revenue from the operation and maintenance of charging equipment owned by customers; and |
| revenue from consulting services. |
Charging sessions
Charging sessions reflect the revenues related to charging sessions at charging equipment owned by the Group. The Group acts as a charge point operator in public spaces, at consumers homes and at companies locations. The Group supplies electricity to owners and drivers of electric vehicles which use a charge card issued by a mobility service provider (MSP), credit card or a charging app to pay for these services. Charging revenue is recognized at the moment of charging, when the control of electricity is transferred to the customer. The Group is acting as a principal in charging transactions for charging equipment that is owned by the Group as it has the primary responsibility for these services and discretion in establishing the price of electricity.
The Group is considered an agent in charging transactions for charging equipment owned by third parties as the Group does not have control over electricity, the Group has to reimburse the electricity costs to EV drivers, and because the charging services to homeowners and company locations are administrative in nature.
Sale of charging equipment
The Group enters into agreements with customers for the sale of charging equipment. These contracts are development contracts with customers under which the Group purchases and installs charging equipment at the relevant locations. The Group has determined that the sale and installation of the equipment constitute two distinct performance obligations since the integration of both performance obligations is limited, the installation is relatively straight-forward and these installation services can be provided by other suppliers as well. These separate performance obligations are both sold on a stand-alone basis and are distinct within the context of the contract. When the contract includes multiple performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the stand-alone selling prices. Where such stand-alone selling prices are not directly observable, these are estimated based on expected cost-plus margin.
Revenue from the sale of charging equipment is recognized at a point in time when control of the charging equipment is transferred to the customer. Depending on the terms and conditions of the contract, this can be:
| the moment when the customer has the legal title and the physical possession of the charging equipment once the delivery on premise takes place; or |
| the moment when the customer has not taken physical possession of the charging equipment and the delivery on premise has not taken place, but the customer has requested the Group to hold onto the charging equipment, and has the ability to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits from the charging equipment. |
Installation services
Revenue from installation of charging equipment is recognized over time. The Group uses an input method in measuring progress of the installation services. The input method is based on the proportion of contract costs incurred for work performed to date in proportion to the total estimated costs for the services to be provided. Management considers that this input method is an appropriate measure of the progress towards complete satisfaction of these performance obligations under IFRS 15. In case the Group cannot reliably measure progress of the installation services, the Group only recognizes revenue to the level of costs incurred.
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The Group also sells charging equipment and installation services separately. In that event the same revenue recognition principles are applied as those applied for a combined sale of charging equipment and installation services.
Operation and maintenance of charging equipment
Service revenue from operation and maintenance (O&M) services of charging equipment owned by customers is recognized over time. Services include the deployment of the Groups cloud-based platform to collect, share and analyze charging data as well as the maintenance of the site. Customers are invoiced on a monthly basis and consideration is payable when invoiced. The Group recognizes revenue from O&M services over time using an output method in measuring progress towards complete satisfaction of its performance obligations (straight lining the recognition of revenue over the period of the contract) as the Group believes this method faithfully depicts their performance. Any upfront billing and payments are accounted for as an advance payment.
Part of the O&M fees are variable and based on certain performance indicators related to the charging equipment, such as utilization. The Group recognizes variable consideration when the O&M fees occur.
The Group and a customer may enter into a development contract and an O&M contract at the same time. These contracts are not negotiated as a package and there are distinct commercial objectives and terms, the amount of consideration to be paid in one contract does not depend on the price or performance of the other contract and the goods or services promised in the contracts represent multiple performance obligations. Therefore, development and O&M contracts are treated as separate arrangements.
No significant element of financing is deemed present as the sales are made with a credit term of 30 days, which is consistent with market practice. Except for assurance type warranty provisions, the Group did not recognize an obligation to repair or warrant products or services as the Group does not provide any guarantee extension services.
Consulting services
The Group recognizes revenue from providing consulting services on research strategy and development of proprietary integrated tools taking the form of both software and/or hardware. Revenue from providing consulting services is recognized in the accounting period in which the services are rendered. Revenue is recognized over time using the input variable method as a measure of progress.
In the case of fixed-price contracts, the customer pays the fixed amount based on a payment schedule. If the services rendered by the Group exceed the payments, a contract asset is recognized. If the payments exceed the services rendered, a contract liability is recognized.
Contract assets
Fees associated with the development contracts are fixed and payable upon the achievement of milestones. If the services rendered by the Group exceed the payment, a contract asset is recognized. Contract assets are subject to an impairment assessment. Refer to the accounting policies on impairment of financial assets in Note 2.7.17.
Contract liabilities
A contract liability is recognized if a payment from the customer is received, and it precedes the satisfaction of a performance obligation by the Group. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue when the Group performs under the contract (i.e., transfers control of the related goods or services to the customer).
2.7.5 Cost of sales
Cost of sales represents the electricity cost for the charging revenues, which is billed to the Group by utility companies, including the electricity purchased under all PPA contracts, maintenance costs, depreciation expense related to charging equipment and charging infrastructure, and amortization expense related to the EV Cloud platform. Cost of sales related to development contracts consists of the cost of charging equipment and the third-party service cost for the installation services including the establishment of the grid connection. Cost of sales related to the O&M contracts mainly consists of the third-party service cost (such as costs incurred for monitoring the state of charging poles, cleaning of charging poles, data-related costs). These expenses are recognized in the period in which they are incurred.
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2.7.6 Other income/(expenses)
The Group recognizes other income/(expenses) from the following sources:
| sale of CO2 tickets issued by government (for example, HBE certificates or hernieuwbare brandstofeenheden in the Netherlands and similar schemes in Germany and France); |
| government grants; |
| disposal of property, plant and equipment; |
| sublease rental income; |
| fair value gains/(losses) on derivatives (power purchase agreements, purchase options); |
| fair value gains/(losses) on preference shares derivatives and net gain/(loss) on sale of preference shares derivatives; and |
| other items. |
For CO2 tickets issued by governments IAS 20 Accounting for government grants and disclosure of government assistance is applicable. CO2 tickets are initially recognized at fair value as inventory (refer to the accounting policies on inventories in Note 2.7.16). Other income from the sale of CO2 tickets (for example, HBE certificates in the Netherlands and similar schemes in Germany and France) includes both the fair value gain on initial recognition and the gain or loss on the subsequent sale.
The accounting policy for government grants is disclosed in Note 2.7.7. The accounting policy for the disposal of property, plant and equipment is disclosed in Note 2.7.12. The accounting policy for sublease rental income is disclosed in Note 2.7.14, section Group as a lessor. The accounting policy for the fair value gains and losses on the purchase options derivatives is disclosed in Note 2.7.17.
Other items mainly relate to reimbursements that the Group has received from one of its suppliers for chargers. See note 7.
2.7.7 Government grants
Government grants are recognized where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and that the Group will comply with all attached conditions. When the grant relates to an expense item, it is recognized as income on a systematic basis over the periods that the related costs, which it is intended to compensate, are expensed. Income from government grants is recorded in the consolidated statement of profit or loss as other income/(expenses).
When the grant relates to an asset, the carrying amount of the related asset is reduced with the amount of the grant. The grant is recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss over the useful life of the depreciable asset by way of a reduced depreciation charge.
Grants relating to assets relate to the Groups chargers and charging infrastructure. Refer to Note 15 for details.
2.7.8 General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses relate to the Groups support function and mainly comprise employee benefits, depreciation of right-of-use assets, IT costs, housing and facility costs, travelling costs, fees incurred from third parties and other general and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss when incurred.
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2.7.9 Selling and distribution expenses
Selling and distribution expenses relate to the Groups sales function and mainly comprise employee benefits, amortization costs, marketing and communication costs, housing and facility costs, travelling costs and other selling and distribution expenses. Selling and distribution expenses are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss when incurred.
2.7.10 Employee benefits
Short-term employee benefits
Short-term employee benefits include wages, salaries, social security contributions, annual leave, including paid time-off, accumulating sick leave and non-monetary benefits and are recognized as an expense as the related services are provided by the employee to the Group. Liabilities for short-term employee benefits that are expected to be settled within twelve months after the reporting period are recorded for the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled.
Pensions and other post-employment obligations
Pension plans
The Group operates various pension plans, including both defined benefit and defined contribution plans, for its employees in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. To the employees in France, both pension plan and a statutory end-of-service benefit applies. The plans are generally funded through payments to insurance companies or trustee-administered funds as determined by periodic actuarial calculations.
Defined benefit plans
The liability or asset recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position in respect of defined benefit pension plans is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the reporting period less the fair value of plan assets. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method.
The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows using interest rates of high-quality corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits will be paid, and that have terms approximating to the terms of the related obligation. In countries where there is no deep market in such bonds, the market rates on government bonds are used.
The net interest cost is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net balance of the defined benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets. This cost is included in employee benefit expenses in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Remeasurement gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognized in the period in which they occur, directly in other comprehensive income. They are included in accumulated deficit in the consolidated statement of changes in equity and in the consolidated statement of financial position.
Defined contribution plans
For defined contribution plans, the Group pays contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid. The contributions are recognized as employee benefit expenses when they are due. Prepaid contributions are recognized as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payments is available.
Other long-term employee benefits
The Group operates a jubilee plan for certain employees in the Netherlands, for which the Group records a provision. The provision is measured as the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the end of the reporting period, using the projected unit credit method. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service.
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Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the end of the reporting period of high-quality corporate bonds with terms and currencies that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows. Interest cost is calculated by applying the discount rate to the expected future payments. This cost is recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss, within finance income/(costs).
Remeasurements as a result of experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Termination benefits
Termination benefits are payable when employment is terminated by the Group before the normal retirement date, or when an employee accepts voluntary redundancy in exchange for these benefits. The Group recognizes termination benefits at the earlier of the following dates: (a) when the Group can no longer withdraw the offer of those benefits; and (b) when the Group recognizes costs for a restructuring that is within the scope of IAS 37 and involves the payment of terminations benefits. In the case of an offer made to encourage voluntary redundancy, the termination benefits are measured based on the number of employees expected to accept the offer. Benefits falling due more than 12 months after the end of the reporting period are discounted to present value.
2.7.11 Share-based payment
2.7.11.1 Second special fees agreement
A second share-based payment arrangement is provided to an external consulting firm via a second special fees agreement (the Second Special Fees Agreement) (compared to the First Special Fees Agreement entered into in December 2020). Information relating to this agreement which was originally between the Companys immediate parent entity Madeleine and the consulting firm is set out in Note 11.2. The fair value of the share-based payment arrangement granted under the Second Special Fees Agreement is recognized as an expense, with a corresponding increase in accumulated deficit as long as the agreement remained in place between Madeleine and the consulting firm. The Second Special Fees Agreement was novated from Madeleine to the Company during the reporting period and as a result, the fair value of the share-based payment arrangement granted under the Second Special Fees Agreement is recognized as an expense, with corresponding movements in the provision recognized as part of the novation. The total amount to be expensed is determined by reference to the fair value of the share-based payment arrangement, including market performance conditions. The fair value excludes the impact of any service and non-market performance vesting conditions.
IFRS 2 requires the total expense to be recognized over the vesting periods, which are the periods over which all of the specified service and non-market vesting conditions are to be satisfied. For the Second Special Fees Agreement the expenses are recognized over the service periods (from the grant date until each forecasted equity injection, refer to Note 3.1.2). The Group shall revise its estimate of the length of the vesting periods, if necessary, if subsequent information indicates that the length of the vesting period differs from previous estimates. This may result in the reversal of expenses if the estimated vesting periods are extended.
2.7.11.2 Management Incentive Plan
The share-based payment arrangement in place related to the Management Incentive Plan (MIP) includes two types of options that can be issued to the key management personnel: the grant options and the performance options. The options issued under the plan are classified as equity-settled share-based payment transactions, as the settlement with the participants shall be made using the companys shares, as such they fall in scope of IFRS 2 Share-based Payment from the perspective of the Group and accounted for in the Groups consolidated financial statements.
The grant date fair value of grant options (options subject to the expiry of a blocking period of 18 months) is recognized as an operating expense with a corresponding increase in accumulated deficit. The fair value is determined at the grant date and the total expense is recognized immediately since the participants are not required to complete a specified period of service period before becoming unconditionally entitled to these equity instruments.
