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Ascopiave

Investor Presentation Feb 2, 2022

4357_ip_2022-02-02_66bf6fe7-fa00-4d0b-9eae-c834c2f6b98d.pdf

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

7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE

nd February 2022

2 nd February 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
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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. 96

Business Overview

Group business activities ……………………………………………….……………………………………………………….…. Pag. 4
Ascopiave shareholders ……………………………………………….………………………………………………………….…. Pag. 5
Group structure as of 31st December 2021 ………………………….……………………………….………… 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 – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 5 nd February 2022

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 6 nd February 2022

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET ACCORDING TO IFRS (*)

BALANCE
SHEET
31/12/2020 31/12/2019
Tangible
assets
33
443
34
694
Intangible
assets
626
685
615
108
Investments
in
associates
729
515
449
945
Other
fixed
assets
34
276
22
687
working
capital
Net
(17
784)
(35
959)
TOTAL
CAPITAL
EMPLOYED
192
350
1
086
1
474
Shareholders
equity
853
903
873
492
financial
Net
position
338
447
212
981
Financial
leverage
0
40
,
0
24
,

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
31/12/2020
Goodwill 49
272
under
Assets
concession
564
554
Other
intangible
assets
12
859
Intangible
assets
626
685
BALANCE
SHEET
31/12/2020
428
998
(48%)
Estenergy
Hera
Comm
54
000
(3%)
Other
32
731
participations
(**)
Investments
in
associates
515
729

(*) Thousands of Euros; (**) Other participations: Acsm-Agam (4.99%, Euro 24,9 mln) and Cogeide (18.33%, € 7.8 mln).

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 7 nd February 2022

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT ACCORDING TO IFRS (*)

INCOME
STATEMENT
2020 2019
Revenues 163
896
124
911
EBITDA 63
805
44
898
EBITDA
margin
(%)
38
9%
,
35
9%
,
EBIT 29
151
21
573
EBIT
margin
(%)
17
8%
,
17
3%
,
Net
financial
income
20
157
(468)
(**)
Results
discontinued
operations
478
737
Income
taxes
9
394
(6
626)
Net
income
58
701
493
216

Operating results referred mainly to the gas distribution regolated business

Significant contribution from the minority partecipation in Estenergy and Hera Comm

2020
18
310
3
489
(1
643)
20
157
2020
(6
254)
(1
568)
216
17
9
394

(*) Thousands of Euros; (**) Results of the companies sold to Estenergy and related capital gain.

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 8 nd February 2022

Financial debt

2020 2019 Chg Chg
%
financial
borrowings
(>12
months)
Long
term
195
999
135
083
60
916
1%
45
Current
position
of
long
financial
borrowings
term
40
024
30
778
9
246
,
30
0%
Short
financial
borrowings
(<12
months)
term
104
023
38
994
65
029
,
166
8%
,
Total
financial
debt
340
046
204
855
135
191
66
0%
,
Fixed
borrowings
rate
219
273
143
611
75
662
52
7%
,
Floating
borrowings
rate
120
773
61
244
59
529
97
2%
,

FY 2020 average cost of debt: 0,34% (vs FY 2019 rate: 0,35%)

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

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 9 nd February 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 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Dividend
(Thousand
of
Euro)
34.663 47.442 75.163 40.016 40.016 33.347 33.332 26.666
Group
Net
Income
(Thousand
of
Euro)
58.701 493.216 44.625 47.135 53.635 43.014 35.583 38.678
Payout
ratio
59% 10% 168% 85% 75% 78% 94% 69%
Dividend
per share
(Euro)
0,1600 0,2133 0,3383 0,1800 0,1800 0,1500 0,1500 0,1200
DIVIDEND 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006
Dividend
(Thousand
of
Euro)
24.484 0 22.557 20.349 19.442 19.890 19.833
Group
Net
Income
(Thousand
of
Euro)
27.865 6.266 31.174 25.288 18.452 21.764 16.381
Payout
ratio
88% 0% 72% 80% 105% 91% 121%
Dividend
per share
(Euro)
0,1100 0,0000 0,1000 0,0900 0,0850 0,0850 0,0850

