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Hera: "Un Pozzo di Scienza" (A Well of Science) is 10 years old and it is putting the brains of young people to work in order to change the world

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Press releases
19/06/2024
Hera Spa
Price sensitive

Hera Group ranks first in the 2024 ESG Identity Corporate Index (formerly IGI)

<p><em>For the fourth consecutive year, the Group is on the podium of the overall index ranking, which rewards Italian companies that stand out for integrating ESG factors into their governance. This comes as further recognition of the Group’s commitment to creating long-term value for its shareholders and all its stakeholders</em></p>
Online since 19-06-2024 at 11:08
Press releases
11/06/2024
Hera Spa
M&A
Price sensitive

Inrete Distribuzione Energia acquires Soelia’s gas network

<p><em>The Hera Group, through its subsidiary operating in the natural gas distribution sector, strengthens its presence in the area served</em></p>
Online since 11-06-2024 at 11:57
Press releases
15/05/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Price sensitive
Hera Spa

Publication of documents pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting

Online since 15-05-2024 at 10:35
Press releases
15/05/2024
Price sensitive
M&A
Hera Spa

Hera Group acquires Soelia’s gas network

Through its subsidiary Inrete Distribuzione Energia, the Group was awarded the tender for the gas distribution plants and network serving the municipality of Argenta in Ferrara area

Online since 15-05-2024 at 10:38
Press releases
14/05/2024
Price sensitive
Financial Results
Hera Spa

Hera Group BoD approves results for 1Q 2024

<p>The consolidated quarterly report at 31 March shows improvement in the main operating and financial indicators. The Group’s financial solidity and commitment to sustainability and the ecological transition were confirmed, along with the creation of value for all stakeholders and significant investments in the areas served to improve our assets resilience and to guarantee service quality and continuity</p>
Online since 14-05-2024 at 12:41
Press releases
30/04/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa
Price sensitive

Hera Shareholders Meeting: 2023 financial statements approved and dividend increased to 14 cents

The Group continues along its path of uninterrupted growth, closing 2023 with record performance in the main operating and financial indicators, thus constantly creating value for its stakeholders.

Online since 29-04-2024 at 12:53
Press releases
23/04/2024
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera Group at the top of ARERA’s water service quality ranking

The multiutility confirms itself among Italy’s most outstanding operators, securing the first and third positions, with reference to all macro-indicators, as proof of the very high standards adopted by the Group in this field. A commitment that the Hera fulfils with significant investments to ensure the highest quality and continuity of service to around 3.6 million citizens and an increasingly efficient and circular use of resources. Important results have been achieved, particularly in Emilia-Romagna.

08/04/2024
Other press releases
Hera Spa

Publication of the Draft Separate and Consolidated Financial Statements as of 31.12.2023, the Sustainability Report - Consolidated Non-Financial Statement, the Corporate Governance Report, and the Report on Remuneration and Compensation Paid

29/03/2024
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Rigid plastics recycling: one of Europe’s most innovative plants to be built in Modena

<p><em>Thanks to investments totalling approximately 50 million euro, the Hera Group will build a state-of-the-art facility within its own plant complex. Starting from plastic waste that has so far been difficult to recycle, it will produce high quality polymers with characteristics similar to those shown by virgin materials, thus making sectors such as consumer electronics and the automotive industry increasingly sustainable</em></p>
Press releases
27/03/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa

Publication of documents pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting to be held on 30 April 2024

Press releases
26/03/2024
Other press releases
Hera Spa
Price sensitive
Financial Results

Hera Group approves results as at 31/12/2023

<p><em>The year closed with main financial indicators rising and the targets included in the strategic Plan to 2026 exceeded three years ahead of schedule. The Group’s financial solidity and flexibility allowed it to continue along its path of industrial growth, increasing its investments and successfully grasping market opportunities, both internal and external, while continuing to generate value benefitting all stakeholders. The proposed dividend was raised, reaching 14 eurocents per share</em></p>
Online since 26-03-2024 at 12:47
Press releases
11/03/2024
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Green energy and a new urban forest: the Hera Group’s Energy Park arrives in Bologna

<p><em>Sustainability, decarbonisation, liveability and biodiversity protection are the keywords of this project, which will be developed in the northern part of the city and will contain a new urban park with facilities, complemented by areas dedicated to protecting animal and plant species, and an agrivoltaic field that will allow an annual saving of 6,000 tons of CO2.</em></p>
Press releases
04/03/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa
Other press releases

The passing of Hera S.p.A.'s Vice Chairman, Mr. Gabriele Giacobazzi

We hereby inform you that on March 3, 2024, the Vice Chaiman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Gabriele Giacobazzi, passed away.

Press releases
13/02/2024
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera Group among Europe’s leaders in sustainability and the fight against climate change

<p><em>The Group achieved the leadership band in the CDP questionnaire and was included among “TOP 1%” Multi and Water Utilities of the S&amp;P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2024. These recognitions prove Hera’s commitment to sustainable development and creating shared value for local areas.</em></p>
Press releases
06/02/2024
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera Group: over 1 million new electricity customers as of 1 July

<p><em>With the 7 lots awarded in the tender for the Gradual Protection Service for non-vulnerable household customers, the Hera Group consolidates its position as the sector’s third largest operator in Italy.</em></p>
Press releases
25/01/2024
M&A
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera Group expands in the industrial waste sector with TRS Ecology

<p><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:106%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"></span></span></span></i>With the acquisition of 70% of the Piacenza-based company, the Group reinforces its leadership in the waste management sector. This transaction, at full capacity, is expected to contribute to growth in the Hera Group’s Ebitda with approximately 6 million euro.<i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:11.0pt"><span style="line-height:106%"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"> </span></span></span></i></p>
Press releases
24/01/2024
Price sensitive
Financial Results
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera Group presents Business Plan to 2027

<p><em>Development, resilience and creating shared value for stakeholders are at the heart of the Group’s new strategic document, which foresees investments totalling 4.4 billion to speed up the ecological transition and enhance asset resilience to climate change. The preliminary results for 2023 outperform the previous Plan’s goals that have been achieved three years ahead of schedule, thanks to the numerous development actions implemented and the Group’s ability to grasp market opportunities.</em></p>
Online since 24-01-2024 at 12:02
Press releases
22/01/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa
Other press releases
Price sensitive

Calendar of corporate events

Online since 22-01-2024 at 13:24
18/01/2024
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera Top Employer for the 15th Consecutive Year

<p><em>The company reaffirms, once again in 2024, its position among the best performers in human resources management, thanks to substantial investments in welfare, training, and skill development.</em></p>
Press releases
02/01/2024
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Hera Group has obtained the “Gender equality certification”

<p><em>A further confirmation of the importance of Hera’s achievements in terms of gender equality and inclusion</em></p>

Asset Publisher

19/02/2016
Hera: "Un Pozzo di Scienza" (A Well of Science) is 10 years old and it is putting the brains of young people to work in order to change the world

The "absolute" Top Utility award went to Marche Multiservizi, a subsidiary of the HERA Group operating in the province of Pesaro-Urbino. For its part, Hera was recognised for its excellent work in business training and human resources.

The "absolute" Top Utility award went to Marche Multiservizi, a subsidiary of the HERA Group operating in the province of Pesaro-Urbino. For its part, Hera was recognised for its excellent work in business training and human resources.

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These awards were announced on Thursday 28 January 2016 in Rome, during a convention entitled "The Transformation of Utility Companies in a Changing Italy".

Marche Multiservizi, a HERA Group subsidiary and this year's "Top Utility", was recognised "for its ongoing commitment to achieving excellent performance throughout its corporate functions and local activities", according to the justification provided for the award. Marche Multiservizi is the leading multi-utility company in the Marche region based on turnover as well as business size and the top merger on a regional level among companies operating in the local public services sector.

Hera, which over the years has been recognised as the best utility company and has also received a variety of other rewards in other categories, was ranked first in educational, training and human resources activities this year. In 2015, HERA Group provided a total of approximately 262,000 hours of training, meaning at least 31.4 hours per capita, involving 99% of its staff (including employees in the Triveneto of AcegasApsAmga and in Marche). These figures place Hera at the very top national positions, given that, according to the Top Utility report, the national average is 14.2 hours per worker with an involvement of 76%.

Indeed, for the multi-utility company, human capital is considered to be the main resource for sharing the distinctive values of the corporate culture and training plays a fundamental role as an indispensable factor for the evolution and professional development of people and, therefore, for the global growth of business value.

To this end, 2011 saw the creation of HerAcademy, the Group's Corporate University, with the aim of further developing excellent skills and behaviours. The corporate university involves all 8,500 employees, from new recruits to managers and operational staff, in a range of training courses, with internal resources accounting for around 40% of the trainers.

Lastly, the Group has defined a systematic strategy for working with the education system - Hera Educational - by developing a model for the management of work-study programmes (starting in the coming weeks with 180 work-study programmes and summer internships in 3 years) and launching the "Hera teaches you a vocation" initiative based on the co-design and offer of academic courses at technical institutions in the communities we serve.

Online from 19 February 2016 at 14:27:14

Search Results

19/06/2024
Hera Spa
Price sensitive

Hera Group ranks first in the 2024 ESG Identity Corporate Index (formerly IGI)

2024-06-19 Press_Hera_ESG.jpg For the fourth consecutive year, the Group is on the podium of the overall index ranking, which rewards Italian companies that stand out for integrating ESG factors into their governance. This comes as further recognition of the Group’s commitment to creating long-term value for its shareholders and all its stakeholders centrata The Hera Group, one of Italy’s largest multi-utilities operating in the waste management, energy and water sectors, has confirmed its position as the Italian company that has most fully and consciously integrated sustainability policies into its business strategies. This is proven by the ESG Identity Corporate Index (formerly the Integrated Governance Index) managed by ETicaNews. As announced today at the 2024 ESG Business Conference in Milan, Hera is among the top 3 positions for the fourth year in a row, the only Italian company to achieve this result, thus remaining in the Top 10 in all the 9 editions of this index, launched in 2016. Sustainability and local roots at the heart of Hera’s strategies Integrating ESG goals into its business strategies and cultivating local roots are among the essential features of the Group, which is committed to providing essential services to over 4 million citizens on a daily basis. The Group has always been aware of its institutional and social role in the local ecosystem and considers creating value to be a cornerstone of its relationship with all stakeholders. In fact, sustainability and creating shared value are key paradigms of its corporate purpose, which is expressed through three strategic drivers: pursuing carbon neutrality, regenerating resources with an eye to the circular economy, and enabling resilience and innovating. By expressing this purpose in its Articles of Association as of 2021, Hera has confirmed its commitment to developing a business model aimed at generating long-term value for its shareholders, by creating value shared with all stakeholders. This new approach to sustainability is now integrated into the company’s reason for being, thus providing a model that inspires strategy and guides innovation. Fully consistent with this purpose, all the Group’s initiatives confirm its will to tackle the new challenges posed by climate change and energy security, in order to make local areas increasingly competitive and resilient. The ESG Identity Corporate Index The ESG ICI is Italy’s only quantitative index that measures the ESG identity of Italian companies, assessing and recognising their commitment to integrating the principles of sustainability, social and environmental responsibility and good governance into their business strategies. The 2024 survey included the top 100 listed companies, the companies that publish a non-financial statement (pursuant to Legislative Decree no. 254 of 30 December 2016) and the top 50 non-listed and industrial companies in the Mediobanca ranking. The Hera Group’s main recognitions Publicly listed since 2003 and on the FTSE MIB since 2019, Hera was also included in the MIB ESG Index in 2021, the first Italian blue-chip index dedicated to ESG best practices, launched by Euronext - Borsa Italiana. Since several years the Group has been top-ranked by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index World and Europe, the Refinitiv’s Diversity & Inclusion Index, and is included in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, confirming its commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion and people development. Press_Hera Group ranks first in the 2024 ESG ICI.pdf 11:08:00 sede-hera-110.jpg
Online dal 19/06/2024 alle ore 11:08
Press releases
11/06/2024
Hera Spa
M&A
Price sensitive

Inrete Distribuzione Energia acquires Soelia’s gas network

2024-06-11 The Hera Group, through its subsidiary operating in the natural gas distribution sector, strengthens its presence in the area served centrata This morning, at the Hera Group’s headquarters, the Group, acting through its subsidiary Inrete Distribuzione Energia, one of the leading operators in the natural gas distribution sector with over 1.1 million active point of delivery (PoD), and Soelia, a multiservice company wholly owned by the municipality of Argenta (Ferrara), finalised the transaction involving the sale of Soelia’s business unit concerning plants, natural gas distribution networks and related management services. This agreement follows up on the tender called by Soelia and awarded on 15 May to Inrete Distribuzione Energia, which also led this Hera Group subsidiary to acquire Soelia’s 2.85% stake in Sinergas. This transaction further strengthens the Hera Group’s presence in its reference area, thus guaranteeing that an increasingly wide community of citizens benefits from the high standards in service quality, continuity and safety provided by the Group. In particular, Hera has now synergistically consolidated its presence in the municipality of Argenta, near Ferrara, where it already operates the integrated water service. Details of the partnership As of 1 July 2024, the company Inrete Distribuzione Energia will take over from Soelia in the gas distribution service in the municipality of Argenta. Inrete has indeed acquired Soelia’s gas distribution network, which serves approximately 10,000 PoD in the municipality of Argenta with facilities including roughly 240 km of pipelines, 5 high to medium pressure reduction and metering plants, 1 final reduction station and 44 local stations for low pressure reduction. Inrete Distribuzione Energia will take up this management under a renewal agreement, with the commitment of keeping the staff of the company branch acquired from Soelia unchanged. 11:57:00 sede_hera_110.jpg sede_hera_110 (5).jpg
Online dal 11/06/2024 alle ore 11:57
Press releases
15/05/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Price sensitive
Hera Spa

Publication of documents pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting

2024-05-15 Kindly note that as of today the minutes of the Shareholders Meeting held on 30 April 2024, as well as the articles of association containing the amendments approved by the Shareholders' Meeting, are available at company headquarters, on the Hera Group’s website (https://eng.gruppohera.it/group/ ) in the section dedicated to Corporate Governance, and on the authorised storage website 1INFO. We also inform that the aforementioned minutes was registered with the Companies' Register of Bologna on 09 May 2024. Publication of documents pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting (1).pdf 10:35:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 15/05/2024 alle ore 10:35
15/05/2024
Price sensitive
M&A
Hera Spa

Hera Group acquires Soelia’s gas network

Through its subsidiary Inrete Distribuzione Energia, the Group was awarded the tender for the gas distribution plants and network serving the municipality of Argenta in Ferrara area
Online dal 15/05/2024 alle ore 10:38
14/05/2024
Price sensitive
Financial Results
Hera Spa

Hera Group BoD approves results for 1Q 2024

2024-05-14 The consolidated quarterly report at 31 March shows improvement in the main operating and financial indicators. The Group’s financial solidity and commitment to sustainability and the ecological transition were confirmed, along with the creation of value for all stakeholders and significant investments in the areas served to improve our assets resilience and to guarantee service quality and continuity Financial highlights Revenues at 3,285.8 million euro Ebitda* at 417.1 million euro (+1.7%) Net profit for shareholders* at 143.1 million euro (+11.6%) Gross operating investments at 156.8 million euro Net financial debt at 3,986.6 million euro, with Net debt / Ebitda* at 2.66x Business highlights Significant contribution to growth from the water, electricity and waste management sectors Growth of energy customer base continues, now at 3.9 million New avant-garde projects for the ecological transition and investments to optimise the assets managed Today, the Board of Directors of the Hera Group, chaired by Executive Chairman Cristian Fabbri, unanimously approved the consolidated financial results for the first quarter of 2024 and appointed the Group’s new Vice Chairman. The first quarter of 2024 ended with increased operating results and investments compared to the same period in 2023 (year in which Hera recorded the highest growth in its history), in a market environment that was more stable than the previous year due to lower volatility in commodity prices, while still not returning to the levels seen prior to the crisis. This good performance is the result of the Group’s consolidated multi-business strategy, balanced between regulated and free-market activities. The consolidated quarterly report at 31 March confirms once again the Group’s financial solidity and, at the same time, its focus on resilient and sustainable growth for the benefit of all stakeholders. Cristian Fabbri, Executive Chairman of the Hera Group: “The first quarter of 2024 closed with the main operating and financial indicators showing growth, thanks to our consolidated multi-business strategy, balanced between regulated and liberalised activities: these results confirm the targets for creating value included in our Business Plan. In fact, the good operating performance led Ebitda to reach 417.1 million euro, up from last year’s exceptional results. The gradual normalisation of the energy scenario also allowed us to achieve a double-digit growth in net profit and return on our invested capital, which stands at 9.5%. In the electricity sector, the 19% increase in the customer base confirms our Group’s commercial strength and expertise, capable as we are of growing and boosting customer loyalty with value-added services for decarbonisation and energy efficiency, and conquering new market shares, reaching a total of 3.9 million energy customers.” Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group: “The 1Q 2024 solid results highlight further growth along with the Hera Group’s confirmed focus on resilience, sustainability and innovation. Operating investments, amounting to around 160 million euro, went to upgrading and making the managed infrastructures even more efficient, to ensure service quality and continuity and improve the resilience of our assets. The activities carried out in 2023 to optimise the financial structure led to a decrease in the cost of medium- and long-term debt, generating a significant saving in financial expenses compared to the same period one year earlier. This results in an increase of about 12% in net profit attributable to shareholders, which rose to over 143 million euro. The Group’s financial solidity was also fully confirmed, with the Net debt / Ebitda* ratio standing at 2.66x, improving from previous year and essentially aligned with the figure recorded on 31 December 2023.” Revenues at approximately 3.3 billion In the first quarter of 2024, revenues amounted to 3,285.8 million euro, down significantly from 5,628.9 million euro in the same period of 2023, mainly due to lower energy commodity prices and lesser trading activities, as well as reduced opportunities related to energy efficiency incentives in residential buildings. This drop was partially offset by the higher volumes of electricity sold, as a result of significant commercial development. Ebitda* rises to 417.1 million euro At 31 March 2024, Ebitda* rose to 417.1 million euro (+1.7%), as against 410.2 million euro for the first three months of 2023, demonstrating the resilience of the Group’s results within the normalisation of commodity prices. This growth is mainly due to the contribution coming from the water area, amounting to 9.8 million euro, the good performance of the electricity and waste areas, up 3.5 million euro and 2 million euro respectively, as well as the other services area, up 1.4 million euro, all of which offset the 9.8 million euro drop in the gas area due to the loss of the contribution coming from the super-ecobonus. Ebit* and pre-tax result* increase Ebit* at 31 March 2024 increased to 245.9 million euro, up 4.2% from 236.1 million euro in the first quarter of 2023. This performance was also supported by lower provisions for bad debts, due to the normalisation of commodity prices and lower gas volumes. The pre-tax result* also increased to 212.9 million euro (+11.1%), as against 191.7 million euro at 31 March 2023, thanks in particular to the positive trend in financial operations. Net profit attributable to shareholders* up to 143.1 million euro After taxes, which came to 28%, mainly due to lower tax benefits in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, net profit* rose to 153.3 million euro (+9.3%), compared to 140.3 million euro at 31 March 2023. Net profit attributable to Group Shareholders* also rose, coming to 143.1 million euro, up (+11.6%) from the 128.2 million euro seen at 31 March 2023. These results supported the creation of value for all stakeholders, in line with the content of the Business Plan. Gross operating investments rise, maintaining the Group’s solidity The Group’s operating investments, including capital grants, confirmed its strategic plans and were in line with the previous year, amounting to 156.8 million euro, as against 155.7 million euro at 31 March 2023, and mainly went to works on plants, networks and infrastructures. Regulatory upgrading was also carried out, mainly concerning gas distribution, with a large-scale meter replacement, and the purification and sewerage area. The total amount of net financial debt came to 3,986.6 million euro, a slight increase (+4.2%) compared to the figure seen at 31 December 2023, while the net debt/Ebitda* ratio stood at 2.66x, confirming the company’s financial solidity. Tommaso Rotella becomes Vice Chairman of Hera The Board of Directors assigned the position of (non-executive) Vice Chairman to Mr. Tommaso Rotella, who was appointed as a board director during the Shareholders Meeting held on April 30. Mr Rotella was also appointed Vice Chairman of Hera S.p.A.’s Executive Committee and Chairman of both the Remuneration Committee and the Risk and Control Committee (also acting as the Committee for Transactions with Related Parties). Born in Modena and 52 years old, he gained a degree in law from the University of Modena. As a lawyer, he specialises in proceedings concerning the criminal and administrative defence of companies, as well as tax consultancy. He holds positions as chairman of the supervisory body in several companies, participates in conferences and is author of publications on these topics. Rotella will remain in office as Vice President until the Shareholders’ Meeting held to approve the 2025 financial statements. The Board of Directors also confirmed the appointment of Enrico Di Stasi as a member of the Risk and Control Committee and of the Committee for Related Party Transactions, after Di Stasi was appointed as director by the Shareholders Meeting held on 30 April 2024. The Board of Directors also assessed the independence of Directors Rotella and Di Stasi. Based on the declarations made by them and the information available to the company, director Rotella was found to be independent and director Di Stasi not independent. Vice Chairman Rotella and director Di Stasi also declared that they do not hold Hera shares. Gas Ebitda* for the gas area, which includes natural gas distribution and sales, district heating and energy services, stood at 184.0 million euro, compared to 193.8 million euro at 31 March 2023, mainly due to the changes in government incentives for energy efficiency activities (super-bonus), lower intermediation activities and a reduction in volumes due to climatic conditions and changes in consumption habits. This change was partially offset by growth in both sales margins in traditional markets, due to the normalisation of shaping costs, and in regulated distribution revenues, thanks to the recovery of higher inflation and the updated regulatory WACC. Moreover, the Group’s good performance in last resort markets and in supplies to public administrations continued, through subsidiary Hera Comm, thanks to the award of 8 out of 9 lots of the last resort service, all 9 lots of the default service and 3 out of 12 lots of the Consip GAS15bis tender for public administrations. In the first quarter of 2024, investments made in the gas area amounted to 37.4 million euro. More specifically, in gas distribution they involved non-recurring maintenance work on networks and plants and the replacement of measuring units for remote management, while in gas sales investments were aimed at acquiring new customers. The number of gas customers stood at 2.1 million, in line with the previous year. The gas area accounted for 44.1% of Group Ebitda. Electricity Ebitda for the electricity area, which includes the generation, distribution and sale of electricity as well as public lighting services, rose by 5.2%, reaching 71.2 million euro, compared to 67.7 million euro seen in the same period of 2023 (these values have been recalculated by including the public lighting segment, previously classified among other services). The first quarter of 2024 showed significant growth in terms of both volumes sold to end customers, thanks to commercial development mainly in the free market, and margins due to the lower cost of modulation resulting from the drop in raw material prices. Distribution also increased, due to the recovery of inflation and the increase in regulated WACC. Other factors included opportunities in safeguards service and public administrations supplies, thanks to the awarding, through the subsidiary Hera Comm, of 4 lots in the Consip EE21 tender for the public administrations, 2 lots of the safeguards service, 3 lots of the gradual safeguarded service for SMEs, and 1 lot for micro-businesses. In the first quarter of 2024, investments made in this area amounted to 27.9 million euro, up 5.7 million euro year-on-year. In electricity distribution, the interventions carried out mainly concerned extraordinary maintenance and upgrading of plants and distribution networks in the Modena, Imola, Trieste and Gorizia areas, as well as the ongoing large-scale meter replacement and interventions to improve the resilience of the network. In energy sales, investments involving activities related to the acquisition of new customers increased. The number of electricity customers increased by 18.8% compared to the same period of 2023, reaching approximately 1.8 million. This growth occurred mainly in the free market, as a result of both the reinforced commercial actions and the positive contribution coming from Consip tenders and the gradual protection service. As regards public lighting, in the first quarter of 2024 the Hera Group acquired approximately 58.4 thousand lighting points in 20 new municipalities, mainly in Tuscany, Triveneto, Umbria, Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy. The percentage of lighting points managed using LED lamps also increased, confirming the Group’s constant focus on an increasingly efficient and sustainable management of this sector. The electricity area accounted for 17.1% of Group Ebitda. Water At 31 March 2024, Ebitda for the integrated water cycle area, which includes aqueduct, purification and sewerage services, rose to 65.4 million euro, up (+17.6%) from 55.6 million euro in the same period of 2023. This growth was mainly due to the recognition of inflation and the updated regulatory WACC. In the first quarter of 2024, investments made in the water cycle area, including capital grants, amounted to 48.3 million euro (30.9 million euro in the aqueduct, 11.8 million euro in sewerage and 5.6 million euro in purification) and mainly involved extensions, reclamation and upgrading on networks and plants, as well as regulatory adjustments, mainly in the purification and sewerage areas. The main interventions included: in the aqueduct, ongoing reclamation activities on networks and connections, as well as specific modernisation and upgrading operations; in the sewerage sector, ongoing implementation of the Rimini seawater protection plan (PSBO); in the purification sector, the beginning of construction for the new ‘power to gas’ plant at the IDAR purification plant in Bologna, partially financed by NRRP funds. Lastly, note that, in line with the results of previous years, ARERA has recently reconfirmed the high-quality standards adopted by Hera in managing the integrated water service: more specifically, the Hera Group was awarded first and third place in the overall ranking of Italian utilities (2020-21 two-year period). This result recognises the Group’s contribution to the development and efficiency of the sector, thanks to significant investments and state-of-the-art plants, to guarantee service continuity, safety and quality, in line with its sustainability and circular economy strategies. The integrated water cycle area accounted for 15.7% of Group Ebitda. Waste Ebitda for the waste management area, which includes waste collection, treatment and recovery services, rose to 89.6 million euro (+2.3%), as against 87.6 million euro at 31 March 2023, mainly due to higher volumes treated and lower operating costs, especially for chemicals. Ebitda for waste treatment services rose to 73.7 million euro (up 1.2 million euro), while Ebitda for waste collection and sweeping services amounted to 15.9 million euro (up 0.8 million euro). Compared to the same period in 2023, there was an increase in waste commercialised mainly due to a rise in market waste. This growth offset the lower performance of energy management, mainly due to lower market prices and lower volumes in the Rimini and Modena waste-to-energy plants due to maintenance. In the first quarter of 2024 as well, the main initiatives concerning the circular economy set out in the business plan continued, from material recovery to the production of renewable energy. Examples of this are the biodigester in Spilamberto (Modena area) that will go on stream this year and the new plant that subsidiary Aliplast started to build in Modena for the production of high-quality recycled polymers, with the aim of making sectors such as consumer electronics and the automotive industry increasingly sustainable. Thanks to the development of new state-of-the-art infrastructures such as this one, the Group aims to further consolidate its position in the segment of second raw material production, a sector in which Hera subsidiary Aliplast, already a national market leader in high-quality recycling of PET and LDPE polymers, aims to play a key role also in recycling rigid plastics. Within a macroeconomic scenario characterised by a slight growth in GDP, a downturn in industrial production and increased competitive pressure in the markets covered, the Group, thanks to its sound management policies, continued to strengthen its leadership in the waste management sector, especially in the industrial and recovery market, equipping its plants with the best available technologies and guaranteeing a significant level of growth along the supply chain. With more than one hundred state-of-the-art facilities capable of treating any type of waste, Hera’s set of plants is a strategic and distinctive asset nationwide, in a country which still shows significant infrastructural deficiencies in this area. Protecting environmental resources was confirmed as a priority goal for the Group in the early months of 2024, as was the maximisation of their reuse. This is further proven by the special attention dedicated to developing sorted waste collection, which rose to 74.1% at 31 March 2024, up 3.4% compared to the same period in 2023, thanks to the strong commitment shown in all areas served. In the first quarter of 2024, investments made in the waste management area rose to 21.6 million euro, mainly going to maintenance and upgrading of waste treatment plants. The waste management area accounted for 21.5% of Group Ebitda. Special items and operational adjustments / balance sheet reconciliation IFRS financial statements Income statement Statement of financial position PR Hera Group BoD approves results for 1Q 2024.pdf 12:41:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 14/05/2024 alle ore 12:41
30/04/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa
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Hera Shareholders Meeting: 2023 financial statements approved and dividend increased to 14 cents

The Group continues along its path of uninterrupted growth, closing 2023 with record performance in the main operating and financial indicators, thus constantly creating value for its stakeholders.
Online dal 30/04/2024 alle ore 12:53
23/04/2024
Hera Spa
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Hera Group at the top of ARERA’s water service quality ranking

The multiutility confirms itself among Italy’s most outstanding operators, securing the first and third positions, with reference to all macro-indicators, as proof of the very high standards adopted by the Group in this field. A commitment that the Hera fulfils with significant investments to ensure the highest quality and continuity of service to around 3.6 million citizens and an increasingly efficient and circular use of resources. Important results have been achieved, particularly in Emilia-Romagna.
Online dal 23/04/2024 alle ore 10:49
08/04/2024
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Hera Spa

Publication of the Draft Separate and Consolidated Financial Statements as of 31.12.2023, the Sustainability Report - Consolidated Non-Financial Statement, the Corporate Governance Report, and the Report on Remuneration and Compensation Paid

2024-04-08 Kindly note that the following documents, approved by the Hera S.p.A. Board of Directors, have been made available to the public at company headquarters, on the website https://eng.gruppohera.it/ and on the authorised storage platform 1INFO (www.1Info.it): folder containing the draft Separate Financial Statements and Consolidated Financial Statements as of 12/31/2023, including the Report of the Board of Statutory Auditors and the Report of the Independent Auditors; Sustainability Report - Consolidated non-financial statement prepared in accordance with Legislative Decree 254/2016. In the same way, the Corporate Governance Report and the Report on Remuneration Policy and Compensation Paid are also available. 15:27:00
Online dal 08/04/2024 alle ore 15:27
Press releases
29/03/2024
Hera Spa
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Rigid plastics recycling: one of Europe’s most innovative plants to be built in Modena