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The grant date fair value of the performance options (options subject to predefined performance conditions and the expiry of the blocking period) is recognized as an operating expense with a corresponding increase in accumulated deficit. The fair value is determined at the grant date and the total expense is recognized over the relevant service period, which is concluded to start on March 17, 2022 (the date at which the Group became a listed entity) as at that date there was a valid expectation of an award and a corresponding obligation by the Group, and end on September 18, 2023 (the end of vesting period). At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises the expense for the services received based on the non-market vesting and service conditions. The impact is recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss with the corresponding increase in accumulated deficit.
The grant options and performance options do not include any market conditions or non-vesting conditions that should be included in their fair value. The grant date fair value remains the same over time. The number of shares expected to vest is estimated based on the non-market vesting conditions.
When the options are exercised, the Group transfers the appropriate number of shares to the employee. The proceeds received, net of any directly attributable transaction costs, are credited directly to equity. Where options are forfeited due to a failure by the employee to satisfy the service conditions, any expenses previously recognized in relation to such shares are reversed effective from the date of the forfeiture.
It is possible for the Group to net settle the options for (i) withholding taxes and (ii) the exercise price. This will result in classification of all the options as equity-settled since IFRS 2 includes an exception to the general principles for classification as cash-settled when an employer withholds awards due to a mandatory requirement to settle a tax exposure on behalf of an employee which is applicable to the Group.
Estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions requires determination of the most appropriate valuation model, which depends on the terms and conditions of the grant. This estimate also requires determination of the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model and making assumptions about them. As the exercise price applicable to the options under the Companys Management Incentive Plan is negligible, no specific option-pricing models are used by the Company and the fair value of options granted is determined by reference to the fair value of the Companys share at the grant date, excluding the impact of any service and non-market performance vesting conditions. At the end of each period, the Group revised its estimates of the number of options that are expected to vest based on the service conditions and non-market conditions, with the final revision made in December 2023, when all options vested.
2.7.11.3 Other share-based payment plans
The share-based payment arrangement in place related to the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) qualifies as equity settled share-based payments in accordance with IFRS 2. As mentioned in Note 11.4, as part of Allego´s incentive plans, certain eligible members of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and employees were granted Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), performance based share options (LTIP Performance Options), Company ordinary shares (IPO Grant Shares) and special options (LTIP Special Options), based on the Companys internal performance evaluation framework.
The grant date fair value is recognized as an operating expense with a corresponding increase in accumulated deficit. The fair value is determined at the grant date and the total expense is recognized over the vesting period, being the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are satisfied. For all awards the service period is concluded to start on the date when there was a valid expectation of an award and a corresponding obligation by the Group. The RSUs awarded to employees and the LTIP Performance Options awarded to executive officers are recognized over the relevant service period (three years for RSUs to employees and two to three years for LTIP Performance Options starting from grant date). For the LTIP Special Options, IPO Grant Shares and the RSUs awarded to eligible members of the board of directors, there are no vesting conditions, the vesting date being the grant date and the expenses are recognized immediately. At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises the expense for the services received based on the vesting conditions. The impact is recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss with the corresponding increase in accumulated deficit.
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The RSUs, LTIP Performance Options, IPO Grant Shares, and LTIP Special Options do not include any market conditions or non-vesting conditions that should be included in their fair value. The grant date fair value remains the same over time.
When the awards are vested, the Group transfers the appropriate number of shares to employees. Where awards are forfeited due to a failure by the employee to satisfy the service conditions, any expenses previously recognized in relation to such shares are reversed effective from the date of the forfeiture. In case of awards to a good leaver for which vesting conditions are not satisfied during the vesting period, failure to satisfy the conditions is treated as a cancellation with immediate recognition of any expense that were not previously recognized. Where an award is designated as a replacement award, any incremental fair value must be recognized over the vesting period of the replacement award. The incremental fair value is the difference between the fair value of the original award and that of the modified award, both measured at the date of modification.
Estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions requires determination of the most appropriate valuation model, which depends on the terms and conditions of the grant. This estimate also requires determination of the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model and making assumptions about them. As the exercise price applicable to the LTIP Performance Options, RSUs, IPO Grant Shares and LTIP Special Options under the LTIP is negligible, no specific option-pricing models are used by the Company for these awards. The fair value of the awards granted under these plans is determined by reference to the fair value of the Companys share at the grant date. At the end of each period, the Group revises its estimates of the number of LTIP Performance Options that are expected to vest based on the service conditions and non-market conditions. It recognizes the impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, in operating expenses, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated deficit.
2.7.12 Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are initially recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position at their cost. For property, plant and equipment acquired from third parties this is the acquisition cost, including costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. For internally constructed assets, cost comprises direct costs of materials, labor and other direct production costs attributable to the construction of the asset. Each item of property, plant and equipment is subsequently stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment, if any.
Subsequent costs are included in the assets carrying amount or recognized as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. The carrying amount of any component accounted for as a separate asset is derecognized when replaced. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the consolidated statement of profit or loss during the reporting period in which they are incurred.
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the assets use or disposal. Any gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of the asset (determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) is recorded in the consolidated statement of profit or loss when the asset is derecognized, within other income/(expenses). Occasionally, the Group sells its own chargers and/or charging equipment to a customer. In that case, the carrying value of the disposed assets are recorded within cost of sales. The proceeds of such transactions are recorded within revenue from the sale of charging equipment.
An assets carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the assets carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.
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Depreciation methods and periods
The Group depreciates its property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method to allocate their cost, net of their residual values, over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their lease term and their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives used are as follows:
Asset class |
Useful life | |
Chargers and charging infrastructure | 7 10 years | |
Other fixed assets | 3 10 years | |
Assets under construction | Not depreciated |
Other fixed assets mainly comprise leasehold improvements, office equipment, IT assets and other fixed assets.
The residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and adjusted prospectively, if appropriate.
2.7.13 Intangible assets
The Groups intangible assets consist of software, customer relationships and goodwill. Software primarily comprises the Groups internally developed EV Cloud platform and software purchased from third parties. Customer relationships, software and goodwill resulted from the acquisition of MOMA business combination as detailed in Note 4.
Internally developed software
Internally developed software comprises the Groups internally developed EV Cloud platform. Its cost consists of the development cost that are directly attributable to the design and testing of the EV Cloud platform, which is controlled by the Group.
Development costs are capitalized as software if the following criteria are met:
| It is technically feasible to complete the software so that it will be available for use. |
| Management intends to complete the software and use or sell it. |
| There is an ability to use or sell the software. |
| It can be demonstrated how the software will generate probable future economic benefits. |
| Adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use or sell the software are available. |
| The expenditure attributable to the software during its development can be reliably measured. |
Directly attributable costs that are capitalized as part of the software include direct costs of labor and other direct production costs attributable to the development of the software.
Capitalized development costs are recorded as intangible assets and amortized from the point at which the asset is ready for use over its estimated useful life of three years. Following initial recognition, internally developed software is carried at cost less any accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses.
In determining the development costs to be capitalized, the Group estimates the expected future economic benefits of the software (component) that is the result of the development project. Furthermore, management estimates the useful life of such software (component). The Group estimates the useful life of the development costs to be at three years based on the expected lifetime of the software (component). However, the actual useful life may be shorter or longer than three years, depending on innovations, market developments and competitor actions.
Research expenditure and development expenditure related to software that do not meet the criteria above are recognized as an expense as incurred. Development costs previously recognized as an expense are not recognized as an asset in a subsequent period.
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Software and licenses purchased from third parties
Software and licenses purchased from third parties comprises software and licenses for the use of platforms from third parties. Software and licenses purchased from third parties are measured on initial recognition at cost. Cost comprises the purchase price and directly attributable costs of preparing (i.e., tailoring) the software or platform for its intended use by the Group. Following initial recognition, software and licenses purchased from third parties are carried at cost less any accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses. Software and licenses purchased from third parties are amortized over its useful life or the duration of the license, as applicable.
Goodwill
The goodwill arisen from the acquisition of subsidiaries is included in the Groups intangible assets. Please refer to Note 2.7.3 and Note 2.7.15 for details over the accounting policies applied in accounting for goodwill.
Customer relationships
The customer relationships were acquired as part of the acquisition of MOMA business combination (see Note 4 for details). They are recognized at their fair value at the date of acquisition and are subsequently carried at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses. Customer relationships are amortized on a straight-line basis over its useful life, which is based on the timing of projected cash flows of the contracts.
Derecognition
An intangible asset is derecognized upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the assets use or disposal. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) is recorded in the consolidated statement of profit or loss when the asset is derecognized.
Amortization methods and periods
The Group amortizes intangible assets with a finite useful life using the straight-line method to allocate their cost over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives used are as follows:
Asset class |
Useful life | |
Software Internally developed software | 3 years | |
Software and licenses Purchased from third parties | 1 25 years | |
Customer relationships | 16 17 years |
The useful lives and amortization methods are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and adjusted prospectively, if appropriate.
2.7.14 Leases
Group as a lessee
The Group leases office buildings, cars, software, land permits and other assets. Other assets comprise office furniture. Rental contracts are typically agreed for fixed periods of several years. The contractual lease term of office buildings is typically set at five years but may have extension options as described below. The contractual lease term of cars is set at four years, where extensions are unusual. Software relates to the right of use of a third-party suppliers application software. The contractual lease term of software is set at five years with a two-year extension option. The contractual lease term of land permits is set between 10 years and 15 years, where extension is depended on future performance of the sites.
Contracts may contain both lease and non-lease components. The Group has elected not to separate lease and non-lease components for all identified asset classes and instead accounts for these as a single lease component.
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Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions. The lease agreements do not impose any covenants other than the security interests in the leased assets that are held by the lessor. Leased assets may not be used as security for borrowing purposes.
Determining the right-of-use asset and lease liability
Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the net present value of the following lease payments:
| fixed payments (including in-substance payments), less any lease incentives receivable; |
| variable lease payments that are based on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate as at the commencement date; |
| amounts expected to be payable by the Group under residual value guarantees; |
| the exercise price of a purchase option if it is reasonably certain that the Group will exercise that option; and |
| payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the Group exercising that option. |
Lease payments to be made under reasonably certain extension options are also included in the measurement of the lease liability.
The Group is exposed to potential future increases in variable lease payments based on an index or rate, which are not included in the lease liability until they take effect. When adjustments to lease payments based on an index or rate take effect, the lease liability is reassessed and adjusted against the right-of-use asset.
Lease payments are allocated between principal and finance cost. The finance cost is charged to the consolidated statement of profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the lease liability for each period.
Right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following:
| the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability; |
| any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received; |
| any initial direct costs, and |
| restoration costs. |
Right-of-use assets are generally depreciated over the shorter of the assets useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis. If the Group is reasonably certain that it will exercise a purchase option, the right-of-use asset is depreciated over the underlying assets useful life.
The right-of-use assets are also subject to impairment and are allocated to the cash-generating unit to which these assets relate. Refer to the accounting policy for impairment of non-financial assets, which is disclosed in Note 2.7.15.
Discount rate
The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease. If that rate cannot be readily determined, which is generally the case for leases in the Group, the lessees incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate that the individual lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions. To determine the incremental borrowing rate, the Group uses a build-up approach that starts with a risk-free interest rate adjusted for credit risk for leases held by the Group and makes adjustments specific to the lease (e.g., term, country, currency and security).
Leases of low-value assets and short-term leases
Low-value assets comprise small items of office furniture. The Group has not applied the practical expedient to recognize leases of low-value assets on a straight-line basis as an expense in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
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Short-term leases are leases with a lease term of twelve months or less without a purchase option. The Group has short-term building and car leases. The Group has applied the practical expedient to recognize short-term building leases, but not for short-term car leases, on a straight-line basis as an expense in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Lease term
Extension and termination options are included in a number of office buildings, software, car leases and land permits across the Group. These are used to maximize operational flexibility in terms of managing the assets used in the Groups operations. The majority of extension and termination options held are exercisable only by the Group and not by the respective lessor.
In determining the lease term, management considers all facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive to exercise an extension option, or not to exercise a termination option. Extension options (or periods after termination options) are only included in the lease term if it is reasonably certain that the lease will be extended (or not terminated).
For leases of offices and land permits, the following factors are normally the most relevant:
| If there are significant penalty payments to terminate (or not to extend), it is typically reasonably certain that the Group will extend (or not terminate). |
| If any leasehold improvements are expected to have a significant remaining value, it is typically reasonably certain that the Group will extend (or not terminate). |
| Otherwise, the Group considers other factors including historical lease durations and the costs and business disruption required to replace the leased asset. |
The lease term is reassessed if an option is actually exercised (or not exercised) or the Group becomes obliged to exercise (or to not exercise) it. The assessment of reasonable certainty is only revised if a significant event or a significant change in circumstances occurs, which affects this assessment, and that is within the control of the lessee.
