TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN TO SHAREHOLDERS
7
HERA IN A NUTSHELL
9
DIRECTORS’
REPORT
1.01 TRENDS AND CONTEXT, STRATEGIC APPROACH AND GROUP MANAGEMENT POLICIES
18
1.01.01 Trends and contexts
18
Macroeconomy and finance
Businesses and regulations
Climate and the environment
Technology and human capital
1.01.02 Strategic approach and management policies
31
Macroeconomy and finance
Business areas and industrial strategy
Climate and the environment: sustainable development
Technology and human capital: innovation
1.02 RISK FACTORS: ACTORS, METHODOLOGY AND AREAS OF MANAGEMENT
42
1.02.01 Risk governance
42
1.02.02 Management methodology
43
1.02.03 Risk areas: identification and management of risk factors
44
1.03 MAIN EVENTS OCCURRED
56
1.04 OVERVIEW OF OPERATING AND FINANCIAL TRENDS AND DEFINITION OF APMs
62
1.04.01 Operating results and investments
66
1.04.02 Financial structure and adjusted net debt
71
1.04.03 Parent company management report
76
1.05 SHARE PERFORMANCE AND INVESTOR RELATIONS
78
1.06 SUSTAINABILITY RESULTS
80
1.07 ANALYSIS BY BUSINESS AREA
86
1.07.01 Gas
87
1.07.02 Electricity
92
1.07.03 Integrated water cycle
96
1.07.04 Waste management
101
1.07.05 Other services
106
1.08 SHAREHOLDERS MEETING RESOLUTIONS
109
1.09 NOTICE CONVENING THE SHAREHOLDERS MEETING
110
HERA GROUP
CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
2.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENT FORMATS
114
2.01.01 Income statement
114
2.01.02 Statement of comprehensive income
115
2.01.03 Statement of financial position
116
2.01.04 Cash flow statement
118
2.01.05 Statement of changes in net equity
119
2.02 EXPLANATORY NOTES
120
2.02.01 Accounting policies
120
2.02.02 Scope of consolidation
121
2.02.03 Accounting policies and consolidation principles
125
2.02.04 Changes to international accounting standards
137
2.02.05 Commentary notes to the financial statement formats
139
2.02.06 Reporting by operational sector
193
2.03 NET DEBT
196
2.03.01 Net debt
196
2.03.02 Net financial indebtedness according to Consob notice Dem/6064293 of 2006
197
2.04 FINANCIAL STATEMENT FORMATS AS PER CONSOB RESOLUTION 15519/2006
198
2.04.01 Income statement as per Consob resolution 15519/2006
199
2.04.02 Statement of financial position as per Consob resolution 15519/2006
200
2.04.03 Financial statement as per Consob resolution 15519/2006
202
2.04.04 List of related parts
203
2.04.05 Commentary notes to the relations with related parts
204
2.05 SHAREHOLDINGS
207
2.05.01 List of consolidated companies
207
2.05.02 Key figures in the financial statements of subsidiaries and associated companies
209
2.06 INFORMATION REQUIRED BY LAW 124 OF 4 AUGUST 2017 ART.1 PARAGRAPHS 125-129 AND
FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS
215
2.07 OUTLINE OF ARTICLE 149-DUODECIES OF THE CONSOB ISSUER’S REGULATION 213
217
2.08 DECLARATION ON THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT PURSUANT TO ART. 154-BIS
OF LEGISLATIVE DECREE 58/98
218
2.09 REPORT BY THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
219
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 7|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 8|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 9|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 10|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 11|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 12|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 13|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 14|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 15|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 16|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 17|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 18|
TRENDS AND CONTEXTS, STRATEGIC
APPROACH AND GROUP MANAGEMENT
POLICIES
Trends and contexts
Hera makes ongoing efforts to interpret the signs coming from the contexts in which it operates, in an
attempt to obtain an overall view of what lies ahead for the Group and its stakeholders. In order to
anticipate future developments, the main drivers of change and their essential interrelations are
identified below. In particular, the macro-trends of the Group’s reference contexts are described, as are
its main management policies, i.e. its industrial strategy and the related sustainability factors
(concerning the environment, technology and human capital).
Macroeconomy and finance
The world’s economic and social fabric, damaged by the pandemic that spread globally in 2020,
showed increasingly encouraging signs of economic expansion in 2021, boosted by the measures
taken by various countries. The most recent estimates formulated by the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) for the year show an increase in global gross domestic product coming to 5.9% compared to the
previous year. All global economies grew strongly, with advanced economies up by 5.0% and
developing economies expected to grow by more than 6.5% year-on-year. From the first available
estimates, India and China were the drivers of recovery, with 9.0% and 8.1% growth over 2020; the
United Kingdom and the United States grew by +7.2% and +5.6% respectively.
The measures taken to limit the pandemic, and the extraordinary actions implemented by national and
international institutions to support the economy, enabled and encouraged recovery in consumption
and global trade, despite the presence of some critical points. The new Omicron variant, more
contagious than the previous ones, the increase in energy prices and the crisis in the supply of raw
materials for industry represented at the end of the year, and still represent, fundamental challenges
while continuing along the path of economic recovery that began in 2021.
In the Eurozone, the strong economic expansion seen in the first half of 2021 slowed down sharply in
the latter part of the year, mainly due to the new wave of contagions and the ongoing critical situation in
supplies of raw materials for businesses, which put manufacturing production under pressure. Overall,
2021 nevertheless proved to be a year of recovery for all European Union countries, with average
growth coming to 5.2% according to the most recent IMF estimates. Particularly noteworthy recovery
occurred in France (+6.7% vs. 2020) and Italy (+6.2%), followed by Spain (+4.9%) and Germany
(+2.7%).
Average inflation for 2021 was around +2.6%. In particular, strong trends were seen since the
beginning of the year in inflation, which continued to rise at a sustained pace, especially in the second
half of the year, growing by +5% in December 2021 compared to the same month of the previous year,
the highest figure since the birth of the European monetary union. The increase in the price of energy,
+26% compared to 2020 values, was crucial in this increase. The European Central Bank confirmed
the use of the extraordinary interventions linked to the health emergency, including the Pandemic
emergency purchase programme or PEPP (1,536 billion euro in public bonds purchased at the end of
November) and the Next Generation EU programme, for which the first grants were launched following
the approval of the national recovery and resilience plans of EU countries.
The IMF's latest projections for the next two years (published prior to the Russian military intervention
in Ukraine) confirm the recovery trend that began in 2021. The global economy is expected to grow by
3.9% in 2022, and 2.6% in 2023. These prospects will occur unevenly across countries: advanced
economies are expected to reach pre-pandemic levels of growth as early as 2022, while developing
economies may show a more fragile recovery. According to Eurosystem estimates, growth in the euro
area is expected to come to +3.9% in 2022 and +2.5% in 2023, overcoming the sharp decline seen in
2020 and returning to 2019 levels as early as the first quarter of 2022.
1.01.01
World
economy:
year-end
results
Projected
economic
trends in the
world and
European
economies
European
economy:
year-end
results
1.01
.01.
01
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 19|
Unlike the other Eurozone economies, the Italian economy continued to grow in the third quarter of
2021 (+2.6% compared to the previous three months), driven above all by household consumption,
while it began to show signs of slowing in the last quarter of the year. According to the Bank of Italy’s
initial estimates, GDP grew by about half a percentage point during this quarter; the increase, among
the best in the Eurozone, reached 6.2% on an annual basis compared to the previous year. Industrial
production grew at a rate of around 1.0% per quarter during the first nine months of 2021, weakening in
the latter part of the year. This slowdown, as outlined above, mainly reflects supply difficulties for
companies. As regards other indicators, exports and household consumption continued to grow and
the labour market showed positive signs: the employment rate stood at 59% in the fourth quarter, up
compared to the previous three months.
The IMF’s latest estimates project a 3.8% recovery for Italy in 2022 and 2.2% in 2023. Despite the
increase in infections recorded in early 2022, the economy should continue to grow, supported by
favourable financial conditions and expansion in world trade.
The rise in inflation mentioned above led the major central banks to review their monetary policies,
moving towards a gradual reduction in emergency measures and monetary stimulus. In December
2021, the US central bank (Fed) announced an acceleration of the process of reducing securities
purchases, setting its conclusion at March 2022 (instead of June of the same year), following which
interest rates are expected to rise again. The Bank of England similarly launched the first post-
pandemic increase in its official rate, from 0.10% to 0.25% during 2021, and announced a further rate
increase of 0.5% in early 2022. During the past year, the ECB, unlike the US and the UK, confirmed an
accommodative stance, but did not rule out higher rates in the future. In March 2022, the PEPP will end
as planned, while the quantitative easing programme (i.e. purchases of ordinary securities and
reinvestment of maturing securities to prevent liquidity crises) and credit easing operations will continue
until at least 2024. Flexibility will remain a key element of European monetary policy: in the event of
further pandemic-related market fragmentation, the PEPP will allow for possible reinvestment across
asset classes and countries.
The improvement in the economic situation, generated by the strengthened macro-financial framework
in 2021 and the upturn in growth prospects for 2022, favoured less use of measures to support access
to credit for households and businesses. Liquidity conditions on financial markets are not critical,
however the rise in interest rate curves during the year, together with the pressure of inflation and the
way and timing of the reduction in monetary accommodation in the main advanced economies, all
represent a risk factor for liquidity in the financial markets themselves. In the short term, therefore, risks
for domestic financial stability are expected to be moderate, while they are more uncertain in the
medium term, should developments be less favourable than expected.
In order to ensure that inflation stabilises at the 2% medium-term target, at its last meeting in February
2022 the ECB confirmed the reference interest rate at zero and the deposit rate as negative (-0.5%)
and stated that it was capable of adjusting its instruments where appropriate.
An increase in the interest rate curve of about 50 bps on medium/long-term maturities (swap rates) was
seen in 2021, marking a shift from negative to positive rates for maturities above 5 years.
Monetary
policies,
financial
markets and
interest
rates
National
data: year-
end results
and
projections
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 20|
Against this backdrop, conditions in euro area government bond markets did not fluctuate and were
characterised by good trading liquidity, partially thanks to the continuation of the ECB’s purchase
programmes. Intraday volatility in yields remained moderate on average and the abundant liquidity
available, coupled with low transaction costs, supported market activity.
The corporate bond market and supportive monetary and fiscal policy measures allowed for a rapid
recovery in bond issuance during 2021, particularly for companies with high credit ratings. Bond issues
to finance environmentally sustainable projects (green bonds) and the commitment to environmental,
social and governance (ESG) issues continued and became increasingly important criteria for
companies’ access to capital markets.
In the last quarter of the year, the sovereign spreads of some countries, including Italy, widened,
mainly due to fears that a faster-than-expected reduction in monetary stimulus could be accompanied
by the re-emergence of market fragmentation. Spreads on private bonds remained at historically low
levels in both the investment grade and high yield segments.
As regards the Group, the spread of its bond portfolio was limited, around 40/60 bps depending on
maturity, with a fairly constant trend during the year. Hera’s 10-year spread, shown in the graph below,
confirmed the positive trend in the Group’s creditworthiness, always remaining lower than the BTP-
Bund spread of the same duration, while showing significantly less volatility.
Note that these forecasts for the development of world economies were drawn up before the Russian
military intervention in Ukraine and will therefore have to be updated by the main international institutes
in the coming months. The uncertainties surrounding the direction this conflict will take, and the impact
of the economic sanctions imposed on Russia, make it difficult to quantify the effects on the global
economy, so it has not been possible to estimate their impact.
Businesses and regulations
The national economic recovery that occurred during the year also affected electricity consumption.
The data processed by the national grid operator (Terna) show a total national consumption coming to
318.1 TWh in 2021, up 5.6% compared to 2020. Approximately 87% of energy demand was met by
domestic production, 3 percentage points less than in the previous year. This decrease was due to a
higher contribution from foreign trading (+32.9% compared to 2020), which saw the combined effect of
a fall in exports and an increase in imports.
Net domestic production from renewable sources amounted to 40.9% of the total or 113.8 TWh, in line
with 2020, which translated into 36% of consumption met by renewables. Hydropower production
remained the main source of renewable energy (39%), even though it was down 2 percentage points
compared to the previous year. Wind production, on the other hand, rose by 2 percentage points over
2020, while photovoltaic production (22%), biomass production (16%) and geothermal (5%) remained
stable.
According to the initial data processed by the Energy Market Manager (GME), natural gas consumption
came to 76.2 billion cubic metres (+8.1% on 2020), the highest amount seen in the last ten years. The
Business
trends
Bond market
and spread
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 21|
upturn in consumption was particularly strong in the spring, which in the same period in 2020 was hard
hit by the national lockdown caused by the health emergency. The thermoelectric and civil sectors,
which came to 26.0 and 33.4 billion cubic metres respectively, reached their highest levels since 2012,
growing by 6.4% and 8.4% respectively compared to the previous year. Consumption in the industrial
sector also increased strongly (+6.7%), returning to pre-pandemic figures.
The annual production of urban waste in Italy that emerges from the latest data provided by the
Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), relating to 2020, came to 28.9 million
tonnes, down 3.6% compared to 2019, and is equivalent to an average per capita production of 489 kg.
The reason for the low volume of urban waste produced mainly lies in the effects of the Covid-19
health emergency, in particular the closures of businesses and the travel restrictions implemented
several times during the year.
With regard to hazardous waste, ISPRA’s most up-to-date report estimates production at 154 million
tonnes in 2020, a 7.3% increase compared to the previous year. The increase is mainly attributable to
non-hazardous waste, in particular to waste from construction and demolition operations, which
increased by more than 8.5 million tonnes (+14.2%). Roughly 70% of the total production of hazardous
waste is due to the construction (45.5%) and waste treatment and remediation (25.1%) sectors,
followed by manufacturing (18.9%) and other sectors (approximately 10%).
To date, no information is available on the production of municipal and special waste in 2021, but it is
reasonable to assume that the economic recovery seen during the year and the reopening of business
activities led to an increase in waste production nationwide compared to 2020.
On the occasion of World Water Day 2021, ISTAT presented its updated report on the national water
sector statistics. In Italy, the amount of freshwater withdrawn for drinking stands at just over 9 billion
cubic metres, comparable to previous years. This figure once again ranks Italy as the first country in
the EU (27) for freshwater withdrawn for drinking from surface or groundwater bodies.
With reference to the uses of water nationwide, according to the Blue Book, 54% of water usage is for
agriculture, 21% for industry, 20% for civil use and 5% for energy. This data clearly shows the
importance of taking action to encourage water reuse in agriculture and industry.
In 2021, all sectors served by utilities were characterised by strong competition, both with regard to
free market and regulated businesses.
As regards the energy market, competition remained very high, concerning both the retail market and
tenders in last resort markets. Various players showed a strong interest in the tenders called to
eliminate protected electricity services for small and very small businesses. Further evidence of
competitive pressure in the retail market can be seen in the high churn rates (source: ARERA) for both
electricity and gas sales. Sales companies are increasingly shifting competition towards more complex
value-added products (VAS), such as energy efficiency tools (HVAC), combined with the sale of
commodities, in order to build customer loyalty and orientate them towards new needs. The healthcare
emergency accelerated this change in behaviour shown by customers, who are now increasingly
inclined to use digital channels when choosing offers and interacting with service providers. This
change has led to a number of sales companies coming onto the market and experimenting with a new
way of communicating with customers, based on fully digital relations.
In last resort markets, the interest shown by operators in recent years has led to a gradual drop in
margins. In 2021, in particular, tenders were held for assigning Last Resort services in the gas sector
(Gas Default and Gas Last Resort Supplier, now called every two years and no longer every year) and
in the electricity sector (Safeguarded, with a two-year duration).
As regards waste treatment and recovery, the competitive context now extends across Europe, with
large players integrated along the entire reference chain and undertaking plant expansions or
aggregations between operators. One example of this is the upcoming merger between the two French
giants Veolia and Suez, whose integration will change the current balance between operators in the
sector. Within Italy, the industrial waste sector is seeing an increase in investments to expand the
treatment capacity of existing plants, as well as the type of waste treated and the integration of
activities along the supply chain. In line with this trend, the demand for recycled materials is growing
strongly, driven by increasing consumer attention towards sustainable materials, commitments from
major international manufacturers to use recycled plastics and European recycling legislation. Market
Competition
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 22|
players are responding to these trends by progressively expanding their plant capacity, thereby
creating higher competitive pressure than in the past.
Concerning regulated businesses, the Hera Group operates within the market regulated by the
Regulatory Authority for Energy, Networks and the Environment (ARERA), which manages and
monitors the rules relating to the conditions market access and functioning, as well as compliance with
transparency obligations.
During 2021, progress was seen in activities related to tender procedures for awarding contracts for
gas distribution, water cycle and waste management services. With regard to the latter business, the
management of the Modena and Bologna areas was definitively assigned, with effect from January
2022, and the Hera Group was confirmed as the operator. As regards the gas distribution business,
2021 was also characterised by the small number of tenders actually awarded at a national level.
Among these, the main ones were the Milan 1, Turin 1 and 2, Belluno, Naples 1 and Aosta ATEMs
(almost all of which are subject to appeal), as well as the Udine 2 ATEM, assigned to the Hera Group
(also the outgoing operator). With reference to the areas in which Hera currently provides this service,
the process of approving the tender documents for the Forlì-Cesena, Modena 1 and Trieste ATEMs
(for which the call was withdrawn) has been completed. As far as the water cycle is concerned, at the
end of 2021 the tender for the Rimini province was awarded and a new deadline was set, coming to the
end of 2039. In the same year, the concession (which expired at the end of the year) for the water
service in the Bologna area was extended to the current operator. Finally, the Authority approved
requests for a five-year extension of the service concessions for the Ravenna and Forlì-Cesena areas,
the expiry dates of which were postponed from 2023 to 2028.
In regulated businesses, the measures approved in 2021 having the most significance for the Hera
Group are as follows:
▪ a revision of the WACC (weighted average cost of capital) for energy infrastructure activities;
▪ initial guidelines for new regulations, involving expenditure and service objectives (Ross-base);
▪ new regulations for reactive energy;
▪ trials for procurement of local ancillary services in electricity dispatching by distributors,
anticipating a new role for distributors with respect to their traditional responsibilities;
▪ commissioning plans for 2G electricity meters submitted to Arera;
▪ compensation for the lack of depreciation on decommissioned traditional gas meters;
▪ regulations for the metering service concerning the natural gas transmission network;
▪ ARERA’s final guidelines on the reorganisation of metering activities and trials aimed at innovation
in gas transmission and distribution infrastructures;
▪ a communication to sales companies of the causes of non-accrual of the two-year statute of
limitations in the cases provided for by the Civil Code;
▪ instalment payments for bills for household energy users issued between January and April 2022;
▪ supplementary regulations for measurement and technical quality in the integrated water service;
▪ the 2022-2033 tariff adjustment for the integrated water service;
▪ a two-year limitation for the integrated water service;
▪ approval of the second tariff method (known as MTR2), which regulates the criteria for recognising
efficient operating and investment costs for 2022-2025 in the integrated waste service;
▪ initial regulations for the quality of the integrated waste service.
With a view to the beginning of the second regulatory period of the WACC, by way of resolution
614/2021/R/com, published in late 2021, ARERA adjusted its criteria for determining and updating the
rate of return on invested capital for the energy infrastructure sectors (gas and electricity). The new
regulatory period will still cover six years (2022-2027) and, in addition to the infra-period update, every
three years, it provides for the possibility of an annual update if certain control parameters should
undergo significant fluctuations with respect to the values established; resolution 614/2021 therefore
formally defines the rates for 2022 only. As a result of the macroeconomic scenario and the
performance of the financial markets, WACC was reduced by 70 bps compared to 2021. The
remuneration rate for gas distribution went from 6.3% in 2021 to 5.6% in 2022, while WACC for
electricity distribution went from 5.9% in 2021 to 5.2% in 2022. The decrease in remuneration rates is
essentially due to the abolition of the floor of the risk-free rate, a revision of the country risk hedging
portion, the new methodology for the cost of debt and an updated amount of taxation recognised.
Revised WACC
for energy
infrastructure
sectors
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 23|
In late 2021, with document 615/2021/R/com, Arera initiated consultation for the first methodological
guidelines on the new regulation by expenditure and service objectives (Ross). According to ARERA’s
outlook, the transition to a regulation that eliminates distortions in the investment choices made by
distributors, and increases the overall productivity of infrastructure services, will be gradual and will
begin with the application of an initial tariff method referred to as Ross-base. This method will be
applied across the board to all operators in infrastructure sectors, with effect from the upcoming
regulatory periods (as of 2024 for electricity distribution and as of 2026 for gas distribution). The Ross-
base approach will focus on controlling the total expenditure of distributors, setting capitalisation ratios
defined by the regulator and extending efficiency to capital costs. Recognition of the capital stock
existing at the date of transition to the new criterion will be handled with an overall continuity in the
criteria. The more advanced, so-called Ross-integral approach, in addition to including the Ross-base
method, will include an analysis of companies’ business plans and an integrated outlook that includes
output-based regulation. This advanced approach will be reserved for the electricity transmission
operator, the main gas transmission operator and the main electricity distribution operators (with a size
threshold yet to be defined) as of 2024.
Regarding the electricity distribution sector, note that, in 2021, ARERA expressed its opinion on the
need for a change in the tariff regulation of reactive energy. In its latest consultation document,
515/2021/R/eel, the Authority:
▪ postponed to 1 July 2022 the completion of the tariff regulation for reactive energy, including the
initial date for the application of the fees concerning the reactive energy injected;
▪ proposed a refinement of the method of calculating the fees and the application of those for
reactive energy injected in F3 hours only;
▪ proposed for the medium term (as of 2023 or 2024) a tariff approach for homogeneous macro-
areas that takes into account local technical features in reactive energy management;
▪ encouraged the active involvement of end customers and producers in managing reactive energy
transits and the ensuing control of voltage regulation.
As regards electricity metering, in order to request individual recognition of investments, pursuant to
resolution 306/2019/R/eel, note that the electricity distribution companies of the Hera Group, Inrete
Distribuzione Energia Spa and AcegasApsAmga Spa, sent their respective 2G electricity meter
commissioning plans (Pms2) to Arera in June 2021. These Pms2s illustrate the projected schedules for
replacing meters, the expected benefits of the new smart technology and the expenses foreseen.
Arera’s preliminary proceedings are currently in progress.
With regard to gas distribution, through resolution 559/2021/R/gas, ARERA intervened on the issue of
the effects of decommissioning traditional small-calibre meters. Operators shall be reimbursed for an
amount of depreciation for traditional meters that does not consider the time in their useful life when
they are decommissioned. The amounts covering the lost depreciation (so-called Irma) are paid to
companies in five annual instalments, starting from the 2020 tariff year.
With resolution 512/2021/R/gas, ARERA, at the end of a consultation process that focused, among
other things, on reorganising the metering service at delivery points from the transportation network
(Remi), approved regulations for the metering service on the natural gas transportation network
(Rmtg). Responsibility for metering activities remains in the hands of distributors, and meter reading
activities in those of the transmission operator. Minimum and optimum plant, performance and
maintenance requirements have been introduced and specific quality levels for the metering service
(expressed by specific indicators) and penalty fees have been defined for failure to comply with them.
Monitoring service levels is scheduled to start in 2023, while the introduction of penalties for non-
compliance is expected for 2024.
In the area of gas distribution, mention should also go to Consultation Document (Dco)
167/2021/R/gas, relating to the Authority’s final guidelines on the reorganisation of measurement at the
entry and exit points of the gas transport network, and Dco 250/2021/R/gas, relating to the launch of
pilot projects for innovation in gas transport and distribution infrastructures. With the guidelines of the
first Dco, Arera aims to ensure that the measurement of gas entering and leaving the transport network
will meet predefined standards for accuracy and reliability, through an adequate accountability applied
to all players along the chain. To this end, the Authority intends to introduce plant, performance and
maintenance requirements for measurement systems, service standards and appropriate incentive
Initial guidelines
for new
regulations for
expenditure and
service
objectives (Ross)
Gas distribution:
lost depreciation
for
decommissioned
traditional
metres covered
ARERA’s final
guidelines on the
reorganisation of
measurement
and trials to
innovate gas
transport and
distribution
infrastructures
Regulations for
the metering
service for the
natural gas
transportation
network
New regulations
for reactive
energy in the
electricity sector
2G electricity
metres: Group
distributors’
commissioning
plans presented
to ARERA
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 24|
mechanisms that translate into financial compensation in the event of non-compliance with the
standards. With Dco 250/2021/R/gas, instead, ARERA has outlined procedures for launching pilot
projects for testing solutions for optimised management and innovative uses of gas transport and
distribution infrastructures, in terms of types of intervention and the subjects involved, general
evaluation criteria and coverage of the costs of the trials.
As regards the two-year statute of limitations in the electricity and gas sectors, with resolution
603/2021/R/com, ARERA complied with the rulings of the Lombardy Regional Administrative Court
(TAR), providing, as of 2023, for a definitive arrangement of the information flow from distributors to
sales companies, in which the distributor, at the same time as making a measurement covering more
than two years available through the integrated information system, will also have to communicate to
the distribution (UDD) and transport (UDT) Users any causes of non-accrual of the prescription in the
cases provided for by the Italian Civil Code (causes not expressly provided for by the previous
regulation). Pending upgrades to information systems, which will bring this framework up to standard, a
transitional framework is foreseen for 2022 in which the sales company, having received a request for
objection to the limitation period from the end customer, shall promptly ask the distributor whether there
are any causes for the non-accrual of the limitation period; failure to respond within the next seven
working days will be considered a negative response, with the result that the seller will have to waive
the now-expired receivable, but will be entitled to claim from the distributor the transportation and
conveyance fees, and will also be entitled to participate in the compensation mechanism for settlement
charges, as established by resolution 604/2021/R/com. More specifically, in the case of electricity, the
charges for financing this mechanism are borne by distributors, unless a distributor can prove a cause
for the non-accrual of the two-year statute of limitations; in the case of gas, instead, the charges for
financing the compensation mechanism are currently borne by the system, without any economic effect
on distributors.
Once again regarding energy sales, by way of resolution 636/2021/R/com ARERA defined procedures
for the instalment plan for bills issued in January-April 2022 for household users envisaged by the 2022
Budget Law. These measures cover both safeguarded and free market services and will have to be
offered to household electricity and natural gas customers who are in default of payment of their bills
issued in the period in question. The instalment plan must be interest-free and provide for an
instalment period equal to that of the invoices normally applied, with the first instalment coming to 50%
of the amount subject to the instalment plan.
As regards the integrated water service, the main regulatory changes introduced in 2021 concern
additions to the regulations governing the metering service, certain changes to technical quality
(resolution 609/2021/R/idr) and, with regard to tariff regulations, the criteria and parameters underlying
the two-year adjustment valid for 2022-2023 (governed by resolution 639/2021/R/idr). Water metering
will be impacted by the introduction of performance indicators relating to the effectiveness of the
service (which will serve to increase the performance evaluations of operators by way of a mechanism
providing incentives for technical quality), indicators for the introduction of smart meter technologies
(currently only used for monitoring purposes), specific standards related to the failure to comply with
reading attempts and changeover notices, with some aspects also related to the value of the users’
own readings, in order to meet the service obligations relating to reading attempts, moving towards
higher management efficiency. In order to understand the length of the user branches (connections),
following a number of appeals and rulings by the State Council, technical quality has also undergone a
change in the definition of the indicator of linear network losses (“M1a”).
Among the new rules relating to the two-year adjustment of tariffs for 2022 and 2023, approved by
resolution no. 639/2021/R/idr, in addition to a redetermination of the rate of recognition of tax and
financial charges (which goes from 5.24% for the two-year period 2020-2021, to 4.8% for 2022 and
2023) note the introduction of a system of incentives or coverage of costs for condominium users (or
users grouped under a single centralised meter) that will work towards individualising supply or
creating internal divisional meters, with an organised reading process of the same (so-called organised
divisionalization). This incentive/coverage of costs will be recognised by the water operator who, in
turn, will be compensated through the introduction of a specific tariff component (Op
mis
).
Lastly, with regard to the water sector, also note resolution 610/2021/R/idr, concerning the two-year
limitation period introduced by the 2018 Budget Law for certain types of users, which amends the
previous rules and explicitly provides, as for the energy sectors, for the existence of causes for
Instalment plans
for bills to
household
energy users
issued between
January and
April 2022
Tariff
adjustment for
the 2022-2023
two-year period
in the water
sector
Two-year
limitation in the
water sector
Two-year
limitation in
energy chains:
new information
in energy bills
and introduction
of compensation
mechanism for
settlement
charges
Integrated water
service:
additional
regulations for
metering and
technical quality
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 25|
suspending the limitation period (citing Articles 2935 and 2941 of the Civil Code), recalling that the
latter must be identified and promptly communicated to the individual user as of 2022 in invoices
containing amounts relating to adjustments over two years.
With regard to the integrated waste service, the main regulatory innovation in 2021 concerns the
approval of the second tariff method (resolution 363/2021/R/rif, known as Mtr2), which sets out criteria
for recognising efficient operating and investment costs for the period 2022-2025, updating the
previous method and introducing tariff regulation for treatment, in the case of minimum plants, i.e.
those which are essential for closing the cycle (determined by the Regions on the basis of the
conditions defined by ARERA), with the sole exclusion of plants that treat the dry portion of sorted
waste. This resolution introduces a four-year regulatory period, with annual updates in the tariff
parameters. It also introduced the possibility of compensation over a four-year period for costs eligible
for recognition that exceed the tariff growth limit (established by the regulation). With specific regard to
the tariffs of the treatment plants, the Rab-based rationale previously identified for integrated operators
will apply, with tariff methods and incentives for the recovery of materials and energy, similar to those
applied to collection companies and integrated operators. A limit on annual growth is also envisaged
for the treatment service, based on the amount of planned inflation, but which may be increased by up
to 4% per year to take into account the technological and environmental characteristics of the plants.
Price signalling to end users is also foreseen, which allow greater benefits for those users of the
service who are in contexts in which material and energy recovery plants prevail, and, at the same
time, benefits to the communities in the areas surrounding the plants. As far as the rate of return on
invested capital is concerned, for the two-year period 2022-2023 the WACC related to collection has
been set, at least provisionally, at 6.3% (resolution 459/2021/R/rif). The rate relating to treatment has
not yet been defined, although it is expected to be similar to the fundamental parameters underlying
the rate for collection, with differences linked to the specific amount of risk in the sector.
Once again concerning the waste sector, two consultation documents were issued during the year,
intended to regulate service quality. The latter of these (Dco 422/2021/R/rif) establishes that the first
regulatory period (2022-2025) will come into force on 1 January 2023, providing for a set of service
obligations in terms of contract quality (uniform rules on activation requests, invoicing, presentation of
complaints, etc.) and technical quality (continuity, regularity and safety of the service), together with
indicators and general standards. Lastly, future incentive mechanisms (bonuses/penalties) are
foreseen.
A timeline showing the main regulatory periods and related measures introduced by ARERA, pertaining
to the Group’s sectors of activity, is provided below.
Integrated waste
service: approval
of the second
tariff method (so-
called Mtr2)
Integrated waste
service: initial
regulations for
service quality
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| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 26|
Lastly, the table below indicates the main tariff references for each regulated sector, based on the
regulatory framework in effect in 2021 and expected to remain until the end of the current regulatory
periods.
