NH Hotel Group SA

MAD:NHH

Earnings Call Transcript 2022-Q2

[Operator]

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to NH Hotel Group First Half 2022 Results Presentation. And I hand over the call to the speakers. Gentlemen, please go ahead.

[Javier Vega-Penichet, executive]

Thank you. Hello, and good morning, everyone. Welcome to NH Hotel Group Second Quarter and First Half 2022 Results Conference Call. This is Javier Vega-Penichet from Investor Relations.

To start, our CEO, Ramon Aragones, will share with you the drivers behind the outstanding performance in the second quarter, mainly pricing strategy and cost control and also the prospects in the short term. Then our CFO, Luis Martinez, will provide a more detailed description of the results and will dive in a healthy cash flow generation and implied leverage reduction that continues strengthening our financial position. At the end, we will open the Q&A session to answer any questions you may have. And now I hand over the call to Ramon.

[Ramón Aragonés Marín, executive]

Good morning, and thank you for joining us today. This is Ramon Aragones speaking. We are extremely delighted to present these outstanding results being the best Q2 in NH history. As commented in the previous results call, we were very confident in the recovery of the industry based on the performance achieved in the second half of the last year once restrictions were lifted. It is fair to say that the speed of the recovery has surpassed all expectations and for instance, June revenue figure above EUR 190 million, has set a new monthly record high surpassing the EUR 175 million of October 2019.

The group took advantage of the accelerated activation of both leisure and business travelers. These are ones behind the significant upturn in the key European cities where NH has a leading position. Our successful pricing strategy focused on a strong intra-month demand and segment optimization has allowed to surpass 2019 comparable ADR by plus 7% in the second quarter. This area of focus has permit to increase ADR from EUR 116 in April, to EUR 128 in May and finally, to EUR 139 in June. The robust ADR growth is largely due to the reactivation of the business demand during weekdays and explains the healthy flow-through rates achieved this quarter despite the increasing pressure in cost.

With regards to occupancy, the upward trend allowed to grow from 63% in April to 70% in May and 72% in June. Compared to 2019, like-for-like occupancy is 7 points below, partially explained by the low contribution of the long-distance international traveler and large-sized congresses and events. Let me advance that we are already seeing a good pace of demand coming in September and October for these types of events.

On the cost side, our discipline and initiative of our purchasing platform to mitigate the increasing pressure has allowed to overall offset 50% of the employees. This pressure is higher in externalized services as housekeeping and laundry. In energy costs, we are benefiting for terms agreed last year well below current levels. For H2, sorry, we expect cost impact to become more severe, reducing the level of conversion achieved during the first 6 months. The financial position of NH has continued to improve with a leverage reduction of EUR 105 million in the first 6 months and a very strong liquidity position above EUR 600 million.

Let me now recap the main operating highlights for the first half of the year. Revenues in the second quarter reached EUR 509 million compared to 2019 revenues grew by plus EUR 40 million or plus 8.5%. The operating improvement since March explains that 69% of the EUR 742 million revenue figure of the taxes month derived from Q2.

Occupancy reached 68.6% in Q2 with higher activity in Southern Europe due to the earlier lifting of restrictions. Spain reached 78%, Italy 74% and levels below 70% in Benelux and Central Europe, but recovering fast despite a later lifting of restrictions. ADR grew from EUR 90 in the first quarter to EUR 128 in Q2, averaging EUR 114 in the first 6 months.

At the EBITDA level, and excluding IFRS 16, cost control allowed to report in Q2, EUR 114 million due to a very healthy conversion rate of 42%. We are also showing an improvement of EUR 4 million or plus 3.7% versus Q2 2019 despite having more lease rooms in the period. In the 6-month period, we jumped from minus EUR 54 million in Q2 to EUR 59 million in the first half. All in, net recurring income in the second quarter reached EUR 64 million compared to EUR 53 million in the second quarter of 2019. In the first half, this line continues in negative at minus EUR 60 million, explained by the weaker start of the year with Omicron when we report a net loss of EUR 80 million.

To conclude my intervention and before turning the call to Luis Martinez, let me share with you that the summer period is performing also above expectations. The good pace of business demand bookings for September and October, the return of larger congresses and events and long-distant international travelers could offset any potential slowdown of leisure demand. All in all, we continue to foresee a robust operating trend next autumn. And finally, I want to remark the effort and perseverance of NH employees who have made this possible.