2024-03-29 Thanks to investments totalling approximately 50 million euro, the Hera Group will build a state-of-the-art facility within its own plant complex. Starting from plastic waste that has so far been difficult to recycle, it will produce high quality polymers with characteristics similar to those shown by virgin materials, thus making sectors such as consumer electronics and the automotive industry increasingly sustainable Work has begun in Modena on the construction of one of the most innovative plants in Europe for rigid plastics recycling. The Hera Group, through its subsidiary Aliplast – a leading company in plastics collection, recycling and regeneration – will create a state-of-the-art plant capable of obtaining high quality recycled polymers with characteristics comparable to those of virgin materials obtained from fossil fuels. The total investment made by the Hera Group amounts to approximately 50 million euro, 7.7 of which will be financed with NRRP funding (National Recovery and Resilience Plan). The facility is expected to be completed in late 2025. Construction work recently began within a site where a waste-to-energy plant and a wastewater treatment plant managed by the Group are located. The new plant will therefore operate within a context in which industrial synergies oriented towards sustainability can be created. The project was presented today, with Modena Mayor Gian Carlo Muzzarelli, Hera Group CEO Orazio Iacono and Aliplast CEO Carlo Andriolo present. A state-of-the-art plant capable of producing 30 thousand tonnes of recycled polymers per year When fully operational, the new plant will produce up to 30 thousand tonnes of high-quality recycled polymers annualy from rigid plastic waste, which is among the most difficult to successfully recycle, mainly coming from the consumer electronics and automotive sectors. These polymers, while still being recycled, will be pure enough to be reused in the same original sectors, with a quality similar to the one shown by virgin materials. The method used by Aliplast, in fact, involves upcycling, a kind of regeneration that improves the quality of the initial polymer and thus achieves high quality characteristics. In this way, the plastics leaving the plant will meet needs that until present have been covered almost exclusively by virgin raw materials, and even sectors with a significant environmental impact will be able to increase their sustainability. Suffice it to say that the quantity of plastic recycled in one year by the plant when fully operational will save environmental emissions amounting to approximately 30,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This new plastics recycling plant was designed based on the engineering and technological expertise of NextChem, the Maire Group’s subsidiary for sustainable technology solutions. A production process based on circular resources The new facility will be part of an already consolidated Hera Group plant complex and will thus be able to exploit the potential of different business lines. In particular, it will be powered by the electricity produced by the nearby waste-to-energy plant, while the production process will use the water coming out of the purification plant and later reinject it into the same plant, thus closing a virtuous circle. Lastly, the rigid plastics recycling plant will guarantee high standards of safety and innovation, with automation and highly digitised processes, which will also maximise energy efficiency. The plastics processed will also be zero-kilometre, since the material processed in the plant will be selected mainly from the waste that the Hera Group already processes in its own sorting and recovery lines, through Herambiente, or by involving the local production fabric. The Hera Group’s path to work towards the circular economy and decarbonisation This new rigid plastics recycling plant falls within the path that the Hera Group has been pursuing for some time to promote the circular economy and decarbonisation. In its 2023-2027 business plan as well, the Hera Group confirmed its commitment to supporting the ecological transition of the areas it serves, with initiatives intended for residents, public administrations and industrial customers, based on its extensive set of plants and the know-how it has acquired in various business sectors. In particular, the Group has earmarked 1.7 billion euro to feed projects dedicated to the circular economy and the regeneration of resources, equivalent to 39% of its total investment plan, which amounts to 4.4 billion euro. Moreover, thanks to the development of new state-of-the-art plants such as this one in Modena, the Group aims to further consolidate its position in the waste management area, a sector in which subsidiary Aliplast, already a national market leader in the high quality recycling of PET (polyethylene terephthalate recycled in granules and flakes) and LDPE (low density polyethylene recycled in granules) polymers, aims to play a key role in recycling of rigid plastics as well. "We are proud to present this project that, in addition to strengthening our set of plant, will give a further boost to the important contribution that Hera Group has been making to the Italian recycling industry for years. In the current context, a higher demand is coming from companies for increasingly sustainable solutions for waste treatment and recovery, guaranteeing that the cycle is closed with a view to the circular economy," explains Hera Group CEO Orazio Iacono. " There is therefore a need for new-generation plant capacity nationwide, and we are responding to this need with concrete and innovative projects. In particular, this plant will be a driving force in reaching resource circularity goals, especially in sectors such as the consumer electronics and automotive industries, with the additional aim of promoting increasingly circular and short Italian supply chains. This project is part of the initiatives outlined in the Business Plan to respond to the 2030 goals in terms of circular economy and decarbonization and is an integral part of our path aimed at accompanying the communities served toward the green transition, consistent with our corporate purpose." "With this project, we give further concreteness to the theme of sustainability and ecological transition that is characterizing our commitment to urban and environmental choices," emphasizes the Mayor of Modena, Gian Carlo Muzzarelli. "We are providing the territory with new employment opportunities and a tool to support the circular economy. It is a project that, along with the Hydrogen Valley project that includes Hera’s partnership, highlights how the resources of the PNRR can contribute to achieving the ecological transition, which is also part of the objectives of the Municipality's direct intervention program with the Next Generation Modena plan, which continues to follow the roadmap." loropersito.jpg
Online dal 29/03/2024
Press releases
27/03/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa

Publication of documents pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting to be held on 30 April 2024

2024-03-27 Kindly note that the following documentation, pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting convened for 30 April 2024, is available to the public at the Company headquarters, on the authorised storage website 1INFO (www.1Info.it) and on Hera Group’s website (https://eng.gruppohera.it/group_eng/corporate-governance/shareholders-meetings): Hera S.p.A. Board of Directors’ Explanatory Report regarding item 1 on the agenda - Extraordinary Session Hera S.p.A. Board of Directors’ Explanatory Report regarding item 2 on the agenda - Ordinary Session Hera S.p.A. Board of Directors’ Explanatory Report regarding item 3 on the agenda - Ordinary Session Hera S.p.A. Board of Directors’ Explanatory Report regarding item 4 on the agenda - Ordinary Session Hera S.p.A. Board of Directors’ Explanatory Report regarding item 5 on the agenda - Ordinary Session Hera S.p.A. Board of Directors’ Explanatory Report regarding item 6 on the agenda - Ordinary Session Hera S.p.A. Board of Directors’ Explanatory Report regarding item 7 on the agenda - Ordinary Session Publication of documents pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting of 30 April 2024.pdf 14:51:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 27/03/2024 alle ore 14:51
26/03/2024
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Financial Results

Hera Group approves results as at 31/12/2023

2024-03-26 img_primopiano_BE2023_870_V2.png The year closed with main financial indicators rising and the targets included in the strategic Plan to 2026 exceeded three years ahead of schedule. The Group’s financial solidity and flexibility allowed it to continue along its path of industrial growth, increasing its investments and successfully grasping market opportunities, both internal and external, while continuing to generate value benefitting all stakeholders. The proposed dividend was raised, reaching 14 eurocents per share Financial highlights Revenues at 14,897.3 million euro Ebitda* at 1,494.7 million euro (+15.4%) Net profit* for shareholders at 375.2 million euro (+16.5%) Gross operating investments at 815.8 million euro (+15.0%) Net financial debt improves to 3,827.7 million euro (-10%), with Net debt / Ebitda* at 2.56x Proposed dividend rises to 14 eurocents per share (+12%) Operating highlights Strong performance from internal growth with contributions coming from acquisitions Significant contributions from the energy area, growth in the waste management sector, and network resilience pending the adjustment of the tariff return effective from 2024 Consolidation of ranking as Italy’s first operator in the waste management sector, second in water and third in energy Shared-value Ebitda rises sharply to 776.0 million euro (+16%) and shared-value investments amount to 558.4 million euro (69% of total investments) Today, the Board of Directors of the Hera Group, chaired by Executive Chairman Cristian Fabbri, unanimously approved the consolidated financial results as at 31 December 2023 and the Report on remuneration policy and compensation paid, as well as the Sustainability report. Cristian Fabbri, Executive Chairman of Hera Group: “We closed 2023 with record performance in our main operating and financial indicators, achieved within a macroeconomic environment that was volatile and uncertain. Ebitda reached almost 1.5 billion, net profit attributable to shareholders grew by 16.5% and investments were up by 15%, exceeding 800 million euro. As a result, the economic value distributed to stakeholders in the areas in which we operate reached 2.3 billion euro, up 36%. We achieved these results mainly thanks to the contribution coming from the waste management and energy areas. In the energy area in particular, we achieved significant growth supported by commercial development, last resort markets and energy efficiency services. At the same time, debt fell by 10%, bringing us to a Net debt / Ebitda ratio of 2.56x, allowing the Board of Directors to propose a 12% increase in dividends, equal to 14 eurocents per share. The 2023 results thus confirm the validity of our Group’s strategic vision and constitute the solid building block of our new business plan, approved in January.” Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group: “In 2023, Ebitda exceed the targets set in the previous Plan to 2026 three years ahead of schedule. The normalisation of energy prices made it possible to reduce net working capital achieving a significant financial structure and a Net debt / Ebitda ratio of 2.56x. The Group thus regained its usual financial flexibility and can continue to seize further growth opportunities in its reference markets, still highly fragmented. Evidence of this lies in the transactions carried out in 2023, which also confirm our focus on generating sustainable growth in the local areas served. This commitment was confirmed by the increase in both shared-value Ebitda, up by 16% to 776.0 million euro, 52% of overall Ebitda, and in CSV investments, which amounted to 558.4 million euro in 2023, approximately 69% of total investments. Finally, we proved our ongoing commitment to sustainable finance, a driving force for our investment plan and confirmation of our desire to create value in the areas served, with particular attention going to objectives including decarbonisation, circular economy, innovation and resilience, consistent with our corporate purpose and the path set out by the Business Plan.” Record year for the Group, that continues to create value for stakeholders and increase its scope of operations Thanks to effective choices made by management and the numerous development actions implemented, which also made it possible to seize market opportunities, the Hera Group closed the 2023 financial year with main operating results showing strong growth compared to the previous year. In particular, the Group leveraged its financial flexibility to successfully participate in recent last resort market tenders, and to acquire strategic assets in the waste management area. In a year characterised by an international geopolitical situation that remained unstable, with high energy market volatility in the first half of the year and prices that have not yet returned to the levels seen prior to the crisis, as well as a series of extreme weather and climate phenomena that affected the areas served, the Hera Group has continued to ensure service continuity and quality and the creation of value for all stakeholders. This concrete and transparent value was quantified through shared-value Ebitda and investments, with the data in question subjected for the fifth consecutive year to an external auditing company in order to validate these distinctive aspects of the Group’s reporting to all stakeholders. Hera pursued corporate growth and, at the same time, sustainable development, as shown by the increased investments in innovation and resilience of the assets managed, the circular economy and the energy transition, with concrete projects consistent with major national and international policies. In addition to internal growth, in 2023 Hera continued to expand its scope of operations through external development, with the aim of providing its customers with increasingly innovative and competitive solutions. In the waste management area, the new plant for biomethane and compost production in Spilamberto, near Modena, became fully operational, as did the partnership with A.C.R. di Reggiani Albertino, an important company operating nationwide in remediation, industrial waste treatment, decommissioning of industrial plants, and civil works related to the oil & gas sector. In the IT-TLC sector, the acquisition with Ascopiave of 92% of Asco TLC, followed by its merger by incorporation into Group subsidiary Acantho, enabled Hera to enhance its connectivity, telephony and data centre services in more than one region of Italy. In the area of renewable energy, acquisitions concerned the Ferrara-based company Tiepolo, for the construction of a photovoltaic solar park in Bondeno in Ferrara province, and of 60% of the Rimini-based company F.lli Franchini, involved in installing plumbing and electrical systems and photovoltaic solutions for business customers. The Hera Group and Orogel company also established the NewCo Horowatt for the construction of a sustainable, state-of-the-art agrivoltaic plant at the Cesena facilities owned by this agricultural cooperative. In the energy area, in November 2023 the Hera Group’s holding in EstEnergy, the largest energy operator in Northeastern Italy, rose to 75%. Furthermore, as regards the valuable intangible asset represented by its customer base, in February 2024, 7 lots were awarded in the national tender called by the Single Buyer for the gradual protection service for non-vulnerable domestic customers. The liberalisation process in the electricity sales market will lead to the entry, as of 1 July 2024, of more than 1 million new customers in the electricity service, further consolidating the Group’s position as the third largest operator in the energy sector nationwide. Lastly, as regards creating value, the Group continued to show its commitment to sustainable finance. In 2023, more than 1 billion in financing was allocated to the green transition, thanks to the issue of the Group’s second sustainability-linked bond, which included carbon neutrality and circular economy objectives, and the Revolving sustainability-linked credit line obtained. In addition, Hera obtained a dedicated loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for more than 60 Group projects, mainly intended for the Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions and aligned with the European Taxonomy that, in addition to responding to the objectives set by the UN Global Agenda 2030, will accompany the communities served towards an ecological transition strongly rooted in the social and industrial fabric. Thanks to this strong focus on green finance, the portion of the Group’s debt financed with ESG instruments has progressively increased over the years, reaching 57% in 2023. Revenues at approximately 15 billion euro The Hera Group’s 2023 revenues amounted to 14,897.3 million, down from 20,082 million in 2022 (-25.8%), mainly due to the normalisation of energy commodity prices and gas volumes, lower trading and the mild weather seen in the first part of the year. This decrease was partially offset by higher electricity volumes sold, thanks to commercial activities related to the sale of value-added services and solutions for energy efficiency and self-generation, Consip tenders, the 2 lots of the safeguard service awarded for 2023-2024 and the gradual protection service for supplying electricity to micro-businesses starting from 1 April 2023. Revenues in the waste management sector were also up, due in particular to new operations in the industry market, above all the partnership with Modena-based A.C.R di Reggiani Albertino. Ebitda* rises to almost 1.5 billion euro (+15.4%) Ebitda* for 2023 increased to 1,494.7 million, up 15.4% compared to the 1,295.0 million recorded at 31 December 2022. This growth is due to the overall contribution coming from the energy areas, amounting to 169.4 million euro, especially thanks to commercial development, last resort market tenders and opportunities arising from incentives for energy services. A good performance also came from the waste management area, up 15.4 million euro, while the water cycle contributed with 9.5 million euro and the other services area with 5.4 million euro. Ebit* increases to 741.0 million euro (+18%) Ebit* rose to 741.0 million euro, +18% compared to 2022, with growth exceeding that of Ebitda*, since depreciation, amortisation and provisions increased less than the rise in Ebitda. Net profit* increases to 417.0 million euro The tax rate for the 2023 financial year stood at 26%, unchanged from 2022, thanks to nonrecurring concessions, tax credits for the purchase of electricity and gas, and benefits from the redemption of certain higher values arising from corporate acquisitions. Net profit* at 31 December 2023 also rose by 12%, reaching 417.0 million euro, as against 372.3 million during the previous year. Net profit* attributable to shareholders rises Net profit* attributable to shareholders amounted to 375.2 million, up 16.5%. Increased investments and improvement in net financial debt In 2023, the Hera Group’s operating investments, including capital grants, reached 815.8 million euro, up 15.0% compared to 709.5 million in 2022. Investments were mainly allocated to work on plants, networks and infrastructures, in addition to regulatory adjustments in gas distribution for the large-scale meter replacement, as well as the purification and sewage sector. This effort towards investing in the industrial growth of the Group’s regulated activities led its RAB to rise to 3.33 billion euro, up by 144 million euro compared to 2022. Net financial debt decreased to 3,827.7 million euro, as against 4,249.8 million as at 31 December 2022, mainly due to the positive performance of net working capital* caused by the progressive reduction in energy commodity prices compared to the amounts seen in late 2022, the increase in tax credits for subsidiary Hera Servizi Energia (due to the acceleration of works incentivised by expiring tax bonuses), the decreased VAT position and the lower value of gas storage, both in terms of prices and volumes. The Group’s financial structure therefore showed significant improvement, with the Net debt / Ebitda* ratio decreasing to 2.56x, compared to 3.28x at 31 December 2022. The result from operations recorded a double-digit return on equity (ROE*), coming to 11.1%. Return on invested capital (ROI*) also improved, rising to almost 10% (9.8%), as against 7.9% in 2022 and above the figures seen prior to the crisis, with an increase in value creation, due to both higher margins and a decrease in invested capital, as a result of the normalisation of net working capital. Shared-value Ebitda and investments up to 776.0 million (+16% compared to 2022) and 558.4 million (69% of total investments) respectively As confirmation of the Group’s commitment to sustainability and creating value in the areas served, 2023 shared-value Ebitda, referring to business activities that respond to the objectives of the 2030 UN Global Agenda, rose to 776.0 million, up 16% from 670.3 million in 2022 and corresponding to 52% of overall Ebitda. This result is in line with the direction defined by the Business plan and the goal of reaching over 1 billion euro in 2027 (equivalent to 64% of total Ebitda), along a path that generates concrete benefits for the local areas and communities served, alongside the company’s own development. Shared-value investments also rose, amounting to 558.4 million in 2023, roughly 69% of total gross operating investments. Moreover, about 92% of the investments eligible for the Taxonomy are already aligned with the criteria of this European Regulation and thus contribute to environmental objectives including climate change mitigation, circular economy, water resource protection and pollution prevention. The Hera Group’s best practices in ESG factors led it to be confirmed, for the fourth consecutive year, as part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, World & Europe, one of the world’s most authoritative stock market indices for evaluating social responsibility, with the highest rating in the Environmental and Social areas for companies in the Multi & Water Utilities sector. Furthermore, Hera was confirmed as a European leader in terms of commitment and transparency in the fight against climate change, achieving the “A-” level in the assessment drawn up by CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), the international non-profit organisation specialising in assessing the climate strategies and performance adopted by companies. Proposed dividend increases to 14 eurocents per share Consistently with what was announced last January when presenting the Business plan to 2027, and in consideration of the significant results achieved, the Board of Directors decided to propose to the Shareholders Meeting held on 30 April to pay a dividend coming to 14 eurocents per share, up 1.5 eurocents compared to the last dividend paid (+12%). This increase will be extended to the entire dividend policy for the period covered by the Plan, reaching 16 eurocents per share in 2027, with net earnings per share rising by an average of 7% per year. The ex-dividend date has been set for 24 June 2024, with payment as of 26 June 2024. The dividend will be paid to the shares recorded on 25 June 2024. Report on remuneration policy and compensation approved The Board of Directors also approved the Report on the remuneration policy and compensation paid, in line with international best practices. Gas Ebitda* for the gas area, which includes natural gas distribution and sales, district heating and energy services, amounted to 516.9 million euro at 31 December 2023, as against 585.1 million in 2022. The decrease in Ebitda for the gas area is linked both to reduced volumes, due to the mild weather seen in the first part of the year, and lower margins for storage and trading activities, as well as the opportunities arising in the energy services segment from incentives for energy efficiency in households (110% super-bonus and insulation bonus) and the increased customer base, partially due to the last resort market and Consip tenders awarded. In particular, Hera Comm was awarded 8 of the 9 lots of the last resort gas service in 16 regions for the period from 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2025, all 9 lots of the gas default service tender and 3 lots of the Consip tender for supplying natural gas to public administrations in 2023-2024. The overall number of gas customers increased to 2.1 million (+1.3%). In 2023, net investments came to 190.9 million euro (+22.4% compared to 2022), mainly going to distribution, involving nonrecurring maintenance and development of networks and plants, smart gas meter commissioning, including the innovative NexMeter patented by Hera, initiatives related to acquiring new customers, district heating and energy services, with the activities of the company Hera Servizi Energia, and work on networks and plants. In the Udine area, 2023 saw the start of the gas distribution service for the 18 municipalities included in the ATEM Udine 2, following the tender awarded to AcegasApsAmga in late 2021. The new service contract includes over 90 thousand users, distributed along a network coming to over 1,200 km. At the end of the year, the second phase of experimentation, involving the first trials of this kind in Italy, was completed in Castelfranco Emilia, near Modena, on the use of a mixture of methane and hydrogen (2%), in a municipal gas distribution network. This asset readiness test on the network is part of Hera’s strategy to promote green gas, in line with EU indications, and allowed it to include gas distribution among the eligible activities for the European Taxonomy. The two Hydrogen Valleys under construction, in Modena and Trieste, which will produce about 800 tonnes per year of green hydrogen, will be home to photovoltaic parks to power the electrolysers, contributing to the decarbonisation of the industrial and local public transport sectors and, more generally, local areas in question, while at the same time redeveloping disused areas. The plants will be completed by 2026, partially thanks to NRRP contributions. The development of a supply chain for this renewable energy vector will therefore have significant and positive environmental, social and economic consequences. The gas area accounted for 34.6% of Group Ebitda. Electricity The electricity area, which mainly includes services in electricity distribution and sales, saw a sharp rise in Ebitda, which came to 309.2 million euro, as against 71.6 million in 2022. This was mainly due to sales activities, that benefitted from lower modulation charges compared to 2022 and a significant increase in the customer base, in both traditional and safeguarded markets. Value-added services were up, with increased earnings coming to approximately 3 million euro, partially thanks to the entry of the company F.lli Franchini within the Group’s scope of operations, in a partnership that brought new technical skills to Hera and expanded its portfolio of solutions for business customers, further strengthening its presence in the Italian energy market. One of the M&As aimed at supporting decarbonisation and electrification of consumption in the communities served was the aforementioned acquisition of the company Tiepolo for the construction of a photovoltaic solar park in Bondeno in Ferrara province. In addition, 4 lots of the Consip electricity tender for supplying electricity to public administrations in 2023 were awarded, in Rome, Campania, Calabria and the Italy lot; 3 lots of the gradual protected service for supplying electricity to SMEs for the period from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024, in 9 regions; 2 lots of the safeguarded service for 2023 and 2024, in 4 regions; 1 lot of the gradual protected service for supplying electricity to micro-businesses from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2027, in 2 regions and 3 provinces in the North-East Italy. Electricity customers rose above 1.7 million (+19.2%), with growth occurring especially on the free market, thanks to reinforced commercial actions. Customer appreciation and loyalty was also confirmed, thanks to the value-added services offered by the Group. In particular, the market positioning strategy pursued by the Group led it to capitalise on the success achieved in all tenders in last resort services (both gas and electricity), supporting strong growth in results and laying the foundations for further market development. In the electricity area, gross and net investments amounted to 124.5 million, up 59% compared to the previous year. The interventions carried out mainly concerned nonrecurring maintenance on plants and distribution networks in the Modena, Imola, Trieste and Gorizia areas; a large-scale meter replacement and improvements in network resilience. Requests for new connections also increased slightly compared to the previous year. The electricity area accounted for 20.7% of Group Ebitda. Water cycle Ebitda for the integrated water cycle area, which includes aqueduct, purification, and sewerage services, amounted to 271.4 million euro, up from 261.9 million in the previous year, fully offsetting the increase in network and plant operating costs due to the rise in prices for materials and services. In addition, the Group was able to more than compensate for the considerable effect of inflation on costs, which was only recognised in tariffs as of 1 January 2024. Also note ARERA’s recognition of the significant investments, state-of-the-art plants and use of the best technologies for an efficient management of the water cycle in the areas served, in line with the Group’s sustainability and circular economy strategies. In particular, the Hera Group was awarded first and third place in the overall ranking of Italian utilities, proving the very high-quality standards adopted in managing this service. Including capital grants, investments amounted to 228.2 million euro (+9.7%), mainly going to extensions, reclamations and upgrading on networks and plants, as well as regulatory adjustments mainly in the purification and sewerage areas. The main interventions concerned the aqueduct, with ongoing reclamation activities on networks and connections, as well as major nonrecurring maintenance and restoration work following the flood emergency in May 2023. Considerable maintenance work continued on the intake from the Setta river, serving the Sasso Marconi drinking water treatment plant near Bologna, as well as upgrading on water networks in other areas served and a large-scale meter replacement. Furthermore, development began on the project for the new Castel Bolognese supply system in Ravenna province, and on the significant reclamation of a water adduction pipeline from Pontelagoscuro to Ferrara. In the sewerage sector, work continued on the Rimini seawater protection plan, one of the largest state-of-the-art works in Italy of its kind, and in network redevelopment and drain upgrading in other regions. In purification, note the construction of the new power-to-gas plant at the IDAR purifier in Bologna, as well as the expansion of the San Giovanni in Persiceto plant near Bologna, and ongoing revamping of the Gramicia purification plant in Ferrara. 2023 was also an important year for the consolidation of relations between the networks of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto integrated water system managers, in order to improve the resilience of these systems, and projects financed by the NRRP, among others, were launched. Also note the interventions in the area of climate change to prevent flooding in both Trieste, with interventions on streams, and Padua, with nonrecurring cleaning and connections for new sewerage networks. The integrated water cycle area accounted for 18.2% of Group Ebitda. Waste Ebitda for the waste management area, which includes waste collection, treatment and disposal services, rose to 353.4 million euro, up 4.6% from 338 million in 2022, mainly due to the good performance of the waste treatment area, whose Ebitda came to 294.4 million, up 16.9 million, while Ebitda for environmental services involving collection and sweeping amounted to 59.0 million. The contribution from changes in the scope of consolidation due to recent acquisitions, the excellent performance of energy management and the higher volumes treated offset the increased costs due to inflation, the closure of the Ca’ Lucio landfill in the Marche region and the negative trend in the recovery market. In special waste treatment, the results of subsidiary ACR, which recently entered the Group’s scope of operations, were particularly noteworthy, creating approximately 4 million euro in synergies thanks to its full integration into the Group’s activities. The Hera Group is Italy’s leading operator in the waste management sector and operates in the complete waste cycle with approximately one hundred municipal and special waste treatment and plastic regeneration plants. The care and attention Hera gives to its set of plants has always set it apart, including ongoing efforts to equip plants with the best available technologies and achieve growth in this sector, favoured by regional expansion and its solid management and commercial policies. In 2023 as well, the main lines of development characterising the evolution of the Group’s activities were confirmed, transforming waste into resources with a view to the circular economy. One example of this is the new plant that became fully operational in 2023 in Spilamberto, in Modena area, born from the partnership between Herambiente and Inalca by converting an old biodigester into a state-of-the-art plant to transform organic waste and agrifood waste into 100% renewable methane and compost, making a concrete contribution to decarbonisation. Its annual production of about 3.7 million cm of biomethane will avoid the use of fossil fuels amounting to roughly 3,000 TOE (tonnes of oil equivalent) and 7,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Protecting environmental resources was therefore confirmed as a priority objective, as was their maximal reuse. This is also proven by the special attention dedicated to increasing sorted waste collection, which, thanks to the strong commitment that the Group has made in all areas served, rose to 72.2%, up 4.4% compared to 67.8% seen in 2022. Gross investments in the waste management sector amounted to 150.8 million euro, mainly involving maintenance and expansion of the set of plants. This includes, for example, in addition to the previously mentioned new plant built in Spilamberto, the revamping on the Trieste waste-to-energy plant and the Ravenna F3 plant, as well as preparatory work for constructing Aliplast’s innovative rigid plastics regeneration plant in Modena. The waste management area accounted for 23.6% of Group Ebitda. Special items and operational adjustments / balance sheet reconciliation IFRS financial statements Income statement Statement of financial position 20240326 Press release Hera FY23 results.pdf 12:47:00 img_BE2023_110x150V2.jpg
Online dal 26/03/2024 alle ore 12:47
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11/03/2024
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Green energy and a new urban forest: the Hera Group’s Energy Park arrives in Bologna

2024-03-11 Sustainability, decarbonisation, liveability and biodiversity protection are the keywords of this project, which will be developed in the northern part of the city and will contain a new urban park with facilities, complemented by areas dedicated to protecting animal and plant species, and an agrivoltaic field that will allow an annual saving of 6,000 tons of CO2. The Hera Group is building its first Energy Park in Bologna that combines and puts into practice energy sustainability, decarbonisation, innovation, environmental redevelopment and biodiversity protection. This initiative involves the creation of an advanced agrivoltaic field with photovoltaic panels above ground level, to allow traditional agricultural activity, powered by the clean energy coming from the sun, and an urban forest having green areas with facilities usable by citizens and areas dedicated to animal and plant biodiversity. The Energy Park, a strategic project for Bologna, will be located in the northern area of the city, in the Navile district. The project will be realized by 2026 and represents a fundamental step in the Bologna Climate Mission, the path towards climate neutrality that the Municipality of Bologna is committed to achieving by 2030, which the Hera Group immediately joined. The Energy Park will indeed lead to an annual savings in terms of carbon dioxide coming to roughly 6,000 tonnes: a concrete step taken by the Hera Group towards decarbonisation. The project’s vital statistics The Energy Park will cover a total area of about 50 hectares. On roughly twenty hectares of municipal property, the urban forest will be developed; on the remaining thirty hectares the agrivoltaic field will be built. The advanced agrivoltaic plant combines solar energy production with agriculture and consists of raised photovoltaic panels, installed high enough off the ground so as not to interfere with agricultural activities. In the end, therefore, the same surface area is used twice. The current use of this rural location will be maintained thanks to the use of agrivoltaic technology, which makes it possible to produce clean energy while continuing to use the land for agricultural purposes. The support structures for the photovoltaic panels are positioned at a height from the ground that allows agricultural vehicles to pass underneath, thus minimising land occupation. Energy efficiency is guaranteed by innovative technology, since energy production is maximised by the photovoltaic panels’ ability to follow the sun, automatically orienting themselves towards it. The new plant will have a total capacity coming to around 14 MW and is expected to produce more than 20 GWh of electricity per year, equivalent to the consumption of almost 8,000 households, with annual carbon dioxide savings amounting to roughly 6,000 tonnes. The park that will be open to residents is the other inspiration behind the Energy Park, and is a unique opportunity for the urban redevelopment of the surrounding area, which contains sports centres and residences. This infrastructure will indeed increase the space available for the enjoyment of natural areas or those having naturalistic potential, integrating areas dedicated to plant and animal biodiversity with areas of organised parkland, with bicycle and pedestrian paths open to all. The Energy Park project, for which the Hera Group has obtained a patent, will be the first green infrastructure that combines renewable energy production, soil conservation, the protection of animal and plant species and spaces usable by people. It will also give citizens the chance to participate in the construction of photovoltaic plants by investing in them and receiving in return a discount on their bills equal to the energy produced. The authorisation process for the project is already underway. Construction of the Energy Park is scheduled to begin in 2025, and within 2026 the park will be open and the agrivoltaic plant will be operational. The Hera Group for the energy transition, alongside the communities served The Energy Park is a concrete and innovative example of synergy between renewable energy production, sustainability, agriculture and biodiversity protection, moving towards the decarbonisation of cities. It offers a solution that is fully consistent with the strategy outlined in the Hera Group’s 2027 Business Plan, which as regards the photovoltaic power generation sets the goal of installing about 300 MW over the time covered by the plan. This goal will be achieved preferably through solutions that do not involve further land consumption, such as agrivoltaic plants and a number of projects being implemented on landfills or plants in the Group’s water cycle, as well as installations at customers’ premises, including Renewable Energy Communities. 20240311 PR Hera Group’s Energy Park arrives in Bologna.pdf 11:03:00 energy park per sito.jpg See the press release energy park per sito.jpg
Online dal 11/03/2024 alle ore 11:03
04/03/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa
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The passing of Hera S.p.A.'s Vice Chairman, Mr. Gabriele Giacobazzi

