Press releases

Hera Group’s sustainability performance exceeds the average of Italian companies and ranks among the top five global multi-utilities

2025-07-02 The Hera Group company concludes its integration of this European leader in recycled plastic, which began in 2017, by purchasing the remaining 20% of the company from Rogroup S.r.l. centrata This morning, Herambiente S.p.A., a Hera Group company, acquired from minority shareholder Rogroup S.r.l. its entire stake in Aliplast S.p.A., equivalent to 20% of the share capital, thus coming to hold 100% of the company based in Ospedaletto d’Istrana, near Treviso, a European leader in plastic regeneration. This transaction concludes the process of integrating the company founded by Roberto Alibardi into the Hera Group, which began in January 2017 with the purchase of an initial 40% tranche followed by a second 40% in December of the same year. Today, therefore, the purchase of the remaining 20% was finalised, according to the economic conditions set out in the initial agreement. Since its entry into the Hera Group eight years ago, Aliplast has achieved significant growth, especially in the higher end of the recycled plastic market (for example, in the food and health & beauty sectors), bringing it to a turnover of 150 million euro in 2024, with a total production of recycled products coming to 100 thousand tonnes, including PET and LDPE flakes and granules, PET sheets, LDPE films, PP flakes and HDPE. As regards HDPE (high-density polyethylene), an innovative recovery plant in Modena will be operational by the end of the year, which will further increase the quantity of recycled products. Ongoing investments also include the expansion of the Borgolavezzaro plant near Novara, where the production of LDPE flakes and granules will be enhanced. This transaction will have no impact on the Group’s financial position.   20250702 Herambiente acquires 100% of Aliplast.pdf 10:38:00 sede Hera 110x150.jpg Download the press release sede Hera 110x150.jpg

2025-06-25 centrata Today, Hera’s Board of Directors approved the document also known as the Sustainability Agreement, in an initiative that ranks the Group among the first Italian companies to adopt this innovative tool. The Code reinforces Hera’s commitment to promote a more responsible supply chain, aligning it with the company’s sustainability principles and ethics Today, the Board of Directors of the Hera Group, one of Italy’s leading multi-utility companies in the waste management, energy and water sectors, approved its new Code of Conduct for suppliers. This is an innovative “supplier sustainability agreement” that reinforces the Group’s commitment to promoting a supply chain that is increasingly responsible and in line with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles. This Code was conceived through a participatory process, which actively involved a representative group of suppliers with whom principles and rules on sustainability and business ethics were shared and a true sustainability deal was co-designed, to stimulate the sustainable growth of the entire value chain. With the Code of Conduct, the Hera Group renews its commitment to recognising and valuing companies that adopt high ethical, social and environmental standards, including through the introduction of bonuses in tenders or in the supplier qualification process. This Code is closely linked to the Hera Group’s Code of Ethics, reflecting its fundamental values of responsibility, integrity, transparency and consistency. Its introduction is thus a further step along the path towards a business model that considers sustainability a driver of growth and competitiveness. “We are among the first in our sector to implement such a structured and participatory approach to supply chain sustainability. Our new Code of Conduct for suppliers,” comments Marco Del Giaccio, Director of Purchasing and Procurement of the Hera Group, “is not simply a formal document, but a true mutual commitment. It reinforces our role as a “responsible supply chain leader”, supporting suppliers along their path of growth and innovation. We firmly believe that the quality and sustainability of our services also depend on our supplier network. Therefore, investing in sharing sustainability-oriented goals and best practices is strategic and helps us understand our expectations and become more competitive. This is a path of shared growth that allows the Hera Group to achieve excellence along with its suppliers. After all, the Code we have developed is not a simple set of rules, but a real tool for sharing our values with all suppliers”. Collaboration with suppliers: a strategic element for creating value The Hera Group has always focused on communication and collaboration with its stakeholders, first and foremost suppliers, as key elements for generating value. Hera, indeed, plays a strategic role in promoting sustainable development, enhancing its supply chain as an essential lever for sustaining the economy. The Hera Group adopts a rigorous approach in selecting its suppliers, which goes far beyond mere economic considerations: it deeply assesses their sustainability profile, actively favouring