Natural gas
distribution and
measurement
Electricity
distribution and
measurement
Integrated water
service
Integrated waste
cycle
Regulatory period
2014-2019
4th regulatory period
(resolution 573/13)
2020-2025
5th regulatory period
(resolution 570/19)
2016-2019
1st sub-period of the
5th regulatory period
(resolution 654/15)
2020-2023
2nd sub-period of the
5th regulatory period
(resolution 568/19)
2016-2019
2nd regulatory period
(resolution 664/15)
2020-2023
3rd regulatory period
(resolution 580/19)
2018-2021
1st regulatory period
(resolution 443/19) (1)
2022-2025
2nd regulatory period
(resolution 363/21) (2)
Regulatory
governance
Single level (Arera)
Single level (Arera)
Double level
(Governmental
authority, Arera)
Double level (Regional
authority, Arera)
Invested capital
recognised for
regulatory
purposes (Rab)
Previous cost revised
(distribution)
Average between
standard and actual
cost (measurement)
Parametric recognition
(centralised capital)
Parametric recognition
for assets until 2007
Previous cost revised
assets as of 2008
Previous cost revised
Previous cost revised
Regulatory lag for
investment
recognition
1 year
1 year
2 years
2 years
Return on
invested capital
(3)
(real, pre-tax)
2019
6,3% Distribution
6,8% Measurement
2020-2021
6,3% Distribution and
measurement
2022
5,6% Distribution and
measurement
2019-2021
5,9%
2022
5,2% Distribution and
measurement
2018-2019
5,31%
2020-2021
5,24%
2022-2023
4,8%
+1% for investments as
of 2012, covering the
regulatory lag
2020-2021
6,3%
+1% for investments as of
2018, covering the
regulatory lag
2022-2023
Currently being defined by
Arera.
A higher level of risk is
expected for the treatment
and recovery service
Recognised
operating costs
Average value of actual
costs by company
grouping (size/density),
based on 2011 (for
revenues until 2019)
and 2018 (for revenues
as of 2020) (4)
Sharing for efficiencies
achieved compared to
recognised costs
Update with price-cap
Average value of actual
sector costs, based on
2014 (for revenues until
2019) and 2018 (for
revenues as of 2020)
Sharing for efficiencies
achieved compared to
recognised costs
Update with price-cap
Efficiency-applicable
costs: actual amounts
for the manager in
2011, adj. for inflation
Updatable costs: actual
values,
with 2-year lag
Added charges for
specific
purposes (previsional)
Actual costs for manager
with 2-year
regulatory lag (as of 2020
tariffs for
2018 costs)
Added costs for quality
improvement and change in
manager’s scope
(previsional)
Balance for 2018-2019
based on 2017 costs
(gradual)
As of 2022:
Balance for 2020-2021
based on 2019 costs,
gradual
Annual efficiency
factor for
operating costs
Annual X-factor
2019
Distribution:
Annual X-factor
2019
Distribution: 1,9%
Efficiency-applicable
mechanism based on:
sharing manager’s
2016
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| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 27|
1.7% large companies
2.5% medium
companies
Measurement and
commercialisation: 0%
As of 2020
Distribution:
3,53% large companies
4,79% medium
companies
Measurement: 0%
Commercialisation:
1,57%
Measurement: 1,3%
As of 2020:
Distribution: 1,3%
Measurement: 0,7%
efficiencies
Amount of sharing
differentiated
according to the
discrepancy
between actual costs
and
manager’s efficient cost
Incentive
mechanisms
Sharing for net
revenues
coming from fibre optics
transit
in electricity grids
Sharing for electricity
costs,
based on energy saving
achieved;
Recognition of 75%
earnings from activities
aimed
at environmental and
energy
sustainability
Sharing for revenues coming
from
sales of materials and
energy (range
0.3-0.6) and Conai
incentives
Annual limit on
tariff increases
Asymmetric, based on:
-investment
requirements
-management cost
-changes in scope
Possibility of motion
guaranteeing operating
and financial balance
Asymmetric, based on the
presence
of:
-changes in scope
-service quality improvement
Possibility of motion
guaranteeing operating and
financial balance
(1) Resolution 443/19 applies to operators in the integrated waste cycle, including treatment activities (disposal or recovery), only if these activities are
included in the operator’s corporate scope. The specific measure to be introduced for tariff regulation of compensation for plants falling outside this scope
has been postponed.
(2) Resolution 363/21 updated the previous regulatory period and introduced tariff regulation for treatment in the case of minimum plants, i.e. those
essential for closing the municipal waste cycle.
(3) For the energy and waste sectors, the WACC methodology is applied, while for the integrated water service the amounts indicated refer to rate of
coverage of financial and fiscal charges.
(4) Regarding the significant reduction in the recognition of operating costs introduced by resolution 570/2019 in February 2020, Inrete Distribuzione
Energia Spa, the Group’s main distributor, like other operators in the sector, has filed an appeal at the Lombardy-Milan Regional Administrative Court.
Climate and the environment
Regulatory and economic interventions aimed at facing climate change, and the concrete opportunities
that derive from taking on the risks linked to it, have become priorities for international and national
institutions, as well as those operating in all economic sectors. The Group’s main concerns in pursuing
environmental sustainability coincide with the 17 goals on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development (SDGs), as well as the indications contained in the Paris Agreement to limit global
warming to below 2ºC, and the long-term climate strategy “A Clean Planet For All” (adopted by the
European Union), intended to achieve total decarbonisation by 2050, through carbon neutrality, and to
limit the increase in temperature to below 1.5ºC. Further important elements moving in this direction
include the change called for by the Green Deal, the European Commission’s plan for a Europe that is
more competitive in the fight against climate change and increasingly capable of transforming the
economy and society by setting them on a path of sustainable development and, in the wake of this,
the circular economy action plan (CEAP). The actions taken by European and national institutions are
coordinated and converge towards the objectives of a fair, sustainable and inclusive transition.
Adopting the Green Deal and related initiatives, aimed at tackling climate and environmental problems
in order to achieve carbon neutrality and the transition to a regenerative and circular growth model, is
aimed towards an industrial strategy that implements the circular economy in all sectors.
Climate
change
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 28|
The circular economy action plan, presented by the Commission last year, has made it possible to
outline a strategic framework for circular economic development in the European Union and, in so
doing, is geared towards accelerating the transition and making the change envisaged by the Green
Deal possible.
Incentive initiatives, reuse and recyclability in products, reduction of overpackaging and rules for
bioplastics have become increasingly important in this respect. Above and beyond the plastics sector,
the promotion of the circular economy is also encouraged with respect to water management, both in
terms of reuse of purified wastewater for irrigation in agriculture and in terms of minimum requirements
for the use of reclaimed water.
National policies are being developed in a European context where priorities are defined and available
resources are allocated accordingly. In this sense, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRP),
which uses the European funds made available by the mechanism included in the NextGenerationEU
package, supplemented by a complementary national fund, guides Italy in the implementation phase of
the European Green Deal. Since it has highlighted the need to introduce progressively more
challenging climate targets, the action plan has been updated with the aim of:
▪ accelerating the achievement of a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, bringing the target to
55% by 2030;
▪ accelerating the transition to a regenerative and circular growth model;
▪ providing a tool to help investors in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
A new push to decarbonise the European economy has been entrusted to the Fit for 55 package,
which is still being discussed by the EU institutions. The Fit for 55 package aims, in particular, to
increase targets for reducing energy consumption and increasing the penetration of renewable energy
in the production mix. In terms of energy efficiency, the current 2030 targets, revised upwards to meet
the ambitious emissions reduction target, will be approached thanks to the leading role given to public
buildings in the process of improving the efficiency of Europe’s buildings. In terms of renewable
energies, the increased production of which is crucial to replacing fossil fuels and reducing carbon
intensity, the electrification of consumption will require major investments throughout the supply chain,
and the recovery of waste heat from industrial processes will represent a major potential for regional
energy planning. The development of renewable gases, a further element of the decarbonisation
strategy drawn up at European level, and the development of renewable hydrogen, through the
creation of electrolysers powered by renewable energy sources (RES), will also be priorities.
In early 2018, the European Commission published the Sustainable Finance Action Plan, which aimed
to respond to three objectives: redirecting capital flows towards sustainable investments in order to
achieve sustainable and inclusive growth; managing financial risks arising from climate change,
resource depletion, environmental degradation and social issues; and promoting transparency and a
long-term vision of economic and financial activities.
The first concrete action took the form of the EU’s own definition of a Taxonomy for sustainable
investments, aimed at directing investors’ funds towards sustainable initiatives.
In order to be aligned with this Taxonomy, economic activities must comply with three principles
identified by the Regulation:
▪ contribute positively to at least one of the six environmental objectives set out, including mitigation
of climate change, adaptation to climate change, sustainable use and protection of water and
marine resources, transition to a circular economy, prevention and reduction of pollution, and
protection of biodiversity and ecosystem health;
▪ not produce negative impacts on the environment;
▪ respect minimum social guarantees.
Moreover, as of 1 January 2022, companies subject to the directive on non-financial reporting will have
to indicate the amount of their activities that fall under the European Taxonomy.
The six strategic missions are built around the six pillars of intervention set out in the European
Regulation for Recovery and Resilience and are accompanied by specific sectoral reforms. Mission 2,
“Green revolution and ecological transition”, the largest in terms of resource allocation, addresses the
initiatives that most closely concern the Hera Group.
For the water cycle and waste sector, the NRP aims to modernise networks and plants and reduce the
infrastructure gap between the north and south of the country. Among the instruments to be used in
this regard, note the central role of the national plan for the water sector, for providing public funding,
and the adoption of the national programme for waste management.
Circular
economy
action plan
Opportunities
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 29|
In the energy sector, the NRP will focus on developing renewable sources, modernising networks and
energy-saving solutions. The main actions include those on networks, to increase their digitalisation
and resilience to climate events, the integrated development of the hydrogen chain, including the
adaptation of transport and distribution infrastructures, and the principle of energy efficiency such as
the first zero-emission fuel.
Over the past few months, the first calls for tenders have been published under the NRP: those
pertaining to the Group relate in particular to the circular economy, including the improvement and
mechanisation of the urban waste collection network, the construction, modernisation and expansion of
treatment plants for urban waste collection, and for absorbent products, wastewater sludge, leather
and textile waste, circular economy “flagship” projects relating to collection networks and treatment
plants, with particular attention going to strategic supply chains: Waste from electrical and electronic
equipment (WEEE), paper and cardboard, plastics and textiles.
Following the Paris Agreement, the EU Commission has required member states to draw up a strategy
for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Even though this document was published a year
later than required by law, it does not yet incorporate the latest Green Deal guidelines. This strategy is
aimed at identifying a path of change towards full decarbonisation of the Italian system by 2050, i.e. to
intensify actions to increase resilience. The strategy will move towards improving knowledge of climate
impacts, intensifying climate risk planning and assessment, accelerating adaptation actions and
developing resilience to climate change globally. People are becoming increasingly sensitive to
environmental and social inclusion issues and are driving the increase in demand for green & digital
interventions, in line with EU recommendations on economic recovery and resilience. In order to get
various stakeholders and civil society involved in the adoption of sustainable behaviour, the European
Commission has created the European Climate Pact. This initiative offers individuals and organisations
opportunities to learn about climate change and find solutions and provides a space for interaction
between individuals and to promote a European climate movement. Organisations can identify their
own ambassadors with a focus on gender equality and, in order to support the beginning of concrete
actions, the Pact’s platform will make it possible to share experiences, funding opportunities and know-
how.
The inevitability of climate change, which has led the European Commission to anticipate its emission
reduction targets to 2030, with the hope of achieving full decarbonisation by 2050, is also forcing local
authorities to review their priorities and lines of action. Moreover, the pandemic has made it urgent to
implement actions to make cities and local programmes more resilient, and has increasingly oriented
them towards circular economy initiatives, sustainable mobility, climate adaptation and digitalisation.
This scenario is increasingly challenging and offers new opportunities for the utility sector. All types of
customers (household, industrial and public administration) will be called upon to introduce
technological improvements to reduce their energy needs.
The promotion and sale of energy efficiency products and services, and support for energy efficiency in
buildings, are some of the initiatives being promoted.
Stakeholders, both financial and non-financial, who are increasingly oriented towards sustainability
issues and, therefore, also towards the sustainability ratings of companies, are increasingly directing
financing opportunities towards green products, which are able to raise liquidity on the capital market at
rates that are potentially lower than the alternatives.
Following a rationale based on value sharing between companies and communities, oriented towards
finding solutions for the benefit of both, the engagement of the community and of individuals is
becoming increasingly important. The main megatrends are those that build on the UN 2030 Agenda,
theoretical references and successful experiences in shared-value approaches and new business
opportunities.
The new lines of development will continue to include the full exploitation of data (seen as a real
corporate asset) and a greater focus on cybersecurity, to protect the company and its data. The speed
of change makes it essential to define training plans that enable the corporate population to manage
change (especially digital change) in the best possible way. This includes, where necessary, training
that may be fragmentary but is still able to provide the necessary continuity (self-development).
Environmental
and socio-
economic
factors
Opportunities
in the utility
sector
Strategy for
decarbonisation
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 30|
Technology and human capital
Digital technological evolution involves a continuous acceleration of some major ICT trends and, in
addition to moving beyond the paradigms found in economic and social contexts with increasing speed,
it alters entire market segments and social relationship patterns. The rise of Artificial Intelligence,
automation, Robotic Process Automation, data collection and management (Internet of Things, data
governance and data analytics), cybersecurity and, finally, cloud platforms, favours an increase in the
amount of data produced and the speed of its availability, generating further opportunities for
companies. The Internet of Things and digital interaction between people (exemplified by the
automation of more standardised relations with customers through chatbots) make available a
continuous and growing flow of data, which allows not only timely diagnoses of different situations (real
time analytics), but also a more precise definition of decisions and actions to be taken, often with the
support of artificial intelligence. In this direction, the EU Commission has defined the path for an ethical
digital development in Europe, with clear targets for 2030 benefiting citizens and businesses, such as:
80% of the adult population with basic digital skills, 75% of businesses favouring the use of cloud
computing, big data and artificial intelligence services, more than 90% of small and medium-sized
businesses with a basic level of digital intensity, 100% of public digital services available online and
100% of households with gigabit connectivity and inhabited areas covered by 5G. Although Italy is
lagging behind other European countries in terms of digitalisation, it is now showing a remarkable
improvement over the past. Remote working is an established way of working for 75% of large
companies in the public sector and 58% of small and medium-sized enterprises. 13.5 million Spid
identities exist, to manage communications to and from public administrations. Italy also ranks third in
terms of readiness for 5G. Investments in telecommunications, networks, software, automation and
other technological infrastructures, which are essential for reaching European targets, must be
accompanied by the spread of an overall approach and training that enables the use of new
technologies, which in turn must be oriented towards a sustainable and circular economy, as well as
revolving around digitalisation and artificial intelligence. The NRP intends to use 22% of the available
funds to give way to a major digital acceleration in Italy, as a lever to give a decisive boost to the
country’s competitiveness. Various initiatives aim to encourage migration to the cloud, full
interoperability between government data, improvement of the digital services offered to citizens,
strengthening of cybersecurity defences, and enhancement of digital skills. This will also be possible
thanks to tax incentives for digital transformation (Industry 4.0), contributions for investments in
technologically advanced production, coverage of the entire national territory with ultra-wideband
networks, and the launch of a reform of the intellectual property system. By virtue of their relationship
with the public administration and SMEs, utilities played an important role in supporting digital
transformation, in particular through digital services for optimising the yield of production processes,
but also through sensors installed for data collection and analysis, without forgetting connected
machinery for the automatic performance of tasks and predictive maintenance. Examples of this can be
found in the various applications in the businesses in question, such as data-driven energy
management solutions, thanks to connected systems and devices equipped with intelligent sensors in
public buildings, or smart sensors and devices distributed throughout the territory, coordinated and
integrated by digital platforms that process the big data generated for resource planning and service
optimisation. The widespread presence of digital technology affects all aspects of business operations,
extending changes to the point of translating into additional and new value-added services. The
increase in infrastructural needs, which continues to drive the demand for investment in connectivity
and remote collaboration tools, for utilities focuses on connection and security needs applied to smart
working and also multi-channel interaction with the customer, not to mention the management and
sensitisation of infrastructures across the area served. The digitisation process is also fuelled by
incremental investments in Artificial Intelligence and hyper-automation, Internet of Things and Internet
of Behaviours (IoB), distributed cloud and 5G. Operation technology (OT) or remote management,
which had developed over the past few years as a niche area limited to plant effectiveness and with
little attention to cyber security aspects, has required companies to increase investments to reduce
system fragility. The year 2021 confirmed the growing trend of cybersecurity attacks, both in terms of
numbers and severity of impact. In this context, it is essential to continue to deploy all available
technological skills and resources to increase the level of protection and attention to cybersecurity
risks, in order to counter threats and minimise possible consequences. Customers in all sectors, who
are increasingly inclined to interact through digital channels, expect real-time responses and
uninterrupted service availability, and therefore reward the most proactive suppliers in terms of
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 31|
attention to behaviour and optimisation of consumption, but also, increasingly, additional services such
as smart house and e-mobility.
Cloud platforms have made high-performance connectivity available and enabled significant
infrastructural economies of scale for exponential technology development, optimising the use of time
to the utmost. The availability of processing power also drives the spread of Artificial Intelligence and
Robotic Process Automation applications with integrated Artificial Intelligence (IRPA), which are useful
for making the most appropriate decisions on actions to be taken. The identification and formalisation
of operational processes that combine human and automated activities, balancing them according to
the value added to the process, is therefore one of the issues to which all organisations will have to pay
particular attention, not only in terms of organisational design, but also from the point of view of training
and operational monitoring.
The enhancement of the human component is also fundamental for a balance between technology and
people, focusing the organisation of resources on value-added activities, according to a pattern of
intelligent integration, which is not limited to mere cost efficiency and mere replacements, but rather fits
into the broader horizon of the Just Transition targeted by the European Union. The current historical
moment and the health emergency have emphasised the need to address the priorities towards which
corporate culture, leadership styles and models must be directed. The strong acceleration of the digital
transformation and the progressive technological literacy of people confirm the need for an increasingly
sensitive approach to relational aspects. When dealing with the consolidation of remote working,
therefore, the ability of companies to develop distinctive and inclusive communities will be a critical
factor in their success, and this consolidation will reduce the risk of weakening the relational capital
resulting from an irrational use of remote working. The digital workplace transformation and the
interconnection on a single platform allow people to interact, share information and gain knowledge
and skills. However, World Economic Forum research in the energy and utilities sector shows that
11.8% of workers are at risk of redeployment, with only 51% of them successfully re-employed. The
emerging roles on which to focus training investments will depend on skills related to the digital
transformation, the energy transition (with a focus on decarbonisation and renewable energy), the
environmental transition (with a focus on circular economy, climate change and green finance) and,
last but not least, problem solving and self-management, thus underlining the increased importance of
“soft skills”. The technological capacity to acquire huge amounts of data makes it even more important
to invest in the human capacity to read it and make it “speak”, so that it can generate the expected
value. At the same time, while the increasingly pervasive adoption of tools for remote collaboration has
created a change in the way of working and measuring performance, the ability to offer an environment
that is also connected in terms of human relations becomes, precisely for this reason, sought after and
appreciated. The diffusion of performance management skills, necessary to ensure the achievement of
objectives in a context where working time becomes a less and less important factor than the result,
has proved to be crucial. Employer branding will also be fundamental in attracting and retaining talent;
engagement and inclusion, interconnected by the idea that each person should be valued and
encouraged to express their potential, are paramount in maximising performance.
In order to generate value for people, it seems increasingly necessary to move towards structured data
governance and to develop sustainable and circular behaviour. Enabling experiences and paths in
training and development that are increasingly defined by a rationale of individual and collective
responsibility will make it possible to face future scenarios that are changing and not always
predictable. Flexible organisational models used to increase agility and resilience, individual
empowerment actions, accompanied by a rethinking of working methods, the reinterpretation of space
and time, and the well-being of people, are therefore drivers for the enhancement of human capital
and, in so doing, work towards increased productivity. In this respect, the creation of fair and inclusive
environments is essential for the responsible financial community, and the commitment to promoting
policies of inclusion and protecting diversity must increasingly translate into a fight against
discrimination in the workplace.
Strategic approach and management policies
Scenario analysis is a methodology for defining useful inputs for strategic plans to increase the
effectiveness of a business model over time.
The added
value of a
resilient
workforce
1.01.02
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 32|
This type of analysis involves a process aimed at testing a strategy’s resilience under different
assumptions describing possible future states. For the Hera Group, it is essential to analyse the
potential impact, positive or negative, of various economic-financial, business, regulatory, competitive,
environmental, technological and human capital scenarios that are different from each other, but
equally plausible and internally consistent.
The study of scenarios has also been applied to climate change, in order to understand how physical
and transitional climate opportunities and risks may plausibly affect the business and its areas over
time.
The reference framework within which the Group’s strategy has been developed in the various areas
consists of three areas:
▪ the environment, in order to respond in a concrete way to the threats linked to climate change, by
regenerating resources and strengthening the resilience of the assets managed, favouring the
energy transition and aiming at carbon neutrality;
▪ socio-economic factors, in order to match developments in the Group’s size with the generation
of an increasing portion of shared value, to positively affect the well-being and prosperity of
stakeholders and the areas served;
▪ innovation, to drive the evolution of the Group’s activities, thanks to the opportunities offered by
the most advanced technologies and digitalisation, with the aim of increasing the efficiency and
quality of the services provided, multiplying opportunities for stakeholder engagement and
accelerating the spread of behaviours and skills capable of meeting the challenges of a constantly
evolving context.
Macroeconomy and finance
The debt structure towards which the Hera Group is oriented is geared towards its business needs, not
only in terms of the duration of loans, but also in terms of interest rate exposure. The Group’s financial
strategy, in turn, is risk-adjusted and aimed at maximising its return profile while maintaining a prudent
risk strategy.
The scenario projected in the Plan includes an increase in the variable-rate portion over the short term
and in the fixed-rate portion over the long term; in this sense, it shows that the Group’s financial
structure will reach 72% of fixed rate borrowing in 2025, respecting the limits of its financial risk policy.
These projections are part of a careful long-term planning for the necessary financial resources, which
Hera carries out by analysing and monitoring cash flows, and paying close attention to its debt
structure. The average cost of debt, in particular, is constantly improved, both through financial risk
management, which include the use of derivative instruments, and the evaluation of liability
management operations aimed at seizing favourable market opportunities. Over the period covered by
the plan, the average cost of debt is expected to decrease by approximately 0.3%. Over this five-year
period, no significant amounts are expected to fall due, guaranteeing that the average cost of debt will
remain stable even in volatile scenarios. In the same direction, the plan confirms the Group’s intention
to meet its financial requirements through fixed-rate bond issues, including green and/or sustainable
bonds, in order to respond with additionally increased efficiency to the Group’s investment needs and
thus guarantee the implementation of innovative and sustainable projects in the waste management,
water and energy sectors. Coherently with the above, in October 2021 Hera launched its first
sustainability-linked bond, worth 500 million euro, as part of its funding strategy, representing once
again Hera’s commitment to achieving the objectives on the UN 2030 Agenda. This sustainability-
linked bond is tied to actions included in the business plan relating to projects to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and increase the amount of recycled plastic. It attracted great interest from international
investors, who subscribed for roughly four times the amount offered. This new bond creates value both
from an operating-financial point of view, by reducing financial charges and extending debt maturities,
and as regards image, because it sends a concrete signal of environmental commitment to the market,
linking the return of the bond to the achievement of objectives.
Most of the Group’s business is concentrated in Italy, and its rating is thus closely linked to the
country’s rating, its macroeconomic trends and its political scenario. Hera’s actions and strategies
remain oriented towards maintaining and improving adequate ratings; its usual communication with the
rating agencies Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has confirmed positive feedback in terms of the
Financial
planning
Credit
ratings
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| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 33|
solidity and excellent balance of its business portfolio, as well as in terms of excellent operating
performance, efficient and proactive risk management and resilient creditworthiness indicators. In 2021
in particular, Moody’s rating was confirmed at BAA2 with a stable outlook, while the S&P Rating
Agency further improved its rating to BBB+ with a stable outlook. These recognitions reflect the path of
growth implemented over the years and the results achieved by the Group in 2020, higher than
expected. The rating obtained by the Group is among the highest in the multi-utility sector across
Europe and higher than the sovereign rating.
Over the period covered by the plan, the ongoing adoption of sustainable financial reporting best
practices will support the Group’s green financing and ratings. Hera has already been committed to
green funding for some time: it was the first Italian company to issue a green bond in 2014, which was
followed by an ESG-linked loan in 2018. In 2019, it adopted a Green Financing Framework (GFF),
accompanied by a further green bond issue. An expected further improvement in sustainability ratings,
in turn, will make it even easier to access lines dedicated to sustainable financing, characterised by
potentially lower costs than traditional credit lines. Consistently with these guidelines, the Group is
implementing the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures
(TCFD) of the Financial Stability Board, which foresee the definition of climate scenarios, risks and
opportunities related to climate change, as well as processes for managing these risks, and the
definition of targets for reducing climate-changing emissions.
In this context, becoming part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), the first index to track the
financial performance of the world’s leading companies in terms of sustainability, bears witness to the
validity and credibility of the path taken by the Hera Group, opening up further developments.
Recognitions of this type, in fact, act above all as a stimulus and allow Hera to identify the areas to be
developed for further improvement in its performance and, at the same time, to include among its
reference investors those who are engaged in socially responsible investing (SRI), a segment that, as
mentioned above, is undergoing considerable and continuous expansion.
Business areas and industrial strategy
In January 2022, the Group’s new 2021-2025 business plan was presented. It defines a strategy
covering the next few years which is capable of driving economic and industrial growth and focuses on
sustainability, in line with European and national policies and the objectives on the UN 2030 Agenda.
The framework adopted confirms the Group’s previous strategic approach, while placing even greater
emphasis on its implementation. All the projects underlying the business plan have been defined in
detail in order to progress in three areas, namely:
▪ Climate and Environment: this includes all initiatives that address the energy transition, promoting
the circular economy and increasing resilience in activities and services;
▪ Economy and Society: this covers all projects that will be implemented to promote the well-being
and prosperity of the Group’s regional ecosystem;
▪ Innovation and Skills: this is the area that supports business development across the board,
offering technological and digital solutions, alongside initiatives in favour of employees, called
upon to rapidly increase their skills in a way that is consistent with digitalisation processes.
As regards free-market businesses, the Group’s strategy focuses in particular on the areas of industrial
and commercial development, in terms of decarbonisation and contribution to the circular economy.
In the free-market businesses of the energy sector, the Group aims to consolidate its position at
national level by expanding its customer base, to reach a target of 4.5 million energy customers by
2025. Consistent with the transitional climate scenario, that includes an increasing electrification of
consumption, the Group has set itself the objective of increasing its customer base, especially in the
electricity segment, with a growth of over 1 million customers, while keeping it substantially stable in
the gas segment. Based on the plans made, in 2025 the customer base for electricity will exceed the
customer base for gas. This goal will be pursued through growth in sales on the one hand, and the
opportunities deriving from the liberalisation of the protected electricity market on the other, for which
the Group expects to be awarded a portion of customers consistent with its market share. With
reference to commercial growth, Heracomm will expand its range of Added value services (VAS) over
the next few years, strengthening its solutions for reducing waste and proposals for protecting the
Sustainable
financial
reporting
Free-market
businesses
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 34|
environment and saving on consumption, such as photovoltaic generation and electric mobility, and
thus achieving important commercial synergies. In order to strengthen communication between the
supplier and the customer and encourage the latter to engage in sustainable behaviour, customer
experience-oriented initiatives will be implemented, focusing on economic aspects and digital evolution,
through dedicated green loyalty programmes. In the coming years, Hera will also continue to address
the energy transition of its customers by exploiting the opportunities offered by the super-bonus for
condominiums, the effectiveness of which was recently extended to 2025, while modifying the rates
and the parties concerned. Finally, the Group’s interest in participating in tenders in markets of last
resort is confirmed, with the aim of reconfirming its position as a key player on the national scene.
With regard to the waste treatment and recovery business, the Hera Group intends to consolidate its
leadership by leveraging plant and industrial development with a view to the circular economy, as well
as on commercial development in the industrial waste and recovery sectors. In the latter area, Hera will
extend the capacity of plants dedicated to treating flexible plastics (PET and LDPE), and will enhance
the partnerships initiated with important operators in the sector, entering the rigid plastics segment by
constructing an innovative plant for the production of high-quality recycled polymers. Concerning
sustainable industrial development, the Group also plans to build two new biomethane production
plants, replicating the success of the Sant’Agata Bolognese plant, in order to double biomethane
production by 2025 compared to current levels. In terms of commercial development, the Global Waste
Management solutions offered to industrial customers will be strengthened, with customised services
covering the entire waste cycle, water resource management and energy services, fully exploiting the
synergies between the various businesses covered by the Group. The ongoing commitment to
achieving sustainability targets is further confirmed by the objective of reducing the use of landfills for
municipal waste to below 3%. This will prospectively mitigate the physical risks of this supply chain
related to climate change. For more details, see paragraph 1.02 “Risk factors: actors, methodology and
areas of management”.
With regard to regulated businesses, the lines of development pursued over the next few years will
focus on strengthening adaptive and reactive resilience to climate change and the asset readiness of
infrastructures, in terms of modernisation, digital evolution, redundancy and preparation for the
distribution of green gas, and on reconfirming Hera as the reference operator in gas distribution and
urban environmental services in the areas currently covered, which are expected to be put to tender
during the time covered by the plan.
In gas and electricity distribution, in order to prevent and mitigate exogenous risks and in favour of
overall strengthening and greater digitalisation of infrastructures, increased resources have been
allocated compared to previous planning. The most important projects in the plan include a project for
the installation of increasingly advanced meters, which, in addition to allowing more precise
measurement of consumption, will offer sales companies the opportunity to exploit the numerous kinds
of information relating to users. In the area of gas distribution, 300 thousand NexMeters are to be
installed. These smart meters, developed by Hera with Panasonic, provide benefits in terms of
operational safety and environmental protection, thanks to the reduction of gas dispersed into the
atmosphere. A green version has already been developed for measuring green gases, in particular a
mixture of methane and hydrogen, and its components are made from a significant percentage of
recycled plastic. With regard to electricity distribution, the old meters installed in all areas managed by
the Group are expected to be replaced with new generation (2G) devices.
The business plan also foresees the start-up of a Power-to-gas plant, built at the Idar purification plant
in Bologna Corticella, which will make it possible to exploit synergies in the various businesses
managed by the Group (not only gas and electricity, but also the water cycle), and at the same time to
start experimenting with the production and distribution of hydrogen or other green gases.
In the water cycle, work will continue to make networks more resilient to climate change, smarter in
terms of automation and remote monitoring of assets, and more efficient in managing water resources.
Pursuing these objectives, Apennine sources will be upgraded, predictive models will be implemented
that can anticipate supplies in the event of prolonged drought risk, and predictive maintenance will be
enhanced with a view to a selective renewal of the network. The Group’s attention also continues in the
purification phase, benefitting the circular economy, which has always been an important objective for
the Group and will be further pursued in the period covered by the plan. The extension of the
programmes for reuse of water resources in agriculture to the other plants in the areas managed will
Regulated
businesses
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| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 35|
allow the current volume of wastewater sent for reuse to be increased, reaching 8.5% of the total
reusable water by 2025.
