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Ascopiave

Investor Presentation Jun 20, 2022

4357_ip_2022-06-20_892af627-9465-4458-8f4e-0e4fe9e64699.pdf

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A s c o p i a v e G r o u p

8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE 21st June 2022

SUMMARY

Business overview
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….
Pag. 3
Dividend
policy and Group strategic
guidelines ……………………………………………………………….
Pag. 10
Ascopiave gas distribution
business
…………………………………………………………………………………………
Pag. 13
Estenergy
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….….
Pag. 21
Cogeide
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Pag. 29
Asco Renewables
and Asco EG …………………………………………………………………….………………………………
Pag. 31
Strategy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Pag. 33
Annex: gas distribution: sector overview
……………………………………………………………………………
Pag. 49
Annex: the energy
transition ……………………………………………………………………………….…………………….
Pag. 58
Annex: Ascopiave financial
data ……………………………………………………………………………………………….
Pag. 63
Disclaimer ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………. Pag. 95

Business Overview

Group business activities ……………………………………………….……………………………………………………….…. Pag. 4
Ascopiave shareholders ……………………………………………….………………………………………………………….…. Pag. 5
Group structure as of 1st June 2022 …………………….………………….……………………………….………… Pag. 6
Main financial data ……………………………………………….………………………………………………………….……….…. Pag. 7
Financial debt ……………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….….…. Pag. 9

Ascopiave is a leading operator in the Italian natural gas distribution sector. The Group also holds valuable assets in other business activities (power and energy retail, renewable energy production, energy services and water management services)

GAS DISTRIBUTION - CORE BUSINESS

Operation, maintenance and development of local pipelines, connecting the transport national pipelines to the end consumers.

Activity carried out by controlled companies on the basis of concessions awarded by municipalities. Regulation provided both by the local municipalities and by the National Energy Authority (ARERA).

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Ascopiave is listed on the STAR segment of Borsa Italiana's equity market. The company complies with strict requirements concerning transparency, disclosure, liquidity and corporate governance, in line with international standards.

Increased voting right in general shareholders meeting pursuant to Art. 127-quinquies, paragraph 1, of the TUF (i.e. the main italian law governing the financial sector): two votes for each share held for a 24-month uninterrupted period.

(*) Internal processing of information based on available company information.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 5 st June 2022

Group structure as of 1st June 2022

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 6 st June 2022

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET ACCORDING TO IFRS (*)

BALANCE
SHEET
31/12/2021 31/12/2020
Tangible
assets
58
012
,
33
443
,
Intangible
assets
647
279
,
626
685
,
Investments
in
associates
521
359
,
515
729
,
Other
fixed
assets
35
169
,
34
276
,
working
capital
Net
(45
828)
,
(17
784)
,
TOTAL
CAPITAL
EMPLOYED
1
215
991
,
,
1
192
350
,
,
Shareholders
equity
868
505
,
853
903
,
Net
financial
position
347
485
,
338
447
,
Financial
leverage
0
40
0
40

Capital mainly invested in the gas distribution business and in associates active and in the power and gas retail business

Solid financial structure

BALANCE
SHEET
31/12/2021
Goodwill 49
272
,
Assets
under
concession
585
069
,
Other
intangible
assets
12
938
,
Intangible
assets
647
279
,
BALANCE
SHEET
31/12/2021
(48%)
Estenergy
434
368
,
Hera
Comm
(3%)
54
000
,
Other
participations
(**)
32
991
,
Investments
in
associates
521
359
,

(*) Thousands of Euros; (**) Other participations: Acsm-Agam (5%, Euro 24.9 mln) and Cogeide (18.33%, € 8.1 mln).

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 7 st June 2022

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT ACCORDING TO IFRS (*)

INCOME
STATEMENT
2021 2020
Revenues 134
911
,
163
896
,
EBITDA 66
382
63
805
, ,
EBITDA
margin
(%)
49
2%
38
9%
EBIT 33
838
,
29
151
,
EBIT
margin
(%)
25
1%
17
8%
Net
financial
income
21
424
,
20
157
,
Income
taxes
(9
937)
,
9
394
,
Net
income
45
326
,
58
701
,
2021
19
504
,
388
3
489
,
(1
957)
,
21
424
,

Operating results referred mainly to the regolated gas distribution business

Significant contribution from the minority partecipations in Estenergy and Hera Comm

(*) Thousands of Euros.

Financial debt

2021 2020 Chg Chg
%
financial
borrowings
(>12
months)
Long
term
161
488
195
999
(34
511)
6%
-17
,
Current
position
of
long
financial
borrowings
term
Bond
loans
Short
financial
borrowings
months)
(<12
term
net
60
631
25
000
96
462
40
024
-
104
023
20
607
25
000
(7
561)
51
5%
,
n.a.
-7
3%
Total
financial
debt
343
581
340
046
3
535
,
0%
1
,
Fixed
borrowings
rate
Floating
borrowings
rate
235
119
108
462
219
273
120
773
15
846
(12
311)
7
2%
,
-10
2%
,

Short term credit lines available (31.12.2021): Euro 87.5 mln

FY 2021 average cost of debt: 0.46% (vs FY 2020 rate: 0.34%)

(*) Thousands of Euros; data refers to the companies consolidated with the full consolidation method.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 9 st June 2022

Dividend policy and Group strategic guidelines

Dividend policy ……………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………….…. Pag. 11
--- -- --------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- -- --

Dividend policy (1)

Dividend payment sustainable with high return to shareholders

Sustainability of the dividend policy:

  • stable cash flow
  • stable business profitability
  • well-balanced financial structure

Dividend yield at the top of the listed italian utility companies

DIVIDEND 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
Dividend
(Thousand
of
Euro)
35
757
,
34
663
,
442
47
,
163
75
,
40
016
,
40
016
,
33
347
,
33
332
,
Group
Net
Income
(Thousand
of
Euro)
45
326
,
58
701
,
493
216
,
44
625
,
47
135
,
53
635
,
43
014
,
35
583
,
Payout
ratio
79% 59% 10% 168% 85% 75% 78% 94%
Dividend
per share
(Euro)
0
1650
0
1600
0
2133
0
3383
0
1800
0
1800
0
1500
0
1500
DIVIDEND 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006
Dividend
(Thousand
of
Euro)
26
666
,
24
484
,
0 22
557
,
20
349
,
19
442
,
19
890
,
19
833
,
Group
Net
Income
(Thousand
of
Euro)
38
678
,
27
865
,
6
266
,
31
174
,
25
288
,
18
452
,
21
764
,
16
381
,
Payout
ratio
69% 88% 0% 72% 80% 105% 91% 121%
Dividend
per share
(Euro)
0
1200
0
1100
0
0000
0
1000
0
0900
0
0850
0
0850
0
0850

TOTAL DIVIDENDS DISTRIBUTED FROM STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING TO DATE Euro 493.0 mln

(*) Dividend yield = dividend per share / average price per share in the year.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 11 st June 2022

2022-2025 expected dividend distribution

2022-2025 PROSPECTS

An attractive and sustainable dividend distribution is expected for the 2022-2025 period.