those who comply with the most stringent environmental and social standards. The company’s commitment, therefore, does not end with the selection, but extends to proactively supporting suppliers to constantly improve their sustainability performance, building a more responsible future together. Code of Conduct for suppliers: a further element of empowerment for creating shared value in line with the Hera Group’s purpose The Code of Conduct for suppliers is part of the Group’s broader path towards creating shared value and implementing a business model guided by its Code of Ethics, which was updated in 2023 on the basis of the company’s purpose. Hera also stands out for its collaborative and non-imposing approach to its suppliers, focusing on empowerment and joint growth. More specifically, within the Code of Conduct the ethical vision and outlook commitments, shared by the Hera Group and its suppliers, are broken down into three sections modelled on ESG (Environment - Social - Governance) factors, proposing in each section a path of growth that begins with a set of minimum mandatory commitments and goes on to suggest the adoption of a series of recommended best practices. On the one hand, the “Obligations and stipulated requisites” represent a set of mandatory requirements. These go beyond legal provisions, including specific binding rules and minimum performances required by Hera, and provide the ethical and operational foundation on which every business relationship with the company is based. On the other hand, the “Good practices and recommended requisites” indicate an outlook of virtuous actions that, while not mandatory, are strongly encouraged. Hera is actively committed to enhancing these initiatives taken by suppliers, recognising their fundamental contribution to achieving the Group’s sustainability objectives. The Hera_Pro_Empower programme and the “Supplier Sustainability School” Since 2024, the Hera Group has been engaged in a capacity-building programme called “Hera_Pro_Empower”, born from the awareness that most suppliers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, need support to meet sustainability challenges. As part of the programme, Hera offers an ecosystem of services at subsidised rates, such as: paths for obtaining management system certifications; services for personnel recruitment and selection; services for energy efficiency; and services for industrial waste recovery. The Hera Group has also activated its Supplier Sustainability School, a free academy open to all Group suppliers that provides training courses aimed at raising awareness and skills on ESG issues. So far, the school has been extremely well attended, involving over 800 participants and 500 suppliers through four main training programmes. These programmes have covered crucial aspects such as worksite safety, with targeted seminars for supplier managers on the high standards required by Hera, and an introduction to the Group’s sustainability principles and expectations. Also offered were in-depth studies on significant energy issues, partially in view of the new regulations on sustainability reporting (CSRD), and a specific path to guide suppliers in understanding and applying the new Code of Conduct. Hera Group approves Code of Conduct for suppliers.pdf 15:01:00 sede Hera 110x150.jpg Download the press release sede Hera 110x150.jpg

2025-06-24 centrata On today’s date, following the information disclosed through the joint press release issued on 16 December 2024, it is herein announced that Hera S.p.A. has paid Ascopiave S.p.A. Euro 234,066,410.77, together with the transfer of the shares, consequent to Ascopiave exercising the put option for its 25% stake in EstEnergy S.p.A., as defined in the agreements signed between the parties when the partnership was established. The disbursement shall not lead to any variation in Hera's net financial position. CONCLUSION OF THE TRANSFER OF ESTENERGY S.P.A. SHARES.pdf 17:45:00 sede Hera 110x150.jpg Download the press release sede Hera 110x150.jpg

2025-06-18 For the fifth consecutive year, the Group has been included among the top positions in the overall ranking of the index that rewards Italian companies that stand out for integrating ESG factors into their governance. On the tenth anniversary of the ESG Identity Corporate Index, Hera also received recognition for performance and continuity as Strongest Performer, Best Finance Identity and Best Transition Identity among Large Cap companies. centrata At the ESG Business Conference 2025, the Hera Group ranked second among Italian companies for its integration of sustainability policies into its business strategies and corporate governance. This year as well, and for the fifth consecutive time, Hera is among the leaders of the ESG Identity Corporate Index (formerly the Integrated Governance Index) managed by ETicaNews. Hera thus celebrates ten years in the Top 10 of the Index, launched in 2016. And precisely one decade after the ESG Identity Corporate Index project was created, the Group was also awarded three multi-year performance and continuity awards, aimed at companies that participated in all of the last six editions (2020-2025) of