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Ascopiave

Investor Presentation Mar 24, 2021

4357_egm_2021-03-24_16e28716-2449-4c25-9cbb-a10bdb1dd48f.pdf

Investor Presentation

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VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE A s c o p i a v e G r o u p 25th March 2021

Group overview
Pag. 3
Dividend
policy and Group strategic
guidelines
Pag. 10
Ascopiave gas distribution
business
Pag. 13
Estenergy
Pag. 21
Cogeide
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Pag. 29
Strategy
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Pag. 31
Annex: gas distribution: sector overview
Pag. 46
Annex: the energy
transition ……………………………………………………………………………….…………………….
Pag. 56
Annex: Ascopiave financial
data
Pag. 62
Disclaimer
Pag. 83

Business Overview

Group business activities Pag. 4
Ascopiave shareholders Pag. 5
Group structure as of 31st December 2020 …… 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, energy services, 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.

Ascopiave Shareholders as of 31st December 2020 (*)

Asco Holding S.p.A. directly controls the capital of Ascopiave S.p.A. (capital stake: 52,043%). Asco Holding S.p.A. is owned by 78 municipalities mainly located in the province of Treviso (public shareholders) and 1 private company.

(*) Internal processing of information pursuant to art. 120 TUF (Source: CONSOB website)

Ascopiave Group – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 6 th March 2021

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
515
729
449
945
Other
fixed
assets
34
276
22
687
Net
working
capital
(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

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

BALANCE
SHEET
31/12/2020
Goodwill 49
272
Tangible
under
concession
assets
564
554
Other
intangible
assets
12
859
Intangible
assets
626
685
31/12/2020
998
729

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT ACCORDING TO IFRS (*)

INCOME
STATEMENT
2020 2019
Revenues 163
896
124
911
EBITDA 63
805
898
44
EBITDA
margin
(%)
38
9%
,
35
9%
,
EBIT 29
151
21
573
EBIT
margin
(%)
17
8%
,
17
3%
,
financial
Net
income
20
157
(468)
(**)
Results
discontinued
operations
478
737
Income
taxes
9
394
(6
626)
income
Net
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
INCOME
STATEMENT
2020
Ordinary
income
taxes
(6
254)
Substitutive
tax
(1
568)
fiscal
Step-up
impact
assets
17
216
Income
taxes
9
394

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

Financial debt

2020 2019 Chg Chg
%
Long
financial
borrowings
(>12
months)
term
195
999
135
083
60
916
45
1%
,
Current
position
of
long
financial
borrowings
term
40
024
30
778
9
246
30
0%
,
Short
financial
borrowings
months)
(<12
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%
,
Short term credit lines available (31.12.2020): Euro 89,4 mln

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.

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 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Dividend
(Thousand
of
Euro)
47.442 75.163 40.016 40.016 33.347 33.332 26.666
Group
Net
Income
(Thousand
of
Euro)
493.216 44.625 47.135 53.635 43.014 35.583 38.678
Payout
ratio
10% 168% 85% 75% 78% 94% 69%
Dividend
per share
(Euro)
0,2133 0,3383 0,1800 0,1800 0,1500 0,1500 0,1200
Dividend
yield
(*)
5,8% 10,7% 5,3% 7,2% 7,0% 7,6% 8,4%
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
Dividend yield (*) 9,2% 0,0% 6,3% 5,8% 5,7% 4,4% 4,0%

TOTAL DIVIDENDS DISTRIBUTED FROM STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING TO DATE

About Euro 422,5 mln

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

2020-2024 expected dividend distribution

2020 DIVIDEND PROPOSAL

The Board of Directors, considering the 2020 results and the solidity of the Group's capital and financial structure, will suggest to the Shareholders' Meeting the distribution of a dividend of 16 Eurocent per share

2021-2024 PROSPECTS

An attractive and sustainable dividend distribution is expected for the 2021-2024 period. Dividend growing from 16 Eurocents per share to 18 Eurocents per share in 2024 (+13%)