Dividend growing from 16.5 Eurocents per share in 2021 to 18.5 Eurocents per share in 2025 (+12%)

(*) Dividend approved and distributed during 2026 with reference to the year 2025.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 12 st June 2022

Ascopiave gas distribution business

Market positioning ……………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………. Pag. 14
Stabilty
of the economic results and low risk profile ……………………………………………….….
Pag. 16
ATEM

Belluno
……………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………….…….….
Pag. 17
Partnership with Aemme
Linea Distribuzione
and NED Reti
Distribuzione
Gas .
Pag. 18
Consortium to acquire A2A assets …………………………………………………………………………………………… Pag. 19
Group Allowed Tariff Revenues (VRT) and Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) ……………. Pag. 20

The gas distribution is carried out by subsidiary companies totally controlled by Ascopiave

Ascopiave Gas Distribution Business 2021 key figures
No. of managed concessions 268
Length of the gas distribution network (km) 12,988
No. of Users (PDR) 777,858
Volume of gas distributed (scm/mln) 1,593
RAB (Euro/000) 658,443

The operated networks are located in Northern Italy (70% of the gas end users in Veneto, 15% in Lombardy, 15% in other Regions)

Ascopiave Group has been among the protagonist of the consolidation of the sector Since 2000 Ascopiave has completed 12 company acquisitions

127
2000
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017 2018 2019 2020
2021
Currently th
5
largest
national
operator in the sector and regional leader in Veneto
Group (*)
Users
% (*)
Network
% Competitive context in Veneto
1 Italgas 694
000
7
32
2%
,
761
71
27
2%
,
2
2i
Rete
Gas
342
719
4
18
2%
,
66
052
25
0%
,
3
A2A
1
502
645
6
3%
,
11
240
4
3%
,
4
Hera
1
406
639
5
9%
,
17
132
6
5%
,
14% Ascopiave
5
Ascopiave
777
252
3
3%
,
12
873
4
9%
,
29% 2i Rete Gas
6
Iren
730
744
3
1%
,
8
099
3
1%
,
15%
7
Estra
516
000
2
2%
,
6
984
2
6%
,
PDR Italgas
8
Erogasmet
277
326
1
2%
,
3
722
1
4%
,
Agsm-Aim
9
Gelsia
207
496
0
9%
,
1
789
0
7%
,
22% 19% Other operators
Others 6
411
193
26
8%
,
64
374
24
4%
,
Total 23
880
000
100
0%
,
264
026
100
0%
,

(*) 2019 data.

Gas distribution is a regulated business, characterised by a stable profitabilty and low risk profile

Economic results and investments 2014-2021

YEAR EBITDA
(Euro/mln)
EBITDA/user
(Euro)
Investments
(Euro/mln)
2021 70.2 90 50.3
2020 69.8 90 41.9
2019 48.3 82 31.4
2018 48.6 99 27.8
2017 47.8 102 22.5
2016 35.0 88 19.7
2015 35.8 90 20.7
2014 35.4 90 19.7
Constancy
of economic
results
(EBITDA/end user) and cash
flows
guaranteed
by the
stability
of regulation
  • Increase in EBITDA supported by the growth in the customer base served over the years
  • Ascopiave achieves excellent profitability on operational management

Recovery of the capital invested at the expiry of concessions (compensation to be cash by the newcoming operators in case of exit)

  • On 1st September 2017 AP Reti Gas S.p.A. submitted an offer to win the concession for the management of the gas distribution service in the ATEM of Belluno
  • Bidding competitors: four
  • Duration: 12 years. Compensation to be paid to the outgoing operators: about Euro 59 mlllion
  • In June 2019 the contracting authority awarded the concession to Italgas
  • AP Reti Gas challenged the decision before the regional administrative court (TAR Veneto)
  • The regional administrative court rejected AP Reti Gas's appeal. The company appealed to the State Council

(*) ATEM (Ambito Territoriale Minimo): minimum geographical area, grouping neighbouring municipalities, based on which the new concession is awarded.

Partnership with Aemme Linea Distribuzione and NED Reti Distribuzione Gas

ATEM Milano 2 Milano 3
Area (km2
)
348 629
Population (k) 600 531
Length of the network (2012) (km) 2,500 2,100
Gas users (2012) (k) 277 245
Gas distributed (2012) (scm/mln) 520 500
Main outgoing operators 2i Rete Gas
(*)
ALD & NED
Italgas
2i Rete Gas
(*)
ALD & NED
Italgas
Unareti

(*) ALD and NED currently serve about 160,000 gas users in both the ATEM.

  • On 25th February 2020 Ascopiave has been selected by ALD and NED as the industrial partner for a joint participation in each of the future gas assignment service tenders Milano 2 and Milano 3
  • In the event of winning one tender, a company will be established whose share capital will be held 49% by AP Reti Gas (Ascopiave Group) and 51% by ALD and NED.
  • The governace of the newly established companies will allow the Ascopiave Group to wholly consolidate the book value of the equity investments
  • Estimated Ascopiave equity investments in both companies: aproximately € 82 million.

  • In line with the goal of consolidating its presence in the gas distribution sector, Ascopiave has been awarded the acquisition of assets from the A2A Group in consortium with ACEA and IREN

  • July 2021: call for tender for the sale of minority stakes in the A2A gas network
  • Establishment of a consortium formed by Ascopiave (58%), ACEA (28%) and Iren (14%) to participate in the tender
  • 31st December 2021: signing of the agreement with A2A for the acquisition of the related assets
  • 1st April 2022: closing
  • Within 12 months of closing: allocation of the assets among the consortium members is foreseen according to the respective perimeter of interest

2021 VRT (*) (Allowed tariff Revenues) and 2021 RAB (Regulatory Asset Base)

where:

CO: quota covering management operating costs

AMM: quota covering depreciation

CI (RAB): net capital invested in distribution

rd: real pre-tax rate of return on net invested capital (6.3%)

2021 RAB (*) = Euro 658.4 mln

(*) 2021 VRT has been approved by Gas, Electricity and Water Authority (ARERA) with Resolution n. 154/2022/R/gas.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 20 st June 2022

Estenergy

The strategic repositioning of Ascopiave finalized on December 2019 ………………. Pag. 22
Valuation of the assets involved in the transaction ……………………………………………….……… Pag. 23
Group structure before 19th December 2019 ……………………………………………….…………………. Pag. 24
Group structure as of 31st December 2019 ……………………………………………….………………………. Pag. 25
Key
figures
related
to Estenergy
Group ……………………………………………….………………………………
Pag. 26
Governance
of Estenergy
……………………………………………….…………………………………………………………….
Pag. 27
Put option of Ascopiave on Estenergy
shares ……………………………………………….……………………
Pag. 28

On 19th December 2019 Ascopiave and Hera finalized a complex operation

  • The two parties established a partnership in the energy sales business through the company Estenergy. Estenergy acquired:
  • ✓ the shareholdings held by the Ascopiave Group in the companies active in the natural gas and electricity sale business (except for Amgas Blu)
  • ✓ the sales activities operated by the Hera Group in Triveneto
  • the purchase by Ascopiave from the Hera Group of a series of gas distribution concessions covering 188.000 users in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

The operation was finalised on 19th December 2019.

Primary strategic goals matched by Ascopiave:

  • reinforcing the gas distribution core business, consolidating the leadership position in the Veneto Region
  • giving greater value to the sales activities, through the partnership with a valid player in the market

Total Equity Value of the gas sales assets previously held by Ascopiave = Euro 616,2 mln The transaction was almost cash free. The total amount of the disposed assets was completely invested:

    1. Minority stake (48%) in Estenergy
    1. Capital stake (3%) in Hera Comm
    1. Gas distribution assets (currently held by a New Co: AP Reti Gas Nord-Est)

Steps of the Transaction and Equity Value of the Involved Companies / Assets

/
(Euro/mln)
CASH
IN
OUT
Step Ascopiave (*)
Group
Hera
Estenergy
1 acquired
Nord-Est
from
Ascopiave
AP
Reti
Gas
Hera
Group
-168
0
,
168
0
,
2 acquired
stake
from
Hera
Group
49%
Estenergy
Ascopiave
a
99
5
,
-99
5
,
3 subscribed
capital
by
cash
Hera
Group
increase
in
Estenergy
a
-633
2
,
633
2
,
4 (**)
acquired
the
Commercial
Companies
stakes
from
Ascopiave
Estenergy
474
2
,
-474
2
,
5 acquired
Nord-Est
from
Estenergy
Hera
Comm
Hera
Group
159
0
,
-159
0
,
6 acquired
stake
from
Ascopiave
48%
Estenergy
Hera
Group
a
-395
9
,
395
9
,
7 acquired
Blu
from
Group
Ascopiave
Hera
Amgas
42
5
,
-42
5
,
8 Ascopiave
acquired
3%
capital
stake
in
Hera
Comm
a
-54
0
,
54
0
,
Total
balance
-1
7
,
1
7
,
0
0
,
investment
Net
Ascopiave (*)
Group
Hera
Estenergy
Distribution
business
168
0
,
-168
0
,
0
0
,
Sales
business
-166
3
,
166
3
,
0
0
,
Total
investiment
net
1
7
,
-1
7
,
0
0
,

(*) Net of Estenergy (**) Commercial Companies Stakes: Ascotrade, Ascopiave Energie, Blue Meta, Etra Energia, Asm Set.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 23 st June 2022

2021 key figures related to the sales business run by Estenergy Group:

Gas sales 2021 Electricity sales 2021
Volume of gas sold (scm/mln) 1,034 Volume of electricity sold (GWh) 1,390
Number of customers 711,057 Number of customers 322,986
Income
statement (*)
2021
Revenues 957,070
EBITDA 88,975
EBIT 53,372 52%
48%
Net income 41,153
Net income consolidated by Ascopiave 19,504 Estenergy
is
consolidated
by the Ascopiave
(pro-rata) Group with the net equity
Consolidated
results
reported
method.
in Ascopiave

(*) Thousands of Euros; data are considered at 100%.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 26 st June 2022

financial statements takes into account the measure of the capital share and the pertaining consolidation rules.