We hereby inform you that on March 3, 2024, the Vice Chaiman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Gabriele Giacobazzi, passed away.
Online dal 04/03/2024 alle ore 16:00
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13/02/2024
Hera Spa
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Hera Group among Europe’s leaders in sustainability and the fight against climate change

2024-02-13 The Group achieved the leadership band in the CDP questionnaire and was included among “TOP 1%” Multi and Water Utilities of the S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2024. These recognitions prove Hera’s commitment to sustainable development and creating shared value for local areas. The Hera Group, one of Italy’s largest multi-utilities operating in the waste management, energy and water sectors, has been confirmed among Europe’s leading companies for its commitment and transparency in the fight against climate change. It achieved an “A-” score in the assessment drawn up by CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), the international non-profit organisation specialising in evaluating the climate performance and strategies adopted by companies. This achievement above both the energy utilities sector and the European average (both B), comes alongside Hera’s inclusion, for the fourth year straight, in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook, which sees Hera among the 759 best companies in the world for sustainability performance. The CDP score Hera achieved an A- score, showing clear improvement on the B obtained in 2022. It also achieved the highest rating (A) for managing climate change risks and opportunities and for its emissions data, including indirect emissions. All companies were assessed on the basis of their decarbonisation strategy, the effectiveness of their efforts to reduce emissions and climate risks and to develop a low-carbon economy, as well as the completeness and transparency of the information provided and the adoption of best practices concerning environmental impact. The CDP is an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides companies and countries with a system to measure, track, manage and share climate change information globally, and is the gold standard for investors, companies, cities, states and regions. Completing the CDP questionnaire requires measuring and reporting on all performances and initiatives put in place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the request of more than 740 investors with over $136 trillion in assets, in 2023 this data was reported through CDP’s platform by the companies involved. S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook The corporate sustainability performance assessment carried out by S&P Global sees Hera within the “Top 1%” of the best-performing companies in the sector. With an ESG score coming to 82/100, as against an industry average of 43/100, Hera has confirmed its leadership in both the environmental and social dimensions, where it recorded the highest score among Multi and Water Utilities. Membership was highly competitive this year; of the over 9,400 companies assessed in the Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023, divided into 62 business sectors, only 66 are classified as “Top 1%” and Hera is among them. The S&P Global ESG Score measures a company's performance and management of material ESG risks, opportunities, and impacts informed by a combination of company disclosures, media and stakeholder analysis, modelling approaches, and in-depth company engagement via the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment. 20240213 PR Hera Group among Europe’s leaders in sustainability.pdf 11:03:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 13/02/2024 alle ore 11:03
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06/02/2024
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Hera Group: over 1 million new electricity customers as of 1 July

2024-02-06 With the 7 lots awarded in the tender for the Gradual Protection Service for non-vulnerable household customers, the Hera Group consolidates its position as the sector’s third largest operator in Italy. Today, the Hera Group, through its subsidiary Hera Comm, was definitively awarded 7 lots (the maximum number allowed, out of the 26 into which the country is divided) in the national tender called by the Single Purchaser for the Gradual Protection Service for non-vulnerable household customers. This achievement will lead to the acquisition of more than 1 million new electricity customers, spread over 37 provinces of Italy, who will become part of the Group’s portfolio as of 1 July 2024. It also marks a significant step towards the target set out in the Business Plan to 2027. More specifically, Hera will strengthen its presence in several regions: Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Marche, Tuscany, Abruzzo, Lazio, Umbria, Liguria, Piedmont, Lombardy and Campania. The Group has thus additionally consolidated its position as the country’s third largest operator in this sector, confirming itself as a key player on the national energy market. Cristian Fabbri, Executive Chairman of the Hera Group: “This result represents yet another milestone in the expansion of our commercial services, and an important element of the Business Plan we recently presented. The consolidated experience we have gained in over twenty years working in the energy sector allows us to offer these new customers all the professionalism of our commercial structures, strongly rooted in most of the provinces assigned by this tender. We have always been committed to providing quality services, along with innovative and sustainable solutions to meet the needs of our customers, both residential and business, accompanying them along the path to decarbonisation and making their consumption more efficient.” The result of considerable experience in the sector and significant industrial synergies The Hera Group won 7 lots in the Gradual Protection Service by leveraging the experience previously gained in managing these services and its substantial industrial synergies. The new customers in the Gradual Protection Service will be able to rely on the Hera Group’s consolidated expertise in offering cutting-edge solutions in the energy sector and numerous contact channels, starting from over 200 customer helpdesks located throughout the country, which represent a point of reference to which they can turn for any request, concerning both supplies (gas and electricity) and value-added services (energy saving, sustainable mobility, solutions for businesses). For Hera, focussing on customer and local roots is fundamental: relations with local communities are, in fact, one of the company’s strengths. In addition to its physical network of helpdesks where customers can request free in-depth energy advice, the Hera Group also offers dedicated call centres, a web platform and an App that allow customers to manage their supplies from the comfort of their own homes and find solutions to make their consumption more sustainable. “Already today, we guarantee that our customers receive certified renewable electricity and ensure that greenhouse gas emissions resulting from natural gas consumption are offset”, adds Isabella Malagoli, CEO of Hera Comm. “We will continue to develop new value-added offers and services for energy saving, digital solutions and innovative technologies, with the aim of increasingly customising our customers’ experience, contributing to sustainable growth in this sector and the country’s energy transition.” Other tenders awarded The 7 lots awarded in the Gradual Protection Service for non-vulnerable domestic customers in the electricity market come alongside other tenders recently won by the Hera Group, once again through its subsidiary Hera Comm, in sectors including gas (last resort supply service, default distribution service and Consip GAS15bis tender for supplying Public Administrations) and electricity (Consip EE21 tender for supplying PAs, Gradual Protection Service for small businesses from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024, safeguarded service for 2023-2024, Gradual Protection Service for micro-enterprises from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2027). The Hera Group is the only operator that currently manages all last resort services for end customers in the gas and electricity markets. 20240206 PR 7 lots awarded in the Gradual Protection Service tender.pdf 13:06:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 06/02/2024 alle ore 13:06
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25/01/2024
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Hera Group expands in the industrial waste sector with TRS Ecology

2024-01-25 With the acquisition of 70% of the Piacenza-based company, the Group reinforces its leadership in the waste management sector. This transaction, at full capacity, is expected to contribute to growth in the Hera Group’s Ebitda with approximately 6 million euro. The Hera Group has further strengthened its Italian leadership in the waste management sector, particularly in industrial waste treatment, thanks to the binding agreement signed today by its subsidiary, Herambiente Servizi Industriali, concerning the acquisition of 70% of TRS Ecology based in Piacenza, Emilia Romagna region. TRS Ecology has thus transferred to Herambiente its corporate branch responsible for the multifunctional waste treatment platform located in Caorso in Piacenza. With this new facility, when fully operational, Herambiente will process over 64,000 additional tons of industrial waste annually, contributing with approximately 6 million euro to the Hera Group’s consolidated Ebitda, in addition to synergies expected from the integration. The acquisition of TRS Ecology, which employs over 70 workers and serves approximately 2,700 clients, will allow Hera to expand its presence in the Northwestern Italy and create important synergies with its existing industrial hubs in Pisa, Ravenna and Vicenza provinces. The current ownership, represented by the company’s Sole Director Claudio Dodici, will remain within the new corporate structure, retaining a significant operational role. “This new and significant partnership will make us even more efficient in managing our industrial clients and will strengthen our national leadership in this sector, both in terms of the quantity of waste treated and the number of clients served. The infrastructure provided by TRS Ecology complements Herambiente’s current facilities dedicated to the valorisation of industrial waste, allowing us to expand our scope of action. When it reaches full capacity, we expect to develop significant technical and commercial synergies with the other plants and companies within the Group”, comments Andrea Ramonda, CEO of Herambiente. “After almost forty years of history”, comments Claudio Dodici, Sole Director of TRS, “with this transaction our company has grasped a unique opportunity for growth and a chance to further improve the quality of services for our clients, creating value for all stakeholders. Our absolute priority has always been to make a genuine and ongoing commitment to environmental preservation. This is why we have constantly invested in circularity, which we believe to be a principle of sustainability and it is crucial for us to know that Hera shares the same values and gives the same attention to these issues.” The details of the partnership The TRS facility in Caorso is authorized to treat more than 100,000 tons of waste annually and is organized into four process lines: solid and liquid waste storage; solid and liquid waste reconditioning, sorting, screening and recovery; solid waste volumetric reduction and grinding; solid and liquid waste mixing. In addition to its treatment activities, TRS Ecology can engage in storage, aimed at managing waste from environmental remediation. The Caorso facility currently processes approximately 50,000 tons of waste each year, and with the investments planned by Herambiente, it will be able to increase and streamline its activities, respecting the Group’s circular economy objectives. Acting through its subsidiary Herambiente Servizi Industriali, the Hera Group currently operates 19 multifunctional sites dedicated to treating waste produced by businesses, processing over 1 million tons of industrial waste annually. This operation follows up on the M&As already carried out by Hera in recent years, including the 100% acquisition of Recycla (Friuli), the 80% acquisition of Vallortigara (Vicenza), the 31% acquisition of SEA (Marche), the 50% joint venture with HEA (Ravenna) and the 70% acquisition of ACR (Modena). It thus pursues Herambiente’s development plan aimed at providing efficient, innovative, and competitive solutions to its clients in terms of both cost and environmental sustainability. All acquisitions made by Herambiente are aligned with the goal of increasing the proximity and accessibility of plants presenting synergies with the Group’s long-standing network. This is done with the aim of improving efficiency and service quality for businesses, generating positive returns in the areas served and providing economic benefits to clients. PR Hera Group expands in the industrial waste sector.pdf 12:38:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 25/01/2024 alle ore 12:38
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24/01/2024
Price sensitive
Financial Results
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Hera Group presents Business Plan to 2027

2024-01-24 Development, resilience and creating shared value for stakeholders are at the heart of the Group’s new strategic document, which foresees investments totalling 4.4 billion to speed up the ecological transition and enhance asset resilience to climate change. The preliminary results for 2023 outperform the previous Plan’s goals that have been achieved three years ahead of schedule, thanks to the numerous development actions implemented and the Group’s ability to grasp market opportunities. Business Plan to 2027, operating and financial highlights 2027 Ebitda: 1.650 billion euro (+27% compared to 2022) Five-year investments at 4.4 billion euro Increased return on net invested capital, from 7.9% to 9.5% in 2027 Net debt/Ebitda below 3x over the period covered by the Plan: 2.7x in 2027 7% average annual increase in Earnings per Share Dividends to rise by 28% (up to 16 €cents per share in 2027) Average annual Total Shareholder Return (TSR) at 12%. Business highlights: sustainable growth 2.5 billion euro in investments aligned with the European Taxonomy for Sustainable Investments (98% of eligible investments) Shared-value investments coming to over 70% during the entire five-year plan Increase in shared-value Ebitda, up to over 55% in 2027, reaching 64% of total Ebitda Commitment to reduce total CO2 emissions by 29% within 2027 and by 37% within 2030 confirmed 30% of the investment plan goes towards digitisation and infrastructure innovation 40% of the investment plan contributes to increasing the climate-change resilience of the Group’s infrastructures 10 billion euro distributed over the five-year period 2023-2027 to stakeholders in the areas served by the Group Highlights from 2023 preliminary results Ebitda expected to rise over 1,480 million euro (+14%) Net debt/Ebitda ratio expected to settle below 2.6x (from 3.3x in 2022) Dividend expected at 14 euro cents (+12% over 2022), higher than forecast by the Plan Today, the Hera Group’s Board of Directors, chaired by Executive Chairman Cristian Fabbri, reviewed the preliminary results for 2023 and approved the Business Plan to 2027. Growth in all main key operating and financial indicators, from Ebitda to ROI, earnings per share and dividends, accompanies a focus on financial balance, with net debt/Ebitda ratio stably below 3x. The significant investment plan allocated for the 2023-2027 five-year period will support numerous projects and accelerate activities geared towards strengthening resilience and generating shared value and sustainable development. Hera thus confirms itself as a solid point of reference in its reference markets responding to the challenges of the external context and enabling the ecological, energy and digital transition, the circular economy and resource protection. Preliminary results 2023 Forecast 2023 annual results highlight an Ebitda in excess of 1,480 million euro, up 185 million compared to the 1,295 million euro seen in 2022. This result comes three years ahead of the target set out in the previous Business Plan to 2026 (1,470 million euro), signs highest track record growth and confirms both the strategy undertaken by the Group and its timing in grasping a number of market opportunities that arose in 2023. After the extraordinary conditions seen on energy markets in 2022, the Group’s focus on cashflow and the efficient management of working capital and financial management led to a reduction in the net debt/Ebitda ratio, which is expected to settle below 2.6x, with a clear improvement from 3.3x in 2022. Cristian Fabbri, Executive Chairman of Hera Group: “4.4 billion in investments aimed at industrial development, sustainable growth and resilience underpin our projections of the Ebitda coming to 1.65 billion euro in 2027, up 28% compared to 2022, along with a dividend increase of 5% CAGR. 40% of capex plan will contribute to making our infrastructures even more resilient. A 29% reduction in carbon emissions and our commitment to resource regeneration are concrete examples of our contribution to the ecological transition, and the Ebitda generated by activities that also meet the targets set out in the UN Agenda will rise to 64%. Furthermore, over the five years covered by the Plan we will distribute 10 billion euro to the stakeholders. This Plan fully responds to our Group’s purpose: to generate sustainable value by promoting a ‘just’ transition. The record growth in Ebitda seen in 2023, which we expect to come to over 1.48 billion euro, and the considerable decrease in debt, with the net debt/Ebitda ratio expected below 2.6x, are promising indications and fundamental building blocks of this Business Plan. They are matched by the provisional awarding of more than one million customers in the Italian electricity market liberalization process, allowing us to more rapidly reach 4.3 million energy customers and to consolidate our position as Italy’s third largest operator in this sector.” Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group: “With Ebitda expected to reach almost 1.5 billion euro in 2023, and financial leverage strongly improving to less than 2.6x, we will meet and exceed the targets set out in the previous Business Plan to 2026 three years ahead of schedule. These results prove the validity of our Group’s strategic vision in seizing market opportunities and our commitment towards sustainable growth in the areas served. This commitment has been confirmed once again by our new Business Plan, with shared-value Ebitda expected to exceed 1 billion euro in 2027, showing a 55% increase in absolute terms over 2022-2027, higher than the growth rate of overall Ebitda, testifying to the growing importance of initiatives that not only generate margins for our company, but are also in line with the objectives found in the UN Agenda. More than 70% of the investments made over the time covered by the Plan will indeed be allocated to sustainability projects that benefit all our stakeholders. Regarding our various businesses, the next five years will see an important contribution to growth in the Group’s results coming from all activities, in particular the waste management sector, thanks to our strategy that leverages a portfolio of global waste services that will further strengthen our leadership in this market, and the networks sector, which will see a significant investment plan, accompanying the areas served towards the green transition.” Business Plan to 2027 The strategic objective underlying the Hera Group’s new Business Plan is to create value benefitting all stakeholders, thanks to financial, environmental and social sustainability objectives, along with a business model and an industrial structure that are resilient to the negative effects of climate change and external market crises. Creating value: 2027 Ebitda up to 1.650 billion and dividend up to 16 €cents (+28%) The projects planned will bring overall Ebitda to more than 1,650 million euro in 2027, with a 355 million euro improvement compared to the 2022 result. Taking into account a number of business opportunities that will no longer be present during the time covered by the Plan and that contributed with roughly 120 million euro to the 2022 result, the growth will reach 475 million euro with an average annual rate coming to 7%. In particular, organic development represents the main driver of growth, coming to 375 million euro, and will be driven by the investment plan, the expansion in liberalised markets, the Group’s ability to offset increases in inflation thanks to efficiencies and innovation, as well as the tariff adjustments recently defined by the Authority concerning all regulated activities. An important contribution is also expected from M&As, coming to 100 million euro and in line with the track record of the Group, which will thus continue to enlarge its perimeter as a consequence of highly fragmented reference markets and its strategy for integration (horizontal or vertical) in the sectors in which it operates. Thanks to these growth targets in economic indicators, the Plan projects an increased return on investment (ROI) coming to 9.5% in 2027, up from 7.9% in 2022. In light of the positive preliminary results expected for 2023, the entire dividend policy was also revised upwards, projecting distribution of a dividend coming to 14 €cents per share as early as June 2024, up 12% compared to the last dividend paid and higher than the expectations of the previous Business Plan (12.5 €cents). More specifically, dividends are expected to increase steadily each year and reach 16 €cents by 2027 (+28% compared to the last dividend paid), with net earnings per share also expected to grow by an average of 7% per year. Based on the current price of Hera stock, this new policy guarantees an average return coming to 5% and offers full visibility for prospective dividends in each year of the Plan. As a result, total shareholder return (TSR), which covers both trends in expected earnings and the yield in terms of dividends, settles at over 12% per year. Sustainable growth to support the ecological transition: shared-value Ebitda at 64% in 2027 and economic contribution to local areas at 10 billion euro The Hera Group has confirmed its focus on the circular economy and decarbonisation, in order to encourage and support the ecological transition of the areas served with initiatives aimed at citizens, public administrations and industrial customers, offering its extensive set of plants and the know-how it has accumulated in various business sectors. The initiatives set out in the Business Plan to 2027 make it possible to project a path that is perfectly consistent with achieving the industrial objectives to 2030 in terms of circular economy and decarbonisation. As regards the circular economy, for example, the route to be followed confirms 2030 targets such as an increase in recycled plastics (+150% compared to 2017) and the reuse of wastewater (reaching 18% of total wastewater by 2030). Concerning the Group’s commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the ambitious reduction target set at 37% by 2030, already validated by the prestigious international network Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) for emissions coming from both the Group and its customers, has been confirmed, projecting a 29% reduction as early as 2027. In addition, Hera will be three years ahead of schedule in reaching its 2030 target of increasing the share of renewable electricity in total sales to over 50%. With a view to the “just transition”, over the years the Hera Group has placed an increasing focus on generating economic value distributed to all its stakeholders (workers, shareholders, suppliers and PAs). The Group is expected to distribute approximately 10 billion euro over the five years covered by the Plan to the served areas. At the same time, a significant trend will continue to be seen in shared-value Ebitda. Reported and certified by external auditors since 2016, this figure is expected to rise to 64% of the Group’s total Ebitda in 2027, amounting to more than 1 billion euro (roughly 1,049 million, as against 670 million in 2022), in line with the 2030 target of 70%. The 55% increase in shared-value Ebitda, in absolute terms, over the five-year period also bears witness to a strong focus on developing projects capable of combining the company’s growth with sustainable development in the areas served. Balanced growth in the multi-business portfolio and increased resilience The Business Plan expects growth to be equally distributed among the three main lines of business (networks, energy and waste management), maintaining their current balance. Continuity is also expected in the Group’s development model, which has ensured a high degree of resilience in results within all scenarios witnessed over the last twenty years, allowing for uninterrupted growth in both sustainability targets and operating-financial and service performances. Furthermore, 40% of operational investments will contribute to additional improvement in the resilience of the Group’s plants and networks to external factors, including climate change. This involves upgrading infrastructures, implementing predictive processes, remote monitoring and management in order to protect the continuity of the services provided. The flooding that occurred during 2023 in some territories in which the Group provides services demonstrated the considerable level of strength already achieved. Total investments at 4.4 billion euro, with additional projects funded by 400 million in grants coming from the NRRP and other institutions The investment plan amounts to 4.4 billion euro, 48% of which will go to development initiatives and M&As. 55% of investments will be earmarked for regulated businesses, while the remaining 45% will support growth in free-market businesses. The over 870 million euro invested each year on average will accelerate the Group’s commitment to the ecological transition (with roughly 60% of the entire investment plan going to decarbonisation and the circular economy) and to generate sustainable development in the areas served. In this sense, more than 70% of the investment plan will be allocated to initiatives capable of creating shared-value Ebitda. In light of the introduction of the new aspects related to the European Taxonomy, the Group estimates that operational investments coming to 2.5 billion euro (or 98% of eligible investments) will be aligned with the requirements of the European framework, and will therefore be able to gain full access to subsidised sustainable finance instruments, with benefits in terms of financial costs as well. In a constantly evolving and highly dynamic context, Hera also plays an active role in the digital transformation of the communities it serves. More than 30% of the investments set out in the Plan will contribute to the digitisation and innovation of infrastructures, business activities and customer solutions. The investment plan will be fully financed by the positive cashflow, which will also keep leverage below the prudential threshold of 3x, reaching a target of approximately 2.7x by 2027. In addition to the investments financed by the Group over the period covered by the Plan, others are related to the social and economic value of additional works to be carried out in the areas served, thanks to the almost 400 million euro in grants received, equally subdivided between NRRP resources and other institutions. Networks: digitisation, efficiency and sustainability to strengthen infrastructure resilience Ebitda for the network area is expected to increase by 112 million euro, going from 469 million in 2022 to 582 million in 2027. The regulated networks business, which is the Group’s main asset in terms of invested capital (approximately 60% in 2027), will benefit from a substantial investment plan. Amounting to roughly 2.1 billion euro, it is aimed at further enhancing the resilience and digitalisation of infrastructures and maintaining the Group’s leadership in terms of the service quality provided. Of these resources, roughly 1.2 billion will be allocated to the integrated water cycle, while 0.9 billion will go to gas and electricity distribution. Thanks to a regulatory framework that has recently been updated with a new definition of economic returns, recognising increases related to inflation and interest rates, Hera has developed a pipeline of long-term projects with positive effects on the areas served for the years following 2027 as well. These projects will make it possible to accompany the areas served along the ecological transition, in order to achieve the objectives set at national and European level. As the nation’s second-largest operator in the water cycle, the Group has developed a strategy that includes interventions in all localities to address critical issues related to supply in an increasingly drought-affected context and thus preserve the precious resource of water. This commitment has led the Group to achieve increasing levels of efficiency, safety and quality, and these results are responsible for the bonuses recognised by the Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and the Environment (ARERA). Various circular economy initiatives have thus been planned to save, recover and reuse water for agricultural and industrial purposes, both at our customers’ facilities and in the Group’s activities and sites. This includes an effective optimisation of purification sludge management and recycling materials from water-cycle waste with dedicated plant engineering and innovative tools. In order to improve the operational efficiency of networks, to increase infrastructural resilience to external factors – especially climate change – and at the same time promote an increasingly efficient management of resources and decarbonise consumption, the Group has planned numerous digitisation and automation projects. The most important call for the use of predictive maintenance models, districtisation and functional modelling, which will make interventions on the systems managed faster and more efficient, benefitting service quality and continuity. The boost given to innovation in this sector will also come from the installation within 2025 of roughly 450,000 second-generation (2G) electricity meters, which will allow consumption to be measured more precisely, 310,000 NexMeter smart gas meters – patented by Hera in 2019, with advanced safety functions in the event of leaks or earthquakes and also usable for “green gas” blends – and 310,000 smart meters for the water cycle. Evolution in the electricity distribution business will also be driven by new requirements concerning electrification of consumption and infrastructure resilience. Thanks to the support coming from digital technologies, the Group plans to increase the network’s hosting capacity, the extension and robotization of primary and secondary substations, the use of predictive models, and greater support to customers to improve awareness of their consumption. Furthermore, in order to contribute to decarbonisation goals for end use in the gas sector, Hera will adapt and optimise its assets to encourage the introduction of renewable vectors, such as biomethane and hydrogen, into the grid. One example of its activities in this area are the tests already successfully launched in Castelfranco Emilia (Modena). In addition, the power-to-gas plant in Bologna, connected to one of the area’s main water cycle purifiers, will make it possible to use purified water to produce first renewable hydrogen and later biomethane, using waste oxygen for purification processes. Among the assets enabling the ecological transformation of the localities served, the Group has included a further development of district heating in its strategy. Hera will invest roughly 150 million euro to maximise the use of renewable sources and optimise existing systems, partially thanks to digital solutions capable of making management automated and efficient, with the goal of increasing the heat produced by waste-to-energy and geothermal sources by 30% within 2027. The projects in Bologna, Ferrara and Forlì are a concrete example of the direction taken and, alone, will lead to a reduction in annual emissions coming to 35,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. In addition to the investments financed directly by the Group, further projects in the networks sector will be financed by the NRRP and other institutions, coming to over 300 million euro. Energy: partner for the energy transition of the communities served, with integrated services, innovative solutions and a target of 4.3 million customers by 2027 Ebitda for the energy sector is expected to increase by 109 million euro, going from 463 million in 2022 to 571 million in 2027, thanks to an increased customer base and driven by factors including a rich portfolio of decarbonisation services that confirm the Hera Group as an enabler of its customers’ energy transition. The most recent market scenario, characterised by increased volatility in commodity prices combined with a growing sensitivity to the environmental footprint of consumption, has in fact led to a significant increase in demand for decarbonisation services. After twenty years of uninterrupted growth in its customer base, the Group intends to continue to develop this business with a focus on service and innovation, managing one of the most comprehensive customer portfolios available, to increase its market penetration over the next five years. The goals set out in the Plan include reaching 4.3 million energy customers by 2027, with a substantial growth in electricity customers (2.3 million), that will exceed gas customers (2 million), consolidating the Group’s position as the third largest in Italy. More specifically, a significant contribution to expansion in the customer base will come from participating in the tender for the gradual protection service, which has already seen the Hera Group provisionally awarded 7 lots, the maximum allowed, for over 1.1 million electricity customers as of 1 July 2024. The development of new commercial offers and decarbonisation services will also be accompanied by digital solutions and innovative data strategy and artificial intelligence technologies, to optimise and streamline processes and to amplify and personalise customer experience. The range of services enabling the energy transition of the ecosystem also include the technological and environmental sustainability proposals included in the Group’s ESCOs: energy requalification initiatives for public administrations, industry and apartment blocks as well an integrated offer of “green” solutions, including energy services and efficiency, sustainable mobility, public lighting and smart cities. Along a path that has seen many transactions signed with commercial companies in recent years, Hera will continue to pursue its M&A operations aimed at optimising its local presence and integrating its vertical structure in this sector. Finally, as regards photovoltaic power generation, the Group’s goal is to install approximately 300 MW over the period covered by the Plan, giving preference to works on plants that do not involve further land consumption. This includes agrivoltaic plants and the numerous projects being implemented on landfills or plants in the Group’s water cycle facilities, as well as installations at customers’ premises, including Renewable Energy Communities. The two Hydrogen Valleys under construction in Modena and Trieste, which will produce approximately 800 tonnes per year of green hydrogen, will feature photovoltaic parks to power the electrolysers, boosting the decarbonisation of the companies involved and, more generally, the areas concerned while at the same time contributing to the redevelopment of disused areas. To support this strategy, which also aims to increase the value of customer relations and loyalty, a total of 1 billion euro in investments have been earmarked for the energy sector for the 2023-2027 five-year period. Waste management: reinforcing our leadership in the waste cycle, by developing plants and sustainable turnkey solutions with a view to the circular economy Ebitda for the waste management business is expected to grow by 126 million euro, with a total value increasing from 338 million in 2022 to 464 million in 2027, thanks to development driven by both internal and external growth. As part of this plan, the Group aims to further consolidate its national leadership in the waste management area and foresees approximately 1.2 billion in investments, more than half to reinforce its set of plants. The increasing attention paid by institutions towards environmental protection and resource regeneration is creating demand for waste treatment services and circular solutions, driving a greater demand for new-generation plant capacity that is particularly necessary in Italy. In line with this approach, Hera’s Business Plan calls for significant growth in waste management activities, to further develop its set of plants, with the aim of increasing the quality and quantity of sorted waste collection (from 67.8% in 2022 to 77.7% in 2027), as well as guaranteeing service continuity and excellence. In addition, the Group plans to increase its market share by making the most of operational and commercial synergies with recently acquired companies, to expand the variety of waste treated and offer new services. Thanks to over 100 state-of-the-art plants and the creation of new partnerships, the Group expects to reach a total of roughly 5.9 million tonnes marketed in 2027 (+23% compared to 4.8 million tonnes in 2022). In particular, as regards to municipal waste treatment plants, the organic portion will continue to be valorised for the production of biogas and biomethane, in line with the path already initiated, to combine decarbonisation and circular economy. On the other hand, the modernisation of some plants, such as line 4 of the waste-to-energy plant in Padua, will ensure greater capacity for energy recovery from the residual fraction of non-recyclable waste, with benefits for the resilience of the local system, reliability, energy efficiency and greater sustainability in waste management. In the special waste management sector, in which Hera is the Italian market leader and among the top 10 companies across Europe, the Group intends to expand and diversify its “global waste” offer, to better meet the needs of the primary customers served, with comprehensive proposals that include, for example, management of environmental declarations, laboratory analyses, logistics services and equipment. In addition, leveraging our leadership, experience, and the operational capacity of the newly acquired ACR, the Plan calls for development in the portfolio of “global services” dedicated to business customers, which will allow for a significant increase in the value of production, the development of new technologies for the management of remediation, deep soil and decomissioning services, thanks to a consolidation of partnerships already underway with major operators and participation in new tenders. In the plastics recovery market, Group subsidiary Aliplast, one of Italy’s leading operators in the flexible plastics segment, aims to increase its customer base, also at a European level, and to develop new technological and plant engineering solutions to expand the types of recycled products, sustain growth and diversify its reference markets. In particular, with investments coming to over 80 million euro, Aliplast will be able to increase both its plant capacity in the segments already covered (recycled PET for food use and recycled polymers for cosmetics and food) and expand its presence in new markets, also with the aim of promoting increasingly circular and short supply chains. In addition to the rigid plastics recovery plant in Modena, mainly dedicated to the consumer electronics industry, in the innovative plant under construction in Imola, near Bologna, carbon fibre composite materials will be regenerated, with positive spin-offs in terms of sustainability for the automotive, marine and aerospace sectors. Lastly, our Group will continue to pursue M&As in the waste management sector as well, aimed at optimising our market presence and set of plants. CS Hera Group Business plan to 2027.pdf 12:02:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 24/01/2024 alle ore 12:02
Press releases
22/01/2024
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa
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Calendar of corporate events

