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Ascopiave — Investor Presentation 2022
Jun 20, 2022
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Investor Presentation
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A s c o p i a v e G r o u p
8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE 21st June 2022
SUMMARY
| Business overview ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…. |
Pag. 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend policy and Group strategic guidelines ………………………………………………………………. |
Pag. 10 | |
| Ascopiave gas distribution business ………………………………………………………………………………………… |
Pag. 13 | |
| Estenergy ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…. |
Pag. 21 | |
| Cogeide ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… |
Pag. 29 | |
| Asco Renewables and Asco EG …………………………………………………………………….……………………………… |
Pag. 31 | |
| Strategy ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. | Pag. 33 | |
| Annex: gas distribution: sector overview …………………………………………………………………………… |
Pag. 49 | |
| Annex: the energy transition ……………………………………………………………………………….……………………. |
Pag. 58 | |
| Annex: Ascopiave financial data ………………………………………………………………………………………………. |
Pag. 63 | |
| Disclaimer ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………. | Pag. 95 |
Business Overview
| → | Group business activities ……………………………………………….……………………………………………………….…. | Pag. 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| → | Ascopiave shareholders ……………………………………………….………………………………………………………….…. | Pag. 5 | |
| → | Group structure as of 1st June 2022 …………………….………………….……………………………….………… | Pag. 6 | |
| → | Main financial data ……………………………………………….………………………………………………………….……….…. | Pag. 7 | |
| → | Financial debt ……………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………….….…. | Pag. 9 |
Ascopiave is a leading operator in the Italian natural gas distribution sector. The Group also holds valuable assets in other business activities (power and energy retail, renewable energy production, energy services and water management services)
GAS DISTRIBUTION - CORE BUSINESS
Operation, maintenance and development of local pipelines, connecting the transport national pipelines to the end consumers.
Activity carried out by controlled companies on the basis of concessions awarded by municipalities. Regulation provided both by the local municipalities and by the National Energy Authority (ARERA).
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Ascopiave is listed on the STAR segment of Borsa Italiana's equity market. The company complies with strict requirements concerning transparency, disclosure, liquidity and corporate governance, in line with international standards.
Increased voting right in general shareholders meeting pursuant to Art. 127-quinquies, paragraph 1, of the TUF (i.e. the main italian law governing the financial sector): two votes for each share held for a 24-month uninterrupted period.
(*) Internal processing of information based on available company information.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 5 st June 2022
Group structure as of 1st June 2022
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 6 st June 2022
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET ACCORDING TO IFRS (*)
| BALANCE SHEET |
31/12/2021 | 31/12/2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Tangible assets |
58 012 , |
33 443 , |
| Intangible assets |
647 279 , |
626 685 , |
| Investments in associates |
521 359 , |
515 729 , |
| Other fixed assets |
35 169 , |
34 276 , |
| working capital Net |
(45 828) , |
(17 784) , |
| TOTAL CAPITAL EMPLOYED |
1 215 991 , , |
1 192 350 , , |
| Shareholders equity |
868 505 , |
853 903 , |
| Net financial position |
347 485 , |
338 447 , |
| Financial leverage |
0 40 |
0 40 |
Capital mainly invested in the gas distribution business and in associates active and in the power and gas retail business
Solid financial structure
| BALANCE SHEET |
31/12/2021 |
|---|---|
| Goodwill | 49 272 , |
| Assets under concession |
585 069 , |
| Other intangible assets |
12 938 , |
| Intangible assets |
647 279 , |
| BALANCE SHEET |
31/12/2021 |
|---|---|
| (48%) Estenergy |
434 368 , |
| Hera Comm (3%) |
54 000 |
| , | |
| Other participations (**) |
32 991 , |
| Investments in associates |
521 359 , |
(*) Thousands of Euros; (**) Other participations: Acsm-Agam (5%, Euro 24.9 mln) and Cogeide (18.33%, € 8.1 mln).
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 7 st June 2022
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT ACCORDING TO IFRS (*)
| INCOME STATEMENT |
2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenues | 134 911 , |
163 896 , |
| EBITDA | 66 382 |
63 805 |
| , | , | |
| EBITDA margin (%) |
49 2% |
38 9% |
| EBIT | 33 838 , |
29 151 , |
| EBIT margin (%) |
25 1% |
17 8% |
| Net financial income |
21 424 , |
20 157 , |
| Income taxes |
(9 937) , |
9 394 , |
| Net income |
45 326 , |
58 701 , |
| 2021 |
|---|
| 19 504 , |
| 388 |
| 3 489 , |
| (1 957) , |
| 21 424 , |
Operating results referred mainly to the regolated gas distribution business
Significant contribution from the minority partecipations in Estenergy and Hera Comm
(*) Thousands of Euros.
Financial debt
| 2021 | 2020 | Chg | Chg % |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| financial borrowings (>12 months) Long term |
161 488 |
195 999 |
(34 511) |
6% -17 , |
| Current position of long financial borrowings term Bond loans Short financial borrowings months) (<12 term net |
60 631 25 000 96 462 |
40 024 - 104 023 |
20 607 25 000 (7 561) |
51 5% , n.a. -7 3% |
| Total financial debt |
343 581 |
340 046 |
3 535 |
, 0% 1 , |
| Fixed borrowings rate Floating borrowings rate |
235 119 108 462 |
219 273 120 773 |
15 846 (12 311) |
7 2% , -10 2% , |
Short term credit lines available (31.12.2021): Euro 87.5 mln
FY 2021 average cost of debt: 0.46% (vs FY 2020 rate: 0.34%)
(*) Thousands of Euros; data refers to the companies consolidated with the full consolidation method.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 9 st June 2022
Dividend policy and Group strategic guidelines
| → | Dividend policy ……………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………….…. | Pag. 11 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| --- | -- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------- | -- | -- |
Dividend policy (1)
Dividend payment sustainable with high return to shareholders
Sustainability of the dividend policy:
- stable cash flow
- stable business profitability
- well-balanced financial structure
Dividend yield at the top of the listed italian utility companies
| DIVIDEND | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dividend (Thousand of Euro) |
35 757 , |
34 663 , |
442 47 , |
163 75 , |
40 016 , |
40 016 , |
33 347 , |
33 332 , |
| Group Net Income (Thousand of Euro) |
45 326 , |
58 701 , |
493 216 , |
44 625 , |
47 135 , |
53 635 , |
43 014 , |
35 583 , |
| Payout ratio |
79% | 59% | 10% | 168% | 85% | 75% | 78% | 94% |
| Dividend per share (Euro) |
0 1650 |
0 1600 |
0 2133 |
0 3383 |
0 1800 |
0 1800 |
0 1500 |
0 1500 |
| DIVIDEND | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 |
| Dividend (Thousand of Euro) |
26 666 , |
24 484 , |
0 | 22 557 , |
20 349 , |
19 442 , |
19 890 , |
19 833 , |
| Group Net Income (Thousand of Euro) |
38 678 , |
27 865 , |
6 266 , |
31 174 , |
25 288 , |
18 452 , |
21 764 , |
16 381 , |
| Payout ratio |
69% | 88% | 0% | 72% | 80% | 105% | 91% | 121% |
| Dividend per share (Euro) |
0 1200 |
0 1100 |
0 0000 |
0 1000 |
0 0900 |
0 0850 |
0 0850 |
0 0850 |
TOTAL DIVIDENDS DISTRIBUTED FROM STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING TO DATE Euro 493.0 mln
(*) Dividend yield = dividend per share / average price per share in the year.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 11 st June 2022
2022-2025 expected dividend distribution
2022-2025 PROSPECTS
An attractive and sustainable dividend distribution is expected for the 2022-2025 period.