Now, Luis will give you more details on the results and balance sheet.

[Luis Jurado, executive]

Thank you, Ramon. This is Luis Martinez speaking. Good morning, everyone.

Jumping into the details of the P&L on Page 4. Reported revenue in Q2 2022 reached EUR 509 million, implying a growth of EUR 355 million compared to EUR 154 million in the second quarter of 2021 that was impacted by mobility restrictions. As commented by Ramon and compared to 2019, revenues grew by EUR 40 million or 8.5%.

Moving to RevPAR on Page 5. Let me highlight that compared to 2019, a similar RevPAR was achieved in May and in June. It was surpassed by 5% due to a remarkable like-for-like ADR performance. Total RevPAR in Q2 was EUR 88 and only minus 3% compared to like-for-like Q2 2019 due to lower capacity.

Moving to Page 6. We have seen a strong recovery in all regions during the second quarter with a significant upturn in key cities due to the return of business demand, especially since the start of the second quarter. In Spain, like-for-like and reform revenue grew EUR 89 million with higher contribution from Madrid and secondary cities. Barcelona recovered fast since March. Spain has reached in Q2 higher like-for-like revenues compared to 2019.

In Italy, like-for-like and renovation revenue increased by EUR 66 million with a strong growth in Milan, Rome and secondary cities. Total revenue positively affected by changes of perimeter, mainly Boscolo portfolio more than offsetting the closing of 3 hotels. Also, Italy reached in Q2 higher like-for-like revenues compared to 2019.

In Benelux, like-for-like and reforms and renovation revenue was up EUR 81 million with a relevant recovery in Amsterdam and Brussels. Dutch secondary cities were above 2019 numbers. In Central Europe, growth of EUR 33 million of like-for-like despite the EUR 39 million of direct state-aid subsidies in Q2 2021. Berlin, Düsseldorf and Hamburg, were above 2019.

Lastly, in LatAm, we saw revenue growth across all regions -- sorry, we saw revenue growth across all countries. Argentina, EUR 9 million; Colombia and Chile EUR 6 million and Mexico EUR 4 million.

Moving to Page 7. Payroll in the second quarter of the year increased by 136% or EUR 87 million. And operating expenses grew by 159% or EUR 87 million, implying a 51% GOP conversion rate despite inflationary pressure. Reported lease payments and property taxes increased minus EUR 35 million in Q2, mainly explained by the fixed rent concessions achieved in the second quarter of 2021, EUR 16 million, higher variable rent and a step-up from recent openings.

Reported EBITDA with IFRS 16 improved by EUR 146 million, reaching positive EUR 177 million in the second quarter of the year. Excluding IFRS 16, recurring EBITDA grew by EUR 150 million, reaching positive EUR 114 million due to a healthy 42% conversion rate supported by the ADR strategy and cost control.

Reported net recurring income in the second quarter improved by EUR 115 million, reaching 64 -- reaching a positive of EUR 64 million compared to minus EUR 51 million in the second quarter in 2021 and EUR 53 million in the second quarter of 2019.

Nonrecurring items reached minus EUR 3 million, mainly explained by a provision for an agreement related to a claim in The Netherlands, partially offset by the net capital gain of 2 asset rotation transactions. All-in reported total net income improved by EUR 83 million, reaching EUR 62 million compared to minus EUR 21 million in the second quarter of 2021 and EUR 55 million in the second quarter of 2019.

Moving to cash flow evolution on Page 8. I would like to highlight that the business recovery has allowed to reach positive free cash flow since March and to reduce net financial debt by EUR 136 million in Q2, also supported by EUR 19 million from asset rotation through 2 small noncore assets and limited CapEx investments. As a result, net financial debt decreased to EUR 463 million compared to EUR 568 million in December 2021, implying a decline of EUR 105 million in the first 6 months.

The positive working capital contribution is explained by certain subsidies registered in Q4 201 and collected in early 2022, which more than offset the working capital investment related to the business improvement and the return of the B2B segment credit sales, especially since May.

The positive VAT contribution is related to the timing effect from higher VAT charge than VAT pay and some local taxes, both due to revenue increase. CapEx reached EUR 18 million in the first half of the year, and we expect that it will gradually increase during the coming quarters.