ESG.ICI. More specifically, in the Large Cap category, Hera won the awards: Strongest Performer, Best Finance Identity and Best Transition Identity. Sustainable growth and communication with local areas at the centre of strategies The integration of ESG targets into business strategies and strong local roots are distinctive features of the Hera Group. Today, more than 7.5 million citizens have at least one service provided by the Group in the waste management, energy and water sectors, contributing to the Group doubling its operational size over the last decade. Its business model bases growth and value creation on sustainability, promoting innovation and an inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders. This ongoing dialogue enables Hera to face the challenges raised by the ecological transition, energy security and climate change. The close interconnection between corporate strategy and a focus on sustainable development is also demonstrated by the timely sustainability reporting with ESG targets implemented since its inception by the multi-utility, on a voluntary basis, which goes beyond the mandatory reporting required by the CSRD. Furthermore, the Climate Transition Plan approved in July 2024, outlines the Group's strategy and commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, addressing both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, with an overall reduction of approximately 90% by 2050 (compared to 2019) and the removal of all residual emissions by the end of the decarbonization process. The ESG Identity Corporate Index The ESG.ICI is Italy’s only quantitative index that measures the integration of ESG principles into corporate strategies, assessing companies’ commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, the environment and governance. It is unique for its scientific and quantitative approach and aims at measuring the degree of integration of ESG factors in corporate processes, outlining trends, identifying best cases and stimulating debate. The 2025 survey involved 98 companies, 72 of which were listed. The Hera Group’s main awards Listed on the FTSE MIB since 2003 and included in the FTSE MIB since 2019, the Hera stock has been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index Europe & World since 2020 and has ranked first worldwide in the Multiutility & Water sector since 2020, as well as being included since 2021 in the first blue-chip index for Italy dedicated to ESG best practices, launched that year by Euronext and Borsa Italiana. The Hera Group has also been included for nine consecutive years in the FTSE Diversity & Inclusion Index “Top 100”, the international index devised by FTSE Russell, for its commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion and people development.   Hera Group ranks 2nd in the ESG Identity Corporate Index 2025.pdf 14:09:00 sede Hera 110x150.jpg Download the press release

2025-06-18 For the fifth consecutive year, the Group has been included among the top positions in the overall ranking of the index that rewards Italian companies that stand out for integrating ESG factors into their governance. On the tenth anniversary of the ESG Identity Corporate Index, Hera also received recognition for performance and continuity as Strongest Performer, Best Finance Identity and Best Transition Identity among Large Cap companies. centrata At the ESG Business Conference 2025, the Hera Group ranked second among Italian companies for its integration of sustainability policies into its business strategies and corporate governance. This year as well, and for the fifth consecutive time, Hera is among the leaders of the ESG Identity Corporate Index (formerly the Integrated Governance Index) managed by ETicaNews. Hera thus celebrates ten years in the Top 10 of the Index, launched in 2016. And precisely one decade after the ESG Identity Corporate Index project was created, the Group was also awarded three multi-year performance and continuity awards, aimed at companies that participated in all of the last six editions (2020-2025) of ESG.ICI. More specifically, in the Large Cap category, Hera won the awards: Strongest Performer, Best Finance Identity and Best Transition Identity. Sustainable growth and communication with local areas at the centre of strategies The integration of ESG targets into business strategies and strong local roots are distinctive features of the Hera Group. Today, more than 7.5 million citizens have at least one service provided by the Group in the waste management, energy and water sectors, contributing to the Group doubling its operational size over the last decade. Its business model bases growth and value creation on sustainability, promoting innovation and an inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders. This ongoing dialogue enables Hera to face the challenges raised by the ecological transition, energy security and climate change. The close interconnection between corporate strategy and a focus on sustainable development is also demonstrated by the timely sustainability reporting with ESG targets implemented since its inception by the multi-utility, on a voluntary basis, which goes beyond the