About Euro 457,2 mln

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

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 – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 12 nd February 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 2020 key
figures
No. of managed concessions 268
Length of the gas distribution network (km) 12.913
No. of Users (PDR) 777.062
Volume of gas distributed (scm/mln) 1.461
RAB (Euro/000) 646.094

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

Currently 5 th largest national operator in the sector and regional leader in Veneto

127
2000
2006
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Currently th
5
largest national operator in the sector and regional leader in Veneto
Group Users (*) % Network (*) % Competitive context in Veneto
1 Italgas 7
694
000 32
,
2% 71 761 27
,
2%
2 2i
Rete
Gas
4
342
719 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 744 730 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

YEAR EBITDA
(Euro/mln)
EBITDA/user
(Euro)
Investments
(Euro/mln)
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 (compesation 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
  • December 2021: signing of an agreement with A2A for the acquisition of the related assets
  • Expected closing: within the 1st half of 2022
  • 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)

2021 VRT (*) = CO + AMM + CI x rd = Euro 109,3 mln

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 654,2 mln

(*) 2021 provisional VRT has been approved by Gas, Electricity and Water Authority (ARERA) with Resolution n. 122/2021/R/gas.

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 20 nd February 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
OUT
IN
Step Ascopiave (*)
Hera
Group
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
Group
increase
in
Hera
Estenergy
a
-633
2
,
633
2
,
4 (**)
acquired
the
Commercial
stakes
from
Estenergy
Companies
Ascopiave
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 from
acquired
Blu
Ascopiave
Hera
Group
Amgas
42
5
,
-42
5
,
8 acquired
capital
stake
Ascopiave
3%
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 – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 23 nd February 2022

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 25 nd February 2022

2020 key figures related to the sales business run by Estenergy Group:

Gas sales 2020 Electricity sales
2020
Volume of gas sold (scm/mln) 1.092 Volume of electricity sold (GWh)
1.435
Number of customers 738.200 Number of customers
309.100
Income
statement (*)
2020
Revenues 756.476
EBITDA 81.380
EBIT 52.174 52%
48%
Net income 40.078
Net income consolidated by Ascopiave 18.310 Estenergy
is
consolidated
by the Ascopiave
(pro-rata) Group with the net equity
method.
Consolidated
results
reported
in Ascopiave
financial
statements
takes
into
account the

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

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 26 nd February 2022

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

2 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

3 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 – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 28 nd February 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 – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 30 nd February 2022

Asco Renewables

Asco Renewables
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
2
Treviso
045
141
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 – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 41 nd February 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 – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 43 nd February 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% 46 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 – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 46 nd February 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%

Annexes

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 48 nd February 2022

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
  • about 20% of RAB is held by small size operators

(*) 2019 data.

Group (*)
Users
%
1 Italgas 694
000
7
32
2%
,
2 2i
Rete
Gas
4
342
719
18
2%
,
3 A2A 1
502
645
6
3%
,
4 Hera 1
406
639
5
9%
,
5 Ascopiave 777
252
3
3%
,
6 Iren 744
730
3
1%
,
7 Estra 516
000
2
2%
,
8 Erogasmet 277
326
2%
1
,
9 Gelsia 207
496
0
9%
,
Others 6
193
411
26
8%
,
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

(*) 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 – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 60 nd February 2022

Annexes: Ascopiave financial data

2014-2020 financial comparison …………………………………………………………………………………………………. Pag. 64
FY 2020 financial results ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…. Pag. 68
9M 2021 financial results …………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….…. Pag. 83