Dividend growing from 16.5 Eurocents per share in 2021 to 18.5 Eurocents per share in 2025 (+12%)
(*) Dividend approved and distributed during 2026 with reference to the year 2025.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 12 st June 2022
Ascopiave gas distribution business
| → | Market positioning ……………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………. | Pag. 14 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| → | Stabilty of the economic results and low risk profile ……………………………………………….…. |
Pag. 16 | |
| → | ATEM – Belluno ……………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………….…….…. |
Pag. 17 | |
| → | Partnership with Aemme Linea Distribuzione and NED Reti Distribuzione Gas . |
Pag. 18 | |
| → | Consortium to acquire A2A assets …………………………………………………………………………………………… | Pag. 19 | |
| → | Group Allowed Tariff Revenues (VRT) and Regulatory Asset Base (RAB) ……………. | Pag. 20 |
The gas distribution is carried out by subsidiary companies totally controlled by Ascopiave
| Ascopiave Gas Distribution Business 2021 key figures | |
|---|---|
| No. of managed concessions | 268 |
| Length of the gas distribution network (km) | 12,988 |
| No. of Users (PDR) | 777,858 |
| Volume of gas distributed (scm/mln) | 1,593 |
| RAB (Euro/000) | 658,443 |
The operated networks are located in Northern Italy (70% of the gas end users in Veneto, 15% in Lombardy, 15% in other Regions)
Ascopiave Group has been among the protagonist of the consolidation of the sector Since 2000 Ascopiave has completed 12 company acquisitions
| 127 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 2006 |
2007 2008 |
2009 2010 |
2011 2012 |
2013 2014 |
2015 2016 |
2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 2021 |
||
| Currently | th 5 |
largest national |
operator in the sector | and regional | leader in Veneto | ||||||
| Group | (*) Users |
% | (*) Network |
% | Competitive context in Veneto | ||||||
| 1 | Italgas | 694 000 7 |
32 2% , |
761 71 |
27 2% , |
||||||
| 2 2i Rete Gas |
342 719 4 |
18 2% , |
66 052 |
25 0% , |
|||||||
| 3 A2A |
1 502 645 |
6 3% , |
11 240 |
4 3% , |
|||||||
| 4 Hera |
1 406 639 |
5 9% , |
17 132 |
6 5% , |
14% | Ascopiave | |||||
| 5 Ascopiave |
777 252 |
3 3% , |
12 873 |
4 9% , |
29% | 2i Rete Gas | |||||
| 6 Iren |
730 744 |
3 1% , |
8 099 |
3 1% , |
15% | ||||||
| 7 Estra |
516 000 |
2 2% , |
6 984 |
2 6% , |
PDR | Italgas | |||||
| 8 Erogasmet |
277 326 |
1 2% , |
3 722 |
1 4% , |
Agsm-Aim | ||||||
| 9 Gelsia |
207 496 |
0 9% , |
1 789 |
0 7% , |
22% | 19% | Other operators | ||||
| Others | 6 411 193 |
26 8% , |
64 374 |
24 4% , |
|||||||
| Total | 23 880 000 |
100 0% , |
264 026 |
100 0% , |
(*) 2019 data.
Gas distribution is a regulated business, characterised by a stable profitabilty and low risk profile
Economic results and investments 2014-2021
| YEAR | EBITDA (Euro/mln) |
EBITDA/user (Euro) |
Investments (Euro/mln) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 70.2 | 90 | 50.3 |
| 2020 | 69.8 | 90 | 41.9 |
| 2019 | 48.3 | 82 | 31.4 |
| 2018 | 48.6 | 99 | 27.8 |
| 2017 | 47.8 | 102 | 22.5 |
| 2016 | 35.0 | 88 | 19.7 |
| 2015 | 35.8 | 90 | 20.7 |
| 2014 | 35.4 | 90 | 19.7 |
| Constancy of economic results |
|---|
| (EBITDA/end user) and cash |
| flows guaranteed by the |
| stability of regulation |
- Increase in EBITDA supported by the growth in the customer base served over the years
- Ascopiave achieves excellent profitability on operational management
Recovery of the capital invested at the expiry of concessions (compensation to be cash by the newcoming operators in case of exit)
- On 1st September 2017 AP Reti Gas S.p.A. submitted an offer to win the concession for the management of the gas distribution service in the ATEM of Belluno
- Bidding competitors: four
- Duration: 12 years. Compensation to be paid to the outgoing operators: about Euro 59 mlllion
- In June 2019 the contracting authority awarded the concession to Italgas
- AP Reti Gas challenged the decision before the regional administrative court (TAR Veneto)
- The regional administrative court rejected AP Reti Gas's appeal. The company appealed to the State Council
(*) ATEM (Ambito Territoriale Minimo): minimum geographical area, grouping neighbouring municipalities, based on which the new concession is awarded.
Partnership with Aemme Linea Distribuzione and NED Reti Distribuzione Gas
| ATEM | Milano 2 | Milano 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Area (km2 ) |
348 | 629 |
| Population (k) | 600 | 531 |
| Length of the network (2012) (km) | 2,500 | 2,100 |
| Gas users (2012) (k) | 277 | 245 |
| Gas distributed (2012) (scm/mln) | 520 | 500 |
| Main outgoing operators | 2i Rete Gas (*) ALD & NED Italgas |
2i Rete Gas (*) ALD & NED Italgas Unareti |
(*) ALD and NED currently serve about 160,000 gas users in both the ATEM.
- On 25th February 2020 Ascopiave has been selected by ALD and NED as the industrial partner for a joint participation in each of the future gas assignment service tenders Milano 2 and Milano 3
- In the event of winning one tender, a company will be established whose share capital will be held 49% by AP Reti Gas (Ascopiave Group) and 51% by ALD and NED.
- The governace of the newly established companies will allow the Ascopiave Group to wholly consolidate the book value of the equity investments
-
Estimated Ascopiave equity investments in both companies: aproximately € 82 million.
-
In line with the goal of consolidating its presence in the gas distribution sector, Ascopiave has been awarded the acquisition of assets from the A2A Group in consortium with ACEA and IREN
- July 2021: call for tender for the sale of minority stakes in the A2A gas network
- Establishment of a consortium formed by Ascopiave (58%), ACEA (28%) and Iren (14%) to participate in the tender
- 31st December 2021: signing of the agreement with A2A for the acquisition of the related assets
- 1st April 2022: closing
- Within 12 months of closing: allocation of the assets among the consortium members is foreseen according to the respective perimeter of interest
2021 VRT (*) (Allowed tariff Revenues) and 2021 RAB (Regulatory Asset Base)
where:
CO: quota covering management operating costs
AMM: quota covering depreciation
CI (RAB): net capital invested in distribution
rd: real pre-tax rate of return on net invested capital (6.3%)
2021 RAB (*) = Euro 658.4 mln
(*) 2021 VRT has been approved by Gas, Electricity and Water Authority (ARERA) with Resolution n. 154/2022/R/gas.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 20 st June 2022
Estenergy
| → | The strategic repositioning of Ascopiave finalized on December 2019 ………………. | Pag. 22 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| → | Valuation of the assets involved in the transaction ……………………………………………….……… | Pag. 23 | |
| → | Group structure before 19th December 2019 ……………………………………………….…………………. | Pag. 24 | |
| → | Group structure as of 31st December 2019 ……………………………………………….………………………. | Pag. 25 | |
| → | Key figures related to Estenergy Group ……………………………………………….……………………………… |
Pag. 26 | |
| → | Governance of Estenergy ……………………………………………….……………………………………………………………. |
Pag. 27 | |
| → | Put option of Ascopiave on Estenergy shares ……………………………………………….…………………… |
Pag. 28 |
On 19th December 2019 Ascopiave and Hera finalized a complex operation
- The two parties established a partnership in the energy sales business through the company Estenergy. Estenergy acquired:
- ✓ the shareholdings held by the Ascopiave Group in the companies active in the natural gas and electricity sale business (except for Amgas Blu)
- ✓ the sales activities operated by the Hera Group in Triveneto
- the purchase by Ascopiave from the Hera Group of a series of gas distribution concessions covering 188.000 users in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia.
The operation was finalised on 19th December 2019.
Primary strategic goals matched by Ascopiave:
- reinforcing the gas distribution core business, consolidating the leadership position in the Veneto Region
- giving greater value to the sales activities, through the partnership with a valid player in the market
Total Equity Value of the gas sales assets previously held by Ascopiave = Euro 616,2 mln The transaction was almost cash free. The total amount of the disposed assets was completely invested:
-
- Minority stake (48%) in Estenergy
-
- Capital stake (3%) in Hera Comm
-
- Gas distribution assets (currently held by a New Co: AP Reti Gas Nord-Est)
Steps of the Transaction and Equity Value of the Involved Companies / Assets
| / (Euro/mln) CASH IN OUT |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step | Ascopiave | (*) Group Hera |
Estenergy | |
| 1 | acquired Nord-Est from Ascopiave AP Reti Gas Hera Group |
-168 0 , |
168 0 , |
|
| 2 | acquired stake from Hera Group 49% Estenergy Ascopiave a |
99 5 , |
-99 5 , |
|
| 3 | subscribed capital by cash Hera Group increase in Estenergy a |
-633 2 , |
633 2 , |
|
| 4 | (**) acquired the Commercial Companies stakes from Ascopiave Estenergy |
474 2 , |
-474 2 , |
|
| 5 | acquired Nord-Est from Estenergy Hera Comm Hera Group |
159 0 , |
-159 0 , |
|
| 6 | acquired stake from Ascopiave 48% Estenergy Hera Group a |
-395 9 , |
395 9 , |
|
| 7 | acquired Blu from Group Ascopiave Hera Amgas |
42 5 , |
-42 5 , |
|
| 8 | Ascopiave acquired 3% capital stake in Hera Comm a |
-54 0 , |
54 0 , |
|
| Total balance |
-1 7 , |
1 7 , |
0 0 , |
| investment Net |
Ascopiave | (*) Group Hera |
Estenergy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distribution business |
168 0 , |
-168 0 , |
0 0 , |
| Sales business |
-166 3 , |
166 3 , |
0 0 , |
| Total investiment net |
1 7 , |
-1 7 , |
0 0 , |
(*) Net of Estenergy (**) Commercial Companies Stakes: Ascotrade, Ascopiave Energie, Blue Meta, Etra Energia, Asm Set.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 23 st June 2022
2021 key figures related to the sales business run by Estenergy Group:
| Gas sales | 2021 | Electricity sales | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume of gas sold (scm/mln) | 1,034 | Volume of electricity sold (GWh) | 1,390 |
| Number of customers | 711,057 | Number of customers | 322,986 |
| Income statement (*) |
2021 | ||
| Revenues | 957,070 | ||
| EBITDA | 88,975 | ||
| EBIT | 53,372 | 52% 48% |
|
| Net income | 41,153 | ||
| Net income consolidated by Ascopiave | 19,504 | Estenergy is consolidated |
by the Ascopiave |
| (pro-rata) | Group with the net equity Consolidated results reported |
method. in Ascopiave |
(*) Thousands of Euros; data are considered at 100%.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 26 st June 2022
financial statements takes into account the measure of the capital share and the pertaining consolidation rules.