Governance of Estenergy

Board of Directors: composed of 5 directors.

  • Ascopiave appoints 2 board members (with non executive powers). One is the Chairman
  • Hera Group appoints the remaining members. One is the CEO of the company

Board of Statutory Auditors: composed of 3 members.

  • Ascopiave appoints 1 member: the chairman
  • Hera Group appoints the remaining 2 members

Certain matters are subject to veto rights of Ascopiave (or the directors appointed by it)

The corporate governance of the controlled company mirrors the corporate governance of Estenergy in terms of representation in the corporate bodies, veto rights, etc.

Put Option of Ascopiave on Estenergy shares

Put option of Ascopiave exercisable

  • in all or in part, by the latter on its entire stake in Estenergy, within 7 years from the closing of the transaction
  • at a price (strike price) that will be the highest of:
    1. Fair Market Value, calculated on the basis of an evaluation method agreed between the parties
    1. Purchase price at the entry, plus an annual return equal to 4%, minus all the distributed dividends from the closing date until the date of the exercise
    1. Purchase price at entry

If exercised, the put option guarantees a minimum rate of return on the initial investment of Ascopiave in Estenergy (Euro 395,9 mln)(*) equal to 4%

(*) In 2020 Ascopiave subscribed an EstEnergy capital increase for 32.5m€ to service the tax relief of the higher value of the equity investments it acquired compared to the net book value. The benefits for Ascopiave will be represented by higher dividends in the years 2023-2032. If the put option is exercised, the benefits not yet obtained will be recognized as a supplement to the price.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 28 st June 2022

Cogeide

Cogeide
……………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Pag. 30

Entry into the water management service through the acquisition of Cart Acqua in 2020, investor and technological partner of Cogeide, manager of the Integrated Water Service in 15 municipalities in the Province of Bergamo

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 30 st June 2022

Asco Renewables
and Asco EG

Asco Renewables
and Asco EG ……………………………………………….…………………….……………………………
Pag. 32

Entry into the field of renewable energy production through the acquisition of the portfolio of 6 hydroelectric plants from EVA Group in Lombardy and Piedmont and of the 79.74% stake in Eusebio Energia, owner of a portfolio of 21 hydroelectric plants in Lombardy and Veneto and 1 wind farm in Campania

Asco Renewable
key figures
2021
Number of plants 28
Installed capacity (MW) 62.5
Energy produced (GWh/y) 178
EBITDA (Euro/mln) 15.4

Strategy

Strategy ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……… Pag. 34
Ascopiave's
growth strategy in the gas distribution market ………………………………………
Pag. 35
Efficiency and innovation initiatives …………………………………………………………………………………… Pag. 39
Diversification ……………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………… Pag. 41
Economic and financial goals …………………………………………………………………………………………….……… Pag. 43
2021-2025 Group planned investments (Scenario A) …………………………………………………… Pag. 44
2021-2025 Group planned investments (Scenario B) …………………………………………………… Pag. 45
Financial projections to 2025 …………………………………………………………………………………………….……… Pag. 46

Ascopiave Group's strategy is based on sustainable growth, developing resources and competences in order to seize the opportunities generated by new market trends

The 2021-2025 strategic plan envisages a growth path that will allow to increase company profitability, maintaining a balanced financial structure and a stable and profitable dividend distribution

GROWTH (core business)

Ascopiaves' current positioning and competences in the gas distribution sector constitute solid foundations to support the growth of the perimeter of the activities managed in a sector undergoing consolidation

  • Awarding of a significant number of ATEM tenders
  • M&A of small to medium sized companies operating in the gas distribution sector
  • Establishment of partnerships aimed at joint participation in tenders

INNOVATION

Innnovation targets both short and medium-long term goals

  • optimisation of operating costs
  • competitive potential improvement in ATEM competition
  • technological adaptation of networks and infrastructures as a contribution to the cometitiveness of the «gas system» vs. alternative energy carriers

DIVERSIFICATION

Entry into new activities with respect to the core business

  • Biomethane Renewable energy sources
  • Energy efficiency Water management services
  • Green hydrogen
  • Upsides (other network services, synthetic gas, hydrogen)

EFFICIENCY

Improving operating and economic efficency to follow up on the excellent results achieved over the last few years

STRATEGIC PILLARS

Ascopiave's growth strategy in the gas distribution market (1)

  • Gas distribution concession must be awarded through public tenders.
  • The future tenders must be called to assign concessions for the management of the service in wide geographical areas, grouping neighbouring municipalities (ATEM).
  • Municipalities belonging to a single ATEM must appoint a local entity to act as unique contracting authority.

Ascopiave's positioning inside the ATEMs (*)

ATEM Ascopiave
Group
(*)
gas
users
% Ascopiave
Group
market
share
ATEM
Treviso
2
141
045
18% 88%
Treviso
1
664
75
10% 55%
Padova
1
169
125
22% 78%
Vicenza
3
80
175
10% 78%
Rovigo 35
593
5% 36%
Udine
3
33
036
4% 54%
Bergamo
1
31
593
4% 42%
Bergamo
5
30
886
4% 32%
Vicenza
4
29
192
4% 44%
Venezia
2
25
899
3% 13%
Other
ATEM
119
699
16% n.a.
Total 771
907
100%

(*) 2012 data. Ascopiave processing on MISE data.

  • Ascopiave is currently the main operator in 5 ATEM with more than 50% market share in terms of end users served. The current end users in these ATEM amount to over 60% of the total end users served by the Group
  • Ascopiave has also a significant market share in other ATEM located in Veneto, Lombardy and Friuli Venezia-Giulia

Ascopiave has identified the ATEM to bid for, defining the different levels of priority with the aim of establishing a portfolio of territorially contiguous concessions.

The Group is also evaluating potential partnerships with other operators, in order to strengthen its position in some geographical areas.

The definition and implementation of the strategy depends on the timing of publication of the tender notices and any delays in the deadlines. This implies the need to establish an order of strategic priority and a continuous updating of decisions regarding participation in future tenders

Ascopiave has all the requirements to successfully act in the market:

  • it has strong financial capability so it can finance the required investments, by further exploiting the financial leverage
  • It is one of the main operators in Italy, with a long-standing and excellent expertise in the sector and it can assign significant organisational and economic resources to compete in the tender processes.

Cash out (-)

(A) Acquisition of new gas distribution plants from the outgoing operators

(B) Investments during the concessional period (maintenance and development)

Cash in (+)

(A) Self financing

  • Disposals of gas distribution plants in areas in which Ascopiave does not intend to bid for (net of tax)
  • Increase of EBITDA

(B) Other financing

  • Bank financing

Ascopiave's growth strategy in the gas distribution market (4)

After the assignment of the new ATEM concessions, the geographical areas served by Ascopiave are expected to change. The larger customer base and the increased territorial concentration of the operated plants will allow economies of scale and cost optimisation.

In the target ATEM (Ascopiave wins the contract):

Ascopiave will continue to operate the service in the municipalities where it currently carries out the activity.

Ascopiave will operate the service in the municipalities where the activity is currently carried out by other operators (outgoing operators). Ascopiave will acquire the property of the plant and will pay to the outgoing operators a compensation, calculated in accordance with the law.

In the other ATEM (Ascopiave either does not bid in the competition or makes a bid and loses)

Ascopiave will cease the operation of the service in the municipalities where it currently carries out the activity. It will received from the ingoing operator (the winner of the contract) a compensation calculated in accordance with the law.