(*) Dividend approved and distributed during 2025 with reference to the year 2024

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
Group Allowed Tariff Revenues (VRT) and Regulatory Asset Base (RAB)
Pag. 19

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) 632.665

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

distribution activities

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

Currently th
5
largest national operator in the sector and regional leader in Veneto
Group Users % Network %
1 Italgas 7
694
000 32
,
2% 71 761 27
,
2% Competitive context in Veneto
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% 19% Ascopiave
5 Ascopiave 777 252 3
,
3% 12 873 4
,
9% 30% 2i Rete Gas
6 Iren 744 730 3
,
1% 8 099 3
,
1% Italgas
7 Estra 516 000 2
,
2% 6 984 2
,
6% 14% PDR
8 Erogasmet 277 326 1
,
2% 3 722 1
,
4% Agsm-Aim
9 Gelsia 207 496 0
,
9% 1 789 0
,
7% 22% 15% Other operators
Others 6
411
193 26
,
8% 64 374 24
,
4%
Total 23
880
000 100
,
0% 264 026 100
,
0%

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

Economic results and investments 2014-2020

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).

ATEM (*) – Belluno

ATEM Belluno
Area (km2
)
3.496
Population (k) 200
Length of the network (2015) (km) 983
Gas users (2015) (k) 48
Outgoing operators BIM Belluno
Italgas
  • 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
  • Ascopiave challenged the decision before the regional administrative court (TAR Veneto)

(*) 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 by ALD and NED has been selected 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
  • Ascopiave, on the basis of currently available information, estimates an equity investments in both companies to the tune of aproximately € 82 million.

2019 pro-forma VRT (*) (Allowed Tariff Revenues) and 2019 RAB (Regulatory Asset Base)

2019 VRT (*) = CO + AMM + CI x rd = Euro 110,1 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

2019 RAB (*) = Euro 632,7 mln

(*) 2019 VRT has been approved by Gas, Electricity and Water Authority (ARERA) with Resolution n. 107/2020/R/gas. Including AP Reti Gas Nord Est, acquired from the Hera Group on 19th December 2019: VRT = Euro 23,6 mln; RAB = Euro 123,2 mln.

2020 VRT (*) (Allowed tariff Revenues) and 2020 RAB (Regulatory Asset Base)

2020 VRT (*) = CO + AMM + CI x rd = Euro 107,8 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

2020 RAB (*) = Euro 641,5 mln

(*) 2020 provisional VRT has been approved by Gas, Electricity and Water Authority (ARERA) with Resolution n. 127/2020/R/gas.

Ascopiave Group – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 20 th March 2021

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 is almost cash free. The total amount of the disposed assets is 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
increase
in
by
cash
Hera
Group
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%
Hera
Group
Estenergy
a
-395
9
,
395
9
,
7 acquired
Blu
from
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 (*)
Hera
Group
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.

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

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

Ascopiave Group – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 26 th March 2021

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 of the put option
  • 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.

Cogeide

Cogeide Pag. 30
--- --------- -- --------- -- --

Cogeide

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 – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 30 th March 2021

Strategy

Strategy Pag. 32
Ascopiave's
growth strategy in the gas distribution market
Pag. 33
Efficiency and innovation initiatives Pag. 37
Diversification Pag. 39
Economic and financial goals Pag. 41
2020-2024 Group planned investments Pag. 42
Financial projections to 2024 Pag. 43

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 2020-2024 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 size companies
  • Partnerships aimed at joint participation in tenders

INNOVATION

Innnovation targets short log and medium-term goals

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

DIVERSIFICATION

Entry into activities with respect to the core business

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

EFFICIENCY

Improving operating and economic efficency, following 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
ATEM
market
share
Treviso
2
141
045
18% 88%
Treviso
1
75
664
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 907
771
100%

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.