Governance of Estenergy
Board of Directors: composed of 5 directors.
- Ascopiave appoints 2 board members (with non executive powers). One is the Chairman
- Hera Group appoints the remaining members. One is the CEO of the company
Board of Statutory Auditors: composed of 3 members.
- Ascopiave appoints 1 member: the chairman
- Hera Group appoints the remaining 2 members
Certain matters are subject to veto rights of Ascopiave (or the directors appointed by it)
The corporate governance of the controlled company mirrors the corporate governance of Estenergy in terms of representation in the corporate bodies, veto rights, etc.
Put Option of Ascopiave on Estenergy shares
Put option of Ascopiave exercisable
- in all or in part, by the latter on its entire stake in Estenergy, within 7 years from the closing of the transaction
- at a price (strike price) that will be the highest of:
-
- Fair Market Value, calculated on the basis of an evaluation method agreed between the parties
-
- 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
-
- Purchase price at entry
If exercised, the put option guarantees a minimum rate of return on the initial investment of Ascopiave in Estenergy (Euro 395,9 mln)(*) equal to 4%
(*) In 2020 Ascopiave subscribed an EstEnergy capital increase for 32.5m€ to service the tax relief of the higher value of the equity investments it acquired compared to the net book value. The benefits for Ascopiave will be represented by higher dividends in the years 2023-2032. If the put option is exercised, the benefits not yet obtained will be recognized as a supplement to the price.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 28 st June 2022
| Cogeide | |
|---|---|
| → Cogeide ……………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………………… |
Pag. 30 |
Entry into the water management service through the acquisition of Cart Acqua in 2020, investor and technological partner of Cogeide, manager of the Integrated Water Service in 15 municipalities in the Province of Bergamo
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 30 st June 2022
| Asco Renewables and Asco EG |
|
|---|---|
| → Asco Renewables and Asco EG ……………………………………………….…………………….…………………………… |
Pag. 32 |
Entry into the field of renewable energy production through the acquisition of the portfolio of 6 hydroelectric plants from EVA Group in Lombardy and Piedmont and of the 79.74% stake in Eusebio Energia, owner of a portfolio of 21 hydroelectric plants in Lombardy and Veneto and 1 wind farm in Campania
| Asco Renewable key figures |
2021 |
|---|---|
| Number of plants | 28 |
| Installed capacity (MW) | 62.5 |
| Energy produced (GWh/y) | 178 |
| EBITDA (Euro/mln) | 15.4 |
Strategy
| → | Strategy ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……… | Pag. 34 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| → | Ascopiave's growth strategy in the gas distribution market ……………………………………… |
Pag. 35 | |
| → | Efficiency and innovation initiatives …………………………………………………………………………………… | Pag. 39 | |
| → | Diversification ……………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………… | Pag. 41 | |
| → | Economic and financial goals …………………………………………………………………………………………….……… | Pag. 43 | |
| → | 2021-2025 Group planned investments (Scenario A) …………………………………………………… | Pag. 44 | |
| → | 2021-2025 Group planned investments (Scenario B) …………………………………………………… | Pag. 45 | |
| → | Financial projections to 2025 …………………………………………………………………………………………….……… | Pag. 46 |
Ascopiave Group's strategy is based on sustainable growth, developing resources and competences in order to seize the opportunities generated by new market trends
The 2021-2025 strategic plan envisages a growth path that will allow to increase company profitability, maintaining a balanced financial structure and a stable and profitable dividend distribution
GROWTH (core business)
Ascopiaves' current positioning and competences in the gas distribution sector constitute solid foundations to support the growth of the perimeter of the activities managed in a sector undergoing consolidation
- Awarding of a significant number of ATEM tenders
- M&A of small to medium sized companies operating in the gas distribution sector
- Establishment of partnerships aimed at joint participation in tenders
INNOVATION
Innnovation targets both short and medium-long term goals
- optimisation of operating costs
- competitive potential improvement in ATEM competition
- technological adaptation of networks and infrastructures as a contribution to the cometitiveness of the «gas system» vs. alternative energy carriers
DIVERSIFICATION
Entry into new activities with respect to the core business
- Biomethane Renewable energy sources
- Energy efficiency Water management services
- Green hydrogen
- Upsides (other network services, synthetic gas, hydrogen)
EFFICIENCY
Improving operating and economic efficency to follow up on the excellent results achieved over the last few years
STRATEGIC PILLARS
Ascopiave's growth strategy in the gas distribution market (1)
- Gas distribution concession must be awarded through public tenders.
- The future tenders must be called to assign concessions for the management of the service in wide geographical areas, grouping neighbouring municipalities (ATEM).
- Municipalities belonging to a single ATEM must appoint a local entity to act as unique contracting authority.
Ascopiave's positioning inside the ATEMs (*)
| ATEM | Ascopiave Group (*) gas users |
% | Ascopiave Group market share ATEM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treviso 2 |
141 045 |
18% | 88% |
| Treviso 1 |
664 75 |
10% | 55% |
| Padova 1 |
169 125 |
22% | 78% |
| Vicenza 3 |
80 175 |
10% | 78% |
| Rovigo | 35 593 |
5% | 36% |
| Udine 3 |
33 036 |
4% | 54% |
| Bergamo 1 |
31 593 |
4% | 42% |
| Bergamo 5 |
30 886 |
4% | 32% |
| Vicenza 4 |
29 192 |
4% | 44% |
| Venezia 2 |
25 899 |
3% | 13% |
| Other ATEM |
119 699 |
16% | n.a. |
| Total | 771 907 |
100% |
(*) 2012 data. Ascopiave processing on MISE data.
- Ascopiave is currently the main operator in 5 ATEM with more than 50% market share in terms of end users served. The current end users in these ATEM amount to over 60% of the total end users served by the Group
- Ascopiave has also a significant market share in other ATEM located in Veneto, Lombardy and Friuli Venezia-Giulia
Ascopiave has identified the ATEM to bid for, defining the different levels of priority with the aim of establishing a portfolio of territorially contiguous concessions.
The Group is also evaluating potential partnerships with other operators, in order to strengthen its position in some geographical areas.
The definition and implementation of the strategy depends on the timing of publication of the tender notices and any delays in the deadlines. This implies the need to establish an order of strategic priority and a continuous updating of decisions regarding participation in future tenders
Ascopiave has all the requirements to successfully act in the market:
- it has strong financial capability so it can finance the required investments, by further exploiting the financial leverage
- It is one of the main operators in Italy, with a long-standing and excellent expertise in the sector and it can assign significant organisational and economic resources to compete in the tender processes.
Cash out (-)
(A) Acquisition of new gas distribution plants from the outgoing operators
(B) Investments during the concessional period (maintenance and development)
Cash in (+)
(A) Self financing
- Disposals of gas distribution plants in areas in which Ascopiave does not intend to bid for (net of tax)
- Increase of EBITDA
(B) Other financing
- Bank financing
Ascopiave's growth strategy in the gas distribution market (4)
After the assignment of the new ATEM concessions, the geographical areas served by Ascopiave are expected to change. The larger customer base and the increased territorial concentration of the operated plants will allow economies of scale and cost optimisation.
In the target ATEM (Ascopiave wins the contract):
Ascopiave will continue to operate the service in the municipalities where it currently carries out the activity.
Ascopiave will operate the service in the municipalities where the activity is currently carried out by other operators (outgoing operators). Ascopiave will acquire the property of the plant and will pay to the outgoing operators a compensation, calculated in accordance with the law.
In the other ATEM (Ascopiave either does not bid in the competition or makes a bid and loses)
Ascopiave will cease the operation of the service in the municipalities where it currently carries out the activity. It will received from the ingoing operator (the winner of the contract) a compensation calculated in accordance with the law.