District heating will also receive incremental investments compared to the previous plan, benefiting
business continuity and the smart evolution of the infrastructure. The project for the physical
interconnection of two district heating systems in Bologna will be the most significant initiative in this
business over the next five years and will make it possible to optimise plant capacity while providing
important benefits in terms of reducing CO
2
emissions.
Lastly, in the urban waste management business, the Group has confirmed its commitment to
achieving recycling targets, focusing on improving the quality of sorted waste collection. To this end,
new communication campaigns and citizen engagement actions will be launched, with a particular
focus on single-use plastics and packaging, as well as the fight against abandonment and degradation.
To support the virtuous behaviour of citizens, 62,000 Smarty (with IT devices) bins will be made
available, covering more than half of the current amount, which can be monitored remotely and in real
time (by a control room) in order to improve the service and optimise operators’ interventions.
The path of growth outlined in the strategy described above will allow the Group to reach 1,400 million
euro in Ebitda by 2025, up 277 million euro compared to 2020, thanks to the contribution of both
internal and external growth. Investments coming to more than 3.8 billion euro, allocated in the period
covered by the plan, will provide the basis for changes in margins and the implementation of the
projects foreseen over the next few years, which will be significantly higher than both the average of
the last five years (+59%) and the amount set out in the previous plan (+20%). Of these investments,
around 1.2 billion will be earmarked for plant resilience, with a view to adapting to identified climate
risks, such as strengthening the electricity distribution network and developing interconnections of
water and gas networks. Despite this significant financial commitment, the net debt/Ebitda ratio will
remain constantly below 3x, thanks to a sustained cash flow and the optimisation of financial and fiscal
management.
The Group has also confirmed, in this industrial plan, the consistency of its strategy with the most
recent and ambitious European policies, as well as with the recommendations of the UN Agenda. By
2025, 55% of the Group’s total Ebitda will contribute to creating shared value, driven by approximately
2.5 billion euros of investments over the period covered by the plan (66% of total investments). As of
this year, a target of 70% of total Ebitda has also been set for 2030, in line with the growth trend
recorded over the years.
Hera’s work towards the 2030 industrial targets set and communicated to the market a year ago also
continues. The 2025 plan confirms, in fact, the converging path towards 2030 targets on carbon
neutrality, the circular economy and shared value.
Hera’s strategy has always been based on a close relationship with the areas served and its own
ecosystem. The evolution of this context, in its economic, political, local and technological aspects,
affects the Group’s activities across the board and influences the guidelines that will characterize their
evolution, leading towards increased resilience and accelerating the evolution of its corporate culture.
“Growth”, in particular, offers an overview of the Group’s strategy, and is subdivided into various areas
of action:
▪ a path of economic growth and sustainability for the green transition;
▪ resilience, confirmed and reinforced through the evolution of its enterprise risk management
model;
▪ increased regeneration, including the project for the reuse of soil and demolition materials;
▪ the development of green gasses, an opportunity that allows for synergies between the Group’s
various businesses;
▪ the extension of laboratories towards the external market, exploiting the experience and know-how
accumulated;
▪ tools for listening to and communicating with the areas served, considered fundamental for
wellbeing, aimed at consolidating relationship with stakeholders and generating the engagement
necessary for the initiatives to succeed;
▪ updating the shared value framework, based on developments in the EU taxonomy for sustainable
finance;
▪ valorising the enormous amount of data available and its use in artificial intelligence projects;
▪ enhancing cybersecurity monitoring tools.
Growth
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| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 36|
See the following paragraphs for further details about the strategic actions mentioned above, and the
attention towards human capital implied by each of them.
Climate and the environment: sustainable development
Hera’s shared value framework, introduced in 2016, has oriented the Group’s strategy towards growth
based on responses to the problems of the external context, capable of maximising shared value, both
for the company and for the community. Creating shared value is the perspective that integrates an
orientation towards sustainability into the very heart of the Group’s strategic approach.
The 2020 revision of this model includes the topics of resilience and adaptation to climate change,
drinking water (included within the scope of sustainable management of water resources, together with
purification, which was already present) and biodiversity. These are issues to which the Group has
been committed for years, which complement the other dimensions of Hera’s framework (such as the
circular economy and sustainable management of water resources).
The Group’s objective is to create shared value through business activities that are strongly integrated
into the socio-economic fabric of the communities
served, generate operating margins and respond
to the drivers of the Global Agenda, i.e. the calls
to action for change indicated by policies at a
global, European, national and local level. The
year 2021 confirmed the validity of the initiatives
already launched by the UN Global Agenda 2030
to respond to the megatrends in place: fragile
planet, technological disruption and accelerated
urbanisation were considered the most closely
linked to Hera’s business, having a direct impact
on corporate activities. Hera’s contribution is most
significant for seven sustainable development
goals on the 2030 Agenda: 6) clean water and
sanitation, 7) clean and affordable energy, 9)
business, innovation and infrastructure, 11)
sustainable cities and communities, 12)
responsible consumption and production, 13)
combating climate change and 17) partnership for
the goals.
The Group’s website (www.gruppohera.it/gruppo/sostenibilità) and its Sustainability Report
(Sustainable Strategy and Shared Value section) offer further details on the actions that the Group
intends to promote by contributing in a broad sense to the 169 targets or the 17 Goals of the UN 2030
Agenda. Also note that the Group has set itself clear industrial objectives for both 2025 and 2030, to
make a significant contribution to achieving carbon neutrality. The main elements include energy
efficiency solutions applied both within the Group’s operations and to customers (by valorising multi-
business assets), the development of new renewable plants, the sale of green energy to customers
and a strong commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the industrial chain, reaching 37%
by 2030 (compared to 2019), calculated according to Science Based Target references.
In order to foster a culture linked to these SDGs among the Group’s entire workforce, dedicated
training events have been made available on its corporate training platform, concerning the circular
economy in particular; the UN agenda is also part of training for all newly hired employees. The main
actions include those aimed at promoting energy efficiency, sustainable management of water
resources, the selection of suppliers with qualifications in terms of environmental and social
sustainability aspects, the development of employment and new skills, and the spread of innovation
and digitalisation. In order to ensure that the principles of the Green Deal, operationally set out in the
circular economy action plan and in Next Generation EU, increasingly become elements of which all
Group employees are aware, specific training courses have been planned, which provide for the
enhancement of internal skills to develop projects consistent with the SDG framework. Awareness of
the significance of climate change is considered by the Group to be the first necessary step towards
incorporating precise responses to the resulting risks and opportunities into its corporate strategy,
consequently reflecting the effects of these responses in the drafting its multi-year plans.
Shared value
framework
Green
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| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 37|
Among the initiatives identified to seize the opportunities defined through an analysis of the climate
scenarios hypothesised, the most promising were included in the Business Plan to 2025, which also
reflects the mitigation actions identified in response to the risks defined. In particular, the Group’s
strategy to implement climate change mitigation mainly consists of:
▪ choosing renewable electricity to power its own activities and to sell to customers;
▪ increasing the production of energy from renewable sources (in particular geothermal and
biomethane, in relation to which, at the Sant’Agata Bolognese plant, performances exceeding
expectations have been obtained);
▪ offering solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of customers in all segments (households,
condominiums, businesses and public administrations, for example by setting commercial
objectives in the time covered by the Plan that aim to involve customers in replacing boilers with a
high environmental impact);
▪ initiatives and projects to reduce the carbon footprint, such as the launch of technological and
regulatory feasibility studies to produce green hydrogen through water electrolysis, using the share
of renewable energy generated by WTEs, or connecting the two district heating systems in the
Bologna area that are currently separate, from which a single, more resilient, efficient and
saturated district heating network will emerge;
▪ promoting and implementing the principles of the circular economy (for further details, see below);
▪ implementing technological innovation projects and initiatives for greater environmental
sustainability in the Group’s activities.
The Group’s approach to the circular economy also defines specific projects in the various sectors.
By way of example, the design and execution phases of engineering works show a progressive focus
on the issues of sustainability, reducing the environmental footprint and minimising the use of virgin
soil. Building information modelling (BIM) technology, which makes material analysis possible (even
during plant demolition), allows for maximum recycling and reuse and extends the circular approach to
the end-of-life of the work. The development of plastic recycling and an increase in the production of
biomethane, foreseen in the period covered by the Plan, are increasingly oriented towards giving new
value to the organic portion of solid municipal waste. The rationale underlying circularity also involves
the Group’s main purchasing processes: Hera’s strategic approach involves an increasing focus on
materials or goods that meet the principles of the circular economy and extends the adoption of
minimum environmental criteria (MC) to the definition of product characteristics, not only to
components for water connections but also to other standard elements of the networks such as gas
and water reducers and sewer lifts. The Group confirms its commitment to widely adopting circular
economy solutions with medium- and long-term industrial objectives and projects based on defined
deadlines, through technological and behavioural solutions to improve the volume and quality of sorted
waste collection, new plant capacity for the treatment, recovery and recycling of special urban waste
(including through partnerships in the local area) and, lastly, technology to maximise the reuse of water
resources and advanced plant engineering for the quality of purification. Measures to increase the
resilience of the Group’s activities also include the installation of remote-controlled accessories and
sensors in all networks (to ensure remote monitoring and management), the installation of smart
meters in each business, and the implementation of programming and modelling tools based on
artificial intelligence, to anticipate critical events and optimise maintenance. Over the period covered by
the Plan, for example, revamping and automation of primary electricity substations are planned, as is
roboticising approximately 1,400 secondary substations (“Apennine resilience plan”, which will address
resilience with a view to mitigating the risks identified in the electricity distribution sector). For further
details, see the following paragraph, “Technology and human capital: innovation”).
To benefit the wider use of circular models, greater attention will also be paid to the various customer
engagement tools, so as to use the different communication/dissemination channels according to the
features of the various geographical areas, as well as to improve and expand the tools already in place
by paying attention to the different types of customers.
The campaign to raise awareness of environmental challenges will continue to involve schoolchildren
(environmental education projects), including distance learning designed for the current health
situation, and will be carried out through the main media at a local level (press tour on environmental
issues).
In order to support the energy transition towards which the entire company is called to act, the Hera
Group constantly plans actions aimed at increasing energy efficiency among its various categories of
users, as well as at exploiting every possible form of renewable energy.
Contribution
to the energy
transition
Circular
economy
and the area
served
Regeneration
& resilience
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| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 38|
Actions to reduce energy consumption within the Group's scope of operations (-8% by 2025 compared
to 2013), as well as those carried out with industrial customers, household customers and public
administrations, will therefore continue with even greater impetus. The legislative framework, while
continuing to present interesting opportunities in the household sector, will facilitate the building
renovations deemed necessary for a fully effective energy transition. Similarly, the real estate assets of
the public administration will also have to see a gradual improvement in energy consumption.
The Group’s plant assets also have further potential to seize opportunities related to the development
of new renewable energy vectors, such as hydrogen. The Group intends to become involved in the
various phases of the hydrogen chain and is launching experimental projects in this direction. In the
sustainable hydrogen production phase, a circular solution comes from synergies between the
electrolytic process and the water purification process, with multiple circular flows of material between
the two activities (oxygen as input for purification and biogas from sewage sludge as material for
hydrogen methanation). Or again, the Group’s Waste-to-Energy plants will be able to use biogenic
electricity (considered renewable) to power electrolysers capable of obtaining hydrogen for industrial
customers, mobility or the distribution network. With reference to gas distribution, experiments are
underway on the Group’s assets to assess the optimal blending percentage between methane and
hydrogen for the operation of cogeneration assets and plants for industrial and household users.
Finally, note the project to install the latest generation of “NexMeter” gas meters, suitable for measuring
hydrogen/methane mixtures, as described in the paragraphs above.
For Hera, the need to guarantee the quality and continuity of essential services in such a changing
context, subject to increased climate risks, represents a cost, but at the same time an opportunity. The
necessary increase in investments to improve the resilience of its assets puts the Group, thanks to its
solidity and financial capacity, in an advantageous position compared to smaller competitors, who
could face greater difficulties in dealing with such a volume of investments.
In other words, the Group aims to make the most of the opportunities offered by technological evolution
and digitalisation to extract innovations, operational improvements, cost efficiencies and synergies
related to data management, in order to meet the needs of the local area and stakeholders, to take a
leading role in the provision of services and to accompany cities towards new development models,
overseeing each technological upgrade by analysing its impacts and mitigating its side effects.
Technology and human capital: innovation
Advances in the chemical and engineering industries are at the forefront of technological development
and concern the waste management (first and foremost plastics) and energy (biogas and biofuels)
sectors. This is where the search for concrete solutions may prove to be instrumental adapting to
climate change or countering the depletion of natural resources. The Group strategically exploits these
advances in order to identify plastic recycling processes that can flank mechanical procedures and
make the process effective even for less pure and less valuable types of plastic. The same advances
make it possible, for example, to experiment with solutions that use excess renewable electricity
(otherwise unusable) to split molecules into hydrogen and oxygen and then convert the result into
synthetic methane gas by adding carbon (from CO
2
).
Hera has adopted a Group strategy to exploit all available information and to be able to guarantee
quality and exchange in data flows. The principles that have guided the implementation of this strategy
come from an organisational approach to data architecture, which consists of four guiding principles:
▪ organise information by “domains”;
▪ develop it according to a product strategy;
▪ rely on a self-service technology platform;
▪ adopt a federated governance model.
The Group’s data strategy model and related guidelines were included in training courses intended for
individual company units, with the aim of spreading awareness of the strategic plan at all levels. In
order to increase the ability to block anomalous events, the data sources used with the convergence
between the management environment (applications) and the industrial environment (Group plants)
must be continuously extended. Vulnerability assessment activities in both environments, aimed at
preventing attacks on systems and plants, are fundamental; to this end, the model calls for distributed
Digital
strategy
Opportunity
Contribution to
decarbonisation
A strategy
moving
towards
green
innovation
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 39|
actions and responsibilities, and will be further strengthened over the time covered by the Plan thanks
to projects aimed at increasing monitoring capacity and the evolution of prevention tools.
The utility sector is fragmentary and shows considerable technological gaps, and this must be resolved
in order to comply with new European directives. In order to consolidate its role in the Italian utility
sector, Hera intends to leverage the specialisations it has built up over time, by implementing new
analytical methods and developing projects to automate and digitise processes. More specifically, the
Plan provides for various interventions, including: the implementation of additional types of
parameterised estimates to be sent to customers following the insertion of a request in the front-office
channels; the creation of a technical help desk that filters requests for estimates before inspections and
assists customers, with the aim of reducing the number of technicians in the field, potentially including
virtual inspections or online estimates. The next few years will also see the expansion in remote
control, which will manage a considerably larger perimeter of activities, offering a significant operational
capacity. Digital transformation processes will cover various business areas, in order to make the most
of the opportunities offered by new technologies. In the sales business (energy and gas), for example,
customer acquisition activities will be supported by advanced digital marketing tools; the technological
infrastructures of the billing processes will be renewed to optimise the “meter to cash” process;
electricity offers will be provided with customisable discounts thanks to the functions of new generation
(2G) meters and, to enhance customer centricity, a new customer relationship management platform
will be implemented. In distribution (water, gas and electricity networks) and collection (waste)
businesses, the implementation of advanced functionalities aimed at improving the effectiveness of the
service is planned, such as predictive maintenance, the sharing of operational progress with
municipalities through the development of a “dual system” or the implementation of virtual control for
containers, in order to optimise their maintenance.
Data strategy is increasingly designed in such a way as to transform the Group into a data-driven
company, where decisions guided by data, valued as a corporate asset and subject to an ethical and
conscious reading, highlight the growing importance of data management and resources dedicated to
its protection.
In 2021, the cybersecurity initiatives carried out in the Group consistently concerned three main macro-
groups: technologies, processes and people. Cybersecurity interventions were introduced both in the
traditional spheres of ICT and ICS (Industrial Control Systems), and, more generally, cybersecurity in
industrial plants (Operation Technology). In addition to what is required by national regulations in the
field of Operation Technology, the Hera Group has adopted a security management paradigm that
extends its perimeter to all potentially vulnerable systems, not limiting itself to the traditional field of
management and network application infrastructures but extending to the industrial plants through
which the Group’s services are provided. In this sense, a convergence between cyber security
monitoring in the IT and OT contexts was launched, which, in addition to introducing new network
traffic monitoring probes in the management context, allowed an initial probe to be activated for
analysing anomalies in industrial protocols dedicated to the OT context. The Threat Intelligence service
also continued, consolidating relations with Italy’s Computer Security Incident Response Team
(CSIRT) and the main public and private bodies. The Group also extended its vulnerability assessment
activities, which previously covered IT, to OT as well, analysing some of the main plants at the basis of
the Group’s service provision.
In order to increase its ability to react to cyber security events and integrate centralised, across-the-
board monitoring capabilities in its IT and OT contexts, the Group extended its vulnerability
assessment activities to the OT context. In order to limit cyber incidents and protect accesses, but at
the same time guarantee the minimum possible impact in terms of user experience (especially as
regards balancing swift access to resources and adequacy of security requirements), digital identity
protection continued thanks to an extension of multi-factor authentication. The widespread introduction
of cybersecurity awareness continued through a dedicated online training platform, which now covers
the entire corporate population, and monthly adaptive ethical phishing exercises.
These activities, on which Hera’s strategic model focuses, contribute to a reduction of overall risk, as
well as to the Group’s preparedness for possible attacks, which translates into greater speed of action
and reaction.
Technology
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 40|
The evolution of technology and digitalisation, calling for continuous development of employee skills
and the consequent training needs, confirms the Group’s strategic decision to introduce cloud-based
platforms to increase individual productivity and as the main tools for collaboration, since cooperation
between man and technology requires continuous evolution in the way we work. With this in mind,
process automation projects (virtual factories and digital labs) encourage a wider awareness of
technological integration, focusing on initiatives to apply artificial intelligence and enhance the
community, through digital workplace tools.
The Group intends to use data to generate value for people and for its business; the gradual
digitalisation of human resources management processes, as well as the creation of a reference
architecture to integrate systems and data available by using a prescriptive analytics approach, confirm
this intention. Lastly, the Group’s strategic vision of digitalisation technologies, which logically overlap
with the area of environmental and social sustainability, led to the introduction in 2020 of a strategic
framework called Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR), which is described in detail in the
Sustainability Report.
In the context marked by the transitions currently taking place, human resources development
guidelines are constantly updated in order to address priorities within the Next GeneHERAtion Growth
model and guide the company’s policies. In order to bring out ethical values and behaviour that
represents a distinctive model for the Group, a culture oriented towards results, relationships between
individuals and widespread leadership is increasingly encouraged. The Group’s programmes on culture
and an agile approach to improve performance, achieved by embedding trust, responsibility, autonomy
and work ethics, are guided by the continuous development of a “work by objectives” culture. As part of
the Group’s strategy, it is fundamental to make everyone feel that their work and sense of belonging
are related to the company’s overall results and performance. In order to go beyond the concept of
equality and achieve fundamental fairness in treatment, thus recognising specific individual features, as
of 2021 the Group has launched a project for the evolution of performance management, with the aim
of making the dialogue between team leaders and team members increasingly effective, orienting it
towards accountability towards measurable objectives and greater delegation and autonomy in the
organisation of work activities. This Result management-oriented path will be further consolidated
through a series of initiatives foreseen over the time covered by the Plan. The Group, in this regard as
well, continues its path of progressive digitalisation, which makes it possible to enable experiences,
training, development and career paths in an increasingly self-determined manner, confirming the
rationale of individual and collective responsibility guided by purpose. Human resources management
and development processes are designed to preserve the distinctive skills and values built up over time
and, at the same time, to develop individual talent, regardless of gender and age, seeking innovation in
all aspects that can generate added and sustainable value over time. Hera’s strategy hinges on the
continuous development of an inclusive culture of diversity, understood as a means of generating
change, in which employees can benefit from a good balance between the development actions
assigned to them by the manager and the development actions in which the initiative instead comes
from the individual. It is no coincidence that, in addition to retaining the figure of the Diversity Manager
(introduced in 2011), Hera, a signatory of the “Utilitalia Pact - Diversity makes the difference”, promotes
inclusive policies at all levels of its organisation, progressively refines measures to reconcile work-life
balance and adopts a merit management system which is not only transparent, but also and above all
neutral with respect to gender, age and cultural differences, with the adoption of systems aimed at
monitoring progress and internal and external awareness-raising policies. Artificial intelligence and
digital tools, moreover, are now consolidated in analysing the data emerging from listening initiatives,
which allow for a deeper level of employee satisfaction on issues related to the working environment
and corporate values, which translates into corrective actions in each employee’s department, but also
through internal mobility involving more than one department. In order to verify the level of satisfaction
and engagement of the company population, in 2021 a further accurate and quantitative analysis of the
gender pay gap was launched within the company, investigating diversity in relation to the roles played,
the performance achieved and seniority in the company.
The Group’s strategy also contributes to creating value by accelerating the processes of re-designing
training activities with a blended learning approach, continuously evolving its professional academy
courses, encouraging an increasingly widespread use of the HerAcademy learning centre as a
reference point for knowledge sharing within and outside the Group, not to mention other projects to
further improve employee engagement. As of 2022, the ambassador engagement project will be
Hera’s human
capital
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 41|
finalised, with the aim of developing engagement through digital channels, inside and outside the
company.
Consistently with its corporate direction, the Group has planned multidisciplinary initiatives to develop
projects coherent with its SDG framework, with particular reference to the circular economy, and to
work with an ecosystem outlook alongside the Group’s various stakeholders, to converge towards
common objectives in terms of the green economy. The wider presence of a green culture and an
approach oriented towards sustainability and circularity is a central element of Hera’s strategic plan,
and presupposes a process of cultural change that, since last year, has been supported by various
initiatives. The intervention concerning digital skills, customised for the entire company population, is
continuing, to accompany the energy and environmental transition with updates in roles, skills and the
Group’s training offer. The objective of achieving results in terms of green economy related a reduction
of the Group’s carbon footprint, by way of example, is shared through an enhancement of the
contribution of remote working, or through a reinforced green offer as part of corporate welfare tools, or
again through raising awareness of green issues even at the time of recruitment. From 2022, the
propensity to adopt an approach that is culturally consistent with these principles will become a key
element in the Group’s selection, recruitment and development processes.
An integrated vision of technological evolution and employee experience, accompanied by the
application of Organisational Network Analysis, artificial intelligence and business intelligence tools,
aims to foster the optimisation of organisational processes, human capital development and individual
decision-making capabilities. The evolution of skills and roles according to business needs, through a
strategic dialogue between the lines of business and human resources, allows the meaning of the
business challenges addressed over the time covered by the Plan to be shared, along with a sense of
the risks and opportunities involved.
After identifying the factors of success for the utilities of the future, and the objectives of industrial
growth, circularity and risks are translated into an equal number of coherent company policies.
Welfare
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| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 42|
RISK FACTORS: ACTORS, METHODOLOGY
AND AREAS OF MANAGEMENT
Risk governance
The Hera Group’s organizational structure is designed to manage any risk exposure arising from its
businesses and simultaneously to uphold management effectiveness and profitability across the entire
value chain.
Hera’s corporate governance system enables organisational strategies to be handled uniformly and
consistently. The Risks Committee is the principal policy-making, monitoring and reporting organ for
risk management. Additionally, under article seven of the Self-Governance Code, the Controls and
Risks Committee oversees the internal auditing system, the efficiency of corporate operations, the
reliability of financial reporting and compliance with laws and regulations, as well as the protection of
company assets. In order to maximise the consistency of the management strategy, these bodies meet
periodically. During 2021, the Risks Committee met four times and the Controls and Risks Committee
met seven times.
The Group has adopted a three-tier risk defence strategy, appropriately distinguishing:
▪ the role of risk management, entrusted to the risk owners in charge of the different organizational
sections;
▪ the role of risk guidance and control, entrusted to the Risks Committee, which relies on risk
specialists who carry out second-level controls, i.e. who are responsible for defining, applying and
updating risk analysis methodologies and carrying out control activities for the areas under their
responsibility (review challenge and control);
▪ the role of assessing the effectiveness of risk management processes and the internal control and
risk management system, entrusted to the Internal Auditing department.
The Risks Committee sets the general risk management guidelines, maps and monitors corporate
risks, ensures that risk policies are set forth and outlines the information protocols targeted to the
Controls and Risks Committee, the Internal Auditing management and the Statutory Auditors.
The Board of Directors approves the risk policies and measurement parameters, guides and assesses
the adequacy of the internal control and risk management system. The Controls and Risks Committee
supports the Board of Directors in defining internal control and risk management guidelines.
The President and the CEO supervise, each within their area of responsibility, the internal control and
risk management functions. The Vice Chairman oversees coordination between the Risks Committee
and the Controls and Risks Committee, maintaining their own independent status.
1.02
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1.02.01
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 43|
The risk governance structure is outlined here below:
Management methodology
Hera has introduced the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) process, to provide the Board of
Directors with useful elements for assessing the nature of corporate risks and defining the Group’s risk
profile, particularly in the medium to long term. The definition of the risk profile is made explicit by the
Board of Directors itself through the approval of the Group risk management policy and the risk limits
established therein.
The risk management framework is formulated through three key elements:
▪ the risk model, which identifies the types of existing and emerging risks to which the Group is
potentially exposed, and is subject to periodic review;
▪ the Group’s risk propensity, which defines acceptable risk levels consistently with a given risk
management strategy, through the identification of:
– key risk scales;
– risk metrics;
– their associated limitations;
– monitoring, escalation and updating processes to ensure that corrective actions are identified
and implemented;
▪ risk management activities, which ensure effective monitoring and management of the risk
universe to which the Group is potentially exposed. The activities are broken down into:
– ongoing risk management, also by means of sectoral management entrusted to dedicated risk
specialists/risk owners;
– enterprise risk management, aimed at analysing the evolution of the Group’s overall risk profile,
to support informed risk-taking and the identification of strategic objectives.
On 27 January 2022, the sixth Enterprise Risk Management report on the 2022-2025 business plan
was presented to the Board of Directors.
Over the course of 2021, the ERM analysis made further methodological improvements and
refinements:
▪ backtesting of the previous year ERM analysis was carried out to assess that actually incurred
impacts were consistent with estimated impacts;
▪ the Group’s resilience analysis, carried out in previous years in relation to risks that may
jeopardise the continuity of core activities, made it possible to plan further mitigation actions in the
2022-2025 business plan;
1.02.02
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| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 44|
▪ the identification and analysis of climate change (physical and transitional) risk scenarios relevant
to the Group’s activities continued, to begin assessing the impacts and business development
opportunities for certain relevant risk factors in keeping with the recommendations of the Task
Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD).
▪ further methodological refinements were introduced in the ERM analysis, to improve the
comprehensibility of the risks.
The 2021 ERM analysis did not reveal any critical risks, either in terms of reputation or operating-
financial impact.
Areas of significant risk include reputational impact deriving from possible proceedings by
supervisory/regulator/investigation bodies, generated by the degrees of discretion on the opening of
audit/investigation procedures in cases of non-univocal interpretative guidelines (even when the Hera
Group’s conduct complied with legal provisions), as well as the operating-financial impact deriving from
high-intensity seismic events relating to networks. The risk deriving from potential fires at waste
treatment and recovery plants is confirmed; however, the related impact in terms of consequences on
Group results is assessed as insignificant, while consequences for the environment and operational
continuity have zero impact. However, due to growing social awareness on the issue, such events may
lead to significant reputational consequences because of perceived risk. The difficult economic
situation, which is due to the long-term effects of the health emergency, spreading in various ways
across the agenda and priorities of all economic operators, could also affect the full compliance of the
actions undertaken by companies which, on behalf of Hera, work through external contracts on the
networks managed by the Group. However, Hera is committed to containing this risk by confirming its
commitment to extensively monitoring the health of the value chains involved in its business.
Risk areas: identifying and managing risk factors
The existing and emerging risks which Hera faces belong to different types: risks deriving from the
evolution of the macroeconomic and financial, business (regulatory and competitive), technological,
environmental and human capital contexts, including with constantly increasing regard to climate
change and sustainable development. Paragraph 1.01, “Contexts and trends, strategic approach and
Group management policies”, provides a detailed analysis of the factors constituting some of the
fundamental prerequisites for identifying these risks.
In order to mitigate exposure to these risks, introduce optimisation measures (including technological
and efficiency improvements) within current structures and develop strategic planning that offers
coherent responses, Hera carries out the specific analysis, measurement, monitoring and management
activities described below.
1.02.03
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| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 45|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 46|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 47|
Operating and financial area
Identifying commodity price risk
The Group operates in an integrated manner in the supply and sale of electricity and gas at different
stages of the value chain. Hera is therefore exposed to risks arising from the volatility of energy
markets, which are only partially mitigated by an integrated assessment of these markets and
associated management strategies.
Energy market risks are centralised in the Central Market Department, which is responsible for the
purchase and sale of electricity and gas.
Managing commodity price risk
In order to standardise the approach to risk of the various corporate structures involved and with the
aim of optimising the use of the market for hedging operations, the Group has adopted specific policies
aimed at setting guidelines and operating procedures for the energy risk control and management
process. Hera structured the processes to achieve effective management of procurement and hedging
concerning the energy market, with a clear-cut focus on the skills involved. The Group’s approach
provides for a single interface for the management of risk to market: Hera Trading. A unified risk
management approach in compliance with the assigned policies provides advantages in terms of
achieving higher levels of coverage, cost optimization by resorting less to the market, and greater
flexibility in structuring procurement and supplying customers.
Identifying risks associated with the debt market
The operating and financial context, in addition to fluctuating energy and commodity prices, shows
changes in interest rates, exchange rates, credit spreads and possible liquidity crises. Such
fluctuations may affect Group results, future growth and strategic investments (e.g. due to high
refinancing costs).
The Group might not be able to meet its payment obligations due to an inability to raise new funds or to
do so only on unfavourable economic terms, or an inability to liquidate assets on the market or due to a
changed risk perception on the part of the market. Among the factors determining this perceived risk,
the creditworthiness assigned to Hera by rating agencies plays a key role, as it influences the
possibility of accessing funding sources and the related economic conditions. The Group’s debt
structure is not subject to financial covenants on debt balances, with the exception of the corporate
rating limit defined on a portion of debt equal to approximately 150 million euro (i.e. in the assignment
of a rating lower than BBB-). On the other hand, with respect to the remaining outstanding debt,
mandatory early repayment is provided for only in the event of a significant change of control over the
Group, in the event that a concession is revoked (concession event), or assets are sold (sale of assets
event), resulting in downgrading the Group to non-investment grade or lower, or terminating of the
publication of the rating.
Managing risks associated with the debt market
Hera’s financial management is centralised in the Central Administration, Finance and Control
Department, which aims to maintain an adequate balance between the maturities of assets and
liabilities, matching investments to consistent sources of financing in terms of duration and repayment
methods while taking into account the need to refinance the current debt structure. In order to meet its
medium- and long-term commitments, Hera’s strategy involves diversified financing sources and a
balanced maturity profile, constantly monitoring rating indicators and the availability of long-term credit
lines. This strategy is considered effective in minimising liquidity risk even in the event of particularly
critical scenarios. Approximately 66% of the Group’s financial debt is long-term (more than five years)
and 86% of this is represented by bonds with repayment at maturity. See note 26 to the consolidated
financial statements, “Non-current and current financial liabilities”, for further details in terms of worst
case scenarios.