Management applied its best estimate on the execution of renewal options and termination options, taking into account business practices within the Group in order to estimate the lease term.
The Group took contractual provisions and legal frameworks into account. In doing so, it applied legal and contractual renewal terms for leases and took into account break options (provided by contractual provisions and/or legal frameworks) in determining estimated lease terms. Lease terms at the end of their term are reviewed 1824 months in advance to assess if a new term should be added.
For all seven office leases the extension options have not been included in the lease liability, because the leases either have a significant remaining non-cancellable lease term or the Group is contemplating whether that office will be suitable for the Groups operations.
For all land permit leases, the extension options have not been included in the lease liability, because the leases either have a significant remaining non-cancellable lease term or it is not reasonably certain that the Group will extend these leases. The extension is dependent on future performance of the sites.
The determined remaining lease terms per December 31, 2023 vary in ranges of 1 up to 15 years for land permits, 1 up to 12 years for offices and other assets, and 1 up to 4 years for cars and software.
Group as a lessor
When the Group acts as a lessor, it determines at lease commencement whether each lease is a finance lease or an operating lease. To classify each lease, the Group makes an overall assessment of whether the lease transfers to the lessee substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset. If this is the case, the lease is classified as a finance lease. If this is not the case, the lease is classified as an operating lease.
As part of this assessment, the Group considers certain indicators such as whether the lease is for the major part of the economic life of the asset and whether, at the inception date, the present value of the lease payments amounts to at least substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset.
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If an arrangement contains lease and non-lease components, the Group applies IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers to allocate the consideration in the contract.
When the Group is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for its interests in the head-lease and the sublease separately. It assesses the lease classification of a sublease with reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head-lease, not with reference to the underlying asset.
Operating subleases
The Group subleases some of its leased office buildings to third parties. The contractual term of subleases of office buildings is typically set at three years but is in no event longer than the lease term of the head-lease.
Subleases may have extension and/or termination options that are typically exercisable only by the lessee and not by the Group. All subleases of the Groups leased office buildings are classified as operating subleases.
The Group recognizes lease payments received under operating leases as income on a straight-line basis over the lease term as part of other income/(expenses).
2.7.15 Impairment of non-financial assets (including goodwill)
The Group assesses at each reporting date, whether there is an indication that an asset may be impaired. If any indication exists, the Group estimates the assets recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets (cash-generating units). An assets recoverable amount is the higher of an assets or CGUs fair value less costs of disposal and its value in use. When the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss in expense categories consistent with the function of the impaired asset.
In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less costs of disposal, recent market transactions are taken into account. If no such transactions can be identified, an appropriate valuation model is used. These calculations are corroborated by valuation multiples or other available fair value indicators.
The Group bases its impairment calculation on most recent budgets and forecast calculations, which are prepared separately for each of the Groups CGUs to which the individual assets are allocated. These budgets and forecast calculations generally cover a period of five years. A long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to project future cash flows after the fifth year.
An assessment is made at each reporting date to determine whether there is an indication that previously recognized impairment losses no longer exist or have decreased. If such indication exists, the Group estimates the assets or CGUs recoverable amount. A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the assumptions used to determine the assets recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognized. The reversal is limited so that the carrying amount of the asset does not exceed its recoverable amount, nor exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortization, had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset in prior years. Such reversal is recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill impairment testing is performed annually or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist, which includes evaluating qualitative and quantitative factors to assess the likelihood of an impairment. These indicators include changes in the business climate, changes in management, legal factors, operating performance indicators or sale of disposal of the acquired business. The Group allocates goodwill to a group of CGUs for the purpose of impairment testing based on such CGUs being expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose. This group of CGUs is the lowest level at which goodwill is monitored for internal management purposes. Goodwill is allocated and monitored by Allego at the level of the operating segment, which is the Company as a whole.
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The carrying amount of goodwill is compared with the recoverable amount of the group of CGUs it was allocated to, which is the higher of the group of CGUs value in use and its fair value less cost to sell. In case indication of impairment exists and when the Group uses a discounted cash flow (DCF) model to determine the value-in-use, the cash flow projections contain assumptions and estimates of future expectations. This value in use is determined using cash flow projections from financial budgets approved by senior management covering a five-year period, cash flows beyond the five-year period are extrapolated using a growth rate and the future cash flows are discounted. The value in use amount is sensitive to the discount rate used in the DCF model as well as the expected future cash-inflows and the growth rate used for extrapolation purposes.
The impairment assessment was performed for the year ended December 31, 2023, resulting in a sufficient headroom (refer to Note 16 for details), as such no impairment was identified.
Impairment of other intangible assets
During the year ended December 31, 2023 no impairment indicators were identified for other intangible assets.
2.7.16 Inventories
Finished products and goods for resale
Inventories of finished products and goods for resale are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Costs are assigned to individual items of inventory on the basis of weighted average costs. Costs of purchased inventory are determined after deducting rebates and discounts.
Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.
CO2 Tickets (for example, HBE certificates in the Netherlands and similar schemes in Germany and France)
The Group distinguishes the CO2 Tickets issues by government (for example, HBE certificates in the Netherlands and similar schemes in Germany and France).
The Groups policy is to sell the CO2 Tickets received from the government in the ordinary course of business. These CO2 Tickets are initially recognized when the underlying electricity volumes are sold to charging customers, because at this point in time would be reasonably certain that these certificates will be received. These CO2 Tickets are initially measured at fair value, which is the initial cost of the certificates. Upon initial recognition of the certificates, the Group records a corresponding gain in other income/(expenses). They are subsequently stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Costs are assigned on an individual basis. Net realizable value is the average market price available at closing of the period less the estimated costs necessary to make the sale, considering the existing sales contracts. The sale of CO2 Tickets is recognized based on the agreements between the Group and the buyers. The Group recognizes the income from sale of CO2 Tickets when the control is transferred to the buyer because at this point in time the performance obligation is satisfied.
2.7.17 Financial instruments
The Group recognizes a financial asset or financial liability in its consolidated statement of financial position when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument.
Financial assets
Classification
The Group classifies its financial assets in the following measurement categories:
| those to be measured subsequently at fair value through other comprehensive income with recycling of cumulative gains and losses debt instruments (FVOCI debt instruments); |
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| those to be measured subsequently at fair value through other comprehensive income with no recycling of cumulative gains and losses upon derecognition equity instruments (FVOCI equity instruments); |
| those to be measured subsequently at fair value through profit or loss (FVPL); and |
| those to be measured at amortized cost. |
The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial assets contractual cash flow characteristics and the Groups business model for managing them.
In order for a financial asset to be classified and measured at amortized cost or FVOCI, it needs to give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI) on the principal amount outstanding. This assessment is referred to as the SPPI test and is performed at an instrument level. Financial assets with cash flows that are not SPPI are classified and measured at fair value through profit or loss, irrespective of the business model.
The Groups business model for managing financial assets refers to how it manages its financial assets in order to generate cash flows. The business model determines whether cash flows will result from collecting contractual cash flows, selling the financial assets, or both. Financial assets classified and measured at amortized cost are held within a business model with the objective to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows, while financial assets classified and measured at FVOCI are held within a business model with the objective of both holding to collect contractual cash flows and selling. Financial assets that do not meet the criteria for amortized cost or FVOCI are measured at FVPL.
The Group reclassifies debt investments when and only when its business model for managing those assets changes.
Initial measurement
With the exception of trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component, the Group initially measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at FVPL, transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Transaction costs of financial assets carried at FVPL are expensed in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Trade receivables
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. They are generally due for settlement within 30 days and are therefore all classified as current. Trade receivables are recognized initially at the transaction price, unless they contain significant financing components, when they are recognized at fair value.
Subsequent measurement
Financial assets at amortized cost
Financial assets at amortized cost are subsequently measured using the effective interest (EIR) method and are subject to impairment. Gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss when the asset is derecognized, modified or impaired.
The Groups financial assets at amortized cost include cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, other receivables and pledged bank balances included under current and non-current other financial assets.
Financial assets at FVOCI debt instruments
For debt instruments at FVOCI, interest income, foreign exchange revaluation and impairment losses or reversals are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and computed in the same manner as for financial assets measured at amortized cost. The remaining fair value changes are recognized in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income (OCI). Upon derecognition, the cumulative fair value change recognized in OCI is recycled to the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
The Group does not have debt instruments at FVOCI.
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Financial assets at FVOCI equity instruments
The Group measures all equity investments at fair value. Where the Group has elected to present fair value gains and losses on equity investments in OCI, there is no subsequent reclassification of fair value gains and losses to the consolidated statement of profit or loss following the derecognition of the investment. Dividends from such investments continue to be recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss as other income/(expenses) when the Groups right to receive payments is established.
The Groups investments in equity securities at FVOCI relate to an investment in a private company that provides distributed demand response products, which enable households to achieve energy savings. The Group has elected to present fair value gains and losses related to this equity investment in OCI, as investing in (equity) securities is not the main activity of the Group and the objective of the investment is not to hold it for trading purposes.
Financial assets at FVPL
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss are carried in the consolidated statement of financial position at fair value with net changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
This category includes interest cap derivatives which are included under non-current other financial assets. In 2022, the Group also had purchase options derivatives which were included under current other financial assets and preference shares derivatives which were included under non-current other financial assets.
Impairment
The Group recognizes an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) for all debt instruments not held at FVPL. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at an approximation of the original effective interest rate. The expected cash flows will include cash flows from the sale of collateral held or other credit enhancements that are integral to the contractual terms.
Trade receivables and contract assets
The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring ECLs which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance for all trade receivables and contract assets (if present). To measure the ECLs, trade receivables and contract assets are grouped based on shared credit risk characteristics and the days past due. If present, the contract assets relate to unbilled work in progress and have substantially the same risk characteristics as the trade receivables for the same types of contracts. The Group has therefore concluded that the expected loss rates for trade receivables are a reasonable approximation of the loss rates for the contract assets.
The Group considers a financial asset in default when contractual payments are 60 days past due. However, in certain cases, the Group may also consider a financial asset to be in default when internal or external information indicates that the Group is unlikely to receive the outstanding contractual amounts in full before taking into account any credit enhancements held by the Group. A financial asset is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash flows.
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognized when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.
Financial liabilities
Classification
The Group classifies its financial liabilities in the following measurement categories:
| financial liabilities at FVPL; and |
| financial liabilities at amortized cost. |
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The Groups financial liabilities include trade and other payables, borrowings including bank overdrafts, and derivative financial instruments.
Initial measurement
All financial liabilities are recognized initially at fair value and, in the case of loans and borrowings and payables, net of directly attributable transaction costs.
Subsequent measurement
For purposes of subsequent measurement, financial liabilities are classified in two categories:
| financial liabilities at FVPL; and |
| financial liabilities at amortized cost. |
Financial liabilities at FVPL
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are carried in the consolidated statement of financial position at fair value with net changes in fair value recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
This category includes derivative liabilities relating to Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and warrant liabilities which are presented under non-current or current liabilities, depending on their respective maturity.
Financial liabilities at amortized cost
This is the category most relevant to the Group and consists of borrowings and trade and other payables.
Trade and other payables
These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to the end of the financial year which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition. Trade and other payables are presented as current liabilities unless payment is not due within 12 months after the reporting period. They are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the EIR method.
Borrowings
After initial recognition, borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss when the liabilities are derecognized as well as through the EIR amortization process. Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the EIR. The EIR amortization is included within finance income/(costs) in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Fees paid on the establishment of borrowings and commitment fees paid on the unused part of the facility are recognized as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down. In this case, the fee is deferred until the draw-down occurs. To the extent there is no evidence that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down, the fee is capitalized as a prepayment for liquidity services and amortized over the period of the facility to which it relates.
Derecognition
A financial liability is derecognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
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Derivatives
The Group uses derivative financial instruments, interest rate caps to hedge its interest rate risks, derivative liabilities relating to PPAs to hedge its price risk, and warrant liabilities. Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into, and they are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at the end of each reporting period. The Group does not apply hedge accounting. Therefore, changes in the fair value of the Groups derivative financial instruments are recognized immediately in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and are included in finance income/(costs) for interest rate caps and warrant liabilities, and in other income/(expenses) for derivative liabilities relating to PPAs.
Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative.
Warrant liabilities
According to managements assessment, both the Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants were within the scope of IAS 32 and have been classified as a current derivative financial liability (based on the warrants being exercisable 30 days after the Closing Date of the BCA). In accordance with IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, the warrant derivatives that have been classified as financial liabilities shall be measured at fair value with subsequent changes in fair value to be recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the consolidated statement of financial position if there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.