Program to increase operational and economic efficiency through the digitisation of networks and processes: 2021-25 planned investments Euro 7.9 mln (*)
SMART METER INSTALLATION
- Ascopiave Group was one of the first companies to experiment with the installation of intelligent mass market meters and aims to achieve 100% of smart meters installed throughout its networks @ 2024
- Internalisation of installation activities is envisaged, in compliance with the objectives set by the authority and in order to plan such interventions in the most opportune way
- The identification of the right mix between Radio Frequency and P2P1 meters, and the economies of scale generated by the coverage of large areas of the territory, will allow a significant optimisation of operating costs
DIGITISATION OF COMPANY PROCESSES
- The Group plans for process digitisation interventions, such as the evolution of cartographic systems, the efficiency of the Work Force Management system, virtual and augmented reality projects and Robotic Process Automation solutions
- This digitisation will allow the development of the execution of activities, achieving greater efficiency and creating new opportunities for using the data and information collected
NETWORK DIGITISATION
- The Group aims to install sensors capable of detecting, recording, transmitting and executing commands by creating a digital twin of the physical infrastructure in order to:
- o Optimize network monitoring in terms of pressure and odorisation
- o Acquire data in real time and simulate plant conditions
- o Adapt the network for the introduction of biomethane and in the future of other "green" gases
(*) Excluding investments for the replacement of smart meters.
Organic program of innovative interventions aimed at the evolution of the infrastructure and the improvement of its safety and functional efficiency: 2021-25 planned investments Euro 12.4 mln
REMI Energy Efficiency
Optimisation of the pre-heating system with high-efficiency cogeneration, heat pumps, photovoltaic and solar thermal intended to reduce the energy consumption of REMI cabins
REMI Energy Recovery
Implementation of turbo expansion combined with high efficiency cogeneration (CAR)
Bi-directional distribution system
Bi-directional REMI cabins to ensure capacity and continuity in the injection of "green" gases into the distribution grid, in particular biomethane for which several connection requests have recently been received for the currently managed network
Innovative system for leak detection
The diversification allows Ascopiave to maximise the value generated by the Group, exploiting and enhancing the internal competences: 2021-25 planned investments: Euro 258 mln
Expected EBITDA @ 2025 : + Euro 22 mln
STRATEGIC DRIVERS FOR DIVERSIFICATION
| Risk profile | Sustanability | Expertise |
|---|---|---|
| ▪ Focus on regulated and semi regulated activities (i.e. concessions, incentives) Stability of economic results and ▪ cash flows in the medium-long term |
Substantial contribution to the ▪ energy transition (e.g. decarbonisation, emission reduction, RES) ▪ Business scalability |
▪ Preference for infrastructure business and network services to enhance and integrate internal competencies ▪ Synergies with core business and corporate (e.g. economies of scale and scope) |
Cumulated investments @ 2025
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 41 st June 2022
Diversification (2)
RES plants
- Structuring of a plant portfolio, preferably under an incentive scheme, through M&A operations and greenfield developments
- Consolidation of management competences through external growth and/or partnership agreements with specialised operators
Green hydrogen
- Integrated construction of hydrogen production plants using electricity from renewable sorces
- Consolidation of technological and industrial skills through partnership agreements with specialized operators H2
Water management services
- Investments in partnerships with industry operators through M&A and participation in tenders for the award of the service
- Provision of technical services to sector operators
- Integration and consolidation of internal and external technical competences
Biomethane
- Focus on areas where the core business is located
- Investment in upgrading of existing agricultural biogas plants and exploitation of potential greenfield investments
- Structuring of partnerships with operators in the agricultural sector with a view to «revenue sharing», leveraging on internal management competences
Energy efficiency
- Focus on areas where the core business is located
- Supervision of energy services aimed at Business customers and Public Administration, both through ESCo contracts, Project Financing and public tenders
- Consolidation of internal competences and preparation for potential growth for external lines (through M&A) aimed at sharing know-how and achieving economies of scale
Economic and financial goals
Uncertainty about the start of ATEM Tenders
The uncertainty about the timing of tenders and subsequent award of concessions suggested the development of a scenario analysis based on various hypotheses:
| SCENARIO A | increase in the perimeter of activities managed in gas distribution sector only through M&A and organic growth as by the end of the plan period no ATEM tender is able to complete its award process |
|---|---|
| SCENARIO B | in addition to the growth expected in scenario A, the launch and award of 2 ATEM tenders in the year 2025 is expected and, consequently, a significant increase in networks and served customers |
Pursuit of rational goals in terms of efficiency and investments
- The projections reflect the goals reasonably achievable by the Group
- Operating and investment costs incorporate inflation dynamics (average annual inflation over the entire plan horizon: 1.2%) and economic-management efficiency targets
Implementation of M&A initiatives and diversification into other activities
Achievement of reasonable growth targets through M&A and diversified asset investment initiatives
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 43 st June 2022
Planned investments, aimed both at the maintenance and development of the existing network and at the expansion of activities on new synergistic businesses
Cumulative net investments @ 2025 (Scenario A)
€ 599 mln
- Investments for the maintenance and development of the gas distribution infrustructures related to the current perimeter
- Investment in acquisition of companies active in gas distribution and subsequent development and maintenance of the network acquired
- Centralized investments (ICT systems, renewal of vehicle fleet, etc)
- Investment in diversification (biomethane, RES plants, energy efficiency, water management service, green hydrogen)
- Disinvestment of not fully consolidated subsidiaries
| Group investments 2021-2025 (*) |
Scenario A |
% |
|---|---|---|
| Gas distribution current assets | 269 | 45% |
| M&A gas distribution | 155 | 26% |
| Gas distribution | 424 | 71% |
| Diversification | 258 | 43% |
| Corporate | 6 | 1% |
| Total investments | 688 | 115% |
| Equity investments (**) | -90 | -15% |
| Total net investments | 599 | 100% |
(*) Data in Euro/mln; (**) Estenergy and Hera Comm.
Planned investments, aimed both at the maintenance and development of the existing network and at the expansion of activities on new synergistic businesses
Cumulative net investments @ 2025 (Scenario B)
€ 658 mln
Additional investment envisaged in case ATEM tenders are awared (payment of residual value of the plants to outgoing operators (Euro 129 mln) and investments to be executed under new concessions (Euro 36 mln)
| Group investments 2021-2025 (*) |
Scenario B |
% |
|---|---|---|
| Total investments scenario A | 688 | 105% |
| Gas distribution - tenders |
165 | 25% |
| Total investments | 853 | 130% |
| Equity investments (**) | -196 | -30% |
| Total net investments | 658 | 100% |
(*) Data in Euro/mln; (**) Estenergy and Hera Comm.
In both scenario the Group's economic results and capital invested are expected to grow by 2025 Optimisation of the mix of funding sources
| SCENARIO A | SCENARIO B | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Euro/mln) | 2020A | 2021E | 2025E | cagr % |
2025E | cagr % |
| EBITDA | 64 | 66 | 102 | 11% | 118 | 15% |
| EBIT | 29 | 31 | 39 | 6% | 47 | 11% |
| Net financial income (*) | 21 | 23 | 23 | 0% | 17 | -7% |
| Net income (a) | 59 | 44 | 46 | 1% | 1% | |
| Operating NIC | 677 | 695 | 1,081 | 12% | 1,244 | 16% |
| Associates | 516 | 520 | 426 | -5% | 320 | -11% |
| Net invested capital | 1,193 | 1,215 | 1,508 | 6% | 1,564 | 7% |
| Net equity | 854 | 866 | 900 | 1% | 904 | 1% |
| Net financial position | 339 | 349 | 608 | 15% | 661 | 17% |
| Financial leverage | 0.40 | 0.40 | 0.68 | 14% | 0.73 | 16% |
(*) Income from equity investments net of financial charges on debt.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 46 st June 2022
The growth prospects, both internally and externally, will determine further consolidation of the Group in the distribution sector and diversification into synergistic sectors
| SCENARIO A | SCENARIO B | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Euro/mln) | 2020A | 2021E | 2025E | cagr % |
2025E | cagr % |
| Connected gas users (k) | 777 | 776 | 955 | 5% | 1,095 | 9% |
| RAB | 641 | 654 | 886 | 8% | 1,015 | 12% |
| NIC diversification | 0 | 24 | 211 | 72% | 211 | 72% |
Gas distribution – sector overview
| → | Gas distribution: legal framework ………………………………………………………………………………….…… | Pag. 50 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| → | Gas distribution: sector key figures ……………………………………………………………………………….…… | Pag. 51 | |
| → | Public tenders for the assigning of concessions ……………………………………………………………… | Pag. 52 | |
| → | Regulation of the call of tenders …………………………………………………………………………………….……… | Pag. 53 | |
| → | Compensation to be paid to the outgoing distributor …………………………………………………. | Pag. 54 | |
| → | Tariff regulation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……… | Pag. 55 |
- Gas distribution is currently a local monopolistic activity managed under concessions granted by municipalities.