Annexes: Ascopiave financial data

2014-2020 financial comparison

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

Income statement

(Thousands
of Euros)
2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
Revenues 163
896
124
911
581
652
532
792
497
689
581
655
585
300
(Cost
of
raw materials
and
consumables)
(Cost
of
services)
(Cost
of
personnel)
(Other
operating
costs)
Other
operating
income
(1
782)
(36
776)
(17
132)
(44
511)
109
(1
358)
(31
732)
(14
500)
(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
(359
366)
(107
740)
(22
726)
(15
914)
32
EBITDA 63
805
44
898
80
036
84
409
95
255
80
983
79
585
and
(Depreciations
amortizations)
(Provisions)
(34
465)
(189)
(23
325)
-
(22
972)
(1
964)
(22
585)
(1
885)
(20
227)
(2
891)
(20
029)
(4
004)
(20
099)
(6
819)
EBIT 29
151
21
573
55
101
59
939
72
137
56
950
52
667
Financial
income
/
(expenses)
Evaluation
of
companies
with
equity
method
1
847
18
310
(1
117)
648
(778)
8
553
(468)
7
398
(544)
7
750
(518)
7
449
(1
593)
4
453
EBT 49
308
21
105
62
875
66
869
79
343
63
881
527
55
(Income
taxes)
9
394
(6
626)
(16
376)
(17
617)
(22
401)
(18
519)
(18
194)
Earnings
after
taxes
58
701
14
479
46
499
49
252
56
942
45
362
37
333
income
(loss)
from
discontinued
operations
Net
- 478
737
- - - - -
Net
income
58
701
493
216
46
499
49
252
56
942
45
362
37
333
(Net
income
of
minorities)
- - (1
874)
(2
117)
(3
307)
(2
349)
(1
750)
income
of
the
Group
Net
58
701
493
216
625
44
135
47
53
635
43
014
35
583

Balance sheet

(Thousands
of Euros)
31/12/2020 31/12/2019 31/12/2018 31/12/2017 31/12/2016 31/12/2015 31/12/2014
Tangible
assets
Non
tangible
assets
33
443
626
685
34
694
615
108
32
724
432
637
32
334
427
692
32
364
397
664
34
987
397
418
36
614
394
530
Investments
in
associates
Other
fixed
assets
515
729
34
276
449
945
22
687
68
357
23
401
68
878
24
494
68
738
23
808
68
078
26
699
65
453
29
555
Fixed
assets
210
134
1
122
433
1
118
557
553
397
522
574
527
182
526
152
Operating
current
assets
(Operating
liabilities)
current
(Operating
liabilities)
non current
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)
229
095
(162
548)
(53
360)
working
capital
Net
(17
784)
(35
959)
8
268
16
969
15
754
6
991
13
188
Total
capital
employed
1
192
350
1
086
474
565
386
570
367
538
328
534
173
539
340
shareholders
Group
equity
853
903
873
492
443
567
445
511
438
055
415
264
405
357
Minorities - - 4
303
4
989
6
154
4
873
4
310
Net
financial
position
338
447
212
981
117
517
119
867
94
119
114
037
129
673
Total
sources
1
192
350
1
086
474
565
386
570
367
538
328
534
173
539
340

Cash flows statement

(Thousands
of Euros)
2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014
Self
financing
94
294
37
318
71.435 73
.722
80
060
69
396
64
251
Change
working
capital
in
(operating
activities)
net
Change
in
working
capital
(fiscal
activities)
net
(30
136)
(21
553)
5
964
3
453
(5
282)
2
537
(4
934)
(18
240)
(15
833)
3
673
(43
853)
43
352
27
181
(38
191)
Change
working
capital
in
net
(51
688)
9
.417
(2
.745)
(23
.174)
(12
.160)
(501) (11
011)
Capex
in
tangible
and
intangible
assets
Capex
in
companies
acquisitions
(44
431)
(68
598)
(34
440)
(25
115)
(28
306)
(3
778)
(22
976)
(17
421)
(19
262)
0
(21
892)
(0)
(20
903)
(15
374)
Capex (113
029)
(59
.555)
(32
084)
(40
397)
(19
262)
(21
892)
(36
277)
Change
in
shareholders'
equity
(55
042)
(82
645)
(34
256)
(35
899)
(28
.721)
(31
366)
(22
826)
financial
position
change
Net
(125
.465)
(95
.464)
2
350
(25
.748)
19
917
15.637 (5
863)

Annexes: Ascopiave financial data

FY 2020 financial results

Financial highlights

FY 2020 consolidated income statement Pag. 69
Step-up of the tax basis of capital assets Pag. 70
Consolidated balance sheet as of 31st December 2020 Pag. 71

Companies consolidated with full consolidation method

Number of gas distribution users and volumes of gas distributed Pag. 72
Revenues bridge Pag. 73
EBIT bridge Pag. 74
Gas distribution tariff revenues Pag. 75
Other net operating costs Pag. 76
Number of employees Pag. 77
Cost of personnel Pag. 78
Capex Pag. 79
Net Financial Position and cash flow Pag. 80
Financial debt and cost of debt Pag. 81
Estenergy
Group
Estenergy
Group financial highlights
Pag. 82