2.7.18 Fair value measurement
The Group measures financial instruments such as derivatives, debt and FVOCI equity instruments at fair value at the end of each reporting period.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either in the principal market for the asset or liability, or, in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Group.
The fair value of an asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the consolidated financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
| Level 1: Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
| Level 2: Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly or indirectly observable. |
| Level 3: Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable. |
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For assets and liabilities that are recognized in the consolidated financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorization (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
2.7.19 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, cash at banks, and deposits held at call with financial institutions. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial position.
2.7.20 Equity
Share capital
The Companys share capital consists of ordinary shares, which are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.
Reserves
Reserves include the following:
(i) | Legal reserve for capitalized development costs |
A legal reserve has been recognized within equity with regard to the capitalized development costs of the Groups internally developed EV Cloud platform in accordance with article 2:365.2 of the Dutch Civil Code. The legal reserve is reduced as the capitalized development costs are amortized. Additions and releases from the legal reserve are recorded through accumulated deficit.
(ii) | Foreign currency translation reserve |
The foreign currency translation reserve includes the cumulative exchange differences that result from the translation of the financial statements of the Groups foreign operations.
(iii) | Reserve for financial assets at FVOCI |
The reserve for financial assets at FVOCI includes changes in the fair value of certain investments in equity securities in OCI. The group transfers amounts from this reserve to accumulated deficit when the relevant equity securities are derecognized.
2.7.21 Profit/(loss) per share
Basic profit/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing the profit/(loss) attributable to owners of the Company, excluding any costs of servicing equity other than ordinary shares, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the financial year.
Diluted profit/(loss) per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic profit/(loss) per share to take into account the after-income tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares and the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares that would have been outstanding assuming the conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. Potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the computation of diluted profit/(loss) per share if their inclusion is anti-dilutive (for example, if it would result in a lower profit/(loss) per share).
2.7.22 Provisions and contingencies
Provisions are recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and the amount can be reliably measured. Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses.
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Where there are a number of similar obligations, the likelihood that an outflow will be required in settlement is determined by considering the class of obligations as a whole. A provision is recognized even if the likelihood of an outflow with respect to any one item included in the same class of obligations may be small.
When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, a receivable is recognized as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received, and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably. The expense relating to a provision is presented in the consolidated statement of profit or loss net of any reimbursement.
Provisions are measured at the present value of managements best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period. The discount rate used to determine the present value is a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as interest expense, presented within finance income/(costs) in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
Jubilee provisions
The accounting policy for jubilee provisions is described in the employee benefits section.
Restructuring provisions
Restructuring provisions are recognized only when the Group has a constructive obligation, which is when:
| there is a detailed formal plan that identifies the business or part of the business concerned, the location and number of employees affected, the detailed estimate of the associated costs, and the timeline; and |
| the employees affected have been notified of the plans main features. |
The measurement of a restructuring provision includes only the direct expenditures arising from the restructuring, which are those amounts that are both necessarily entailed by the restructuring and not associated with the ongoing activities of the business or part of the business concerned.
Contingent liabilities
Contingent liabilities arise when there is a:
| possible obligation that might, but will probably not require an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits; or |
| present obligation that probably requires an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits, but where the obligation cannot be measured reliably; or |
| present obligation that might, but will probably not, require an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits. |
Contingent liabilities are not recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position, but rather are disclosed, unless the possibility of an outflow is considered remote.
Warranty provisions
A provision for estimated warranty claims is made by the Group in respect of products sold that are under warranty at the end of the reporting period. The provision is based on historical warranty data and the claims are expected to be settled in the next 2 years.
2.7.23 Income tax
The income tax expense or credit for the period is the tax payable on the current periods taxable income or tax receivable on the current periods deductible losses, based on the applicable income tax rate for each jurisdiction, adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences and to unused tax losses.
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Current tax
The current income tax charge/credit is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period in the countries where the Company and its subsidiaries operate and generate taxable income. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation and considers whether it is probable that a taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment. The Group measures its tax balances either based on the most likely amount or the expected value, depending on which method provides a better prediction of the resolution of the uncertainty.
Deferred tax
Deferred income tax is provided in full, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognized if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred income tax is also not accounted for if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that, at the time of the transaction, affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realized or the deferred income tax liability is settled.
Deferred tax assets are carried on the basis of the tax consequences of the realization or settlement of assets, provisions, liabilities or accruals and deferred income as planned by the Group at the reporting date. Deferred tax assets are recognized only if it is probable that future taxable amounts will be available to utilize those temporary differences and losses. In this assessment, the Group includes the availability of deferred tax liabilities, the possibility of planning of fiscal results and the level of future taxable profits in combination with the time and/or period in which the deferred tax assets are realized.
Deferred tax liabilities and assets are not recognized for temporary differences between the carrying amount and tax bases of investments in foreign operations where the company is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable that the differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset where there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and where the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority. Current tax assets and tax liabilities are offset where the entity has a legally enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at nominal value.
As at December 31, 2023, the Group recorded a deferred tax asset, which relates to the partial recognition of the carried-forward tax losses of the Groups operations in Germany and Belgium (December 31, 2022: Germany and Belgium). The Group expects that future taxable profits will be available against which these unused tax losses can be utilized. These losses can be carried forward indefinitely and have no expiry date.
At each reporting date presented, the Group also had unused tax losses available for carryforward in other jurisdictions where the Group incurred losses in the past for which no deferred tax assets have been recognized. The Group expects that future taxable profits will be available against which these unused tax losses can be utilized before the expiry date. However, the Group has determined that, for those jurisdictions, the threshold for recognizing deferred tax assets in excess of the level of deferred tax liabilities has not been met due to history of losses and uncertainties such as the planned fiscal restructuring of the Group (e.g. the integration of the Mega-E group into the Allego group). Therefore, for those jurisdictions, deferred tax assets have been recognized to the extent that the Group has deferred tax liabilities and no additional deferred tax assets have been recognized for unused tax losses at each reporting date presented.
Management determined the (deferred) tax position of the Group using estimates and assumptions that could result in a different outcome in the tax return filed with the tax authorities and could result in adjustments in subsequent periods.
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Current and deferred tax for the year
Current and deferred tax is recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case, the tax is also recognized in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.
2.7.24 Reclassification of prior year presentation
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations. An adjustment has been made to the consolidated statement of financial position and consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, to reclassify non-current portion of prepaid extended warranties.
3 | Significant accounting estimates, assumptions and judgments |
The preparation of the Groups consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the accompanying disclosures, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The reported amounts that result from making estimates and assumptions, by definition, will seldom equal the actual results. Management also needs to exercise judgment in applying the Groups accounting policies.
The significant accounting estimates, assumptions and judgments applied in preparing the Groups consolidated annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Groups consolidated annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, as well as the Groups interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, except for those estimates, assumptions and judgments which were not considered significant as of December 31, 2023 and the new estimates, assumptions and judgments identified during the year .
3.1. Judgments
In the process of applying the Groups accounting policies, management has made the following judgments, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
3.1.1 Revenue recognition
Significant judgment and estimates are necessary for the allocation of the proceeds received from an arrangement to the multiple performance obligations in a contract and the appropriate timing of revenue recognition. The Group enters into development contracts with customers that include promises to transfer multiple products and services, such as charging equipment and installation services. For arrangements with multiple products or services, the Group evaluates whether each of the individual products or services qualify as distinct performance obligations. In its assessment of whether products or services are a distinct performance obligation, the Group determines whether the customer can benefit from the product or service on its own or with other readily available resources and whether the service is separately identifiable from other products or services in the contract. This evaluation requires the Group to assess the nature of the charging equipment, as well as the grid connection and installation services and how each is provided in the context of the contract.
The Group enters into development contracts for the delivery and installation of charging equipment as a bundled package related to sales and services contracts. The Group has determined that there are two separate performance obligations in these contracts. These distinct promises are (1) to deliver the charging equipment and, (2) to install the charging equipment (including the connection to the grid). The main reasons for separating these performance obligations are that these promises can be fulfilled separately with other readily available resources, and that the Group does not provide significant integration, modification or customization services related to the charging equipment.
In addition, the Group enters into development contracts related to engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts. Management concluded that these contracts contain three separate performance obligations, (1) development activities, (2) delivery of charging equipment and, (3) installation of charging equipment (including the connection to the grid). The rationale for the identification of these distinct performance obligations is similar to the reasons described for sales and services contracts.
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The Group also provides operation and maintenance services to its customers which include operation of the EV charging infrastructure, maintenance of the charging points, access to the Groups EV Cloud solution, EV Cloud software updates and interface management. The Group has determined that operation and maintenance services represent two distinct performance obligations.
3.1.2 Accounting for the second Special Fees Agreement
On February 25, 2022 (the Second Special Fees Agreement grant date), the Companys then immediate parent entity Madeleine entered into the Second Special Fees Agreement, with the same external consulting firm as for the First Special Fees Agreement described above. The purpose of this Second Special Fees Agreement is to compensate the external consulting firm for their continuous strategic and operational advice, as well as support with regards to the Groups capital raising efforts in the near future. The agreement expires on the earlier of June 30, 2025, and the date on which Madeleine no longer holds any equity security in the Company. As consideration for the Second Special Fees Agreement, the external consulting firm is entitled to receive cash compensation based on the value of the Group in connection with any new injection of equity, whether in cash or in kind, in any entity of the Group subsequent to the completion of the SPAC Transaction (the Equity Injection(s)).
Management assessed whether the Group has received services under the Second Special Fees Agreement that requires the Second Special Fees Agreement to be accounted for in the Groups consolidated financial statements. The Second Special Fees Agreement was entered into by Madeleine and the consulting firm reports to the board of directors of Madeleine. The consulting services provided related to the Equity Injections, but also to strategic and operational advice. The Group has benefited from these services and might also benefit from Equity Injections. Although the Group does not have the obligation to settle the obligation under the Second Special Fees Agreement, management believes that the services provided under the Second Special Fees Agreement benefit the Group. Therefore, the Second Special Fees Agreement is in scope of IFRS 2 Share-based Payment from the perspective of the Group and accounted for in the Groups consolidated financial statements.
The Group has also assessed that the total fair value of the grant should be recognized between the grant date and the estimated dates of the Equity Injections as the Second Special Fees Agreement compensates the external consulting firm for future services and creates a significant incentive for the external consulting firm to continue to provide services until the Equity Injections takes place. The Second Special Fees Agreement therefore includes an implicit future service period over which the share-based payment expenses should be recognized.
On March 10, 2022, the Second Special Fees Agreement was amended to modify the formula of the relevant percentage used in the determination of the fees payable for equity injections subsequent to the first Equity Injection. Management assessed and concluded these changes had no impact to the fair value of the grant.
On April 20, 2022, the Second Special Fees Agreement was novated from Madeleine to Allego (the Novation), all the other terms of the Second Special Fees Agreement remaining the same. As a result of the Novation, the Group has now the obligation, instead of Madeleine, to settle the share-based payment arrangement with the consulting firm. The Second Special Fees Agreements classification therefore changed to a cash-settled share-based payment arrangement from the Novation date.
Refer to Note 11.2 for further details on the accounting for the Second Special Fees Agreement.
3.1.3 Accounting for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
The Group signed multiple Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) during the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 for the purchase of electricity from renewable sources in the Netherlands and Germany.
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Significant judgment was required to assess the accounting for these PPAs, depending on the specific characteristics of the underlying agreements. The following was considered in this assessment:
| whether the agreements contain a lease (IFRS 16); or if not |
| whether the agreements meet the own use criteria (IFRS 9). |
The Group concluded that the PPAs do not contain a lease, as while the Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the renewable energy assets in the PPAs, the design of the underlying renewable assets was predetermined, the operational control over the renewable assets is maintained by the suppliers, and the Group has no option to choose the timing and volumes of power production. Therefore, the Group is unable to direct the use of respective assets.
The Group further concluded that all German PPAs and some PPAs in the Netherlands entered into in the year ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 meet the own use criteria in IFRS 9, as these are physical PPAs for the purchase of renewable electricity in accordance with the expected usage requirements of the Group in these countries. As such, these agreements are accounted for as executory contracts.
The renewable electricity supplied by the remaining PPAs in the Netherlands will be sold occasionally on the spot electricity market, when the supply at particular moments in time is excessive, as such the renewable electricity supplied under these agreements does not meet the own use exemption in IFRS 9. As such the Group concluded that these PPAs contain an embedded derivative, being the renewable electricity supply, which is accounted for at fair value, and the host contract is treated as an executory contract.