2024-01-22 Corporate events (*) In accordance with art. 2.6.2 (Required Reporting) of the “Rules of the markets organised and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A.", please find below our annual calendar of corporate events: 26 March 2024 – Meeting of the Board of Directors to approve the previous year’s preliminary financial statements. 30 April 2024 – Shareholders’ Meeting to approve the previous year’s financial statements. 14 May 2024 – Meeting of the Board of Directors to approve additional financial information for the period ending on 31 March 2024. 31 July 2024 – Meeting of the Board of Directors to approve the half-year financial report as at 30 June 2024. 13 November 2024 – Meeting of the Board of Directors to approve additional financial information for the period ending on 30 September 2024. The Board of Directors, as communicated for the previous financial year and in line with the past, in order to guarantee regularity in the information provided to the financial market and investors, has decided to continue preparing and publishing this information quarterly, on a voluntary basis and in line with current regulations. (*) barring changes 20240122 HERA CALENDAR OF CORPORATE EVENTS 2024.pdf 13:24:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 22/01/2024 alle ore 13:24
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18/01/2024
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Hera Top Employer for the 15th Consecutive Year

2024-01-18 The company reaffirms, once again in 2024, its position among the best performers in human resources management, thanks to substantial investments in welfare, training, and skill development. Hera Group is certified Top Employer for the 15th year in a row, ranking among the top three Italian companies, standing out for employment policies. The Top Employers program this year recognized and certified more than 2,300 Top Employers in 121 countries globally. Awarded by the Dutch Top Employers Institute, a global certifying body for HR excellence, this is among the most prestigious international recognitions for companies meeting high standards in human resources management. The certification is granted after a meticulous and increasingly selective annual analysis, focusing on specific parameters such as remuneration policies, working conditions, career opportunities, corporate culture, training and people development. "We have firsthand witnessed the extraordinary performances of certified companies, and how Top Employers have shown a genuine interest in the well-being of their people. They have committed to improving working conditions, thereby contributing to the collective enhancement of workplace landscapes," stated David Plink, CEO of the Top Employers Institute, at the 2024 certification. Well-being of individuals, training, professional growth, and enhancement of individual skills with a focus on people and their talents: these are the key assets that have earned the Group the recognition. The role of HerAcademy, the corporate university founded in 2011 and the first of its kind in Italy in the multiutility sector, has proved vital. Through competence development, the academy guides individuals and the organization in addressing changes in view of the ongoing energy, environmental, digital, and technological transition. An example is the training center in Ferrara. Hera Group’s multifunctional facility - among the first in the country - is equipped with innovative tools and provides hands-on learning for safe operations on water, gas, and electric networks. A real training ground that offers an ideal space for experimenting and developing specific technical skills. With today’s workforce - more focused than ever on personal wellbeing in view of a better work-life balance - Hera aims at fostering leadership that through trust, full inclusion and constant development guides them through finding the profound meaning in their work. While actively contributing shared value to the company, each individual is indeed a central player in his own growth journey. On the welfare front, involving 99% of the company's population, Hera Group invests over 6 million euros annually. Each worker can allocate his per capita shares for health benefits, insurance, social security, personal services, well-being and income support. The plan is highly flexible, as workers may even convert part of their performance bonuses into services. It is an inclusive plan that leaves no one behind and makes no distinction between contractual levels. "Our people are our main resource, and the recognition we have once again been awarded with this year by the Top Employers Institute only reaffirms the empowerment and training policies we have long embraced," stated Cristian Fabbri, Executive President of Hera Group. "The constant professional and satisfaction growth of Hera Group employees allow us to continue improving the quality and sustainability of our services and to face new challenges, effectively managing even the most complex scenarios." 20240118 PR Hera Top Employer for the 15th Consecutive Year 09:38:00 sede Hera_110X150.jpeg See the press release
Online dal 18/01/2024 alle ore 09:38
02/01/2024
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Hera Group has obtained the “Gender equality certification”

2024-01-02 A further confirmation of the importance of Hera’s achievements in terms of gender equality and inclusion The Group has obtained the “Gender equality certification” for its 11 largest companies, which comes as additional confirmation of Hera’s achievements in this area thanks to the commitment towards creating an inclusive and people-oriented corporate culture. Ever since its establishment, the Group has promoted cross-cutting gender equality initiatives, from selection and recruitment to career management, from salary increases, welfare and reconciliation policies to awareness and communication projects to guarantee a corporate culture that is inclusive and free of stereotypes and prejudices. This is an important acknowledgement for the Group, where women workforce stands at 28% with a constant growth of women in roles of responsibility, consistently with the gender breakdown: in 2022 female personnel among middle managers and executives came to roughly one third. These are significant figures for a utility company, as the workforce in this sector is traditionally male. The introduction of a management system for gender equality, pursuant to the UNI/PdR 125:2022 reference practice, involves the measurement, reporting and evaluation of a set of indicators covering six areas: culture and strategy, governance, HR processes, opportunities for growth and inclusion of women in the company, pay equality by gender, programs for parenthood and work/life balance. This is aimed at overcoming any gaps that may currently exist and producing a sustainable and lasting change over time, thanks to a dedicated strategic plan. Following up on the actions foreseen by the UNI/PdR 125:2022 management process, the Hera Group’s Board of Directors has also approved its “Gender equality Group policy”, in order to guarantee equal opportunities in the workplace, and has appointed a Control committee to ensure that it is effectively adopted. “The UNI/PdR 125: 2022 certifies the path we set out some time ago, whose most important stages include the signing in 2009 of the Italian “Charter for equal opportunities and equality on the workplace” and the establishment in 2011 of a Diversity management working group, made up of a cross-skills team of colleagues. This certification comes alongside our inclusion for several years in both the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index and the Top100 companies of Diversity & Inclusion Index, managed by Refinitiv” remarks the Hera Group’s Executive Chairman Cristian Fabbri. “This is one further step that bears witness to the Group’s commitment and achievements in removing all barriers, including cultural ones, to assure an off-limits access to professional growth within our company also in terms of gender. This is significant for a company that wishes to provide a virtuous example, also in terms of social responsibility and fairness.” Roberta Prati, I&F Director of Bureau Veritas Italia, states that “at an historical moment when great attention is paid to gender issues, it is fundamental for companies such as Hera, who operate in sectors with a clear male majority, to express their commitment to gender equality on the workplace. These technical environments are exactly where we expect the most significant progress to be made, thanks to a more widespread enhancement of the presence and potential of women, including in managerial roles. The indicators presented by Hera show highly interesting trends, which give us reason to hope for a fully balanced workforce in STEM disciplines as well.” 20240102 Hera Group has obtained the Gender equality certification.pdf 12:11:00 See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_1_110x150_s1.jpg
Online dal 02/01/2024 alle ore 12:11
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12/12/2023
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Modena’s Hydrogen Valley takes off: signed the memorandum of understanding centred around the IdrogeMO project of Hera Group and Snam

2023-12-12 With this agreement, Modena will become a European capital of renewable hydrogen. The goal is to contribute to Emilia-Romagna’s carbon neutrality in an area with a strong entrepreneurial presence, and the greatest benefits will be seen in the mobility sector, local public transport and industry. Modena’s Hydrogen Valley, one of the first and most significant renewable hydrogen development projects designed to contribute to the energy transition in Italy, has been launched. A memorandum of understanding for creating a hydrogen production hub was signed today in Modena’s Town Hall by the Hera Group and Snam, aimed at accelerating the decarbonisation of Emilia-Romagna region. The development of a supply chain for this renewable energy vector, furthermore, will have significant and positive environmental, social and economic impacts in a region with a strong entrepreneurial presence. The document was signed by the Municipality of Modena, the Hera Group, Snam, Seta, Unimore, the Agency for Energy and Sustainable Development (AESS), the Productive Areas Consortium (CAP), the National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Development (ENEA), the Democenter Sipe Foundation and the Modena Chamber of Commerce. Almost all their representatives were present at the signing. The core of Modena’s Hydrogen Valley will be IdrogeMO, the Hera Group and Snam project aimed at building a production hub capable of producing up to 400 tonnes of renewable hydrogen every year, with possible future expansion to increase production. Overall, the planned investment amounts to 20.8 million euro. Considering its significance for the energy transition and decarbonisation, the partnership between the Hera Group, Herambiente and Snam was given a 19.5 million euro grant last April from the Emilia-Romagna Region, allocated under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).   The potential of Modena’s Hydrogen Valley has already been recognised by the mobility sector, with public transport companies Seta and Tper planning to convert part of their fleet to hydrogen-powered vehicles. Similarly, attention towards developing a green hydrogen supply chain has also been shown by the local industrial sector, in particular automotive and hard-to-abate ceramics companies, for the decarbonisation of their production processes. In this context, the Democenter Sipe Foundation will be responsible for getting the market segments in question involved, the Chamber of Commerce will promote projects for proposals and strategic lines of development, and the Productive Areas Consortium will contribute to an analysis of the areas in question. Meanwhile, Unimore, with a pool of researchers, will develop a specialised interdepartmental centre dedicated to hydrogen (H2 MO.RE) The IdrogeMO project promoted by Hera, as lead partner, and Snam will be the core of Modena’s Hydrogen Valley Within IdrogeMO, the companies will have distinct but interconnected roles. Hera S.p.A. will be the lead partner, Group subsidiary Herambiente will be responsible for constructing the photovoltaic plant, and Snam will be in charge of constructing the hydrogen production plant. In particular, the 6-megawatt photovoltaic park, with an innovative solar panel system floating on a stretch of water, will be built at the Municipality of Modena’s depleted landfill, under concession to Herambiente, therefore with no useful land consumption, in line with circular economy principles. The photovoltaic system will power an electrolyser – a device that extracts hydrogen from water through electrolysis – installed in a disused industrial area in Modena. To allow the electrolyser, which has a capacity of 2.5 megawatts, to function even without sunlight and at night, a battery has been designed to store the electricity. Snam will be responsible for building the hydrogen production plant, a vector that this company is developing on several fronts, in line with the EU objectives set out in the Repower EU Plan and relying on its strategic plan to 2026, which includes 1 billion euro dedicated to decarbonisation initiatives. The plant will be managed by a “Special Purpose Vehicle” (SPV), i.e. an ad hoc company controlled by the Hera Group and partially owned by Snam, which will not only produce but also market green hydrogen. The result will be a totally green hydrogen production centre, whose design phase is currently being finalised, while work on the plant is scheduled to begin within 2024. The photovoltaic plant will be completed in 2025 and the hydrogen hub will be ready in 2026. Tenders are currently being launched for awarding supply and works contracts. Contribution to sustainable mobility: the first hydrogen buses will soon arrive The hydrogen produced by the Modena plant will also be sufficient to supply the public transport company Seta, which with NRRP funds has already initiated procedures for purchasing 12 buses, amounting to roughly 50 tonnes per year, fuelling 660 thousand kilometres of routes and consequently a CO2 saving coming to 737 tonnes/year (compared to diesel-powered buses). The possibility of using hydrogen to fuel some buses in Seta and Tper’s fleet in the provinces of Bologna, Ferrara and Modena responds to the need to make mobility increasingly sustainable. It is no coincidence that these local public transport companies have already made commitments to converting part of their fleet to hydrogen. The latter, compared to electricity, offers higher autonomy and is thus considered more suitable for fuelling long-distance vehicles having daily routes, especially suburban buses. The time required to refuel these vehicles is also comparable to the amount for vehicles powered by conventional fuels. 121223 - Modena’s Hydrogen Valley takes off.pdf 13:29:00 IdrogeMO_110.jpeg See the press release IdrogeMO_110.jpeg
Online dal 12/12/2023 alle ore 13:29
09/12/2023
Hera Spa
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Hera in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the fourth year straight

2023-12-09 Group confirmed as one of the world’s sustainability leaders in both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Index, once again recognizing Hera’s decades-long strategy for long-term value creation for its shareholders and for all stakeholders The Hera Group, one of Italy’s largest multi-utilities operating in the waste management, energy and water sectors, was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the fourth year in a row. The composition of the DJSI, the authoritative international stock market index, includes the best performing listed companies in the Environmental, Social and Governance & Economics dimensions. As was the case in previous years, and as announced yesterday evening by S&P Global, Hera is included in both the global and European indices and achieved the highest score in the Environmental and Social areas among the companies in the Multi-Utility & Water sector included in the indices. This inclusion provides further recognition of the company’s achievements in creating shared value benefitting all stakeholders in line with the company’s purpose. Publicly listed since 2003 and on the FTSE MIB since 2019, Hera stock, which is part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index since 2020, was also included in 2021 in the MIB ESG Index, the first blue-chip index for Italy dedicated to ESG best practices, launched by Euronext and Borsa Italiana. The Hera Group has also been included for some time in Refinitiv’s Diversity & Inclusion Index and in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, confirming its commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion and people development. Hera in the DJSI for the fourth year straight.pdf 09:20:00 See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_1_110x150_s1.jpg
Online dal 09/12/2023 alle ore 09:20
04/12/2023
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa

Communication of the overall amount of voting rights

2023-12-04 (drafted pursuant to article 85-bis, paragraph 4-bis, of Consob Regulation 11971 / 14 May 1999) Communication of the overall amount of voting rights Bologna, 4 December 2023 - The following table contains the data concerning the shares outstanding and the number of voting rights representing the share capital as at 30 November 2023. Updated situation Previous situation Number of shares constituting the Share capital Number of voting rights Number of shares constituting the Share capital Number of voting rights Total of which: 1,489,538,745 2,229,163,314 1,489,538,745 2,229,225,313 Ordinary shares (regular dividend rights: 01.01.2021) - cod. ISIN IT0001250932 Current coupon: n. 20 749,914,176 749,914,176 749,852,177 749,852,177 Ordinary shares with increased voting rights (regular dividend rights: 01.01.2021) - cod. ISIN IT0005159972 Current coupon: n. 20 739,624,569 1,479,249,138 739,686,568 1,479,373,136 12_2023 Communication-overall-amount-of-voting-rights-art-85-bis.pdf 09:35:00 See the press release Communication of the overall amount of voting rights
Online dal 04/12/2023 alle ore 09:35
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10/11/2023
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M&A

ASCOPIAVE TRANSFERS 15% OF ESTENERGY SHAREHOLDING TO HERA GROUP

2023-11-10 Following Ascopiave’s partial exercise of the put option, the Hera Group, through its subsidiary Hera Comm, now holds 75% of EstEnergy, the largest energy operator in North-Eastern Italy This morning in Bologna, the Hera Group, acting through its subsidiary Hera Comm, and Ascopiave signed a deed of transfer from the latter of a 15% shareholding in EstEnergy, for a counter value of 137.5 million euro. EstEnergy is the commercial joint venture established in 2019 that with over one million customers is North-Eastern Italy’s largest energy operator. This operation results from a partial exercise of the put option held by Ascopiave on its shareholding in the company, as defined in the agreements signed between the parties when the partnership was created. An additional 8% shareholding in EstEnergy was transferred by Ascopiave to Hera Comm on 1 December 2022. As a result of today’s transaction, the Hera Group’s holding in EstEnergy rises to 75%, while Ascopiave’s falls to 25% of the share capital. The right to sell this shareholding remains unchanged, at the previously defined conditions, and the current governance rights are maintained. This transaction will allow the Ascopiave Group to improve the sustainability of its asset structure, consistently with the goals in its strategic plan, contributing to the financial coverage of medium-term investments in core and diversification activities. At the same time, the Hera Group will additionally reinforce its presence in the energy sector, where it is already the third-largest operator in Italy, with 3.8 million customers, to continue generating tangible benefits for customers and the served areas. This transaction, indeed, has made it possible to create new strategic synergies for developing value-added services and working towards decarbonisation and energy efficiency, significantly contributing to achieving the targets set out in Hera’s business plan, also in terms of environmental sustainability. 20231110_Ascopiave transfers EstEnergy shares to Hera Group.pdf 11:01:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 10/11/2023 alle ore 11:01
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08/11/2023
Hera Spa
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Hera Group BoD approves 3Q 2023 results

2023-11-08 The first nine months of the year ended with strong growth in all economic and financial indicators, confirming the Group’s solidity and the effectiveness of its multi-business strategy. Respecting the goals set out in the business plan, the Group once again combined corporate growth and the creation of value for all stakeholders, as is proven by net investments and corporate acquisitions, up by more than 18% overall. Financial highlights Ebitda* at 1,006.8 million euro (+15.1%) Net profit attributable to shareholders* at 235.5 million euro (+10.0%) Net investments and corporate acquisitions at 593 million euro (+18.7%) Net financial debt and net debt/Ebitda* ratio show considerable improvement, coming to 4,148.9 million euro and 2.91x respectively ROI also improves, rising to 9% Operating highlights Significant contribution to growth coming from the energy sectors and the waste management area Ongoing growth in the energy customer base, now at 3.8 million, up 8.9% over 12 months Further initiatives for the green transition and increased investments in innovation, reinforcing the resilience of the assets managed Today, the Board of Directors of the Hera Group, chaired by Cristian Fabbri, unanimously approved the consolidated results at 30 September 2023. The first nine months of the year saw rising investments and record results compared to previous years, showing remarkable resilience when faced with extreme weather events in the area served and a global context that remains uncertain and continues to show widespread increases in inflation and in the cost of money. In particular, the significant investments reflect the Group’s commitment to boosting the resilience of the assets managed and its ongoing focus on projects designed to accelerate the green transition, fully respecting its corporate purpose. The good operating and financial performances once again confirm the decisions made by management, based on a low-risk policy and a solid multi-business industrial strategy, balanced between internal growth and external development, and between regulated and free-market activities. Double-digit growth was achieved, along with a 9% return on invested capital. Continuing along its path of uninterrupted growth, with the aim of providing its customers with innovative, competitive and increasingly complete solutions, the Group continued to expand the business areas in which it operates. In the waste management sector, Hera opened a second biomethane production plant in the Modena area and signed a partnership with ACR di Reggiani Albertino, a large company operating nationwide in the remediation, industrial waste treatment, industrial plant decommissioning and oil&gas civil engineering sectors. In IT-TLC, acting with Ascopiave the Group acquired 92% of Asco TLC, later merged by incorporation into the subsidiary Acantho. Finally, in the energy sector, it acquired the Ferrara-based company Tiepolo to construct a photovoltaic solar park in Bondeno, as well as 60% of the Rimini-based company F.lli Franchini, which installs thermal-hydraulic, electrical and photovoltaic systems for business clients. Lastly, Horowatt was established, the NewCo between the Hera Group and Orogel, to construct within 2024 a sustainable, state-of-the-art agrivoltaic plant at this agricultural cooperative’s Cesena facility. Cristian Fabbri, Executive Chairman of the Hera Group: “This period’s results show a relevant creation of value for all stakeholders. In the first nine months we reached over 1 billion of Ebitda, which shows a double-digit growth of 15%. We furthermore increased capex and investments by 19% and achieved a 9% return on invested capital, while continuing to reduce financial debt. All of our businesses contributed to this growth, more than 80% underpinned by Energy supply business due to a 9% increase in customer base, which reached 3.8 million, and further expansion of decarbonisation services. Another significant factor was the contribution coming from last resort markets, which we consolidated in September by winning 17 of the 18 available gas lots. Internal growth and the 5 corporate transactions carried out during these nine months were driven by innovation, resilience, decarbonisation and the circular economy. All of this contributed to an increase in shared-value Ebitda, now over 54% of total Ebitda, which continues to generate incremental benefits for all areas served. We are rapidly following the path for development set out in the business plan, by keeping our business portfolio balanced and seizing opportunities for creating value that allow us to accelerate its implementation.” Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group: “The effectiveness of our management decisions and our solid multi-business industrial strategy enabled us to achieve positive economic and financial results and, in particular, to further strengthen our leadership in the waste management sector, posting a raising Ebitda and on the back of larger volumes of waste treatments. In a partnership with ACR, which recently joined the Group, we won important concessions in the private oil&gas sector and are participating in tenders to access PNRR funds to reclaim public sites. Thanks to our positive cashflow and strong financial position, we achieved a net debt/Ebitda ratio coming to 2.91x, similar to the one seen before the sharp rise in energy prices. This financial soundness gives us all the flexibility we need to take advantage of new opportunities for development in our target markets. Finally, we are particularly proud of the recognition we received from Arera for the technical quality of our services, particularly in the water business, where we achieved the best performance nationwide.” Revenues at approximately 11 billion At 30 September 2023, revenues amounted to 10,955.0 million euro, slightly down from 14,320.1 million euro at the same date in 2022, mainly due to the decrease of energy commodity prices and lower volumes of gas sold on account of the mild weather in the first half of the year. An increase was seen, instead, in revenues thanks to the higher volumes of electricity sold, commercial development actions, Consip tenders, the safeguarded tenders awarded in electricity, “gradual protection service” lots awarded, higher revenues from “energy efficiency services” linked to incentives in residential buildings and increased activities in value-added services for customers, as well as revenues from the waste treatment business and, above all, to the M&A activity. Ebitda* up sharply to 1,006.8 million Ebitda* for the first nine months of 2023 rose to 1,006.8 million euro (+15.1%), as against 874.8 million euro at 30 September 2022. Of this increase, the contribution coming from the energy areas amounted to 111.8 million euro and the good performance of the waste management area accounted for 11.8 million euro, while 3.5 million euro came from the integrated water cycle and 4.8 million euro from the other services area. Net operating result* rises to 504.6 million euro The net operating result* for the nine months ended 30 September 2023 rose to 504.6 million euro, up 15.5% from 437.0 million euro in the first nine months of 2022, at same growth path signed by Ebitda. Net profit post minorities* up by 10% In September 2023, net profit* rose to 267.1 million euro (+7.5%), up from 248.4 million euro in the same period of 2022, and the tax rate improved to 26.8%. Net profit post minorities* rose to 235.5 million euro, up 10% from 214.1 million euro at 30 September 2022. Strong increase in capital expenditure and M&A In the first nine months of 2023, the Hera Group made net investments including M&A coming to 593.0 million euro (+18.7% compared to the same period in 2022). Operating investments, including capital grants, amounted to 514.0 million euro, up 50.7 million euro year-on-year (+10.9%), and mainly for the development of plants, networks and infrastructures including the large-scale meter replacement in gas distribution and on the purification and sewerage infrastructures. Return on invested capital also improved, with ROI rising from 7.7% to 9%, confirming the Group’s ability to create value. The total amount of net financial debt came to 4,148.9 million euro, down 100.9 million euro compared to the amount seen at 31 December 2022, even after the payment of dividends, due to the cashflow coming from operations, the benefit in net working capital caused by the reduction in the value of gas storage compared to the record values seen in 2022, and the different energy price scenario. The Group’s financial solidity is also proven by the improvement in the net debt/Ebitda* ratio, which now stands at 2.91x, once again below the 3x reference level and in line with Hera’s traditionally prudential policy. Reduced debt and increased returns The total value of the Group’s net financial debt amounted to 4,148.9 million euro, down 100.9 million euro compared to the figure seen at 31 December 2022, fully covering the payment of dividends in June, the significant increase in investments compared to 2022 and the corporate acquisitions completed in 2023. This reduction is mainly due to the significant cashflow from operations in the first nine months of 2023 and the benefits on net working capital ensuing from the reduced value of gas storage and changes in the energy price scenario compared to the previous year. As a result, the net debt/Ebitda* ratio decreased to 2.91x, returning well below the 3x reference level, in line with Hera’s traditionally prudential policy. Financial operations, while showing an increase compared to 2022 due to the impact of financial lines that are currently no longer active and the Group’s greater need for financial flexibility within an energy price scenario that has not yet fully stabilised, benefitted from a 96.5% fixed-rate medium/long-term debt structure. Thanks to the liability management operations carried out in the first half of 2023, the financial structure was optimised in terms of cost and absolutely capable of insuring the Group against potential risks related to volatility in energy commodity markets, while guaranteeing at the same time continuity in operations and the significant investment activity planned. The use of variable-rate loans, linked to revolving bank lines, is activated exclusively for short-term needs and to manage volatility, is a particularly positive element within a context of rising interest rates compared to the previous year. Return on invested capital and on equity also improved, with ROI rising from 7.7% at 30 September 2022 to 9% and ROE increasing from 9% to 10.6%. Gas Ebitda for the gas area, which includes natural gas distribution and sales, district heating and energy services, amounted to 334.1 million euro at 30 September 2023 compared to 377.0 million euro in the same period of 2022, mainly due to a drop in volumes owing to the particularly mild weather in the first part of the year and the focus on energy saving shown by both residents and businesses. This drop was partially offset by increased volumes on last resort markets, the contribution coming from energy services and incentives for energy efficiency activities. In the month of September, the Group was awarded, through subsidiary Hera Comm and for the next two years, 17 of the 18 lots available in last resort gas markets, including 8 out of 9 areas for the last resort service and all 9 lots of the default service, which will take effect as of the fourth quarter of 2023. In the first nine months of 2023, investments in the gas area amounted to 138.1 million euro, up 33.5 million euro compared to the previous year. In particular, the largest investments were made in gas distribution, after the beginning of management of the Udine2 ATEM, following the tender, and in gas sales, involving the acquisition of new customers. Overall investments in district heating and energy services also rose. The number of gas customers reached almost 2.1 million, up (+2%) compared to the previous year, thanks to growth in both traditional and last resort markets. The gas area accounted for 33.2% of Group Ebitda. Electricity Ebitda for the electricity area, which covers electricity generation, distribution and sales, rose to 176.8 million euro, compared to 22.1 million euro in the same period of 2022, a year marked by fluctuating commodity prices. Significant growth was thus seen, in terms of both margins and volumes sold to end customers, especially thanks to commercial development in the free market, innovative offers and value-added services, and the higher margins on the safeguarded service and on 4 lots of the gradual protection services. Furthermore, 4 lots were recently confirmed in the Consip EE21 tender, for supplying electricity to PAs for 12 months beginning in 2024. Margins from services aimed at promoting the decarbonisation of customer consumption, for example by installing photovoltaic systems and promoting electric mobility solutions, also continued to grow. This context includes the recent acquisition of 60% of the company F.lli Franchini, to further increase decarbonisation services in the industrial customer segment, and the beginning of a partnership with the Orogel group to construct an innovative agrivoltaic system serving the Cesena production plant. At 30 September 2023, investments made in the electricity area amounted to 81.3 million euro, up by 28.3 million euro compared to the previous year. In distribution, investments mainly involved non-recurring maintenance and upgrading of plants and networks in the Modena, Imola, Trieste and Gorizia areas, as well as the ongoing large-scale meter replacement and work to improve the resilience of the infrastructure. In the sales area, investments in commercial activities related to the acquisition of new customers increased. The customer base, in fact, saw significant growth compared to the same period in 2022, reaching almost 1.7 million (+18.9%). The electricity area accounted for 17.6% of Group Ebitda. Water Ebitda for the integrated water cycle area, which includes aqueduct, purification and sewerage services, amounted to 209.3 million euro at 30 September 2023, up slightly (+1.7%) compared to 205.8 million euro in the first nine months of 2022. Gross investments made in the integrated water cycle area amounted to 142.0 million euro (89.0 million in waterworks, 34.6 million in sewerage and 18.4 million in purification). These funds went to extensions, reclamation and upgrading on networks and plants, as well as for regulatory adjustments mainly in the purification and sewerage areas. The main investments include, in the aqueduct, the ongoing reclamation on networks and connections, as well as specific renewal and upgrading works intended to counter the risk of water shortages linked to increasingly frequent droughts. Finally, Arera confirmed that the technical quality standards in the integrated water cycle managed by the Hera Group are among the highest nationwide, which led to the recognition of significant bonuses, in line with the Group’s track record. The integrated water cycle area accounted for 20.8% of Group Ebitda. Waste At 30 September 2023, Ebitda for the waste management area rose to 258.0 million euro (+4.8%), up from 246.2 million euro in the same period of 2022. Ebitda for waste treatment services amounted to 212.5 million (up 15.2 million), while Ebitda from collection and street-sweeping services, due to the impact of the newly awarded concessions in Modena and Bologna, came to 45.5 million (down by 3.4 million). These figures include a 15% increase in waste commercialised, due to increases in both municipal and market waste, the excellent performance of energy management, due to the higher contribution coming from the Modena and Trieste waste-to-energy plants, the changed scope of operations due to recent acquisitions, and the positive performance seen in commercial activities, which as a whole offset the increase in costs due to inflation. Throughout 2023, continuity was seen for the main initiatives set out in the business plan in terms of circular economy, from material recovery to renewable energy production. One example is the new plant for biomethane production located in Spilamberto, in the Modena area, born out of a partnership with Inalca, of the Cremonini Group. When fully operational, the capacity of the Spilamberto plant will lead to a 48% increase in the biomethane produced by Hera compared to 2022, and will contribute to achieving the Group's goal of increasing biomethane production to 30 million cubic metres per year. Thanks to the Group’s solid management policies, within a scenario marked by a slight slowdown in inflation, a drop in industrial production and increased competitive pressure in the markets in which it is present, Hera has continued to consolidate its leadership in the waste management sector. This has occurred especially in the industrial and recovery markets, by equipping its plants with the best available technologies and guaranteeing a considerable amount of growth in this sector. With roughly one hundred state-of-the-art facilities capable of treating any type of waste, the Group’s set of plants continues to represent a strategic and distinctive asset in a country that still shows major infrastructural deficiencies in this sector. Protecting environmental resources was confirmed as a priority objective for the Group in 2023, as was the maximisation of their reuse. This is proven by the special attention dedicated to increasing sorted waste collection, which rose to 71.4% at 30 September 2023, up 4.6% compared to the first nine months of 2022, thanks to the introduction of numerous projects in the areas served by the Group. Investments made in the waste management area amounted to 83.4 million euro, and mainly involved maintenance and upgrading on waste treatment plants, optimising collection centres and equipment, as well as investments for the transaction with ACR. The waste management area accounted for 25.6% of Group Ebitda. 20231108_PR Hera Group 3Q 2023.pdf 11:36:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 08/11/2023 alle ore 11:36
Press releases
07/11/2023
Hera Spa
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Aerospace: carbon fibre recovery takes off