mandatory reporting required by the CSRD. Furthermore, the Climate Transition Plan approved in July 2024, outlines the Group's strategy and commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, addressing both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, with an overall reduction of approximately 90% by 2050 (compared to 2019) and the removal of all residual emissions by the end of the decarbonization process. The ESG Identity Corporate Index The ESG.ICI is Italy’s only quantitative index that measures the integration of ESG principles into corporate strategies, assessing companies’ commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, the environment and governance. It is unique for its scientific and quantitative approach and aims at measuring the degree of integration of ESG factors in corporate processes, outlining trends, identifying best cases and stimulating debate. The 2025 survey involved 98 companies, 72 of which were listed. The Hera Group’s main awards Listed on the FTSE MIB since 2003 and included in the FTSE MIB since 2019, the Hera stock has been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index Europe & World since 2020 and has ranked first worldwide in the Multiutility & Water sector since 2020, as well as being included since 2021 in the first blue-chip index for Italy dedicated to ESG best practices, launched that year by Euronext and Borsa Italiana. The Hera Group has also been included for nine consecutive years in the FTSE Diversity & Inclusion Index “Top 100”, the international index devised by FTSE Russell, for its commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion and people development.   Hera Group ranks 2nd in the ESG Identity Corporate Index 2025.pdf 14:09:00 sede Hera 110x150.jpg Download the press release sede Hera 110x150.jpg

2025-05-16 centrata Kindly note that as of today the minutes of the Shareholders Meeting held on 30 April 2025, 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 12 May 2025. Publication of documents pertaining to the Shareholders Meeting.pdf sede Hera 110x150.jpg Download the press release sede Hera 110x150.jpg

2025-05-14 The consolidated quarterly report at 31 March shows improvement in the main operating and financial indicators. Growth in investments and the reduction of financial debt also continued. centrata Revenues at 4,321.3 million euro (+28.3%) Ebitda at 418.0 million euro (+0.2%) Net profit for shareholders at 153.7 million euro (+7.4%) Gross operating investments at 191.6 million euro (+22.2%) gNet financial debt improves to 3,896.9 million euro, with net debt/Ebitda at 2.45x Today, the Hera Group’s Board of Directors, chaired by Executive Chairman Cristian Fabbri, unanimously approved the consolidated results at 31 March 2025. The first quarter of 2025 closed with growth in operating results and investments, and a degree of financial solidity showing further improvement compared to the end of 2024. This good performance was driven by the Group’s multi-business strategy, balanced between regulated and free-market activities, and its usual focus on sustainability. Cristian Fabbri, Executive Chairman of the Hera Group: “In the first quarter we achieved solid growth in our financial results, further strengthening of our capital position. Ebitda rose to 418 million euro, with a structural increase in margins in all business areas, which offset the end of the non-recurring items. Gross operating investments were fully self-funded, thanks to the increase in cash flows, and exceeded 190 million euro, up by more than 22%: capital expenditures to further improve the resilience of assets in the integrated water cycle grew by 57%, while those going to upgrade plant equipment in waste treatment increased by 40%. The value creation at the basis of our industrial strategy was also confirmed by the increase in return on invested capital, which rose to 10.3%.” Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group: “The results achieved by the Hera Group in the first quarter of 2025 confirm our ability to pursue our path of growth, even in a complex macroeconomic scenario, keeping our focus on resilience, sustainability and innovation and confirming the solidity of our business model. The good operating and financial performances led to an increase of 7.4% in net profit attributable to shareholders, which rose to 153.7 million euro at 31 March 2025. Our positive cash generation, was able to fully cover the increase in both working capital and capital expenditures and also contributed to further improving financial flexibility, bringing the net debt/Ebitda ratio to 2.45x, lower than the leverage at the end of 2024, representing a strength for pursuing future external growth opportunities."   