Program to increase operational and economic efficiency through the digitisation of networks and processes: 2021-25 planned investments Euro 7.9 mln (*)

SMART METER INSTALLATION

  • Ascopiave Group was one of the first companies to experiment with the installation of intelligent mass market meters and aims to achieve 100% of smart meters installed throughout its networks @ 2024
  • Internalisation of installation activities is envisaged, in compliance with the objectives set by the authority and in order to plan such interventions in the most opportune way
  • The identification of the right mix between Radio Frequency and P2P1 meters, and the economies of scale generated by the coverage of large areas of the territory, will allow a significant optimisation of operating costs

DIGITISATION OF COMPANY PROCESSES

  • The Group plans for process digitisation interventions, such as the evolution of cartographic systems, the efficiency of the Work Force Management system, virtual and augmented reality projects and Robotic Process Automation solutions
  • This digitisation will allow the development of the execution of activities, achieving greater efficiency and creating new opportunities for using the data and information collected

NETWORK DIGITISATION

  • The Group aims to install sensors capable of detecting, recording, transmitting and executing commands by creating a digital twin of the physical infrastructure in order to:
  • o Optimize network monitoring in terms of pressure and odorisation
  • o Acquire data in real time and simulate plant conditions
  • o Adapt the network for the introduction of biomethane and in the future of other "green" gases

(*) Excluding investments for the replacement of smart meters.

Organic program of innovative interventions aimed at the evolution of the infrastructure and the improvement of its safety and functional efficiency: 2021-25 planned investments Euro 12.4 mln

REMI Energy Efficiency

Optimisation of the pre-heating system with high-efficiency cogeneration, heat pumps, photovoltaic and solar thermal intended to reduce the energy consumption of REMI cabins

REMI Energy Recovery

Implementation of turbo expansion combined with high efficiency cogeneration (CAR)

Bi-directional distribution system

Bi-directional REMI cabins to ensure capacity and continuity in the injection of "green" gases into the distribution grid, in particular biomethane for which several connection requests have recently been received for the currently managed network

Innovative system for leak detection

The diversification allows Ascopiave to maximise the value generated by the Group, exploiting and enhancing the internal competences: 2021-25 planned investments: Euro 258 mln

Expected EBITDA @ 2025 : + Euro 22 mln

STRATEGIC DRIVERS FOR DIVERSIFICATION

Risk profile Sustanability Expertise

Focus on regulated and semi
regulated activities (i.e.
concessions, incentives)
Stability of economic results and

cash flows in the medium-long
term
Substantial contribution to the

energy transition (e.g.
decarbonisation, emission
reduction, RES)

Business scalability

Preference
for infrastructure
business and network services
to
enhance
and integrate internal
competencies

Synergies
with core business and
corporate (e.g. economies
of scale
and scope)

Cumulated investments @ 2025

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 41 st June 2022

Diversification (2)

RES plants

  • Structuring of a plant portfolio, preferably under an incentive scheme, through M&A operations and greenfield developments
  • Consolidation of management competences through external growth and/or partnership agreements with specialised operators

Green hydrogen

  • Integrated construction of hydrogen production plants using electricity from renewable sorces
  • Consolidation of technological and industrial skills through partnership agreements with specialized operators H2

Water management services

  • Investments in partnerships with industry operators through M&A and participation in tenders for the award of the service
  • Provision of technical services to sector operators
  • Integration and consolidation of internal and external technical competences

Biomethane

  • Focus on areas where the core business is located
  • Investment in upgrading of existing agricultural biogas plants and exploitation of potential greenfield investments
  • Structuring of partnerships with operators in the agricultural sector with a view to «revenue sharing», leveraging on internal management competences

Energy efficiency

  • Focus on areas where the core business is located
  • Supervision of energy services aimed at Business customers and Public Administration, both through ESCo contracts, Project Financing and public tenders
  • Consolidation of internal competences and preparation for potential growth for external lines (through M&A) aimed at sharing know-how and achieving economies of scale

Economic and financial goals

Uncertainty about the start of ATEM Tenders

The uncertainty about the timing of tenders and subsequent award of concessions suggested the development of a scenario analysis based on various hypotheses:

SCENARIO A increase in the perimeter of activities managed in gas distribution
sector only through M&A and organic growth as by the end of the plan
period no ATEM tender is able to
complete its award process
SCENARIO B in addition to the growth expected in scenario A, the launch and
award of 2 ATEM tenders in the year 2025 is expected and,
consequently, a significant increase in networks and served customers

Pursuit of rational goals in terms of efficiency and investments

  • The projections reflect the goals reasonably achievable by the Group
  • Operating and investment costs incorporate inflation dynamics (average annual inflation over the entire plan horizon: 1.2%) and economic-management efficiency targets

Implementation of M&A initiatives and diversification into other activities

Achievement of reasonable growth targets through M&A and diversified asset investment initiatives

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 43 st June 2022

Planned investments, aimed both at the maintenance and development of the existing network and at the expansion of activities on new synergistic businesses

Cumulative net investments @ 2025 (Scenario A)

€ 599 mln

  • Investments for the maintenance and development of the gas distribution infrustructures related to the current perimeter
  • Investment in acquisition of companies active in gas distribution and subsequent development and maintenance of the network acquired
  • Centralized investments (ICT systems, renewal of vehicle fleet, etc)
  • Investment in diversification (biomethane, RES plants, energy efficiency, water management service, green hydrogen)
  • Disinvestment of not fully consolidated subsidiaries
Group investments
2021-2025 (*)
Scenario
A
%
Gas distribution current assets 269 45%
M&A gas distribution 155 26%
Gas distribution 424 71%
Diversification 258 43%
Corporate 6 1%
Total investments 688 115%
Equity investments (**) -90 -15%
Total net investments 599 100%

(*) Data in Euro/mln; (**) Estenergy and Hera Comm.

Planned investments, aimed both at the maintenance and development of the existing network and at the expansion of activities on new synergistic businesses

Cumulative net investments @ 2025 (Scenario B)

€ 658 mln

Additional investment envisaged in case ATEM tenders are awared (payment of residual value of the plants to outgoing operators (Euro 129 mln) and investments to be executed under new concessions (Euro 36 mln)

Group investments
2021-2025 (*)
Scenario
B
%
Total investments scenario A 688 105%
Gas distribution -
tenders
165 25%
Total investments 853 130%
Equity investments (**) -196 -30%
Total net investments 658 100%

(*) Data in Euro/mln; (**) Estenergy and Hera Comm.

In both scenario the Group's economic results and capital invested are expected to grow by 2025 Optimisation of the mix of funding sources

SCENARIO A SCENARIO B
(Euro/mln) 2020A 2021E 2025E cagr
%
2025E cagr
%
EBITDA 64 66 102 11% 118 15%
EBIT 29 31 39 6% 47 11%
Net financial income (*) 21 23 23 0% 17 -7%
Net income (a) 59 44 46 1% 1%
Operating NIC 677 695 1,081 12% 1,244 16%
Associates 516 520 426 -5% 320 -11%
Net invested capital 1,193 1,215 1,508 6% 1,564 7%
Net equity 854 866 900 1% 904 1%
Net financial position 339 349 608 15% 661 17%
Financial leverage 0.40 0.40 0.68 14% 0.73 16%

(*) Income from equity investments net of financial charges on debt.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 46 st June 2022

The growth prospects, both internally and externally, will determine further consolidation of the Group in the distribution sector and diversification into synergistic sectors

SCENARIO A SCENARIO B
(Euro/mln) 2020A 2021E 2025E cagr
%
2025E cagr
%
Connected gas users (k) 777 776 955 5% 1,095 9%
RAB 641 654 886 8% 1,015 12%
NIC diversification 0 24 211 72% 211 72%

Gas distribution – sector overview

Gas distribution: legal framework ………………………………………………………………………………….…… Pag. 50
Gas distribution: sector key figures ……………………………………………………………………………….…… Pag. 51
Public tenders for the assigning of concessions ……………………………………………………………… Pag. 52
Regulation of the call of tenders …………………………………………………………………………………….……… Pag. 53
Compensation to be paid to the outgoing distributor …………………………………………………. Pag. 54
Tariff regulation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……… Pag. 55
  • Gas distribution is currently a local monopolistic activity managed under concessions granted by municipalities.
  • Italian gas distribution sector was liberalized in 2000 according to the European Union Rules
  • The law established a mechanism of competition for the market: concession must be awarded only through public tenders.
  • The distributor is responsible for the operation, the development and the maintenance of the distribution network (operational expenses and investments), according to the concessional agreement signed between the operator and the municipality
  • The National Energy Authority (ARERA)
  • ✓ sets the tariffs to be applied to cover the cost of capital and for the operations of the service
  • ✓ provides rules regarding the minimum standard service levels.
  • The distributor gives access to any requiring gas sales company that has the right to use the network to supply gas to its customers (third party access).