2023-11-07 fibra carbonio_870.png The Hera Group, through its subsidiary Herambiente, and Leonardo, through its Aerostructures Division, will work together to research the recovery of carbon fibres in polymer matrix composite materials used in aircraft parts. Thanks to the innovative plant built in Emilia-Romagna by the multi-utility and the know-how developed in the Leonardo Group’s laboratories, the precious material will be recycled with positive spin-offs for sustainability and circularity. This marks the start of full-scale testing of a future industrial carbon fibre recovery activity in the aerospace sector using advanced technologies that permit its reuse as a secondary raw material. Through its academic and industrial partnerships, over the years, Leonardo has developed in-depth expertise in recycling materials and processes and, aided by the waste recycling expertise of Herambiente, Italy’s leading operator in the environmental sector, is engaged in closing a circular industry-wide supply chain in this strategic sector. Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group said: “This partnership, which is entirely consistent with the Hera Group’s goals of decarbonisation and development of the circular economy, is also strategically important in promoting short (reshoring) and circular supply chains in Italy and Europe. These pioneering projects call for alliances where each partner provides resources and expertise to assist in the green transition processes of many domestic industrial champions operating in different business sectors, such as aerospace, automotive, sailing and furniture, to name a few, and thus generate environmental, economic and social benefits for many supply chains.” Stefano Bortoli, Managing Director of Leonardo’s Aerostructures Division, said: “A partnership that not only seeks to recover and regenerate carbon fibre, but also focuses on innovation because it can consolidate and further develop know-how that will make the recycling of carbon fibre-reinforced composites even more efficient. Thanks to this agreement with Herambiente, Leonardo is even more committed to maintaining the circular value of waste, reducing the use of virgin raw materials and using recycled materials for internal applications, as laid out in the Group’s broader Sustainability strategy.” Technological research and innovation are the enabling factors for creating circular business models in line with the Leonardo Group’s sustainability strategy and international multilateral commitments. Circular models and practices are becoming increasingly key to competitiveness by supporting innovative processes and the ability to attract talent. The agreement is strategically significant since Europe is very much lacking in virgin carbon fibre production. Thus, developing supply chains capable of regenerating valuable resources locally will help support the process of European industrial self-sufficiency. Leonardo’s Aerostructures Division will give Herambiente some of the waste fibres from constructing the components of some of the best-known civil aircraft in the commercial aviation sector. To mention a few examples, the stabiliser of ATR turboprops, the fuselage and horizontal stabiliser of the Boeing 787 or, again, the tail planes of the Airbus A220. At the innovative plant under construction in Imola, near Bologna, Herambiente will subject this waste to pyro-gasification, and the (gasified) composite material resins will be separated from the carbon fibres using hot technology. This process, developed with the help of the Department of Industrial Chemistry of the University of Bologna and Curti SpA of Castelbolognese, near Ravenna, will regenerate fibre with performance comparable to new, also based on studies on the subject carried out by Leonardo. The Hera Group is one of Italy’s largest multi-utility companies, operating in the environment, energy and water sectors with more than 9,000 employees. It works daily to satisfy the multiple needs of around five million citizens located mainly in Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Marche, Tuscany and Abruzzo. Listed since 2003, it is one of the top 40 Italian companies in terms of capitalisation (it is listed on the FTSE MIB index) and has been on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, World and Europe, since 2020. The subsidiary Herambiente is the leading operator in the waste treatment sector. With 100 certified, state-of-the-art plants, over 1,600 specialised operators and a dedicated sales structure, it operates on the national and international market, representing a European benchmark. For more information: https://eng.gruppohera.it/group_eng – https://ha.gruppohera.it/eng Head of Media Relations and Publishing, Hera Group Cecilia Bondioli: cecilia.bondioli@gruppohera.it – ufficiostampa@gruppohera.it, Ph.: +39 051287595 Leonardo is one of the leading Aerospace, Defence and Security (AD&S) industrial companies globally. With 51,000 employees worldwide, it operates in the Helicopters, Electronics, Aircraft, Cyber & Security and Space sectors. It partners in the industry’s most important international programmes, such as Eurofighter, NH-90, FREMM, GCAP and Eurodrone. Leonardo has significant production capabilities in Italy, the UK, Poland, the USA and Israel, operating through subsidiaries, joint ventures and participations, including Leonardo DRS (80.9%), MBDA (25%), ATR (50%), Hensoldt (25.1%), Telespazio (67%), Thales Alenia Space (33%) and Avio (29.6%). Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), Leonardo recorded EUR 17.3 billion in new orders in 2022, with an order backlog of EUR 37.5 billion and consolidated revenues of EUR 14.7 billion. Included in the MIB ESG index, the company has been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010. For more information: www.leonardo.com Press Office Ph.: +39 0632473313 leonardopressoffice@leonardo.com PR Hera Group and Leonardo for carbon fibre recovery.pdf 11:04:38 fibra carbonio_110.jpg See the press release fibra carbonio_110.jpg
Online dal 07/11/2023 alle ore 11:04
Press releases
19/10/2023
Hera Spa
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Hera Group and Inalca (Cremonini Group) inaugurate biomethane production plant in Spilamberto

2023-10-19 Biorg_CS_870.jpg Thanks to a 28 million euro investment, the NewCo Biorg, born out of a partnership between Herambiente and Inalca, has created an outstanding example of the circular economy, converting an old biodigester into a state-of-the-art plant transforming organic and food processing waste into 100% renewable methane and compost. The 3.7 mcm of green gas and 18 thousand tonnes of compost produced per year represent a significant contribution to the green energy transition The inauguration of the innovative biomethane production plant built by NewCo Biorg took place today in Spilamberto, in the province of Modena. This company is the result of a partnership between Herambiente (Hera Group), one of Italy’s largest multi-utilities and the foremost operator nationwide in the waste management sector, and the company Inalca (Cremonini Group), an Italian leader in meat production and food distribution. Thanks to an overall investment coming to approximately 28 million euro and the use of the best technologies currently available for treating sorted organic and food processing waste, when fully operational the plant produces 3.7 million cubic metres of biomethane, a 100% renewable fuel for automotive use, and roughly 18 thousand tonnes of compost every year. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by the vice-president of the Emilia-Romagna Region with a mandate for the Environment, Irene Priolo, the Mayor of Spilamberto, Umberto Costantini, the Chairman and CEO of Biorg, Giovanni Sorlini and Paolo Cecchin, respectively, the CEO of the Hera Group, Orazio Iacono, and the CEO of Inalca, Paolo Boni. A state-of-the-art plant for the energy transition and the circular economy 100% renewable natural gas is produced at the Biorg plant in Spilamberto from both the anaerobic digestion of organic waste, coming from the sorted waste collection carried out mainly in Modena and the surrounding area, and waste from the processing carried out by the local agricultural industry and Inalca’s meat production process. Once refined, it becomes biomethane and can be injected into the gas network. Organic waste thus returns to the service of the community in the form of renewable fuel that, when injected into the network, fuels public and private city transport, thus helping a sector increasingly exposed to the issue of carbon dioxide emissions. The plant’s annual production, coming to 3.7 mcm of biomethane, is enough for a methane-powered car to travel 52 million km. The plant is therefore an excellent example of the circular economy, because it allows not only energy to be recovered, but materials as well. The waste coming out of the anaerobic digestion process, technically referred to as solid digestate, instead of being disposed of, is in fact recovered after being transported to the Biorg composting plant in Nonantola (Modena province), to produce compost that can be used as a biofertilizer in agriculture. This project is also an effective example of industrial synergy, with biomethane production and composting taking place in two perfectly complementary and integrated plants. Furthermore, it demonstrates that only innovation can generate competitive sustainability, not only reducing the environmental impact but at the same time creating added value for the entire livestock supply chain. Significant environmental benefits: approximately 7,000 tonnes of CO2 avoided every year Thanks to the biomethane injected into the grid and its use by motor vehicles, significant environmental benefits are also expected. Each year, approximately 3 thousand tonnes of oil equivalent (TOE) of fossil fuel will be saved, and approximately 7 thousand tonnes of CO2 emissions will be avoided. To absorb this amount of CO2, an average of 280 thousand trees would be needed. Moreover, constructing the Spilamberto plant did not involve any usage or consumption of new soil, since it is the result of the conversion of an old biodigester owned by the Municipality of Spilamberto and managed by Herambiente, thus making the most of a previously existing site. This amounts to zero square kilometres, but also “kilometre zero”, because the on-site production of compost creates added value for the entire livestock chain. Fertiliser deriving from recycled biodegradable waste and recovered food industry by-products, from the point of view of its production process and quality, guarantees equivalent or superior characteristics compared to fertiliser produced through other industrial processes, even when used in a pure form, and makes it possible to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Hera Group: a commitment to decarbonisation In order to formulate a concrete response and reduce climate-changing emissions, thus moving towards carbon neutrality, the Hera Group has included various development measures in its business plan to make an important contribution to the green transition and achieve its decarbonisation objectives. More specifically, the Group has reserved a key role for this sort of renewable fuel, and was in fact the first in Italy to build a state-of-the-art plant in Sant’Agata Bolognese, in 2018, for the production of biomethane from the organic portion of sorted waste collection. Approximately 20 thousand tonnes of compost and around 8 million cubic metres of biomethane are obtained annually, with a yearly saving coming to over 6 thousand tonnes of oil and a reduction in CO2 emissions amounting to roughly 14,600 tonnes. When fully operational, the capacity of the Spilamberto plant will result in a 48% increase in the amount of biomethane produced by the Group compared to the final figure for 2022 (7.7 million cubic metres produced in Sant’Agata Bolognese alone). At Group level, the goal is to increase biomethane production to 30 mcm per year by 2030. Inalca (Cremonini Group): integration and circular economy for sustainable business development Inalca has always adopted a pragmatic approach to sustainability issues, considering them as a strategic business asset and part of the company’s economic value, and has been able to create a fully integrated beef chain that includes breeding, processing and distribution. Its business model aims to fully exploit this supply chain on the basis of circular economy principles. The new biomethane production plant represents a further step in this direction and is an example of the company’s full local integration, in addition to achieving a complete valorisation of the by-products deriving from meat production activities. Through its partnership with the Hera Group, Inalca will also be able to rely on a further portion of organic fertilisers to improve the fertility of farmland and support the increasingly widespread adoption of regenerative farming techniques. Inalca, with the aim of decarbonising its activities, has for some time been self-producing approximately 90% of the energy it uses, about a quarter of which comes from renewable sources. This is possible thanks to 2 biomass cogeneration plants, 6 methane cogeneration plants, 2 biogas plants fuelled by industrial waste coming from its factories, 4 biogas plants from agricultural waste, over 22,120 photovoltaic panels installed on 13 factories, 1 biomethane plant and 1 composting plant. "In the 1990s the Municipality of Spilamberto started a plant that was necessary to dispose of sewage produced by intensive livestock farms which previously was spread across the land causing the poisoning of groundwater," - intervenes the Mayor of Spilamberto, Umberto Costantini. "Unfortunately, the plant never worked as imagined and this failure would therefore lead to a considerable waste of public money. However, thanks to Hera and the Cremonini Group, we have moved from a failure to a success story. Today Spilamberto is the best municipality in the province under Hera management in terms of quantity, quality and percentage of separate waste collection. The great effort in increasing separate waste collection made in recent years in Spilamberto and in many municipalities that have followed our example has led to a significant increase in the organic fraction of waste and the consequent need to treat it more virtuously than in the past. We are succeeding. The next challenges will be to focus on minimizing the odour impact resulting from these treatments for the benefit of those who live around it, but I am sure that Biorg will be as cooperative as it has been up to now in taking care of our plant and its surroundings. It's not enough to talk about circular economy, it has to be done, and here in Spilamberto I am happy to say that we are doing it." “The inauguration of the Spilamberto plant, born out of this partnership between Herambiente and Inalca, is a concrete example of the circular economy and environmental sustainability”, remarks the Vice-President of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Irene Priolo. “Biomethane provides an important opportunity to reduce the use of fossil fuels and alleviate the energy footprint of our region. The ecological conversion,” she continues, “requires a new model for development centred around a recognition of the enormous value of raw materials, which must be saved, and the importance of recovering waste and putting it at the core of new production processes. This is a fundamental turning point in establishing increasingly strong and effective actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change”. “This new plant intended for biomethane production, with an outstanding partner such as Inalca, represents a significant achievement for the circular economy and an additional step forward for us in producing biomethane on an industrial scale”, states Hera Group CEO Orazio Iacono. “The challenges of the future require utilities like ourselves to make an increasingly decisive commitment, which we intend to translate into concrete projects through investments that allow us to accompany citizens, businesses and public administrations along the green transition and, in this case, the environmental transition, with an increasingly well-distributed and inclusive model for the development of the social and industrial fabric. We must move forward without hesitation by transparently addressing the challenges posed by climate change and energy security, which are the crucial issues underlying our multi-business strategies. That is why we have also included in our business plana range of solutions for promoting renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, circular economy and infrastructure innovation.” “The construction of this plant, in partnership with a company such as Hera, equipped with significant know-how and advanced technology, represents an important step towards consolidating and strengthening Inalca’s integrated and sustainable production model”, explains Paolo Boni, the company’s CEO. “This new plant, in fact, makes it possible to fully valorise processing waste deriving from our production activities and is an additional step forward in the circular economy process. Furthermore, an effective industrial synergy being created with the production of biomethane and composting in two plants that perfectly complement each other, demonstrating that by efficiently combining innovation and integration processes, we can increase our level of sustainability and reduce environmental impacts, while at the same time ensuring greater value for the livestock business. Lastly, this model for partnership is consistent with Inalca’s investment strategy, aimed at building additional biomethane and photovoltaic plants on its farms, increasing its production of renewable energy and its commitment to combating climate change”. 20231019_Inauguration of Biorg production plant.pdf 14:05:00 Biorg_CS_110.jpg See the press release Biorg_CS_110.jpg
Online dal 19/10/2023 alle ore 14:05
Press releases
03/10/2023
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa

COMMUNICATION OF THE OVERALL AMOUNT OF VOTING RIGHTS

2023-10-03 (drafted pursuant to article 85-bis, paragraph 4-bis, of Consob Regulation 11971 / 14 May 1999) Bologna, 3 October 2023 - The following table contains the data concerning the shares outstanding and the number of voting rights representing the share capital as at 30 September 2023. Updated situation Previous situation Number of shares constituting the Share capital Number of voting rights Number of shares constituting the Share capital Number of voting rights Total of which: 1,489,538,745 2,229,225,313 1,489,538,745 2,229,220,858 Ordinary of shares (regular dividend rights: 01.01.2023) - cod. ISIN IT0001250932 Current coupon: n. 22 749,852,117 749,852,177 749,856,632 749,856,632 Ordinary of shares (regular dividend rights: 01.01.2023) - cod. ISIN IT0005159972 Current coupon: n. 22 739,686.568 1,479,373,136 739,682,113 1,479,364,226 10_2023_Communication overall amount of voting rights art 85-bis.pdf 12:10:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_1_110x150_s1.jpg
Online dal 03/10/2023 alle ore 12:10
Press releases
27/09/2023
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa

Appointment by co-optation of Enrico Di Stasi as a member of the Board of Directors of HERA S.p.A.

2023-09-27 Hera S.p.A. hereby announces that, following the resignation, effective from 19 June 2023, of the director Lorenzo Minganti, the Company’s Board of Directors, which met today, has appointed Enrico Di Stasi by co-optation. Mr. Enrico Di Stasi, who was co-opted pursuant to Article 2386 of the Italian Civil Code, as well as Article 17.10 of the Company’s Articles of Association, following his appointment, qualifies as a non-executive and independent director and, pursuant to the information available, holds no shares in the Company. Finally, note that Mr. Enrico Di Stasi has also been appointed as a member of the Company’s Control and Risk Committee. Enrico Di Stasi’s full curriculum vitae may be consulted on the Company's website, at https://eng.gruppohera.it/group_eng (section: Governance/ Board of Directors). 20230927 Appointment by co-optation of new BoD member.pdf 12:44:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 27/09/2023 alle ore 12:44
Press releases
27/09/2023
Hera Spa
M&A

MERGER OF ASCO TLC INTO ACANTHO OPERATIVE AS OF 1 OCTOBER

2023-09-27 The merger deed was signed today and follows the acquisition, last March, of 92% of Asco TLC by the Hera Group subsidiary and Ascopiave. The transaction will strengthen Acantho’s position in the IT-TLC sector, making it a multi-regional operator The Chairman of Asco TLC, Alessandro Aiello, and the Chairman of Acantho, Roberto Vancini, signed the deed of merger by incorporation of Asco TLC into Acantho this morning in Bologna. As of 1 October 2023, the latter company will take over the management of telephone and data centre services involving an infrastructure with 326,600 km of fibre optics owned, 4 data centres available (Imola, Siziano, Santa Lucia di Piave and San Vendemiano), and approximately 9,000 customers. This merger follows up on the acquisition of 92% of Asco TLC by Acantho, a subsidiary of the Hera Group, and Ascopiave, finalised on 14 March 2023 and a result of the public tender procedure called by Asco Holding. Following the transaction, the Acantho shareholding will have the following breakdown: Hera S.p.A. 70.16%, Con.AMI 16.84%, Ascopiave 11.35% Province of Treviso 1.65%. This transaction not only represents for the Hera Group and the Ascopiave Group a strategic step in the evolution of their ICT business portfolio, in line with their respective business plans, it will also enable the new Acantho to create significant operational and commercial synergies and to provide customers with increasingly broader, more efficient, innovative and competitive solutions in terms of both costs and sustainability. Asco TLC and Acantho, indeed, are companies that share many common features, not only from an industrial perspective, but also in terms of their path of development and the type of ICT services offered to their customers. The aim of incorporating Asco TLC's infrastructure assets and advanced expertise into Acantho is to expand the range of services offered in the IT and telecommunications sector. This will lead to growth in business activities, especially in the high-density industrial sector, where the company already operates through other business lines. More specifically, the merger will help improve supply relationships with citizens and companies in the geographical areas served, enabling Acantho to offer commercial proposals that use the most advanced current technology. These proposals will be integrated and made flexible, to meet the different needs of customers and stakeholders, including high-performance and reliable connectivity, telephone and data centre services. “We are excited to announce the completion of the merger by incorporation of Asco TLC into Acantho, which marks a significant step in our strategic growth and development. This merger allows us to combine our resources, skills and talents to offer even more innovative solutions to our customers and create added value for our shareholders. We are confident that this union will position us strongly and competitively in the markets in which we operate, and we are enthusiastic about working together and facing new challenges so as to build a successful future,” stated Alessandro Aiello, General Manager of Acantho. “The transaction we have concluded today will make it possible to achieve, in the most effective way possible, the potential industrial synergies arising from the integration of the companies involved, within an increasingly competitive market that requires continuous improvement in commercial proposals for regional authorities, companies and local users”, stated Nicola Cecconato, Chairman, CEO and General Manager of the Ascopiave Group. 20230927 MERGER OF ASCO TLC INTO ACANTHO.pdf 12:25:00 ASCO TLC - ACANTHO 110.png See the press release ASCO TLC - ACANTHO 110.png
Online dal 27/09/2023 alle ore 12:25
Press releases
02/08/2023
Hera Spa
Shareholders’ meeting

Communication of the overall amount of voting rights

2023-08-02 Bologna, 2 August 2023 – The following table contains the data concerning the shares outstanding and the number of voting rights representing the share capital as at 31 July 2023. Updated situation Previous situation Number of shares constituting the Share capital Number of voting rights Number of shares constituting the Share capital Number of voting rights Total, of which: 1,489,538,745 2,229,220,858 1,489,538,745 2,229,286,858 Ordinary shares (regular dividend rights: 01.01.2023) – cod. ISIN IT0001250932 Current coupon: n. 22 749,856,632 749,856,632 749,790,632 749,790,632 Ordinary shares with increased voting rights (regular dividend rights: 01.01.2023) – cod. ISIN IT0005159972 Current coupon: n. 22 739,682,113 1,479,364,226 739,748,113 1,479,496,226 08_2023_Communication overall amount of voting rights art 85 bis.pdf 14:31:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 02/08/2023 alle ore 14:31
Press releases
27/07/2023
Hera Spa
M&A

Hera Group and Ascopiave merge Asco TLC into Acantho

2023-07-27 The merger leads to the strengthening of Acantho's position in the IT-TLC sector: thanks to Asco TLC's cutting-edge skills and infrastructure, the digital company expands its assets and services, becoming a multi-regional operator able to provide its customers with more innovative, efficient, reliable and competitive solutions, both in terms of cost and sustainability. The Hera Group and the Ascopiave Group have today approved the merger of Asco TLC into Acantho at the extraordinary shareholders' meetings of the subsidiaries held today. The expected contribution to the growth of Acantho's EBITDA, and thus to the Hera Group's consolidated EBITDA as parent company, is at least EUR 4 million, to which the resulting synergies will be added. The merger follows the acquisition of 92% of Asco TLC finalised by Acantho and Ascopiave on 14 March 2023 and the previous awarding of the public tender procedure called by Asco Holding. Asco TLC, a company active since 2001 in the provision of ICT services mainly to corporate customers and public administrations, has a significant proprietary territorial network, located in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions for more than 2,200 km of fibre optic backbones, 56 radio links and 24 xDSL exchanges in unbundling, and provides its services to more than 2,700 customers. Acantho, the digital company controlled by the Hera Group, with over 7,000 customers, started over two decades ago, the development of a proprietary ultra-wideband fibre optic network, stretching over 238.000 km, and provides, also to the parent company and other companies, data centre, telephony and connectivity services, in particular with solutions in primary and secondary data centre management, networks connecting offices, internet access, fixed and mobile telephony, Internet of Things (IoT) applications for distribution network and meter management, radio infrastructure for meter and network node remote reading, network remote control platforms and digital transformation. There has always been a constant focus on sustainability by Acantho, which self-produces 30% of its data centre's energy needs, with a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. The merger by incorporation of Asco TLC into Acantho represents for the Hera Group and the Ascopiave Group a strategic step in the evolution of the business portfolio in the IT-TLC sectors, in line with their respective industrial plans. Moreover, it will allow the birth of a multi-regional player with significant operational and commercial synergies and important benefits also for customers, who will receive a dedicated communication as soon as the effective date of the merger will be defined, approximately in autumn 2023. The expected industrial benefits of the merger Thanks to the integration of Asco TLC's infrastructural assets and cutting-edge skills into Acantho, the Hera Group expects to expand its range of services in the information technology and telecommunications sector, with consequent commercial development, particularly in its reference territory, with a high industrial density, where it already operates with other businesses. The transaction is part of the multi-utility's development path, which aims to provide its customers with increasingly broader, more efficient, innovative and competitive solutions in terms of both costs and sustainability. In particular, the merger will bring added value to supply relations with the citizens and companies of the territories served, enabling the Hera Group to offer business proposals at the technological frontier, integrated and flexible to the various needs of customers and stakeholders, including connectivity, telephony and data centre services of high performance and reliability, also guaranteed by high seismic-resistance structures, and state-of-the-art anti-flooding, fire-fighting and alarm systems. "The incorporation of Asco TLC into Acantho, and therefore within the Hera Group, gives us the opportunity to make the most of the potential and specialist excellence of the two companies. In addition, the operational integration of the IT-TLC business activities of our multi-utility and Ascopiave will lead us to consolidate the proposal of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services on the territory, with an increasingly tailor-made and flexible offer for customers, including the same companies controlled by the two groups. The sharing of assets, skills and solutions will also enable us to be able to respond more effectively and efficiently to the main trends in the ICT market, which is moving towards a greater demand for advanced products and integrated security services, both at network and systems level," said Alessandro Aiello, General Manager of Acantho. "The transaction we have concluded today will make it possible to harness, in the most effective way, the potential industrial synergies arising from the integration of the companies involved, in an increasingly competitive market context that requires a continuous improvement of commercial proposals for local authorities, companies and users," said Nicola Cecconato, Chairman, CEO and General Manager of the Ascopiave Group. 20230727_Merger ASCO TLC into Acantho.pdf 17:30:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 27/07/2023 alle ore 17:30
Press releases
26/07/2023
Hera Spa
Price sensitive
Financial Results

Hera Group: significat growth in 1H 2023 results

2023-07-26 The consolidated half-year report at 30 June shows growth in all main operating-financial indicators, confirming Hera’s financial solidity and once again demonstrating the effectiveness of the choices made by management. The Group continues to pursue the goals set out in its Business Plan, combining corporate growth and sustainable development, with value created for all stakeholders, first and foremost the local communities served. Financial highlights Ebitda* at 718.3 million euro (+13.8%) Net profit attributable to shareholders* at 187.7 million euro (+2.4%) Overall investments rise to 403.4 million euro (+22.4%) Net debt at 4,145.7 million euro, down by 104.1 million euro compared to the 31/12/22 figure, with net debt/Ebitda* ratio at 3x Business highlights Significant contribution to growth from the energy sectors, the waste management area and the water business Ongoing growth in the energy customer base, which rose to over 3.7 million, up 7.9% in 12 months Further development of initiatives for the energy transition and the circular economy, thanks to state-of-the-art plants and increasingly green services Today, the Board of Directors of the Hera Group, chaired by Cristian Fabbri, unanimously approved the consolidated results for the first half of 2023. The first half of the year ended with operating results and investments up compared to the previous year, although in the first months of 2023 some of the served areas were affected by extreme weather phenomena and the uncertain global context continues to generate volatility in commodity prices, a generalised rise in inflation and an increase in the interest rates. The consolidated half-year report at 30 June, indeed, shows positive operating and financial performances, demonstrating once again the Group’s financial solidity and strength of its business model, balanced between internal and external growth and between regulated and free market activities. In addition to creating value for all stakeholders, the increase in operating investments compared to the first half of 2022 provides evidence of Hera’s ongoing focus on improving and strengthening the resilience of the assets it manages, with positive impacts on the quality and continuity of services in the areas in which it operates. Cristian Fabbri, Executive Chairman of the Hera Group: “The first half of 2023 closed with substantial growth in results, with Ebitda reaching 718.3 million euro, up 13.8%, mainly due to the overall contribution coming from the energy area, which also saw an increase in services for decarbonisation, while growth in the waste management area confirms our commitment to the circular economy. The results for this half-year see us moving rapidly towards achieving the goals set out in our Business Plan and are the fruit of our consolidated multi-business strategy, which has always been geared towards combining corporate growth with the sustainable development of the local ecosystem. This is additionally confirmed by the 22% rise in investments, both for developing the Group’s industrial assets and for M&As that focus on growth towards the ecological transition, innovation and resilience. Our business model is capable of continuously innovating while maintaining strong local roots, and has allowed us to once again respect the commitments made to our shareholders, to whom a dividend up by 4.2% was paid last month, consistent with what was announced during the presentation of the Business Plan to 2026.” Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group: “The consolidated half-year financial report at 30 June shows significant growth in Ebitda, with a contribution coming from all business areas, in particular the energy sector with 239 million euro (+30%) and the waste management area with 162.9 million euro (+8%), and increased investments and M&A transactions, amounting to over 400 million euro. All of this was made possible by a significant cash generation and a solid financial position. The financial structure was further reinforced during the first half of the year by sustainable sources of financing on favourable terms, including the issue of a sustainability-linked bond, a new revolving credit line and a recent EIB loan. These initiatives allowed us to maintain our net debt/Ebitda ratio at roughly 3x, in line with the previous half-year and the targets defined.” Revenues at 8.3 billion In the first half of 2023, revenues amounted to 8,297.5 million euro, as against 8,896.0 million euro at 30 June 2022, mainly due to the drop in energy commodity prices and lower volumes of gas sold, as a result of the mild weather in the first half of the year. Revenues related to the higher volumes of electricity sold, instead, were up, thanks to commercial development actions, Consip tenders and the lots awarded in the protected and gradual protection services, as well as higher revenues from energy services, in which opportunities related to energy efficiency incentives in residential buildings and increased activities in value-added services for customers remained. A positive contribution also came from revenues in the waste management sector, due to increased treatment activities and acquisitions in the industry market. Ebitda* rises to 718.3 million euro Ebitda* for the first half of 2023 rose to 718.3 million euro (+13.8%), compared to 631.2 million euro at 30 June 2022. This increase is mainly due to the overall contribution coming from the energy areas, amounting to 68.1 million euro, and the positive performance of the waste management area, up by 12.2 million euro. Also note the resilience shown by Ebitda for regulated network services, with particular reference to gas distribution and the integrated water cycle, thanks to the increase in recognised revenues and operating efficiencies that offset the higher costs related to inflation. Net operating result* grows The net operating result* at 30 June 2023 rose to 374.7 million euro, up 11.9% compared to the 334.9 million euro seen one year earlier. This performance remained positive even after higher depreciation and amortisation, due to the significant increase in investments, and conservative provisions for bad debts, due to the increased turnover in last resort markets. Financial charges increased, mainly due to the medium- and long-term credit lines stipulated in 2022 and the significant change in the interest rate scenario, which saw a significant increase in the cost of money. Net profit attributable to shareholders* up to 187.7 million euro Net profit* rose to 208.0 million euro (+3.1%), compared to 201.7 million euro in the first half of 2022, with a tax rate coming to 26.8%. Net profit attributable to Group shareholders* totalled 187.7 million euro, up (+2.4%) from 183.3 million euro at 30 June 2022. Strong growth in operating investments and Group solidity reinforced In the first half of 2023, the Hera Group made investments and corporate acquisitions totalling 403.4 million euro (+22.4% compared to the same period in 2022). Operating investments, including capital grants, amounted to 318.4 million euro, up by 31.3 million euro compared to the previous year (+10.9%), and were mainly related to the development of plants, networks and infrastructures. In addition, regulatory upgrading mainly concerned gas distribution, with a large-scale meter replacement, and the purification and sewerage area. The total amount of net financial debt came to 4,145.7 million euro, down 104.1 million euro compared to the figure seen at 31 December 2022, even after the payment of dividends. As proof of the Group’s financial solidity, the net debt/Ebitda* ratio stands at 3x, in line with its long-standing prudential policy. The Group’s financial structure has now been further reinforced and optimised, partly as a result of the liability management operations completed in the first half of the year, to enable Hera to handle any potencial new tensions in the energy markets and guarantee continuity in operations and a significant amount of investments. Gas Ebitda* for the gas area, which includes natural gas distribution and sales, district heating and energy services, amounted to 293.1 million euro in the first half of 2023, compared to 299.3 million euro at 30 June 2022. The factors responsible for this result mainly lie in the particularly mild winter and consumption habits that became more attentive to energy saving. This decrease was partly offset by a rise in volumes sold on the last resort market. The contribution coming from energy services, aimed at reducing customers’ consumption, in particular from activities supported by energy efficiency incentives such as the 110% super-bonus, still showed growth. In the first half of 2023, investments made in the gas area amounted to 89.3 million euro, up by 23.9 million euro compared to the previous year. In particular, higher investments were made in gas distribution for plants and networks in the new municipalities awarded with the ATEM Udine2 tender, while in gas sales they were aimed at acquiring new customers. In district heating and energy services, investments (mainly for new plants and network extensions) also increased overall. The number of gas customers reached almost 2.1 million, with a slight increase (0.5%) compared to the previous year. The gas area accounted for 40.8% of Group Ebitda. Electricity Ebitda for the electricity area, which includes electricity generation, distribution and sales, rose to 114.4 million euro, as against 40.1 million euro in the same period of 2022, showing significant growth (+185.3%) both in terms of margins and volumes sold to end customers, mainly due to commercial development in the free market. In addition to this, Group subsidiary Hera Comm was awarded, through tenders, 10 lots nationwide: 4 in the Consip EE20 tender for supplying public administrations in 2023, 3 in the gradual protection service to SMEs for the period from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024 in nine regions of Italy, 2 in the safeguarded service for the two-year period 2023-2024 in four regions of Italy, and 1 in the gradual protection service to micro-businesses for the period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2027. Margins for services aimed at promoting the decarbonisation of customers’ consumption, involving installations of photovoltaic systems, electric mobility and air conditioning systems, also continued to increase. The acquisition of 60% of the company F.lli Franchini, finalised in late June, was aimed at further increasing decarbonisation services for the industrial customer segment, as was the start-up of a partnership with the Orogel Group for developing an agro-voltaic plant serving the Cesena production plant. In the first half of 2023, investments made in the electricity area amounted to 48.3 million euro, up by 16.3 million euro compared to the previous year. As regards distribution, investments mainly concerned non-recurring maintenance and upgrading on plants and networks in the Modena, Imola, Trieste and Gorizia areas. The large-scale meter replacement continued, as did works to improve the resilience of the infrastructure. In the sales area, investments in activities related to acquiring new customers increased. The customer base indeed recorded significant growth compared to the same period of 2022, reaching over 1.6 million (+16.7%). The electricity area accounted for 15.9% of Group Ebitda. Water cycle Ebitda for the integrated water cycle area, which includes aqueduct, purification and sewerage services, stood at 128.6 million euro at 30 June 2023, slightly up (+2.6%) from the 125.3 million euro seen in the first half of 2022. In the first half of 2023, net investments in the water cycle area amounted to 81.2 million euro (58.8 million in the aqueduct, 23.7 million in sewerage and 10.5 million in purification), which went towards extensions, reclamations and upgrading on networks and plants, as well as for regulatory activities, mainly in the purification and sewerage areas. The main interventions include, in the aqueduct area, ongoing reclamation activities on networks and connections related to Arera’s Resolution 917/2017 on the regulation of the technical quality of the service, with specific modernisation and upgrading interventions intended to counter the risks of water shortages caused by increasingly frequent droughts. The integrated water cycle area accounted for 17.9% of Group Ebitda. Waste In the first half of 2023, Ebitda for the waste management area increased to 162.9 million euro (+8.1%), up from the 150.7 million euro recorded at 30 June 2022. Ebitda for waste treatment services amounted to 134.6 million, while Ebitda for environmental services including collection and sweeping amounted to 28.2 million euro, mainly due to the beginning of new concessions. In particular, margins coming from energy management increased, due to both a greater contribution from the Modena and Trieste waste-to-energy plants and the hedges made on energy sales, and a positive performance shown by commercial activities. The consolidation of existing commercial relationships, and the development of the customer portfolio, also benefited from the M&A transactions concluded in the last 12 months. Note in particular the recent expansion of the scope of operations in the environmental remediation and industrial waste global service sectors, thanks to a partnership with the Modena company A.C.R. di Reggiani Albertino S.p.A.®. In a context characterised by decreasing inflation, declining industrial production and increased competitive pressure in the markets served, the Group proved able to consolidate its leadership, especially in the industrial market and in reclamation, and achieve a significant amount of growth in this sector. All of this is thanks to Hera’s valid management policies and its set of plants, which continues to constitute a distinctive strategic asset, also considering that it works towards the ecological transition of the communities served. The protection of environmental resources was a priority objective in the first half of 2023 as well, as was the maximisation of their reuse. This is proven by the special attention dedicated to increasing sorted waste collection, which in the first half of 2023 rose to 70.4%, up 4% compared to June 2022. Investments made in the waste management area amounted to 48.5 million euro and were mainly related to maintenance and upgrading of waste treatment and storage plants, optimising collection centres and equipment, as well as investments for the transaction with ACR. The waste management area accounted for 22.7% of Group Ebitda. Press release H1 2023.pdf 13:13:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 26/07/2023 alle ore 13:13
Press releases
17/07/2023
Price sensitive
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Italy: EIB provides €460 million to Hera Group to boost the green transition, decarbonisation, the circular economy, and protection of water resources