Revenues at over 4.3 billion In the first quarter of 2025, revenues amounted to 4,321.3 million euro, up 28.3% compared to 3,368.6 million euro in the same period of 2024, mainly due to higher energy commodity prices and an increased energy customer base (adding almost 1 million customers equal to +20%). Higher revenues were also seen in the waste management area, due, for example, to the growth of the industrial market, thanks to development in remediation activities, and in the public lighting business, due to the progress made in work done for the energy requalification of public lighting systems. Ebitda rises slightly to 418.0 million Ebitda at 31 March 2025 came up at 418.0 million euro, up slightly (+0.2%) from 417.1 million euro in the first quarter of 2024, confirming strong resilience against macro scenario turbulence. This result indicates that the solid structural growth achieved by all business areas was able to offset the end of the contribution related to temporary opportunities that arose in the same period in 2024. Ebit and pre-tax result increase Ebit at 31 March 2025 rose to 247.2 million euro, up slightly (+0.5%) from 245.9 million euro in the first quarter of 2024. Lower provisions in last resort markets offset higher depreciation related to development capital expenditures, which increased the value of the Group’s assets particularly in regulated sectors and waste treatment, and the new customer acquisition activities in the energy sector. The pre-tax result was also up, amounting to 234.0 million euro (+9.9%) compared to 212.9 million euro at 31 March 2024, due in particular to greater efficiencies in financial management as a result of the optimisations undertaken during the previous year. Net profit for shareholders rises to 153.7 million The solid operating and financial performances allowed net profit to rise to 163.8 million euro (+6.8%), compared to 153.3 million euro at 31 March 2024. Net profit attributable to the Group’s shareholders also rose to 153.7 million euro (+7.4%), compared to 143.1 million euro at 31 March 2024. These results confirm the value creation objectives set out in the Business plan. Gross operating capital expenditures increase, and Group financial solidity maintained The Group’s operating capital expenditures, including capital grants, reached 191.6 million euro (+22.2%), compared to 156.8 million euro at 31 March 2024. This increase was mainly due to the water cycle and waste management areas. The total amount of net financial debt improved, reaching 3,896.9 million euro, down 67 million euro compared to the figure seen at 31 December 2024, thanks to the positive cash generation that was able to fully cover the increase in working capital and capital expenditures. The net debt/Ebitda ratio also improved compared to the end of 2024, standing at 2.45x in the first quarter of 2025. Financial solidity was reinforced with a flexibility that will allow the Group to continue to seize further growth opportunities, both organic and M&A, on top of those not included in the Business plan. Gas Ebitda for the gas area, which includes natural gas distribution and sales, district heating and energy efficiency services, showed an upward trend, reaching 187.3 million euro (+1.8%) compared to 184.0 million euro at 31 March 2024. This result was due to the positive performance of traditional sales markets, which more than offset the lower contribution coming from last resort markets, and regulated gas distribution revenues, impacted by the redetermination of tariffs for distribution and metering services for the period 2020-2025, the increased RAB for Group-owned assets and the effect of inflationary increases. In the first quarter of 2025, gross investments in the gas area amounted to 38.4 million euro, relating to gas distribution networks and plants, the acquisition of new customers in sales, and district heating services. The main interventions in district heating include the CAAB Pilastro interconnection in Bologna and the works for the construction of the hydrogen production plant in Trieste, while at the same time the Hydrogen Valley project in Modena is ongoing. The number of gas customers stood at 2 million. The gas area accounted for 44.8% of Group Ebitda. Electricity Ebitda for the electricity area, which includes services in electricity distribution, sales and generation, as well as public lighting, came to 60.8 million euro, as against 71.2 million euro in the same period of 2024. This result is the outcome of higher Ebitda in electricity distribution, following tariff updates and the development capital expenditures executed, as well as the end of some temporary opportunities related to the Safeguarded electricity service. The number of electricity customers increased by 48.9% compared to the same period in 2024, exceeding 2.6 million, due to the acquisition in July 2024 of residential customers in the Gradual Protection Service, business development in the free market, and the increase in customers in the safeguarded market as a result of the new tender for the period 2025-2026, confirming the Group competitive capacity. As regards public lighting, more than 42,000 lighting points were acquired in 19 new municipalities, mainly in Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Lombardy, Umbria, and Sardinia during the first quarter of 2025. The percentage of lighting points using LED bulbs also continued to grow, confirming the Group’s constant focus on an increasingly efficient and sustainable management. In the first quarter of 2025, the total gross capital expenditures made in this area amounted to 26.4 million