Moving to Slide 9. The group ended in June with an available liquidity of EUR 618 million, out of which EUR 351 million is cash and EUR 267 million are available credit lines. Debt refinancing achieved last year with the covenant holiday for the whole of 2022 displays a relaxed debt maturity profile. As a consequence of this, fixed ratings upgraded in May NH's rating from B minus to B with a stable outlook, and Moody's improved the outlook in July from negative to stable, reflecting ongoing business recovery and better credit metrics.

And now after covering the results of the year, the team will be very happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you.

[Operator]

[Operator Instructions] We have first question from [indiscernible].

[Unknown Analyst]

Two questions. Firstly, in terms of the outlook, you said the business traveler is coming back. You're seeing strong bookings for September and October, but you kind of hinted that maybe the leisure travel bookings were looking a bit softer or you thought it might be a bit softer. I just wonder if you could give a bit more detail on that. And then secondly, in terms of leverage and ratings moving forward, what are the targets for the business? Obviously, now that the EBITDA is coming back or deleveraging pretty quickly, what are your long-term targets?

[Ramón Aragonés Marín, executive]

Okay. Well, listen, July is going extremely well, more or less in line with what happened in May and June, and we expect the same for August and also our expectation for September in terms of business traveler are extremely positive. Regarding leisure travelers, let me highlight the fact that, for example, we are having 35% more of American travelers that we had in 2019, the last 3 months. So all in, I would say that all the segments are having a full recovery, and we are extremely optimistic for the coming months.

And for the second question, Luis will answer you.

[Luis Jurado, executive]

Okay. So on the second question, we have shown a strong commitment on reduction of debt from deleveraging. This is something that we already started last year with the repayment of the RCF. Cash Flow generation, as we have explained, very, very, very strong, and we expect it to remain very strong in the coming months. And as of today, I can only say that by the end of the year, probably it will -- the business dynamics remain as we are seeing it today and nothing changes. We could be in the region of 2x or even lower than 2x net financial debt-to-EBITDA, excluding leases, okay?

Of course, this is a very healthy leverage ratio. It doesn't mean that we will stop there. Well, the dynamics of cash flow generation of NH, as we have shown in the previous years, for example, 2019, will take us naturally to more deleveraging. Of course, we will need to increase CapEx in the coming years. There will be opportunities for growth. And these are discussions that we will have to take in due time. But as of today, I can only say that we are committed to reducing debt, that we have shown that we honor that commitment and that we are approaching very healthy leverage ratio.

[Unknown Analyst]

Okay. Great. Just on that leverage, roughly 2x by the end of the year. Is that the senior secured debt or does that include the ICO loan as well?

[Luis Jurado, executive]

That includes all financing, includes the bonds, includes the RCF that is fully undrawn now. Of course, it's not undrawn, but it's available, still available. It includes all secure and unsecured loans. So the only thing we have not included there is the leases, financial leases. But it includes all financial.

[Operator]

We have another question from Tom Tharayil from Neuberger Berman.

[Tom Tharayil, analyst]

Just reading back into what you've said, your expectations of EBITDA, I mean, just back calculating, in which case, that will be about EUR 250 million to EUR 260 million or maybe more. I'm just sorry, when we met at the Deutsche conference, I believe the target was to be 2.9x by the end of the year. It reads like within less than 1 month, your expectations for year-end leverage are now 2x. So it's looking better than imagined. Is that a fair characterization?

[Luis Jurado, executive]

So Tom, this is Luis speaking. So well, this 2.9x is, let's say, our budget ratio. It was our original budget ratio. And let's say, it was the official leverage target for the year. The positive and very, very, very strong evolution of the business in the, I would say, month of June, May was already a very strong month. We made [indiscernible] by mid-June, early June. June has been a historical record of revenues -- of cash flow. I have to say that the cash flow generation in May was a historical record, the highest operating cash flow ever, better than the previous record which was May 2019. So May 2022 has beat that record.

June has been higher than May. So June, 2 months in a row of historical record. So the cash flow generation is very strong, explained by a high component of B2C that is producing a very, very, very high conversion of revenues into collections. Having said this, we are seeing the dynamics remaining, staying here. We see a strong month of September. We also see a strong month of July. And based on this, of course, we are assuming a forecast of EBITDA, which is quite above the original budget. Altogether, the higher EBITDA and, of course, the strong cash realization is making us think that we should be approaching this leverage ratio of 2x.

Of course, always with the caveat that the business dynamics that we see today don't change, okay? But yes, we can say that, that 2x is something that, for the moment, based on our estimates, we think is achievable without any unexpected events.

