Central Puerto: Consolidation of Operating Results and Progress on Capacity Expansion

Central Puerto S.A ("Central Puerto” or the "Company”) (NYSE: CEPU), the largest private sector power generation company in Argentina, as measured by generated power, reports its consolidated financial results for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2018 ("Second Quarter” or "2Q2018”, and "First Half” or "1H2018”, respectively).

A conference call to discuss 2Q2018 financial results will be held on August 14, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (see details below). All information provided is presented on a consolidated basis, unless otherwise stated.

All figures are expressed in Argentinean Pesos and growth comparisons refer to the same period of the prior year, unless when otherwise stated. Definitions and terms used herein are provided in the Glossary at the end of this document. This release does not contain all the Company’s financial information. As a result, investors should read this release in conjunction with Central Puerto’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 and the notes there, which will be available on the Company’s website.

A. Second Quarter 2018 Highlights

Conventional energy

Beginning of the construction of Terminal 6 (330 MW) and Luján de Cuyo (93 MW). During 2Q2018, Central Puerto began the civil works for the construction of the new cogeneration units, and agreed the terms for the purchase of the steam turbine and the heat recovery units for the Terminal 6 project.

Scheduled maintenance at the Puerto Combined Cycle Plant. During the 2Q2018, Central Puerto finished the scheduled maintenance of the gas and steam turbines of the Puerto Combined Cycle Plant (765 MW).

Operating income (before other operating results) increased 62% to Ps. 910 million after a 53% increase in Revenues, and a 2 p.p. increase in Gross Profit Margins to 55%, compared to 53% in the 1Q2018 (see section D. Financial).

Adjusted EBITDA increased to Ps. 5,628 million in 2Q2018, compared to Ps. 701 million in 2Q2017, mainly due to a Ps. 4,456 million gain in the 2Q2018 from the foreign exchange difference and interests accrued by the trade receivables denominated in US dollars (see section D. Financial).

Distribution of cash dividends: A distribution of cash dividends of Ps. 0.70 per common share, equivalent to US$ 0.28¹ per ADR, was approved at Central Puerto’s annual ordinary shareholders’ meeting held on April 27, 2018 and distributed during May 2018.

Dividends from associates: Dividends of US$ 11.4 million received from TGM. Dividends of US$ 6 million received from DGCU (part of Ecogas).

"We had a positive second quarter with good operating results. We completed the scheduled maintenance of our Puerto Combined Cycle and continued with the construction of our new co-generation units and wind farms.

With focus on our long-term strategy, during the second half of the year, we expect to continue to evaluate new organic and inorganic adding-value growth opportunities."

Jorge Rauber, CEO Central Puerto

Renewable Energy

Completion of construction of wind farms La Castellana I and Achiras I: La Castellana I and Achiras I wind farms, with an installed capacity of 147 MW, are in the final stages of testing before starting commercial operations, which are expected to begin in August and September 2018, respectively.

Disbursement received for La Castellana I and Achiras I: Disbursements received for Achiras I and La Castellana I projects, from IIC-IFC² of US$ 51 million and US$ 20 million (equivalent to Ps. 1023 million and Ps. 499 million, respectively, at the exchange rate of each disbursement date). Under the IIC-IFC facility, a project finance structure, Central Puerto agreed, among other things, to fully, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee, as primary obligor, all payment obligations assumed by CP Achiras I and CP La Castellana until the project reaches the project completion date, which we expect will occur 9 months after the commercial operation date³. Accordingly, after the project completion date, Central Puerto will be released from its obligation as guarantor.

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B. Recent News

Renewable energy

PPA contract for La Genoveva I wind farm (87MW) signed with CAMMESA: On July 27, 2018 Vientos La Genoveva S.A.U., a subsidiary of CP Renovables, entered into a 20-year PPA with CAMMESA for the wind farm La Genoveva I, which was awarded during Round 2 of the RenovAr program. We expect to start the construction of this wind farm during the 1Q2019.