euro, mainly in electricity distribution for the maintenance and upgrading of plants and distribution networks in the Modena, Imola, Trieste and Gorizia areas, and improvements in asset resilience. The electricity area accounted for 14.5% of Group Ebitda. Water cycle At 31 March 2025, Ebitda for the integrated water cycle area, which includes aqueduct, purification and sewerage services, rose to 71.2 million euro, up (+8.9%) from 65.4 million euro in the same period of 2024. This growth was mainly due to the higher investments made with measures aimed at promoting and enhancing interventions for the sustainability and resilience of the areas served. In the first quarter of 2025, investments made in the water cycle area, including capital grants, rose by 27.5 million euro to 75.8 million euro (46.9 million in aqueducts, 20.7 million in sewerage and 8.2 million in purification), mainly aimed at upgrading infrastructures to make them even more efficient, to ensure service quality and continuity, improve resilience and thus mitigate the impacts of climate change. Investments in the aqueduct were aimed at upgrading and renewing the distribution network; in the sewerage sector, in addition to maintenance work to upgrade the network in several of the areas served, construction began on the southern basins in Rimini as part of the seawater protection plan (PSBO); in the purification sector, note the upgrading and expansion of the Lugo and Ravenna purification plants. The integrated water cycle area accounted for 17% of Group Ebitda. Waste Ebitda for the waste management area, which includes services in waste collection, treatment and recovery, rose to 91.6 million euro (+2.2%), as against 89.6 million euro at 31 March 2024. This good performance was due to the diversification of both the offer and the customer base and the increase in volumes and services, in both the recovery and industrial markets, partially thanks to the acquisition of 70% of TRS Ecology, with a portfolio of over 2,700 customers, and the development of the remediation business through Group subsidiary ACR Reggiani. As of January 2025, Herambiente was also awarded the tender to manage the Montale (Pistoia) waste-to-energy plant. In the first quarter of 2025 as well, the Hera Group continued to pursue the main initiatives set out in the Business plan with a view to the circular economy, for example the inauguration in Imola (Bologna) of FIB3R, the first plant of its kind in Europe capable of regenerating carbon fibre on an industrial scale. Sorted waste collection at 31 March 2025 rose to 75.5%, up 1.4% compared to the same period in 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, gross investments made in the waste management area increased to 31.7 million euro, up 40.3% year-on-year, mainly for the development, the optimisation and the upgrading of waste treatment plants. The waste management area accounted for 21.9% of Group Ebitda.           Hera Group approves results for 1Q 2025.pdf 12:24:00 sede Hera 110x150.jpg Download the press release sede Hera 110x150.jpg

2025-04-30 The Group’s process of industrial growth continues, closing 2024 with key operating-financial indicators and investments rising, continuing to successfully seize market opportunities and generate value for the local areas served and all stakeholders centrata The Hera Extraordinary and Ordinary Shareholders Meeting, chaired by Executive Chairman Cristian Fabbri, met this morning in Bologna to approve the 2024 financial statements and payment of a dividend increasing to 15 eurocents per share, in line with what had been previously announced when the 2028 Business Plan was presented, due to the significant results achieved. Also presented to Shareholders Meeting was the Sustainability reporting which, as of this year, is an integral part of the consolidated and separate financial statements at 31 December 2024, as required by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) 2022/2464/EU. Among the various resolutions passed, the Shareholders Meeting also approved an amendment to the Articles of Association, in compliance with Legislative Decree 125/2024 implementing the CSRD. Amendment of Article 29 of the Articles of Association: new position of Manager responsible for Sustainability reporting As part of the European Green Deal, in order to strengthen companies’ reporting obligations, Legislative Decree 125/2024 introduced the possibility of establishing the position of the Sustainability reporting manager. The Shareholders Meeting therefore approved the amendments of the Articles of Association aimed at regulating the procedures for appointment and the requirements concerning experience and professionalism for this new figure, in compliance with current legislation. 