- Italian gas distribution sector was liberalized in 2000 according to the European Union Rules
- The law established a mechanism of competition for the market: concession must be awarded only through public tenders.
- The distributor is responsible for the operation, the development and the maintenance of the distribution network (operational expenses and investments), according to the concessional agreement signed between the operator and the municipality
- The National Energy Authority (ARERA)
- ✓ sets the tariffs to be applied to cover the cost of capital and for the operations of the service
- ✓ provides rules regarding the minimum standard service levels.
- The distributor gives access to any requiring gas sales company that has the right to use the network to supply gas to its customers (third party access).
Gas distribution: sector key figures
| Gas distribution key figures (*) |
2020 |
|---|---|
| No. of operators in Italy | 194 |
| Municipalities served | 7,249 |
| Volumes of gas distributed (bln/scm) | 30.0 |
| No. of users served (mln) | 24.0 |
| Length of the gas distribution network (km) | 265,920 |
| Regulatory asset base (RAB) (Euro/bln) (**) | 18 |
(*) ARERA data; (**) Ascopiave estimate.
Since 2000 gas distribution operators have been reduced to less than a third.
Currently gas distribution sector is strongly concentrated:
- about 50% of RAB (**) is held by Italgas and F2i, the only operators with a national rank
- about 30% of RAB is held by 14 medium size operators (RAB > Euro 100 mln), with a regional relevance
- (***) 2019 data.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 51 st June 2022
| Group | (***) Users |
% | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| to less than a third. | 1 | Italgas | 694 000 7 |
32 2% , |
| 2 | 2i Rete Gas |
4 342 719 |
18 2% , |
|
| Currently gas distribution sector is strongly |
3 | A2A | 1 502 645 |
6 3% , |
| concentrated: | 4 | Hera | 1 406 639 |
5 9% , |
| 5 | Ascopiave | 777 252 |
3 3% , |
|
| ▪ about 50% of RAB (**) is held by Italgas and F2i, the |
6 | Iren | 744 730 |
3 1% , |
| only operators with a national rank | 7 | Estra | 516 000 |
2 2% , |
| ▪ about 30% of RAB is held by 14 medium size operators |
8 | Erogasmet | 277 326 |
2% 1 , |
| (RAB > Euro 100 mln), with a regional relevance |
9 | Gelsia | 207 496 |
0 9% , |
| Others | 6 193 411 |
26 8% , |
||
| ▪ about 20% of RAB is held by small size operators |
Total | 23 880 000 |
100 0% , |
|
- In order to improve the economic efficiency of the sector, since 2007 the legislation has established that the tenders must be called to assign concessions for the management of the service in wide geographical areas, grouping neighbouring municipalities (ATEM).
- The national government constituted 177 ATEM nationwide.
- Municipalities belonging to a single ATEM must appoint a local entity to act as contracting authority for the ATEM.
- The law established the deadline by which each ATEM contracting authority must call the tenders.
- In 2011 the national government issued some decrees establishing the general contents of the call for tenders, that must be fulfilled on the base of the local needs for investments to be defined by the local contracting authority. The standardization was aimed at encouraging competition and assuring transparency and effectiveness in the tender process.
The current rules governing the incoming tender processes will probably cause a further restructuring of the distribution sector.
A significant reduction in the number of operators is expected, as the participation to the public tenders requires from the potential competitors strong financial capability and important economic, organizational and technical skills.
Tenders process is currently slowed down by procedural difficulties. All the contracting stations failed in publishing the call for tenders respecting the deadlines provided by the law.
Standards to evaluate economic and technical offers
- A - Economic offer (maximum score: 28)
- Discount on gas distribution tariffs
- Discount on prices for other services provided by the distributor to end users
- Fee to be paid to municipalities awarding the concession (cap on the fee level: 10% of the capital cost components of VRT (Total Revenues Constraint) = 10% x ( CI x rd + AMM ))
- Obligation to extend the distribution network (meters of pipes per end user that imply the obligation to connect new potential end-users)
- Investments to improve energy efficiency
- B - Offer concerning safety and service quality (maximum score: 27)
- Network inspections in order to prevent gas leaks (percentage of gas network annually checked)
- Performance of the emergency service and of the gas odorization service
- Improving the level of other quality standards set by the Authority
C - Offer concerning the development and the maintenance of the network (maximum score: 45)
- Appropriateness of the network operation analysis
- Investment plan for the extension and the increase of the capacity of the distribution network; the evaluation concerns: the tangible benefits expected by the investment proposed, the accuracy of the technical projects as well as the quantities of new pipes to be made
- Investment plan for the maintenance
- Technological innovation
In the event that the public tender should not be awarded to Ascopiave, the winner must pay to the Group, as the current owner of the networks, a compensation:
- (a) the compensation must be calculated in accordance with the terms of the agreement implementing the concession or direct award (as the case may be), provided that the agreement was signed before 11th February 2012
- (b) or, if this is not provided for, the compensation must be calculated in accordance with the Guidelines set by the Ministry of Economic Development (Decree 22nd May 2014)
- (c) contributions paid by private users in the past for the construction of part of the network must be deducted (valuation of these are in accordance with the tariff regulation) (*)
- (d) whenever the compensation is higher than 110% of the net invested capital remunerated by the tariff system (RAB), the Energy National Authority (i.e. ARERA) must verify whether the compensation has been evaluated in accordance with the law
- (e) the organizer of the tender bid must take into account the observations issued by the ARERA.
(*) In the evaluation of RAB contributions paid by private users are currently deducted.
Tariff regulation 2020-2025
On 27th December 2019 ARERA issued the Resolution n. 570/2019/R/gas, approving the new tariff regulation that will be in force during the period 2020-2025 (fifth regulatory period).
Allowed opex
2020 unit allowed opex based on weighted average of 2018 actual / allowed opex. X-factor aimed at reabsorbing the extra efficiency of the last regulatory period.
| Unit allowed (*) Opex |
(**) 2019 |
2020 | 2021 | chg 21-19 |
chg 21-19 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| / end - distribution CO users |
39 4 , |
32 2 , |
31 9 , |
-7 5 , |
-19% |
| / end - metering & other CO users |
7 6 , |
9 0 , |
9 0 , |
1 4 , |
18% |
| / Total CO end users |
0 47 , |
2 41 , |
40 8 , |
-6 2 , |
-13% |
(*) Ascopiave estimate. Average unit opex allowed referred to Ascopiave Group (pro-forma)
(**) The 2019 CO / end users - distribution calculation is a pro forma in connection with the acquisition of AP Reti Gas Nordest assets from Hera Group in 2020
Real pre-tax rate of return on RAB (WACC)
With the Resolution n. 614/2021/R/com, the Gas, Electricity and Water Authority (ARERA) has established the criteria for determining and updating the remuneration rate of the capital invested for infrastructure services in the electricity and gas sectors for the period 2022-2027.
| WACC | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - distribution WACC |
6 3% , |
6 3% , |
6 3% , |
5 6% , |
| WACC - metering |
6 8% , |
6 3% , |
6 3% , |
6% 5 , |
Tariff regulation for the incoming ATEM concessions
Difference between Compensation and RAB
At the starting date of the new concession:
- if the winner of the public tender is the current incumbent operator, the new RAB is equal to the previous one;
- if the winner of the public tender is a newcomer, the new RAB is equal to the compensation paid by the newcomer to the outgoing operator.
Compensation at the end date of the ATEM concession
The compensation is calculated as the sum of (a) the value of the stock of capital existing at the start date of the concession, that is equal to the initial compensation properly updated to take into account the depreciation occurred during the concessional period, and (b) the value of the investments made during the concessional period, calculated as the average between the effective costs of the assets and the regulatory value of the assets.
Regulatory evolution
With the consultation document 615/2021/R/com, the ARERA has propose a gradual introduction of a tariff regulation for Expence and Service Objectives (ROSS), oriented to the total efficiency of the service (from 2026):
- integrated recognition of operational costs and efficient capital costs;
- standard capitalization coefficients;
- revision of the incentive mechanism;
- selectivity of recognizable investments, to be justified with cost-benefit analysis
The paradigm shift will support the rationalization of the sector:
- opportunity for efficient companies to improve their profitability;
- risk of under-remuneration of capital for inefficient companies;
- incentives for aggregations
The energy transition
| → | The European and Italian decarbonisation goals …………………………………………………….……… |
Pag. 59 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| → | The role of the gas sector in the energy transition ………………………………………………….…… | Pag. 60 | |
| → | The new infrastructure grid ………………………………………………………………………………………………….…… | Pag. 61 |
Both the European Union and Italy have based their growth targets for the next decade on the transition to a sustainable economy model
To face the challenges of climate change, the European Union has created the European Green Deal, a pact between countries, which aims to achieve "carbon neutrality" by 2050.