C. Main operating metrics

The table below sets forth key operating metrics for 2Q2018, compared to 1Q2018 and 2Q2017, and 1H2018, compared to 1H2017:

Conventional energy

In 2Q2018, energy generation from continuing operations decreased 18% to 3,145 GWh, compared to 2Q2017, mainly affected by a 37% decrease in thermal generation due to a scheduled maintenance in Puerto Combined Cycle Plant during 2Q2018. The temporary impact on thermal production was partially offset by a 118% increase in hydro generation due to greater water flow. During 2Q2018, machine availability of thermal units was 78%, compared to 88% in 2Q2017, mainly due to an extension (unscheduled) of the maintenance of the Puerto Combined Cycle Plant. However, Central Puerto’s availability for the period was equal to market average, which was 78%, according to data from CAMMESA. Finally, steam production showed a slight decrease totaling 285,000 tons produced during 2Q 2018.

In 1H2018, energy generation from continuing operations decreased 14% to 6,584 GWh, compared to 1H2017, mainly affected by a 27% decrease in thermal generation due to a scheduled maintenance in Puerto Combined Cycle Plant during 2Q2018. The temporary impact on thermal production was partially offset by a 57% increase in hydro generation due to greater water flow. During 1H2018, machine availability of thermal units was 84%, compared to 88% in 1H2017, mainly due to the above-mentioned extension (unscheduled) of the maintenance of the Puerto Combined Cycle Plant. Nonetheless, Central Puerto’s availability was higher than the market average of 79% for the same period, according to data from CAMMESA. Finally, steam production showed a slight decrease totaling 560,000 tons produced during 1H2018.

Renewable energy

During 2Q2018, we ended the installation of La Castellana I and Achiras I wind farms. These projects were awarded under the Renovar Program with 99 MW and 48 MW, respectively, have already been assembled and are performing the final tests prior to CAMMESA’s commercial approval.

La Casetellana I, with 32 wind turbines of 3.15 MW each, is expected to reach Commercial Operation Date (COD) during August 2018. Achiras I, located in Córdoba province, has 15 wind turbines (3.2 MW) and is expected to reach COD in September 2018.

D. Financials

Main financial magnitudes of continuing operations

Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

2Q2018 Results Analysis

Revenues from continuing operations increased 53% to Ps. 2,102 million in the 2Q2018, as compared to Ps. 1,375 million in 2Q2017. The increase in revenues was mainly driven by (i) the tariff increase established by Res. 19/17, which set higher prices for energy generation and machine availability and set the prices in US dollars (2Q2018 was fully-impacted by the November 2017 tariff increase) and (ii) an increase of 50% in the average exchange rate of 2Q2018, as compared to the average exchange rate of 2Q2017, which impacted on tariffs set in US dollars; partially offset by a 18% decrease in energy generation from continuing operations that totaled 3,145 GWh during 2Q2018, and less availability from our thermal units, mainly because of the scheduled maintenance of the Puerto Combined Cycle Plant.

The table below sets forth the tariff scheme for Energia Base effective since November 2017, by source of generation:

Operating income before other operating results, net increased 62% to Ps. 910 million, compared to Ps. 563 million in 2Q2017. This increase was due to (i) the above-mentioned increase in revenues, and (ii) a less-than-proportional increase in costs of sales that totaled Ps. 937 million, an increase of 45% as compared to Ps. 646 million in 2Q2017. The increase in the cost of sales was primarily driven by (i) an increase in the natural gas transportation and distribution tariffs and (ii) a higher cost of natural gas for the units that generate steam or electric energy under the Energía Plus framework, mainly due to an increase of 50% in the average exchange rate of 2Q2018, as compared to the average exchange rate of 2Q2017, which impacted the dollar-denominated price of natural gas. As a consequence, Gross Profit Margin increased 2 p.p., reaching 55% in the 2Q2018. Additionally, the cost of administrative and selling expenses increased 53% totaling Ps. 255 million in 2Q2018 compared to Ps. 167 million in the 2Q2017. This increase was mainly driven by (i) 85% increase in fees and compensation for professional services due to more legal and financial advisory and consultancy services used during the period and (iii) a 426% increase in taxes on bank account transactions, due to increased revenues, costs and capital investments completed during the period.