2023-07-17 The EIB loan will help improve the resilience of the integrated water cycle, energy efficiency and the management of environmental services in the areas served by Hera. Operations in the water sector will strengthen existing infrastructure, promote the reuse of water resources, and ensure the quality and continuity of service in the event of drought and extreme weather events. In the energy sector, the development of photovoltaic power plants — including small-scale ones — will enable renewable energy generation, while the installation of second-generation smart meters will improve energy efficiency. In the environmental sector, the construction and strengthening of plants will improve processing, recycling, and recovery capacity. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €460 million loan to Hera Group, one of Italy’s 40 largest companies by market capitalisation (part of the FTSE MIB) operating in over 300 Italian municipalities. The main goals of the financing are to strengthen the resilience of integrated water services, increase the production of renewable energy, foster energy efficiency, decarbonisation and the circular economy, and bolster waste processing and collection, all in order to support Hera Group’s areas of operation on their path to a sustainable environmental transition and help combat climate change. This EU bank loan will finance over 60 Hera Group projects aligned with the EU taxonomy and in line with the objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda, helping the communities served by the Italian multi-utility on their path to a green transition closely connected to local society and industry. The EIB financing will therefore cover almost 60% of the total value of these investments (over €800 million) already planned by the company in its 2022-2026 industrial plan. Operations will mainly take place in Emilia-Romagna, but also in other areas served such as Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. In concrete terms, the EU bank resources will contribute to improving integrated water services via operations to further cut losses and renew rainwater collection and wastewater treatment facilities. Hera Group will increase its capacity for processing, recycling, and recovering waste by renovating existing collection centres and building new, cutting-edge plants for recycling plastic and carbon fibre and for the pre-treatment and storage of industrial waste. The EIB financing will also enable Hera Group to install over 370 000 second-generation smart meters in the regions concerned, as well as develop district heating and combined heat and power systems and build photovoltaic plants — even small-scale ones — to increase renewable energy production. Almost 40% of the EIB-financed investments will be made in the parts of Emilia-Romagna that were hit the hardest by the recent floods. The financed operations will improve the resilience of water services to future extreme weather events, including via the construction of underground rainwater collection tanks in areas of the Romagna coast subject to high hydrogeological risk. Elsewhere, a number of measures will be taken to make the sewerage network more resilient to flooding. The financing announced today is part of the REPowerEU initiative supported by the EIB, which will invest an additional €30 billion over the next five years to unlock €115 billion, promoting the green transition and gradually reducing Europe's dependence on fossil fuels. “This operation is a concrete example of the EIB’s commitment to promoting the sustainability, efficiency, and resilience of water, energy, and waste management infrastructure in Italy and across Europe,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti. “The EIB loan will also back Hera Group's efforts to strengthen the services provided in the parts of Emilia-Romagna affected by flooding to improve prevention and the resilience of water services to future natural disasters.” “This financing from the EIB — a longstanding and steadfast partner of Hera Group — will give major impetus to our strategic plan and confirms our commitment to sustainable development in the regions where we operate, particularly with reference to the goals of decarbonisation, the circular economy, innovation, and resilience, in line with our company’s mission,” added Hera Group CEO Orazio Iacono. “It is a key component of our financial strategy that, as well as further expanding the range of innovative products and instruments adopted by the group, will also help support the 2022-2026 development plan, confirming the sound nature of our business and our financial flexibility.” Strong EIB support for Italy’s water sector The EIB is the EU climate bank and one of the world's largest lenders to the water sector, with over 1 600 projects and around €80 billion in funding granted since 1958. Italy was the biggest beneficiary of EIB resources for the water sector from 2016 to 2022. The EIB financed 40 operations in the country during this period, providing a total of €2.9 billion and helping to unlock about €8.9 billion in investment. Background information European Investment Bank (EIB) The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It provides long-term financing for sound investments that contribute to EU policy. The Bank finances projects in four priority areas: infrastructure, innovation, climate and environment, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Between 2019 and 2022, the EIB Group provided €45 billion in financing for projects in Italy. Hera Group Hera Group is a major Italian multi-utility operating in the environment, energy and water sectors. Its 9 000 employees work daily to meet the complex needs of almost 5 million residents mainly in Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Marche, Tuscany and Abruzzo. Listed on the stock exchange in 2003, it is one of Italy’s 40 biggest companies by market capitalisation (it is part of the FTSE MIB), and entered the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, World and Europe in 2020. www.gruppohera.it Press contact BEI: Lorenzo Squintani, l.squintani@eib.org, tel.: +352 4379 82528, mobile: +39 366 57 90 312 Website: www.eib.org/press — Press Office: +352 4379 21000 — press@eib.org HERA GROUP: Cecilia Bondioli, cecilia.bondioli@gruppohera.it, mobile +39 320 4790622 Press Office: +39 051.287595 - ufficiostampa@gruppohera.it 20230713 Pr EIB provides €460 million to Hera Group to boost the green transition.pdf 11:40:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 17/07/2023 alle ore 11:40
Press releases
06/07/2023
Hera Spa
M&A

Hera Group acquires the company Tiepolo to build a photovoltaic power station in the Ferrara area

2023-07-06 This transaction, strongly linked to the local social and industrial fabric, represents a major new commitment made by the Group to promote the energy transition and decarbonisation in the areas it serves. Only two months after the establishment of Horowatt, a NewCo between Hera Group and Orogel that within 2024 will create an innovative and sustainable agrivoltaic plant in the agricultural cooperative’s Cesena facilities, Hera’s programme for developing cutting-edge integrated solutions in the field of clean energy is making rapid progress. This morning, Hera Group finalised the acquisition of Tiepolo Srl, owned by Combigas and Greenfield Renewables (each one holding 50% of the shares), which has developed a project for constructing a solar park in Bondeno (Ferrara) capable of meeting the needs of over 5,000 households. The plant, which will have a capacity of 8.9 megawatts and will generate approximately 13 GWh/year when fully operational, is one of the Hera Group’s numerous projects aimed at producing renewable energy and already included in the Business Plan to 2026, to support citizens, businesses and public administrations in the decarbonisation and electrification of their consumption. In order to make a significant contribution to reducing climate-changing gas emissions in all localities served and accompany them towards carbon neutrality, the Group has not only allocated significant investments for the energy transition in its Business Plan, but has also set up a new business unit entirely dedicated to renewable energy production and energy management. “For the Hera Group, combating climate change is crucial and translates into a strong focus on the energy transition in all strategic areas of development outlined in our Business Plan to 2026”, comments Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group. “These concrete initiatives promote renewable energy sources, from photovoltaics to new models of distributed power generation and from hydrogen to biomethane, which will play an increasingly important role in the process towards the decarbonisation and energy security of our country. Once again, Hera’s contribution will be crucial for the sustainable development of all local areas in which we operate.” 20230706_Hera Group acquires Tiepolo to build photovoltaic power station.pdf 10:58:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 06/07/2023 alle ore 10:58
Press releases
29/06/2023
Hera Spa
M&A

Hera Group: Strengthening renewables with Fratelli Franchini partnership

2023-06-29 Through its subsidiary Hera Comm, the Group has acquired 60% of the long-standing Rimini-based company, a reference point for technological systems and renewable energy throughout Italy, thus expanding its portfolio of solutions dedicated to business customers. This morning, the Hera Group, acting through its subsidiary Hera Comm, finalised the acquisition of 60% of Fratelli Franchini. Based in Rimini, this company has a consolidated experience in the area of designing, installing and providing maintenance of all types of technological systems for companies, public administrations and hospitality facilities. It has been active for over 17 years in producing high-yield renewable energy sources for public and private industrial customers throughout Italy. The remaining 40% of the company stays in the hands of Franchini Group Srl, owned by brothers Pierpaolo and Marco Franchini, who retain the position of CEOs. This partnership with a long-standing operator, active both locally and nationally, will enable the Hera Group to acquire new technical skills, particularly in the photovoltaic market, expand its portfolio of solutions for business customers, and respond to the growing demand for systems based on renewable sources, further strengthening its position in the Italian energy market. The details of the partnership Fratelli Franchini boasts over half a century of activity in the system engineering sector: since 1959 it has been building technological systems and since 2006 it has also been working in the renewable energy sector, developing projects for business clients in the hotel, port, hospital, industrial, retail and museum sectors. This company is the partner of choice for clients in the industrial sector, both public and private, to whom it is able to offer integrated solutions in all phases necessary for installing and maintaining of electrical, mechanical, large-scale photovoltaic and energy efficiency systems. It has installed more than 300 systems over the years. This operation boosts the Hera Group’s ability to support its customers along the path to decarbonisation, including through the installation of photovoltaic generation systems, from traditional photovoltaic panel systems to new distributed power generation models such as Renewable Energy Communities. The services offered are rounded off by charging infrastructures for electric mobility, supply and installation of high-efficiency boilers and air conditioners, and energy efficiency systems. These activities will contribute to achieving the 37% emission reduction target by 2030, already validated by the prestigious international network Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). “With this partnership, we have consolidated our ability to support customers along their path towards the energy transition and electrification of consumption, offering tools for energy efficiency and self-production”, comments Cristian Fabbri, Executive Chairman of Hera Group. “Moreover, following up on the transactions finalised in recent years for residential customers, this partnership allows us to enhance the value-added services we dedicate to companies and expand our operational and plant capacity, with concrete benefits for all our business customers.” “We are highly honoured that an outstanding company such as the Hera Group has chosen our company to develop its activities in the renewables sector. With this entry, we are certain that we will be able to give a strong boost to our business and further consolidate our position on the market, which already ranks us among the most important players in the sector”, comment Pierpaolo and Marco Franchini, CEOs of Fratelli Franchini. “We would like to thank Roberto Berardi and Gabriele Baschetti from Studio Skema and the lawyer Paolo Pieri who assisted us in the transaction. Special thanks also go to all our employees and collaborators who enabled us to reach this important milestone and who represent our strength and our future.” 20230629_Strengthen renewables with Fratelli Franchini partnership.pdf 12:29:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 29/06/2023 alle ore 12:29
Press releases
15/06/2023
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Resignation of a member of the Board of Directors

2023-06-15 Lorenzo Minganti, a non-executive and independent member of Hera S.p.A.’s Board of Directors and of the Company’s Control and Risk Committee, has announced his resignation, due to unforeseen professional commitments, effective as of 19 June 2023. Also note that to the Company’s knowledge, Mr. Minganti holds 6,700 Hera S.p.A. shares. 20230615 Resignation of a member of the Board of Directors.pdf 18:29:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 15/06/2023 alle ore 18:29
Press releases
14/06/2023
Hera Spa
Other press releases

Integrated Governance Index 2023: Hera Group once again among top three companies

2023-06-14 Hera achieves second place in the overall ranking published by the index measuring the degree to which ESG factors are integrated within the governance of Italy’s top 100 listed companies. Among Italy’s top companies for the last three years, Hera ranks second in 2023 thanks to its full and deliberate integration of sustainability policies into its business strategies and governance structure. This has been confirmed by the Integrated Governance Index, the main quantitative index measuring the integration of ESG factors in the governance of the top 100 Italian listed companies, managed by ETicaNews and presented today in Milan at the ESG Business Conference. “We are satisfied with this recognition”, remarks Cristian Fabbri, Executive Chairman of the Hera Group, “which rewards the attention we have always paid to sustainability which is a driver of our business development strategy and is fully integrated into our corporate governance. Close ties with the local areas served are crucial for a company like ours, always aware of and attentive to its institutional and social role, which is all the more significant in today’s constantly evolving context. Local roots and focus on ESG objectives are one of Hera’s hallmarks, showing that it has always been committed to giving full value to people, thus generating a tangible impact and helping the communities served move towards a more equitable future in environmental, economic and social terms. The Hera Group’s sustainable growth is, in fact, the result of a business model that always considers the generation of value as the cornerstone of its relations with all stakeholders, from the local ecosystem and future generations to customers, shareholders, workers and suppliers. Sustainability and the creation of shared value therefore stand out as the Hera Group’s fundamental traits and define its underlying purpose, which was officially included in the Articles of Association two years ago. This made Hera one of the first companies in Italy to fully affirm its commitment to the energy transition and the circular economy, through innovation and digitalisation, as well as to promoting social equity. Sustainability at the heart of Hera’s strategies Ever since the Hera Group was founded, the full and deliberate integration of sustainability in its business strategies has been one of the key elements enabling it to meet all its challenges, because for Hera growth and sustainable development necessarily go hand in hand. This path has been built over time, starting from the Group’s corporate culture: in 2016 it was among the first companies to report shared-value Ebitda, which was later explicitly included in the Business plan and in the management incentive system. 20230614 Hera Group on Top 3 of IGI 2023.pdf 15:20:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 14/06/2023 alle ore 15:20
Press releases
15/05/2023
Hera Spa
Shareholders’ meeting
Price sensitive

Publication of documents pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting

2023-05-15 Kindly note that as of today the minutes of the Shareholders Meeting held on 27 April 2023 are available at company headquarters, on the Hera Group’s website (https://eng.gruppohera.it/group/) in the section dedicated to Corporate Governance, and on the authorised storage website 1INFO. We also inform that the aforementioned minutes was registered with the Companies' Register of Bologna on 10 May 2023. 20230515 Minutes of AMG 2023 have been published.pdf 10:59:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 15/05/2023 alle ore 10:59
Press releases
10/05/2023
Shareholders’ meeting
Price sensitive
Hera Spa

Independence requirements for directors and statutory auditors verified and Internal Committees appointed

2023-05-10 The Board of Directors of Hera S.p.A. met today and assessed the independence of all members, appointed by the Shareholders Meeting held on 27 April 2023. Based on the declarations made by the Directors and the information made available to the company, all directors, with the exception of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, who are executive directors, and of director Gianni Bessi, were found to meet the independence requirements set forth in the Corporate Governance Code and Article 148, paragraph 3 of Legislative Decree 58/1998. Also note that the Board of Statutory Auditors, in compliance with the provisions of the Corporate Governance Code, verified the independence requirements for all its members and reported the results of this verification to the Board of Directors. Furthermore, the members of the Internal Committees were appointed: for the “Executive committee”: Cristian Fabbri, acting as Chairman, Gabriele Giacobazzi, acting as Vice Chairman, Orazio Iacono and Marina Monassi were appointed; for the “Remuneration committee”: Gabriele Giacobazzi, acting as Chairman, Monica Mondardini, Fabio Bacchilega and Alice Vatta were appointed; for the “Control and risks committee” (corresponding to the Operations with Related Parties Committee): Gabriele Giacobazzi, acting as Chairman, Alessandro Melcarne, Lorenzo Minganti and Paola Gina Maria Schwizer were appointed; for the “Ethics and sustainability committee”: Alice Vatta, acting as Chairman, Nicoletta Tranquillo, Filippo Maria Bocchi and Francesco Perrini were appointed. 20230510 Pr Independence for directors and statutory auditors and internal committees of Hera Group.pdf 15:02:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 10/05/2023 alle ore 15:02
Press releases
10/05/2023
Hera Spa
Price sensitive
Financial Results

Hera Group Board of Directors approves 1Q 2023 results

2023-05-10 The consolidated quarterly report at 31 March shows growth in the main operating-financial indicators, once again proving the financial solidity and strength of the Group’s multi-business model. Hera continues to combine corporate growth with sustainable development, confirming its commitment to creating value for all stakeholders and the local communities. Financial highlights Revenues at 5,628.9 million euro (+6.0%) Ebitda* at 410.2 million euro (+9.4%) Net profit attributable to shareholders* at 128.2 million euro (+0.7%) Net debt at 3,777.6 million euro, down 11% compared to 31 December 2022, with net debt/Ebitda* at 2.84x Business highlights Good contribution to growth coming from all main businesses, the energy and environment sectors in particular Further development of initiatives for the ecological transition and the circular economy through state-of-the-art plants and increasingly green services Ongoing growth in the energy customer base, reaching almost 3.6 million Today, the Board of Directors of the Hera Group, chaired by Cristian Fabbri, unanimously approved the consolidated results for the first quarter of 2023. For the Hera Group, the first quarter closed with improved operating results and investments compared to one year earlier, even though the scenario still shows a considerable amount of uncertainty, with effects on the commodity prices and a slowdown in production and international trade. Both internal and external growth drivers in Hera’s multi-business portfolio enabled it to achieve an excellent operating and financial performance while pursuing the creation of value for all stakeholders. The consolidated quarterly report at 31 March thus highlights growth in the main indicators, once again demonstrating the Group’s financial solidity and the strength of its business model. The 20.5% increase in capital expenditures compared to one year earlier provides further proof of the Group’s ongoing focus on growth, increasing value and reinforcing the resilience of assets under management. Cristian Fabbri, Hera Group Executive Chairman: “The first quarter of 2023 closed with increased operating results, supported by the positive performance of the free-market energy and waste management businesses. We have thus confirmed our ability to gain new market shares, to provide services that are favoured by customers, and effectively leverage upon our competitive advantages in all our activities. The significant positive cash flow over the first quarter allowed us to reduce our debt and significantly improve the net debt/Ebitda ratio, which now stands at 2.84x.” Orazio Iacono, Hera Group CEO: “The positive operating cash flow of Q1 was able to fully cover a significant increase both in capital expenditures and investments which mainly concerned strengthening the infrastructures and plants managed, to the benefit of the quality of services provided to the customers as well as the resilience of our infrastructures and plants. We also strengthened and optimised our debt structure, thanks to the recent issue of a sustainability-linked bond worth 600 million euro and the simultaneous subscription of a 450 million euro sustainable revolving credit line. These are two additional milestones in sustainable finance and will lead us to allocate more than 1 billion euro in financing to green transition projects, to achieve the goals on the 2030 Agenda with concrete initiatives and respond to the challenges of a sustainable transition rooted in the social and industrial fabric. This operation, particularly appreciated by the market, guarantees additional financial flexibility.” Revenues amounting to over 5.6 billion In the first quarter of 2023, revenues amounted to 5,628.9 million euro, up 6% from the 5,312.0 million euro seen in the same period of 2022. The energy segments above all contributed to this result – mainly due to the higher volumes of electricity sold as a result of reinforced commercial initiatives and the safeguarded lots awarded last autumn – and the waste management area, partially due to acquisitions in the remediation and industrial waste treatment market. Furthermore, higher turnover was recorded in energy services, as was a rise in value-added services for customers. These increases were partially offset by lower gas sales due to the particularly mild weather. Ebitda* rises to 410.2 million Ebitda at 31 March 2023 rose to 410.2 million euro, +9.4% compared to 375.1 million euro in the first three months of 2022. This positive growth was mainly due to the overall contribution coming from the energy areas and the good performance of the waste management area. Increased net operating result* and stable pre-tax result* Ebit* at 31 March 2023 increased to 236.1 million euro, up 6.7% from 221.2 million euro in the first quarter of 2022. This performance was positive even after higher depreciation and amortisation due to the significant increase in investments and provisions for bad debts resulting from the increase in turnover, including last resort markets. The pre-tax result* amounted to 191.7 million euro, consistent with the figure seen at 31 March 2022, considering the increased weight of financial operations, mainly due to the medium- and long-term credit lines stipulated in 2022. The financial structure has now been additionally reinforced, to insure the Group against potential liquidity risks arising from market tensions and to guarantee the Group’s operations and significant activities in investments. Net profit* rises to 140.3 million euro Thanks to a tax rate coming to 26.8%, down from the previous year, net profit* rose to 140.3 million euro (+1.2%), as against 138.6 million euro in the first quarter of 2022. Net profit attributable to Group shareholders* settled at 128.2 million euro, up +0.7% from 127.3 million euro at 31 March 2022. Sharp increase in operating investments and Group solidity reinforced The Group’s capital expenditures, including capital grants, amounted to 155.7 million euro, up sharply (+20.5%) compared to 129.2 million euro at 31 March 2022, and mainly involved work on plants, networks and infrastructures. Regulatory upgrading, instead, mainly concerned gas distribution, with a large-scale meter replacement, and the purification and sewerage area. Net debt totalled 3,777.6 million euro, down 472.2 million euro from the amount seen at 31 December 2022. As proof of the Group’s financial solidity, the net debt/Ebitda* ratio dropped to 2.84x, in line with Hera’s long-standing prudential policy. Gas Ebitda* for the gas area, which includes natural gas distribution and sales, district heating and energy services, stood at 193.8 million euro, as against 202.5 million euro at 31 March 2022. This decrease was due to lower sales, mainly owing to milder weather compared to the same period one year earlier, partially offset by the contribution of energy services and higher volumes sold by the subsidiary Hera Comm on default, last resort and public administration (Consip) services. In the first quarter of 2023, investments in the gas area amounted to 49.3 million euro, up 20 million euro compared to the previous year. In particular, gas distribution saw higher investments for plants and networks in the new municipalities awarded with the ATEM Udine2 tender, while in gas sales the higher investments were aimed at acquiring new customers. The number of gas customers reached almost 2.1 million, a slight increase (0.2%) compared to the previous year. The gas area accounted for 47.2% of Group Ebitda. Electricity Ebitda for the electricity area, which includes electricity generation, distribution and sales, rose to 64.5 million euro, compared to 30.4 million euro for the same period in 2022. The first quarter of 2023 showed significant growth in terms of both margins and volumes sold to end customers, thanks to commercial development, mainly in the free market, innovative offers (relating to electric mobility, photovoltaics, heating and air conditioning) and value-added services. Contributions also came from higher volumes sold to public administrations (Consip) and the initial effects of the lots awarded last autumn in the safeguarded service for 2023 and 2024, one more lot than in the previous two years. In the first quarter of 2023, investments made in the electricity area amounted to 21.7 million euro, up 6.2 million euro over the previous year. In electricity distribution, investments mainly regarded extraordinary maintenance and upgrading on plants and distribution networks in the Modena, Imola, Trieste and Gorizia areas, as well as the ongoing large-scale meter replacement and work on improving network resilience. In the energy sales segment, investments in activities related to acquiring new customers increased. The number of electricity customers increased by 7.4% compared to the same period in 2022, reaching approximately 1.5 million. This growth occurred mainly on the free market, as a result of reinforced commercial activities. The electricity area accounted for 15.7% of Group Ebitda. Water cycle At 31 March 2023, Ebitda for the integrated water cycle area, which includes aqueduct, purification and sewerage services, amounted to 55.6 million euro, essentially in line (+0.2%) with the 55.5 million euro seen in the same period in 2022. In the first quarter of 2023, investments made in the water cycle area, including capital grants, rose to more than 47 million euro (29.8 million euro in the aqueduct, 12.4 million euro in sewerage and 5 million euro in purification), mainly involving extensions, reclamation and enhancements on networks and plants, as well as regulatory upgrading mainly in the purification and sewerage areas. The integrated water cycle area accounted for 13.5% of Group Ebitda. Waste Ebitda for the waste management area, which includes waste collection, treatment and recovery services, rose to 87.6 million euro (+11%), as against 78.9 million euro at 31 March 2022, due to increased margins from energy management, partially thanks to production in plants that returned to full operations during the first quarter, and recent acquisitions in the industrial waste treatment sector. These positive effects more than offset the higher purchase prices of consumables and an increase in treatment and transport costs. Thanks to its excellent set of roughly one hundred state-of-the-art plants, capable of treating any type of waste, which continues to represent a strategic and distinctive asset on the market, the Group was able to seize further opportunities for growth, confirming its ability to react with great resilience to the market context. It thus expanded its market shares in industrial waste treatment (+27%, volumes treated), also benefiting from an enlarged scope of operations thanks to M&A transactions. In particular, note the recent partnership with the Modena-based company A.C.R. di Reggiani Albertino S.p.A.®, which enabled Hera to consolidate its leadership in the waste management area and has led to the birth of Italy’s largest operator in the environmental remediation and industrial waste global service sector, with widespread coverage throughout the country. Moreover, in the first three months of 2023, all main initiatives in the circular economy continued, from material recovery to renewable energy production. Also note the beginning of operations at the new biomethane production plant in Spilamberto (Modena), in a partnership with the Cremonini Group company Inalca. Following the NRRP grants awarded to construct platforms for material recovery, including in niche segments such as rigid plastics recycling and carbon fibre recovery, the Group was awarded further funding for upgrading and digitalising collection centres and “smart” facilities in the areas served, which will make it possible to optimise waste management services by making them increasingly innovative and efficient. Sorted municipal waste reached 70.7%, up 4.5 percentage points compared to the previous year, thanks to the development of projects in the areas served by the Group. In the first quarter of 2023, investments in the waste management area amounted to roughly 20 million euro, mainly involving maintenance and upgrading on waste treatment plants. The waste management area accounted for 21.4% of Group Ebitda. Special items and operational adjustments / balance sheet reconciliation IFRS financial statements Income statement Statement of financial position 20230510 Hera Group 1Q2023 results.pdf 12:27:00 cover_BS_2022_110x150.jpg See the press release cover_BS_2022_110x150.jpg
Online dal 10/05/2023 alle ore 12:27
Press releases
04/05/2023
Hera Spa
Sustainability