Moreover, the Group’s activities and strategies are particularly focused on ensuring that the highest
rating level is maintained, as confirmed by the upgrade of its rating to BBB+ with a stable outlook by
S&P, in May 2021.
Financial risk control and management processes are based on a careful monitoring of the Group’s
financial indicators, as well as a permanent presence on the benchmark markets, to minimise the
impact of interest rate and spread volatility so as to ensure efficient debt servicing. The Group also
uses derivative financial instruments to reduce its exposure to interest and exchange rate fluctuations.
Sensitivity
analysis
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 48|
At 31 December 2021, the Group’s exposure to the risk of interest rate fluctuations was 7%, while the
remaining 93% of debt is at a fixed rate. A 1% increase in the benchmark interest rate with respect to
the business plan scenario, based on the assumption of a coupon rate shift and the Group’s debt
structure in the plan, would increase financial expenses by an average of approximately 7 million euro
per year.
Identifying risks from counterparties
Hera operates with counterparties that might fail to fulfil their obligations, unable to comply with either
economic terms or any contract provisions (delivery of goods or services). Additionally, credit risk
affects the group across all of the various areas in which the company operates: the sale of energy
commodities and services, waste treatment activities and telecommunication services.
Managing risks from counterparties
Hera employs a structured origination process, formalised in specific credit risk management
procedures; this process allows the Group to adequately select its counterparties through credit checks
and requests for guarantees, where applicable. In addition, its positions in relation to the counterparties
are regularly monitored while articulated, proactive actions are planned, including external risk
relocation through credit transfer, where appropriate. Expected losses are constantly estimated and
monitored; the Group employs measures of default probability, exposure at default and loss given
default developed on the basis of its own historical series, customer payment behaviour and current
credit processes. In order to test the soundness of the models, both internal and external information is
used that may serve as a benchmark for the evolution of the macroeconomic environment.
In 2021, the 24-month unpaid ratio of the Group’s main sales companies amounted to 0.85%.
Regulatory and business area
Identifying competition and economic risks
Hera operates mainly in Italy, where there has been a recovery in energy consumption and in the
volume of waste disposed of in connection with the easing of restrictive measures following the
emergency situation due to the pandemic. External factors, however, still influence this economic
recovery; in addition to the pandemic, the sudden and abnormal increase in the prices of energy and
other raw materials, as well as the difficulties connected to global logistics chains, all contribute to
putting pressure on sales margins which, added to the increased competition on the free market, may
impact the Group's profitability. Changes in retail energy consumption levels, and the increased
difficulty in forecasting volumes to cover the needs of the sales portfolio, may require Hera to purchase
or sell additional energy on unfavourable terms.
The potential reduction in waste production, deriving not only from the economic context and European
and national regulatory frameworks but also from new trends in customer behaviour, together with the
unavailability of treatment and recovery infrastructures, may have a negative impact on the Group’s
ability to pursue its objectives. The risks of the waste management business related to the
management of its set of plants are centralised under the Herambiente Group.
Managing competition and economic risks
The Group has maintained elevated flexibility in energy procurement sources while at the same time
developing hedging activities to minimize exposure to operating risks from electric generation, thus
ensuring ongoing alignment with the market and maximising natural hedging.
In waste management and treatment activities, the Group’s diversified plant equipment features
technologies that are cutting-edge and high-performance in terms of environmental impact, which to
date has enabled the Group to achieve its strategic objectives. The implementation of a circularity
strategy – through the inclusion of polymeric materials in the recycling process carried out by Aliplast
Spa – and the development of recycling lines for other types of plastics make it possible to seize the
opportunities offered by the evolution of European legislation.
Over the years, free-market businesses have gained increasing importance in the Group’s portfolio,
contributing significantly to its economic performance but also exposing it to growing competition. The
Group responds to the challenge of competition by continuously innovating its commercial offering and
introducing these new products in a timely manner, increasing its presence and customer base on the
free market, and ensuring the fulfilment of expectations in terms of service range and quality.
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 49|
Risk analyses deriving from changes in the economic context (GDP and inflation) and energy market
conditions (gas and electricity prices) make it possible to quantify the sensitivity of the Group’s Ebitda
to changes in primary operating and financial indicators.
In particular, a 1% reduction in GDP compared with the business plan scenario would lead to an
average annual drop in Ebitda of approximately 3 million euro.
A 1% reduction in the inflation rate compared with the business plan scenario would lead to an average
annual drop in Ebitda of approximately 5 million euro. The reduction of the electricity price in the
wholesale market by 1 €/MWh compared with the business plan scenario would lead to an average
annual drop in Ebitda of approximately 0.5 million euro.
Finally, the reduction of the gas price by 1 €c/smc compared with the business plan scenario would
lead to an average annual drop in Ebitda of approximately 0.2 million euro.
Identifying regulatory risks
Hera carries out part of its activities in a regulated market, therefore its operations are influenced by the
regulatory measures taken by the sector authorities and legislator (in particular concerning tariffs and
market structure), government incentives for renewable energies, the concessions granted by local
authorities (in the case of regulated activities relating to waste collection services, gas distribution,
integrated water service and public lighting) and national authorities (in the case of electricity
distribution), as well as by the impacts expected from changes in the market structure and its
liberalisation, and from the evolution of supply and demand in the energy and waste management
sectors.
Periodic updates of the legislative and regulatory framework, both at national and European levels,
may significantly impact on the sectors in which Hera operates, influencing its profitability.
Regulatory risks impact network businesses (water, gas and electricity distribution) and the urban
hygiene business and result in the introduction or modification of economic, organizational and IT
requirements to be met by Hera, and on potential market structure changes caused by them.
The tenders for gas distribution, the integrated water service, waste collection and street sweeping
scheduled in the Plan determine the risk of losing some of the areas currently managed, especially in
contexts with a significant presence of competition. However, it should be noted that, in the event of a
loss of management areas, the Group is compensated for the portion of invested capital not yet
depreciated.
Lastly, there is a risk arising from the regulatory uncertainty surrounding the end of the protected
services, in terms of the implementation timeframe.
Managing regulatory risks
The Group’s organisational structure liaises with national and local authorities and carries out extensive
consultation with institutional stakeholders, actively taking part in working groups established by
authorities and adopting a transparent, co-operative, proactive approach towards possible regulatory
instability.
The Group operates by making the most of its technical skills and management efficiency. Indeed,
Hera’s focus on service quality, cost efficiency and innovation is a competitive strength in tenders for
gas distribution, the integrated water service and waste collection and street sweeping services.
Identifying strategic risks
Strategic risks associated with long-term planning, financial sustainability, the involvement in strategic
initiatives and appropriate investment decisions affect the soundness of results for the various supply
chains and business units. Moreover, the Group’s ability to achieve its strategic objectives may be
compromised if the necessary licences, authorisations and permits to carry out its activities are not
maintained or obtained.
Achievement of the planned results is therefore conditioned by the different endogenous and
exogenous risks that are simulated, measured and controlled as appropriate.
Managing strategic risks
Hera has developed a well-planned strategic risk analysis model (ERM) designed to gauge the
soundness of its Business plan against a variety of adverse risk scenarios, which supports an
integrated risk projection from an enterprise-wide viewpoint. Thanks to this model, it is possible to
Sensitivity
analysis
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 50|
perform scenario analysis, stress testing and what-if analysis of plan forecasts through an effective
analysis of risk factors and related variables and enables an adequate assessment of the risk level of
the various business sectors.
Hera constantly monitors the authorisation processes and proactively participates in the working tables
for obtaining permits, licences and authorisations, to avoid the possibility of jeopardising the regular
performance of its activities.
Environmental-catastrophe, climatic, technological and human capital
areas
Seismic, atmospheric and other climatic events may affect the resources deployed and consequently
the Group’s performance. Hera seeks to enhance these resources by ensuring that they are preserved
and developed so as to continue to enjoy their benefits in the future. In this context, the physical and
transitional risks linked to climate change are particularly important, as are accidents in the Group’s
plant equipment which in turn may generate potential environmental damage. In this respect, the
Group has already developed a detailed analysis of the TCFD recommendations which led on one
hand to implementing, at the operational and strategic level, best practices for managing risks and
opportunities related to climate change, and on the other hand allowed the Group to gradually align its
current reporting instruments with these recommendations. Risks arising from cybercrime, which Hera
also assesses in terms of their impact on service continuity, are also becoming increasingly significant.
It also becomes imperative to determine whether accidents may pose a risk to people’s rights and
freedoms, i.e. whether they may cause physical, material or immaterial damage, based on the
parameters and acceptability thresholds defined by Group policies (published on the company’s web
portal.
The risk management approach is organised according to the specific areas in which environmental,
technological and human capital risks occur.
Identifying environmental-catastrophe risks
Hera uses natural resources to provide essential services to customers. As its activities have an
environmental, water and carbon footprint, the Group is aware of the need to preserve natural
resources by adopting mitigation and adjustment measures to reduce these risks. In keeping with the
ambitious goal to reduce current levels of greenhouse gas emissions as set out by international
organisations, the following physical and transitional climate change risk scenarios have been identified
as relevant to its activities. For further details, please refer to the next section “Identifying climate
change risks”.
In terms of the environmental standards that Hera must comply with in carrying out its business, the
Group’s activities are subject to various rules and regulations, including rules relating to CO
2
emissions, emissions of other substances produced by combustion, water discharge and the handling
of hazardous and solid waste. Non-compliance with CO
2
limits contributes to environmental changes,
while non-compliance with legal limits on other environmental aspects leads to worsened
environmental conditions and exposes the Group to fines.
Scarcity of water resources, or possible contamination of water reserves, may affect the regular water
supply and cause service interruptions or significant environmental, economic and social damage,
worsening the water stress on natural resources in order to meet water demand.
In addition, there are risks stemming from the impact on the Group of weather variability in relation to
the electricity and gas demand deriving from the various scenarios. The most significantly affected
areas pertain to the Central Market Department, which is exposed in terms of electricity, gas and heat
sales and to the variable demand resulting from different weather scenarios.
Managing environmental-catastrophe risks
Investments aimed at preventing and reducing the frequency of harmful events and measures to curb
their severity, play a key role.
The Group’s commitment to reducing carbon dioxide production began with reporting on its own
performance and commitments to climate change and continues with projects to promote energy
production from renewable sources, reduce energy consumption, and provide customers with
opportunities to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The Group is committed to contributing to reducing
environmental risks by complying with the energy efficiency objectives set by national legislation and
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| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 51|
the United Nations, continuing to improve its production facilities and encouraging virtuous and
responsible forms of consumption on the part of its customers. The Group uses exclusively electricity
from renewable sources to operate its production sites. In relation to the consequences of extreme
events, which are expected to occur with increasing frequency as a possible consequence of climate
change, Hera has taken steps to adopt important measures, such as, for example, the Rimini seawater
safety plan, currently underway which, in addition to maintaining the quality of marine resources,
increases the resilience of the stormwater drainage infrastructure in the event of extreme events. For
further details on specific initiatives, please refer to the section “Mitigating climate change” in the Hera
Group’s Sustainability Report.
Hera has adopted an environmental control system that is effective both in terms of the governance of
environmental certification processes and related audits, and in terms of the operational management
of controls and surveys. The Group succeeds in tackling environmental hazards by constantly
monitoring potential pollution factors and ensuring transparency in surveys, as well as through
substantial investments in technological plants that ensure consistently better air and water quality than
required by legal limits. For more details, see the sections on “Protection of air, soil and biodiversity”
and “Sustainable water management” in the Sustainability Report. Moreover, in line with its circular
economy strategy, Hera has already invested (and continues to do so in the medium-to-long term) in
sorting, recovery and composting plants, increasing the amount of waste treated while at the same
time reducing the use of landfills, thus anticipating the requirements of European and national
regulations. For more details, see the “Transition to a circular economy” section in the Sustainability
Report.
The strengthening of the resilience of the Group’s water supply and distribution system in a medium to
long-term outlook is ongoing. Furthermore, the reduction of the water footprint is pursued through the
water management system, which aims to promote sustainable management of this resource both
inside the Group (by preventing network leaks, reducing diffuse consumption, recovering rainwater for
irrigating green areas and washing vehicles) and externally (by monitoring domestic consumption and
offering advice and solutions to optimise it, providing support with technological solutions for water-
demanding customers, and providing support for the construction of treatment plants to reuse/recover
water). The implementation of water safety plans in the integrated water service also ensures an
approach to water quality management based on risk assessment and management, and thus on
prevention and control.
Regarding weather-variable risks, the Group relies on advanced demand forecasting tools that ensure
an optimal use of the available sources. It also relies on adequate flexibility in the supply sources of
energy commodities, ensuring their availability at market rates. A 1°C increase in the average winter
temperature compared with the Business plan scenario leads to an average annual drop in Ebitda of
approximately 13 million euro.
Identifying climate change risks
The physical and transition risks from climate change scenarios pertinent to the Group’s activities have
been classified according to their potential consequences on business and submitted to further impact
and mitigation assessments in relation to their criticality (some examples include extreme weather
phenomena such as floods and droughts as well as health and economic risks).
Climate scenario analysis is a methodology to test the resilience of business plans under different
assumed future developments. Hera selected two of the most relevant scenarios out of the nine that
were considered as starting points. In particular, the IEA ETP 2DS transition scenario by the
International Energy Agency, chosen as an optimistic climate scenario, envisages a future evolution
characterised by strong decarbonisation processes in order to keep the temperature increase below
2°C: this scenario has been used in identifying transition risks. The IPCC RCP 8.5 scenario, chosen as
a pessimistic scenario, instead envisages a ‘business-as-usual’ trend and consequent sharp
temperature rise (approximately 4°C): this scenario has been used in identifying physical risks. Based
on these scenarios, 8 physical risks and 8 transition risks were identified, associated with related
business impacts. Each risk and opportunity was associated with a timeline, a priority level (defined as
the combination of the probability that the context in which Hera operates will change and the impact of
the risk/opportunity on the business) and consequent management methods, in the case of the risks
identified, and business initiatives, in the case of the opportunities identified.
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Type
Causes
Physical risks
▪ heat waves,
▪ abnormal winter temperature changes,
▪ flooding and floods resulting in landslides and mudslides,
▪ extreme weather phenomena,
▪ rising sea levels,
▪ changes in the timing of annual and average rainfall,
▪ drying soils,
▪ rising temperatures; the risk associated with decreased gas
consumption and district heating for residential use as a
result of an increase in temperature was also assessed as
significant in the long term.
Transition risks
▪ electrification of energy consumption,
▪ development of renewable energy sources,
▪ introduction of measures requiring structural and non-
structural efficiency upgrades,
▪ limits on the production of greenhouse gas emissions, the
increase in the cost of raw materials and greenhouse gas
emissions,
▪ stigmatisation of the sector in which the company operates,
or limited access to the capital market,
▪ absence and/or obsolescence of the highly specialised
skills required by the market to develop new technologies
or replace existing products,
▪ legal disputes,
▪ obsolescence of existing plants and the associated need to
introduce new, more sustainable solutions/technologies.
During 2021, a flood risk analysis was carried out, with a medium-long term time projection, to assess
potential impacts on the Group’s assets deriving from extreme phenomena related to climate change.
The conclusion of this analysis, and the ensuing updated scenarios, are expected within 2022.
Note that physical risks are distributed over both the medium and long term, with a higher number of
occurrences in 2031-2050, consistent with the notion that climate change impacts will become more
evident in the long term..
Transition risks are mainly concentrated in the medium term and are distributed across all categories of
the classification suggested by the TCFD. Each risk has also been associated with one or more
management methods: 21 management methods were identified for physical risks and 12 for transition
risks; some of the resulting actions have already been integrated into the investments made, as well as
reflected in the Business plan. For more details, please refer to the section “Hera’s climate strategy” in
the Sustainability Report. The investments and the mitigation and adaptation actions planned to date,
moving in the direction of the energy transition towards carbon neutrality and the environmental
transition towards the circular economy, as well as for technological evolution, in line with European
strategies and the objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda, have been implemented within the estimated
timeframe and at times accelerated in light of the Group’s positive results.
The short- and medium-term scenarios analysed by Hera Group may be updated on the basis of the
consequences of the Russian military intervention in Ukraine. The uncertainties inherent in the future of
this conflict may, in fact, not exclude an acceleration of the transition envisaged by the scenarios, or of
the risks and opportunities emerging from the analyses. For an evaluation of the potential effects in
terms of impairment tests, specifically in relation to gas consumption, see note 31 of the consolidated
financial statements in paragraph 2.02.05 “Commentary notes to the financial statement formats”.
Managing climate change risks
Hera has launched a series of initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change, and at the same time
reduce its carbon footprint. Risk assessment activities continue, with the appropriate level of detail,
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especially with regard to transition risks and their modelling. The Group is developing an analytical
framework with the objective of quantifying the individual impacts. Following the results of the first
phase of analysis, a series of mitigation and adaptation activities have been identified, and no risks
have been determined that – as regards their valuation over the time covered by the Business plan –
may cause a need to make write-downs on the Group’s assets.
Type
The Group’s main initiatives/actions
Mitigation activity
▪ reduction in internal energy needs through efficiency
investments,
▪ specific investments for the growing role of renewable
energy production, such as those planned in plants for
biomethane production and initiatives to build electrolysis
plants for producing green hydrogen,
▪ sales of renewable electricity and gas with compensated
emissions to customers,
▪ offers of photovoltaic generation systems,
▪ offers of energy efficiency services to retail and institutional
customers,
▪ acceleration towards the reuse of raw materials through
polymer recovery and regeneration activities with
consequent reduction of CO
2
emissions
Adaptation activity
▪ actions aimed at consolidating the resilience of Group
infrastructure to climate change, increasing its capacity to
adapt to adverse physical conditions. In this regard,
Rimini’s optimised seawater protection plan will ensure a
better response capacity of the integrated water service
infrastructures to extreme precipitation events in the area;
▪ development of project hypotheses for the integration and
partial replacement of water sources, as well as the
construction of interconnections between them, in order to
deal with emergency conditions by 2030,
▪ interventions for the districtisation of water networks and
monitoring leakage,
agreements and investments for the reuse of purified
wastewater, reducing pressure on primary water resources
and thus water stress on the area served, which will be
accentuated by climate change in the coming decades.
As mentioned in paragraph 1.01.02, “Strategic approach and management policies - climate and the
environment: sustainable development", Hera implements a risk management policy aimed at
achieving carbon neutrality. The main contributions include energy efficiency solutions through the
valorisation of multi-business assets, applied both within the Group and to customers, the development
of new renewable plants, the sale of green energy to customers and a strong commitment to reduce
carbon dioxide emissions from the industrial chain by 37% within 2030 (compared to 2019), calculated
according to the Science Based Target method.
Identifying operational and ICT security risks
Despite careful planning and insurance protection, negative externalities generated by exceptional
events may jeopardise business continuity and increase the financial requirements for restoring normal
operations. The provision of public utilities therefore requires both preventive activities and actions to
counter interruptions, delays or poor service levels. Technological risks include the operational security
of distribution networks (fluids and electricity), the logical security of information, the security of
communication networks and information systems, and the reliability of remote-control systems. The
main threats to on-premise systems (hosted in company data centres) or in the cloud include identity
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theft, phishing aimed at taking control of a personal computer and then attacking central systems, and
attacks on exposed services such as public websites.
The security of the information used, produced and processed by the company depends on the way it
is managed and the human and technological resources involved. The loss of confidentiality, integrity
and availability of corporate information, whether business-critical information or personal information
(i.e. any data relating to natural persons, as more fully defined by the European regulation GDPR and
the privacy code of Legislative Decree 196/03) may result in serious financial losses with consequent
damage to market image. A business impact analysis has been carried out on all ICT systems (BIA)
used by the Group, and a Security Risk Analysis is carried out annually to identify and assess risk,
using a methodology based on a framework that considers three areas of security: availability, integrity
and confidentiality.
Managing operational and ICT security risks
Centralised network monitoring systems (remote control of fluids and the electricity network) ensure
continuous real-time monitoring and supervision and, in some areas, remote management, making it
possible to promptly report potential critical factors to the technical structures in charge of emergency
response and, where possible, to intervene directly to resolve the potential critical situation. These
systems have been used in a variety of situations, allowing the service to be restored within an
appropriate timeframe and ensuring adequate resilience of the services offered.
The Group constantly monitors the level of IT security risk, runs tests to continually assess the level of
penetrability of its systems and network security, and carries out training campaigns to raise
awareness among all users.
During 2021, work continued on measures aimed at ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and
availability of Hera’s systems. The main initiatives, a consolidated part of the Group’s strategy and its
method of action, are described in paragraph 1.01, “Contexts and trends, strategic approach and
Group management policies”. By way of example, in the context of industrial plants, coordination of
cybersecurity improvement initiatives has been boosted, aimed at a single monitoring model for
cybersecurity covering both IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operation Technology) areas. In
order to block any vulnerabilities in systems or applications that could be exploited by an attacker,
vulnerability assessment activities have also been intensified, extending them to industrial plants.
During 2021, the Group received two complaints relating to issues of privacy or data loss from its
customers.
Identifying people’s safety and development risks
People and their behaviour are the common denominator in the areas of climate, environment,
technology and human capital, and they can increasingly influence the effectiveness of corporate
strategies. The protection of people thus remains a key element that must be reflected in workplace
safety and at the level of social protection. Hazard identification and risk assessment are based on
analysing the roles, work activities, processes, workplaces, equipment, vehicles, plants and
substances used. The Group continually focuses on the emerging needs and requirements of different
categories of employees. With reference to the specific nature of its business and its geographical
presence, the Group has established criteria for identifying risk scenarios due to the spread of the
Covid-19 virus using an Enterprise risk management rationale. The measures adopted and their
implementation are periodically monitored. To this end, a specific checklist has been developed for
periodic monitoring, by the managers of the various organisational units. Lastly, with the aim of
identifying, measuring and monitoring the risks threatening the Group’s assets, and preventing and
mitigating threats and impacts caused by fires, regardless of the causes that may cause them
(malicious, culpable or accidental), a risk assessment model has been implemented for the physical
security of assets.
Managing people’s safety and development risks
In order to ensure worker health and safety and mitigate on-the-job injury risk, the Group is constantly
committed to measures promoting better monitoring as well as to the enhancement of safety protection
and prevention practices aimed at reducing the frequency and severity of accidents. The teaching
methods chosen for worker training will no longer be solely technical or normative, but will be geared
towards developing self-awareness in the perception of risk and in adopting safe and aware behaviour.
The prevention measures put in place by the Group aim to lower the probability of an adverse event
occurring, and the protection measures act by lowering the severity of the consequences following the
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event. It is of fundamental importance for the company to develop workers’ awareness of the risks
associated with their work. Hera is increasingly using training courses that encourage people to
develop greater awareness, modifying their own behaviour in terms of risk perception and being a
virtuous example for other workers.
Focusing on these aspects is an essential element of operations, in order to maintain a steady
decrease in the number of injuries, the accident frequency rate, the severity rate and the number of
days of absence due to injury. In this respect, the Group has been granted important awards on
occupational health and safety such as ISO 9001 (quality management system), ISO 14001
(environmental management system) and ISO 45001 (health and safety on the workplace). The
process of hazard identification and risk assessment and control is carried out in a preventive and
proactive (rather than reactive) manner, in order to identify appropriate risk reduction and control
measures.
The ongoing commitment shown by people and the integration of safety into processes and training are
the cornerstones of the Group’s safety culture. This strategic element of risk management is based on
the premise that everyone is responsible for their own health and safety, as well as that of the people
with whom they interact. This principle has been included in the procedure for managing the process of
identifying hazards and assessing risks to the health and safety of workers. This procedure provides
that each employee promptly report and halt any risky situation or unsafe behaviour. In addition, in
2021, the heads of the organisational units completed and managed about 7,000 checklists,
instrumental in monitoring the measures adopted and the possible need for specific procedures for
managing workers. As regards the health emergency caused by Covid-19, in order to promptly
interrupt any chains of transmission of the virus in the workplace, under certain conditions, for example,
rapid tests were carried out, additional activities accompanying the standard ones in cleaning and
sanitising company premises were planned, providing for the use of disinfectants and intensifying their
frequency, disinfectant gel dispensers were placed in the entrances and common areas, and surgical
masks were distributed to each employee. In shared areas, a logistic management of the spaces was
defined that allows an adequate distance between people. Finally, ways of carrying out services in the
field were defined, such as reducing travel, eliminating the use of changing rooms or revising work
shifts to reduce overlapping between operational teams.
In order to maintain a high level of efficiency in carrying out its activities and guarantee the highest
level of safety in the workplace and compliance with environmental standards, and reduce risks related
to the continuity of services, Hera has drawn up a technical-management project that:
▪ guarantees a uniform minimum level of security throughout the Group, through the application of
homogeneous, standardised and modular countermeasures;
▪ applies advanced technological solutions in compliance with regulations, standards and good
practices;
▪ centrally manages contracts (infrastructures, maintenance and services) guaranteeing correct
standardisation and optimisation of intervention costs.
For example, to better manage events, the Group’s synergies, skills and resources have been made
use of by centralising the alarm reception point in a control room with a view of all alarms/alerts
concerning assets, and also by managing the global contractor’s networks and systems (for installation
and maintenance of systems, and activation of surveillance services). Finally, with reference to social
wellbeing, with the aim of fostering a positive working environment, Hera has created a welfare system
based on attention to people. This system includes interventions which are monetary or linked to the
quality of life, such as services relating to the family, education, work-life balance, wellbeing, leisure
and health.
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MAIN EVENTS OCCURRED
1.03
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Business and financial events
The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), an international network resulting from a collaboration
between the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the United Nations Global Compact, the World
Resources Institute and the WWF, has certified, on a scientific basis, the greenhouse gas reduction
targets set by the Group: a 37% reduction by 2030 compared to 2019. Hera’s commitment is part of the
more general objective “Well below 2°C”, aimed at limiting the increase in global temperature to
considerably less than 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels, in line with the path set out by the Paris
Climate Agreement.
This objective does not only concern the emissions produced by the Group’s own activities, but also
covers those of its customers, as regards the sale of electricity and gas, and its suppliers. Indeed, Hera
has put numerous solutions in place to promote energy efficiency, which are accompanied by broader
involvement and awareness initiatives aimed at encouraging reduced consumption. The actions
envisaged include a further expansion of district heating, energy requalification for buildings, the launch
of initiatives to develop hydrogen as an energy vector, and increasing the use of electricity from
renewable sources for internal consumption.
As regards companies, the projects developed partially thanks to the Group companies involved in
energy efficiency services, Hera Servizi Energia Srl and AcegasApsAmga Servizi Energetici Spa,
range from energy diagnoses to the construction of turnkey plants and targeted redevelopment
projects. Through the Hera Business Solution, a multi-service proposal, Hera can also offer companies
sustainable and integrated waste, water and energy management. Lastly, retail customers already
benefit from 100% energy from renewable sources and have free tools at their disposal, such as the
Consumption Log, to better assess their habits and the savings that can be achieved by reducing
waste.
The subsidiary AcegasApsAmga Spa, also the outgoing operator, was awarded the Udine 2 ATEM gas
tender, thanks to which it will manage the service for the next 12 years, with a bid geared towards
sustainability and creating value. The Udine 2 area includes 18 municipalities (including the provincial
capital) and over 90,000 users, distributed along a network of over 1,200 km. The contract signed with
the Municipality of Udine, as contracting station, is worth approximately 115 million euros.
In order to maintain the management of the service, in a competitive context open to the most qualified
gas distribution operators, AcegasApsAmga Spa presented a proposal capable of reconciling
management efficiency with high safety standards, asset management solutions and environmental
aspects. AcegasApsAmga Spa’s project calls for a significant portion of the approximately 80 million
euro planned for investments to be used to prevent breakdowns, upgrade the network and further
increase its reliability and resilience, thus better guaranteeing service continuity, following above all a
rationale based on predictive investment (interventions planned on the basis of potential fragilities
detected in the network) rather than emergencies (interventions following major breakdowns).
On 13 October 2021, Hera launched its first sustainability-linked bond with a nominal value of EUR 500
million euro, repayable in 12 and a half years. This listed bond, subscribed as part of the Euro Medium
Term Notes programme and reserved for qualified investors, is part of the Group’s sustainability
strategy, aimed at reducing emissions and recycling plastics, and thus falls within its energy and
environmental transition strategies, already integrated into the Business Plan and representing Hera’s
commitment to achieving the goals on the UN 2030 Agenda. This transaction allows Hera to continue
to act as a point of reference for ESG finance nationwide.
The strong demand, with subscriptions equal to four times the supply, and the quality of the orders
received, allowed the price to be set at an excellent level. The bond will pay an annual fixed-rate
coupon of 1% and, from the interest payment date of 2032, there will be possible step-ups in the event
that the company does not achieve the targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in tonnes of
CO
2
(rate increase of 0.20%), and/or the quantity of plastic recycled, in thousands of tonnes (rate
increase of 0.15%). The bond is therefore linked to achieving the sustainability targets contained in the
Sustainability-Linked Financing Framework, in relation to which intermediate Sustainability
Performance Targets (SPTs) have also been defined, which will be reported annually with a view to
transparency. As illustrated in relation to SBTi certification, the Hera Group aims firstly to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by 37% by 2030 (compared to 2019). As far as the second target is
concerned, Hera aims to increase the amount of recycled plastic by 150% by 2030 (compared to
2017), partially thanks to the increase in plant capacity and the extension of the scope of action to the
recovery of rigid plastics. The bond issued, whose settlement date was 25 October 2021, has been
SBTi
targets
Sustainability-
linked Bond
ATEM
Udine 2
gas tender
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listed, since the issue date, on the Euronext Dublin and Luxembourg Stock Exchange regulated
markets and, at a later date, on the ExtraMOT PRO multilateral trading system of Borsa Italiana.
Finally, the sustainability-linked bond received a rating in line with that of Hera (rating Baa2 with a
stable outlook by Moody's and BBB+ with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor’s).
In October, Hera Comm Spa, the Group’s sales company, was awarded the lots for the Province of
Rome, Campania, Calabria and Sicily, which involve approximately 39,000 supply points and the
annual supply of over 3.4 TWh of electricity to Public Administrations, worth more than 580 million
euro. The agreement will come into effect at the end of the year and have a total duration of up to 24
months, depending on the supply option. Hera Comm won this tender on the basis of an advantageous
economic offer, which also includes activation of the Green Option, with 50% of energy supplied from
renewable sources.
The Emilia-Romagna Territorial Agency for Water and Waste Services (ATERSIR), acting as the
contracting authority, awarded Hera the tender for managing the integrated water service in the
province of Rimini, with the exception of the Municipality of Maiolo. The tender concerns 24
municipalities in the Rimini area, including the provincial capital, and over 160,000 thousand users,
distributed along a network of over 3,000 km. The contract for managing this service will have a
duration of 18 years and a value of over 1.7 billion euro.
In order to maintain the management of this service in a competitive context open to the most qualified
operators in the water sector, the Hera Group drew up a proposal capable of reconciling the efficiency
of the service, and therefore its economic impact, with best practices to promote high safety standards,
through asset management and environmental aspects, with the strength of innovative technologies
that have already been tested in the field. Indeed, Hera is focusing on innovation for reasons including
guaranteed resilience in the management of the water cycle, a service characterised by a high amount
of infrastructures and, as such, more than other sectors, subject to the consequences of climate
change.