[Ramón Aragonés Marín, executive]

And regarding the end of the year, obviously, we don't want to launch a guidance right now. We don't need to do it. But honestly, we expect fantastic result this year, absolutely better than expected at the beginning of the year. The evolution of the business is again being extremely well, especially driven by pricing and ADR optimization. We are going to keep with the same strategy for the rest of the year. So we expect a high level of conversion. Altogether, I think we'll finish with very, very good numbers this year. But sorry, because I don't want to launch a guidance because every month is getting better than previous ones. So it doesn't make sense to anticipate a number right now.

[Tom Tharayil, analyst]

Yes, yes, yes. No, that's fair. So I guess you're confirming it's better than when we month -- when we met a few days ago. At that kind of guidance, and I don't have the numbers in front of me, but your Moody's rating is B3. I would imagine you would get an uplift in those -- in the corporate family rating and consequently the bond as well. But I mean, I'd hate to put you on the spot, but is that the right thinking, at maybe [ EUR 275 million, EUR 280 million ] of EBITDA, gross leverage comes down significantly and leads to an uplift in Moody's?

[Luis Jurado, executive]

So of course, I cannot speak on what rating agencies could do or not. We are having very healthy, very constant conversations with the rating agencies. You know that rating agencies focused on IFRS 16 leverage. They have been very clear on their thresholds for upgrade. You can read in the notes, the press release they issued. And of course, I can only say that if we reach this forecast -- internal forecast that we have, that make us think that 2x without leases is a reasonable leverage ratio by the end of the year, that region.

This would imply being below the threshold that Moody's has stated for an upgrade. We think the first step has taken place, the [indiscernible] volume. So now next step is to continue having the dialogue with them and probably, based on year-end results, the numbers will be made and Moody's as well as any other ratings -- rating agency that covers NH should take it into consideration.

[Tom Tharayil, analyst]

Okay. Got it. Just my last question would be around any loss or cancellations. Any booking cancellations due to the airlines, due to the backlog of travel in Europe? I believe a lot of the flight cancellations are pan-Europe and the lack of cargo staff. So last minute, are you seeing a lot of your bookings going away? Are you seeing a lot of -- any percentage of tourists or business visitors that were meant to come but finally could not make it and had to cancel? Is that something you record?

[Ramón Aragonés Marín, executive]

Well, listen, it's not been material because the demand is so high that we can cover this kind of cancellation. On the other hand, we are having layouts in our hotel airports. But honestly, right now, this has not been a problem because we have very well located -- hotel very well located. We are -- travelers coming by fly, but also...

[Tom Tharayil, analyst]

I'm not saying it's a problem. It's -- your numbers are very strong. I'm just -- I'm trying to find out [indiscernible] is 2%, 1%, 3%, 5%, any kind of...

[Ramón Aragonés Marín, executive]

Honestly, no. Listen, I don't have the numbers, so you can imagine that we are not very worried about it. This has not been a worry for us right now.

[Tom Tharayil, analyst]

Perfect. And congratulations on your results.

[Operator]

We have another question from Joao Safara from Banco Santander.

[Joao Safara Silva, analyst]

Yes. So I have two questions. The first is, well, looking into 2023 and just trying to understand what's your -- I mean, I guess, more feeling at this point than any kind of visibility. But in terms of how you see the following drivers playing out. You had and you continue to have pricing power for this year, demand is very strong, but it's likely that demand will soften somewhere next year. And at the same time, you would probably have higher pressure, even higher than this year in terms of cost inflation just because -- well, I believe wages haven't really reflected the higher inflation. So how do you expect these drivers to play out next year in terms of still maintaining prices? Or do you still see another potential for further price increases considering that you will have to somewhat pass through higher wage inflation? So if you could give me a bit of your, let's say, feeling about this, it would be very helpful.

And then the other question, just regarding cash flow generation. A little bit more into detail to understand better. It was a very strong free cash flow generation this quarter, in particular, I mean, in the first half in general. I mean there are some drivers I would like to understand. And first would be the taxes that are being paid. And from what I've seen, you haven't really had any outflow from taxes in this first half of the year. So if you could a bit give us an idea what's the guidance there, what do you expect this to be going forward? Are there any tax benefits that you're using and to explain that the difference versus what you see in the P&L, which is roughly minus EUR 50 million? And then also on the CapEx. So what is -- when you reactivate CapEx, what is the expected CapEx for a normal year? Anything changed with the crisis or we should go back to the previous level?