Adjusted EBITDA increased to Ps. 5,628 million in 2Q2018, compared to Ps. 701 million in 2Q2017. This exceptionally high increase was driven by: (i) the increase in operating results before other operating income, net mentioned above, (ii) a Ps. 4,456 million gain in the 2Q2018 from the foreign exchange difference and interests accrued by the trade receivables denominated in US dollars, mainly from FONI.

Net income increased to Ps. 3,943 million or Ps. 2.74 per share, in 2Q2018, compared to Ps. 749 million or Ps. 0.50 per share, in 2Q2017. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, net income was (i) negatively impacted by higher financial expenses that amounted to Ps. 1,142 million in 2Q2018, compared to Ps. 185 million in 2Q2017, and (ii) positively impacted by higher financial income which amounted Ps. 875 million during 2Q2018, compared to Ps. 357 million in the 2Q2017, in each case under (i) and (ii), mainly due to the foreign exchange difference over US dollar denominated debt and financial assets (which excludes FONI and other trade receivables). Additionally, results from the share of profit of associates increased to Ps. 259 million in 2Q2018, as compared to Ps. 78 million in 2Q2017, mainly due to higher results from Ecogas.

FONI collections were Ps. 108 million in 2Q2018, compared to Ps. 86 million (including VAT) in 2Q2017 (equivalent to approximately US$ 5 million and US$ 5 million, respectively, at the average exchange rate of each period), in both cases associated to the FONI trade receivables for San Martín and Manuel Belgrano Plants. As for the trade receivables associated with the CVO agreement, as of the date of this release, CAMMESA is performing processes to issue de respective documents and proceed to the payments.

1H2018 Results Analysis

Revenues from continuing operations increased 57% to Ps. 3,906 million in the 1H2018, as compared to Ps. 2,482 million in 1H2017. The increase in revenues was mainly driven by: (i) the tariff increase established by Res. 19/17, which set higher prices for energy generation and machine availability and set the prices in US dollars (1H2018 was fully-impacted by the November 2017 tariff increase); and (ii) an increase of 38% in the average exchange rate of 1H2018, as compared to the average exchange rate of 1H2017, which impacted tariffs set in US dollars; partially offset by a 14% decrease in energy generation from continuing operations that totaled 6,584 GWh during 1H2018, and less availability from our thermal units, mainly because of the scheduled maintenance of the Puerto Combined Cycle Plant.

Operating income before other operating results, net increased 100% to Ps. 1,764 million, compared to Ps. 882 million in 1HQ2017. This increase was due to (i) the above-mentioned increase in revenues, and (ii) a less-than-proportional increase in costs of sales that totaled Ps. 1,685 million, an increase of 29% as compared to Ps. 1,303 million in 1H2017. The increase in the cost of sales was primarily driven by (i) an increase in the natural gas transportation and distribution tariffs and (ii) a higher cost of natural gas for the units that generate steam or electric energy under the Energía Plus framework, mainly due to an increase of 38% in the average exchange rate of 1H2018, as compared to the average exchange rate of 1H2017, which impacted the dollar-denominated price of natural gas. As a consequence, Gross Profit Margin increased 10 p.p., reaching 57% in 1H2018. Additionally, the cost of administrative and selling expenses increased 54% totaling Ps. 457 million in 1H2018 compared to Ps. 297 million in the 1H2017. This increase was mainly driven by (i) a 22% increase in compensation to employees as a result of salary adjustments agreed in the collective bargaining agreements during the period, (iii) a 91% increase in fees and compensation for professional services due to legal and financial advisory and consultancy services used during the period and (iii) a 209% increase in taxes on bank account transactions, due to increased revenues, costs and capital investments completed during the period.

Adjusted EBITDA increased to Ps. 15,310 million in 1H2018, compared to Ps. 1,139 million in 1H2017. This exceptionally high increase was driven by (i) the increase in operating results before other operating income, net mentioned above; (ii) a Ps. 7,959 million during the 1Q2018 from a one-time-gain from the CVO Commercial Operation Approval mentioned above, and (iii) Ps. 4,719 million from the foreign exchange difference and interests accrued by the trade receivables denominated in US dollars, mainly from FONI.