Gas distribution: sector key figures

Gas distribution
key
figures
(*)
2020
No. of operators in Italy 194
Municipalities served 7,249
Volumes of gas distributed (bln/scm) 30.0
No. of users served (mln) 24.0
Length of the gas distribution network (km) 265,920
Regulatory asset base (RAB) (Euro/bln) (**) 18

(*) ARERA data; (**) Ascopiave estimate.

Since 2000 gas distribution operators have been reduced to less than a third.

Currently gas distribution sector is strongly concentrated:

  • about 50% of RAB (**) is held by Italgas and F2i, the only operators with a national rank
  • about 30% of RAB is held by 14 medium size operators (RAB > Euro 100 mln), with a regional relevance
  • (***) 2019 data.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 51 st June 2022

Group (***)
Users
%
to less than a third. 1 Italgas 694
000
7
32
2%
,
2 2i
Rete
Gas
4
342
719
18
2%
,
Currently gas distribution sector
is strongly
3 A2A 1
502
645
6
3%
,
concentrated: 4 Hera 1
406
639
5
9%
,
5 Ascopiave 777
252
3
3%
,

about 50% of RAB (**) is held by Italgas
and F2i, the
6 Iren 744
730
3
1%
,
only operators with a national rank 7 Estra 516
000
2
2%
,

about 30% of RAB is held by 14 medium size operators
8 Erogasmet 277
326
2%
1
,
(RAB > Euro 100 mln), with a
regional relevance
9 Gelsia 207
496
0
9%
,
Others 6
193
411
26
8%
,

about 20% of RAB is held by small size operators
Total 23
880
000
100
0%
,
  • In order to improve the economic efficiency of the sector, since 2007 the legislation has established that the tenders must be called to assign concessions for the management of the service in wide geographical areas, grouping neighbouring municipalities (ATEM).
  • The national government constituted 177 ATEM nationwide.
  • Municipalities belonging to a single ATEM must appoint a local entity to act as contracting authority for the ATEM.
  • The law established the deadline by which each ATEM contracting authority must call the tenders.
  • In 2011 the national government issued some decrees establishing the general contents of the call for tenders, that must be fulfilled on the base of the local needs for investments to be defined by the local contracting authority. The standardization was aimed at encouraging competition and assuring transparency and effectiveness in the tender process.

The current rules governing the incoming tender processes will probably cause a further restructuring of the distribution sector.

A significant reduction in the number of operators is expected, as the participation to the public tenders requires from the potential competitors strong financial capability and important economic, organizational and technical skills.

Tenders process is currently slowed down by procedural difficulties. All the contracting stations failed in publishing the call for tenders respecting the deadlines provided by the law.

Standards to evaluate economic and technical offers

  • A - Economic offer (maximum score: 28)
  • Discount on gas distribution tariffs
  • Discount on prices for other services provided by the distributor to end users
  • Fee to be paid to municipalities awarding the concession (cap on the fee level: 10% of the capital cost components of VRT (Total Revenues Constraint) = 10% x ( CI x rd + AMM ))
  • Obligation to extend the distribution network (meters of pipes per end user that imply the obligation to connect new potential end-users)
  • Investments to improve energy efficiency
  • B - Offer concerning safety and service quality (maximum score: 27)
  • Network inspections in order to prevent gas leaks (percentage of gas network annually checked)
  • Performance of the emergency service and of the gas odorization service
  • Improving the level of other quality standards set by the Authority

C - Offer concerning the development and the maintenance of the network (maximum score: 45)

  • Appropriateness of the network operation analysis
  • Investment plan for the extension and the increase of the capacity of the distribution network; the evaluation concerns: the tangible benefits expected by the investment proposed, the accuracy of the technical projects as well as the quantities of new pipes to be made
  • Investment plan for the maintenance
  • Technological innovation

In the event that the public tender should not be awarded to Ascopiave, the winner must pay to the Group, as the current owner of the networks, a compensation:

  • (a) the compensation must be calculated in accordance with the terms of the agreement implementing the concession or direct award (as the case may be), provided that the agreement was signed before 11th February 2012
  • (b) or, if this is not provided for, the compensation must be calculated in accordance with the Guidelines set by the Ministry of Economic Development (Decree 22nd May 2014)
  • (c) contributions paid by private users in the past for the construction of part of the network must be deducted (valuation of these are in accordance with the tariff regulation) (*)
  • (d) whenever the compensation is higher than 110% of the net invested capital remunerated by the tariff system (RAB), the Energy National Authority (i.e. ARERA) must verify whether the compensation has been evaluated in accordance with the law
  • (e) the organizer of the tender bid must take into account the observations issued by the ARERA.

(*) In the evaluation of RAB contributions paid by private users are currently deducted.

Tariff regulation 2020-2025

On 27th December 2019 ARERA issued the Resolution n. 570/2019/R/gas, approving the new tariff regulation that will be in force during the period 2020-2025 (fifth regulatory period).

Allowed opex

2020 unit allowed opex based on weighted average of 2018 actual / allowed opex. X-factor aimed at reabsorbing the extra efficiency of the last regulatory period.

Unit
allowed
(*)
Opex
(**)
2019
2020 2021 chg
21-19
chg
21-19
%
/
end
- distribution
CO
users
39
4
,
32
2
,
31
9
,
-7
5
,
-19%
/
end
- metering
&
other
CO
users
7
6
,
9
0
,
9
0
,
1
4
,
18%
/
Total
CO
end
users
0
47
,
2
41
,
40
8
,
-6
2
,
-13%

(*) Ascopiave estimate. Average unit opex allowed referred to Ascopiave Group (pro-forma)

(**) The 2019 CO / end users - distribution calculation is a pro forma in connection with the acquisition of AP Reti Gas Nordest assets from Hera Group in 2020

Real pre-tax rate of return on RAB (WACC)

With the Resolution n. 614/2021/R/com, the Gas, Electricity and Water Authority (ARERA) has established the criteria for determining and updating the remuneration rate of the capital invested for infrastructure services in the electricity and gas sectors for the period 2022-2027.

WACC 2019 2020 2021 2022
- distribution
WACC
6
3%
,
6
3%
,
6
3%
,
5
6%
,
WACC
- metering
6
8%
,
6
3%
,
6
3%
,
6%
5
,

Tariff regulation for the incoming ATEM concessions

Difference between Compensation and RAB

At the starting date of the new concession:

  • if the winner of the public tender is the current incumbent operator, the new RAB is equal to the previous one;
  • if the winner of the public tender is a newcomer, the new RAB is equal to the compensation paid by the newcomer to the outgoing operator.

Compensation at the end date of the ATEM concession

The compensation is calculated as the sum of (a) the value of the stock of capital existing at the start date of the concession, that is equal to the initial compensation properly updated to take into account the depreciation occurred during the concessional period, and (b) the value of the investments made during the concessional period, calculated as the average between the effective costs of the assets and the regulatory value of the assets.