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

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: 2020-24 planned investments Euro 7,6 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
  • The identification of the right mix between Radio Frequency and P2P meters, and the economies of scale generated by the coverage of large areas of the territory, will allow a significant optimization 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: 2020-24 planned investments Euro 11,3 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: 2020-24 planned investments: Euro 118 mln

Expected EBITDA @ 2024 : + Euro 11 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)

Ascopiave Group – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 39 th March 2021

Diversification (2)

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

RES plants

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

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

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

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 two-year period 2023-2024 is expected
and, consequently, a significant increase in 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 period: 0.6%) 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 – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 41 th March 2021

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

Cumulative net investments @ 2024 (Scenario A)

€ 497 mln

  • Investments for the maintenance and development of the gas distribution infrustructures related to the current perimeters
  • Investment in acquisition of small-medium size gas distributors
  • Centralized investments (ICT systems, renewable of vehicle fleet, etc)
  • Investment in diversification (biomethane, RES plants, energy efficiency, water management service
Group investments
2020-2024 (*)
Scenario
A
%
Gas distribution current assets 251 51%
M&A gas distribution 65 13%
Gas distribution 316 64%
Diversification 118 24%
Corporate 10 2%
2020 Equity investments (**) 53 11%
Total investments 497 100%

Cumulative net investments @ 2024 (Scenario B)

€ 685 mln

Additional investment envisaged in case ATEM tenders are awared (paymet of residual value of the plants to outgoing operators (Euro 148 mln) and investments to be executed under new concessions (Euro 40 mln)

Group investments
2020-2024 (*)
Scenario
B
%
Investments scenario A 497 73%
Gas distribution -
tenders
188 27%
Total investments 685 100%

(*) Data in Euro/mln; investments 2020: preliminary (**) Estenergy, Cart Acqua and Acsm-Agam.

Ascopiave Group – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 42 th March 2021

In both scenario the Group's economic results and capital invested are expected to grow by 2024 Optimisation of the mix of funding sources

SCENARIO A SCENARIO B
(Euro/mln) 2020A 2020E 2024E cagr
%
2024E cagr
%
EBITDA 64 62 87 9% 107 15%
EBIT 29 27 36 7% 47 14%
Net financial income (*) 20 20 26 7% 24 5%
Net income (a) 59 40 51 6% 9%
Operating NIC 677 660 878 7% 1.065 13%
Associates 516 517 503 -1% 503 -1%
Net invested capital 1.192 1.178 1.381 4% 1.569 7%
Net equity 854 838 881 1% 886 1%
Net financial position 338 340 500 10% 683 19%
Financial leverage 0,40 0,41 0,57 9% 0,77 17%

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

Ascopiave Group – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 43 th March 2021

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 2020E 2024E cagr
%
2024E cagr
%
Connected gas users (k) 777 776 841 2% 999 7%
RAB 642 642 757 4% 911 9%
NIC diversification 0 0 102 n.a. 102 n.a.

Gas distribution – sector overview

Gas distribution: legal framework Pag. 47
Gas distribution: sector key figures Pag. 48
Public tenders for the assigning of concessions Pag. 49
Open ATEM procedures Pag. 50
Regulation of the call of tenders Pag. 52
Compensation to be paid to the outgoing distributor Pag. 53
Tariff regulation Pag. 54
  • 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
(*)
2019
No. of operators in Italy 199
Municipalities served 7.211
Volumes of gas distributed (bln/scm) 31,3
No. of users served (mln) 23,9
Length of the gas distribution network (km) 264.000
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:

  • o about 50% of RAB (**) is held by Italgas and F2i, the only operators with a national rank
  • o about 30% of RAB is held by 14 medium size operators (RAB > Euro 100 mln), with a regional relevance
Since 2000 gas distribution operators have been reduced Group Users %
to less than a third. 1 Italgas 7
694
000
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: Hera 1
406
639
5
9%
,
5 Ascopiave 777
252
3
3%
,
o 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
277
326
207
496
2
2%
,
o about 30% of RAB is held by 14 medium size operators 8 Erogasmet 1
2%
,
(RAB > Euro 100 mln), with a
regional relevance
9 Gelsia 0
9%
,
Others 6
411
193
26
8%
,
o 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. Ongoing or ended procedures totalling around 30% of the Italian gas users