Net income increased to Ps. 11,445 million or Ps. 7.74 per share, in 1H2018, compared to Ps. 1,273 million or Ps. 0.85 per share, in 1H2017. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, net income was (i) was negatively impacted by higher financial expenses that amounted to Ps. 1,402 million in 1H2018, compared to Ps. 324 million in 1H2017, and (ii) positively impacted by higher financial income which amounted to Ps. 1,026 million during 1H2018, compared to Ps. 712 million in 1H2017, in each case under (i) and (ii), mainly due to the foreign exchange difference over US dollar denominated debt and financial assets (which excludes FONI and other trade receivables). Additionally, results from the share of profit of associates increased to Ps. 407 million in 1H2018, as compared to Ps. 92 million in 1H2017, mainly due to higher results from Ecogas and TGM.

FONI collections increased to Ps. 206 million in 1H2018, compared to Ps. 168 million (including VAT) in 1H2017 (equivalent to approximately US$ 10 million and US$ 11 million, respectively, at the average exchange rate of each period), in both cases associated to the FONI trade receivables for San Martín and Manuel Belgrano Plants. As for the trade receivables associated with the CVO agreement, as of the date of this release, CAMMESA is performing processes to issue de respective documents and proceed to the payments.

Financial Situation

As of June 30, 2018, the Company and its subsidiaries showed a strong balance sheet with Cash and Cash Equivalents of Ps. 2,665 million, and Current Financial Assets of Ps. 499 million.

Loans and borrowings totaling Ps. 4,918 million were received mainly by Central Puerto’s subsidiaries CP Achiras and CP La Castellana, to finance the construction of La Castellana I and Achiras I wind farms.

Cash Flows for 1H2018

Net cash provided by operating activities was Ps. 494 million during 1H2018. This cash flow arises from Ps. 15,170 million from the operating income from continuing operations obtained during the 1H2018, minus the non-cash items included in it, which were mainly: (i) Ps. 7,959 million from the one-time CVO receivables update and interest; (ii) Ps. 4,576 million from trade receivables foreign exchange difference, (iii) Ps. 1,579 million from income tax paid (iv) Ps. 382 million in interests from clients accrued, net of interests collected, and (v) Ps. 391 million from the discount of accounts receivables and payable, net, mainly from the present value of accounting provision for the income tax, payable on May 2019.

Net cash provided by investing activities was Ps. 902 million in 1H2018. This amount was mainly due to (i) Ps. 777 million obtained by the sale of short term financial assets, net; (ii) Ps. 647 million from proceeds from dividends from associates, mentioned above, and (iii) Ps. 587 million from the proceeds of the La Plata Plant Sale. This was partially offset by payments that amounted to Ps. 1,108 million for the purchase of property, plant and equipment for the construction of Achiras I and La Castellana I wind farms, and thermal cogeneration units Terminal 6 and Luján de Cuyo.

Net cash provided by financing activities was Ps. 408 million in 1H2018. The main financing activities during 1H2018 were the above-mentioned long-term loans received by CP Achiras and CP La Castellana, for the construction of the Achiras I and La Castellana I wind farms for a net amount of Ps. 1,542 million, after deducting the repayment of long term loans during 1H2018, which was partially offset by (i) Ps. 1,060 million in cash dividend distributed to Central Puerto’s stockholders, and (ii) Ps. 136 million paid in interests and financial expenses.

E. Tables

F. Information about the Conference Call

There will be a conference call to discuss Central Puerto’s first quarter 2018 results on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. New York Time / 13:00 Buenos Aires Time.

The hosts will be Mr. Jorge Rauber, Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Fernando Bonnet, Chief Financial Officer. To access the conference call, please dial:

United States Participants (Toll Free): +1-888-317-6003
Argentina Participants (Toll Free): 0800-555-0645
International Participants: +1-412-317-6061
Passcode: 1516253

The Company will also host a live audio webcast of the conference call on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at http://investors.centralpuerto.com/. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the website and download any streaming media software that might be required to listen to the webcast.