Regulatory evolution

With the consultation document 615/2021/R/com, the ARERA has propose a gradual introduction of a tariff regulation for Expence and Service Objectives (ROSS), oriented to the total efficiency of the service (from 2026):

  • integrated recognition of operational costs and efficient capital costs;
  • standard capitalization coefficients;
  • revision of the incentive mechanism;
  • selectivity of recognizable investments, to be justified with cost-benefit analysis

The paradigm shift will support the rationalization of the sector:

  • opportunity for efficient companies to improve their profitability;
  • risk of under-remuneration of capital for inefficient companies;
  • incentives for aggregations

The energy transition

The European and Italian decarbonisation
goals
…………………………………………………….………
Pag. 59
The role of the gas sector in the energy transition ………………………………………………….…… Pag. 60
The new infrastructure grid ………………………………………………………………………………………………….…… Pag. 61

Both the European Union and Italy have based their growth targets for the next decade on the transition to a sustainable economy model

To face the challenges of climate change, the European Union has created the European Green Deal, a pact between countries, which aims to achieve "carbon neutrality" by 2050.

To this end, the EU has allocated at least € 1 trillion of "sustainable investments" for the next decade, creating numerous support tools to facilitate the energy transition.

The pandemic situation has called upon the EU to intervene in support of the members of the Union with the creation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which has the energy transition among its main pillars.

To revive the Italian economy, the government has allocated approx. € 235 billion in favor of the PNRR, of which over 29% in towards the energy transition, with initiatives linked, to green gases, energy efficiency, circular economy and renewable sources.

Gas is a key source for achieving sustainability goals through the evolution of infrastructure and new network management methods

network for the transport of green gases

74,4 61,3 53,6 0,1 1,1 10,9 2019 2030 2040 Natural gas Green gas Expected gas consumption in Italy (*) (bln/scm) 74,5 62,4 64,5 -18% +1.000% +891% -13%

(*) Source: Snam-Terna Scenario 2021 – Scenario NT (based on the forecasts of the final version of the PNIEC 2019 taking into account the European Development Plan TYNDP 2022).

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 60 st June 2022

Annexes: Ascopiave financial data

2015-2021 financial comparison …………………………………………………………………………………………………. Pag. 64
FY 2021 financial results ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…. Pag. 68
3M 2022 financial results …………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….…. Pag. 83

Annexes: Ascopiave financial data

2015-2021 financial comparison

Income statement Pag. 65
Balance sheet Pag. 66
Cash flows statement Pag. 67

Income statement

(Thousands
of Euros)
2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
Revenues 134
911
,
163
896
,
124
911
,
581
652
,
532
792
,
497
689
,
581
655
,
of
raw materials
and
consumables)
(Cost
of
(Cost
services)
(Cost
of
personnel)
(Other
operating
costs)
Other
operating
income
(2
063)
,
(38
728)
,
017)
(17
,
(11
293)
,
571
(1
782)
,
(36
776)
,
132)
(17
,
(44
511)
,
109
(1
358)
,
(31
732)
,
500)
(14
,
(33
902)
,
1
479
,
(332
743)
,
(114
827)
,
(26
030)
,
(28
372)
,
356
(270
577)
,
(113
457)
,
(24
855)
,
(40
224)
,
731
(249
916)
,
(107
503)
,
(24
233)
,
(21
377)
,
596
(346
431)
,
(119
151)
,
(21
573)
,
(14
106)
,
591
EBITDA 66
382
,
63
805
,
44
898
,
80
036
,
84
409
,
95
255
,
80
983
,
(Depreciations
and
amortizations)
(Provisions)
(32
509)
,
(34)
(34
465)
,
(189)
(23
325)
,
-
(22
972)
,
(1
964)
,
(22
585)
,
(1
885)
,
(20
227)
,
(2
891)
,
(20
029)
,
(4
004)
,
EBIT 33
838
,
29
151
,
21
573
,
55
101
,
59
939
,
72
137
,
56
950
,
Financial
income
/
(expenses)
Evaluation
of
with
method
companies
equity
1
532
,
19
892
,
1
847
,
18
310
,
(1
117)
,
648
(778)
8
553
,
(468)
7
398
,
(544)
7
750
,
(518)
7
449
,
EBT 55
263
,
49
308
,
21
105
,
62
875
,
66
869
,
79
343
,
63
881
,
(Income
taxes)
(9
937)
,
9
394
,
(6
626)
,
(16
376)
,
(17
617)
,
(22
401)
,
(18
519)
,
after
Earnings
taxes
45
326
,
58
701
,
14
479
,
46
499
,
49
252
,
56
942
,
45
362
,
Net
income
(loss)
from
discontinued
operations
- - 478
737
,
- - - -
income
Net
326
45
,
58
701
,
493
216
,
46
499
,
49
252
,
56
942
,
362
45
,
of
(Net
income
minorities)
- - - (1
874)
,
(2
117)
,
(3
307)
,
(2
349)
,
Net
income
of
the
Group
45
326
,
58
701
,
493
216
,
44
625
,
47
135
,
53
635
,
43
014
,

Balance sheet

(Thousands
of Euros)
31/12/2021 31/12/2020 31/12/2019 31/12/2018 31/12/2017 31/12/2016 31/12/2015
Tangible assets
Non tangible assets
Investments in associates
Other fixed assets
58,012
647,279
521,359
35,169
33,443
626,685
515,729
34,276
34,694
615,108
449,945
22,687
32,724
432,637
68,357
23,401
32,334
427,692
68,878
24,494
32,364
397,664
68,738
23,808
34,987
397,418
68,078
26,699
Fixed assets 1,261,819 1,210,134 1,122,433 557,118 553,397 522,574 527,182
Operating current assets
(Operating current liabilities)
(Operating non current liabilities)
62,159
(59,727)
(48,259)
128,046
(98,759)
(47,071)
99,349
(82,458)
(52,850)
219,660
(160,146)
(51,245)
222,977
(156,597)
(49,411)
201,908
(138,003)
(48,151)
223,482
(166,793)
(49,698)
Net working capital (45,828) (17,784) (35,959) 8,268 16,969 15,754 6,991
Total capital employed 1,215,991 1,192,350 1,086,474 565,386 570,367 538,328 534,173
Group shareholders equity 868,544 853,903 873,492 443,567 445,511 438,055 415,264
Minorities (38) - - 4,303 4,989 6,154 4,873
Net financial position 347,485 338,447 212,981 117,517 119,867 94,119 114,037
Total sources 1,215,991 1,192,350 1,086,474 565,386 570,367 538,328 534,173

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 66 st June 2022

Cash flows statement

(Thousands
of Euros)
2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
Self
financing
79
123
,
94
294
,
37
318
,
435
71
,
73
722
,
80
060
,
69
396
,
Change
working
capital
in
(operating
activities)
net
Change
working
capital
(fiscal
in
activities)
net
785
5
,
(2
670)
,
(30
136)
,
(21
553)
,
964
5
,
3
453
,
282)
(5
,
2
537
,
934)
(4
,
(18
240)
,
833)
(15
,
3
673
,
(43
853)
,
43
352
,
Change
working
capital
in
net
3
115
,
(51
688)
,
9
417
,
(2
745)
,
(23
174)
,
(12
160)
,
(501)
Capex
in
tangible
and
intangible
assets
Capex
in
companies
acquisitions
(52
862)
,
(24
652)
,
(44
431)
,
(68
598)
,
(34
440)
,
(25
115)
,
(28
306)
,
(3
778)
,
(22
976)
,
(17
421)
,
(19
262)
,
0
(21
892)
,
(0)
Capex (77
514)
,
(113
029)
,
(59
555)
,
(32
084)
,
(40
397)
,
(19
262)
,
(21
892)
,
Change
in
shareholders'
equity
(13
763)
,
(55
042)
,
(82
645)
,
(34
256)
,
(35
899)
,
(28
721)
,
(31
366)
,
financial
position
change
Net
(9
039)
,
(125
465)
,
(95
464)
,
2
350
,
(25
748)
,
19
917
,
637
15
,

Annexes: Ascopiave financial data

FY 2021 financial results

Financial highlights


FY 2021 consolidated income statement
Pag. 69

Consolidated balance sheet as of 31st December 2021
Pag. 70
Companies consolidated with full consolidation method