To this end, the EU has allocated at least € 1 trillion of "sustainable investments" for the next decade, creating numerous support tools to facilitate the energy transition.
The pandemic situation has called upon the EU to intervene in support of the members of the Union with the creation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which has the energy transition among its main pillars.
To revive the Italian economy, the government has allocated approx. € 235 billion in favor of the PNRR, of which over 29% in towards the energy transition, with initiatives linked, to green gases, energy efficiency, circular economy and renewable sources.
Gas is a key source for achieving sustainability goals through the evolution of infrastructure and new network management methods
network for the transport of green gases
74,4 61,3 53,6 0,1 1,1 10,9 2019 2030 2040 Natural gas Green gas Expected gas consumption in Italy (*) (bln/scm) 74,5 62,4 64,5 -18% +1.000% +891% -13%
(*) Source: Snam-Terna Scenario 2021 – Scenario NT (based on the forecasts of the final version of the PNIEC 2019 taking into account the European Development Plan TYNDP 2022).
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 60 st June 2022
Annexes: Ascopiave financial data
| 2015-2021 financial comparison …………………………………………………………………………………………………. | Pag. 64 | |
|---|---|---|
| FY 2021 financial results ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…. | Pag. 68 | |
| 3M 2022 financial results …………………………………………………………………………………………………….……….…. | Pag. 83 |
Annexes: Ascopiave financial data
2015-2021 financial comparison
| → | Income statement | Pag. 65 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| → | Balance sheet | Pag. 66 | |
| → | Cash flows statement | Pag. 67 |
Income statement
| (Thousands of Euros) |
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | 134 911 , |
163 896 , |
124 911 , |
581 652 , |
532 792 , |
497 689 , |
581 655 , |
| of raw materials and consumables) (Cost of (Cost services) (Cost of personnel) (Other operating costs) Other operating income |
(2 063) , (38 728) , 017) (17 , (11 293) , 571 |
(1 782) , (36 776) , 132) (17 , (44 511) , 109 |
(1 358) , (31 732) , 500) (14 , (33 902) , 1 479 , |
(332 743) , (114 827) , (26 030) , (28 372) , 356 |
(270 577) , (113 457) , (24 855) , (40 224) , 731 |
(249 916) , (107 503) , (24 233) , (21 377) , 596 |
(346 431) , (119 151) , (21 573) , (14 106) , 591 |
| EBITDA | 66 382 , |
63 805 , |
44 898 , |
80 036 , |
84 409 , |
95 255 , |
80 983 , |
| (Depreciations and amortizations) (Provisions) |
(32 509) , (34) |
(34 465) , (189) |
(23 325) , - |
(22 972) , (1 964) , |
(22 585) , (1 885) , |
(20 227) , (2 891) , |
(20 029) , (4 004) , |
| EBIT | 33 838 , |
29 151 , |
21 573 , |
55 101 , |
59 939 , |
72 137 , |
56 950 , |
| Financial income / (expenses) Evaluation of with method companies equity |
1 532 , 19 892 , |
1 847 , 18 310 , |
(1 117) , 648 |
(778) 8 553 , |
(468) 7 398 , |
(544) 7 750 , |
(518) 7 449 , |
| EBT | 55 263 , |
49 308 , |
21 105 , |
62 875 , |
66 869 , |
79 343 , |
63 881 , |
| (Income taxes) |
(9 937) , |
9 394 , |
(6 626) , |
(16 376) , |
(17 617) , |
(22 401) , |
(18 519) , |
| after Earnings taxes |
45 326 , |
58 701 , |
14 479 , |
46 499 , |
49 252 , |
56 942 , |
45 362 , |
| Net income (loss) from discontinued operations |
- | - | 478 737 , |
- | - | - | - |
| income Net |
326 45 , |
58 701 , |
493 216 , |
46 499 , |
49 252 , |
56 942 , |
362 45 , |
| of (Net income minorities) |
- | - | - | (1 874) , |
(2 117) , |
(3 307) , |
(2 349) , |
| Net income of the Group |
45 326 , |
58 701 , |
493 216 , |
44 625 , |
47 135 , |
53 635 , |
43 014 , |
Balance sheet
| (Thousands of Euros) |
31/12/2021 | 31/12/2020 | 31/12/2019 | 31/12/2018 | 31/12/2017 | 31/12/2016 | 31/12/2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tangible assets Non tangible assets Investments in associates Other fixed assets |
58,012 647,279 521,359 35,169 |
33,443 626,685 515,729 34,276 |
34,694 615,108 449,945 22,687 |
32,724 432,637 68,357 23,401 |
32,334 427,692 68,878 24,494 |
32,364 397,664 68,738 23,808 |
34,987 397,418 68,078 26,699 |
| Fixed assets | 1,261,819 | 1,210,134 | 1,122,433 | 557,118 | 553,397 | 522,574 | 527,182 |
| Operating current assets (Operating current liabilities) (Operating non current liabilities) |
62,159 (59,727) (48,259) |
128,046 (98,759) (47,071) |
99,349 (82,458) (52,850) |
219,660 (160,146) (51,245) |
222,977 (156,597) (49,411) |
201,908 (138,003) (48,151) |
223,482 (166,793) (49,698) |
| Net working capital | (45,828) | (17,784) | (35,959) | 8,268 | 16,969 | 15,754 | 6,991 |
| Total capital employed | 1,215,991 | 1,192,350 | 1,086,474 | 565,386 | 570,367 | 538,328 | 534,173 |
| Group shareholders equity | 868,544 | 853,903 | 873,492 | 443,567 | 445,511 | 438,055 | 415,264 |
| Minorities | (38) | - | - | 4,303 | 4,989 | 6,154 | 4,873 |
| Net financial position | 347,485 | 338,447 | 212,981 | 117,517 | 119,867 | 94,119 | 114,037 |
| Total sources | 1,215,991 | 1,192,350 | 1,086,474 | 565,386 | 570,367 | 538,328 | 534,173 |
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 66 st June 2022
Cash flows statement
| (Thousands of Euros) |
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self financing |
79 123 , |
94 294 , |
37 318 , |
435 71 , |
73 722 , |
80 060 , |
69 396 , |
| Change working capital in (operating activities) net Change working capital (fiscal in activities) net |
785 5 , (2 670) , |
(30 136) , (21 553) , |
964 5 , 3 453 , |
282) (5 , 2 537 , |
934) (4 , (18 240) , |
833) (15 , 3 673 , |
(43 853) , 43 352 , |
| Change working capital in net |
3 115 , |
(51 688) , |
9 417 , |
(2 745) , |
(23 174) , |
(12 160) , |
(501) |
| Capex in tangible and intangible assets Capex in companies acquisitions |
(52 862) , (24 652) , |
(44 431) , (68 598) , |
(34 440) , (25 115) , |
(28 306) , (3 778) , |
(22 976) , (17 421) , |
(19 262) , 0 |
(21 892) , (0) |
| Capex | (77 514) , |
(113 029) , |
(59 555) , |
(32 084) , |
(40 397) , |
(19 262) , |
(21 892) , |
| Change in shareholders' equity |
(13 763) , |
(55 042) , |
(82 645) , |
(34 256) , |
(35 899) , |
(28 721) , |
(31 366) , |
| financial position change Net |
(9 039) , |
(125 465) , |
(95 464) , |
2 350 , |
(25 748) , |
19 917 , |
637 15 , |
Annexes: Ascopiave financial data
FY 2021 financial results
Financial highlights
| → FY 2021 consolidated income statement |
Pag. 69 |
|---|---|
| → Consolidated balance sheet as of 31st December 2021 |
Pag. 70 |
| Companies consolidated with full consolidation method | |
| → Number of gas distribution users and volumes of gas distributed |
Pag. 71 |
| → Revenues bridge |
Pag. 72 |
| → EBIT bridge |
Pag. 73 |
| → Gas distribution tariff revenues and other net operating costs |
Pag. 74 |
| → Number of employees |
Pag. 75 |
| → Cost of personnel |
Pag. 76 |
| → Capex |
Pag. 77 |
| → Net Financial Position and cash flow |
Pag. 78 |
| → Financial debt and cost of debt |
Pag. 79 |
| Estenergy Group |
| → | Estenergy | Group financial highlights | Pag. 80 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| --- | ----------- | -- | ---------------------------- | --------- | -- |
| (Thousand of Euro) | 12M 2021 | 12M 2020 | Chg | Chg % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | 134.911 | 163.896 | (28.985) | -18% |
| (Purchase costs for other raw materials) | (2.063) | (1.782) | (281) | +16% |
| (Costs for services) | (38.728) | (36.776) | (1.952) | +5% |
| (Costs for personnel) | (17.017) | (17.132) | 115 | -1% |
| (Other management costs) | (11.293) | (44.511) | 33.218 | -75% |
| Other income | 571 | 109 | 462 | +422% |
| EBITDA | 66.382 | 63.805 | 2.577 | +4% |
| (Amortizations and depreciation) | (32.509) | (34.465) | 1.956 | -6% |
| (Provisions) | (34) | (189) | 155 | -82% |
| EBIT | 33.838 | 29.151 | 4.688 | +16% |
| Financial income / (expenses) | 1.532 | 1.847 | (314) | -17% |
| (*) Evaluation of companies with net equity method |
19.892 | 18.310 | 1.582 | +9% |
| EBT | 55.263 | 49.308 | 5.955 | +12% |
| (Income taxes) | (9.937) | 9.394 | (19.330) | -206% |
| Net income | 45.326 | 58.701 | (13.375) | -23% |
(*) Result of the company consolidated with net equity consolidation method (pro-rata): Estenergy, Euro 19.5 mln (Euro 18.3 mln in 12M 2020); Cogeide, Euro 0.4 mln (Euro 0.0 mln in 12M 2020).