3.2. Estimates and assumptions
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within future periods, are described below.
The Group based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the consolidated financial statements were prepared and are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising that are beyond the control of the Group. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.
3.2.1 Valuation of investment in equity securities
The fair value of investment in equity securities that are not traded in an active market is determined using valuation techniques. The Group used its judgment in selecting the discounted cash flow analysis as the relevant method for the investment in equity securities and makes assumptions that are mainly based on market conditions existing at the end of each reporting period. The details of the key assumptions used and the impact of changes to these assumptions over the valuation are disclosed in Note 32.
3.2.2 Valuation of share-based payments under the second Special Fees Agreement
Estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions requires determination of the most appropriate valuation model, which depends on the terms and conditions of the grant. This estimate also requires determination of the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model and making assumptions about them.
For the measurement of the fair value of equity-settled transactions with an external consulting firm under the Second Special Fees Agreement at the grant date (and subsequent measurement dates until the novation of the Second Special Fees Agreement to determine the fair value of consulting services received, for the portion of share-payment expenses that relates to compensation for external consulting services) and at the novation date, the Group uses a valuation model which takes into account how the fees payable in cash will depend on the equity value following future Equity Injection events. The same valuation model is used for the measurement of the fair value of cash-settled transactions with an external consulting firm under the Second Special Fees Agreement for measurement dates subsequent to the novation of the Second Special Fees Agreement.
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The assumptions and model used for estimating the fair value for share-based payment transactions under the First and Second Special Fees Agreements are disclosed in Note 11.
3.2.3 Valuation of derivative liabilities relating to Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
Estimating fair value for derivative liabilities relating to PPAs requires the most appropriate valuation methodology and involves a determination of the most appropriate inputs, and assumptions about them.
For the measurement of the fair value of these derivative liabilities at inception of the agreements (and subsequent measurement dates until the expiration of the agreements), the Group uses a discounted cash-flow model using contractual, company specific and market inputs. The electricity forward prices are among the key inputs and cannot be forecasted using observable market data for the whole duration of the contract. Other key inputs include the renewable electricity production volumes and discount rate (including the credit spread).
The assumptions and model used for estimating the fair value for derivative liabilities relating to PPAs are disclosed in Note 32.
4 | Business combinations and capital reorganization |
Merger between Allego Holding B.V. and Spartan Acquisition Corp. III (the SPAC Transaction)
On July 28, 2021, Allego Holding and Spartan signed a Business Combination Agreement (BCA). Prior to the SPAC Transaction, Spartan was listed on the NYSE in the United States (NYSE: SPAQ).
In connection with the merger, Athena Pubco B.V. a private limited liability parent company (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) under Dutch law was incorporated by Madeleine (the Companys then immediate parent entity) on June 3, 2021. This newly incorporated entity acquired 100% of the outstanding equity of Allego Holding and Spartan. As a result of the merger, Spartan ceased to exist. The Group received 146,035 thousand ($161,080 thousand2) of gross proceeds3 from a combination of a PIPE offering of 136,048 thousand ($150,000 thousand1) at 9.07 ($10.001) per share, along with 9,987 thousand ($11,080 thousand1) of cash held in trust by Spartan after redemptions. Meridiam the existing shareholder of the Company rolled 100% of its equity and, together with management and former advisors, retained 82% of the combined entity.
On March 9, 2022, Spartan convened a special meeting of stockholders (the Special Meeting). At the Special Meeting, Spartans stockholders approved the business combination proposal.
On March 16, 2022 (the Closing Date), the following transactions occurred pursuant to the terms of the BCA:
| Athena Pubco B.V. changed its legal form from a private limited liability company to a public limited liability company (naamloze vennootschap), changed its name to Allego N.V. and entered into the Deed of Conversion containing the Articles of Association of Allego N.V. |
| The Groups shareholder loans of 101,931 thousand were converted into equity. |
| The Company consummated the previously announced business combination pursuant to the terms of the BCA and became a publicly traded company on the NYSE. |
On March 17, 2022, trading in the new public company commenced on the NYSE. The new public company Allego N.V. trades under the Allego name under the ticker symbol ALLG.
2 | Translated at the EUR/USD exchange rate as at March 16, 2022. |
3 | Gross proceeds: not inclusive of transaction expenses. |
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The fair value of Spartans net assets at the Closing Date amounted to negative 71,117 thousand, consisting of cash and cash equivalents of 10,079 thousand, receivable balances of 5,185 thousand, warrant liabilities of 42,253 thousand and transaction costs liabilities of 44,128 thousand.
The fair value of the Companys shares exchanged in the transaction to Spartan amounted to 87,597 thousand. This resulted in a difference with the net assets of Spartan of 158,714 thousand. The difference is considered as an expense and was recognized in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of profit and loss of the Group at the Closing Date, which represented the costs of service in respect of the stock exchange listing for Spartans shares.
Treatment of transaction costs
The total costs incurred in relation to the SPAC Transaction were analyzed to determine which were directly attributed to the issuance of new shares and therefore are to be deducted from equity directly instead of being recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss. For the year ended December 31, 2022, transaction costs incurred of nil (December 31, 2021: 1,059 thousands) were directly attributable to the issuance of new shares and have been deducted from share premium. For the year ended December 31, 2022, transaction costs incurred of 7,190 thousand (December 31, 2021: 6,145 thousand) were not directly attributable to the issuance of new shares. These transaction costs were recorded in the consolidated statement of profit or loss, within general and administrative expenses. No transaction costs were incurred in relation to the SPAC Transaction during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Impact of the SPAC Transaction on loss per share
Upon the completion of the SPAC Transaction the already existing 124 shares in Allego Holding were exchanged for 235,935,061 shares with no cash contribution being made. As such, the exchange ratio used at March 16, 2022, has been deemed to be 1,902,702.
The contribution in kind of Spartan shares modified the number of ordinary shares with a change in resources (the net assets of Spartan are new in the Allego Group and are considered a change in resources). Therefore, such new shares would impact the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding from March 16, 2022. Consequently, the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the period prior to March 16, 2022 is as follows:
December 31, 2021 |
||||
Shares for basic EPS Allego Holding |
100 | |||
Exchange ratio |
1,902,702 | |||
Adjusted number of shares |
190,270,211 |
Acquisition of Mega-E (asset acquisition)
Following the execution of the SPAC Transaction on March 16, 2022, the Group exercised its call option right to acquire Mega-E, pursuant to the terms of the Mega-E Option. The Group paid a total purchase consideration of 10,594 thousand, comprising of 9,456 thousand for the shares and 1,138 thousand for the accrued interest on the deferred purchase price. The fair value of the net assets recognized as a result of the acquisition was 67,034 thousand. The main asset acquired was property, plant and equipment, which was initially measured at cost by allocating the purchase price based on the relative fair values of the assets. Mega-E has 100% interest in its subsidiaries, except for GreenToWheel SAS (GreenToWheel) in which it holds an interest of 80%, resulting in a 20% Non-controlling Interest (NCI) which amounted to 1,259 thousand. As described in Note 3, the transaction has been accounted for as an acquisition of assets due to Mega-E not meeting the definition of a business under IFRS 3 Business Combinations.
Acquisition of MOMA (business combination)
On March 26, 2021, the Group entered into two option agreements, pursuant to which the Group was entitled to purchase shares representing 8.50% of the share capital (on a fully diluted basis) of MOMA (the Direct MOMA Shares) and 100% of Oury-Heintz Energie Applications SA (OHEA), which held 42.0% of the share capital of MOMA (the Indirect MOMA Shares). The shareholders agreement of MOMA includes drag-along rights, which required the Group to acquire the remaining 49.50% of MOMAs share capital upon exercising its option rights. The Group extended the option agreements on September 28, 2021, under similar terms and conditions as the original agreements.
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On April 26, 2022, the Group exercised its second purchase option and drag-along rights to purchase the Direct MOMA Shares, simultaneously signing and closing the acquisition of the Indirect MOMA Shares pursuant to the exercise of the first purchase option. Consequently, on June 7, 2022, the Group closed two separate share and sale purchase agreements (the Agreements) to acquire shares representing 100% of the share capital of MOMA in a business combination agreement (the MOMA Business Combination).
The Group paid a total purchase consideration of 59,986 thousand. The fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired was 49,262 thousand, resulting in the recognition of goodwill of 10,724 thousand.
5 | Segmentation |
The Executive Board of the Group is the chief operating decision maker (CODM) which monitors the operating results of the business for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment. The management information provided to the CODM includes financial information related to revenue, cost of sales and gross result disaggregated by charging revenue and combined service revenue streams and by region. These performance measures are measured consistently with the same measures as disclosed in the consolidated financial statements. Further financial information, including net income (loss), employee expenses and operating expenses are only provided on a consolidated basis.
The CODM assesses the financial information of the business on a consolidated level. As the operating results of the business for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment are monitored on a consolidated level, the Group has one operating segment which is also its only reporting segment.
As the Group only has one reporting segment, all relevant financial information is disclosed in the consolidated financial statements.
Revenue from major customers
For the year ended December 31, 2023, there was one customer that had a revenue contribution of 10% or more of the Groups total revenue for the year (2022: one customers, 2021: two customers). The amount of revenue from the major customers can be broken down as follows:
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
Customer A |
| * | | * | 23,974 | |||||||
Customer B |
| * | | * | | * | ||||||
Customer C |
| * | | * | | * | ||||||
Customer D |
15,585 | 51,424 | 24,566 | |||||||||
Total |
15,585 | 51,424 | 48,540 |
* | This customers revenue contribution was less than 10% of the total revenue of the respective year. |
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Revenue from external customers
The Company is domiciled in the Netherlands. The amount of revenue from external customers, based on the locations of the customers, can be broken down by country as follows:
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
The Netherlands |
73,737 | 46,302 | 29,689 | |||||||||
Belgium |
21,364 | 10,692 | 4,358 | |||||||||
Germany |
22,553 | 15,045 | 14,477 | |||||||||
France |
23,289 | 55,815 | 32,098 | |||||||||
Other |
4,510 | 6,046 | 5,669 | |||||||||
Total |
145,453 | 133,900 | 86,291 |
Non-current assets by country
The amount of total non-current assets, based on the locations of the assets, can be broken down by country as follows:
(in 000) |
December 31, 2023 |
December 31, 2022 |
||||||
The Netherlands |
101,934 | 109,851 | ||||||
Belgium |
14,609 | 8,778 | ||||||
Germany |
85,179 | 43,510 | ||||||
France |
41,136 | 32,675 | ||||||
Other |
31,570 | 12,369 | ||||||
Total |
274,428 | 207,183 |
Non-current assets for this purpose consist of total non-current assets as recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position, excluding non-current financial assets and deferred tax assets.
6 | Revenue from contracts with customers |
Disaggregation and timing of revenue from contracts with customers
Set out below is the disaggregation of the Groups revenue from contracts with customers.
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
Type of goods or service |
||||||||||||
Charging sessions |
103,265 | 65,347 | 26,108 | |||||||||
Service revenue from the sale of charging equipment |
10,303 | 33,585 | 37,253 | |||||||||
Service revenue from installation services |
20,391 | 28,630 | 19,516 | |||||||||
Service revenue from operation and maintenance of charging equipment |
5,399 | 3,230 | 3,414 | |||||||||
Service revenue from consulting services |
6,095 | 3,108 | | |||||||||
Total revenue from external customers |
145,453 | 133,900 | 86,291 | |||||||||
Timing of revenue recognition |
||||||||||||
Services transferred over time |
32,337 | 34,968 | 22,930 | |||||||||
Goods and services transferred at a point in time |
113,116 | 98,932 | 63,361 | |||||||||
Total revenue from external customers |
145,453 | 133,900 | 86,291 |
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Liabilities related to contracts with customers
The Group has recognized the following liabilities related to contracts with customers:
(in 000) |
December 31, 2023 |
December 31, 2022 |
||||||
Assets |
||||||||
Current contract assets |
| 1,512 | ||||||
Loss allowance |
| | ||||||
Total contract assets |
| 1,512 | ||||||
Liabilities |
||||||||
Current contract liabilities |
9,823 | 7,917 | ||||||
Non-current contract liabilities |
180 | 2,442 | ||||||
Total contract liabilities |
10,003 | 10,359 |
Refer to Note 20 for details on trade receivables and the loss allowance on trade receivables and contract assets.