Number of gas distribution users and volumes of gas distributed
Pag. 71

Revenues bridge
Pag. 72

EBIT bridge
Pag. 73

Gas distribution tariff revenues and other net operating costs
Pag. 74

Number of employees
Pag. 75

Cost of personnel
Pag. 76

Capex
Pag. 77

Net Financial Position and cash flow
Pag. 78

Financial debt and cost of debt
Pag. 79
Estenergy
Group
Estenergy Group financial highlights Pag. 80
--- ----------- -- ---------------------------- --------- --
(Thousand of Euro) 12M 2021 12M 2020 Chg Chg %
Revenues 134.911 163.896 (28.985) -18%
(Purchase costs for other raw materials) (2.063) (1.782) (281) +16%
(Costs for services) (38.728) (36.776) (1.952) +5%
(Costs for personnel) (17.017) (17.132) 115 -1%
(Other management costs) (11.293) (44.511) 33.218 -75%
Other income 571 109 462 +422%
EBITDA 66.382 63.805 2.577 +4%
(Amortizations and depreciation) (32.509) (34.465) 1.956 -6%
(Provisions) (34) (189) 155 -82%
EBIT 33.838 29.151 4.688 +16%
Financial income / (expenses) 1.532 1.847 (314) -17%
(*)
Evaluation of companies with net equity method
19.892 18.310 1.582 +9%
EBT 55.263 49.308 5.955 +12%
(Income taxes) (9.937) 9.394 (19.330) -206%
Net income 45.326 58.701 (13.375) -23%

(*) Result of the company consolidated with net equity consolidation method (pro-rata): Estenergy, Euro 19.5 mln (Euro 18.3 mln in 12M 2020); Cogeide, Euro 0.4 mln (Euro 0.0 mln in 12M 2020).

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 69 st June 2022

Consolidated balance sheet as of 31st December 2021

(Thousand
of
Euro)
31/12/2021 31/12/2020 Chg Chg
%
(*)
Tangible
assets
58.012 33.443 24.569 +73%
(*)
Non
tangible
assets
647.279 626.685 20.594 +3%
(**)
Investments
in
associates
521.359 515.729 5.629 +1%
Other
fixed
assets
35.169 34.276 893 +3%
Fixed
assets
1.261.819 1.210.134 51.685 +4%
Operating
current
assets
62.159 128.046 (65.887) -51%
(Operating
liabilities)
current
(59.727) (98.759) 39.031 -40%
(Operating
liabilities)
non current
(48.259) (47.071) (1.188) +3%
Net
working
capital
(45.828) (17.784) (28.044) +158%
Total
capital
employed
1.215.991 1.192.350 23.641 +2%
Shareholders
equity
868.505 853.903 14.602 +2%
financial
Net
position
347.485 338.447 9.039 +3%
Total
sources
1.215.991 1.192.350 23.641 +2%

(*) According to IFRIC 12, the infrastructures under concession are consedered intangible assets;

(**) Value of the associated companies consolidated with net equity consolidation method (pro-rata): Estenergy, Euro 434.4 mln (Euro 429.0 mln as of 31st December 2020); Hera Comm, Euro 54.0 mln (Euro 54.0 mln as of 31st December 2020); Acsm-Agam, Euro 24.9 mln (Euro 24.9 mln as of 31st December 2020); Cogeide, Euro 8.1 mln (Euro 7.8 mln as of 31st December 2020).

Number of gas distribution users

Volumes of gas distributed

(Million of standard cubic meters)

(*) Tariff revenues include the tariff component for the recovery of the fee paid to local entities according to art. 46-bis DL 159/2007.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 72 st June 2022

EBIT bridge

EBIT bridge (Thousand of Euro) (*) +4.688 +16%

(*) Further details on page 74 of the current presentation.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 73 st June 2022

Gas distribution tariff revenues and other net operating costs

(Thousand
of
Euro)
(*)
12M
2021
12M
2020
Chg Chg
%
Gas
distribution
tariff
revenues
108.852 109.108 (256) -0%
Gas
distribution
tariff
revenues
108.852 109.108 (256) -0%
(Thousand
of
Euro)
12M
2021
12M
2020
Chg Chg
%
Other
revenues
24.532 53.264 (28.732) -54%
Other
of
raw materials
and
services
costs
of
personnel
Cost
(49.986)
(17.017)
(81.436)
(17.132)
31.449
115
-39%
-1%
Other
operating
net
costs
(42.471) (45.303) 2.832 -6%

Decrease of other net operating costs: + Euro 2.8 mln

of which:

  • decrease of cost of personnel: + Euro 0.1 mln;
  • increase of margin on energy efficiency tasks management: + Euro 2.1 mln;
  • increase of gas distribution concession fees: - Euro 0.8 mln;
  • decrease of CSEA contributions for security incentives: - Euro 0.8 mln;
  • increase of costs for consultancy: - Euro 0.5 mln;
  • decrease of provisions for risks: + Euro 0.8 mln;
  • decrease of non recurring costs: + Euro 1.8 mln;
  • other variations: + Euro 0.1 mln.

(*) Economic data before elisions

Number of employees

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 75 st June 2022

(*) Excluding network extension in new urbanized areas that according to IAS are considerated as operating costs and not capital expenditures;

(**) Investments in intangible assets and in tangible assets (excluded realizations, investments in associated and investments relative to the application of IFRS 16 accounting principle).

(*) Cash flow = net income + amortizations and depreciation; (**) Net investments in tangible and intangible assets; (***) Purchase of own shares: + Euro 0.0 mln; dividends distributed to Ascopiave shareholders: - Euro 34.7 mln; (****) Price paid: - Euro 14.4 mln; Net Financial Position acquired: - Euro 10.3 mln.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 78 st June 2022

Financial debt and cost of debt

(Thousand
of
Euro)
(*)
31/12/2021 31/12/2020 Chg Chg
%
financial
borrowings
(>12
months)
Long
term
161.488 195.999 (34.511) -18%
Current
of
long
financial
borrowings
position
term
60.631 40.024 20.607 +51%
Bond
loans
25.000 - 25.000 n.a.
Short
financial
borrowings
(<12
months)
term
96.462 104.023 (7.561) -7%
Total
financial
debt
343.581 340.046 3.535 +1%
Fixed
borrowings
rate
235.119 219.273 15.846 +7%
Floating
borrowings
rate
108.462 120.773 (12.311) -10%

12M 2021 average cost of debt: 0.46% (vs 12M 2020 rate: 0.34%)

(*) Data refers to only companies consolidated with full consolidation method.

Income statement (*) Balance sheet (*)

(Thousand
of
Euro)
12M
2021
12M
2020
Revenues 459.393 363.109
(Purchase
for
other
raw materials)
costs
(274.676) (178.821)
for
(Costs
services)
(133.759) (136.770)
for
personnel)
(Costs
(7.622) (7.578)
(Other
costs)
management
(628) (877)
EBITDA 42.708 39.062
(Depreciations
and
amortizations)
+ (provisions)
(17.089) (14.019)
EBIT 25.619 25.043
Financial
income
(expenses)
/
828 (167)
EBT 26.446 24.877
(Income
taxes)
(6.693) (5.639)
Net
income
19.753 19.237
(Thousand
of
Euro)
31/12/2021 31/12/2020
Tangible
assets
2.268 1.812
Non
tangible
assets
311.300 314.141
Investments
in
associates
8.540 8.424
Other
fixed
assets
117 1.683
Fixed
assets
322.225 326.061
Operating
current
assets
176.028 139.482
liabilities)
(Operating
current
(171.889) (93.126)
(Operating
liabilities)
non current
(25.912) (51.913)
Net
working
capital
(21.774) (5.557)
Total
capital
employed
300.451 320.504
Shareholders
equity
351.951 348.864
financial
Net
position
(51.500) (28.360)
Total
sources
300.451 320.504

(*) Pro-rata amounts, i.e. proportional to the Ascopiave's capital stake in Estenergy (48%).