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 69 st June 2022
Consolidated balance sheet as of 31st December 2021
| (Thousand of Euro) |
31/12/2021 | 31/12/2020 | Chg | Chg % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (*) Tangible assets |
58.012 | 33.443 | 24.569 | +73% |
| (*) Non tangible assets |
647.279 | 626.685 | 20.594 | +3% |
| (**) Investments in associates |
521.359 | 515.729 | 5.629 | +1% |
| Other fixed assets |
35.169 | 34.276 | 893 | +3% |
| Fixed assets |
1.261.819 | 1.210.134 | 51.685 | +4% |
| Operating current assets |
62.159 | 128.046 | (65.887) | -51% |
| (Operating liabilities) current |
(59.727) | (98.759) | 39.031 | -40% |
| (Operating liabilities) non current |
(48.259) | (47.071) | (1.188) | +3% |
| Net working capital |
(45.828) | (17.784) | (28.044) | +158% |
| Total capital employed |
1.215.991 | 1.192.350 | 23.641 | +2% |
| Shareholders equity |
868.505 | 853.903 | 14.602 | +2% |
| financial Net position |
347.485 | 338.447 | 9.039 | +3% |
| Total sources |
1.215.991 | 1.192.350 | 23.641 | +2% |
(*) According to IFRIC 12, the infrastructures under concession are consedered intangible assets;
(**) Value of the associated companies consolidated with net equity consolidation method (pro-rata): Estenergy, Euro 434.4 mln (Euro 429.0 mln as of 31st December 2020); Hera Comm, Euro 54.0 mln (Euro 54.0 mln as of 31st December 2020); Acsm-Agam, Euro 24.9 mln (Euro 24.9 mln as of 31st December 2020); Cogeide, Euro 8.1 mln (Euro 7.8 mln as of 31st December 2020).
Number of gas distribution users
Volumes of gas distributed
(Million of standard cubic meters)
(*) Tariff revenues include the tariff component for the recovery of the fee paid to local entities according to art. 46-bis DL 159/2007.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 72 st June 2022
EBIT bridge
EBIT bridge (Thousand of Euro) (*) +4.688 +16%
(*) Further details on page 74 of the current presentation.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 73 st June 2022
Gas distribution tariff revenues and other net operating costs
| (Thousand of Euro) (*) |
12M 2021 |
12M 2020 |
Chg | Chg % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas distribution tariff revenues |
108.852 | 109.108 | (256) | -0% |
| Gas distribution tariff revenues |
108.852 | 109.108 | (256) | -0% |
| (Thousand of Euro) |
12M 2021 |
12M 2020 |
Chg | Chg % |
| Other revenues |
24.532 | 53.264 | (28.732) | -54% |
| Other of raw materials and services costs of personnel Cost |
(49.986) (17.017) |
(81.436) (17.132) |
31.449 115 |
-39% -1% |
| Other operating net costs |
(42.471) | (45.303) | 2.832 | -6% |
Decrease of other net operating costs: + Euro 2.8 mln
of which:
- decrease of cost of personnel: + Euro 0.1 mln;
- increase of margin on energy efficiency tasks management: + Euro 2.1 mln;
- increase of gas distribution concession fees: - Euro 0.8 mln;
- decrease of CSEA contributions for security incentives: - Euro 0.8 mln;
- increase of costs for consultancy: - Euro 0.5 mln;
- decrease of provisions for risks: + Euro 0.8 mln;
- decrease of non recurring costs: + Euro 1.8 mln;
- other variations: + Euro 0.1 mln.
(*) Economic data before elisions
Number of employees
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 75 st June 2022
(*) Excluding network extension in new urbanized areas that according to IAS are considerated as operating costs and not capital expenditures;
(**) Investments in intangible assets and in tangible assets (excluded realizations, investments in associated and investments relative to the application of IFRS 16 accounting principle).
(*) Cash flow = net income + amortizations and depreciation; (**) Net investments in tangible and intangible assets; (***) Purchase of own shares: + Euro 0.0 mln; dividends distributed to Ascopiave shareholders: - Euro 34.7 mln; (****) Price paid: - Euro 14.4 mln; Net Financial Position acquired: - Euro 10.3 mln.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 78 st June 2022
Financial debt and cost of debt
| (Thousand of Euro) (*) |
31/12/2021 | 31/12/2020 | Chg | Chg % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| financial borrowings (>12 months) Long term |
161.488 | 195.999 | (34.511) | -18% |
| Current of long financial borrowings position term |
60.631 | 40.024 | 20.607 | +51% |
| Bond loans |
25.000 | - | 25.000 | n.a. |
| Short financial borrowings (<12 months) term |
96.462 | 104.023 | (7.561) | -7% |
| Total financial debt |
343.581 | 340.046 | 3.535 | +1% |
| Fixed borrowings rate |
235.119 | 219.273 | 15.846 | +7% |
| Floating borrowings rate |
108.462 | 120.773 | (12.311) | -10% |
12M 2021 average cost of debt: 0.46% (vs 12M 2020 rate: 0.34%)
(*) Data refers to only companies consolidated with full consolidation method.
Income statement (*) Balance sheet (*)
| (Thousand of Euro) |
12M 2021 |
12M 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenues | 459.393 | 363.109 |
| (Purchase for other raw materials) costs |
(274.676) | (178.821) |
| for (Costs services) |
(133.759) | (136.770) |
| for personnel) (Costs |
(7.622) | (7.578) |
| (Other costs) management |
(628) | (877) |
| EBITDA | 42.708 | 39.062 |
| (Depreciations and amortizations) + (provisions) |
(17.089) | (14.019) |
| EBIT | 25.619 | 25.043 |
| Financial income (expenses) / |
828 | (167) |
| EBT | 26.446 | 24.877 |
| (Income taxes) |
(6.693) | (5.639) |
| Net income |
19.753 | 19.237 |
| (Thousand of Euro) |
31/12/2021 | 31/12/2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Tangible assets |
2.268 | 1.812 |
| Non tangible assets |
311.300 | 314.141 |
| Investments in associates |
8.540 | 8.424 |
| Other fixed assets |
117 | 1.683 |
| Fixed assets |
322.225 | 326.061 |
| Operating current assets |
176.028 | 139.482 |
| liabilities) (Operating current |
(171.889) | (93.126) |
| (Operating liabilities) non current |
(25.912) | (51.913) |
| Net working capital |
(21.774) | (5.557) |
| Total capital employed |
300.451 | 320.504 |
| Shareholders equity |
351.951 | 348.864 |
| financial Net position |
(51.500) | (28.360) |
| Total sources |
300.451 | 320.504 |
(*) Pro-rata amounts, i.e. proportional to the Ascopiave's capital stake in Estenergy (48%).
Annexes: Ascopiave financial data
3M 2022 financial results
Financial highlights
| → 3M 2022 consolidated income statement → Consolidated balance sheet as of 31st March 2022 |
Pag. 82 Pag. 83 |
|---|---|
| Companies consolidated with full consolidation method | |
| → Number of gas distribution users and volumes of gas distributed |
Pag. 84 |
| → Electricity produced |
Pag. 85 |
| → Revenues bridge |
Pag. 86 |
| → EBIT bridge |
Pag. 87 |
| → Gas distribution tariff revenues and other net operating costs |
Pag. 88 |
| → Number of employees |
Pag. 89 |
| → Cost of personnel |
Pag. 90 |
| → Capex |
Pag. 91 |
| → Net Financial Position and cash flow |
Pag. 92 |
| → Financial debt and cost of debt |
Pag. 93 |
| Estenergy Group |
| → | Estenergy | Group financial highlights | Pag. 94 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| --- | ----------- | ---------------------------- | --------- | -- |
| Chg | Chg | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 34.139 | 38.456 | (4.318) | -11% |
| (895) | (972) | 76 | -8% |
| (11.428) | (9.584) | (1.844) | +19% |
| (5.140) | (4.351) | (789) | +18% |
| (3.548) | (8.239) | 4.691 | -57% |
| 36 | 467 | (431) | -92% |
| 13.163 | 15.777 | (2.614) | -17% |
| (10.275) | (8.781) | (1.493) | +17% |
| (2) | - | (2) | n.a. |
| 2.886 | 6.996 | (4.110) | -59% |
| +50% | |||
| 10.831 | 8.842 | 1.989 | +22% |
| 12.880 | 15.281 | (2.401) | -16% |
| (916) | (1.663) | 746 | -45% |
| 11.963 | 13.619 | (1.655) | -12% |
| 221 | - | 221 | n.a. |
| 12.184 | 13.619 | (1.434) | -11% |
| (837) | (557) | (280) |
(*) Result of the company consolidated with net equity consolidation method (pro-rata): Estenergy, Euro 10.8 mln (Euro 8.8 mln in 3M 2021).