CALL
FOR
TENDERS
SENT
TO
PUBLISHED
ARERA
AND
BY
THE
CONTRACTING
STATIONS
n. A
TE
M
users (k)
Gas
(***)
%
total
Italy
(****)
Total 14 3
104
269
14
4%
,
of
which:
awarded 4 MI
1
- TO
2
- NA
1
- TO
1
1
982
145
9
2%
,
awarded
with
pending
appeals
2 AO
- BL
64
165
0
3%
,
in
the
process of
being
awarded
1 UD
2
90
731
0
4%
,
cancelled 1 VE
1
211
848
1
0%
,
suspended 3 LU
- MS
- BI
313
282
5%
1
,
(term
2021*)
restricted
procedure
3 PO
- VI
3
- VR
2
442
098
1%
2
,
CALL
FOR
TENDERS
SENT
TO
ARERA
AND
NOT
YET
PUBLISHED
BY
THE
CONTRACTING
STATIONS
n. A
TE
M
users (k)
Gas
(***)
%
total
Italy
(****)
Total 10 3
060
663
14
2%
,
of
which:
verification
process concluded
6 FC
- MO
1
- RM
1
- RN
- SP
- TS
2
181
731
10
1%
,
verification
process in
progress
4 FI
1
2
- GE
1
- MO
2
- TO
5
_
878
932
4
1%
,

(*) deadline for submitting the application form (**) deadline for submitting the tender offer (***) source Mi.SE data at 31.12.2012 (****) share of ATEM users in the national total Ascopiave elaboration on sector information and ARERA

CALL
FOR
TENDERS
NOT
YET
SENT
TO
ARERA
AND
PUBLISHED
BY
THE
CONTRACTING
STATIONS
n. A
TE
M
users (k)
Gas
(***)
%
total
Italy
(****)
Total 19 2
159
608
10
0%
,
of
which:
cancelled 1 AL
2
51
136
2%
0
,
/
suspended
revoked
6 BG
3
- BS
- CO
2
- PG
2
- TO
3
1
1
- MB
672
706
3
1%
,
application
restricted
procedure
and
participate
to
presented
2 1
3
UD
- UD
121
551
0
6%
,
restricted
procedure
(term
2021*)
9 BG
2
- LO
1
- MB
1
- MI
3
- MI
4
- VA
2
-
VA
3
- VI
4
- PZ
2
1
199
092
5
6%
,
open procedure
(term
2021**)
1 CR
2
3
_
115
123
0
5%
,

(*) deadline for submitting the application form (**) deadline for submitting the tender offer (***) source Mi.SE data at 31.12.2012 (****) share of ATEM users in the national total Ascopiave elaboration on sector information and ARERA

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).

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

In 2020-2021 WACC is set at 6,3% Current regulation provides the updating of some calculation parameters in 2022: 1) Risk Free Rate, 2) Inflation Rate, 3) Gearing ratio, etc.

WACC 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
- distribution
WACC
6
10%
,
6
30%
,
6
30%
,
6
30%
,
tbd
WACC
- metering
6
60%
,
6
80%
,
6
30%
,
6
30%
,
tbd

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
2018 2019 2020 chg chg
%
/
end
users - distribution
CO
39
6
,
40
2
,
33
1
,
-7
1
,
-18%
/
end
other
CO
users - meterig
&
7
6
,
7
7
,
9
1
,
1
4
,
18%
/
Total
end
CO
users
47
2
,
47
9
,
42
2
,
-5
7
,
-12%

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

Standard investment costs

In the near future the rate of return on the investments considered by the tariff system will take into account the spread between the effective costs and standard costs to be defined by ARERA.

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.