Hera Group: over € 2.3 billion for the territories in 2022

2023-05-04 The multi-utility’s 2022 Sustainability Report confirms its commitment to a just transition. Pursuing carbon neutrality, regenerating resources, enabling resilience and innovating remain the main levers for shared value. Reporting with clarity and transparency on the results achieved, sharing the challenging objectives on which corporate choices are based with stakeholders and, above all, striving to make people, needs and the enhancement of territories our focus: these criteria once again form the basis underpinning the Hera Group’s 2022 Sustainability Report. As in 2021, the document also includes a report on all activities in accordance with the EU taxonomy of environmentally sustainable activities, with particular reference to climate change mitigation and adaptation objectives. In total compliance with Brussels and the primary international policies, the multi-utility thus continues its path towards change, combining climate action and social inclusion, in the belief that no step forward can be sustainable unless it is fully endorsed by everyone. Creating value together with communities: over € 2.3 billion distributed in the serviced territories The Hera Group's sustainable growth is the result of a business model that continues to enhance people and support the communities it services towards a more just future in environmental, economic and social terms. Compared to 2021, total economic value for stakeholders rose to more than € 3 billion: this includes employees (601.1 million), shareholders (236.3 million), the public administration (151.8 million) and suppliers (approximately 1.4 billion). Over € 2.3 billion of this amount, or 76%, is distributed in the territories serviced, where the multi-utility guarantees service continuity and efficiency, with significant investments to innovate its infrastructure assets, which will be decisive in meeting climate challenges in coming years. Shared-value EBITDA also increased: € 670.6 million (+17%) Among the most significant achievements, the shared-value Gross Operating Margin (EBITDA) - i.e., referring to business activities generating environmental and social benefits in the three areas of carbon neutrality, the circular economy, resilience and innovation - rose to € 670.6 million (+17% compared to 2021) or 52% of total EBITDA, with an improvement across all target parameters. In other words, it means making what has been done even more sustainable and continuing to grow, evolving the business in the right direction. Despite the difficulties created by a complex international context and an unprecedented energy scenario, the growth in EBITDA in terms of shared value is thus confirmed in line with the trajectory outlined in the Business Plan, projecting it to 62% in 2026, to reach a target of 70% in 2030. Significant results for the Hera Group, which for the third year running, was also awarded the S&P Global Gold Class, the highest award for listed companies in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, where the multi-utility had been confirmed last year as sector leader in the ESG (environmental, social and governance) dimensions. Pursuing carbon neutrality Transition and promoting energy efficiency continue to be at the heart of the Hera Group's strategies. This is the direction that is being pursued at a rapid pace for the commitment to increase sustainable sources of energy. One example is the production of biomethane from the organic fraction of waste, at the Sant'Agata Bolognese and Spilamberto plants (in partnership with the Cremonini Group's Inalca company): the Hera Group intends to almost quadruple this by 2030, to reach 30 million cubic metres per year. Furthermore, the multi-utility achieved 100 per cent renewable electricity to power internal consumption a year ahead of schedule. Other important initiatives include the development of hydrogen as an energy carrier and the production of energy from photovoltaics. The Group's objective is to have more than 90 MW of installed photovoltaic power by 2026, which, when added to the systems installed at customers' premises and the energy communities that Hera is helping to develop, will provide 150 MW. With regard to total greenhouse gas emissions, the multi-utility has already reduced these by 11.7%, compared to 2019, with a target of -37% by 2030; a target validated by the prestigious international network “Science Based Targets Initiative”. In addition, the ISO 50001 certification on energy management for 11 Group companies, where 96% of the multi-utility's energy consumption takes place, is also proof of the strong focus on energy efficiency in all activities carried out and in servicing apartment buildings, companies and the public administration. Regenerating resources and closing the circle The environment is another fundamental driver guiding the Hera Group's objectives and actions. The multi-utility has always worked to regenerate natural resources, promote their more sustainable use and close the circle on the circular economy. Local collections, collections from homes, and ecological stations are the cornerstones of its urban waste management system, which focuses increasingly on the recovery of materials: 57% waste recycling had already been achieved by 2022 in the territories serviced, exceeding the EU target for 2025. Aliplast recycled more than 79,000 tons of plastic, 33% more than in 2017, the year when the multi-utility signed its commitment to reduce plastic waste pollution, in the scope of the Ellen Mac Arthur Foundation initiative. The aim is to further increase these volumes to around 150,000 tons by 2030. The integrated and sustainable management of water resources follows the same approach. As Italy's second largest operator in the integrated water cycle, from abstraction to drinking water and distribution, from sewage systems to purification, the Hera Group bases its care of water on circular management. In addition to guaranteeing quality and consistently controlled tap water using a system based on excellence, it also promotes reuse. Examples of this are the important protocols signed with the Emilia-Romagna Region and the decontamination consortia, and the experimental project at the Cesena plant for re-using purified water for agriculture. A focus and the protection of water start by setting a good example: in 2022, the multi-utility recorded a 20.5% reduction in its internal consumption (about 315.1 million cubic metres saved since 2017), with a target of -25% by 2030. Enabling resilience and innovating Ensuring service continuity and the availability of resources means first and foremost, having intelligent installations and sensitive networks. The Hera Group is well aware of this, having made digitalisation and business innovation its strategic assets: last year alone, the multi-utility invested € 102.8 million in innovation. In the critical context of water availability, the water service has shown its resilience by ensuring service continuity (without rationing drinking water) in all territories, with interventions aimed at mitigating the risk of drought and also interventions on infrastructure, with the construction of new wells and reservoirs, aqueduct interconnections, and the upgrading of withdrawal points, including the upgrading of the Po river pumps in Ferrara: investments of € 30 million are planned for this type of intervention by 2026 in the Triveneto and Emilia-Romagna regions. Community resilience also means working to promote social inclusion and the creation of shared value in the communities serviced: purchases from local suppliers in the past year amounted to € 881 million (65% of the total). More specifically, value relating to social cooperatives amounted to over € 82 million (+14% compared to 2021) and enabled the employment of 899 disadvantaged persons, with a consequent benefit for the public administration that can be estimated at over € 3.8 million. Central to this is the support provided to households: in 2022, around 272,000 bills (+36% compared to 2021), worth € 354 million, were paid in instalments. The significant increase, both in terms of numbers and value, confirms the Group's commitment to allowing payments by instalments, which has been and continues to be at significant levels in recent years. In addition, there are 135 Municipalities that have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to avoid the suspension of supplies to households experiencing economic difficulties monitored by Social Services (26 more protocols signed in 2022 in Modena, Ferrara and Bologna). 20230504_Hera Group_Over € 2.3 billion for the territories in 2022.pdf cover_BS_2022_110x150.jpg See the press release cover_BS_2022_110x150.jpg
Online dal 04/05/2023
Press releases
27/04/2023
Hera Spa
Shareholders’ meeting
Price sensitive

Hera Shareholders Meeting: new Board of Directors appointed, 2022 financial statements approved and dividend increased to 12.5 cents

2023-04-27 The Group continues along its path of growth, creating value shareholders and the local areas served. Cristian Fabbri appointed Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and Orazio Iacono confirmed as CEO. Hera’s Ordinary Shareholders Meeting, chaired by Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, was held this morning in Bologna to approve the 2022 financial statements and the payment of a dividend rising to 12.5 cents per share, in line with what was previously announced during the presentation of the Business Plan to 2026. Among the various resolutions passed, the Meeting also appointed the members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Statutory Auditors for the next three years. The 2022 Sustainability Report (a consolidated non-financial statement, prepared pursuant to Legislative Decree 254/2016) was also presented during the Meeting. 2022 financial statements approved with results showing growth The Assembly approved the 2022 financial statements, which confirmed growth in key operating and financial indicators and in investments. Among the main results: Ebitda rose to 1,295.0 million euro (+6.2%) and net profit attributable to shareholders amounted to 322.2 million euro (+1.4%). Operating investments, including capital grants, reached 709.5 million euro (+20.5%), and went to promoting the energy transition, the circular economy and innovation, with concrete projects consistent with the main national and international policies, demonstrating the Group’s ongoing focus on enhancing the value of assets under management and increasing their resilience. Net debt stood at 4,249.8 million euro, compared to 3,261.3 million euro at 31 December 2021. The net debt/Ebitda ratio came to 3.28x, but excluding the gas reserve in storage facilities, this ratio drops to approximately 2.9x, in line with Hera’s performance targets. These figures demonstrate, once again, the validity of the management policies implemented by the Group, which, together with its solid and resilient multi-business industrial model, have proved effective in responding to the complex external scenario, enabling it to guarantee continuity and quality of services and to create value for the company and all stakeholders, while pursuing sustainable development. Dividends paid rise to 12.5 cents per share The Shareholders Meeting then approved the Board of Directors’ proposal to distribute a dividend coming to 12.5 cents per share, up 4.2% compared to the last dividend paid. The ex-dividend date was set at 19 June 2023, with payment as of 21 June 2023. The dividend will be paid to shares recorded on 20 June 2023. The dividend paid, based on the Hera share price at 31/12/2022, corresponds to an annual return of 4.94%. A strong focus on creating value for shareholders was thus confirmed. This increase is indeed consistent with the remuneration policy set out in the Business Plan, which foresees growth in dividends, reaching 15 cents per share by 2026. Sustainability Report: Shared-value Ebitda up sharply to 670.3 million euro The 2022 Sustainability Report was also presented during the Shareholders Meeting, showing that improvement in operating and financial indicators goes hand in hand with the Group’s focus on sustainability and its attention towards all stakeholders. More specifically, in 2022, shared-value Ebitda, which refers to business activities that also respond to the drivers for sustainable growth and therefore involve operations that help meet the targets on the Global Agenda, rose to 670.3 million euro, up significantly compared to 2021 (+17.5%) and corresponding to 51.8% of overall Ebitda. This result is in line with the path set out in the Business Plan, which projects this value at 62% of total Ebitda by 2026 and 70% in 2030, part of a linear process that generates concrete benefits for the local areas and communities served, parallel to the Group’s own development. Board of Directors and the Board of Statutory Auditors renewed The Board of Directors and the Board of Statutory Auditors were renewed for the next three years (their mandate expiring on the date of the Shareholders Meeting held to approve the 2025 financial statements). As an outcome of the vote, the following directors were appointed: majority list (representing Hera’s public shareholders agreement): Cristian Fabbri, Orazio Iacono, Gabriele Giacobazzi, Fabio Bacchilega, Gianni Bessi, Grazia Ghermandi, Alessandro Melcarne, Lorenzo Minganti, Milvia Mingozzi, Marina Monassi and Monica Mondardini minority lists: Francesco Perrini, Paola Gina Maria Schwizer, Alice Vatta, Bruno Tani. The CVs of the new directors can be consulted at: https://eng.gruppohera.it/group_eng/corporate-governance/board-of-directors As regards the Board of Statutory Auditors, the following auditors were appointed: majority list (representing Hera’s public shareholders agreement): Marianna Girolomini, Antonio Gaiani (standing auditors), Susanna Giuriatti (alternate auditor) minority list: Myriam Amato (Chairman), Stefano Gnocchi (alternate auditor). The CVs of the new auditors can be consulted at: https://eng.gruppohera.it/group_eng/corporate-governance/board-of-statutory-auditors Pursuant to current legislation on the issue and the Articles of Association, the gender criterion was respected. Other resolutions approved The Shareholders Meeting also approved a renewed authorisation for the Board of Directors to purchase treasury shares (and the procedures for their management) having a value of up to 240 million euro for 18 months, at the same time revoking last year’s resolution for the non-executed part. The renewal of authorisation to use treasury shares was requested in order to pursue the purposes permitted by law and accepted market practices, in order to increase value creation for shareholders in transactions carried out by Group companies as well, for whom investment opportunities may arise, and for transactions involving the issue of financial instruments. Lastly, the Shareholders Meeting approved the Report on remuneration policy and compensation paid, in line with international best practice, and the Corporate governance report was presented. Executive Chairman, Vice Chairman and CEO appointed The inaugural meeting of Hera’s Board of Directors, appointed in the morning by the Shareholders Meeting, was held this afternoon in Bologna. The Board appointed the Chairman, Vice Chairman and CEO. Cristian Fabbri, who has been with the company since 2006, was appointed Executive Chairman. Within the Group, he held positions involving increasing responsibilities before becoming Hera’s Central Market Director, CEO of Group subsidiaries Hera Comm and EstEnergy, and a member of the Boards of Directors of other Group companies. Gabriele Giacobazzi was confirmed as (non-executive) Vice-Chairman, the role he has covered since 2020. President of the Association of Engineers, he has been a professor at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Orazio Iacono was confirmed as CEO, the position he has held at Hera since May 2022. He previously worked at RFI and later Trenitalia, eventually acting as CEO and General Manager, a position he held until 2020. In 2021 he was Senior Advisor Oaktree Capital Management/PwC Italy and later became Chief Operating Officer Sustainable Infrastructures at Saipem. Lastly, the Board of Directors thanked Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, whose term of office came to an end after more than 20 years at the helm of the Hera Group, for his fundamental contribution to the company’s growth. PR Hera Shareholders Meeting.pdf 16:13:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 27/04/2023 alle ore 16:13
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21/04/2023
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Documentation relating to the issue of a bond published

2023-04-21 Please note that the deed of execution dated April 13, 2023 relating to the issue by Hera S.p.A. of a 600 million euro Sustainability-linked Bond, 10 years, due 2033, is available to the public at its registered office, on the website https://eng.gruppohera.it/group_eng, and on the authorised storage mechanism 1INFO (www.1Info.it). Hera Group Documentation relating to the issue of a bond published.pdf 14:13:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 21/04/2023 alle ore 14:13
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14/04/2023
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Hera Group: over 1 billion Euro for green transition, decarbonisation and plastic regeneration through sustainability-linked bond issue and facility agreement

2023-04-14 Strong interest of international investors for the second sustainability-linked bond of the multiutility, for an amount equal to Euro 600 million and a maturity of 10 years, which received subscription requests for about Euro 2.7 billion, 4.5 times higher than the amount offered. The company also entered into a Euro 450 million sustainable revolving credit facility with the same group of banks that placed the bond and with the same key performance indicators. Two new achievements for the Hera Group, which is already a pioneer in this field in Italy: with the second “sustainability-linked bond” and the activation of a new “Sustainability-Linked Revolving Credit Facility”, the multiultility will allocate more than 1 billion Euro in financing to projects in favour of the green transition. In particular, the Euro 600 million of the new non-convertible bond is part of the sustainability strategy aimed at decarbonising and recycling plastics, while the new Euro 450 million “Sustainability-Linked Revolving Credit Facility” further expands the innovative financial products and instruments adopted by the company, contributing to maintain its financial soundness. "Our second “sustainability-linked bond” and the new credit line confirm the Hera Group's commitment to sustainability, with particular reference to the goals of carbon neutrality and circular economy”- states Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group. “These new sustainability-linked instruments will allow us to more actively pursue two specific targets that are particularly relevant to us, which we have been committed to for some time now with projects aimed at reducing our carbon footprint and increase plastic regeneration, in line with the energy and environmental transition strategies outlined in our business plan. This is an important contribution, which will lead us to reach the goals of the 2030 Agenda with concrete initiatives, to meet the challenges we face every day”. The characteristics of the second “sustainability-linked bond” The aggregate amount of the second “sustainability-linked bond”, reserved to qualified investors, to be issued under the company’s Euro Medium-Term Notes Programme – last updated on 12 April 2023 – is equal to Euro 600 million, repayable after 10 years. Also this second “sustainability-linked bond”, like the one launched in 2021, met a great interest from international investors. In fact, the transaction saw significant participation from international investors (France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom), most of them specialised in sustainable finance products. The strong demand, with subscription requests of approximately 2.7 billion euro, equal to 4.5 times the offer, and the quality of the orders received have therefore allowed the price to be set at excellent levels. The bond provides for an annual fixed-rate coupon of 4.250%, while the yield at the time of issue is 4.310%. Starting from the interest payment date of 2032, a possible step-up (interest rate increase) is foreseen in case the company does not reach the targets of (1) reduction of Green House Gas emissions expressed in CO2 tonnes (rate increase of 0.30%) and (2) increase in the amount of recycled plastic, expressed in thousands of tonnes (rate increase of 0.20%). The sustainability-linked bond is part of the Hera Group’s strategy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the amount of recycled plastic. In particular, the Hera Group intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 37% by 2030 (compared to 2019), thanks to concrete internal actions and to the involvement of suppliers and customers, in relation to the sale of electricity and gas: one of the most ambitious goals for a company in Italy, validated by the highly respected international network Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). With respect to the second target, instead, the multiutility intends to increase the quantities of recycled plastic by 150% by 2030 (compared to 2017), also thanks to the approximately Euro 1.2 billion of investments planned in the environment sector in the 2022-2026 Business Plan. In particular, the subsidiary Aliplast, leader in plastics recycling, envisages new industrial development projects with investments of more than Euro 80 million, both to expand plant capacity in the segments already covered (recycled PET) and to extend its operations to the recovery of hard plastics with a new plant. Located in Modena, and at the forefront on a European level from a technological point of view, so much so that it has also received contributions from PNRR (the Italian “National Recovery and Resilience Plan”), the plant will allow to make more sustainable even the sectors that until now have mainly used virgin materials such as consumer electronics. The settlement date of the issue is expected for 20 April 2023 and the notes will be listed, as of the issue date, on the regulated market of Euronext Dublin, on the regulated market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and, if appropriate, at a later stage, also on the ExtraMOT PRO multilateral trading system of Borsa Italiana. It is also expected that the sustainability-linked bond will be assigned a rating in line with the one assigned to Hera (rating Baa2 for Moody's and BBB+ for Standard & Poor's). The new “Sustainability-Linked Revolving Credit Facility” The new credit facility, in line with the one issued in 2018, includes a reward mechanism linked to the achievement of specific environmental objectives. In the agreement entered into with the banks, in fact, the same key performance indicators of the “sustainability-linked bond” have been defined, by virtue of which the multiutility will be able to benefit of more favourable rates over time. Hera's partners in the transaction The financial institutions involved in the issue of the “sustainability-linked bond” of Hera are BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole CIB, Intesa Sanpaolo (Divisione IMI CIB), Mediobanca, Santander, UniCredit, BBVA, Banca Akros, Barclays, BPER Banca, CaixaBank, Deutsche Bank and MPS Capital Services. The financial institutions involved in Hera's sustainability-linked facility agreement are BNP Paribas, Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, Crédit Agricole CIB, Intesa Sanpaolo, Mediobanca, Santander, UniCredit, BBVA, Banco BPM, Barclays, BPER Banca, CaixaBank, Deutsche Bank and MPS Capital Services. Legance Avvocati Associati provided Hera with assistance in relation to both the “sustainability-linked bond” and the facility agreement, while the law firms Linklaters and Gianni & Origoni supported, respectively, the joint lead managers of the issuance and the banks of the credit facility. The Hera Group as pioneer in sustainable finance Hera, first company in Italy to issue a green bond in 2014, followed by two more "green" bonds in 2019 and 2022, and by the launch, in 2018, of the first sustainability-linked revolving credit facility, was also among the first Italian companies to issue a sustainability-linked bond, two years ago. The multiutility keeps to be a reference point for sustainable finance at national level and to integrate its financial strategies with a constant focus on sustainability. In fact, it is thanks to the use of innovative financial instruments that are attracting increasing attention on the market, that Hera supports its commitment to sustainable development. GruppoHera - 2° sustainability-linked bond and revolving credit line.pdf 07:31:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 14/04/2023 alle ore 07:31
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12/04/2023
Hera Spa
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Update and increase of the EMTN Programme of Hera S.p.A.

2023-04-12 Hera S.p.A. (the “Company”) announces that on the date hereof the update of its Euro Medium Term Notes programme has been completed, with the increase from euro 3.5 billion to euro 4.5 billion of the maximum plafond in principal amount of notes that may be simultaneously outstanding thereunder (the “EMTN Programme”). The base Prospectus of the EMTN Programme has been approved by the Central Bank of Ireland pursuant to the Prospectus Regulation and is available on the Company’s website and on the website of Euronext Dublin. The update and the increase of the maximum plafond of the EMTN Programme will allow the Company to take advantage of any new market opportunities in line with its financial strategy. 20230412_Update and increase of the EMTN Programme.pdf 17:37:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 12/04/2023 alle ore 17:37
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06/04/2023
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa

Publication of the Report on the Remuneration policy and the remuneration paid and other explanatory reports regarding items on the AGM agenda

2023-04-06 Kindly note that the following documentation, pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting convened for 27 April 2023, is available to the public at the Company headquarters, on the authorised storage website 1INFO (www.1Info.it) and on Hera Group’s website (https://eng.gruppohera.it/group_eng/corporate-governance/shareholders-meetings): Report on the Remuneration Policy and the remuneration paid; Hera S.p.A. Board of Directors’ Explanatory Report regarding item 2 on the Agenda; Hera S.p.A. Board of Directors’ Explanatory Report regarding item 3 on the Agenda; Hera S.p.A. Board of Directors’ Explanatory Report regarding item 4 on the Agenda; Hera S.p.A. Board of Directors’ Explanatory Report regarding item 5 on the Agenda. 06042023 Pubblication of Remuneration Policy and explanatory reports.pdf 15:03:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 06/04/2023 alle ore 15:03
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06/04/2023
Shareholders’ meeting
Hera Spa

Minority lists for the appointment of the Board of Directors and the Board of Statutory Auditors published

2023-04-06 The minority lists containing candidates for the appointment of the Board of Directors and the Board of Statutory Auditors, accompanied by the respective documents required by current norms, registered within the deadline by shareholders in light of the Shareholders Meeting called for 27 April 2023, are available to the public at Group headquarters, in the dedicated section of the company’s website (https://eng.gruppohera.it/group_eng/corporate-governance/shareholders-meetings) and on the authorised storage mechanism 1info, which can be accessed at www.1Info.it. 06042023 Pubblication of minority lists of candidates.pdf 13:21:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 06/04/2023 alle ore 13:21
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06/04/2023
Hera Spa
Shareholders’ meeting

Communication of the overall amount of voting rights

2023-04-06 Bologna, 6 April 2023 – The following table contains the data concerning the shares outstanding and the number of voting rights representing the share capital as at 31 March 2023. Updated situation Previous situation Number of shares constituting the Share capital Number of voting rights Number of shares constituting the Share capital Number of voting rights Total, of which: 1,489,538,745 2,229,286,858 1,489,538,745 2,229,351,858 Ordinary shares (regular dividend rights: 01.01.2022) – cod. ISIN IT0001250932 Current coupon: n. 21 749,790,632 749,790,632 749,725,632 749,725,632 Ordinary shares with increased voting rights (regular dividend rights: 01.01.2022) – cod. ISIN IT0005159972 Current coupon: n. 21 739,748,113 1,479,496,226 739,813,113 1;479,626,226 04_2023 Communication-overall-amount-of-voting-rights-art-85-bis.pdf 09:42:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 06/04/2023 alle ore 09:42
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05/04/2023
Hera Spa
Shareholders’ meeting
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Financial Results

Publication of the draft Separate and consolidated financial statements as at 31/12/2022, the Sustainability report – consolidated non-financial statement and Shareholders meeting documentation

2023-04-05 Kindly note that the following documents, approved by the Hera S.p.A. Board of Directors, have been made available to the public at company headquarters, on the website https://eng.gruppohera.it/ and on the authorised storage platform 1INFO (www.1Info.it): folder containing the draft Separate and consolidated financial statements at 31.12.2022 Sustainability report – consolidated non-financial statement drafted pursuant to L. Decree 254/2016. In the same way, the 2022 Corporate Governance Report is also available. 20230405 Press release Financial Statements-DNF FY22.pdf 17:04:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 05/04/2023 alle ore 17:04
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03/04/2023
Hera Spa
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IdrogeMO: Hera and Snam project for Modena's Hydrogen Valley gets 19.5 million euros from the regional government of Emilia Romagna

2023-04-03 The regional government has awarded funding for 19.5 million euros for the development of a hub that will produce up to 400 tonnes of hydrogen per year from water and renewable energy Hera, as the lead company, and Snam's joint investment amounts to 20.8 million euros Bologna/San Donato Milanese (Milan), April 3rd, 2023 - Hera and Snam's joint project for the development of a green hydrogen production hub in the municipality of Modena has obtained 19.5 million euros in funding from the Regional Council of Emilia Romagna, which were allocated as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The hub will be built in a disused industrial area - as prescribed in the call for tenders - an exhausted landfill site in via Caruso in Modena, without any consumption of useful land. More specifically, the area will host a 6 MW photovoltaic farm connected to an electrolyser - a device designed to extract hydrogen from water through the process of electrolysis - that will produce up to 400 tonnes of hydrogen each year using the electricity provided by the photovoltaic farm. In order to be able to power the electrolyser also at night, the hub will be equipped with a battery to store the electricity. The total investment for these activities is expected to amount to 20.8 million euros. Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group, said: “This first yet important step in the development of the green hydrogen value chain sees our Group laying the foundations to become a major player in the sector. This project shows Hera’s commitment in building partnerships with companies and communities in their path towards the energy transition thereby creating a positive impact on the environment, the economy and the local areas. We are aware that to cope with the emergency related to climate change as well as the energy transition, it is of paramount importance to work as an echo system, sharing the many resources and know-how the Hera Group alongside the different players of the served areas are able to carry out." “For Snam, IdrogeMO is the first Hydrogen Valley project dedicated to industrial applications and the transport of hydrogen, which is one of the EU's main energy transition goals.” – Stefano Venier, CEO of Snam commented. “This initiative to which we will contribute with managing the hydrogen production facilities, enjoys the support of Emilia Romagna, one of the country's key regions in industrial terms, together with a local partner like Hera. The impetus to develop Hydrogen Valleys also represents a first step towards building corridors for the transport of green molecules that place Italy at the centre of one of the hydrogen highways as outlined in RePower EU. Snam's commitment to a carbon-neutral future is one of the cornerstones of our 2022-2026 strategic plan, where we have allocated 1 billion euros to build a platform dedicated to decarbonisation." “A wonderful project that takes up the energy challenge of the Emilia-Romagna region,” commented Regional Councillor for Economic Development and Green economy Vincenzo Colla. “We look to hydrogen as the clean energy vector of the future. The hydrogen economy has an important place in the energy transition, in that combination of different sources that must lead us to the ultimate goal of decarbonisation.” The two companies will play a distinct but interconnected role in the building of the hub: Hera SpA will be the lead company, Herambiente will be in charge of building the photovoltaic system, and Snam will deal with the building of the hydrogen production plant. By implementing the IdrogeMO project, Hera Group and Snam will make a tangible contribution to carbon neutrality in the region of Emilia Romagna. It is expected that part of the hydrogen produced will serve to supply local public transport companies with fuel for vehicles powered by green molecules. A part of it will instead be used by the local industrial sector for the decarbonisation of its processes. PR_IdrogeMO_Snam and Hera.pdf 14:34:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 03/04/2023 alle ore 14:34
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21/03/2023
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Hera Group approves results at 31 December 2022