Significant changes in contract liabilities
The change in contract liabilities is the result of the Groups development contract activities which started in 2019 and which have increased since then. For certain development contracts, the Group provides services exceeding the payments received from customers which result in contract assets. Conversely, the Group receives prepayments for certain development contracts which result in contract liabilities. Contract liabilities increased mainly as a result of prepayments received for development contracts with EV Cars in current and previous years for which the performance obligations have not been satisfied before the current year-end. This increase has been offset by a decrease in contract liabilities of 452 thousand for charging services provided to one of the PIPE Investors during the current year. For more information on balances with related parties, reference is made to Note 36.2.
During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Group entered into a strategic partnership with a PIPE Investor for future charging sessions. A portion of the cash received for the PIPE Investment was therefore accounted for as a contract liability in recognition of future services to be transferred to the customer. During the current year, the Group satisfied a portion of the performance obligation related to this contract liability and the amount recognized as charging revenue was 452 thousand. As of December 31, 2023, 2,906 thousand (December 31, 2022: 3,358 thousand) of the contract liability balance relates to this arrangement, of which 2,726 thousand is recognized as current and 180 thousand is recognized as non-current.
Revenue recognized in relation to contract liabilities
The following table shows how much revenue the Group recognized that relates to carried-forward contract liabilities.
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
Revenue recognized that was included in the contract liability balance at the beginning of the period |
7,453 | 21,192 | 7,280 |
Performance obligations
The transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations (unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied) as at each reporting date is, as follows:
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Within one year |
14,062 | 24,791 | ||||||
More than one year |
4,391 | 7,909 | ||||||
Total |
18,453 | 32,700 |
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As at December 31, 2023, the Group expects that 76% of the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations will be recognized as revenue during the next financial reporting year. The remaining 24% will be recognized in the 2025 and 2026 financial reporting years. Of the total unsatisfied performance obligations, 84% relates to service revenue from the sale of charging equipment and service revenue from installation services. The remaining portion of 16% relates to revenue from charging sessions.
7 | Other income/(expenses) |
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
Government grants |
602 | 213 | 2,037 | |||||||||
Income from CO2 tickets |
6,230 | 9,527 | 5,403 | |||||||||
Net gain/(loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment |
(7,970 | ) | (12,528 | ) | (210 | ) | ||||||
Sublease rental income |
200 | 200 | 200 | |||||||||
Fair value gains/(losses) on derivatives (PPAs) |
(7,442 | ) | | | ||||||||
Fair value gains/(losses) on derivatives (purchase options) |
| 3,856 | 2,900 | |||||||||
Fair value gains/(losses) on pref. shares derivatives and net gain/(loss) on sale of pref. shares derivatives |
| (69 | ) | | ||||||||
Other items |
1,777 | 2,525 | 523 | |||||||||
Total |
(6,603 | ) | 3,724 | 10,853 |
Government grants
Government grants that relate to an expense item, are recognized as income on a systematic basis over the periods that the related costs, which the grants are intended to compensate, are expensed.
Income from sale of CO2 tickets
The Group sells CO2 tickets issued by government (for example, HBE certificates in the Netherlands and similar schemes in Germany and France) to companies that are required to compensate their use of non-green energy through a brokerage. These certificates are issued by the government and therefore IAS 20 Accounting for government grants and disclosure of government assistance is applicable.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, income from the sale of CO2 tickets includes a fair value gain on initial recognition of 6,636 thousand (2022: 9,423 thousand, 2021: 5,483 thousand) and a loss on the subsequent sale of 406 thousand (2022: gain of 104 thousand, 2021: loss of 80 thousand).
Net gain/(loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Group recorded a loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment of 7,970 thousand (2022: 12,528 thousand, 2021: 210 thousand). This primarily consists of the costs of upgrading HPC charger locations where old chargers were replaced with new chargers.
Sublease rental income
Refer to Note 17.2 for details on the Groups subleases.
Fair value gains/(losses) on derivatives (PPAs)
Refer to Note 29 for details on the Groups PPA derivative liabilities.
Fair value gains/(losses) on derivatives (purchase options)
Refer to Note 4 for details on the Groups purchase options.
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Fair value gains/(losses) on preference shares derivatives and net gain/(loss) on sale of preference shares derivatives
In 2022, the Group has waived certain potential economic rights associated with a portion of the shares held by the Group in Voltalis for a consideration of 187 thousand. The transaction resulted in an immaterial loss, which has been recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss, within other income/(expenses). This transaction does not affect the Groups interest held in the ordinary share capital of Voltalis.
Other items
Other items primarily consists of reimbursements that the Group has received from one of its suppliers for chargers.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Group purchased a number of chargers that malfunctioned and the Group has disposed of these chargers. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Group has recognized a gain of 1,400 thousand (2022: 2,250 thousand, 2021: nil) for reimbursement received from suppliers.
8 | Selling and distribution expenses |
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
Employee benefits expenses |
1,236 | 1,650 | 1,898 | |||||||||
Amortization of customer relationships |
395 | 231 | | |||||||||
Depreciation of right-of-use assets |
114 | 148 | 92 | |||||||||
Marketing and communication costs |
765 | 478 | 421 | |||||||||
Housing and facility costs |
39 | 48 | 60 | |||||||||
Travelling costs |
54 | 32 | 1 | |||||||||
Total |
2,603 | 2,587 | 2,472 |
Refer to Note 10 for a breakdown of expenses by nature.
9 | General and administrative expenses |
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
Employee benefits expenses |
42,796 | 65,089 | 105,025 | |||||||||
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment |
257 | 185 | 206 | |||||||||
Depreciation of right-of-use assets |
5,949 | 5,676 | 3,175 | |||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
723 | 577 | 97 | |||||||||
IT costs |
4,037 | 3,307 | 1,625 | |||||||||
Housing and facility costs |
764 | 490 | 337 | |||||||||
Travelling costs |
942 | 398 | 7 | |||||||||
Legal, accounting and consulting fees |
32,908 | 73,867 | 208,945 | |||||||||
Insurance costs |
4,276 | 7,164 | 397 | |||||||||
Other costs |
6,305 | 7,891 | 9,483 | |||||||||
Share-based payment expenses - SPAC Transaction |
| 158,714 | | |||||||||
Total |
98,957 | 323,358 | 329,297 |
Employee benefits expenses include share-based payment expenses relating to the First and Second Special Fees Agreements, the management incentive plan and the long term incentive plan. For the year ended December 31, 2023, share-based payment expenses relating to the First Special Fees and Second Special Fees Agreements amount to nil (2022: 21,188 thousand, 2021: 89,636 thousand) and 3,480 thousand (2022: 5,681 thousand, 2021: nil), respectively, as certain directors of the Company are entitled to a percentage of the total benefits received by the external consulting firm as part of these agreements. Refer to Note 11.1 and Note 11.2 for details. Share-based payment expenses relating to the management incentive plan for the year ended December 31, 2023 amount to 6,242 thousand (2022: 14,361 thousand, 2021: nil) as the Group has granted the options to acquire a percentage of the Companys issued share capital to key management personnel. Refer to Note 11.3 for details. Furthermore, employee benefit expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 include share-based payment expenses relating to the long term incentive plan of 4,790 thousand (2022: nil, 2021: nil). Refer to Note 11.4 for details.
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Legal, accounting and consulting fees for the year ended December 31, 2023 include share-based payment expenses relating to the First Special Fees Agreement of nil (2022: 46,433 thousand, 2021: 202,201 thousand) and Second Special Fees Agreement of 6,607 thousand (2022: 11,712 thousand, 2021: nil) as the Group has provided share-based payment awards to an external consulting firm. Refer to Note 11.1 and Note 11.2 for details.
Share-based payment expenses related to the SPAC Transaction for the year ended December 31, 2022 represent the difference between Spartans net assets at the Closing Date and the fair value of the Companys shares exchanged in the transaction to Spartan. This difference is considered as an expense representing the costs of service in respect of the stock exchange listing for Spartans shares.
Refer to Note 10 for a breakdown of expenses by nature.
10 | Breakdown of expenses by nature |
10.1. Depreciation, amortization and impairments
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
Included in cost of sales: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment |
20,090 | 16,542 | 5,417 | |||||||||
Impairments of property, plant and equipment |
510 | 701 | 354 | |||||||||
Reversal of impairments of property, plant and equipment |
(635 | ) | (679 | ) | (381 | ) | ||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
2,517 | 2,883 | 2,623 | |||||||||
Depreciation of right-of-use assets |
2,474 | 886 | 141 | |||||||||
Included in selling and distribution expenses: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation of right-of-use assets |
114 | 148 | 92 | |||||||||
Amortization of customer relationships |
395 | 231 | | |||||||||
Included in general and administrative expenses: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment |
257 | 185 | 206 | |||||||||
Depreciation of right-of-use assets |
5,949 | 5,676 | 3,175 | |||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
723 | 577 | 97 | |||||||||
Total |
32,394 | 27,150 | 11,724 |
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10.2. Employee benefits expenses
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
Included in selling and distribution expenses: |
||||||||||||
Wages and salaries |
991 | 1,195 | 1,527 | |||||||||
Social security costs |
150 | 127 | 178 | |||||||||
Pension costs |
90 | 139 | 144 | |||||||||
Termination benefits |
| 194 | 11 | |||||||||
Other employee costs |
5 | (5 | ) | 34 | ||||||||
Contingent workers |
| | 4 | |||||||||
Subtotal |
1,236 | 1,650 | 1,898 | |||||||||
Included in general and administrative expenses: |
||||||||||||
Wages and salaries |
17,157 | 14,968 | 9,951 | |||||||||
Social security costs |
2,674 | 1,980 | 1,262 | |||||||||
Pension costs |
1,664 | 1,553 | 1,025 | |||||||||
Termination benefits |
265 | 222 | 42 | |||||||||
Share-based payment expenses |
14,512 | 41,230 | 89,636 | |||||||||
Other employee costs |
472 | 283 | 219 | |||||||||
Contingent workers |
6,052 | 4,853 | 3,358 | |||||||||
Capitalized hours |
| | (468 | ) | ||||||||
Subtotal |
42,796 | 65,089 | 105,025 | |||||||||
Total |
44,032 | 66,739 | 106,923 |
Average number of employees
During 2023, 218 employees were employed on a full-time basis (2022: 163, 2021: 127). Of these employees, 94 were employed outside the Netherlands (2022: 59, 2021: 40).
Pension plans
The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the Group voluntarily participates in the industry-wide pension fund for civil servants ABP. All Dutch employees are covered by this plan, which is financed by both employees and the employer. The pension benefits are related to the employees average salary and the total employment period covered by the plan. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid.
As the ABP pension plan contains actuarial risks, i.e. a recovery contribution is charged as part of the annual contribution, it does not qualify as a defined contribution plan under IAS 19 and thus qualifies as a defined benefit plan. Under IAS 19, the ABP pension plan qualifies as a multi-employer plan. The Groups proportionate share in the total multi-employer plan is insignificant. The Group should account for its proportionate share of this multi-employer plan, which is executed by ABP. However, ABP is unwilling to provide the information to perform such an actuarial valuation to the Group. As such, the ABP plan is treated as a defined contribution pension plan for accounting purposes. The contributions are treated as an employee benefit expense in the consolidated statement of profit or loss when they are due. The expense recognized in relation to the ABP pension plan in 2023 was 1,142 thousand (2022: 1,290 thousand, 2021: 1,034 thousand). The contributions to the ABP pension plan for the year ending December 31, 2024 are expected to be in line with the contributions paid for the year ended December 31, 2023.
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The pension plan of the Group in the Netherlands is administered by Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP (the fund). The most important characteristics of this pension plan are:
| The plan provides a retirement and survivors pension. |
| The pension plan is an average pay plan. |
| The retirement age depends on the AOW retirement age. |
| The board of the fund sets an annual contribution for the retirement pension, partners pension and orphans pension which is based on the actual funding ratio of the fund. |
| If the fund holds sufficient assets, the board of the fund can increase the accrued benefits of (former) employees and retirees in line with the consumer price index for all households. This indexation is therefore conditional. There is no right to indexation and it is not certain for the longer term whether and to what extent indexations will be granted. The board of the fund decides annually to what extent pension benefits and pension benefits are adjusted. |
| The board of the fund can decide to reduce the accrued benefits of (former) employees and retirees in case the funding level is below the legally required level. |
The main features of the implementation agreement are:
| Participation in the ABP pension fund is mandatory for the employees of the Group. |
| The Group is only obliged to pay the fixed contributions. The Group, under no circumstances, has an obligation to make an additional payment and does not have the right to a refund. Therefore, the Group has not recorded a pension liability. |
The funding ratio of the fund as at December 31, 2023 was 110.5% (December 31, 2022: 110.9%, December 31, 2021: 110.2%). The policy funding ratio as at December 31, 2023 was 113.9% (December 31, 2022: 118.6%, December 31, 2021: 102.8%), which is above the required minimum of 104.0% as prescribed by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB).