[Ramón Aragonés Marín, executive]

Okay. Regarding your first question, there are several things that we have to think of into account. Starting by revenues for the moment, to be totally honest with you, we are not seeing any symptom of a slowdown. But it's too soon to come to any conclusion because the visibility is not the same that we used to have before COVID. Now many things has changed. There are many people booking very, very last minute. Even in [ myself ] and it's quite true because we have a lot of [ nice ] reservation, just in -- some hours before the meeting. So we need more time to see if all these trends consolidating or that means a change of behavior in the demand. But right now, we are not extremely concerned about the demand for the future. Let's see what happens in the coming years. It depends.

It's true there are some factors. Ukraine and recession can be seen as clear risk, but the actual operating dynamic still appears that's relatively solid. And listen, let me highlight the fact that this company has already done all the necessary measures to reduce our structural cost. So we are better prepared than before the pandemic to face any hypothetical crisis. So for sure, we are going to have a very strong challenge next year, especially with energy cost. This is a question about it. But for sure, this is going to be an increasing of energy costs. Also payroll is going to be a problem because obviously, inflation doesn't help in this matter.

But only I think the company is ready to face the situation, and we can compensate this increasing, of course, with our ADR strategy. We don't see any reason to change this strategy. We are ready to sacrifice occupancy for keeping with the same level of ADR, if possible. And there are some segments like the big events. First, meeting some events that they are recovering. As I mentioned before, Americans are coming back, and we expect a huge recovery of American travel next year and something which is quite relevant for us, because as you know, we belong to an international company with a strong presence in Asia. We expect a huge recovery of China as a feeder market. So we expect a lot of Chinese travelers coming to Europe next year. That is going to be important for us. We expect to have 5% of our total clientele coming from Asia.

So for sure, there were negative things next year, but there is also positive things that they can balance the situation. For the moment, we remain with the same position that we do have so far. So we are optimistic, but nobody knows what's going to happen with the economy in the coming months.

[Luis Jurado, executive]

Yes. Regarding -- Joao, this is Luis. Regarding taxes, your question about taxes and the dynamics of cash flow. Well, first, I'd like to say that our operating cash flow is extremely organic. As of today, we, of course, have a volume of paying to suppliers, which is absolutely in line with pre-COVID numbers, with 2019 numbers. VAT is something that kind of be, of course, managed. You collect with VAT, but at the same time, you have to pay the VAT that you collect or make it with the VAT that you pay when you pay -- when you suffer your cost, when you pay our cost, including rents. By the way, in countries like Spain, you have to pay VAT rent.

So I would say we have quite a normalized operating cash flow, setting aside corporate income tax. In Spanish [Foreign Language], okay? So focusing on purely operating taxes, absolutely normalized. We are not benefiting -- very receivable, no more than EUR 1 million or EUR 2 million of credit -- tax credits in countries like, for example, Italy for some local taxes. But I'm not talking about very relevant amounts. So very normalized operating tax structure. Focusing on corporate income tax, of course. The expectation of cash, corporate income tax for this year is still low. We come from 2 years of significant losses. And of course, we have generated tax credits that now we have the legitimate right to use to offset tax paying. But you have that -- you know that there are limitations on the use of those tax rates. This is not unlimited.

So it is difficult as of today to make a projection on detail and accurate creation of taxes because it would also depend on the spread -- sorry, the split of business between different countries. But probably by next year, by next year, will be -- because of the expectation, we have to generate profit, approaching corporate income tax cash of levels of 2019. Bear in mind that in 2019, there were some extraordinary asset disposal. So probably, you shouldn't take the 2019 number. But this is not a game changer. What I want to say is that this strong consolidation is not new. NH has generated very strong cash flows in the past. We just have to look at the 2019, 2018 numbers. And you see that the working capital in NH is neutral or slightly positive and in some cases, quite positive, depending on the season of the year.

So nothing to be worried about the sustainability of this cash flow. As long as the business remains as strong as it is today. They are not deferrals. They are not -- I mean, natural fees. Of course, there are deferrals. There have been programs in some countries like The Netherlands, by which we have been granted the possibility to defer certain taxes, but nothing material, nothing that is going to pop up a very big amount of taxes. So that's on cash flow. I don't recall -- CapEx.