2023-03-21 The year ended positively, with growth in the main operating and financial indicators. The Group’s financial solidity and its multi-business industrial model allowed it to maintain a low risk profile and increase value creation shared with all stakeholders. The dividends proposed rise to 12.5 cents per share. Financial highlights Revenues at 20,082 million euro (+90.3%) Ebitda* at 1,295.0 million euro (+6.2%) Net profit* attributable to shareholders at 322.2 million euro Net debt at 4,249.8 million euro and Net debt/Ebitda* at 3.28x, falling to roughly 2.9x net of gas storage Proposed dividends rise to 12.5 euro cents per share (+4.2%) Operating highlights Positive results from both internal and external growth Significant contributions from the gas area and the waste management sector, with significant interventions concerning the circular economy and green gases Consolidation of the Group’s ranking as the first operator in waste management, second in the water cycle and third in energy, with over 3.5 million customers in the energy sector Shared-value Ebitda up sharply to 670.3 million (+17.5%), approximately 52% of total Ebitda Confirmed for the third consecutive year as the best company in the Multi-Utility & Water sector in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, World & Europe Today, the Board of Directors of the Hera Group, chaired by Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, unanimously approved the consolidated operating results at 31 December 2022 and the Report on remuneration policies and compensation paid, as well as the Sustainability report. Statement by Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, Executive Chairman of the Hera Group “The 2022 financial year closed positively, with results exceeding expectations and fully consistent with previous quarters. After 2021, this is one of the best growth rates recorded in more than twenty years by the Hera Group, all the more appreciable in light of the external context in which it was achieved. Relying on the strength of our consolidated business model and our risk-averse policies, we have once again confirmed our commitment to creating value for the company and for all our stakeholders. The proposed increase in dividends, coming to 12.5 cents per share and in line with the communications made when presenting the Business Plan to 2026, also goes in this direction. On the one hand, we have continued to make investments, in order to face the energy crisis and ensure that all our assets remain resilient and performing, thus ensuring that our strategic plans are carried out and the quality of the services managed stays high. On the other, we have pursued the company’s development along external lines, with M&A transactions in the energy and waste management sectors, with the goal of consolidating our position in the reference markets and further improving the competitiveness and efficiency of the solutions we offer to our customers.” Statement by Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group "The positive results achieved allow us to face the future with confidence, continuing to invest to grow and increase the resilience and digitisation of our infrastructure. Our efficient financial management, along with cash flow generation, allowed us to close the financial year 2022 with a net debt/Ebitda ratio coming to 3.28x, which, excluding the gas storage investments now falling back into line, drops to below 3x, in line with the Group’s historically prudential policy. Shared-value Ebitda rose to 670 million, 51.8% of total Ebitda, and showed growth outpacing that of overall Ebitda, which proves that we are progressively making our operations more and more sustainable. 2022 was also a record year for investments, which came to over 700 million euro, 62% of which were put in place to pursue carbon neutrality, promote the circular economy, enable resilience and innovate. A number of innovative initiatives in the area of renewables also moved in this direction: for example, in 2022 we expanded our biomethane production capacity by around 50% with the construction of a second plant, and we were the first in Italy to introduce a hydrogen-natural gas blend into a city’s network intended for households. Partially thanks also to this latter operation, our gas distribution networks have become fully aligned to the European Taxonomy.” Uninterrupted growth in business and value created for stakeholders, thanks to a well-established multi-business model and sound management policies Thanks to its consolidated multi-business model, balanced between regulated and free-market activities, and its good operational, financial and fiscal management, the Hera Group closed 2022 with operating results and investments up on the previous year. It therefore dealt positively with a particularly complicated external scenario, marked by ongoing volatility on the energy market and a highly unstable international geopolitical situation. The management policies implemented by the Group, together with its solid and resilient industrial model, once again proved effective in responding to these external complexities, making it possible to guarantee continuity and quality in services and creation of value for all stakeholders, while at the same time pursuing sustainable development. In addition to the flexibility shown towards suppliers, who were allowed to revise their supply conditions based on inflation, numerous initiatives were introduced to support customers, with particular attention to those facing hardship, including reinforcing instalment plans for bills, extending protocols with municipalities and social bonuses for district heating, and supporting digital tools and qualified operators for consumption analysis and efficiency. The Group thus proved able to turn challenges into opportunities and confirmed its significant volume of investments in the energy transition, the circular economy and innovation, with concrete projects coherent with the main national and international policies. More specifically, in 2022 an increase coming to over 20% was seen in investments compared to 2021, demonstrating the Group’s ongoing focus on valorising and strengthening the resilience of assets under management, with the ultimate goal of continuing to create value for stakeholders. Furthermore, following up on its commitment to offer its customers efficient, innovative and competitive solutions in terms of costs and sustainability, the Hera Group continued to seize opportunities to expand its scope of operations through M&As. In the energy area, through Hera Comm, the company Con Energia was acquired, while in the waste management area, Marche Multiservizi acquired the company Macero Maceratese, located in the province of Macerata, specialised in waste recovery and treatment . In recent weeks, two further transactions were finalised, whose effects will be seen as of 2023. The first, particularly important, concerns the acquisition, through Herambiente Servizi Industriali, of 60% of the Modena-based company A.C.R. di Reggiani Albertino S.p.A.®, one of the largest Italian enterprises operating in the remediation sector, industrial waste treatment, industrial plant decommissioning and civil works related to oil & gas. This partnership, in addition to strengthening Hera’s leadership in the waste management area, has led to the creation of Italy’s largest operator in the environmental reclamation and industrial waste global service sector, with widespread coverage throughout the country, and will bring a contribution of approximately 20 million euro to the Group’s consolidated Ebitda. The second transaction, concluded on 14 March, concerns the acquisition of 92% of the shares of Asco TLC by the Hera Group, through its subsidiary Acantho, and by Ascopiave, which thus now have shareholdings coming to 36.8% and 55.2% respectively. Revenues rise sharply to over 20 billion euro The Hera Group’s 2022 revenues increased to 20,082 million euro, up considerably from the 10,555.3 million euro seen in 2021. In particular, strong growth occurred in the energy sector, as a result of increased energy commodity prices, which was compounded by an expanded customer base and increased activities related to sales of value-added services and solutions for energy efficiency and self-generation. Higher revenues in the waste management area mainly came from energy production, new acquisitions in the industrial market, and higher prices in the markets covered. Ebitda* up to 1,295 million euro Ebitda* for 2022 rose to 1,295 million euro, up 6.2% from the 1,219.4 recorded at 31 December 2021. This increase, due in particular to the good performance of the waste management area, up by 46.3 million, and to the overall contribution coming from the energy areas, amounting to 28.8 million, is all the more appreciable considering that it absorbs the negative effect, totalling approximately 22 million, resulting from the revision of the WACC by the Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and the Environment (ARERA), effective as of 1 January 2022. Financial operations essentially stable and pre-tax result* up to 502.9 million euro The result from financial operations at 31 December 2022 amounted to 125 million euro, a slight increase coming to 5.2 million compared to the previous year. This change was mainly due to an increase in net financial debt caused by gas storage activities and the working capital absorbed by increased energy commodity prices compared to 2021. Pre-tax results rose to 502.9 million euro, up 3.2% from 487.5 million in 2021, entirely offsetting the increases recorded in depreciation, amortisation and provisions and in financial operations. Net result* increases to 372.3 million euro The tax rate came to 26% for 2022, as against 26.8% in 2021. This improvement was mainly due to the non-recurring concessions, in the form of tax credits, introduced for purchases of electricity and gas, which represented positive income components that were not taxed, as well as benefits from the redemption of a number of higher values arising from corporate acquisitions. The net result* at 31 December 2022 thus amounted to 372.3 million euro, up 4.3% from 356.9 million seen one year earlier. Net profit* attributable to shareholders at 322.2 million euro Net profit* attributable to shareholders at 31 December 2022 amounted to 322.2 million, up (+1.4%) compared to the same figure for 2021, obtained by excluding non-recurring extraordinary income items coming to 12.6 million euro. Strong growth in investments and net financial debt affected by increases in gas storage In 2022, the Hera Group’s operating investments, including capital grants, reached 709.5 million euro, up 20.5% compared to 2021. The main interventions concerned plants, networks and infrastructures, in addition to regulatory upgrading mainly related to gas distribution and the integrated water cycle, respectively involving a large-scale meter replacement, with new-generation devices, and specific interventions in the purification and sewerage areas. Partially due to the significant volume of investments on the Group’s networks and assets, RAB rose to 3.4 billion euro, up 133 million compared to 2021. Consideration must furthermore go to the significant financial resources invested to increase the amount of gas stored. These resources, which at 31 December 2022 amounted to 503.7 million euro, plus a further 200 million for withdrawals made in December that have not returned as cash flows, act as a short-term strategic investment insofar as they enabled the Group to guarantee security and flexibility in the supply of gas to its customers. Net financial debt rose to 4,249.8 million euro, as against 3,261.3 million at 31 December 2021. This increase is mainly due to higher net working capital, caused by the significant investment in gas storage and higher energy commodity prices in 2022, compared to the previous year, as well as the considerable investments made during the year and M&As (acquisition of 100% of Con Energia and 70% of Macero Maceratese). The net debt/Ebitda* ratio increased to 3.28x, from 2.67x in 2021, but if the gas reserve in the now almost completely emptied storages is excluded, this ratio comes to roughly 2.9x, which is below the Group’s historical prudential policy and is perfectly in line with its performance targets. The operating result shows a double-digit return on equity (ROE), coming to 10.0%. Strong growth in Shared-value Ebitda, reaching 670.3 million: commitment to sustainability and focus on stakeholders confirmed As confirmation of Hera’s commitment to sustainability and its focus on creating shared value in the areas served, 2022 Shared-value Ebitda, referring to business activities capable of responding to the goals on the Global Agenda, rose to 670.3 million, up 17.5% compared to 2021 and corresponding to 51.8% of overall Ebitda. This result is in line with the path set out in the Business Plan, and the objective is to arrive at 70% in 2030, thanks to a process that generates concrete benefits for the areas served and for local communities, alongside the company’s own development. More specifically, in 2022 investments in shared value drivers amounted to 510 million euros, roughly 62% of total investments. In addition, roughly 90% of the investments eligible for the Taxonomy are already aligned with the criteria of the European Regulation. The Group’s best practices in ESG factors led Hera to be confirmed, for the second year in a row, among the best companies internationally in the ESG Evaluation carried out by S&P Global Ratings and, for the third consecutive year, in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, World & Europe, one of the world’s most authoritative stock market indices for evaluating social responsibility, ranking as the best company in the Multi-Utility & Water sector. Proposed dividends increase to 12.5 cents per share Confirming its focus on creating value for shareholders, in line with the communications made in February when presenting the Business Plan to 2026 and in consideration of the positive results achieved, the Board of Directors decided to propose to the Shareholders Meeting to be held on 27 April a dividend coming to 12.5 cents per share, up 0.5 cents compared to the last dividend paid. The entire future dividend policy will benefit from this increase, reaching 15 cents per share in 2026. The ex-dividend date will be 19 June 2023, with payment starting on 21 June 2023. The dividend will be paid to the shares recorded on 20 June 2023. Report on remuneration policies and compensation paid approved The Board of Directors also approved the Report on remuneration policy and compensation paid, in line with international best practices. Gas Ebitda* for the gas area, which includes natural gas distribution and sales, district heating and energy services, increased significantly compared to the previous year, amounting to 585.1 million euro (+21.1%), as against 483.2 million euro in 2021. Growth in the gas area, in terms of both revenues and volumes sold, was mainly due to the opportunities provided, in the energy services segment, by the incentives for energy efficiency in homes (110% super-bonus and insulation bonus), confirming a sector trend already recorded in previous quarters. A contribution also came from the acquisition of Con Energia and the growth in customers, including the tenders awarded relating to the last resort and Consip markets. In particular, Hera Comm was awarded, for the period from 1 October 2021 to 30 September 2023, 6 of the 9 lots of the last resort gas service in 12 regions, all 9 lots of the gas default service tender, as well as 2 of the 12 lots of the Consip GAS14 tender for supplying natural gas to public administrations in 2022, both in Lombardy. The number of customers rose slightly, coming to 2.1 million (+1%) overall. In 2022, net investments amounting to 156 million were made (+11% compared to 2021), mainly concerning distribution, with non-recurring maintenance on networks and plants, smart gas meter commissioning, including the innovative NexMeter patented by Hera, district heating and energy services, as well as activities related to acquiring new customers. The first national trial of hydrogen injection into a municipal gas distribution network was also begun in Castelfranco Emilia in Modena area, an asset readiness test on the infrastructure that is part of the Group’s strategy to promote renewable sources, in line with European indications and confirmed gas distribution to be almost fully aligned to the European Taxonomy. The gas area accounted for 45.2% of Group Ebitda. Electricity Ebitda for the electricity area, which includes services in power generation, distribution and sales, came to 71.6 million, as against 144.7 million in 2021, mainly due to the different conditions on the energy markets, linked to the exceptional context of rising raw material prices, which affected procurement, and a lower contribution coming from dispatching services. Note the solidity of commercial development, as confirmed by growth in customers and the number adhering to innovative offers (relating to electric mobility, photovoltaics, heating and air conditioning) and value-added services. In addition to this, Hera Comm was awarded by tenders: 4 of the 17 lots of the Consip EE19 tender for supplying electricity to public administrations in 2022 in the provinces of Rome, Campania, Calabria and Sicily; 3 of the 9 lots of the gradual protected service for supplying electricity to SMEs, for the period from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024, in 9 regions; 1 of the 9 lots of the safeguarded market for the years 2021 and 2022 in 3 regions. Electricity customers came to over 1.4 million (+3.4%), with growth mainly in the free market, thanks to a reinforcement of commercial actions, and partly in the protected market. In the electricity area, gross and net investments amounted to 78.3 million, up 41.6% compared to the previous year. The interventions carried out mainly involved extraordinary maintenance on plants and distribution networks in the Modena, Imola, Trieste and Gorizia areas, a large-scale meter replacement and the improvement of network resilience. Requests for new connections also increased slightly compared to the previous year. The electricity area accounted for 5.5% of Group Ebitda. Water cycle The integrated water cycle area, which includes aqueduct, purification, and sewerage services, recorded an Ebitda coming to 261.9 million euro, essentially in line with the 262.4 million euro seen during the previous year, due to higher procurement costs for energy components and a rise in network and plant management costs, partially due to an increase in the price lists for suppliers of materials and services. This result is particularly positive because it shows that the Group was able to offset the reduction in WACC with technical premiums for the excellence of the services provided to citizens. Indeed, Arera’s recognition of the Hera Group’s commitment to extremely high technical quality standards must be underlined, thus rewarding significant investments, state-of-the-art plants and the use of the best technologies for an efficient management of the water cycle, to guarantee continuity, safety and quality of services in local areas, in line with Hera’s sustainability and circular economy strategies. From a regulatory point of view, note that 2022 was the third year of application of ARERA’s new tariff method. In addition, note that the Emilia-Romagna Regional Agency for the regulation of local environmental public services (Atersir) definitively awarded the concession for the integrated water service for the Province of Rimini (excluding the Municipality of Maiolo) for the years 2022 to 2039 to the Hera Group, which will therefore continue to manage this service with an eye to sustainability and innovation. Including capital grants, investments amounted to 208 million euro (+6.9%), mainly involving extensions, reclamation, and upgrading on networks and plants, as well as regulatory upgrading mainly in the purification and sewerage areas. The main interventions concerned, in particular, the aqueduct, with ongoing reclamation for networks and connections, and specific renewal and upgrading interventions, aimed above all at countering the risks of water shortages related to the increasingly frequent conditions of drought. In the sewage sector, work continued on the Rimini seawater protection plan, among the most important and avant-garde works in Italy in this field, which comes alongside network upgrading works in other areas. In the purification sector, adjustments to the Lido di Classe in Ravenna aarea, purification plant, revamping on the anaerobic digestion system at the Gramicia purification plant in Ferrara, the installation of centrifuges at the Savignano purification plant in Forlì area, and work on the San Giovanni in Persiceto purification plant located in Bologna province are all worth mentioning. The integrated water cycle area accounted for 20.2% of Group Ebitda. Waste Ebitda for the waste management area, which includes waste collection, treatment and disposal services, rose to 338 million euro, +15.9% compared to the 291.7 million euro seen in 2021, despite the fact that in 2022 the complex economic and geopolitical context led to a slowdown in production in many manufacturing sectors, with repercussions in waste production. This result was mainly due to waste treatment activities, with an Ebitda of 277.5 million, up 55 million, while waste management services for collection and street sweeping saw an Ebitda coming to 60.6 million. These figures are in line with expectations and must be set in a context marked by the beginning of new concessions in the Ravenna-Cesena, Modena and Bologna areas, and the consequent increase in service costs in the same areas. In the waste treatment sector, particular mention must go to the extraordinary results achieved by Group subsidiary Aliplast, whose Ebitda came to 53.5 million euro in 2022, more than tripling in the five years since it became part of the Hera Group. Also note the increased margins from energy management, amounting to approximately 30 million euro, in addition to an increase in the prices of waste treated, the expansion of the industrial waste market, and the contribution coming from new acquisitions. Italy’s leading operator in the waste management sector, with roughly one hundred state-of-the-art plants capable of treating all types of waste, the Hera Group thus confirmed a significant amount of growth in this sector for 2022, favoured by geographical expansion and by sound management and commercial policies. Furthermore, in 2022, Group subsidiaries Aliplast and Herambiente Servizi Industriali obtained approximately 15 million in contributions from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) as part of its circular economy “Lighthouse” projects, which concern the construction of platforms serving for material recovery, two of which are absolutely innovative at European level, not only from a technological point of view, but also for the strategic importance of the materials involved, i.e. one plant for regenerating carbon fibres and one for recycling rigid plastics. Protecting environmental resources was therefore confirmed as a priority objective in 2022, as was their maximal reuse. This is also proven by the special attention dedicated to increasing sorted waste collection, which, thanks to the strong commitment that the Group has made in all areas served, rose to 67.8%, up 2.5% compared to 2021. Gross investments in the waste management sector amounted to 149.2 million euro, with a sharp increase compared to the previous year (+51.9%), mainly concerning maintenance and upgrading on the set of plants. These investments include, in particular, a new plant built in Spilamberto, in the Modena area, in a partnership with the Cremonini Group company Inalca, with a biomethane production capacity of 3.7 million cubic metres, which, when fully operational, will result in a 48% increase in biomethane produced compared to the total for 2022 (equivalent to 7.7 million cubic metres, produced by the Sant’Agata Bolognese plant alone). Other interventions concerned the Ravenna plant and the landfills in Cordenons in Podernone province, work done by Marche Multiservizi on the Cà Asprete plant in Tavullia (Pesaro-Urbino), revamping on the waste-to-energy plant in Trieste and the F3 plant in Ravenna, and extraordinary maintenance for the plants in Bologna and Rimini. Increased investments were also made in ecological islands and collection equipment. The waste management area accounted for 26.1% of Group Ebitda. * In order to ensure that the results presented reflect the actual performance of the gas business more closely, and are thus more easily comparable, the figures with an asterisk include an operational adjustment based on a valuation of stocked gas at prices pertaining to the period of injection, thus excluding procurement intended for delivery to end customers with costs defined in 2021 (much lower than the costs seen in 2022). See the paragraph entitled “Special items and operational adjustments / balance sheet reconciliation”, which contains a comparison between the operating statement and the IFRS balance sheets. The manager responsible for drafting the company’s accounting statements, Massimo Vai, declares, pursuant to article 154-bis paragraph 2 of the TUF, that the information contained in the present press release corresponds to the documentation available and to the account books and entries. The financial statement and related materials will be available to the public pursuant to the terms established by law at the Company Headquarters, on the website www.gruppohera.it and on the authorised storage platform 1Info (www.1info.it). Unaudited extracts from the Consolidated Financial Statements at 31 December 2022 are attached. Press release FY 2022.pdf 14:07:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 21/03/2023 alle ore 14:07
Press releases
14/03/2023
Hera Spa
M&A

HERA GROUP AND ASCOPIAVE FINALISE 92% ACQUISITION OF ASCO TLC

2023-03-14 The transaction represents a strategic step in the business portfolio evolution of both the groups in the IT-TLC sector, in line with their respective industrial plans. Today, the Hera Group, through its subsidiary Acantho, and the Ascopiave Group finalised the acquisition of 92% of the shares of Asco TLC at the headquarters of Asco Holding in Pieve di Soligo (TV), with stakes of 36.8% and 55.2% respectively. The closing follows the award, at the end of November 2022, of the public tender procedure called by Asco Holding for the sale of 92% of the shares of Asco TLC, held by Asco Holding itself and by the Treviso-Belluno Chamber of Commerce, and the subsequent signing on 29 December 2022 of the related contract documentation between the Hera Group and the Ascopiave Group. The cash-settled acquisition price is EUR 37.2 million. Asco TLC, a company that has been active since 2001 in the provision of ICT services mainly to corporate customers and public administrations, has a significant proprietary territorial network, located in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions for over 2,200 km of fibre optic backbone infrastructure, 56 radio links and 24 xDSL exchanges in unbundling, and provides its services to more than 2,700 customers. For the two groups, the transaction represents a strategic step in the evolution of the business portfolio in the IT-TLC sectors, in line with their respective industrial plans. Moreover, it is the first step of a broader operation that would lead, through the merger of Asco TLC into Acantho, to the birth of a multi-regional operator with significant operational synergies compared to the stand-alone companies, and benefits for customers as well. "The partnership with Ascopiave in Asco TLC is part of Hera Group's broader development mission, whose goal is to provide its customers with increasingly efficient, innovative and competitive solutions in terms of both costs and sustainability. Thanks to Asco TLC's infrastructure assets, we anticipate an expansion of the Group's services and new synergies in the information technology and telecommunications field. This is a very strategic area for the country's innovation, because IT-TLC is crucial for the competitiveness of companies. It is, however, a sector that calls for continuous investment. On these grounds, we have envisaged significant investments in digitalisation in our industrial plan to 2026, to ensure ever greater excellence in the services provided, thanks also to the development and use of artificial intelligence, data analytics and process digitalisation," said Donato Rocchi, Chief Executive Officer of Acantho, the digital company of the Hera Group. “The partnership with the Hera Group, thanks to the potential industrial synergies, will allow Asco TLC to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive market, improving its offer in favour of local authorities, businesses and users", said Nicola Cecconato, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ascopiave. 20230314 Hera Group & Ascopiave closing Asco TLC.pdf 11:51:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 14/03/2023 alle ore 11:51
Press releases
09/03/2023
Hera Spa
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Top Utility 2023: Hera ranks first for training

2023-03-09 The recognition came today in Milan, during the eleventh edition of the Prize that analyses and valorises the performance of the most important Italian companies in the utility sector. The Hera Group, one of Italy’s leading multi-utility companies with over 9,000 employees, has always focused on developing its personnel and considered training as a key element. This commitment has now earned the Group first place in the “Training” category of the eleventh edition of the Top Utility award, which each year analyses and valorises the evolution and performance of the 100 largest utilities operating in Italy in the electricity, gas, water and waste management sectors. Hera received the Top Utility Training prize “for the completeness of its training programmes in terms of topics covered and duration, as well as for the attention given to employees’ needs for in-depth training, based on their different characteristics and tasks”. The award ceremony was held today in Milan, during the Top Utility Analysis conference entitled “Global Challenges, Local Responses”. Training and developing skills, to rise to future challenges Hera continues to show its extensive and concrete commitment to corporate training and people development policies, which are one of the Group’s cornerstones. In 2022 alone, 97% of Hera’s workforce, including the most operational part, was involved in courses totalling over 270 thousand hours, equivalent to roughly 30 hours of training per capita, well above the sector average. The Group guides its choices with an eye to the future, not only in terms of professional growth and skills development, but also with a view to acquiring talented people who can make a contribution to meeting tomorrow’s challenges, first and foremost the energy and environmental transition. One key element in this area continues to be the Group’s corporate university, HerAcademy, founded in 2011 with the purpose of generating new knowledge and responding to trends seen in the context, including debate on current issues and collaborations with leading national and international institutions. “For the Hera Group, investment in training and people development has always been fundamental to guaranteeing the maximum efficiency and quality of the services offered in the areas served”, comments Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, Executive Chairman of the Hera Group. “People are one of our company’s main resources and our attention towards them is reflected in the quality of their work and in opportunities for growth, with individual internal career paths and development opportunities. We aim to give full value to talent and always seek to acquire new people with skills ranging from the technical-operational sphere to topics such as ethical values and corporate culture, quality, safety and the environment, and of course digitalisation.” The Hera Group’s good practices rewarded once again Throughout the history of this award, the Hera Group has been rewarded with many recognitions: in addition to winning as Overall Top Utility in 2012 and 2022, Hera was awarded in 2014 and 2019 in the communication category, in 2015 and 2018 in the sustainability category and in 2021 in that for gender equality and diversity and inclusion policies. 20230309_Top Utility Award 2023.pdf 12:31:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 09/03/2023 alle ore 12:31
Press releases
08/03/2023
Hera Spa
Shareholders’ meeting

Majority lists published for the appointment of the Board of Directors and the Board of Statutory Auditors

2023-03-08 The majority lists of candidates for the appointment of the Board of Directors and the Board of Statutory Auditors, accompanied by the relevant documentation required by the regulations in force, registered within the deadline by shareholders in light of the Shareholders Meeting called for 27 April 2023, are available to the public at Group’s headquarters, in the dedicated section of the company’s website (https://eng.gruppohera.it/group/corporate_governance/shareholders_meetings/) and on the authorised storage mechanism 1INFO, which can be accessed at www.1Info.it. 08032023 Majority lists published.pdf 12:56:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 08/03/2023 alle ore 12:56
Press releases
08/03/2023
Hera Spa
M&A

Hera Group: with ACR, the first national operator in remediation and global service activities is born

2023-03-08 With reference to the binding agreement signed on 7 November 2022, the partnership was finalised today between Hera and ACR, one of Italy’s leading companies in the sector of contaminated site remediation, industrial waste treatment, plant decommissioning and, more generally, on-site management for leading Italian oil & gas customers. The Hera Group expects this transaction to contribute with approximately 20 million euro to growth in its consolidated Ebitda. This morning, at the Hera Group’s Bologna headquarters, the Group, acting through its subsidiary Herambiente Servizi Industriali (HASI), and A.C.R. di Reggiani Albertino S.p.A.® (ACR), based in Mirandola, in Modena area, finalised a transaction creating the Italy’s largest operator in the environmental remediation and industrial waste global service sector, with a nationwide service's coverage. The closing follows up on the binding agreement signed by the two parties on 7 November 2022, with which Hera acquired 60% of ACR, while some remediation and global service activities previously held by HASI were transferred to the new company. The remaining 40% remains controlled by the Reggiani family. Today also saw the appointment of the Board of Directors of the new ACR, whose CEOs remain the brothers Alberto and Claudio Reggiani. This partnership with an important operator both locally and on the national scene will enable Hera, already a leader in the waste management sector, to further strengthen its leadership in the field of remediation, industrial waste treatment, decommissioning and oil & gas-related civil works. The contribution to growth in the Hera Group’s consolidated Ebitda is expected at approximately 20 million euro. The details of the partnership The new ACR has many strengths, being able to provide a highly performing and widespread service, particularly to companies having large industrial plants who need a qualified operator with infrastructures and expertise in the field of remediation and waste management. The new company established today combines, in fact, Hera’s consolidated multi-business strategy and innovative set of plants with ACR’s experience, gained over 45 years of activity. The Hera Group currently manages over one hundred certified, state-of-the-art plants, capable of treating all types of waste (municipal, industrial and liquid and solid) and employing 1,600 specialised operators. Through its subsidiary HASI, it treats 1.3 million tonnes of industrial waste every year in 18 multi-purpose sites. ACR, instead, can boast a high operational capacity, time to market in services, a considerable set of machinery and equipment, over 450 employees, approximately ten operating sites in Italy, more than 100 active reclamation sites, and, among its customers, the major players in the oil & gas sector. “For the Hera Group, investing in an important operator based in Emilia such as ACR is perfectly in line with our strategic guidelines. With the Group’s activities, we aim to guarantee positive returns and economic benefits for the areas served. Moreover, in full continuity with the transactions completed in recent years”, states the Hera Group’s Executive Chairman, Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, “this partnership with ACR allows us to strengthen our waste management services intended for large companies, expanding operational and plant capacity and expanding our presence in the country. In a complex scenario, characterised by infrastructural shortcomings and a high level of sector fragmentation, companies now require integrated management services for their industrial waste. Thanks to our many years of experience, state-of-the-art facilities and highly specialised personnel, we are able to support companies with turnkey proposals and high quality and safety standards. Advanced in terms of the circular economy as well, we are able to make their processes more efficient and virtuous and help them achieve concrete, measurable and increasingly challenging sustainability goals. The synergies resulting from transactions such as this one will therefore bring concrete benefits for all our business customers and will also generate positive repercussions for the local areas served”. “We are pleased to become part of a company such as the Hera Group, one of Italy’s largest multi-utility organisations that has always maintained strong roots in the local area”, comment the brothers Alberto and Claudio Reggiani, CEOs of A.C.R. di Reggiani Albertino S.p.A.® “We and our employees see this partnership as a fundamental step for our company’s growth, which will allow us both to strengthen our presence in the core business of reclamation and to enter the world of global service. With this operation we will enhance, indeed, our activities in the waste management sector, integrating all the necessary and fundamental skills to be counted among the most important players nationwide in these fields”. 20230308 closing ACR.pdf 12:06:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 08/03/2023 alle ore 12:06
Press releases
02/03/2023
Hera Spa
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Thanks to Executive Chairman Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano for his contribution to the company’s development

2023-03-02 Hera S.p.A.’s Public shareholders syndicate committee met today and approved the lists of candidates for the position of members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Statutory Auditors for the next three years, who will be proposed for appointment at the Shareholders Meeting held on 27 April 2023. In accordance with regulations, the lists will be made public by 6 April 2023. The Committee, noting that the Executive Chairman of the Hera Group, Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, believes that he has fulfilled his mandate, which expires on the date of the upcoming Shareholders Meeting, wishes to thank him for his fundamental contribution to the growth of the company, which he has led for over twenty years. “Our deepest gratitude goes to Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano”, states the Public shareholders syndicate committee, “for accepting, since 2002, to lead the company, developing and consolidating it, and ultimately making it one of the most important multi-utility companies in the country, while maintaining the Group’s strong local roots. As is shown by the remarkable and significant results achieved over these twenty years, placing our trust in him for such a long time was the right choice. We consider the value created by this company, in terms of investments, innovation, employment, entrepreneurial and cultural development, to be particularly important for our local areas. Combining corporate growth and sustainable development, creating ever more value to be shared with stakeholders, and contributing to improving the quality of life in the localities where the Group operates, is the winning model achieved by Tommasi, and we will continue to follow it over time”. With reference to the Shareholders' Meeting of next April 27, the Syndicate committee indicated Cristian Fabbri, Hera’s current Central Market Director and CEO of the subsidiary Hera Comm, for the role of Executive Chairman, thus enhancing the internal growth of a high-level manager who has been with Hera since 2006. Orazio Iacono and Gabriele Giacobazzi, who already hold these roles in the company, were indicated for the roles of CEO and Vice Chairman of Hera. 20230302 press release shareholders syndicate committee.pdf 16:16:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 02/03/2023 alle ore 16:16
Press releases
02/03/2023
Hera Spa
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Statement from Executive Chairman Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano

2023-03-02 The Executive Chairman of the Hera Group, Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, after more than twenty years at the head of the company, believes that he has fulfilled his mandate, which expires on 27 April 2023, the date on which the Shareholders Meeting has been called. “I am proud to have contributed to the history of the Hera Group”, states Chairman Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, “and, working with a top-class management team, to have combined corporate growth with sustainable development. We have created an innovative model that remains ahead of its time, aimed at creating ever more value for our stakeholders and making the areas served increasingly competitive. I therefore wish Cristian Fabbri the best of luck with the important position he will soon cover, after the Shareholders Meeting held on 27 April. It provides recognition for the excellent work he has been doing within the Hera Group since 2006, and I am certain that he will continue to contribute to the company’s development and will also be able to turn future challenges into opportunities”. Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano has been Chairman of the Group since November 2002, and oversaw its initial public offering in June 2003. His guidance has been fundamental in realising the far-sighted vision of the Hera Group’s founding public shareholders, and with his know-how and undisputable management skills, he has helped to guide the company along a path of development and success that has made it one of the most important multi-utility companies nationwide, consolidating its leadership in the sectors in which it operates. This path of uninterrupted growth was crowned in 2019, when Hera was included in the FTSE MIB among the 40 largest companies on the Italian stock exchange, and in 2020, when it was included in the prestigious international Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more than twenty years, the Group has been committed to creating value for all stakeholders and, thanks to its solid corporate governance, it has confirmed itself over time as a reference point for the areas served and a highly reliable systemic operator. As evidence of its steady growth, it is worth recalling that since 2002 the Group’s workforce has more than doubled (from 4,200 to over 9,300 employees), as has the number of citizens served (from 2 million to over 4.2 million) and EBITDA has increased six-fold, from 192 million to almost 1.3 billion euro. In twenty years, the significant investments made, totalling approximately 8 billion euro, and the more than 50 mergers and acquisitions carried out, have enabled the company to achieve significant synergies and expand its scope of activity. This has produced a growing economic impact on the areas served and has created value for all stakeholders, from employees, customers and suppliers to the Group’s shareholders, who have received dividends totalling more than 2 billion euro over the years. 20230302 Statement Executive Chairman Hera Group.pdf 16:07:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 02/03/2023 alle ore 16:07
Press releases
23/02/2023
Hera Spa
Shareholders’ meeting

Publication of documents pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting to be held on 27 April 2023

2023-02-23 Kindly note that the following documentation, pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting convened for 27 April 2023, is available to the public at the Company headquarters, on the authorised storage website 1INFO (www.1Info.it) and on Hera Group’s website (https://eng.gruppohera.it/group_eng/corporate-governance/shareholders-meetings) Hera S.p.A. Board of Directors’ Explanatory Report regarding items 6, 7, 8 and 9 on the agenda 23022023 Publication of documents pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting of 27 April 2023.pdf 09:32:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 23/02/2023 alle ore 09:32
Press releases
10/02/2023
Hera Spa
Shareholders’ meeting

Guidance from the Board of Directors of Hera S.p.A. to shareholders on the composition of the Board of Directors

2023-02-10 Please note that the document entitled “Guidance from the Board of Directors of Hera S.p.A. to shareholders on the composition of the Board of Directors” was published today and is available on the Company’s website at the page: https://eng.gruppohera.it/group_eng/corporate-governance/shareholders-meetings and on the authorised storage platform 1INFO (www.1Info.it) 20230210 PR Guidance from the BoD of Hera S.p.A. to shareholders on the composition of the BoD.pdf 16:54:00 Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg See the press release Nuova_Palazzina_110x150.1533218221.jpg
Online dal 10/02/2023 alle ore 16:54

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HERA SPA

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The consolidated economic results at 31 December 2023 and the 2023 sustainability report were approved by the Board of Directors of the Hera Group on 26 March 2024

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