Belgium
The Group operates a defined benefit pension plan in Belgium. Statutory minimum interest rates apply to the contributions paid by employees. If in any year the pension contribution is insufficient to cover the minimum yield and if the means in the premium reserve / depot are not sufficient to finance the deficit, the employer should finance the deficit by paying an additional contribution into the depot. Therefore, the plan qualifies as a defined benefit plan under IAS 19 due to the employers obligation to finance the plans minimum guaranteed returns. These should be quantified and recognized as a liability in the Groups consolidated statement of financial position. However, given the limited number of participants, limited annual contributions of 1 thousand in 2023 (2022: nil , 2021: 10 thousand) and as the plan started as of 2016, the current underfunding and the resulting pension liability under IAS 19 is expected to be limited. The Group estimates that the resulting pension liability is immaterial to the consolidated financial statements and therefore the Group has not recorded a pension liability for this plan in the consolidated statement of financial position. The contributions to the defined contribution pension plan in Belgium for the year ending December 31, 2024 are expected to be in line with the contributions paid for the year ended December 31, 2023.
France:
Description of plans
A retirement indemnity plan (Indemnités de fin de carrière) applies to the Groups employees in France, which qualifies as another post-employment benefit under IAS 19. The retirement benefit depends on the number of service years within the industry and the Group. The benefit equals 1/4th of the average monthly salary for the first ten years of seniority and 1/3rd of the average monthly salary for the service years thereafter. Contributions for the retirement indemnity plan are obligations from past events with a probable outflow for which reliable estimates can be made. The Group should therefore record a provision for these obligations on its consolidated statement of financial position. The plans are not funded, as there is no mandatory minimum funding requirement for this scheme. The Company does not have plan assets, therefore there is no allocation of plan assets disclosed.
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The next table provides a summary of the changes in the defined benefit obligations in France.
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Defined benefit pension provision - Opening |
449 | | ||||||
Current service cost |
69 | 30 | ||||||
Interest cost |
20 | 6 | ||||||
Total amount recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss |
89 | 36 | ||||||
Remeasurement: |
||||||||
(Gain)/loss from change in financial assumptions |
7 | (19 | ) | |||||
(Gain)/loss from change in demographic assumptions |
8 | | ||||||
Experience (gain)/loss |
(7 | ) | 46 | |||||
Total amount recognized in the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income |
8 | 27 | ||||||
Acquisition |
| 386 | ||||||
Benefit payments from plans |
(9 | ) | | |||||
Defined benefit provision - Closing |
537 | 449 |
Actuarial assumptions
The principal actuarial assumptions at the reporting dates are:
(in %) |
2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Discount rate |
3.1 | % - 3.2% | 2.5 | % - 3.7% | ||||
Wage inflation |
3.0 | % | 2.5 | % | ||||
Turnover |
5.3 | % - 20.1% | 5.6 | % - 16.8% |
The discount rate is based on yields on AA-rated high-quality bonds, with durations comparable to the duration of the pension plans liabilities. Based on the assumptions described in this note.
Sensitivity analysis
The calculation of the defined benefit obligation is sensitive to, amongst others, the discount rate, rate of inflation and changes in life expectancy. In 2023, the sensitivity analysis was as follows:
(In %) |
-0.5% | +0.5% | ||||||
Discount rate |
5.5 | % | (5.0 | )% | ||||
Salary increases |
(5.0 | )% | 5.4 | % | ||||
Turnover rates |
1.1 | % | (1.1 | )% |
The above sensitivity analyses are based on a change in an assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. In practice, this is unlikely to occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated. When calculating the sensitivity of the defined benefit obligation to significant actuarial assumptions the same method (present value of the defined benefit obligation calculated with the projected unit credit method at the end of the reporting period) has been applied as when calculating the defined benefit liability recognized in the balance sheet.
Other countries
The Group solely operates defined contribution plans in Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. The Groups legal or constructive obligation for these plans is limited to the Groups contributions. The expense recognized in relation to these defined contribution pension plans was 79 thousand in 2023 (2022: 67 thousand, 2021: 75 thousand). The contributions to these defined contribution pension plans for the year ending December 31, 2024 are expected to be in line with the contributions paid for the year ended December 31, 2023.
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Other long-term employee benefits:
The Netherlands
Jubilee plan
The Group operates a jubilee plan for all active employees under the Dutch collective labor agreement (CLA) for energy networking companies (CAO NWb). The most recent actuarial valuations of the present value of the long-term employee benefits were carried out as at December 31, 2023. The valuation is carried out with a discount rate of 3.3% (December 31, 2022: 3.6%), an expected rate of salary increase of 2.5% (December 31, 2022: an increase of 2.5%) and a retirement age of 68 years (December 31, 2022: 68 years). The provision recorded in the Groups consolidated statement of financial position amounts to 35 thousand as at December 31, 2023 (December 31, 2022: 26 thousand).
The amounts recorded in the consolidated statement of financial position and the movements in the jubilee provision over all reporting periods presented, are as follows:
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Jubilee provision Opening |
26 | 73 | ||||||
Current service cost |
5 | 11 | ||||||
Interest cost |
1 | | ||||||
Remeasurements |
3 | (58 | ) | |||||
Total amount recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss |
9 | (47 | ) | |||||
Benefit payments |
| | ||||||
Jubilee provision Closing |
35 | 26 |
Senior leave plan
Additionally, the Group operates a senior leave plan for its employees in the Netherlands. As the amount of benefits (i.e. additional leave) provided under the plan is limited, the Group does not contract any additional hours to replace the respective employees. In addition, only a limited number of employees is entitled to seniority leave as of December 31, 2023. The Group estimates that the resulting liability is immaterial to the consolidated financial statements and therefore the Group has not recorded a pension liability for this plan in the consolidated statement of financial position.
10.3. Audit fees
The following audit fees were recognized in the consolidated statement of profit or loss for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
(in 000) |
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
Audit of the financial statements |
5,086 | 3,847 | 2,790 | |||||||||
Other audit services |
38 | | 55 | |||||||||
Total |
5,124 | 3,847 | 2,845 |
The fees listed above relate to the procedures applied to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries by Ernst & Young Accountants LLP, the external auditor as referred to in Section 1, subsection 1 of the Audit Firms Supervision Act (Wet toezicht accountantsorganisaties - Wta) as well as by other Dutch and foreign-based members firms and legal entities, including their tax services and advisory groups. These fees relate to services provided by the external auditor in the respective financial year.
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11 | Share-based payments |
11.1. First Special Fees Agreement
The First Special Fees Agreement was terminated in connection with the Business Combination in 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Group recognized share-based payment expenses of nil (2022: 67,621 thousand, 2021: 291,837 thousand) for this equity-settled arrangement, with a corresponding increase in accumulated deficit. As the share-based payment expenses reflect both compensation for external consulting services and key management remuneration, during the year ended December 31, 2023 the Group has recognized share-based payment expenses for an amount of nil (2022: 46,433 thousand, 2021: 202,201) as legal, accounting and consulting fees, and share-based payment expenses for an amount of nil (2022: 21,188 thousand, 2021: 89,636 thousand) has been recognized as employee benefits expenses, both within general and administrative expenses.
11.2. Second Special Fees Agreement
On February 25, 2022, the Allego Holdings then immediate parent entity Madeleine entered into the Second Special Fees Agreement with the same external consulting firm as for the First Special Fees Agreement. The purpose of this Second Special Fees Agreement is to compensate the external consulting firm for their continuous strategic and operational advice, as well as support with regards to Allegos fundraising efforts in the near future. The agreement ultimately expires on the earlier of June 30, 2025, and the date on which Madeleine would no longer hold any equity security in Allego. As consideration for the Second Special Fees Agreement, the external consulting firm is entitled to receive cash compensation based on the value of the Group in connection with any new injection of equity, whether in cash or in kind, in any entity of the Group subsequent to the Business Combination (each, an Equity Injection).
On March 10, 2022, the Second Special Fees Agreement was amended to modify the formula of the relevant percentage used in the determination of the fees payable (the Relevant Percentage) for equity injections subsequent to the first Equity Injection.
The Group accounts for the Second Special Fees Agreement as a share-based payment since the Group obtained services from the consulting firm in exchange for cash amounts based on the equity value of the Company. Madeleine, instead of the Group, had the obligation to settle the share-based payment arrangement with the consulting firm. The Second Special Fees Agreement was therefore classified as an equity-settled share-based payment arrangement. On April 20, 2022, the Second Special Fees Agreement was novated from Madeleine to Allego (the Novation), with all the other terms of the Second Special Fees Agreement remaining the same. As a result of the Novation, Allego now has the obligation, instead of Madeleine, to settle the share-based payment arrangement with the consulting firm. The Second Special Fees Agreements classification therefore changed to a cash-settled share-based payment arrangement from the Novation date.
Certain directors and officers of the Company are entitled to compensation from the external consulting firm in the form of a fixed percentage of the total benefits that the external consulting firm will generate under the Second Special Fees Agreement, including any amendments. The share-based payment expenses for the Second Special Fees Agreement therefore reflect both compensation for external consulting services and key management remuneration.
Measurement of fair value as an equity-settled plan
In accordance with IFRS 2 Share-based Payment, the fair value of key management remuneration under an equity-settled share-based payment arrangement is measured by reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted, measured at the grant date. The fair value determined at the grant date is not subsequently adjusted.
As the value of the services provided by the consulting firm is not directly related to the time incurred by the consultants, management considers that the fair value of the services cannot be measured reliably. Therefore, the fair value of the services received under the Second Special Fees Agreement are measured by reference to the fair value of the share-based payment arrangement offered as consideration, as the Group obtains these services. The Group applies an approach where the average fair value over the reporting period is used to determine the fair value of the services received.
Since the Second Special Fees Agreement includes an implicit service condition, the services received under the Second Special Fees Agreement are recognized as expenses over the period in which the Company expects to have the Equity Injections, therefore between February 25, 2022 (the grant date) and the dates of the Equity Injections by reference to the fair value of the share-based payment arrangement measured at the grant date (for key management remuneration) or the average fair value over the reporting period (for external consulting services).
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Measurement of fair value as a cash-settled plan
Following the Novation, the Second Special Fees Agreement was classified as a cash-settled plan as opposed to an equity-settled plan. Therefore, in accordance with IFRS 2 Share-based Payment, the fair value of both the key management remuneration and the services provided by the consulting firm under a cash-settled share-based payment arrangement is measured by reference to the fair value of the share-based payment arrangement offered as consideration, as the Group obtains these services. The fair value of the liability is recognized over the service period.
In effect, IFRS 2 Share-based Payment provides that the cumulative amount recognized as the expense over the life of the Second Special Fees Agreement is the grant-date fair value plus or minus any subsequent changes in fair value after the change in classification. Therefore, the cumulative amount may be less than the original grant-date fair value.
Fair value of equity instruments granted
The fees payable under the Second Special Fees Agreement will depend on the future value of the Allego Group following each future Equity Injection. Since there is no market price for the services, to measure the fair value of this instrument under IFRS 2 Share-based Payment, the future value of the Allego Group for the Equity Injection has been derived from a weighted average valuation model in which that value can be simulated based on various amounts and expected dates of Equity Injection events, and taking into account the likelihood of Equity Injections to happen, as well as the expected price per share upon Equity Injection.
The total fair value of the share-based payment arrangement as at December 31, 2023 is estimated at 38,583 thousand (2022: 33,481 thousand). The increase in fair value of the share-based payment arrangement is mainly driven by an increase in the probability and expected amount of the Equity Injection events.
The Group recognized a share-based payment provision related to the Second Special Fees Agreement of 26,894 thousand as of December 31, 2023 (December 31, 2022: 16,806 thousand), of which an amount of 16,677 thousand (December 31, 2022: 16,806 thousand) is recognized as a current liability, and an amount of 10,217 thousand (December 31, 2022: nil) is recognized as a non-current liability in the consolidated statement of financial position.