Annexes: Ascopiave financial data

3M 2022 financial results

Financial highlights


3M 2022 consolidated income statement

Consolidated balance sheet as of 31st March 2022
Pag. 82
Pag. 83
Companies consolidated with full consolidation method

Number of gas distribution users and volumes of gas distributed
Pag. 84

Electricity produced
Pag. 85

Revenues bridge
Pag. 86

EBIT bridge
Pag. 87

Gas distribution tariff revenues and other net operating costs
Pag. 88

Number of employees
Pag. 89

Cost of personnel
Pag. 90

Capex
Pag. 91

Net Financial Position and cash flow
Pag. 92

Financial debt and cost of debt
Pag. 93
Estenergy
Group
Estenergy Group financial highlights Pag. 94
--- ----------- ---------------------------- --------- --
Chg Chg
34.139 38.456 (4.318) -11%
(895) (972) 76 -8%
(11.428) (9.584) (1.844) +19%
(5.140) (4.351) (789) +18%
(3.548) (8.239) 4.691 -57%
36 467 (431) -92%
13.163 15.777 (2.614) -17%
(10.275) (8.781) (1.493) +17%
(2) - (2) n.a.
2.886 6.996 (4.110) -59%
+50%
10.831 8.842 1.989 +22%
12.880 15.281 (2.401) -16%
(916) (1.663) 746 -45%
11.963 13.619 (1.655) -12%
221 - 221 n.a.
12.184 13.619 (1.434) -11%
(837) (557) (280)

(*) Result of the company consolidated with net equity consolidation method (pro-rata): Estenergy, Euro 10.8 mln (Euro 8.8 mln in 3M 2021).

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 82 st June 2022

Consolidated balance sheet as of 31st March 2022

(Thousand of Euro) 31/03/2022 31/12/2021 Chg Chg %
Tangible assets
(*)
119.658 58.012 61.646 +106%
Non tangible assets
(*)
659.441 647.279 12.162 +2%
(**)
Investments in associates
534.848 521.359 13.490 +3%
Other fixed assets 38.819 35.169 3.649 +10%
Fixed assets 1.352.766 1.261.819 90.947 +7%
Operating current assets 80.280 62.159 18.121 +29%
(Operating current liabilities) (83.022) (59.727) (23.295) +39%
(Operating non current liabilities) (52.145) (48.259) (3.886) +8%
Net working capital (54.887) (45.828) (9.059) +20%
Total capital employed 1.297.878 1.215.991 81.888 +7%
Group shareholders equity 885.140 868.544 16.597 +2%
Minorities 9.404 (38) 9.442 -24633%
Shareholders equity 894.544 868.505 26.039 +3%
Net financial position 403.334 347.485 55.849 +16%
Total sources 1.297.878 1.215.991 81.888 +7%

(*) According to IFRIC 12, the infrastructures under concession are consedered intangible assets;

(**) Value of the associated companies consolidated with net equity consolidation method (pro-rata): Estenergy, Euro 447.9 mln (Euro 434.4 mln as of 31st December 2021); Hera Comm, Euro 54.0 mln (Euro 54.0 mln as of 31st December 2021); Acsm-Agam, Euro 24.9 mln (Euro 24.9 mln as of 31st December 2021); Cogeide, Euro 8.1 mln (Euro 8.1 mln as of 31st December 2021).

(*) Tariff revenues include the tariff component for the recovery of the fee paid to local entities according to art. 46-bis DL 159/2007.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 86 st June 2022

EBIT bridge

(*) Further details on page 88 of the current presentation.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 87 st June 2022

Gas distribution tariff revenues and other net operating costs

(Thousand
of
Euro)
(*)
3M
2022
3M
2021
Chg Chg
%
Gas
distribution
tariff
revenues
25.816 26.685 (869) -3%
distribution
Gas
tariff
revenues
25.816 26.685 (869) -3%
(Thousand
of
Euro)
3M
2022
3M
2021
Chg Chg
%
Other
revenues
7.941 11.378 (3.437) -30%
Other
of
raw materials
and
services
costs
Cost
of
personnel
(15.454)
(5.140)
(17.934)
(4.351)
2.480
(789)
-14%
+18%
Other
net
operating
costs
(12.653) (10.907) (1.746) +16%

Change of the consolidation area: + Euro 0.5 mln

Increase of other net operating costs of equal consolidation area: - Euro 2.2 mln

of which:

  • increase of cost of personnel: - Euro 0.6 mln;
  • increase of gas distribution concession fees: - Euro 0.1 mln;
  • increase of CSEA contributions for security incentives: + Euro 0.1 mln;
  • increase of costs for consultancy: - Euro 0.6 mln;
  • decrease of provisions for risks: + Euro 0.1 mln;
  • increase of non recurring costs: - Euro 0.4 mln;
  • other variations: - Euro 0.7 mln.

(*) Economic data before elisions

Number of employees

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 89 st June 2022

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 90 st June 2022

Capex (*)

(Thousand of Euro)

Change of the consolidation area (renewable energies): Euro 1.9 mln

Equal consolidation area:

  • Gas distribution systems: Euro 8.2 mln
  • Gas meters: Euro 2.6 mln
  • Investments in hardware and software: Euro 0.2 mln
  • Other: Euro 0.1 mln

(*) Excluding network extension in new urbanized areas that according to IAS are considerated as operating costs and not capital expenditures;

(**) Investments in intangible assets and in tangible assets (excluded realizations, investments in associated and investments relative to the application of IFRS 16 accounting principle).

(*) Cash flow = net income + amortizations and depreciation; (**) Net investments in tangible and intangible assets; (***) Price paid: - Euro 45.4 mln; Net Financial Position acquired: - Euro 28.1 mln.

Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 92 st June 2022

Financial debt and cost of debt

(Thousand
of
Euro)
(*)
31/03/2022 31/12/2021 Chg Chg
%
Long
financial
borrowings
(>12
months)
term
205.814 161.488 44.326 +27%
Current
position
of
long
financial
borrowings
term
66.497 60.631 5.866 +10%
Bond
loans
95.000 25.000 70.000 +280%
Short
financial
borrowings
(<12
months)
term
33.467 96.462 (62.995) -65%
Total
financial
debt
400.778 343.581 57.197 +17%
Fixed
borrowings
rate
337.433 235.119 102.314 +44%
Floating
borrowings
rate
63.345 108.462 (45.117) -42%

3M 2022 average cost of debt: 0.49% (vs 12M 2021 rate: 0.46%)

(*) Data refers to only companies consolidated with full consolidation method.

Income statement (*) Balance sheet (*)

(Thousand
of
Euro)
3M
2022
3M
2021
Revenues 269.027 135.540
(Purchase
for
other
raw materials)
costs
(217.087) (69.268)
(Costs
for
services)
(31.226) (46.725)
(Costs
for
personnel)
(1.894) (1.964)
(Other
costs)
management
(124) (173)
EBITDA 18.696 17.411
(Depreciations
and
amortizations)
+ (provisions)
(4.892) (3.934)
EBIT 13.803 13.477
Financial
income
/
(expenses)
300 379
EBT 14.103 13.856
(Income
taxes)
(2.804) (3.620)
Net
income
11.300 10.236
(Thousand
of
Euro)
31/03/2022 31/12/2021
Tangible
assets
2.186 2.268
Non
tangible
assets
309.639 311.300
Investments
in
associates
8.814 8.540
Other
fixed
assets
379 117
Fixed
assets
321.018 322.225
Operating
current
assets
244.596 176.028
(Operating
liabilities)
current
(231.685) (171.889)
(Operating
liabilities)
non current
(27.761) (25.912)
Net
working
capital
(14.850) (21.774)
Total
capital
employed
306.167 300.451
Shareholders
equity
365.614 351.951
financial
Net
position
(59.446) (51.500)
Total
sources
306.167 300.451

(*) Pro-rata amounts, i.e. proportional to the Ascopiave's capital stake in Estenergy (48%).

Disclaimer

  • ❑ This presentation has been prepared by Ascopiave S.p.A. for information purposes only and for use in presentations of the Group's results and strategies.
  • ❑ For further details on the Ascopiave Group, reference should be made to publicly available information, including the Quarterly Reports and the Annual reports.
  • ❑ Statements contained in this presentation, particularly the ones regarding any Ascopiave Group possible or assumed future performance, are or may be forward looking statements and in this respect they involve some risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward looking statement. Such factors include, but are not limited to: changes in global economic business, changes in the price of certain commodities including electricity and gas, the competitive market and regulatory factors. Moreover, forward looking statements are currently only at the date they are made.
  • ❑ Any reference to past performance of the Ascopiave Group shall not be taken as an indication of the future performance.
  • ❑ This document does not constitute an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any shares and nopart of it shall form the basis of or be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever.
  • ❑ By attending the presentation you agree to be bound by the foregoing terms.

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