Okay, CapEx. CapEx remains very limited. Of course, the total amount of CapEx for this year, and we've been very clear on this, is very small. It's probably in the region of EUR 50 million, EUR 55 million. That was our original expectation for cash CapEx, can be EUR 60 million, it can be EUR 55 million. Today, we are still, of course, working on the project. The projects have a life and timing that moves. But you shouldn't expect a huge amount of CapEx for the year. But of course, for next year, 2023, an absolutely normalized year, probably pre-COVID on the like-for-like are even better as we are seeing today -- year.

So we will go back gradually to the organic CapEx, which [indiscernible] that is around 4% of revenues. Then we also have to add to that some IT CapEx, some opportunistic CapEx. There are opportunities to renovate some of those with a very clear business [ ministry ]. So I cannot say a figure, but I mean, we don't expect CapEx like we had in 2019. But we will start to approach a sustainable but profitable levels of CapEx because we have proven in the past, we have proved that we know how to manage CapEx. We know how to select the hotels in which we invest CapEx. And this is -- there is a track record on this. So nothing to worry about NH going crazy and investing in things that make no sense. But of course, we are forced. We need to reinvest in the portfolio to make sure that the portfolio remains in a healthy state.

[Operator]

Our next question comes from Andre Juillard from Deutsche Bank.

[Andre Juillard, analyst]

Congratulations for the strong results. Most of my questions have already been answered, but I had 2 additional ones. First one is about distribution. Do you see any significant evolution on the distribution side, direct OTAs and so on? And if you could give us some more color about that, that would be helpful.

Second one is about development. Do you see any strong trend with independent hoteliers coming to you for acquisitions or affiliation or this kind of thing? And what about potential M&A?

[Ramón Aragonés Marín, executive]

Andre, thank you for your question. Regarding distribution, we don't expect a lot of change. Let me highlight the fact that now we are part of Discovery GHA, the new loyalty program that we belong to this brand. We have a lot of expectation because there is more than 22 million members. And for sure, this is going to help to increase our direct sales. This is one of our main goals for the coming -- for the coming years, reduce the dependency from [indiscernible] and having more direct sales. We are not offset with that. Our main objective is increasing sales, no matter where the sales are coming, but we will be more than happy. We can have more loyalty clients through this Discovery program.

Regarding development, we want to grow, of course, and we are analyzing a lot of transactions right now. After COVID, most of our landlords are institutional investors. They have had the possibility to compare how we have managed the COVID versus our competitors. And now, all of them, they want to do more things with us. They trust us. They want to sign HMA contract with us. We are analyzing some possibilities of growing in the leisure segment that we have a strong presence in Portugal, as you know. But we want to grow in this segment. We perceive a great opportunity for the company to increase our portfolio in leisure. And we are totally opened to cooperate with all kind of investors for the [indiscernible] that they want to be part of our group.

Let me highlight that we are interested in growing, but with certain conditions. So there is no sense in having more hotels in places we have already a huge presence. But on the other hand, we would like to complete our portfolio in most of the European capitals and in South America. And we have another also in the territories managed by Minor International with our brands. We are now opening a new hotel in Dubai. We opened in Abu Dhabi. We will open a hotel in Australia. Also, we are involved in some projects in China. And at the same time, we are in charge of developing the Minor brands in Europe. We are now signing a new and Anantara in Portugal, and we expect to sign more Anantara hotels. We perceive a great opportunity in the luxury segments to Anantara to grow in Europe. And regarding M&A, for the moment, we are not analyzing any transaction.

[Operator]

We have another question coming from [ Laura Vansi from MSM Accessory ].

[Unknown Analyst]

Most of them have actually been answered. But just regarding the ICO loan. You previously mentioned that you don't see this as a sort of permanent part of your capital structure. I think we're even planning on repaying part of it this year already. Could you just maybe update on what your plans are regarding this loan and the potential repayment of it?

[Luis Jurado, executive]

Laura. So yes, of course, this COVID related loans were raised in the context of COVID and the idea of companies and in our particular case, of course, is strong as we are recovering or generating cash is to go for a gradual repayments. This loan has a bullet maturity in 2026. So there is no specific requirement for any specific amount. And there is no demand by the bank or by the ICO for a specific amount a year. So we are working on that. We are working on different scenarios. And probably in the coming months or in the coming weeks actually, we may start with some gradual repayment. But as of today, I cannot comment on any amount or any date.