Investments of approximately 250 million euro are planned over the concession period, in order to
prevent and contain leaks, upgrade the network and further increase its reliability and resilience, thus
better guaranteeing service continuity. The investment plan also includes measures to optimise the
sewage system and upgrade the purification plants, as well as solutions for implementing the rainwater
plan. In order to increasingly improve the efficiency of networks and plants, the use of more traditional
techniques will be complemented by digitalisation and cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial
intelligence and big data, already used by Hera in other areas, for example to optimise maintenance or
increase energy savings in purification.
In November, the Emilia-Romagna Territorial Agency for Water and Waste Services (ATERSIR), acting
as contracting station, awarded to the temporary group of companies (RTI) formed by Hera, Giacomo
Brodolini Soc. Coop and Consorzio Stabile Ecobi, the tenders for managing urban and assimilated
waste in the “Pianura e Montagna Modenese” area and in the Bologna area.
The first tender awarded concerns 32 municipalities in the Modena area, including the provincial
capital, with approximately 490,000 inhabitants. The contract has a total value of more than 880 million
euro and covers 15 years. The second tender awarded concerns 50 municipalities in the Bologna area,
including the provincial capital, in a catchment area with approximately 1 million inhabitants. The
contract has a total value of more than 1.7 billion euro and a duration of 15 years.
Significant investments are planned in both areas, in order to extend collection models to the entire
territory, with innovative services and equipment that allow for a specific measurement of waste, with
the aim of minimising the amount of unsorted waste delivered and increasing the quantity sent for
recycling. The key principles underpinning the bids presented were awareness-raising and the active
involvement of citizens and businesses, in order to encourage a reduction in the amount of waste,
particularly unsorted waste, and increasingly high-quality sorted waste collection.
Modena and
Bologna
waste
management
tenders
Rimini
water
tender
Consip
tender
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Significant corporate transactions
On 27 April 2021, the company Aresgas Ead, acting through Atlas Utilities, acquired a 96.9% stake in
Primagas Ad, a gas distribution company operating in Varna (Bulgaria) that holds licences for natural
gas distribution and sales in the area of the municipalities Vladislav Varnenchik, Mladost and
Asparuhovo. This transaction allowed the Group to strengthen its presence in Bulgaria.
On 29 April 2021, Herambiente Servizi Industriali Srl acquired 31% of SEA - Servizi Ecologici
Ambientali Srl, a company operating in the Marche region and active in special waste management
and treatment and remediating polluted sites and disused industrial areas.
On 28 June 2021, the Hera Group, through its subsidiary Herambiente Servizi Industriali Srl,
strengthened its scope of activity in the waste cycle in northern Italy by acquiring 70% of Recycla, a
Friuli-based company which manages three platforms for solid and liquid industrial waste, the main one
based in Maniago (PN), while the smaller ones are located in Resana (TV) and Savignano sul
Rubicone (FC). The main site handles over 40,000 tonnes of industrial waste per year and, in line with
the principles of the circular economy, carries out pre-treatment activities to optimise its characteristics
and mainly destine it for energy recovery or chemical-physical treatment: in this way, only 3% of the
waste entering the platform is disposed of in landfills. With this acquisition, the Group consolidates and
expands its set of plants dedicated to businesses, with 15 multifunctional sites dedicated to treating
waste produced by companies and 1.2 million tonnes of industrial waste treated each year. The
integration of the new platforms with the current set of plants increases the density of nearby solutions
in areas served for quite some time, improving efficiency and service quality for companies (to whom
Hera will be able to provide its own across-the-board waste treatment solutions).
On 27 July 2021, Hera Comm Spa acquired 90% of Eco Gas Srl, a company active in gas and
electricity sales to end consumers, with a portfolio of approximately 22 thousand customers
concentrated in the province of L’Aquila.
On September 8, 2021, Estenergy Spa’s purchase of the remaining 11% interest in Ascotrade Spa was
ratified in accordance with the terms and conditions of the public auction. For the latter company, the
percentage held increased from 89% to 100%.
The difference between the amount adjusting the minority shareholdings and the fair value of the sum
paid was recognised directly as part of equity and attributed to the shareholders of the Parent
Company.
On 9 September 2021, Herambiente Servizi Industriali Srl acquired 80% of the Vallortigara Group,
based in Torrebelvicino (VI), which, directly or through its subsidiaries Vallortigara Angelo Srl, Hydro
Mud Srl and Vegri Scarl, provides services to industries, public administrations and citizens, also
managing a multifunctional platform for the treatment of special waste. More specifically, the
Torrebelvicino platform consists of three sections: a storage and sorting plant for solid and liquid,
hazardous and non-hazardous industrial waste, a stabilisation and solidification plant for industrial
sludge and a chemical-physical plant for liquid waste. Currently, the facility processes approximately
75,000 tonnes of waste per year and, thanks to the planned investments, it will be able to increase and
streamline its activities, in line with the principles of the circular economy. The acquisition of the
Vallortigara Group allows the Hera Group to strengthen its presence in the Triveneto region, while also
expanding its services to neighbouring areas, and creating significant synergies with the industrial
centres in the provinces of Pisa and Ravenna, which have already been operational for some time.
Other corporate transactions
On 3 March 2021, following the partnership agreement between Hera and Eni signed in November
2020, Herambiente Servizi Industriali Srl and Eni Rewind Spa set up HEA Spa, equally owned by the
two partners, for the construction of a new environmental platform for solid and liquid, hazardous and
non-hazardous waste located in the Ponticelle area (RA). This NewCo brings together the know-how of
both companies to build plants for the management of industrial waste, in line with the principles of the
circular economy. A multi-purpose platform for the pre-treatment and treatment of special waste will be
SEA
Primagas
Vallortigara
Recycla
Ecogas
HEA
Ascotrade
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built, which will manage up to 60,000 tonnes per year of waste produced by environmental and
production activities, including local ones, in a circular perspective and in line with the European
directives of the “Circular Economy Package”. Hera will manage the facility operationally, while Eni will
be responsible for the procurement process of solid and liquid waste treatment services.
On July 14, 2021, Herambiente Servizi Industriali Srl acquired 31% of Tremonti Srl, a company
established by Edison Spa for the purpose of directly managing and carrying out the environmental
remediation and recovery of the Tre Monti area located in the municipality of Bussi sul Tirino. This
special-purpose company represents a paradigmatic model for the management and successful
resolution of cases of land contaminated by Italy’s historical industries, such as the former Montedison
sites that Edison has taken over in their entirety. The chosen technology for the intervention is thermal
desorption, which uses a system of heating the soil with pipes placed deep underground, to evaporate
and draw up the volatile and semi-volatile organic substances present underground. Waste mixed with
surface soil will be removed and transferred to sites designated for its treatment and, where possible,
recovered. This NewCo will gradually extend its operations to the Piano d’Orta and industrial plant
areas. Work is already underway to remove waste from surface soil in the southern area of Tre Monti.
Significant events occurred after the reporting period
In January 2022, the Group company Hera Comm Spa finalised the purchase of the remaining 16% of
Hera Comm Marche Srl for a value of 10.6 million euro, thus coming to hold the entire amount of the
share capital.
The rapid escalation that led to Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine on 24 February, after several
weeks of steadily rising tensions, triggered a series of economic and financial consequences, having a
special impact on the energy markets in which the Group operates, whose evolution is currently
uncertain and unpredictable.
The price of commodities, both gas and electricity, already very high, has increased with extremely
elevated daily growth rates.
In this scenario, two systemic risks, from which the Group may be indirectly impacted, are becoming
increasingly important:
▪ a further rise in inflation due to energy commodities, with effects extending to consumer products
(agri-food and industrial production) and a consequent impact on GDP growth and energy
demand;
▪ the unavailability of gas supplies from Russia, as a sanction decided by the European Union or as
a retaliatory measure by Russia, which would entail the unavailability of more than 100 billion
cubic metres across Europe and about 25 billion for Italy, equal to about 35% of national demand.
In this respect, the Group is also directly exposed to the risk of unavailability of gas supplies from
Russia, which constitute, on the basis of existing contracts, about 5% of its sources of supply of this
commodity. As stated above, however, it is believed that the occurrence of such a scenario would also
lead to wider systemic impacts, to which the Group could be indirectly exposed.
The Hera Group is monitoring the evolution of this situation on a day-to-day basis, translating the
previous systemic risks into possible risk scenarios for its activities and identifying, where possible,
mitigation actions. In a situation characterised by absolute uncertainty and thus extreme market
volatility, the Group will continue to constantly assess risks and direct consequences on its operations,
in order to act promptly with the most appropriate actions when the situation becomes less uncertain.
As regards financial reporting, the Group’s management has maintained that the conflict between
Russia and Ukraine, which broke out on 24 February 2022, constitutes a not-adjusting event according
to the provisions of IAS 10. It has not therefore been taken into account in the valuation processes
relating to the items included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements at 31 December 2021.
Tre Monti
Hera Comm
Marche
Russia –
Ukraine
conflict
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 62|
OVERVIEW OF OPERATING AND FINANCIAL
TRENDS AND DEFINITION OF ALTERNATIVE
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
The Hera Group uses alternative performance measures (APMs) to convey as effectively as possible
information concerning trends in the profitability of the businesses in which it operates, as well as its
equity and financial situation. In accordance with the guidelines published on 4 March 2021 by the
European securities and markets authority and in keeping with the provisions of Consob
communication no. 5/21 of 29 April 2021, the content of and the criteria used in defining the APMs
used in this financial statement, if present, are explained below. Any operating, financial and fiscal
special items, if present, are described below.
The Hera Group determines its operating indicators for the reporting period by reclassifying, within the
result from special items, any significant components of income that (i) derive from non-recurring
events or transactions, or any transactions or events that are not frequently repeated during the usual
course of business; (ii) derive from events or transactions that do not represent normal business
activities.
The indicators illustrated below are used as financial targets in internal presentations (business plans)
and in external presentations (for analysts and investors). They provide useful measures for assessing
the Group’s operating performance (as a whole and within each business unit), including comparisons
between the reporting period in question and previous periods as regards operating profitability.
Ebitda is calculated as the sum of the operating income shown in the balance sheets and depreciation,
amortization and write-downs.
Ebit is calculated by subtracting operating costs from operating revenues. Among operating costs,
special operating items, which if present are described in the detailed table at the end of this
paragraph, are deducted from amortisations and provisions.
Pre-tax results are calculated by subtracting the financial operations shown in the balance sheets
from Ebit, as described above, net of special financial items which, if present, are described in the
detailed table at the end of this paragraph.
Net results are calculated by subtracting from pre-tax results, as described above, the taxes shown in
the balance sheets minus special fiscal items which, if present, are described in the detailed table at
the end of this paragraph.
Results from special items (if present in the current report) are aimed at drawing attention to the
result of the special item entries which, if present, are described in the detailed table at the end of this
paragraph. In the Directors’ report, this measure is placed between net results and net income for the
period in question, thus allowing the performance of the Group’s characteristic management to be read
more clearly.
Ebitda on revenues, Ebit on revenues and net income on revenues measure the Group’s
operating performance through a proportion, expressed as a percentage, of Ebitda, Ebit and net
income divided by the value of revenues.
Net investments are the sum of investments in tangible fixed assets, intangible assets and equity
investments net of capital grants. For the data used in calculating investments, see the content of
paragraph 1.03.01 and notes 13, 15, 16 and 17 of paragraph 2.02.05 “Commentary notes to the
financial statement formats”, if present.
Net non-current assets are calculated as the sum of tangible fixed assets; intangible assets and
goodwill; equity investments; deferred tax assets and liabilities.
1.04
Alternative
performance
measures
(APMs)
Operating
APMs and
investments
Operating-
financial
APMs
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 63|
Net working capital is made up of the sum of inventories; trade receivables and payables; current tax
receivables and payables; other assets and other current liabilities; the current portion of assets and
liabilities for financial derivatives on commodities.
Provisions includes the sum of the items “employee severance indemnities and other benefits” and
“provisions for risks and charges”.
Net invested capital is defined by calculating the sum of “net fixed assets”, “net working capital” and
“provisions”.
Net financial debt (at times referred to below as Net debt) is a measure of the company’s financial
structure determined in accordance with ESMA guidelines 32-382-1138, adding the value of non-
current financial assets. This measure is therefore calculated by adding together the following items:
current and non-current financial assets; cash and cash equivalents; current and non-current financial
liabilities; current and non-current portions of assets and liabilities for derivative financial instruments
on interest and exchange rates.
Sources of financing are obtained by adding “net financial debt” and “net equity”.
The Net debt to Ebitda ratio, expressed as a multiple of Ebitda, is a measure of the operating
management’s ability to pay back its net financial debt.
Funds from operations (FFO) are calculated beginning with Ebitda, subtracting provisions for doubtful
accounts, financial charges, uses of provisions for risks (net of releases from provisions and increases
due to changes in assumptions on future outlays following revised estimates on current landfills) and
severance pay and taxes, net of the special items which, if present, are described in the detailed table
at the end of this paragraph.
The FFO/Net debt indicator, expressed as a percentage, represents an indicator of the operating
management’s ability to pay back its net financial debt.
ROI, return on net invested capital, is defined as the ratio between Ebit, as described above, and net
invested capital. It is intended to indicate the ability to produce wealth through operating management,
thus remunerating equity and capital pertaining to third parties.
ROE, return on equity, is defined as the ratio between net profits and net equity. It is intended to
indicate the profitability obtained by investors, recompensing risk.
Cash flow is defined as operating cash flow, net of dividends paid. Operating cash flow is calculated
as Ebit (as previously described and net of special items, if present), to which the following are added:
▪ amortisation, depreciation and provisions for the period, not including provisions for doubtful debts;
▪ changes in net working capital (*);
▪ provisions for the risk fund (net of releases from provisions) (**);
▪ use of severance pay reserves;
▪ the difference between changes in taxes paid in advance and deferred taxes;
▪ operating and financial investments;
▪ financial charges and financial income (***);
▪ divestitures;
▪ current taxes.
(*) net of the effects of the different accounting policy used for financial derivatives on commodities traded on the EEX platform, whose differential is
regulated on a daily basis; minus any changes in NWC deriving from an enlarged entire scope of operations.
(**) minus releases from provisions and increases caused by modifications in estimated future expenses following revised appraisals for operating landfills.
(***) minus the effects of discounting deriving from the application of accounting standards IAS 37 and IAS 19 and the profits coming from associated
companies and joint ventures, plus the dividends received from the latter, and gains/losses from transferred shareholding (excluding special items, if
present).
Financial
APMs
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 64|
The Hera Group’s APMs are provided in the following table:
Operating APMs and investments (mn€)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Revenues
10,555.3
7,079.0
3,476.3
+49.1%
Ebitda
1,223.9
1,123.0
100.9
+9.0%
Ebitda/revenues
11.6%
15.9%
(4.3) pp
+0.0%
Ebit
611.7
551.3
60.4
+11.0%
Ebit /revenues
5.8%
7.8%
(2.0) pp
+0.0%
Net profit
372.7
322.8
49.9
+15.5%
Net profit/revenues
3.5%
4.6%
(1.1) pp
+0.0%
Net investments
570.3
528.5
41.8
+7.9%
Financial APMs (mn€)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Net non-current assets
7,308.0
6,983.6
324.4
+4.6%
Net working capital
3.5
53.6
(50.1)
(93.5)%
Provisions
(633.4)
(654.9)
(21.5)
(3.3)%
Net invested capital
6.678.1
6.382.3
295.8
+4.6%
Net debt
(3,261.3)
(3,227.0)
34.3
+1.1%
Operating-financial APMs
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
Net debt/Ebitda
2.66
2.87
2.66
FFO/Net debt
26.7%
25.2%
+26.7 p.p.
ROI
9.2%
8.6%
+9.2 p.p.
ROE
10.5%
10.2%
+10.5 p.p.
Cash flow
181.2
159.6
181.2
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 65|
Special item / balance sheet reconciliation
The following table provides a reconciliation between the income statement referred to in the remarks
on operations and the published consolidated income statement.
2021
2020
mn€
Operations
statement
Special
items
Published
statement
Operations
statement
Special
items
Published
statement
Revenues
10,555.3
10,555.3
7,079.0
7,079.0
Other operating revenues
400.1
400.1
467.8
467.8
Raw and other materials
(6,668.5)
(6,668.5)
(3,410.6)
(3,410.6)
Service costs
(2,464.6)
(2,464.6)
(2,424.9)
(2,424.9)
Personnel costs
(592.8)
(592.8)
(572.7)
(572.7)
Other operating expenses
(66.5)
(66.5)
(58.9)
(58.9)
Capitalised costs
60.8
60.8
43.3
43.3
Ebitda
1,223.9
1,223.9
1,123.0
1,123.0
Amortization, depreciation and
provisions
(612.1)
(612.1)
(571.7)
(571.7)
Operating profit (Ebit)
611.7
611.7
551.3
551.3
Financial operations
(119.8)
(85.0)
(204.8)
(116.7)
‐
(116.7)
Other non-operating revenues
(costs)
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Pre-tax profit (Pre-tax result)
491.9
(85.0)
406.9
434.6
‐
434.6
Taxes
(131.8)
97.6
(34.2)
(111.8)
‐
(111.8)
Net result
360.1
12.6
372.7
322.8
‐
322.8
Result from special items
12.6
(12.6)
‐
‐
‐
‐
Net profit for the period
372.7
‐
372.7
322.8
‐
322.8
Attributable to:
Parent company shareholders
333.5
‐
333.5
302.7
‐
302.7
non-controlling interests
39.2
‐
39.2
20.1
‐
20.1
Events occurred in late 2021 that qualify as special items, within both financial and fiscal management,
while no such events were present in 2020.
The amounts stated as special items relate to the following two transactions:
▪ a tax realignment of certain goodwill amounts stated at 31 December 2019, pursuant to Article 1,
paragraph 83 of Law 178/2020. This operation determined a tax recognition of these amounts,
resulting in the recognition of a tax benefit of 87.0 million euro, against the payment of a 3%
substitute tax, coming to 9.2 million euro;
▪ a partial repurchase of five bonds, with a total stated value of 1,780 million euro, which resulted in
the recognition of expenses coming to 82.6 million euro due to a repurchase price higher than the
book value. The related tax effect, coming to 19.8 million euro, was also taken into account,
adjusting the tax burden for the period;
▪ a write-down of the equity investment and non-current financial receivable relating to the company
H.E.P.T. Co. Ltd, coming to a total of 2.4 million euro, due to the current conditions of the Chinese
reference market.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 66|
Operating results and investments
The Hera Group ended the 2021 financial year with growth in operating-financial results compared to
the previous year. The Group’s financial solidity, its pursuit of sustainable development and creating
shared value for local areas and the communities served were confirmed as strong points.
The results for 2021 are part of an uninterrupted path of growth, firmly based on Hera’s consolidated
multi-business industrial strategy, which relies equally on internal growth and development through
external lines. A balanced combination of regulated and freely competitive activities, along with
attention towards external opportunities and a commitment to sustainable development, in line with
European strategies and the UN’s 2030 Agenda, continue to represent the founding elements of the
Group’s growth.
With respect to 2020, two companies were integrated into the Hera Group’s waste management area,
thus making a contribution towards increasing its commercial presence in the Central-Northern Italy:
the acquisition of 70% of Recycla Spa, a Friuli-based company that manages three industrial waste
platforms; and the purchase of 80% of the Vallortigara Group, which provides services to industries,
public administrations and citizens and manages a multifunctional platform for the treatment of special
waste. The energy areas benefited from AresGas Ead’s acquisition of 100% of the Bulgarian company
Atlas Utilities, which holds 96.9% of Primagas, and the acquisition of 90% of Eco Gas Srl by Hera
Comm Spa. For further information, see paragraph 1.03, “Main events occurred”.
Also note that Hera Comm Spa was awarded the gradual protection service for electricity supply to
SMEs in 9 Italian regions. Detailed information on this issue is provided in paragraph 1.07.02.
Lastly, growth in value-added services offered to customers was recorded thanks to the development
of the company Wolmann Spa. which operates in the photovoltaic panel installation sector.
The following table shows operating results at 31 December 2021 and 2020:
Income statement (mn€)
Dec 21
% inc.
Dec 20
% inc.
Abs. change
% change
Revenues
10,555.3
7,079.0
3,476.3
49.1%
Other operating revenues
400.1
3.8%
467.8
6.6%
(67.7)
(14.5)%
Raw and other materials
(6,668.5)
(63.2)%
(3,410.6)
(48.2)%
3,257.9
95.5%
Service costs
(2,464.6)
(23.3)%
(2,424.9)
(34.3)%
39.7
1.6%
Other operating expenses
(66.5)
(0.6)%
(58.9)
(0.8)%
7.6
12.9%
Personnel costs
(592.8)
(5.6)%
(572.7)
(8.1)%
20.1
3.5%
Capitalised costs
60.8
0.6%
43.3
0.6%
17.5
40.5%
Ebitda
1,223.9
11.6%
1.123.0
15.9%
100.9
9.0%
Amortization, depreciation and
provisions
(612.1)
(5.8)%
(571.7)
(8.1)%
40.4
7.1%
Ebit
611.7
5.8%
551.3
7.8%
60.4
11.0%
Financial operations
(119.8)
(1.1)%
(116.7)
(1.6)%
3.1
2.7%
Pre-tax result
491.9
4.7%
434.6
6.1%
57.3
13.2%
Taxes
(131.8)
(1.2)%
(111.8)
(1.6)%
20.0
17.9%
Net result
360.1
3.4%
322.8
4.6%
37.3
11.6%
Result from special items
12.6
0.1%
‐
0.0%
12.6
100.0%
Net profit for the period
372.7
3.5%
322.8
4.6%
49.9
15.5%
Attributable to:
Parent company shareholders
333.5
3.2%
302.7
4.3%
30.8
10.2%
Non-controlling interests
39.1
0.4%
20.1
0.3%
19.0
94.6%
1.04.01
Growth
reflects
strategy
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 67|
REVENUES (bn€)
Revenues increased by 3,476.3 million euro, or 49.1%, compared to 2020. The energy sectors showed
significant growth, amounting to 3,007 million euro overall, due to increased brokerage, coming to
2,068 million euro, and higher gas sales totalling 554 million euro due to higher volumes sold and the
increase in the price of gas as a raw material. Electricity sales activities were also up, coming to 385
million euro overall, due to the higher price of raw materials, higher revenues from electricity
generation, achieved despite a drop in volumes sold, and lower revenues from off-grid transmission
and system charges.
Also note the growth in energy services related to energy efficiency works on residential buildings
(insulation bonus and 110% super-bonus) and the increase in value-added services for customers, with
an overall contribution coming to roughly 243.0 million euro.
Revenues from the waste management sector also increased by approximately 134 million euro, due
to energy production, higher plastics sales and acquisitions in the industrial market. Revenues from
network services, both regulated and subcontracted, came to roughly 74 million euro and revenues
from the public lighting service for the resumption of activities and telecommunications amounted to
approximately 18 million euro.
For further details, see the analysis of the individual business areas in paragraph 1.07.
Other operating income decreased by 67.7 million euro, or 14.5%, compared with the previous year.
This trend is mainly due to lower energy efficiency contributions coming to approximately 129 million
euro, as a result of the ministerial decree of 21 May 2021 redetermining the obligations of energy
efficiency certificates (for further information, see paragraph 1.07.01). These amounts were offset by
higher revenues from contracts for assets under concession, coming to roughly 50 million euro. Lastly,
higher other revenues were mainly related to higher value-added services, innovative solutions and
increased incentives supporting the circular economy, the reduction of urban waste production and
sorted waste collection.
The cost of raw and other materials increased by 3,257.9 million euro compared to December 2020.
This increase mirrors the trend in revenues from energy activities. In addition, purchasing costs for
plastic materials also increased, due to the higher volumes sold. This trend was partially offset by lower
purchasing costs for energy efficiency certificates, following the ministerial decree mentioned above.
Other operating costs increased by a total of 47.3 million euro (39.7 million euro in higher service costs
and 7.6 million euro in higher operating expenses). Also note the higher costs in energy services for
energy efficiency works coming to approximately 192 million euro, higher costs for incremental
improvements to assets under concession and works on behalf of third parties amounting to
approximately 60 million euro, higher costs for waste collection and treatment coming to approximately
43 million euro and higher costs for value-added services totalling approximately 6.0 million euro. The
10.6
billion euro
revenues
(+49.1%)
Revenues
up in all
areas
Costs for raw
materials
linked to
trends in
revenues
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 68|
growth indicated above was partially offset by lower costs for off-grid transmission and system charges
coming to approximately 258 million euro.
In addition, compared to the previous year, there was a resumption of work and site activities that had
been blocked due to the lockdown following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Personnel costs increased by 20.1 million euro, or 3.5%. This increase is linked to the salary increases
provided for in the national collective bargaining agreement, the lower benefits due to the large-scale
holiday plan adopted by the Group last year in conjunction with the national lockdown and changes in
the scope of consolidation compared to December 2020. These effects were only partially contained by
a lower average presence.
Capitalised costs increased by 17.5 million euro due to higher capital expenditure on assets owned by
the Group and between the companies themselves.
EBITDA (mn€)
Ebitda increased by 100.9 million euro, or 9.0%. This growth was due to the performance of the energy
areas, which together rose by 69.7 million euro, accounting for approximately 52% of Group results.
The waste management area grew by 33.8 million euro, while the other services area increased by 0.7
million euro. Lastly, the water cycle area showed a decrease of 3.3 million euro.
For further details, see the analysis of the individual business areas.
Depreciation, amortisation and provisions at 31 December 2021 increased by 40.4 million euro, or
7.1%, on the previous year. The increase in depreciation and amortisation was mainly due to new
investments in the operating sectors, an increase in commissions in the sales companies and changes
in the scope of consolidation resulting from the entry of companies involved in sales of gas, electricity
and other energy products, as well as companies specialising in industrial waste management and
environmental services. An overall increase was also seen in provisions for doubtful debts, in particular
in Hera Comm Spa, due to the award of gradual protection service lots.
1,223.9
million euro
Ebitda
(+9.0%)
M
a
g
g
i
o
r
i
a
m
m
o
r
t
a
m
e
n
t
i
+3.5%
growth in
personnel
costs
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 69|
EBIT (mn€)
Ebit increased by 60.4 million euro, or 11.0%; the increase resulting from the growth in Ebitda was
reduced by higher depreciation and amortisation, as described above.
The result of financial operations at 31 December 2021, which came to 119.8 million euro, worsened
by 3.1 million euro, or 2.7%, compared to 31 December 2020. This change is due to higher charges
amounting to approximately 25.7 million euro related to the sale of tax credits due to Hera Group
companies, Hera Servizi Energia and AcegasApsAmga Servizi Energetici, as part of the eco-bonus
incentive operating activities, largely offset by the benefits coming from lower interest on bonds and
loans coming to 4.2 million euro, obtained thanks to debt optimisation operations that saw a partial
repurchase of some bonds, by 4.2 million euro for lower charges deriving from the closure of a
litigation, by 5.7 million euro for lower notional charges deriving mainly from discounting post-mortem
costs of landfills, and by 5.0 million euro due to higher profits from associates and joint ventures.
Pre-tax profit increased by 57.3 million euro, or 13.2%; the increase coming from higher Ebit was
further boosted by the reasons described above.
Taxes for the year increased from 111.8 million euro in 2020 to 131.8 million euro in 2021. The tax rate
came to 26.8%, compared to 25.7% one year earlier. In this comparison, note that both tax rates take
into account the benefits accounted for following the redemption of some higher values, originating
from an equal number of acquisition transactions carried out in the respective years. On this matter,
and for further details, see note 12 on taxes in paragraph 2.02.05 “Commentary notes to the financial
statement formats”. Without taking into account these effects, the tax rate for the year 2021 would have
been slightly lower than in the previous year. This positive result was mainly due to the benefits
received in terms of large and extremely large amortisations, involving the significant investments
made by the Group in relation to the technological, digital and environmental transformation.
The net result rose by 11.6%, reaching 37.3 million euro; the increase coming from the pre-tax profits
was reduced by higher taxes.
In 2021, there was a result from special items with a total value of 12.6 million euro. A detailed
description of its contents is provided at the beginning of paragraph 1.07, “Overview of operating and
financial trends and definition of APMs”.
Net profit therefore increased by 15.5%, or 49.9 million euro, due to the sum of all the events described
above.
611.7
million euro
Ebit
(+11.0%)
Financial
operations
increase
+11.6%
net result
Tax rate
rises
+15.5%
net profit
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 70|
NET PROFIT POST MINORITIES (mn€)
Profits pertaining to the Group rose by 30.8 million euro, or 10.2%, compared to 2020.
In 2021, the Group’s net investments came to 570.3 million euro, up 41.8 million euro on the previous
year. This includes financial investments amounting to 11.0 million euro, mainly involving the equity
investment in the company SEA - Servizi Ecologici Ambientali Spa, down 35.9 million euro compared
to the financial investments made during the previous year, which included the equity investment in
Ascopiave Spa.
Capital grants amounted to 29.4 million euro, of which 16.8 million euro in FoNI investments, as
provided for by the tariff method for the integrated water service. Net operating investments amounted
to 559.2 million euro, up by 77.5 million euro compared to the previous year.
The following table provides a breakdown by business area, with separate mention of capital grants:
Total investments (mn€)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Gas area
141.3
135.3
6.0
+4.4%
Electricity area
55.3
47.7
7.6
+15.9%
Integrated water cycle area
194.6
166.2
28.4
+17.1%
Waste management area
98.2
68.3
29.9
+43.8%
Other services area
14.6
11.1
3.5
+31.5%
Headquarters
84.8
77.9
6.9
+8.9%
Total gross operating investments
588.7
506.4
82.3
+16.3%
Capital grants
29.4
24.8
4.6
+18.5%
of which FoNi (New Investments Fund)
16.8
13.6
3.2
+23.5%
Total net operating investments
559.2
481.7
77.5
+16.1%
Financial investments
11.0
46.9
(35.9)
(76.5)%
Total net investments
570.3
528.5
41.8
+7.9%
Net investments
rise to 570.3
million euro
333.5
million euro
net profit post
minorities
(+10.2%)
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 71|
TOTAL NET OPERATING INVESTMENTS (mn€)
Including capital grants, the Group's operating investments amounted to 588.7 million euro, up 82.3
million euro on the previous year, and mainly related to works on plants, networks and infrastructures.
In addition, regulatory upgrading was done, especially in the gas distribution sector for the large-scale
metre replacement, and in the purification and sewage sector.
Comments on investments in the individual areas are provided in the analysis by business area.
At Group headquarters, investments concerned interventions on corporate buildings, IT systems and
the vehicle fleet, as well as laboratories and remote control structures. Overall, investments in
structures increased by 6.9 million euro compared to the previous year, mainly due to work on
corporate buildings and the vehicle fleet.
Financial structure and adjusted net debt
What follows in an analysis of trends in the Group’s net invested capital and sources of financing at 31
December 2021.
Invested capital and sources
of financing (mn€)
Dec 21
% inc.
Dec 20
% inc.