(Thousand
of
Euro)
12M
2020
12M
2019
Chg Chg
%
Revenues 163.896 124.911 38.985 +31%
(Cost
of
raw materials
and
consumables)
(1.782) (1.358) (423) +31%
(Cost
of
services)
(36.776) (31.732) (5.044) +16%
(Cost
of
personnel)
(17.132) (14.500) (2.632) +18%
(Other
operating
costs)
(44.511) (33.902) (10.609) +31%
Other
operating
income
109 1.479 (1.370) -93%
EBITDA 63.805 44.898 18.907 +42%
and
(Depreciations
amortizations)
(34.465) (23.325) (11.140) +48%
(Provisions) (189) - (189) n.a.
EBIT 29.151 21.573 7.578 +35%
Financial
income
/
(expenses)
1.847 (1.117) 2.963 -265%
(*)
Evaluation
of
companies
with
method
net
assets
18.310 648 17.662 +2724%
EBT 49.308 21.105 28.203 +134%
(Income
taxes)
9.394 (6.626) 16.019 -242%
Earnings
after
taxes
58.701 14.479 44.222 +305%
Net
result
from
discontinued
operations
- 478.737 (478.737) -100%
Net
income
58.701 493.216 (434.515) -88%
(Net
income
of
minorities)
- - - n.a.
Net
income
of
the
Group
58.701 493.216 (434.515) -88%

(*) Result of the company consolidated with net equity consolidation method (pro-rata): Estenergy, Euro 18,3 mln (Euro 0,0 mln in FY 2019); Unigas Distribuzione Gas, Euro 0,0 mln (Euro 0,6 mln in FY 2019).

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 69 nd February 2022

Effect of the revaluation of the tax basis of some capital assets (August Decree and 2021 Budget Law) on the 2020 Ascopiave Group consolidated financial statements

Companies involved: AP Reti Gas, Edigas Esercizio Distribuzione Gas, AP Reti Gas Rovigo.

INCOME STATEMENT:

(Thousand of Euro) 31/12/2020
EBT 49.308 Income taxes (income)
Substitutive tax
17.216
(1.568)
(Income taxes) (6.254) Net effect 15.648
Effect of step-up of the tax basis of capital assets 15.648
(Income taxes) 9.394
Earnings after taxes 58.701

BALANCE SHEET:

(Thousand
of
Euro)
31/12/2020
(Deferred
payables)
tax
8
410
Decrease
Advance
receivables
tax
8
806
Increase

Consolidated balance sheet as of 31st December 2020

(Thousand
of
Euro)
31/12/2020 31/12/2019 Chg Chg
%
(*)
Tangible
assets
33.443 34.694 (1.251) -4%
(*)
Non
tangible
assets
626.685 615.108 11.577 +2%
(**)
Investments
in
associates
515.729 449.945 65.785 +15%
Other
fixed
assets
34.276 22.687 11.590 +51%
Fixed
assets
1.210.134 1.122.433 87.701 +8%
Operating
current
assets
128.046 99.349 28.697 +29%
(Operating
liabilities)
current
(98.759) (82.458) (16.301) +20%
(Operating
liabilities)
non current
(47.071) (52.850) 5.779 -11%
Net
working
capital
(17.784) (35.959) 18.175 -51%
Total
capital
employed
1.192.350 1.086.474 105.876 +10%
Group
shareholders
equity
853.903 873.492 (19.589) -2%
Minorities - - - n.a.
Net
financial
position
338.447 212.981 125.465 +59%
Total
sources
1.192.350 1.086.474 105.876 +10%

(*) 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 429,0 mln (Euro 395,9 mln as of 31st December 2019); Hera Comm, Euro 54,0 mln (Euro 54,0 mln as of 31st December 2019); Acsm-Agam, Euro 26,7 mln (Euro 0,0 mln as of 31st December 2019); Cogeide, Euro 7,8 mln (Euro 0,0 mln as of 31st December 2019).

Operating data

Number of gas distribution users

Volumes of gas distributed

(Million of standard cubic meters)

(*) Unigas Distribuzione Gas operating data are included. The company was merged by incorporation in Ascopiave from 1° July 2019. On the same date the operating activities in the gas distribution sector were transferred to Edigas Distribuzione Gas;

(**) AP Reti Gas Nord Est, consolidated as of 31st December 2019.