The energy transition

The energy transition Pag. 57
The European and Italian decarbonisation
goals
Pag. 58
The role of the gas sector in the energy transition
Pag. 59
The new infrastructure grid Pag. 60

The road to a decarbonised future brings with it new challenges and development opportunities for energy sector operators

New challenges for the "gas system" and for infrastructure managers

Innovation Efficiency Sustainability Biomethane Hydrogen Synthetic gas

New development opportunities in sustainable sectors

Ascopiave Group – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 57 th March 2021

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

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

(*) Source: 1Snam-Terna Scenario 2019 – Centralised Scenario (characterised by a strong development of centralised renewable / low carbon technologies and by the hypothesis of achieving the 2030 targets set out in the Clean energy for all Europeans Package).

Ascopiave Group – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 59 th March 2021

Annexes: financial data

2014-2020 financial comparison

Income statement Pag. 63
Balance sheet Pag. 64
Cash flows statement
Pag. 65

FY 2020 financial results

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
tangible
Non
assets
Investments
in
associates
Other
fixed
assets
33
443
626
685
729
515
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
36
614
394
530
65
453
29
555
Fixed
assets
1
210
134
1
122
433
557
118
553
397
522
574
527
182
526
152
Operating
current
assets
liabilities)
(Operating
current
(Operating
liabilities)
non current
128
046
(98
759)
071)
(47
99
349
(82
458)
(52
850)
219
660
(160
146)
245)
(51
222
977
(156
597)
(49
411)
201
908
(138
003)
(48
151)
223
482
(166
793)
(49
698)
229
095
(162
548)
(53
360)
Net
working
capital
(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
Group
shareholders
equity
853
903
873
492
443
567
445
511
438
055
264
415
405
357
Minorities - - 303
4
989
4
6
154
873
4
310
4
financial
Net
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

Ascopiave Group – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 64 th March 2021

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
in
working
capital
(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
in
working
capital
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
change
Net
position
(125
.465)
(95
.464)
2
350
(25
.748)
19
917
15.637 (5
863)

Annexes: financial data

2014-2020 financial comparison

FY 2020 financial results

Financial highlights


FY 2020 consolidated income statement
Pag. 67

Step-up of the tax basis of capital assets
Pag. 68

Consolidated balance sheet as of 31st December 2020
Pag. 69
Companies consolidated with full consolidation method

Estenergy Group

(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 – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 67 th March 2021

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%
shareholders
Group
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).

Annexes: financial data

2014-2020 financial comparison

FY 2020 financial results

Financial highlights

Companies consolidated with full consolidation method

Number of gas distribution users and volumes of gas distributed Pag. 71
Revenue bridge Pag. 72
EBIT bridge Pag. 73
Gas distribution tariff revenues Pag. 74
Other net operating costs Pag. 75
Number of employees Pag. 76
Cost of personnel Pag. 77
Capex Pag. 78
Net Financial Position and cash flow Pag. 79
Financial debt and cost of debt Pag. 80
Estenergy
Group

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 – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 72 th March 2021

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 – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 73 th March 2021

(Thousand
of
Euro)
(*)
12M
2020
12M
2019
Chg Chg
%
distribution
tariff
Gas
revenues
109.108 79.777 29.331 +37%
distribution
Gas
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%
of
personnel
Cost
(17.132) (14.500) (2.632) +18%
Other
operating
net
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 – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 76 th March 2021

(*) 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 – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 77 th March 2021

(*) 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 – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 79 th March 2021

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
months)
(<12
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.

Annexes: financial data

2014-2020 financial comparison

FY 2020 financial results

Financial highlights
Companies consolidated with full consolidation method
Estenergy
Group

Estenergy
Group financial highlights
Pag. 82

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
liabilities)
(Operating
current
(93.126)
liabilities)
(Operating
non current
(51.913)
working
capital
Net
(5.557)
Total
capital
employed
320.504
Shareholders
equity
348.864
Net
financial
position
(28.360)
Total
sources
320.504

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

Ascopiave Group – VIRTUAL STAR CONFERENCE – 25 82 th March 2021

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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