Share-based payment expenses
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Group recognized total share-based payment expenses with respect to the Second Special Fees Agreement of 10,088 thousand (2022: 17,393 thousand, 2021: nil). As share-based payment expenses for the Second Special Fees Agreement reflect both compensation for external consulting services and key management remuneration, the Group has recognized share-based payment expenses for an amount of 6,607 thousand (2022: 11,712 thousand, 2021: nil) as legal, accounting and consulting fees and share-based payment expenses for an amount of 3,480 thousand (2022: 5,681 thousand, 2021: nil) has been recognized as employee benefit expenses, both within general and administrative expenses. These share-based payment expenses were recognized with a corresponding increase in liability for the year ended December 31, 2023, and for the period after the novation during the year ended December 31, 2022. For the period before the novation during the year ended December 31, 2022, these share-based payment expenses were recognized with a corresponding increase in accumulated deficit.
11.3. Management Incentive Plan
The establishment of the companys management incentive plan (MIP) was approved by the board of directors on April 20, 2022. The MIP is designed to provide long-term incentives for key management employees to deliver long-term shareholder returns, and includes two types of granted options: the right to acquire a percentage of the Companys issued share capital immediately following the listing, subject to the expiry of a blocking period of 18 months (the MIP Grant Options), and the right to acquire a percentage of the Companys issued share capital immediately following the listing, subject to predefined performance conditions and the expiry of the blocking period (the MIP Performance Options). The granted options carry no dividend or voting rights. The options do not include any market conditions or non-vesting conditions that should be included in the fair value at recognition.
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Under the plan, the MIP Grant Options vest immediately, and the MIP Performance Options only vest if certain performance standards are met. Participation in the plan is at the board of directors discretion, and no individual has a contractual right to participate in the plan or to receive any guaranteed benefits.
The amount of MIP Performance Options that will vest depends on the groups performance, including operational EBITDA, financing targets, compliance and reporting, engagement with investors, and the minimum service period of the employees. Once vested, the granted options remain exercisable for a period of ten years following the end of the blocking period, which ends on September 18, 2023, for the MIP Grant Options and ten years from the grant date (May 14, 2022) for the MIP Performance Options.
In April 2023, one non-market performance condition included in the original MIP agreement was modified, together with its respective service period, to be applied to the groups performance over financial year 2023 instead of 2022. For the MIP performance options the blocking period was extended to April 30, 2024. The exercise period is ten years following the end of the blocking period. The exercise period and blocking period end date remain unchanged for the other MIP Performance Options. These changes result in an increased number of awards being expected to vest but do not have an impact on the fair value of the options.
On December 29, 2023, all MIP Options were modified to expire on June 30, 2024. Furthermore, the MIP Performance Options based on the modified MIP agreement were further modified to vest immediately. These modifications occurred as part of an approach towards retention of employees. These modifications do not result in a change in the number of awards expected to vest, but results in an earlier vesting date and an accelerated expense recognition for the MIP Performance Options based on the modified MIP agreement. As a result, these modifications do not have an impact on the fair value of the options.
The exercise price of the granted options under the plan is 0.12 per option. When exercisable, each option is convertible into one ordinary share of the Company.
Set out below are summaries of MIP Grant Options and MIP Performance Options granted under the plan:
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Average exercise price per share option (in ) |
Number of grant options |
Number of performance options |
Average exercise price per share option (in ) |
Number of grant options |
Number of performance options |
|||||||||||||||||||
As at January 1 |
0.12 | 1,329,213 | 1,329,213 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Granted during the period |
| | | 0.12 | 1,329,213 | 1,329,213 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercised during the period |
| | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Forfeited during the period |
| | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
As at December 31 |
0.12 | 1,329,213 | 1,329,213 | 0.12 | 1,329,213 | 1,329,213 | ||||||||||||||||||
Vested and exercisable at December 31 |
0.12 | 1,329,213 | 1,329,213 | | | |
As of December 31, 2023, 1,329,213 MIP Grant Options and 996,910 MIP Performance Options vested and became exercisable after the end of the blocking period, which ended on September 18, 2023, and 332,303 MIP Performance Options vested and became exercisable as a result of the modification from December 2023. No options expired and no options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2023.
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Share options outstanding at the end of the reporting period have the following expiry dates and exercise prices:
Options |
Grant date | Vesting date | Expiry date | Exercise price (in ) | Share options December 31, 2023 |
|||||||||||||||
MIP Grant Options |
May 14, 2022 | September 18, 2023 | June 30, 2024 | | 0.12 | 1,329,213 | ||||||||||||||
MIP Performance Options |
May 14, 2022 | September 18, 2023 | June 30, 2024 | | 0.12 | 996,910 | ||||||||||||||
MIP Performance Options (modified) |
May 14, 2022 | December 29, 2023 | June 30, 2024 | | 0.12 | 332,303 | ||||||||||||||
Total |
2,658,426 |
The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at the end of period is 0.50 years.
For the year ended December 31, 2023 the total expenses arising from the MIP transactions recognized during the period as part of employee benefit expense was 6,242 thousand (2022: 14,361 thousand, 2021: nil ). This includes an amount of 2,575 thousand (2022: nil , 2021: nil ) related to the additional expense recognized as a result of the modification of the MIP agreement.
Fair value of options granted
There were no options granted during the year ended December 31, 2023 in relation to the MIP. The assessed fair value of options granted during the year ended December 31, 2022, was 7.75 per option (December 31, 2021: no options granted) for both the MIP Grant Options and MIP Performance Options.
The fair value was determined as the share price of the Companys ordinary shares on grant date of $8.17 (7.874), determined as the closing price on May 13, 2022 (the last working day preceding the grant date), less the exercise price of 0.12.
No specific option-pricing model (e.g., Black-Scholes) was applied for the valuation, as in the situation when the exercise price applicable to the options is negligible, the calculated fair value of an option is close (or equal) to the value of an ordinary share less the exercise price, regardless of the other input parameters applied in the option valuation.
As the options do not include any market conditions or non-vesting conditions that has an impact on the fair value and there is no adjustment for dividends, the grant date fair value of both MIP Grant Options and MIP Performance Options was determined using the same approach.
11.4. Long-Term Incentive Plan
The Board and the Compensation Committee approved the general framework for the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) on the Closing Date. The purpose of the LTIP is to provide eligible directors and employees the opportunity to receive stock-based incentive awards for employee motivation and retention and to align the economic interests of such persons with those of Allegos shareholders. The delivery of certain shares or other instruments under the LTIP to directors and key management are agreed and approved in certain Board meetings. On December 20, 2022, the Board approved a detailed plan for the LTIP for future years.
Performance Based Share Options
As it relates to the LTIP for Allego executive officers, performance based share options may be granted annually and would be exercisable after a contractual vesting period of two to three years. The number of LTIP Performance Options issued under the LTIP is based on four equally-weighted performance criteria: revenue, operational EBITDA, renewable GWh delivered, and appreciation at the discretion of the board of directors. The targets for the performance criteria are set annually by the Compensation Committee.
4 | Translated at the EUR/USD exchange rate as at May 13, 2022. |
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During the year ended December 31, 2023, LTIP Performance Options were granted to executive officers based on company performance in financial years 2022 and 2023. The LTIP Performance Options based on company performance in financial year 2022 have a contractual vesting period of two years, and the target number of options awarded was determined and set at grant date in line with the known level of completion of the performance criteria for that financial year. In addition, Allego granted LTIP Performance Options based on company performance in financial year 2023 with a contractual vesting period of three years, and the target number of options awarded was determined based on a target level of completion of 100% of the performance criteria for that financial year (to be adjusted according to actual level of completion of performance criteria).
On December 29, 2023, the LTIP Performance Options based on company performance in financial year 2022 were modified for one of the executive officers to vest immediately, with the expiry date being June 30, 2024. This modification does not result in a change in the number of awards expected to vest, but results in an earlier vesting date and an accelerated expense recognition. As a result, this modification does not have an impact on the fair value of the options.
On December 29, 2023, LTIP Performance Options based on company performance in financial year 2023 for one of the executive officers were cancelled as part of a package of an approach towards retention of employees.
The exercise price of the LTIP Performance Options granted under the LTIP is 0.12 per option. When exercised, each LTIP Performance Option is convertible into one ordinary share of the Company.
Set out below is a summary of the target number of LTIP Performance Options granted under the plan:
2023 | ||||||||
Average exercise price per LTIP Performance Option (in ) |
Target number of LTIP Performance Options |
|||||||
As at January 1 |
| | ||||||
Granted during the period |
0.12 | 2,798,063 | ||||||
Exercised during the period |
| | ||||||
Forfeited during the period |
| | ||||||
Cancelled during the period |
| (577,722 | ) | |||||
As at December 31 |
0.12 | 2,220,341 | ||||||
Vested and exercisable at December 31 |
0.12 | 341,377 |
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company granted two types of LTIP Performance Options: 1,039,222 options based on financial year 2022 company performance and 1,758,841 options based on financial year 2023 company performance. The target number of options granted based on financial year 2022 company performance is final, subject to meeting the service condition of two years. The target number of options granted based on financial year 2023 company performance is based on a target level of completion of 100% of the performance criteria for that financial year (actual level of completion not known at the time of grant date). During the year ended December 31, 2023, 577,722 LTIP Performance Options based on financial year 2023 company performance were cancelled.
As of December 31, 2023, 341,377 LTIP Performance Options based on performance in financial year 2022 vested and became exercisable as a result of the modification for one of the executive officers.
The number of LTIP Performance Options based on financial year 2023 company performance expected to vest is estimated to be 723,384 options in accordance with the expected level of completion of performance criteria as at December 31, 2023.
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LTIP Performance Options outstanding at the end of the reporting period have the following expiry dates and exercise prices:
Options |
Grant date | Vesting date | Expiry date | Exercise price (in ) | Target number of options December 31, 2023 |
|||||||||
LTIP Performance Options (2022) |
April 12, 2023 | April 12, 2025 | April 12, 2032 | 0.12 | 697,845 | |||||||||
LTIP Performance Options (2022) - modified |
April 12, 2023 | December 29, 2023 | June 30, 2024 | 0.12 | 341,377 | |||||||||
LTIP Performance Options (2023)* |
April 12, 2023 | April 12, 2026 | April 12, 2033 | 0.12 | 1,181,119 |
* | Service period for this award started on January 1, 2023 |
The weighted average remaining contractual life of LTIP Performance Options outstanding at the end of period is 7.62 years.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the total expense arising from the LTIP Performance Options recognized as part of employee benefit expense was 2,070 thousand (2022: nil , 2021: nil ).
Fair value of LTIP Performance Options granted
The assessed fair value of LTIP Performance Options 2022 was 1.83 per option (December 31, 2022: no options granted). This fair value was determined as the share price of the Companys ordinary shares on grant date of $2.13 (1.955), determined as the closing price on April 12, 2023 (the grant date), less the exercise price of 0.12.
The assessed fair value of LTIP Performance Options 2023 was 2.82 per option (December 31, 2022: no options granted). This fair value was determined as the share price of the Companys ordinary shares on grant date of $3.14 (2.946), determined as the closing price on December 30, 2022 (the last working day preceding the grant date), less the exercise price of 0.12.
As the LTIP Performance Options do not include any market conditions or non-vesting conditions that have an impact on the fair value and there is no adjustment for dividends, the grant date fair value of LTIP Performance Options was determined using the same approach as used for the options granted under the MIP.
Restricted Stock Units
As it relates to the LTIP for other Allego employees, individuals may elect to receive up to 50% of their annual performance bonus to be paid in RSUs, which would vest on an annual basis. Additionally, certain Allego employees are eligible to receive additional RSUs based on the Companys existing internal performance evaluation framework. These RSUs would be granted annually and vest after three years. In May 2023, the Group awarded RSUs to eligible and selected employees based on the Companys internal performance evaluation framework. The RSUs have a vesting period of three years and are subject to the participants continued employment until the vesting date.
Under the terms of the same plan, RSUs were awarded to eligible members of the board of directors in May 2023. 666,968 RSUs were not subject to any vesting conditions and vested fully on the grant date. The related Companys ordinary shares were issued to the eligible members of the board of directors on August 10, 2023. 285,844 RSUs have a vesting period of one year and will vest on May 23, 2024, subject to the members continuous involvement within the board of directors until the vesting date.
5 | Translated at the EUR/USD exchange rate as at April 12, 2023. |
6 | Translated at the EUR/USD exchange rate as at December 30, 2022. |
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Set out below are summaries of the number of RSUs granted under the plan:
2023 | ||||||||
Employees | Eligible directors | |||||||
As at January 1 |
| | ||||||
Granted during the period |
176,952 | 952,812 | ||||||
Forfeited during the period |
| | ||||||