(*) Change of the consolidation area refers only to the activities carried out by AP Reti Gas Nord Est. It does not include the contribution of the activities formerly carried out by Unigas Distribuzione Gas and currently operated by Edigas Esercizio Distribuzione Gas;

(**) 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 – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 73 nd February 2022

EBIT bridge (Thousand of Euro) (**) +7.578 +35% (*)

(*) Change of the consolidation area refers only to the activities carried out by AP Reti Gas Nord Est. It does not include the contribution of the activities formerly carried out by Unigas Distribuzione Gas and currently operated by Edigas Esercizio Distribuzione Gas;

(**) Further details on page 15 of the current presentation.

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 74 nd February 2022

(Thousand
of
Euro)
(*)
12M
2020
12M
2019
Chg Chg
%
Gas
distribution
tariff
revenues
109.108 79.777 29.331 +37%
Gas
distribution
tariff
revenues
109.108 79.777 29.331 +37%

The increase of the gas distribution tariff revenues of the companies consolidated with full consolidation method (+ Euro 29,3 mln) is due to:

  • 1) new consolidation area (AP Reti Gas Nord Est): + Euro 23,1 mln;
  • 2) gas distribution tariff revenues of the concession formerly held by Unigas Distribuzione Gas: + Euro 5,9 mln
  • 3) other changes of the tariff revenues: + Euro 0,3 mln.

(Thousand
of
Euro)
12M
2020
12M
2019
Chg Chg
%
Other
revenues
53.264 44.476 8.789 +20%
Other
of
raw materials
and
services
costs
(81.436) (64.854) (16.581) +26%
Cost
of
personnel
(17.132) (14.500) (2.632) +18%
Other
net
operating
costs
(45.303) (34.879) (10.424) +30%

Other net operating costs due to the change of the consolidation area: - Euro 6,5 mln (*)

Increase of other net operating costs: - Euro 4,0 mln

of which:

  • increase of net operating costs due to consolidation of the activities of Unigas: - Euro 3,3 mln;
  • decrease of cost of personnel: + Euro 1,6 mln;
  • increase of margin on energy efficiency tasks management: + Euro 0,5 mln;
  • decrease of gas distribution concession fees: + Euro 0,1 mln;
  • increase of CSEA contributions for security incentives: + Euro 1,2 mln;
  • decrease of capital gains on disposal of gas distribution plants: - Euro 1,4 mln;
  • increase of non recurring costs: - Euro 2,2 mln;
  • other variations: - Euro 0,5 mln.

(*) Change of the consolidation area refers only to the activities carried out by AP Reti Gas Nord Est. It does not include the contribution of the activities formerly carried out by Unigas Distribuzione Gas and currently operated by Edigas Esercizio Distribuzione Gas.

Number of employees

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 77 nd February 2022

(*) New consolidation area refers only to the activities carried out by AP Reti Gas Nord Est. It does not include the contribution of the activities formerly carried out by Unigas Distribuzione Gas and currently operated by Edigas Esercizio Distribuzione Gas.

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 78 nd February 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);

(***) New consolidation area refers only to the activities carried out by AP Reti Gas Nord Est. It does not include the contribution of the activities formerly carried out by Unigas Distribuzione Gas and currently operated by Edigas Esercizio Distribuzione Gas.

(*) Net investments in tangible and intangible assets: Euro 44,4 mln; purchase of the 4,99% of the share capital of Acsm-Agam: Euro 26,7 mln; subscription of a capital increase in Estenergy: Euro 32,5 mln; purchase of the 100% of the share capital of Cart Acqua: Euro 8,0 mln; payment of the contracted price adjustment for the purchase of AP Reti Gas Nord Est: Euro 1,4 mln;

(**) Purchase of own shares: - Euro 28,9 mln; dividends distributed to Ascopiave shareholders: - Euro 47,4 mln; dividends received from associated companies: + Euro 21,3 mln.