2024 financial statements approved with further growth in key indicators The Shareholders Meeting approved the 2024 financial statements, which indicate increases in the main operating and financial indicators and investments. The creation of value for all stakeholders and the Group’s solid equity once again prove the validity of its multi-business model and its ability to combine corporate growth and sustainable development. Among the main results: adjusted Ebitda rose to 1,587.6 million euro (+6.2%), mainly showing internal and structural growth, and the adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders increased sharply, reaching 494.5 million euro (+31.8%). Total operating investments grew to 860.3 million euro (+5.5%), an increase that demonstrates the ongoing focus on developing, enhancing and strengthening the resilience of assets under management, whose resistance was confirmed even during the extreme weather and climate phenomena that hit Emilia-Romagna last autumn. Net debt stood at 3,963.7 million euro, as against 3,827.7 million euro at 31 December 2023, mainly as a result of growth in investments and M&A transactions, including the acquisition of 70% of TRS Ecology. The Group’s financial strength was fully confirmed, with the net debt / Ebitda ratio* at 2.50x, an improvement on both the third quarter of 2024 and the figure seen at 31 December 2023. These results prove, once again, the validity of the management policies implemented by the Group, whose solid equity and financial flexibility have enabled it to continue on its path of industrial growth, by increasing investments, successfully seizing market opportunities and continuing to generate value for the benefit of all stakeholders. Payment of a dividend increasing to 15 euro cents per share approved The Ordinary Shareholders Meeting approved the Board of Directors’ proposal to pay a dividend coming to 15 eurocents per share, up 7.1% compared to the last dividend paid. The ex-dividend date was set at 23 June 2025, with payment as of 25 June 2025. The dividend will be paid to shares recorded on 24 June 2025. The entire dividend policy for the next few years will benefit from this increase, which once again confirms the Group’s strong focus on generating value for shareholders. This rise is also consistent with the remuneration policy set out in the 2024-2028 Business plan, which foresees growth in dividends coming to 17 eurocents per share by 2028, with net profit per share increasing by an average of 6% each year. Sustainability reporting: growth in shared value Ebitda and investments During the presentation of the 2024 financial statements, the Hera Group’s Sustainability reporting was also put to the attention of the Shareholders Meeting. In accordance with the CSRD and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), as of this year it is an integral part of the Directors’ report and contains all information needed to understand the company’s impact on sustainability issues and how they affect its performance and results. As confirmation of Hera’s commitment to sustainability and creating value in the areas served, in 2024 shared-value Ebitda (CSV Ebitda), referring to business activities that also meet the sustainability objectives of the Global Agenda, rose to 856.6 million euro, up 10% from 776.0 million euro in 2023, and equivalent to 54% of the Group’s total Ebitda. This result is in line with the significant increase CSV Ebitda expected in the Business plan, projected to reach over 1,100 million euro in 2028, equivalent to 66% of the Group’s total Ebitda, along a path that generates concrete benefits for the communities served, alongside the company’s own development. This is also confirmed by the economic value distributed to stakeholders in the local areas in which Hera operates, which reached 2.1 billion euro in 2024. Shared-value investments also rose, up from 558.4 million euro in 2023 to 655.1 million euro in 2024, and accounting for about 76% of total gross operating investments. Moreover, 90% of the investments eligible for the Taxonomy of environmentally sustainable activities are already aligned with the criteria of this European regulation, and are thus able to make a substantial contribution to environmental goals including climate change mitigation, circular economy, water resource protection and pollution prevention. Other resolutions approved The Shareholders Meeting, in its ordinary session, approved the report on the remuneration policy and compensation paid, in line with international best practices. A supplement to the remuneration of KPMG, the external auditing firm, was also approved due to changes in the scope of business, regulatory changes and revised auditing standards compared to those in force in 2022, when KPMG was appointed for the period 2024-2032. Lastly, the Shareholders Meeting approved the renewal of the Board of Directors’ authorisation to purchase treasury shares (and procedures for their management), for an amount of up to 240 million for 18 months, with the revocation of last year’s resolution for the portion not executed. The renewal of the authorisation to use treasury shares was requested in order to pursue the purposes permitted by regulations and accepted market practices, in order to increase the creation of value, within the scope of transactions carried out by Group companies as well, for which investment opportunities may arise, and for transactions involving the issue of financial instruments. Shareholders Meeting 2025.pdf 12:57:00 sede Hera 110x150.jpg Download the press release sede Hera 110x150.jpg