You may find additional information on the Company at:

• http://investors.centralpuerto.com/
• www.cnv.gob.ar
• www.sec.gov

Glossary

In this release, except where otherwise indicated or where the context otherwise requires:

• "CAMMESA” refers to Compañía Administradora del Mercado Mayorista Eléctrico Sociedad Anónima;
• "Ecogas” refers collectively to Distribuidora de Gas Cuyana ("DGCU”), and its controlling company Inversora de Gas Cuyana ("IGCU”) and Distribuidora de Gas del Centro ("DGCE”), and its controlling company Inversora de Gas del Centro ("IGCE”);
• "Energía Base” (legacy energy) refers to the regulatory framework established under Resolution SE No. 95/13, as amended, and, since February 2017, regulated by Resolution SEE No. 19/17;
• "FONINVEMEM” or "FONI”, refers to the Fondo para Inversiones Necesarias que Permitan Incrementar la Oferta de Energía Eléctrica en el Mercado Eléctrico Mayorista (the Fund for Investments Required to Increase the Electric Power Supply) and Similar Programs, including Central Vuelta de Obligado (CVO) Agreement;
• "MATER”, refers to Mercado a Término de Energía Renovable, is the regulatory framework that allows generators to sell electric energy from renewable sources directly to large users.
• "p.p.”, refers to percentage points;
• "TGM” refers to Transportadora de Gas del Mercosur S.A.;
• "YPF” refers to YPF S.A., Argentina’s state-owned oil and gas company;
• "YPF EE” refers to YPF Energía Eléctrica S.A., a subsidiary of YPF.

Disclaimer

Additional information about Central Puerto can be found in the Investor Support section on the website at www.CentralPuerto.com.

Rounding amounts and percentages: Certain amounts and percentages included in this release have been rounded for ease of presentation. Percentage figures included in this release have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures, but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, certain percentage amounts in this release may vary from those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in the financial statements. In addition, certain other amounts that appear in this release may not sum due to rounding.

This release contains certain metrics, including information per share, operating information, and others, which do not have standardized meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Such metrics have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company's performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to in this Earnings Release as "forward-looking statements”) that constitute forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘believe,’’ ‘‘could,’’ ‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘plan,’’ ‘‘intend,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘estimate’’ and ‘‘potential,’’ and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Statements regarding possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, industry environment, potential growth opportunities, the effects of future regulation and the effects of competition, expected power generation and capital expenditures plan, are examples of forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required under securities laws. Further information concerning risks and uncertainties associated with these forward-looking statements and the Company’s business can be found in the Company’s public disclosures filed on EDGAR (www.sec.gov).

Adjusted EBITDA

In this release, Adjusted EBITDA, a non-IFRS financial measure, is defined as net income for the year, plus finance expenses, minus finance income, minus share of the profit of associates, minus depreciation and amortization, plus income tax expense, plus depreciation and amortization, minus net results of discontinued operations.

Adjusted EBITDA is believed to provide useful supplemental information to investors about the Company and its results. Adjusted EBITDA is among the measures used by the Company’s management team to evaluate the financial and operating performance and make day-to-day financial and operating decisions. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other parties to evaluate companies in the industry. Adjusted EBITDA is believed to be helpful to investors because it provides additional information about trends in the core operating performance prior to considering the impact of capital structure, depreciation, amortization and taxation on the results.

Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, including:

• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, including cash requirements for, our working capital needs or contractual commitments;
• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our finance expenses, or the cash requirements to service interest or principal payments on our indebtedness, or interest income or other finance income;
• Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our income tax expense or the cash requirements to pay our income taxes;
• although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated or amortized often will need to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for these replacements;
• although share of the profit of associates is a non-cash charge, Adjusted EBITDA does not consider the potential collection of dividends; and
• other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

The Company compensates for the inherent limitations associated with using Adjusted EBITDA through disclosure of these limitations, presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS and reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable IFRS measure, net income. For a reconciliation of the net income to Adjusted EBITDA, see the tables included in this release.

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