Abs. change
% change
Net non-current assets
7,308.0
+109.4%
6,983.6
+109.4%
324.4
+4.6%
Net working capital
3.5
+0.1%
53.6
+0.8%
(50.1)
(93.5)%
(Provisions)
(633.4)
(9.5)%
(654.9)
(10.3)%
21.5
+3.3%
Net invested capital
6,678.1
+100.0%
6,382.3
+100.0%
295.8
+4.6%
Equity
(3,416.8)
+51.2%
(3,155.3)
+49.4%
(261.5)
(8.3)%
Long-term borrowings
(3,633.1)
+54.4%
(3,617.1)
+56.7%
(16.0)
(0.4)%
Net current financial debt
371.8
(5.6)%
390.1
(6.1)%
(18.3)
(4.7)%
Net debt
(3,261.3)
+48.8%
(3,227.0)
+50.6%
(34.3)
(1.1)%
Total sources of financing
(6,678.1)
(100.0)%
(6,382.3)
(100.0)%
(295.8)
(4.6)%
The year 2021 closed with net working capital coming to 3.5 million euro, down from 53.6 million euro
at the end of 2020, thus showing no particular impact from the health crisis. This decrease is mainly
due to the good performance of trade receivables, thanks to the continuous and attentive control of
credit management processes, and the increase in payables for invoices to be received due to the
increase in raw material prices.
In 2021, provisions amounted to 633.4 million euro, down from 654.9 million euro seen at the end of
the previous year. This change is mainly due to the reclassification of the provision for restoration of
3.5 million
euro net
working
capital
633.4
million euro
provisions
1.04.02
559.2
million euro
net operating
investments
(+77.5 mn€)
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 72|
third-party assets, coming to 39.3 million euro, among current financial payables, following the
awarding of the new tender for managing the water service in the province of Rimini. For details on
changes in provisions, see the information contained in paragraph 2.02.05, “Commentary notes to the
financial statement formats”.
Equity increased from 3,155.3 million euro in 2020 to 3,416.8 million euro in 2021. Equity increased the
Group’s solidity, thanks to the positive net result of management in 2021, coming to 372.7 million euro,
and the effect of cash flow hedge reserves, offset by the impact of dividend payments.
Return on net invested capital (ROI) settled at 9.2% in 2021, up from 2020 ROI by 8.6%, due to the
positive result from operations (Ebit), which increased more than proportionally with respect to the
increase in net invested capital (NIC).
ROI (%)
* adjusted for non-recurring entries
** adjusted for non-recurring entries and the Ascopiave transaction
The positive operating result led to a return on equity (ROE) coming to 10.5%, up from 2020.
ROE (%)
* adjusted for non-recurring entries and the Ascopiave transaction
3.4
billion euro
equity
9.2%
ROI
10.5%
ROE
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 73|
An analysis of adjusted net financial debt is shown in the following table:
mn€
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
A
Cash
885.6
987.1
B
Cash equivalents
-
-
C
Other current financial assets
29.3
32.8
D
Liquidity (A+B+C)
914.9
1,019.9
E
Current financial debt
(443.6)
(302.6)
F
Current portion of non-current financial debt
(99.5)
(327.2)
G
Current financial indebtedness (E+F)
(543.1)
(629.8)
H
Net current financial indebtedness (G-D)
371.8
390.1
I
Non-current financial debt
(461.0)
(594.2)
J
Debt instruments
(2,702.0)
(2,554.3)
K
Non-current trade and other payables
‐
‐
L
Non-current financial indebtedness (I+J+K)
(3,163.0)
(3,148.5)
M
Total financial indebtedness (H+L)
(2,791.2)
(2,758.4)
Non-current financial receivables
142.7
140.8
Net financial debt (excluding put option)
(2,648.5)
(2,617.6)
Nominal amount - fair value put option
(474.2)
(456.4)
Net financial debt with adjusted put option
(3,122.7)
(3,074.0)
Portion of future dividends - fair value put option
(138.6)
(153.0)
Net financial debt (Net debt)
(3,261.3)
(3,227.0)
The total amount of net financial debt came to 3,261.3 million euro, up approximately 34.3 million euro
compared to the previous year.
The financial structure shows a current financial indebtedness coming to 543.1 million euro, of which
99.5 million euro refers to the current portion of non-current financial debt, which includes 56.1 million
euro as the portion of medium-term bank loans falling due within one year and 43.4 million euro in
leasing debts falling due. The portion of current debt due to other financial institutions amounted to
378.7 million euro, including 266.5 million euro for cash advances from commodity derivatives and 39.3
million euro for payables related to the provision for the restoration of third-party assets, to be paid
following the award of the new tender for managing the water service in the province of Rimini. Bank
payables included in current financial indebtedness refer to 41.5 million euro in interest expense on
loans and 23.3 million euro in utilisations of current account lines.
The amount related to non-current payables and bonds issued increased mainly due to the total net
effect of the issue of the first Sustainability-linked bond (under the Euro Medium Term Notes
Programme), amounting to 500 million euro, and the partial repurchase of five bonds, for a total
nominal value of 405 million euro, as well as repayments and adjustments in the current portion of
other residual loans. The bond, which is part of the Group’s sustainability strategy aimed at reducing
emissions and recycling plastics, is linked to achieving the sustainability targets set out in the
Sustainability-linked financing framework and has a term of 12.5 years with an annual fixed-rate
coupon of 1%. Starting from the 2032 interest payment date, a possible increase in the interest rate is
foreseen, in the event that the Group does not achieve the targets for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions in tonnes of CO
2
(rate increase of 0.20%) and/or the quantity of recycled plastic in
thousands of tonnes (rate increase of 0.15%). More details on the new bond can be found in section
1.03, “Main events occurred” of the Directors’ Report.
Cash decreased, going from 987.1 million euro in 2020 to 885.6 million euro in 2021.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 74|
At 31 December 2021, 85.8% of medium- and long-term debt consisted in bonds with repayment at
maturity. Total debt showed an average time to maturity of approximately seven years, with 65.8%
maturing after over five years.
Net financial debt rose by 34.3 million euro, going from 3,227.0 million euro in 2020 to 3,261.3 million
euro in 2021.
NET FINANCIAL DEBT (bn€)
The Group’s characteristic management generated positive operating cash flows coming to 379.9
million euro, which entirely financed dividend payments and contributed to financing almost all of the
shareholding acquisitions. Among the latter, note the purchase of 70% of Recycla Spa and 80% of the
Group by Herambiente Servizi Industriali Srl, 90% of Eco Gas Srl by Hera Comm Spa and,
furthermore, 11% of Ascotrade Spa by EstEnergy Spa.
CASH FLOW (mn€)
3.3
billion euro
net financial
debt
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 75|
The Net debt/Ebitda ratio for 2021 fell to 2.66x, compared to 2.87x in 2020.
NET DEBT/EBITDA
* adjusted for non-recurring entries and the Ascopiave transaction
The Funds from operations (FFO)/Net debt ratio settled at 26.7%, confirming the Group’s financial
solidity and its ability to meet its financial obligations, thanks to the positive trend in operating cash
flow.
FFO/NETDEBT (%)
* adjusted for non-recurring entries
** adjusted for non-recurring entries and the Ascopiave transaction
*** amount net of special items
26.7%
FFO/
Net debt
2.66x
Net debt/
Ebitda
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 76|
Parent company management report
The following table provides the main indicators of operating performance for the year, pursuant to
article 2428 of the Italian Civil Code:
(mn€)
2021
2020
Abs. change
% change
Revenues
1,508.6
1,344.5
164.1
12.2%
Ebitda
286.6
252.1
34.5
13.7%
Operating profit
132.2
105.8
26.4
24.9%
Net profit
223.8
217.0
6.7
3.1%
To understand this performance and the changes with respect to the previous year, the current
structure of the Parent Company must be taken into account. This company directly manages certain
businesses (municipal waste collection, the integrated water service, cogeneration and district heating)
and has shareholdings in Group companies, in addition to carrying out the main corporate governance
functions on their behalf.
The increase in operating profit compared to the previous year is mainly due to the ability, shown by
the Parent Company as well, to grasp the opportunities ensuing from the economic recovery, in waste
management services in particular. For further details, see paragraph 1.07, “Analysis by business
area”.
A summary of the adjusted financial information at 31 December 2021 compared to the 31 December
2020 data, is provided below:
Analysis of invested capital and
sources of financing (mn€)
31 Dec 21
%
31 Dec 20
%
Abs. change
% change
Net fixed assets
3,750.9
107.3%
3,650.9
109.3%
99.9
2.7%
Net working capital
(107.3)
(4.3)%
(128.5)
(5.3)%
21.2
(16.5)%
Gross invested capital
3,643.6
104.2%
3,522.4
105.5%
121.2
3.4%
Other provisions
(147.3)
(4.2)%
(182.4)
(5.5)%
35.1
(19.3)%
Net invested capital
3,496.3
100.0%
3,340.0
100.0%
156.3
4.7%
Total equity
2,469.9
70.6%
2,411.8
72.2%
58.1
2.4%
Net financial debt
1,026.4
29.4%
928.2
27.8%
98.2
10.6%
Sources of financing
3,496.3
100.0%
3,340.0
100.0%
156.3
4.7%
Regarding the other information required by article 2428 of the Civil Code, note the following:
▪ Research and development activities:
– see paragraph 1.06 of the Directors’ report, “Sustainability Results”.
▪ Relations with subsidiaries, associates, parent companies and companies controlled by the latter:
– as required by article 2428, paragraph 3, point 2 of the Italian Civil Code, see the financial
statements contained in paragraph 3.04, prepared in accordance with Consob resolution
15519/2006, relating to the separate financial statements of Hera Spa; lastly, note that these
financial statements do not contain atypical or unusual transactions.
▪ Treasury shares:
– regarding the information required by article 2428, paragraph 3, points 3 and 4 of the Italian
Civil Code, the number and nominal value of the shares comprising the share capital of Hera
Spa, the number and nominal value of the treasury shares in its portfolio at 31 December 2021,
in addition to changes in these that occurred in 2021, see note 25 of paragraph 3.02.05 and the
statement of changes in equity, paragraph 3.01.05, concerning the separate financial
statements of Hera Spa.
▪ Foreseeable changes in management:
1.04.03
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 77|
– regarding the performance of the businesses units that make up the current structure of the
Parent Company, please refer to paragraph 1.01.02 of the Directors’ report, “Strategic approach
and management policies”
▪ The Company’s use of financial instruments:
– regarding the Company’s objectives and policies on financial risk management, including its
hedging policies for each main category of transactions foreseen and the Company’s exposure
to price risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and the risk of changes in cash flows, see the description
provided in paragraph 1.02.03 of the Directors’ report, “Risk areas: identification and
management of risk factors”.
▪ Secondary offices:
– the Company does not have secondary offices.
▪ Significant events occurred after the reporting period:
– see paragraph 1.03 “Main events occurred”.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 78|
SHARE PERFORMANCE AND INVESTOR
RELATIONS
Over the course of 2021, global stock markets performed well as economic activity gradually
normalised, thanks to vaccination campaigns and the expansionary fiscal policies implemented on both
sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite this return to growth, central banks maintained a cautious
approach, maintaining their accommodative monetary policies and describing inflationary pressure,
due to rising commodity prices, as transitory.
In this context of overall recovery, the Italian FTSE All Share index rose by 23.7% over the period,
showing the second-best performance among all main European stock exchanges, thanks to the
positive contribution coming from sectors considered to be cyclical, particularly the banking and
industrial sectors. On the other hand, sectoral rotation did not reward the more defensive sectors, such
as utilities, whose index fell by 6.7%.
With an official price of 3.670 euro on 31 December, Hera stock rose by 22.6%, in line with market
performance and countering the trend in the Italian utility index. This rise was supported by the positive
response to the publication of quarterly results, which showed solid fundamentals, with profitability
growing strongly and exceeding expectations.
2021 HERA STOCK, LOCAL UTILITY SECTOR AND ITALIAN MARKET PERFORMANCE COMPARISON
On 5 July 2021, Hera’s 19
th
dividend was paid. The coupon, amounting to 11 cents per share,
increased by 10% compared to the previous year, more than the indications contained in the Business
Plan, which already incorporated an increase compared to the previous Plan. Hera thus confirms its
ability to remunerate shareholders thanks to the resilience of its business portfolio, which has allowed it
to distribute steady and growing dividends since its listing.
euro
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Dps
0.035
0.053
0.06
0.07
0.08
0.08
0.08
0.08
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.09
0.095
0.10
0.10
0.11
The joint effect of continuously remunerating shareholders through dividends and a rise in the price of
the stock over the years led the total shareholders return accumulated since the IPO to remain
consistently positive and to settle, at the end of the period in question, at over +316.7%.
Market
confidence
returns,
supported by
vaccines,
fiscal and
monetary
policies
Hera stock
rises by
22.6%
+317%
total
shareholders
return since
the IPO
11 cent
dividend paid,
higher than
expectations
1.05
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 79|
The financial analysts covering the company (Mediobanca, Stifel, Intermonte, Intesa Sanpaolo, Kepler
Cheuvreux and Equita Sim) almost unanimously expressed positive opinions. At the end of the year,
the consensus target price came to 4.25 euro, higher than the 3.93 euro recommended at the end of
2020, with a potential increase of 15.8%.
SHAREHOLDER BREAKDOWN AT 31 DECEMBER 2021
At 31 December 2021, the shareholder breakdown showed its usual stability and balance, with 45.8%
of shares belonging to 111 public shareholders located across the areas served and brought together
by a stockholders agreement, renewed for three further years and effective from 1 July 2021 to 30
June 2024, and a 54.2% free float. The shareholding structure includes high number of public
shareholders (111 municipalities, the largest of which holds shares amounting to less than 10% of the
total) and a high number of private institutional and retail shareholders.
Since 2006, Hera has adopted a share buyback program, most recently renewed by the Shareholders
Meeting held on 28 April 2021 for 18 further months, for an overall maximum amount of 240 million
euro. This plan is aimed at financing M&A opportunities involving smaller companies and smoothing
out any anomalous market price fluctuations vis-à-vis those of the main comparable Italian companies.
At the end of 2021, Hera Spa held 29.2 million treasury shares.
The Group continued to engage in intense communications with investors in 2021, during virtual
meetings. After Hera’s new 2020-2024 Business Plan was published, the Executive Chairman and the
CEO took part in meetings with investors in the main financial centres, to update them on trends in
activities and future prospects. Further occasions for contact came about by participating in the sector
conferences organised by Borsa Italiana Spa and the brokers covering Hera stock, and organising
single meetings requested by institutional investors (video calls and company visits). The intense
dedication shown by the Group towards dialoguing with investors and financial analysts, in addition to a
selected number of ESG analysts, contributed to reinforcing its market reputation and represents an
intangible asset benefiting Hera stock and stakeholders.
As regards the information required by article 2428, paragraph 3, subparagraphs 3 and 4 of the Italian
Civil Code, concerning the number and nominal value of the shares constituting the share capital of
Hera Spa, the number and nominal value of the treasury shares held as at 31 December 2021, as well
as the changes in these shares during 2021, see note 25 of paragraph 3.02.04 and the statement of
changes in equity in paragraph 3.01.05 of the Parent Company’s separate financial statements.
45.8%
share capital
pertaining to
the public
stockholders
agreement
Constant
communication
with the market
in 2021 as well
Treasury
share plan
approved
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 80|
SUSTAINABILITY RESULTS
The Group’s commitment to reporting to stakeholders as to the results achieved in the areas of
creating shared value (CSV) and sustainability was confirmed once again this year by its Sustainability
Report, available at bs.gruppohera.it and on the Group’s website in the sustainability section.
The Sustainability Report contains the Hera Group’s consolidated non-financial statement prepared
pursuant to legislative decree 254/16 and constitutes a separate report from this Directors’ report, as
provided for in Article 5, paragraph 3, letter b) of legislative decree 254/16. The Sustainability Report
also includes indicators and information relating to the environment, personnel and research and
development activities.
What follows is a summary of the main results reported in the 2021 Sustainability Report.
During 2021, further progress was made in CSV areas and as regards sustainability, both in terms of
results achieved and new projects launched, and in terms of measurement and reporting. With regard
to the latter aspects, several elements enriched the Group’s sustainability and accountability profile:
▪ the concept of “corporate purpose” was introduced into Hera Spa’s Articles of Association (among
the first companies in Italy to do so), with a focus on creating shared value, in order to make
explicit the purpose that the Group aims to achieve in carrying out its business activities and thus
reaffirm its commitment towards sustainability, in particular the energy transition and the circular
economy, through innovation and digitalisation, as well as to the promotion of social fairness;
▪ the Group’s commitment to the “Just Transition” was clarified, by way of an additional key to
interpreting the results achieved in the direction of a transition capable of combining actions for the
climate and benefits for all stakeholders, with particular attention to social inclusion, which at any
rate already falls within CSV factors;
▪ Hera stock was included, for the second consecutive year, in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index
World and Europe, with a score that confirms the Group as the best in the “Multi and Water
Utilities” sector, and the achievement of 5
th
place internationally among Utility Networks in the ESG
Evaluation, carried out by the Sustainable Finance analysts at S&P Global Ratings;
▪ the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated the objectives that will lead to a 37%
reduction in the Group's greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (Scope 1+2+3 from the sale of
electricity and downstream methane gas) compared to 2019, for which the 2021 Sustainability
Report provides the second balance.
Creating shared value: CSV Ebitda rises to 570.6 million euro (46.6% of total Ebitda); CSV
investments come to 452.7 million euro (68% of total investments)
The 2021 Sustainability Report consolidates its representation of content focused on creating shared
value. The results achieved and the objectives set for the future are accompanied by a summary of the
scenario relating to the three drivers for creating shared value:
▪ Energy - pursue carbon neutrality,
▪ Environment - regenerate resources and close the circle,
▪ Local areas (and Businesses) - enabling resilience and innovating.
An equal number of chapters are dedicated to these three areas, representing the most significant part
of the report.
One of the strengths of the Group’s reporting is its quantification of shared value Ebitda (CSV Ebitda),
i.e. the portion of Ebitda that derives from business activities capable of meeting the objectives on the
Global Agenda, which refers to calls to action for sustainable growth (relevant to the Group’s activities)
summarised in the three drivers mentioned above.
In 2021, CSV Ebitda came to 570.6 million euro, corresponding to 46.6% of the Group’s total Ebitda,
with a 25.4% increase compared to the amount seen in 2020, in line with the new calculation criteria,
defined in order to take into account the European Taxonomy of eco-sustainable activities. CSV Ebitda
for 2021 is thus in line with the path set out by the 2021-2025 Business Plan, which was designed to
ensure that approximately 55% of 2025 Ebitda will come from business activities that meet the
priorities on the Global Agenda. The Group’s contribution to creating shared value also involves
making investments in the three CSV drivers, which in 2021 amounted to 452.7 million euro,
approximately 68% of the total.
1.06
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 81|
This quantification of shared value Ebitda and investments for 2021 has been submitted, for the third
consecutive year, to an audit, with the aim of confirming these distinctive aspects of the Group’s
reporting to all stakeholders.
Pursuing carbon neutrality: -6.8% in energy consumption; 23% of contracts with energy
efficiency services; -11.6% greenhousse gas emissions
Hera pursues the carbon neutrality of its own activities and those of its customers by promoting energy
efficiency and projects in the area of the energy transition and renewable energy.
With regard to energy efficiency, note that:
▪ the initiatives identified by Hera Spa, Inrete Distribuzione Energia Spa, AcegasApsAmga Spa and
Marche Multiservizi Spa, included in their own ISO 50001 energy improvement plans and already
implemented at the end of 2021, have made it possible to reduce energy consumption by 15,036
TOE, equivalent to 6.8% of the amount recorded in 2013, coming closer to the target set for 2024;
▪ at the end of 2021, gas and electricity contracts with energy efficiency solutions accounted for 23%
of total contracts, up 3 percentage points on the previous year;
▪ initiatives to promote energy efficiency among residential customers include the Consumption Log,
a free report to raise customers’ awareness of energy savings based on the principles of
behavioural economics, in addition to the numerous offers with energy efficiency solutions that
were further enhanced in 2021.
With regard to the energy transition and renewable energies, Hera continued to promote its carbon-
neutral commercial offer in 2021, achieving at the end of the year:
▪ an amount of electricity from renewable sources sold equal to 40.1% of the total (excluding the
quantities sold in protected and safeguarded markets), up 7 percentage points compared to 2020;
▪ an amount of methane gas with CO
2
offsetting equal to 9.1% of total volumes sold, compared to
4.4% in 2020 (excluding volumes sold to wholesalers, for the default service and last resort
supply).
For the fourth consecutive year, Hera also continued to guarantee electricity 100% of which derives
from renewable sources to all its residential customers in the free market, and in 2021 it enhanced its
commercial proposition with the Hera Photovoltaic offer.
Internally, in 2021 Hera produced 8 million cubic metres of biomethane from the organic portion of
waste (slightly more than in 2020) and covered 82% of its own consumption with electricity from
renewable sources. In 2021, numerous initiatives were launched to develop hydrogen as an energy
vector, aimed using it in hard-to-abate sectors, to introduce it into gas distribution networks and to
construct a power-to-gas plant closely integrated with the wastewater treatment process.
Lastly, on the basis of the second report carried out in accordance with the SBTi methodology referred
to above, the Group’s greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1+2+3 from the sale of electricity and
downstream natural gas) recorded an 11.6% reduction in 2021, compared with the 2019 base year,
which is in line with the 2030 target validated by SBTi. More specifically, 2021 saw a reduction in
Scope 1+2 (market-based) emissions and carbon intensity of electricity sales (Scope 3 upstream)
coming to 9.1% and 27.7% respectively.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 82|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 83|
Regenerating resources and closing the circle: sorted waste at 65.3%; +17.5% of packaging
recycled; -16.6% in water consumption
Hera regenerates resources and closes the circle through initiatives and projects in three areas: (i)
transition towards a circular economy, (ii) sustainable management of water resources, (iii) protection
of air, soil and biodiversity.
With regard to the transition to a circular economy, 2021 saw sorted waste collection come to 65.3%
(Italian 2020 average: 63%) and use of landfills for the disposal of urban waste at 3.5% (European
2020 average: 23%). In this respect, Hera is almost 20 years ahead of the EU target for the circular
economy and ranks among the most virtuous European countries. In October 2021, Hera published the
eleventh edition of its “Tracking Waste” report, verified by DNV, thus providing citizens with a
guarantee of the effective recovery of separate waste collection, which came to 90.5%. This report
contains indications as to how the area served by Hera positions with respect to the recycling targets
set by the EU as part of the circular economy package: the overall recycling rate, where Hera with 55%
has already achieved the target set for 2025, and the packaging recycling rate, where the Group with
73% exceeds by three percentage points the target set for 2030.
Once again as regards the circular economy, 2021 saw an 80.8% material and energy recovery rate in
Herambiente Spa’s sorting plants, and quantities of plastic recycled by the Aliplast Group coming to
approximately 81 thousand tonnes, showing a 17.5% increase compared to 2020 and 36% compared
to 2017, the baseline of the commitments made in the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment
promoted by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Concerning the sustainable management of water resources, in 2021 the Group’s commitment in the
sewage sector continued with a multi-year plan to bring urban agglomerations into line with regulations.
At the end of 2021, thanks to the expansion of the Borgheria (PU) purification plant, 99.6% of
agglomerations were adequate in terms of population equivalent (97.6% in 2020). Initiatives to
preserve water resources were also important, including the internal water management project, which
enabled a 16.6% reduction in consumption in 2021 (compared to the 2017 baseline), agreements with
local authorities that make 6% of the water leaving the purification plants reusable, and the
aforementioned Consumption Log, which has been sent to around 27% of household water service
customers.
As far as air protection is concerned, positive results were confirmed in relation to the environmental
performance of the Group’s waste to energy plants, which in 2021 again recorded very low levels of
atmospheric emissions, on average 86% lower than the legal limits, and the Imola cogeneration plant,
with average PM10 concentrations 99% lower than the limits. Lastly, with regard to soil protection, note
that from 2018 to 2021, the construction of infrastructures has led to a 78% reuse of soil.
Enabling resilience and innovating: 82 million euro invested in innovation and digitisation; 2.2
billion euro in economic value distributed to local areas; local suppliers account for 67% of the
total
In 2021, the Group achieved significant results in the CSV areas related to economic and employment
growth in local areas, innovation and digitalisation; it also carried out important initiatives and projects
aimed at ensuring the resilience of its operations and therefore of the areas served.
The total economic value distributed to the territory amounted to 2,224 million euro, equivalent to 75%
of overall economic value. The amount distributed to local suppliers came to 67% of the total and
reached 807 million (+9% compared to the previous year), while induced employment is estimated at
approximately 9,300 people; these figures confirm the Group’s primary role in the development of the
local area. With regard to induced employment, the employment of disadvantaged people (882) is
reported as a result of supplies from social cooperatives amounting to 72.3 million euros in 2021.
In the area of innovation, investments amounted to more than 82 million euro and were related to
initiatives in three areas: energy transition, circular economy and digital transformation. With regard to
digital transformation, the 2021 Sustainability Report confirms reporting for 24 projects, introduced for
the first time in the 2020 report, concerning objectives, results and impacts based on the framework of
Corporate digital responsibility, defined as the set of practices and behaviours that help an organisation
use data and digital technologies in an ethical and responsible manner, from a social, environmental,
economic and technological point of view. In addition to digital transformation projects aimed at further
optimising operating processes for the benefit of service quality, safety and continuity, work quality and
internal efficiency, efforts continued in 2021 to develop digital channels for customer relations. The
apps L'Acquologo and Il Rifiutologo reached 775,000 downloads by the end of 2021 and exceeded
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 84|
140,000 photo-reports sent by citizens. The digitalisation of customer relations was also characterised
by a constant increase in the number of practices managed online: in 2021, customers registered for
online services rose to 27.1%, while those who requested an electronic bill reached 30.9%. The
Group’s commitment in this area, combined with its focus on local communities, continued in 2021 with
the fourth edition of the campaign to promote electronic bills and customers’ digital behaviour, called
Digi e Lode, through which the Group from 2017 to 2021 donated 375 thousand euros for the
digitalisation of 150 schools.
Once again as regards digitalisation, the experience gained by the Group since 2017 has made it
possible to continue to manage the emergency situation in a resilient manner in 2021. The number of
workers permanently involved in the remote working project in 2021 came to almost 4,200, 77% of the
total number of permanent employees, excluding only blue collar workers.
The results achieved in 2021 in terms of shared value generated are complementary to those relating
to the following areas, which complete the Group’s sustainability profile and are reported in the
“Alongside the actors of change” section of the Sustainability Report:
▪ awareness programmes and the adoption of ISO 45001 certification, which covers 87% of the
Group’s workers, led to a further decrease in the accident frequency index, which settled at 10.3
(12.6 in 2020). The Hextra welfare system, to which 99% of workers have adhered, has paid
employees over 5.3 million euros. A high level of training is still available, partially thanks to
digitally redesigning initiatives: in 2021, 30.3 hours of training per capita were given, 60% of which
were provided remotely. The incidence of sustainability objectives in the balanced scorecard
system linked to the incentives involving all management further increased: in 2021, 38% (35% in
2020) of the variable remuneration of Group executives and middle managers was linked to
sustainability projects-objectives oriented towards creating shared value equal to 24%;
▪ high quality levels of customer contact channels, despite the ongoing health emergency: the
average call centre waiting time remained just over 30 seconds for residential customers and 34
seconds for business customers, with a further increase in contacts coming to 16% and 17%
respectively compared to the previous year. The average waiting time at help desks stood at 5.7
minutes, only slightly higher than the previous year, despite a 22% increase in contacts. The
survey carried out in 2021 on the quality of services provided by the Group (more than 9,000
interviews with residential customers) confirmed a high customer satisfaction rate (73/100),
unchanged compared to the previous two years;
▪ During 2021, in selecting suppliers, the Group used the economically most advantageous offer
method in 79% of public tenders and in 65% of overall contracts (in terms of economic value). In
both cases, the average score reserved for social and environmental aspects came to around
38/100. Supplier monitoring focused on social responsibility towards workers continued in 2021, as
did monitoring of accidents, which involved 84% (in terms of value commissioned) of service and
works suppliers. 2021 also saw the continuation of the “circular purchasing” project, with the
application of the relevant guidelines and the identification of technical award criteria to be used in
tenders: eco-efficiency, dematerialisation, renewability and recyclability. Continuing along the
same lines as in previous years, in 2021 circularity criteria were included in over 90% of the
tenders awarded with the economically most advantageous offer, with an average score of 8.3;
▪ communication with local communities continued in 2021, which saw the conclusion of the work of
the Modena and Forlì-Cesena LABs. HeraLAB is the tool that Hera makes available to the areas in
which it operates, with the aim of activating a structured channel for listening and dialogue with
local communities. Each LAB is made up of representatives of local stakeholders appointed by
Hera’s Board of Directors. There are 8 initiatives co-designed by the Modena and Forlì-Cesena
LABs, to be implemented in the two-year period 2022-23.
Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
During 2020, a path was designed to come into line with the recommendations of the Task Force on
climate-related financial disclosures (TCFD), which involved the entire corporate organisation, across
the board, and continued in 2021. This Task Force came into being as a result of the 2015 Paris
Agreement, in which the member states of the United Nations committed to keeping the increase in the
average global temperature below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels, and possibly limiting the
increase to 1.5°C by the end of the 21
st
century. In the same year, the G20 Financial Stability Board
established the TCFD, with the aim of facilitating greater transparency on the financial opportunities
and risks associated with climate change. In 2017, the TCFD published the reporting recommendations
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| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 85|
mentioned above, which are now an international reference for corporate climate change disclosure.
The TCFD’s recommendations are applicable to organisations across all sectors and are classified into
four areas: governance, strategy, risk management and metrics & targets.
The path along which the Group has set out was defined according to three main steps:
▪ the establishment of a dedicated cross-functional working group;
▪ an in-depth analysis of the gaps in the reporting system and the way the Hera Group manages
climate opportunities and risks with respect to the recommendations;
▪ the definition of a working plan to increase the Group’s alignment with the TCFD’s
recommendations, the results of which can be seen in these consolidated financial statements and
in the 2021 Sustainability Report (in particular, the section dedicated to “Hera for the climate”),
which can be consulted for a comprehensive illustration of the four reporting areas, by topic.
The European taxonomy of environmentally sustainable activities
The EU taxonomy is a unique European classification system introduced by Regulation 2021/852,
which establishes a list of environmentally sustainable economic activities. It is a classification tool
provided for in the Action plan on sustainable finance, aimed at supporting the European Union in
increasing sustainable investments and carrying out the Green Deal.
Following the recommendations of Delegated Regulation 2021/2178, which introduces obligations to
disclose information about the taxonomy in NFD, a multi-step process was developed in 2021 to
analyse the taxonomy’s applicability along the entire value chain, taking into account all of the Group’s
consolidated companies.
This process exclusively concerned the climate change mitigation and adaptation objectives for which
Delegated Regulation 2021/2139 introduces a list of activities that contribute substantially to these
objectives, and the list of technical screening criteria that these activities must meet in order to be
classified as environmentally sustainable.
In compliance with the disclosure requirements set out for 2021 NFD, this process has allowed for
quantification of and reporting on the economic KPIs (turnover, opex and capex) of the activities
managed by the Hera Group that are eligible for the taxonomy, i.e. those activities included in the list
provided for in Regulation 2139, regardless of whether they meet the technical screening criteria.
Despite the fact that the Taxonomy Regulation establishes the obligation to report in 2023 the amount
of turnover, opex and capex of the activities aligned with the taxonomy, i.e. those activities that meet
the technical screening criteria, the Hera Group has committed to disclose, regarding the mitigation
objective, already in its 2021 non-financial reporting. In addition, it has decided to include, alongside
the economic KPIs, the amount of Ebitda deriving from the activities aligned with the taxonomy
(flanking and complementing CSV Ebitda) and to introduce in its 2021-2025 Business Plan the amount
of investments in these activities.