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 82 st June 2022
Consolidated balance sheet as of 31st March 2022
| (Thousand of Euro) | 31/03/2022 | 31/12/2021 | Chg | Chg % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tangible assets (*) |
119.658 | 58.012 | 61.646 | +106% |
| Non tangible assets (*) |
659.441 | 647.279 | 12.162 | +2% |
| (**) Investments in associates |
534.848 | 521.359 | 13.490 | +3% |
| Other fixed assets | 38.819 | 35.169 | 3.649 | +10% |
| Fixed assets | 1.352.766 | 1.261.819 | 90.947 | +7% |
| Operating current assets | 80.280 | 62.159 | 18.121 | +29% |
| (Operating current liabilities) | (83.022) | (59.727) | (23.295) | +39% |
| (Operating non current liabilities) | (52.145) | (48.259) | (3.886) | +8% |
| Net working capital | (54.887) | (45.828) | (9.059) | +20% |
| Total capital employed | 1.297.878 | 1.215.991 | 81.888 | +7% |
| Group shareholders equity | 885.140 | 868.544 | 16.597 | +2% |
| Minorities | 9.404 | (38) | 9.442 | -24633% |
| Shareholders equity | 894.544 | 868.505 | 26.039 | +3% |
| Net financial position | 403.334 | 347.485 | 55.849 | +16% |
| Total sources | 1.297.878 | 1.215.991 | 81.888 | +7% |
(*) According to IFRIC 12, the infrastructures under concession are consedered intangible assets;
(**) Value of the associated companies consolidated with net equity consolidation method (pro-rata): Estenergy, Euro 447.9 mln (Euro 434.4 mln as of 31st December 2021); Hera Comm, Euro 54.0 mln (Euro 54.0 mln as of 31st December 2021); Acsm-Agam, Euro 24.9 mln (Euro 24.9 mln as of 31st December 2021); Cogeide, Euro 8.1 mln (Euro 8.1 mln as of 31st December 2021).
(*) Tariff revenues include the tariff component for the recovery of the fee paid to local entities according to art. 46-bis DL 159/2007.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 86 st June 2022
EBIT bridge
(*) Further details on page 88 of the current presentation.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 87 st June 2022
Gas distribution tariff revenues and other net operating costs
| (Thousand of Euro) (*) |
3M 2022 |
3M 2021 |
Chg | Chg % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas distribution tariff revenues |
25.816 | 26.685 | (869) | -3% |
| distribution Gas tariff revenues |
25.816 | 26.685 | (869) | -3% |
| (Thousand of Euro) |
3M 2022 |
3M 2021 |
Chg | Chg % |
| Other revenues |
7.941 | 11.378 | (3.437) | -30% |
| Other of raw materials and services costs Cost of personnel |
(15.454) (5.140) |
(17.934) (4.351) |
2.480 (789) |
-14% +18% |
| Other net operating costs |
(12.653) | (10.907) | (1.746) | +16% |
Change of the consolidation area: + Euro 0.5 mln
Increase of other net operating costs of equal consolidation area: - Euro 2.2 mln
of which:
- increase of cost of personnel: - Euro 0.6 mln;
- increase of gas distribution concession fees: - Euro 0.1 mln;
- increase of CSEA contributions for security incentives: + Euro 0.1 mln;
- increase of costs for consultancy: - Euro 0.6 mln;
- decrease of provisions for risks: + Euro 0.1 mln;
- increase of non recurring costs: - Euro 0.4 mln;
- other variations: - Euro 0.7 mln.
(*) Economic data before elisions
Number of employees
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 89 st June 2022
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 90 st June 2022
Capex (*)
(Thousand of Euro)
Change of the consolidation area (renewable energies): Euro 1.9 mln
Equal consolidation area:
- Gas distribution systems: Euro 8.2 mln
- Gas meters: Euro 2.6 mln
- Investments in hardware and software: Euro 0.2 mln
- Other: Euro 0.1 mln
(*) Excluding network extension in new urbanized areas that according to IAS are considerated as operating costs and not capital expenditures;
(**) Investments in intangible assets and in tangible assets (excluded realizations, investments in associated and investments relative to the application of IFRS 16 accounting principle).
(*) Cash flow = net income + amortizations and depreciation; (**) Net investments in tangible and intangible assets; (***) Price paid: - Euro 45.4 mln; Net Financial Position acquired: - Euro 28.1 mln.
Ascopiave Group – 8th ITALIAN CEO CONFERENCE – 21 92 st June 2022
Financial debt and cost of debt
| (Thousand of Euro) (*) |
31/03/2022 | 31/12/2021 | Chg | Chg % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long financial borrowings (>12 months) term |
205.814 | 161.488 | 44.326 | +27% |
| Current position of long financial borrowings term |
66.497 | 60.631 | 5.866 | +10% |
| Bond loans |
95.000 | 25.000 | 70.000 | +280% |
| Short financial borrowings (<12 months) term |
33.467 | 96.462 | (62.995) | -65% |
| Total financial debt |
400.778 | 343.581 | 57.197 | +17% |
| Fixed borrowings rate |
337.433 | 235.119 | 102.314 | +44% |
| Floating borrowings rate |
63.345 | 108.462 | (45.117) | -42% |
3M 2022 average cost of debt: 0.49% (vs 12M 2021 rate: 0.46%)
(*) Data refers to only companies consolidated with full consolidation method.
Income statement (*) Balance sheet (*)
| (Thousand of Euro) |
3M 2022 |
3M 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenues | 269.027 | 135.540 |
| (Purchase for other raw materials) costs |
(217.087) | (69.268) |
| (Costs for services) |
(31.226) | (46.725) |
| (Costs for personnel) |
(1.894) | (1.964) |
| (Other costs) management |
(124) | (173) |
| EBITDA | 18.696 | 17.411 |
| (Depreciations and amortizations) + (provisions) |
(4.892) | (3.934) |
| EBIT | 13.803 | 13.477 |
| Financial income / (expenses) |
300 | 379 |
| EBT | 14.103 | 13.856 |
| (Income taxes) |
(2.804) | (3.620) |
| Net income |
11.300 | 10.236 |
| (Thousand of Euro) |
31/03/2022 | 31/12/2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangible assets |
2.186 | 2.268 | |
| Non tangible assets |
309.639 | 311.300 | |
| Investments in associates |
8.814 | 8.540 | |
| Other fixed assets |
379 | 117 | |
| Fixed assets |
321.018 | 322.225 | |
| Operating current assets |
244.596 | 176.028 | |
| (Operating liabilities) current |
(231.685) | (171.889) | |
| (Operating liabilities) non current |
(27.761) | (25.912) | |
| Net working capital |
(14.850) | (21.774) | |
| Total capital employed |
306.167 | 300.451 | |
| Shareholders equity |
365.614 | 351.951 | |
| financial Net position |
(59.446) | (51.500) | |
| Total sources |
306.167 | 300.451 |
(*) Pro-rata amounts, i.e. proportional to the Ascopiave's capital stake in Estenergy (48%).
Disclaimer
- ❑ This presentation has been prepared by Ascopiave S.p.A. for information purposes only and for use in presentations of the Group's results and strategies.
- ❑ For further details on the Ascopiave Group, reference should be made to publicly available information, including the Quarterly Reports and the Annual reports.
- ❑ Statements contained in this presentation, particularly the ones regarding any Ascopiave Group possible or assumed future performance, are or may be forward looking statements and in this respect they involve some risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward looking statement. Such factors include, but are not limited to: changes in global economic business, changes in the price of certain commodities including electricity and gas, the competitive market and regulatory factors. Moreover, forward looking statements are currently only at the date they are made.
- ❑ Any reference to past performance of the Ascopiave Group shall not be taken as an indication of the future performance.
- ❑ This document does not constitute an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any shares and nopart of it shall form the basis of or be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever.
- ❑ By attending the presentation you agree to be bound by the foregoing terms.