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 80 nd February 2022

Financial debt and cost of debt

(Thousand
of
Euro)
(*)
31/12/2020 31/12/2019 Chg Chg
%
Long
financial
borrowings
(>12
months)
term
195.999 135.083 60.916 +45%
Current
position
of
long
financial
borrowings
term
40.024 30.778 9.246 +30%
Short
financial
borrowings
(<12
months)
term
104.023 38.994 65.029 +167%
Total
financial
debt
340.046 204.855 135.191 +66%
Fixed
borrowings
rate
219.273 143.611 75.662 +53%
Floating
borrowings
rate
120.773 61.244 59.529 +97%

FY 2020 average cost of debt: 0,34% (vs FY 2019 rate: 0,35%)

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

Estenergy Group financial highlights

Income statement (*) Balance sheet (*)

(Thousand of Euro) 12M 2020
Revenues 363.109
(Cost of raw materials and consumables) (178.821)
(Cost of services) (136.770)
(Cost of personnel) (7.578)
(Other operating costs) (877)
Other operating income -
EBITDA 39.062
(Depreciations and amortizations) + (provisions) (14.019)
EBIT 25.043
Financial income / (expenses) (167)
EBT 24.877
(Income taxes) (5.639)
Net income 19.237
(Thousand
of
Euro)
31/12/2020
Tangible
assets
1.812
Non
tangible
assets
314.141
Investments
in
associates
8.424
Other
fixed
assets
1.683
Fixed
assets
326.061
Operating
current
assets
139.482
(Operating
liabilities)
current
(93.126)
(Operating
liabilities)
non current
(51.913)
Net
working
capital
(5.557)
Total
capital
employed
320.504
Shareholders
equity
348.864
financial
Net
position
(28.360)
Total
sources
320.504

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

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 82 nd February 2022

Annexes: Ascopiave financial data

9M 2021 financial results

Financial highlights


9M 2021 consolidated income statement
Pag. 84

Consolidated balance sheet as of 30th September 2021
Pag. 85
Companies consolidated with full consolidation method

Number of gas distribution users and volumes of gas distributed
Pag. 86

Revenues bridge
Pag. 87

EBIT bridge
Pag. 88

Gas distribution tariff revenues and other net operating costs
Pag. 89

Number of employees
Pag. 90

Cost of personnel
Pag. 91

Capex
Pag. 92

Net Financial Position and cash flow
Pag. 93

Financial debt and cost of debt
Pag. 94
Estenergy
Group
Estenergy Group financial highlights Pag. 95
--- ----------- ---------------------------- --------- -- --

(Thousand
of
Euro)
9M
2021
9M
2020
Chg Chg
%
Revenues 99.686 129.347 (29.661) -23%
(Purchase
for
other
raw materials)
costs
(1.195) (1.313) 118 -9%
for
(Costs
services)
(28.508) (27.585) (923) +3%
(Costs
for
personnel)
(13.619) (13.748) 129 -1%
(Other
costs)
management
(7.436) (41.622) 34.186 -82%
Other
income
527 39 488 +1250%
EBITDA 49.455 45.118 4.337 +10%
(Amortizations
and
depreciation)
(26.539) (25.105) (1.435) +6%
EBIT 22.916 20.014 2.902 +14%
Financial
income
/
(expenses)
2.048 2.298 (250) -11%
(*)
Evaluation
of
with
method
companies
equity
net
10.482 11.250 (768) -7%
EBT 35.445 33.562 1.884 +6%
(Income
taxes)
(5.747) (4.756) (991) +21%
Net
income
29.698 28.805 893 +3%

(*) Result of the company consolidated with net equity consolidation method (pro-rata): Estenergy, Euro 10,3 mln (Euro 11,2 mln in 9M 2020); Cogeide, Euro 0,2 mln (Euro 0,0 mln in 9M 2020).

Consolidated balance sheet as of 30th September 2021

(Thousand
of
Euro)
30/09/2021 31/12/2020 Chg Chg
%
(*)
Tangible
assets
34.036 33.443 593 +2%
(*)
tangible
Non
assets
634.295 626.685 7.610 +1%
(**)
Investments
in
associates
511.022 515.729 (4.707) -1%
Other
fixed
assets
34.396 34.276 119 +0%
Fixed
assets
1.213.748 1.210.134 3.615 +0%
Operating
current
assets
86.841 128.046 (41.205) -32%
(Operating
liabilities)
current
(68.046) (98.759) 30.712 -31%
(Operating
liabilities)
non current
(46.955) (47.071) 116 -0%
working
capital
Net
(28.160) (17.784) (10.376) +58%
Total
capital
employed
1.185.588 1.192.350 (6.761) -1%
Shareholders
equity
851.589 853.903 (2.314) -0%
financial
position
Net
333.999 338.447 (4.447) -1%
Total
sources
1.185.588 1.192.350 (6.761) -1%

(*) 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 424,2 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 7,9 mln (Euro 7,8 mln as of 31st December 2020).