[Unknown Analyst]

Okay. That's fair. Thanks for the update anyway. And congratulations on the great results.

[Operator]

The next question comes from [ Miguel Medina ] from [indiscernible]

[Unknown Analyst]

Two very short questions. The first one is this Dutch claim that have mentioned in the nonrecurrent results that has basically offset the capital gains on the asset rotation. What is the nature of -- what was the nature of this claim and, b, whether this is settled completely or there is a possibility of more additional impacts?

And then the second question is -- I mean, that was a long time ago before COVID, but you were considering the possibility of doing a strategic update in light of the new ownership, et cetera. Are you considering doing like a capital markets presentation maybe at the end of this year or early next year or that's basically history now?

[Ramón Aragonés Marín, executive]

Thank you, Miguel. So on this Dutch claim is a public statement that we have included in all our financial disclosures. This is a claim in connection with the sale of a hotel in Amsterdam in 2013. There is a different position between the company and the tax authorities regarding the accessibility of the real estate tax. After a long process and after analyzing all the options and different scenarios, we have decided to settle with the tax authorities for the amounts that we have disclosed, which is basically 50% of the original claim. It doesn't mean that the company is affecting, let's say, that we were not right. It's simply that, in these situations, sometimes it's better to settle and mitigate the risk because, at the end, there is always a risk when you are in these loan processes.

As of today, we're in the process of documenting this agreement with the tax authorities. And once this process, this claim is settled, which we expect to happen in the coming weeks or in the coming days actually, the process with the close. And we don't see further provision of this because the tax is finally closed.

[Luis Jurado, executive]

We are not considering to have a presentation of the market in the coming months. We are working in a plan, of course, but there is a lot of uncertainty about the future. So it's quite complicated to work in a real plan right now. We prefer to wait and see what happens in the coming months, what's going to be the evolution of the economy. And later on, of course, we will be ready to present the plan to the market if needed. But now, we are extremely focused on this year. We perceive a great opportunity this year for the company. We want to reach as much net income positive as possible. So this is our, let's say, our current focus right now.

[Operator]

We have another question Peter [indiscernible] from [indiscernible]

[Unknown Analyst]

I just have two questions. Obviously, there's excess liquidity on the balance sheet with liquidity above EUR 600 million, of which EUR 350 million is in cash. And you've already alluded to what you may do with that cash going forward, with the partial repayment of the ICO loan, and additional CapEx. But do you have a target cash level in mind going forward? I'm just trying to get a sense of what a more normalized cash balance would look like. And then my second question is related to, can you just remind me what percentage of your cost base is related to payroll and energy?

[Luis Jurado, executive]

Peter, so I cannot give an answer to the, let's say, stabilized cash balance. Of course, in times like the one we have gone through cash loan asset. Cash remains an asset, liquidity as a whole remains an asset. We give a lot of value to liquidity. But at the same time, we need to also use that liquidity for optimal usage. And we think that repaying debt, which is something that we have done in the past, we have already done in these new times. Last year, we repaid the RCF and we'll probably continue doing so very soon. It's the best use, of course. Ensuring the minimum amount of cash for operations or a reasonable and well sized operations, for investments and for unexpected situations.

As of today, I cannot tell you what is that amount. We are working on different scenarios, and we will see. It will depend also on how the coming quarters look. But you will see us repaying debt as we have done in the past using that cash flow. Regarding the second question, Ramon will comment.

[Ramón Aragonés Marín, executive]

Yes. This is changing every month. But I would say that is about 4% of our total revenues. Comparing with our total revenues at 6% of our total cost, I would say, but it's -- right now. So for sure, next year, it's going to be higher. But it's too soon to know what's going to be the figure in the coming year because, as you know, we have presence in a lot of countries, and the situation is not necessarily the same in all the countries. We expect some helps in some countries. So I could give you more detail by the end of the year.

[Unknown Analyst]

Was that for both energy and payroll, the 6% total?

[Ramón Aragonés Marín, executive]

No, no, no. This is also -- this is only energy. This is only energy.

[Operator]

[Operator Instructions] And it seems that we have no further questions.

[Ramón Aragonés Marín, executive]

Okay. Thanks a lot for joining us today. Any further questions, please join -- call Investor Relations teams and have a great summer vacation to all of you. Bye.

[Luis Jurado, executive]

Thank you.

[Operator]

Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the conference call. Thank you all for participating. You may now disconnect.