See the Sustainability Report for a comprehensive discussion of this topic.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 86|
ANALYSIS BY BUSINESS AREA
An analysis of the operating results achieved in the Group’s business areas is provided below,
including: the gas area, which covers services in natural gas distribution and sales, district heating and
heat management; the electricity area, which covers services in generation, distribution and sales; the
integrated water cycle area, which covers aqueduct, purification and sewerage services; the waste
management area, which covers services in waste collection, treatment and recovery; the other
services area, which covers services in public lighting and telecommunications, as well as other minor
services.
EBITDA DECEMBER 2021
The Group’s income statements include corporate headquarter costs and account for intercompany
transactions at arm’s length.
The following analyses of each single business area take into account all increased revenues and
costs, having no impact on Ebitda, related to the application of IFRIC 12. The business areas affected
by this accounting standard are natural gas distribution services, electricity distribution services, all
integrated water cycle services and public lighting services.
The contribution
to Ebitda coming
from the Group’s
various business
areas shows a
balanced mix,
resilient and
consistent with a
multi-business
strategy
A multi-business
strategy
1.07
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 87|
Gas
Significant growth was seen in 2021 compared to 2020, both in terms of margins and volumes sold,
thanks to the opportunities provided in the Energy Services segment by energy efficiency incentives,
the 110% super-bonus and insulation bonus, as well as the recovery in consumption and production,
which had slowed down considerably in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, benefits were
related to energy efficiency certificates, district heating and sales markets in all areas served. In
particular, in last resort markets, Hera Comm Spa was awarded the following lots nationwide through
tenders:
▪ six of the nine lots of the last resort gas service (for customers involved in public services or
without a supplier) for the period from 1 October 2021 - 30 September 2023 in: Valle d’Aosta,
Piedmont, Liguria, Trentino A.A., Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany,
Umbria, Marche, Lazio and Campania. In the previous tender, Hera Comm was awarded eight out
of nine lots.
▪ all nine lots of the default gas distribution service (for customers in arrears), for the period 1
October 2021 - 30 September 2023 in: Valle d'Aosta, Piedmont, Liguria, Lombardy, Trentino A.A.,
Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, Marche, Abruzzo, Molise,
Basilicata, Puglia, Lazio, Campania, Sicily and Calabria. In the previous tender, Hera Comm was
awarded five out of nine lots.
▪ nine of the twelve lots of the Consip GAS13 tender for supplying natural gas to public
administrations in 2021: Valle d’Aosta, Piedmont, Liguria, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Emilia-Romagna,
Lombardy, Lazio, Campania, Calabria, Sicily, Basilicata and Puglia.
EBITDA GAS AREA 2021 EBITDA GAS AREA 2020
The following table shows the changes occurred in terms of Ebitda:
(mn€)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Area Ebitda
487.6
374.4
113.2
+30.2%
Group Ebitda
1,223.9
1,123.0
100.9
+9.0%
Percentage weight
39.8%
33.3%
+6.5 p.p.
Ebitda rises
1.07.01
487.6 mn€
39.8%
374.4 mn€
33.3%
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 88|
CUSTOMERS (k)
The number of gas customers decreased slightly by 3.6 thousand, or 0.2%, compared to the previous
year. On traditional markets, the customer base was stable, while customers in the last resort markets,
after the significant increase recorded in the last quarter of 2020 owing to tenders for the period 2020-
2021, decreased by 4 thousand.
VOLUMES SOLD (mn m
3
)
Total volumes of gas sold increased by 2,996.8 million m
3
, or 22.6%. Brokerage volumes were up by
2,632.4 million m
3
, or 19.9% of the total. Trading increased, in order to satisfy internal procurement and
take advantage of market opportunities. Volumes sold to end customers increased by 11.8%, reaching
364.4 million m
3
, reflecting the aforementioned post-Covid-19 recovery. Traditional markets grew by
272.3 million m
3
(+9.1%, or +8.8% of total volumes sold) and last resort markets by 92.1 million m
3
(+96%, or +3.0% of total volumes sold).
2.1
million
gas customers
(-0.2%)
16.2
billion m
3
sold
(+25.6%)
16,242.9
13,246.1
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 89|
The following table summarises operating results for the gas area:
Income statement (mn€)
Dec 21
% inc.
Dec 20
% inc.
Abs. change
% change
Revenues
5,969.0
3,361.3
2,607.7
+77.6%
Operating costs
(5,373.1)
(90.0)%
(2,883.4)
(85.8)%
2.489.7
+86.3%
Personnel costs
(126.9)
(2.1)%
(116.5)
(3.5)%
10.4
+8.9%
Capitalised costs
18.6
+0.3%
13.0
0.4%
5.6
+43.0%
Ebitda
487.6
8.2%
374.4
11.1%
113.2
+30.2%
REVENUES (mn€)
Revenues increased by 2,607.7 million euro, or 77.6%, compared to the previous year. The reasons for
this are mainly to be found in brokerage, which generated higher revenues coming to 1,870 million
euro, and higher volumes sold, coming to 120 million euro.
The increase in the price of gas as a raw material accounted for 441 million euro, with a sharp rise
beginning in October 2021. The CMEM tariff component, which in the protected market represents
trends in the cost of raw materials, increased by 75% between December and September and by 245%
compared to December 2020.
The higher revenues of the energy services business, due to activities linked to energy efficiency, the
insulation bonus and the 110% super-bonus, were up by approximately 238 million euro. In addition,
higher revenues came from district heating, totalling 28 million euro, due to higher prices and volumes
sold, and for activities in Bulgaria, coming to 13 million euro.
This growth was limited by a drop in revenues from energy efficiency certificates, amounting to roughly
121 million euro, as a result of the 21 May 2021 Ministerial Decree. This decree, which regulates the
determination of the national quantitative energy saving objectives for electricity and gas distribution
companies for 2021-2024, operated retroactively, reducing the number of certificates allowed for the
2020 obligation year by 60%, as well as defining a significantly lower number of certificates for the
2021 obligation than in the past.
Regulated revenues increased by 2 million euro. From a regulatory point of view, since 2021 is the
second year of the new regulatory period, there are no regulatory changes to mention. Therefore, the
growth was essentially related to a natural update of the constraints, mainly involving the capex
update.
This increase in revenues was proportionally reflected by growth in operating expenses, which
increased by 2,489.7 million euro overall. This trend was mainly due to the increased activity in energy
services and brokerage, higher volumes sold and lower costs for purchasing energy efficiency
certificates.
5,969.0
million euro
revenues
(+77.6%)
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 90|
EBITDA (mn€)
Ebitda increased by 113.2 million euro, or 30.2%, due to growth in incentivised energy efficiency
activities coming to approximately 42 million euro, increased margins in the district heating business
amounting to 4 million euro and white certificates totalling 6.6 million euro, due to the reduction in
energy efficiency obligations described above. The remaining growth was related to sales activities,
due to the recovery in consumption and the enlargement of the area served, in addition to brokerage
on international markets. Also note the growth in margins of the gas business in Bulgaria, up 11%, with
a corresponding increase of 4 thousand customers, or 17%.
NET INVESTMENTS GAS (mn€)
Net investments in the gas area amounted to 140.6 million euro in 2021, up 6.5 million euro compared
to the previous year. In gas distribution, the overall increase came to 4.0 million euro, mainly due to
non-recurring maintenance on networks and plants, which was up compared to the previous year, even
considering the lower effect of the large-scale meter replacement pursuant to Resolution 554/15,
relating to the commissioning of smart gas meters. In gas sales, investments coming to 10.2 million
euro were recorded for activities related to the acquisition of new customers, up by 1.2 million euro
compared to the previous year. Investments increased by 0.8 million euro overall in district heating and
heat management services, including an increase in district heating by Hera Spa and a decrease in
energy services in the activities of the companies Hera Servizi Energia Srl and AcegasApsAmga
Servizi Energetici Spa. On the whole, requests for new connections were slightly down compared to
the previous year.
140.6
million euro
net
investments
gas
487.6
million euro
Ebitda
(+30.2%)
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 91|
Details of operating investments in the gas area are as follows:
Gas (mn€)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Networks and plants
103.9
99.9
4.0
+4.0%
Acquisition gas customers
10.2
9.0
1.2
+13.3%
DH/heat management
27.1
26.3
0.8
+3.0%
Total gas gross
141.3
135.3
6.0
+4.4%
Capital grants
0.7
1.2
(0.5)
(41.7)%
Total gas net
140.6
134.1
6.5
+4.8%
The Regulatory asset base (RAB) for assets owned, which defines the value of the assets recognised
by the Authority as regards return on invested capital, increased compared to 2020.
RAB (bn€)
1.041
billion euro
2021 RAB
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 92|
Electricity
At the end of 2021, Ebitda for the electricity area showed a decrease compared to the previous year.
The reasons for this drop involve the safeguarded market, due to a different scope of operations, and
lower electricity generation activity, particularly in the dispatching services market, which recorded
excellent performance the previous year during the period of closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the safeguarded market, the Hera Group will manage the lot of customers in Campania, Abruzzo
and Umbria in 2021, compared to seven lots in the previous two years.
Also note the positive result coming from commercial development in free market customers,
supported by innovative offers, value-added services and an increasing improvement in customer
experience for each type of customer. In addition to this, Hera Comm Spa was awarded through a
tender, for the period from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024, the gradual protection service for the supply of
electricity to SMEs in nine Italian regions: Campania, Marche, Umbria, Abruzzo, Molise, Basilicata,
Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia, corresponding to three lots allocated in the national tender called by the
Single Purchaser.
EBITDA ELECTRICITY AREA 2021 EBITDA ELECTRICITY AREA 2020
The following table shows the changes occurred in terms of Ebitda:
(mn€)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Area Ebitda
144.7
188.2
(43.5)
(23.1)%
Group Ebitda
1,223.9
1,123.0
100.9
9.0%
Percentage weight
11.8%
16.8%
(5.0) pp
CUSTOMERS (k)
The number of electricity customers increased by 5.0% (up 67.3 thousand) compared to 2020. This
growth occurred on the free market, accounting for 9.5% of the total, due to both the reinforced
commercial action implemented, resulting in approximately 60 thousand customers, and the award of
1.4
million
electricity
customers
(+5.0%)
1.07.02
144.7 mn€
11.8%
188.2 mn€
16.8%
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 93|
the Gradual Protection Service, concerning roughly 51 thousand customers. This increase was able to
offset the decrease in both 17 thousand greater protection customers and 27 thousand safeguarded
customers, due to the different scope of the lots managed.
Alongside the above-mentioned trend, there was an increase in the number of customers subscribing
to value-added services, with around 80 thousand customers requesting these services, an increase of
30% compared to the previous year, demonstrating the increasing loyalty of the customer base.
VOLUMES SOLD (GWh)
Volumes of electricity sold decreased by 1,105.8 GWh, or 8.6%, compared to 2020. This trend was
mainly due to the decrease in volumes in the safeguarded segment, amounting to 1,520.4 GWh, or
11.9% of the total, due to the different scope served, while on traditional markets there was a 414.6
GWh increase, equivalent to 3.3% of the total, thanks to the new gradual protection service mentioned
above.
The following table summarises operating results for the electricity area:
Income statement (mn€)
Dec 21
% inc.
Dec 20
% inc.
Abs. change
% change
Revenues
3,024.6
2,315.9
708.7
30.6%
Operating costs
(2,846.8)
(94.1)%
(2,090.3)
(90.3)%
756.5
36.2%
Personnel costs
(47.0)
(1.6)%
(48.7)
(2.1)%
(1.7)
(3.5)%
Capitalised costs
13.8
0.5%
11.3
0.5%
2.5
22.2%
Ebitda
144.7
4.8%
188.2
8.1%
(43.5)
(23.1)%
11.7
TWh
Sold
(-8.6%)
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 94|
REVENUES (mn€)
Revenues increased by 708.7 million euro, or 30.6%, compared to 2020. This performance is mainly
due to higher revenues from brokerage coming to 243 million euro, higher raw material prices
amounting to roughly 679 million euro, higher revenues from generation totalling around 116 million
euro and higher revenues from value-added services for customers coming to roughly 15 million euro.
Revenues from the electricity business were affected by an increase in the average annual value of the
PUN, which was up by 222% compared to the previous year.
The aforementioned increases were only partially offset by a decrease in volumes sold, which led to
lower revenues coming to roughly 90 million euro, and lower revenues from off-grid transmission and
system charges, totalling 252 million euro, with an equal effect on costs.
Regulated revenues increased by 2 million euro compared with 2020, due to the capex-related tariff
increase.
The increase in revenue was reflected more than proportionally by operating costs, which rose by
756.5 million euro. This trend was due to the sharp increase in raw material prices, which had an
impact on sales, brokerage and generation, despite the lower volumes sold and lower costs for
purchasing energy efficiency certificates.
EBITDA (mn€)
Ebitda decreased by 43.5 million euro, or 23.1%, mainly due to the reduction in the scope of areas
served in the safeguard market, amounting to 29 million euro, and lower calls for dispatching services
market, coming to around 15 million euro, as mentioned above. Free market activities increased, as did
new value-added services, optimisation of plant production and distribution services, which offset the
lower margins on brokerage.
3.0
billion euro
revenues
(+30.6%)
144.7
million euro
Ebitda
(-23.1%)
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 95|
In the electricity area, 2021 investments amounted to 55.3 million euro, up 7.6 million euro compared
with the previous year.
The interventions carried out mainly concerned non-recurring maintenance on distribution plants and
networks in the Modena, Imola, Trieste and Gorizia areas.
Compared to the previous year, a 4.7 million euro increase was seen in electricity distribution for some
new constructions, such as the primary cabin in Modena Est, as well as extraordinary maintenance of
networks and plants and meter replacement activities, while 2.8 million euro was recorded in energy
sales, for activities linked to acquiring new customers. Requests for new connections were also up
compared to the previous year.
NET INVESTMENTS ELECTRICITY (mn€)
Operating investments in the electricity area were as follows:
Electricity (mn€)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Networks and plants
36.1
31.4
4.7
+15.0%
Acquisition electricity customers
19.2
16.4
2.8
+17.1%
Total electricity gross
55.3
47.7
7.6
+15.9%
Capital grants
‐
‐
‐
+0.0%
Total electricity net
55.3
47.7
7.6
+15.9%
RAB, which defines the value of the assets recognised by the Authority as regards return on invested
capital, increased compared to 2020.
RAB (bn€)
55.3
million euro
net investments
electricity
0.371
billion euro
2021 RAB
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 96|
Integrated water cycle
In 2021, the integrated water cycle area showed a slight decrease in results compared to the previous
year, with Ebitda falling by 1.3%. As regards regulations, note that 2021 was the second year in which
the tariff method defined by the Authority for the third regulatory period (Mti-3), 2020-2023 (resolution
580/2019), was applied. A revenue (VRG) is assigned to each operator, defined on the basis of
operating costs and capital costs, according to the investments made, with a view to increasing
efficiency in costs, in addition to measures intended to promote and valorise interventions for
sustainability and resilience.
In late 2021, ATERSIR definitively awarded Hera the tender for the integrated water service in the
Province of Rimini, excluding the Municipality of Maiolo. The new agreement, signed on 23/12/2021,
regulates the new concessionary relationship from 01/01/2022 until its scheduled expiry on 31/12/2039.
Thanks to the award of this tender, one of the first in Italy, the new water service in the Rimini area will
be based on sustainability and innovation, and the Hera Group, also the outgoing manager for the 24
municipalities, will be responsible for the service for the next 18 years.
EBITDA WATER CYCLE 2021 EBITDA WATER CYCLE 2020
The following table shows the changes occurred in terms of Ebitda:
(mn€)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Area Ebitda
262.4
265.8
(3.4)
(1.3)%
Group Ebitda
1,223.9
1,123.0
100.9
+9.0%
Percentage weight
21.4%
23.7%
(2.3) pp
CUSTOMERS (k)
262.4 mn€
21.4%
265.8 mn€
23.7%
Slight drop in
results in
2021
1.5
million
integrated
water cycle
customers
(+0.5%)
1.07.03
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 97|
The number of water customers increased by 7.8 thousand, or 0.5%, compared to the previous year,
confirming the moderate trend of internal growth in the Group’s reference areas. The Emilia-Romagna
area managed by Hera Spa accounted for 72.3% of this growth, while the area served by
AcegasApsAmga Spa accounted for 14.3% and the remainder involved the area served by the Marche
Multiservizi Spa Group.
The main indicators for the area are as follows:
QUANTITY MANAGED 2021 (mn m
3
) QUANTITY MANAGED 2020
(mn m
3
)
The volumes supplied through the aqueduct, which amounted to 291.5 million m
3
, increased by 2.0%
compared to December 2020, or 5.7 million m
3
. In December 2021, the quantities managed relating to
sewerage amounted to 238.6 million m
3
, with a slight decrease coming to 0.9% compared to the
previous year, while purification volumes amounted to 234.9 million m
3
, down 0.7% compared to 2020.
The volumes supplied, following the Authority’s resolution 580/2019, are an indicator of the activity of
the areas in which the Group operates and are subject to equalisation, owing to legislation that
provides for a regulated revenue, recognised independently from volumes distributed.
ELECTRICITY CONSUMED (GWh)
Electricity consumed in plants increased by 2.2 GWh. This increase is mainly linked to the higher
volumes supplied in 2021, as described above.
291.5 million
m
3
: amount
managed in the
aqueduct
362.8
GWh
electricity
consumed in
plants
(+0.6%)
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 98|
An overview of operating results for the water area is provided in the table below:
Income statement (mn€)
Dec 21
% inc.
Dec 20
% inc.
Abs. change
% change
Revenues
964.7
883.6
81.1
+9.2%
Operating costs
(521.3)
(54.0)%
(439.8)
(49.8)%
81.5
+18.5%
Personnel costs
(185.9)
(19.3)%
(183.7)
(20.8)%
2.2
+1.2%
Capitalised costs
4.9
0.5%
5.8
0.7%
(0.9)
(15.6)%
Ebitda
262.4
27.2%
265.8
30.1%
(3.4)
(1.3)%
REVENUES (mn€)
Higher revenue from contracts and works on behalf of third parties carried out in 2021 accounted for
42.0 million euro of this growth in revenues. Revenues from supply showed an increase coming to 33.1
million euro, mainly due to a rise in the equalisation costs for electricity and the raw material water, and
the tariff adjustment of the new MTI-3 method. Lastly, the increase in new connection revenues came
to 3.0 million euro.
The increase in operating costs in 2021 was mainly due to the higher costs related to the works
described above relating to revenues, amounting to 42.0 million euro overall, in addition to higher costs
for raw materials including water and electricity, coming to approximately 32.5 million euro. Lastly,
higher operating costs were seen for managing networks and plants, the latter related to the different
state of progress of works compared to December 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
EBITDA (mn€)
262.4
million euro
Ebitda
(-1.3%)
964.7
million euro
revenues
(+9.2%)
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 99|
Ebitda decreased by 1.3%. Higher revenues for new connections only partially offset the increase in
operating costs for networks and plants, due to the different state of progress of works compared to
December 2020.
In 2021, net investments in the integrated water cycle area amounted to 169.0 million euro, up 25.7
million euro compared to the previous year. Including the capital grants received, investments totalled
194.6 million euro, up 28.4 million euro.
These investments mainly involved extensions, reclamations and improvements to networks and
plants, as well as regulatory upgrading, especially in the water and sewerage area.
Investments amounted to 113.5 million euro in the aqueduct, 45.0 million euro in sewerage and 36.1
million euro in purification.
NET INVESTMENTS WATER CYCLE (mn€)
The main interventions included, in the aqueduct, ongoing increases in reclamation activities on
networks and connections, linked to Arera resolution 917/2017 on the regulation of the technical quality
of the integrated water service; earthquake adaptation and requalification of the hanging tank areas;
significant maintenance on the intake works at the Setta stream, serving the Sasso Marconi drinking
water plant; reclamation works on the adduction network in the Municipality of Bentivoglio, as well as
upgrading water networks in other served areas. In the sewerage sector, progress continues to be
made on the Rimini seawater protection plan, with new sewerage separation areas in the northern
area, even though Hera’s 2021 interventions are expected to have a lower impact than in the previous
year. Maintenance work to upgrade the sewerage network in other areas also continued, as did works
to adapt drains to Dgr 201/2016, a type of work that increased in 2021. In purification, note the
upgrades to the Lido di Classe purification plant, as well as revamping on the sand collectors at the
IDAR purification plant in Bologna and the Gramicia purification plant in Ferrara.
Requests for new water and sewerage connections increased compared to the previous year, partially
driven by the economic recovery, predominantly in the construction sector.
Capital grants, amounting to 25.6 million euro, included 16.8 million euro linked to the tariff component
of the method for the New Investment Fund (FoNI), and were up by 2.7 million euro compared to the
previous year.
169.0
million euro
net
investments
water cycle
(+25.7)
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 100|
Details of operating investments in the integrated water cycle area are as follows:
Integrated water cycle (mn€)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Aqueduct
113.5
98.8
14.7
+14.9%
Purification
36.1
28.2
7.9
+28.0%
Sewerage
45.0
39.1
5.9
+15.1%
Total integrated water cycle gross
194.6
166.2
28.4
+17.1%
Capital grants
25.6
22.9
2.7
+11.8%
of which FoNI (New Investments Fund)
16.8
13.6
3.2
+23.5%
Total integrated water cycle net
169.0
143.3
25.7
+17.9%
RAB, which defines the value of the assets recognised by the Authority as regards return on invested
capital, increased compared to 2020.
RAB (bn€)
1.64
billion euro
2021 RAB
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 101|
Waste management
In 2021, the waste management area accounted for 23.8% of the Hera Group’s overall Ebitda, with this
area’s Ebitda up by 33.7 million euro compared to 2020. Recovery occurred in industrial and waste
production in Italy in 2021, albeit far from pre-pandemic amounts, as did a general increase in
competition. In this context, the Group proved able to seize opportunities for growth, partially thanks to
its set of plants, which continues to be a strategic and distinctive asset on the market. In particular,
note the commercial growth of Aliplast Spa and the Group’s expansion in the industrial waste and
environmental remediation and restoration market, due to various partnerships and company
acquisitions that enabled it to consolidate its leadership. In the fourth quarter, the continuation of the
pandemic and the onset of high energy prices caused a temporary slowdown in the activities of some
economic sectors, with repercussions on the markets in which the Group is active.
Note that in late 2021, Atersir definitively awarded the tenders for managing urban and assimilated
waste in the Modena and Bologna areas temporary associations of companies led by the Hera Group,
for the next 15 years.
Thanks to the outstanding operational skills possessed by the Group and the other companies in the
winning consortium, the areas covered by the service contracts will be equipped with collection models
featuring innovative services and equipment, with a strong focus on sustainability, waste reduction and
an increase in recycled materials.
EBITDA WASTE MANAGEMENT AREA 2021 EBITDA WASTE MANAGEMENT AREA 2020
The following table shows the changes occurred in terms of Ebitda:
(mn€)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Area Ebitda
291.7
258.0
33.7
+13.1%
Group Ebitda
1,223.9
1,123.0
100.9
+9.0%
Percentage weight
23.8%
23.0%
+0.8 p.p.
Volumes marketed and treated by the Group in 20201are as follows:
Quantity (k tons)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Municipal waste
2,241.8
2,219.1
22.7
+1.0%
Market waste
2,334.3
2,187.6
146.7
+6.7%
Waste commercialised
4,576.1
4,406.7
169.4
+3.8%
Plant by-products
2,200.5
2,203.2
(2.7)
(0.1)%
Waste treated by type
6,776.7
6,609.9
166.8
+2.5%
Ebitda
rises
1.07.04
291.7 mn€
23.8%
258 mn€
23.0%
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 102|
An analysis of this data shows a rise in waste commercialised, due to increases in both municipal
waste and market waste. As regards municipal waste, 2021 saw growth coming to 1.0% compared to
the previous year.
Market volumes increased compared to 2020 by 6.7%, due to the consolidation of previously existing
commercial relations and growth in the customer portfolio.
Lastly, plant by-products remained similar to the previous year, mainly due to lower rainfall, offset by
higher volumes following acquisitions.
SORTED WASTE (%)
Sorted municipal waste collection was in line with the previous year, but if recalculated using uniform
criteria, growth came to +1.1 percentage points. As of July 2021, in fact, Legislative Decree 116/2020
was applied, which excludes construction and demolition waste from the percentage calculation of
sorted waste collection.
The Hera Group operates in the entire waste cycle, with 97 plants for treating municipal and special
waste and regenerating plastic materials. This number increased by seven compared to 2020, thanks
to new corporate acquisitions. The main plants include: nine waste-to-energy plants, 12
composting/digestion plants and 15 selecting plants.
The close attention paid to the set of plants has always been a distinctive element of the Group’s
propensity for excellence: operations are indeed ongoing to further improve safety and align plants with
the best available technologies.
WASTE TREATED BY TYPE OF PLANT 2021 WASTE TREATED BY TYPE OF PLANT 2020
+1.1
percentage points
sorted waste
(if recalculated using
uniform criteria)
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 103|
Quantity (k tons)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Landfills
636.4
677.4
(41.0)
(6.1)%
WTE
1,205.2
1,275.4
(70.2)
(5.5)%
Selecting plants and other
550.8
530.7
20.1
+3.8%
Composting and stabilisation plants
498.1
509.4
(11.3)
(2.2)%
Inertisation and chemical-physical plants
1,322.4
1,208.4
114.0
+9.4%
Other plants
2,563.8
2,408.7
155.1
+6.4%
Waste treated by plant
6,776.7
6,609.9
166.8
+2.5%
Plastic recycled by Aliplast Spa
80.9
68.8
12.1
+17.6%
Waste treatment showed an overall growth coming to 2.5% compared to December 2020, partially due
to the increase in the number of plants managed. Analysing the individual sectors, a decrease was
seen in the quantity disposed of in landfills, mainly due to the exhaustion of the Sommacampagna and
Ravenna plants. As regards waste-to-energy plants, the decrease was mainly due to revamping on the
Trieste plant and the shutdown for scheduled maintenance at the Modena waste-to-energy plant. The
increased quantity in sorting plants was due to the greater quantities treated in all plants, thanks to the
rise in sorted waste collection. In composting and stabilisation plants, volumes decreased slightly, while
in inertisation and chemical-physical plants, the increased quantity was mainly due to the higher
volumes at the purification plants in Tuscany, at the Pozzilli plant, which was not operating in early
2020, and increased volumes for new acquisitions. Lastly, note the increase in the other plants sector.
The table below summarises the area’s operating results:
Income statement (mn€)
Dec 21
% inc.
Dec 20
% inc.
Abs. change
% change
Revenues
1,328.4
1,190.3
138.1
+11.6%
Operating costs
(846.5)
(63.7)%
(740.2)
(62.2)%
106.3
+14.4%
Personnel costs
(211.8)
(15.9)%
(203.6)
(17.1)%
8.2
+4.0%
Capitalised costs
21.7
1.6%
11.4
1.0%
10.3
+90.4%
Ebitda
291.7
22.0%
258.0
21.7%
33.7
+13.1%
REVENUES (mn€)
Revenues increased by 11.6% compared to the previous year. Revenues from energy production were
up by 20.3 million euro, mainly due to the increase in the prices of GRIN certificates, as well as market
and thermal energy and biomethane production prices, despite a 70.2 thousand ton reduction in
1,328.4
million euro
revenues
(+11.6%)
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 104|
volumes in WTEs. A higher contribution also came from Aliplast Spa, up +55.2 million euro compared
to 2020, or +53%, as a result of the increase in prices and higher products sold, mainly Film PE and
Granulo PET.
Also note the 37 million euro increase in revenues related to new acquisitions in the industry market,
and the higher value of materials due to an increase in prices, especially concerning paper, glass and
iron.
Operating costs for 2021 grew by 14.4%. In the treatment market, an increase occurred in costs for
purchasing raw materials, new acquisitions and scheduled maintenance on Group plants. This rise was
offset by efficiencies in operating costs. In the recovery market, there is an increase was seen in the
purchasing costs for raw materials sustained by Aliplast Spa, related to the trend in revenues
mentioned above. As far as municipal waste collection is concerned, the increased activities were
related to developing new sorted waste collection projects.
EBITDA (mn€)
The rise in Ebitda was mainly due to increased activities in plastics recovery, coming to 20.7 million
euro, expansion in the industrial waste market with new acquisitions, accounting for approximately 9
million euro, and an increase in waste income due to higher prices. These positive factors were only
partly offset by higher raw material purchasing prices and higher maintenance costs for Group plants.
Net investments in the waste management area were related to maintenance and upgrading on waste
treatment plants and amounted to 96.5 million euro, up 28.9 million euro compared to the previous
year.
The composting/digester plants sector showed an increase of 2.8 million euro, mainly due to the start
of work on NewCo Biorg Srl, partially offset by lower work on the plants in Voltana, Sant’Agata, Rimini
and Cesena, which underwent major work during the previous year. In the same sector, the activities of
Green Factory Srl in the Marche region are also worth mentioning.
Investments in landfills decreased by 2.5 million euro, due to work carried out during the previous year
on the 5
th
lot of the Pago plant.
The WTE sector showed a 10.6 million euro increase, mainly due revamping on line two of the Trieste
plant, as well as non-recurring maintenance carried out at the Modena plant.
Investments in the industrial waste plants sector increased by 10.7 million euro compared to the
previous year, and were mainly related to revamping on the F3 plant in Ravenna.
Investments in the collection area and equipment sector increased by 2.2 million euro compared to the
previous year and included the work carried out on underground collection areas. The 6.1 million euro
increase seen in the sorting and recovery plants sector was due to higher investments for the work on
the new PE regenerator belonging to Aliplast Spa, as well as the change in the scope of operations of
the companies Recycla Spa and Vallortigara Group.
291.7
million euro
Ebitda
(+13.1%)
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 105|
NET INVESTMENTS WASTE MANAGEMENT (mn€)
Details of operating investments in the waste management area are as follows:
Waste management (mn€)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Composters/digesters
7.5
4.7
2.8
+59.6%
Landfills
8.3
10.8
(2.5)
(23.1)%
WTE
24.6
14.0
10.6
+75.7%
RS plants
17.3
6.6
10.7
+162.1%
Collection areas and equipment
16.6
14.4
2.2
+15.3%
Transshipment, selecting and other plants
24.0
17.9
6.1
+34.1%
Total waste management gross
98.2
68.3
29.9
+43.8%
Capital grants
1.7
0.7
1.0
+142.9%
Total waste management net
96.5
67.6
28.9
+42.8%
96.5
million euro
net
investments
waste
management
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 106|
Other services
The other services area covers all minor businesses managed by the Group, including public lighting,
in which the Hera Group’s efforts go towards planning, constructing and maintaining lighting structures,
contributing to safety across the areas served through avant-garde technologies and constant attention
towards the circular economy and sustainability; telecommunications, in which the Group offers
connectivity for private customers and companies, telephone and Data Centre services through its own
digital company; and, lastly, cemetery services. In 2021, results in this area stood at 37.4 million euro,
up 0.7 million euro over the previous year.