Operating data

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 – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 87 nd February 2022

EBIT bridge

EBIT bridge (Thousand of Euro) (*) +2.902 +14%

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

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 88 nd February 2022

Gas distribution tariff revenues and other net operating costs

E-MARKET
SDIR
CERTIFIED
(Thousand
of
Euro)
(*)
9M
2021
9M
2020
Chg Chg
%
Gas
distribution
tariff
revenues
81.565 81.555 11 +0%
Gas
distribution
tariff
revenues
81.565 81.555 11 +0%
(Thousand
of
Euro)
9M
2021
9M
2020
Chg Chg
%
Other
revenues
16.977 46.676 (29.699) -64%
Other
of
raw materials
and
services
costs
(35.468) (69.364) 33.897 -49%
Cost
of
personnel
(13.619) (13.748) 129 -1%
Other
operating
net
costs
(32.111) (36.437) 4.326 -12%

Decrease of other net operating costs: + Euro 4,3 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 0,6 mln;
  • decrease of CSEA contributions for security incentives: - Euro 0,4 mln;
  • increase of costs for consultancy: - Euro 0,6 mln;
  • decrease of provisions for risks: + Euro 0,4 mln;
  • decrease of non recurring costs: + Euro 1,6 mln;
  • decrease of charitable disbursements and donations: + Euro 0,2 mln;
  • increase of margin on distributor services: + Euro 0,7 mln;
  • other variations: + Euro 0,8 mln.

(*) Economic data before elisions

Number of employees

(*) 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 0,2 mln; dividends distributed to Ascopiave shareholders: - Euro 34,7 mln.

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 93 nd February 2022

Financial debt and cost of debt

(Thousand
of
Euro)
(*)
30/09/2021 31/12/2020 Chg Chg
%
financial
borrowings
(>12
months)
Long
term
164.474 195.999 (31.525) -16%
Current
position
of
long
financial
borrowings
term
43.386 40.024 3.362 +8%
Short
financial
borrowings
(<12
months)
term
126.920 104.023 22.897 +22%
Total
financial
debt
334.780 340.046 (5.266) -2%
Fixed
borrowings
rate
195.860 219.273 (23.413) -11%
Floating
borrowings
rate
138.920 120.773 18.147 +15%

9M 2021 average cost of debt: 0,27% (vs 12M 2020 rate: 0,34%)

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

Income statement (*) Balance sheet (*)

(Thousand
of
Euro)
9M
2021
9M
2020
Revenues 279.866 249.910
(Purchase
for
other
raw materials)
costs
(147.014) (124.887)
(Costs
for
services)
(98.852) (94.583)
(Costs
for
personnel)
(5.719) (5.509)
(Other
costs)
management
(451) (415)
EBITDA 27.830 24.516
(Depreciations
and
amortizations)
+ (provisions)
(12.968) (10.099)
EBIT 14.862 14.417
Financial
income
/
(expenses)
564 594
EBT 15.426 15.011
(Income
taxes)
(4.273) (2.960)
Net
income
11.153 12.050
(Thousand
of
Euro)
30/09/2021 31/12/2020
Tangible
assets
1.571 1.812
Non
tangible
assets
313.310 314.141
Investments
in
associates
8.299 8.424
Other
fixed
assets
166 1.683
Fixed
assets
323.346 326.061
Operating
current
assets
97.565 139.482
(Operating
liabilities)
current
(103.821) (93.126)
(Operating
liabilities)
non current
(26.406) (51.913)
Net
working
capital
(32.662) (5.557)
Total
capital
employed
290.684 320.504
Shareholders
equity
341.769 348.864
financial
Net
position
(51.085) (28.360)
Total
sources
290.684 320.504

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

Ascopiave Group – 7th UTILITIES CONFERENCE – 2 96 nd February 2022

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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