OTHER SERVICES EBITDA 2021 OTHER SERVICES EBITDA 2020
The changes occurred in terms of Ebitda are as follows:
(mn€)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Area Ebitda
37.4
36.7
0.7
+1.9%
Group Ebitda
1,223.9
1,123.0
100.9
+9.0%
Percentage weight
3.1%
3.3%
(0.2) pp
The following table shows the area’s main indicators as regards public lighting services:
Quantity
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
Public lighting
Lighting points (k)
563.2
571.3
(8.1)
(1.4)%
of which LED
35.2%
35.1%
+0.1
+0.0%
Municipalities served
184.0
188.0
(4.0)
(2.1)%
In 2021, the Hera Group acquired approximately 13.7 thousand lighting points in 10 new municipalities.
The most significant acquisitions were: approximately 8.9 thousand lighting points in Lombardy,
approximately 2.3 thousand lighting points in Lazio, approximately 1.5 thousand lighting points in
Sardinia and other regions of central Italy, and one thousand lighting points in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
The year’s increases only partially offset the loss of about 21.8 thousand lighting points and 14
municipalities, mainly in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto.
The percentage of lighting points that use LED bulbs stands at 35.2%, and provides evidence of the
Group’s constant focus on an increasingly efficient and sustainable management of public lighting.
Quantitative indicators in the other services area also include the 4,440 km of proprietary ultra-
wideband fibre optic network that the Hera Group owns through its digital company, Acantho Spa. This
37.4 mn€
3.1%
36.7 mn€
3.3%
Ebitda
rises
1.07.05
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 107|
network serves the main cities in Emilia-Romagna, along with Padua and Trieste, and provides
companies and individuals with high-performance connectivity, high reliability and maximum security
for systems, data and service continuity.
The area’s operating results are provided in the table below:
Income statement (mn€)
Dec 21
% inc.
Dec 20
% inc.
Abs. change
% change
Revenues
170.8
147.1
23.7
+16.1%
Operating costs
(114.1)
(66.8)%
(92.0)
(62.5)%
22.1
+24.0%
Personnel costs
(21.2)
(12.4)%
(20.3)
(13.8)%
0.9
+4.4%
Capitalised costs
1.9
1.1%
1.8
1.2%
0.1
+5.5%
Ebitda
37.4
21.9%
36.7
24.9%
0.7
+1.9%
REVENUES (mn€)
The growth in revenues was mainly due to public lighting, with 50% related to progress on the energy
requalification works carried out and 50% to energy adjustments on public lighting fees. The
telecommunications business concentrated its main activities on telephone and connectivity services
for the Group as well.
The increase in operating costs was related to the trends seen in both public lighting and
telecommunications revenues.
EBITDA (mn€)
Ebitda for the other services business increased by 1.9% overall, or 0.7 million euro.
37.4
million euro
Ebitda
(+1.9%)
170.8
million euro
revenues
(+16.1%)
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 108|
Net investments in the other services business amounted to 13.3 million euro, up 2.2 million euro on
the previous year.
In telecommunications, 8.6 million euro in investments were made in network and TLC services, up 0.5
million euro compared to the previous year. In public lighting, investments were related to
maintenance, upgrading and modernisation for lighting systems in the areas managed and amounted
to 5.9 million euro, up 2.9 million euro compared to the previous year, and did not include public
lighting contracts subject to different accounting under IFRIC 12.
NET INVESTMENTS OTHER SERVICES (mn€)
Details of operating investments in the other services area are as follows:
Other services (mn€)
Dec 21
Dec 20
Abs. change
% change
TLC
8.6
8.1
0.5
+6.2%
Public lighting and traffic lights
5.9
3.0
2.9
+96.7%
Total other services gross
14.6
11.1
3.5
+31.5%
Capital grants
1.3
‐
1.3
+100.0%
Total other services net
13.3
11.1
2.2
+19.8%
13.3
million euro
net
investments
other services
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 109|
SHAREHOLDERS MEETING RESOLUTIONS
The Hera Spa Shareholders Meeting:
▪ having acknowledged the Board of Directors’ report on management;
▪ having acknowledged the Board of Statutory Auditors’ report;
▪ having acknowledged the Independent Auditors’ report;
▪ having examined the financial statements at 31 December 2021, which close with profits totalling
223,760,995.71 euro;
resolves:
▪ to approve Hera Spa’s financial statements at 31 December 2021 and the report on management
prepared by the Board of Directors;
▪ to allocate profits for the 1 January 2021 – 31 December 2021 financial year, for a total of
223,760,995.71 euro as follows:
– 11,188,049.79 euro to the legal reserve; and
– a dividend amounting to 0.120 euro gross paid to each ordinary share outstanding (excluding,
that is, treasury shares held in the company’s portfolio) on the day of payment for said dividend;
and
– 33,828,296.52 euro to the extraordinary reserve.
The total dividend paid out therefore amounts to 178,744,649.40 euro, corresponding to 0.120 euro for
each ordinary share outstanding (excluding, that is, treasury shares held in the company’s portfolio);
▪ to establish 22 June 2022 as the initial date for dividend payment, and 20 June 2022 as ex-dividend
date for coupon no. 20, dividends being paid to shares recorded at 21 June 2022;
▪ to grant a mandate to the Board of Directors, and its Chairman, to ascertain in due time, in
accordance with the definitive number of shares outstanding, the exact amount of profits to be
distributed, and therefore the exact amount of the extraordinary reserve.
1.08
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 110|
NOTICE CONVENING THE SHAREHOLDERS
MEETING
1.09
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 111|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 112|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 113|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 114|
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FORMATS
Income statement
mn€
notes
2021
2020
Revenues
1
Other operating revenues
2
Raw and other materials
3
(6,668.5 )
(3,410.6 )
Service costs
4
(2,464.6 )
(2,424.9 )
Personnel costs
5
(592.8 )
(572.7 )
Other operating costs
6
(66.5 )
(58.9 )
Capitalised costs
7
Amortisation, provisions and depreciation
8
(612.1 )
(571.7 )
Operating revenues
Share of profits (losses) pertaining to joint ventures and
associated companies
9
Financial income
10
Financial expenses
10
(300.3 )
(198.3 )
Financial management
(204.8 )
(116.7 )
Pre-tax profit
Taxes
12
(34.2 )
(111.8 )
Net profit for the period
Attributable to:
parent company shareholders
minority shareholders
Earnings per share
basic
12
diluted
12
Pursuant to Consob Resolution no. 15519 of 27 July 2006, the effects of relationships with related parties are accounted for in the appropriate income
statement outlined in paragraph 2.04.01 of this consolidated financial statement.
2.01.01
2.01
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 115|
Statement of comprehensive income
mn€
notes
2021
2020
Net profit (loss) for the period
Items reclassifiable to the income statement
Fair value of derivatives, change for the period
20
Tax effect related to reclassifiable items
(35.3 )
(17.5 )
Items not reclassifiable to the income statement
Actuarial income (losses) employee and post-employment
benefits
27
(1.9 )
Shareholdings valued at fair value
17
(2.1 )
(3.5 )
Tax effect related to not reclassifiable items
(0.2 )
Total comprehensive profit (loss) for the period
Attributable to:
parent company shareholders
minority shareholders
2.01.02
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 116|
Statement of financial position
mn€
notes
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Tangible assets
13.31
Rights of use
14.31
Intangible assets
15.31
Goodwill
16.31
Shareholdings
17.31
Non-current financial assets
18.35
Deferred tax assets
19
Derivative instruments
20
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Inventories
21
Trade receivables
22.35
Current financial assets
18.35
Current tax assets
23.35
Other current assets
24.35
Derivative instruments
20
Cash and cash equivalents
18
Total current assets
TOTAL ASSETS
Pursuant to Consob Resolution no. 15519 of 27 July 2006, the effects of relationships with related parties are accounted for in the appropriate statement of
financial position outlined in paragraph 2.04.02 of this consolidated financial statement.
2.01.03
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 117|
mn€
notes
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
NET EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Share capital and reserves
Share capital
25
Reserves
25
Profit (loss) for the period
Group net equity
Non-controlling interests
25
Total net equity
Non-current liabilities
Non-current financial liabilities
26.35
Non-current lease liabilities
14.35
Post-employment and other benefits
27
Provisions for risks and charges
28
Deferred tax liabilities
19
Derivative instruments
20
Total non-current liabilities
Current liabilities
Current financial liabilities
26.35
Current lease liabilities
14.35
Trade payables
29.35
Current tax liabilities
23.35
Other current liabilities
30.35
Derivative instruments
20
Total current liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
TOTAL NET EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Pursuant to Consob Resolution no. 15519 of 27 July 2006, the effects of relationships with related parties are accounted for in the appropriate statement of
financial position outlined in paragraph 2.04.02 of this consolidated financial statement.
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 118|
Cash flow statement
mn€
notes
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Earnings before taxes
Adjustments to reconcile net profit to the cashflow from operating activities
Amortisation and impairment of assets
8
Allocation to provisions
8
Effects from valuation using the net equity method
9
(13.2 )
(8.2 )
Financial (income) expenses
10
(Capital gains) losses and other non-monetary elements
(6.7 )
Change in provision for risks and charges
28
(31.2 )
(30.2 )
Change in provision for employee and post-employment benefits
27
(12.6 )
(13.5 )
Total cash flow before changes in net working capital
(Increase) decrease in inventories
32
(196.7 )
(3.8 )
(Increase) decrease in trade receivables
32
(893.8 )
Increase (decrease) in trade payables
32
Increase/decrease in other current assets/liabilities
32
(65.1 )
Changes in working capital
Dividends collected
32
Interest income and other financial income collected
32
Interest expenses, net charges on derivatives and other paid financial charges
32
(96.2 )
(81.9 )
Taxes paid
32
(156.3 )
(184.6 )
Cash flow from operating activities (a)
Investments in tangible assets
13
(171.9 )
(140.6 )
Investments in intangible assets
15
(416.8 )
(365.8 )
Investments in subsidiary companies and business units net of cash holdings
33
(64.1 )
(1.8 )
Other equity investments
33
(11.0 )
(46.8 )
Sale price of tangible and intangible assets
33
Divestments of shareholdings and contingent consideration
33
(Increase) decrease in other investment activities
33
(1.5 )
Cash flow from (for) investing activities (b)
(662.6 )
(518.6 )
New issue of long-term binds
34
Repayments of non-current financial liabilities
34
(519.8 )
(2.0 )
Repayments and other net changes in financial liabilities
34
(252.9 )
(18.9 )
Lease payments
34
(22.5 )
(22.1 )
Acquisition of interests in consolidated companies
34
(21.0 )
(1.2 )
Dividends paid out to Hera shareholders and non-controlling interests
34
(193.0 )
(163.3 )
Changes in treasury share
25
(0.2 )
(54.8 )
Cash flow from (for) financing activities (c)
(484.3 )
Increase (decrease) in cash holdings (a+b+c)
(101.5 )
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
18
Cash and cash equivalents at year end
18
Pursuant to Consob Resolution no. 15519 of 27 July 2006, the effects of relationships with related parties are accounted for in the appropriate cash flow
statement outlined in paragraph 2.04.03 of this consolidated financial statement.
2.01.04
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 119|
Statement of changes in net equity
mn€
Share
capital
Reserves
Reserves
derivatives
valued at
fair value
Reserves
actuarial
income
(losses)
employee
and post-
employment
benefits
Reserves
shares
valued at
fair value
Profit for
the period
Net equity
Non-
controlling
interests
Total
Balance at 1 Jan 20
(37.9 )
(33.8 )
Profit for the period
Other components of
comprehensive
income:
fair value of derivatives,
change for the period
(0.5 )
Actuarial income
(losses) employee and
post-employment
benefits
(1.3 )
(1.3 )
(0.2 )
(1.5 )
fair value
shareholdings, change
for the period
(3.5 )
(3.5 )
(3.5 )
Overall profit for the
period
(1.3 )
(3.5 )
change in treasury
shares
(14.8 )
(29.9 )
(44.7 )
(44.7 )
change in equity
investments
(11.3 )
(11.3 )
other movements
Allocation of
revenues:
dividends paid out
(147.1 )
(147.1 )
(16.0 )
(163.1 )
allocation to reserves
(238.6 )
Balance at 31 Dec 20
(35.1 )
(3.5 )
Balance at 1 Jan 21
(35.1 )
(3.5 )
Profit for the period
Other components of
comprehensive
income:
fair value of derivatives,
change for the period
Actuarial income
(losses) employee and
post-employment
benefits
fair value
shareholdings, change
for the period
(2.1 )
(2.1 )
(2.1 )
Overall profit for the
period
(2.1 )
change in treasury
shares
(0.4 )
(0.2 )
(0.2 )
change in equity
investments
(19.8 )
(19.8 )
(1.2 )
(21.0 )
Allocation of
revenues:
dividends paid out
(161.1 )
(161.1 )
(17.6 )
(178.7 )
allocation to reserves
(141.6 )
Balance at 31 Dec 21
(33.7 )
(5.6 )
2.01.05
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| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 120|
EXPLANATORY NOTES
Accounting policies
registered office in Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 2/4 . Hera Spa and its subsidiaries (the Hera Group )
The consolidated financial statement at 31 December 2021 was prepared in compliance with
Regulation (EC) No. 1606/2002 of 19 July 2002, observing the International Accounting Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) and
endorsed by the European Commission, as well as the provisions enacted in implementing Article 9 of
Italian Legislative Decree no. 38/2005. IFRSs also include the International Accounting Standards
(IAS) currently in force, the interpretative documents issued by the International Financial Reporting
Standards Interpretation Committee (IFRSIC) and the previous Standing Interpretation Committee
(SIC).
The directors considered the applicability of the assumed going concern in drafting the consolidated
financial statement and decided that such assumption is appropriate in that there are no doubts about
the going concern. This assessment took into account the current pandemic context, as well as the
context induced by the outbreak of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Sufficient obligatory information to present a true and fair view of the Group’s capital-financial
conditions as well as its economic performance has been provided. Information on the Group’s
activities and on significant events after year end is provided in the Directors’ report, in paragraph 1.03
"Main events occurred".
The general principle adopted in preparing these consolidated financial statements is the cost principle,
except for the financial assets and liabilities (including the derivative instruments), which were
measured at fair value. In drawing up the consolidated financial statement, management was required
to use estimates; the major areas characterised by valuations and assumptions of particular
significance together with those having notable effects on the situations presented are provided in the
section “Significant estimates and valuations” of paragraph 2.02.03 “Accounting policies and
consolidation principles”.
These consolidated financial statements at 31 December 2021 were drawn up by the Board of
Directors and approved by the same at the meeting held on 23 March 2022. These financial
statements underwent limited auditing by Deloitte & Touche Spa.
Financial statement content and format
These consolidated financial statements comprise:
▪ primary reporting formats; they are the same as those used for the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 and have the following features:
– the income statement includes individual items analysed by type. We believe that this type of
presentation, which is also used by our major competitors and is in line with international
practice, best represents company results;
– the statement of comprehensive income is presented in a separate document and
distinguishing items that may and may not be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss.
– the statement of changes in net equity reports separately the other items of the
comprehensive income statement;
– the statement of financial position makes the distinction between current and non-current
assets and liabilities.
– the cash-flow statement has been prepared using the indirect method;
▪ explanatory notes
2.02
2.02.01
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 121|
In the financial statements any non-recurring costs and revenues are indicated separately. Moreover,
with reference to Consob resolution 15519 of 27 July 2006 on financial statements, specific
supplementary formats of income statement, statement of financial position and cash flow statement
have been included, highlighting the most significant balances with related parties, in order to avoid
altering the overall clarity of the financial statements.
The financial statement formats and the information included in the explanatory notes are expressed in
millions of euro, unless otherwise indicated.
Scope of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements at 31 December 2021 include the financial statements of the
parent company Hera Spa and those of its subsidiaries. Control is obtained when the Parent Company
has the power to determine the financial and operational policies of a company, by way of currently
valid rights, in such a way as to obtain benefits from the company’s activity. Equity investments in joint
ventures in which the Hera Group exercises joint control with other companies as well as the
companies over which the Group exercises significant control are consolidated with the equity method.
Small-scale subsidiaries and associated companies are excluded from overall consolidation and valued
at fair value. These companies are reported in note 17, item “Other shareholdings”.
Changes in the scope of consolidation
The table below shows changes in the scope of consolidation introduced during the 2021 financial year
as compared to the consolidated financial statements at 31 December 2020:
Acquisition of control
Company/business unit
Eco Gas Srl
Vallortigara Group*
Primagas Ad**
Recycla Spa
Exited the scope
Company/business unit
Sinergie Italiane Srl in liquidation
Acquisition of significant influence
Company/business unit
SEA - Servizi Ecologici Ambientali Srl
* The Vallortigara Group comprises Vallortigara Servizi Ambientali Spa and its subsidiaries Hydro Mud Srl Vallortigara Angelo Srl and Vegri Scarl
** The acquisition of Primaga Ad has been achieved by means of Atlas Utilities Ead
On 30 September 2021 the associated company Sinergie Italiane Srl in liquidation terminated its
operations due to the end of the multi-year contract for the import of gas and the sale of the
transportation quotas held in its portfolio.
For further details regarding the acquisitions and significant influence carried out during the period,
reference should be made to chapter 1.03 "Main events occurred" in the directors’ report.
Changes in equity investments
On 8 September 2021, the purchase by EstEnergy Spa of the remaining 11% of Ascotrade Spa was
ratified in accordance with the terms and conditions of the public auction. For the latter company, the
shareholding increased from 89% to 100%.
2.02.02
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 122|
The difference between the adjustment of these minority shareholdings and the fair value of the
equivalent amount paid was reported directly in net equity and attributed to the parent company’s
shareholders.
Other corporate operations
During the year 2021, the company Green Factory Srl, incorporated in the year 2020 with no significant
assets, became operational.
On 3 March 2021, the company HEA Spa was established for waste treatment activities, following a
partnership agreement between Herambiente Servizi Industriali Srl and Eni Rewind Spa. This
company, not equipped with significant assets, is not yet operational and has thus not been included in
the scope of consolidation.
On 29 March 2021, Hera Comm Nord-Est Srl was merged by incorporation into EstEnergy Spa, with
accounting effects backdated to 1 January 2021.
On 28 June 2021 AresGas EAD, the sole shareholder, established Ares Trading EOOD, specialising in
natural gas trading and with its registered office in Varna, Bulgaria. The company became operational
in the last three months of the year, having obtained a specific license from the Bulgarian energy and
water regulation authority.
On 14 July 2021, Herambiente Servizi Industriali Srl acquired a 31% interest in Tremonti Srl, a
company established in order to manage the environmental remediation of the Tre Monti area in the
municipality of Bussi sul Tirino. This company, not equipped with significant assets, has thus not been
included in the scope of consolidation.
On 30 July 2021, Herambiente Spa established Biorg Srl, a company that became operational in
October 2021 with the aim of producing biomethane and compost from sorted organic waste and
wastewater collection, in line with the guidelines of the circular economy. The project involves a
partnership with the Inalca company (part of the Cremonini Group) which will be operationally
implemented beginning from the 2022 financial year.
Business combination operations
Business combinations have been accounted for on the basis of assessments conducted by
management in respect of analyses of the fair value of assets and liabilities and contingent liabilities, in
line with information concerning facts and events available at the date of acquisition. The evaluation
process of all operations ended on 31 December 2021.
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 123|
The table below shows the assets and liabilities acquired as part of business combinations carried out
during the year, recognised at their fair value.
Primagas Ad
Recycla Spa
Eco Gas Srl
Vallortigara
Group
Total business
combinations
Non-current assets
Tangible assets
10.6
0.1
4.5
15.2
Rights of use
0.9
0.2
3.0
4.1
Intangible assets
4.9
29.5
20.0
15.4
69.8
Deferred tax assets
0.2
0.2
Current assets
Inventory and work in progress
0.2
0.2
Trade receivables
5.3
3.9
8.9
18.1
Financial assets
0.2
0.2
Current tax assets
0.1
0.1
0.2
Other current assets
1.5
0.3
1.0
2.8
Cash holdings
2.3
0.6
8.3
11.2
Non-current liabilities
Financial liabilities
(3.8)
(0.5)
(4.3)
Lease liabilities
(0.5)
(0.1)
(1.0)
(1.6)
Post-employment
(0.8)
(0.9)
(1.7)
Provisions for risks and charges
(2.0)
(0.2)
(2.2)
Deferred tax liabilities
(0.3)
(8.6)
(5.6)
(4.9)
(19.4)
Current liabilities
Financial liabilities
(0.4)
(0.6)
(0.2)
(1.2)
Lease liabilities
(0.2)
(0.7)
(0.9)
Trade payables
(1.4)
(3.2)
(1.3)
(5.3)
(11.2)
Current tax liabilities
(3.1)
(0.2)
(0.5)
(3.8)
Other current liabilities
(2.9)
(1.1)
(1.1)
(5.1)
Total net assets acquired
3.2
24.8
16.5
26.1
70.6
Equivalent fair value
3.2
28.5
14.9
28.6
75.2
Non-controlling interests acquired
‐
Minority shareholders' put option
‐
14.9
1.6
9.0
25.5
Total value of business
combinations
3.2
43.4
16.5
37.6
100.7
(Goodwill) / Profit
‐
(18.6)
‐
(11.5)
(30.1)
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 124|
The evaluation process resulted in the following adjustments to the carrying amounts recorded in the
financial statement of the acquired entity, as well as the following considerations in relation to the
amount transferred:
Primagas Ad
Recycla Spa
Eco Gas Srl
Vallortigara
Group
Total business
combinations
Book value of net assets
acquired
0.9
6.6
2.2
15.3
25.0
Adjustments for fair value
evaluation
Intangible assets
2.6
29.4
19.9
15.3
67.2
Tax liabilities
(2.7)
(2.7)
Deferred tax assets (liabilities)
(0.3)
(8.5)
(5.6)
(4.5)
(18.9)
Fair value of net assets
acquired
3.2
24.8
16.5
26.1
70.6
Cash outlay
3.2
27.2
14.5
28.8
73.7
Deferred/contingent consideration
1.3
0.4
(0.2)
1.5
Equivalent fair value
3.2
28.5
14.9
28.6
75,2
The managements’ evaluation of the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities
incurred, which also considered the recoverable value of the assets, led to the following amendments
being identified:
▪ Primagas Ad – an increase in the value of the gas distribution networks for 2.6 million euro was
recorded. The depreciation period corresponds to the remaining useful life of the government
authorisation for the service held under concession;
▪ Recycla Spa and Vallortigara Group – customer lists for respectively 29.4 million euro and 15.3
million euro were recorded. These amounts were calculated on the basis of both the
characteristics of the reference context and using the incremental cash flow method (MEEM). The
depreciation period, equal to 15 years for Recycla Spa and 12 years for the Vallortigara Group,
was determined on the basis of the churn rate established by analysing the historical series of the
turnover of the major clients. In relation to Recycla Spa, liabilities for direct and indirect taxes were
recognised for a total of 2.7 million euro;
▪ Eco Gas Srl – a customer list of 19.9 million euro was recorded, amortised over a 10-year period
representing the estimated churn rate of the acquired customers.
The effects reported above resulted in the recognition of deferred tax liabilities determined on the basis
of the applicable nominal tax rate.
With reference to the acquisition of Recycla Spa, Eco Gas Srl and the Vallortigara Group, it should be
noted that cross options to buy and sell the respective minority interests have been negotiated with the
counterparties. The existence of such a right held by the minority shareholder led to the need to
classify the option in the consolidated financial statements under financial liabilities rather than under
derivative instruments. In accordance with its own accounting policies, the Group did not include the
minority shares in the consolidated financial statements, considering the shareholdings to be fully
owned. The valuation of the options identified at the time of acquisition, therefore, totalled 25.5 million
euro. For further details, please see note 26 "Current and non-current financial liabilities";
Furthermore, over the course of the year, the evaluation process relating to the acquisition of Wolmann
Spa was completed. Seeing as no new and additional information emerged, in accordance with the
relevant accounting standards, the fair value measurement carried out at 31 December 2020 was
confirmed.
Please see note 33 "Comments to the financial report" for an analysis of the cash flows associated with
the combination operations.
Fair value
adjustments
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 125|
Accounting policies and consolidation principles
The financial statements used for the preparation of the consolidated statement of financial position
and income statement schedules were those which the companies included within the scope of
consolidation reclassified and adjusted (on the basis of specific instructions issued by the Parent
Company) for the purposes of consistency with the accounting standards and principles of the Group.
In processing the values referred to the companies valued at net equity, adjustments to their respective
financial statements were considered in order to adapt them to IFRS standards, in case these
companies do not adopt them.
When drawing up the consolidated statement of financial position and income statement schedules, the
assets and liabilities as well as the income and expenses of the companies included in the scope of
consolidation are included on a line-by-line basis. However, the receivables and payables, income and
expenses, gains and losses resulting from operations carried out between companies included in the
scope of consolidation have been eliminated. The book value of the equity investments is eliminated
against the corresponding portion of investees’ shareholders’ equity.
On first-time consolidation, the positive difference between the book value of the equity investments
and the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired, was allocated to the asset and liability items and
on a residual basis to goodwill. The negative difference was immediately recorded in the income
statement, as illustrated in the following section “Business combinations”.
The total of capital and reserves of subsidiaries pertaining to non-controlling interests is recorded within
equity in the line item “Non-controlling interests”. The portion of the consolidated result relating to non-
controlling interests is recorded in the account “Minority shareholders”.
The valuation of the financial statement items has been carried out on the basis of the general criteria
of prudence and on an accrual basis, with a view of the business as a going concern. For the purposes
of the accounting entries, priority is given to the economic substance of the transactions rather than
their legal form.
In preparing these consolidated financial statements, the accounting policies and principles were the
same as those adopted in the previous year, considering the new accounting standards reported in the
paragraph 2.02.04 “Accounting standards, amendments and interpretations applied beginning from 1
January 2021”. As far as the income statement is concerned, the costs and revenues stated include
those recorded at year-end, which have a balancing entry in the statement of financial position. In this
regard, income is included only if realised by said year-end date, while account has been taken of the
risks and losses even if known after said date.
The transactions with minority shareholders are recognised as equity transactions. Therefore, for
purchases of additional shares after control is attained, the difference between the cost of acquisition
and the book value of the shares purchased from non-controlling interests is recognized in equity.
The assets and liabilities of foreign companies denominated in currencies other than the euro which
are included in the scope of consolidation are translated using the exchange rates prevailing on the
balance sheet date. Income and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the year.
Exchange rate differences are included in an item of equity until the shareholding is sold. The main
exchange rates used to convert the value of the investees outside the Euro zone are as follows:
2021
31 Dec 21
2020
31 Dec 20
Average
Specific
Average
Specific
Bulgarian Lev
1.9558
1.9558
1.9558
1.9558
Polish Zloty
4.565
4.597
4.443
4.560
The standards and principles adopted are outlined here below.
2.02.03
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 126|
Tangible assets - Tangible assets are recorded at cost or production cost, including accessory costs,
or at the value based on expert appraisals, if relating to purchased companies, net of the related
accumulated depreciation and any impairment. The production cost includes the portion of direct and
indirect costs reasonably attributable to the asset (e.g. personnel costs, transport, customs duty, costs
for the preparation of the installation location, final test & inspection costs, notary fees, land registry
expenses). The cost includes any professional fees and, for certain assets, capitalised financial
charges up to the moment the asset enters into service. The cost also comprises the possible costs for
dismantlement, recovering and reclamation of the site that hosts the item of property, plant and
equipment, if it complies with the provisions of IAS 37. Ordinary maintenance costs are charged in full
to the income statement. Improvement, upgrading and transformation costs which increase the value of
the assets are recorded as assets.
The book value of intangible assets is subject to assessment so as to identify any losses in value,
particularly when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the book value cannot be recovered
(for details, see the section “Losses in value”).
Depreciation starts to be applied when the assets enter the production cycle. Tangible assets are
classified as in progress when the process of economic use has not yet begun. Tangible assets are
systematically depreciated in each accounting period using the depreciation rates considered
representative of the remaining useful lives of the assets. The rates of the amortisation for tangible
assets are outlined here below:
Category
Rates
Buildings
1.8% - 2.8%
Distribution plants
1.4% - 5.9%
Production plants
2.5% - 25.0%
Other plants
3.9% - 7.5%
Equipment
5.0% - 20.0%
Electric machines
16.7% - 20.0%
Vehicles
10.0% - 20.0%
The estimated useful lives of tangible assets are reviewed each year so as to assess the need to
revise them. In the event that the estimated useful lives do not provide a truthful representation of the
expected future economic benefits, the relative depreciation schedule must be redefined according to
the new assumptions. These changes are made prospectively to the income statement.
Land is not depreciated, with the exception of land in which landfills are located, which is depreciated
based on the quantity of waste disposed of with respect to the total conferrable capacity.
Gains and losses on disposal of assets are calculated as the difference between proceeds from the
sale and the book value of the relevant investment and are recognized in the income statement as the
control of the asset is transferred to the buyer.
Investment property - An item of property is recognized as investment property when it generates
cash flows largely independently of the other assets held by the Company, as it is held to earn rentals
and/or for capital appreciation or both, not to be utilized in production of for the provision of goods or
services or in connection with company operations. As permitted by IAS 40, investment property has
been recognized at cost. As such, these assets are reported at cost minus depreciation and any
impairment.
Rights of use - The right of use of a good or service is initially valued by the Group at cost. This cost
includes: (a) the initial value of the lease liability (calculated as outlined in the section “Lease
liabilities”); (b) payments related to the lease contract made before the effective date; (c) initial direct
costs related to property, plant and equipment; (d) an estimate of the costs to be incurred by the lessee
in dismantling and restoring the asset.
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 127|
Service components that may be included in the contract are excluded from projections of future lease
payments and accounted for separately under operating expenses on a straight-line basis.
After the initial recognition, the value of the right of use is reduced by accrued depreciation and
impairment and is adjusted for any restatements of the lease liability. If the lease transfers the
ownership of the underlying asset at the end of the lease term, the right of use is depreciated beginning
from the effective date until the end of the useful life of the underlying asset, otherwise the depreciation
is calculated on the basis of the lease duration.
The asset consisting of the right of use is subject to an impairment test to identify any loss in value.
Intangible assets - Intangible assets which are identifiable and can be monitored, and whose cost can
be reliably determined based on the assumption that said assets will generate future economic
benefits, are recorded in the accounts. These assets are stated at cost in accordance with the policies
indicated for property, plant and equipment and, if they have a definite useful life, they are amortised
systematically over the period of the estimated useful life. The depreciation begins when the asset is
available for use or in any case begins to generate economic benefit for the Group. Assets under
construction includes costs relating to intangible assets for which the process of economic use has not
yet commenced. If the intangible assets have an indefinite useful life, they are not amortised but rather
subjected to an annual impairment test, even in the absence of indicators signalling losses in value.
Research costs are recorded in the income statement. Any development costs for new products and/or
processes are booked to the income statement in the year they are incurred, unless their use extends
over several years.
Industrial patent rights and rights of use of intellectual work are representative of assets that are
identifiable and capable of generating future economic benefits under the control of the Group. These
rights are amortised over their remaining useful lives.
The concessions mainly comprise the rights associated with networks, plants and other facilities
related to gas and integrated water cycle services managed by the Group and are instrumental to the
management of these services. These concessions were listed as intangible assets even before the
IFRIC 12 - Agreements for concession services - interpretation was first applied.
The depreciation of the concessions are calculated on the basis of the provisions of the respective
conventions, and namely: i) according to a constant rate for the shorter of the following two periods: the
useful life of the assets granted in concession and the duration of that same concession, provided that,
when this concession expires, the outgoing operator is not granted any compensation value (Residual
industrial value, or RIV); ii) according to the useful life of the individual assets if, at the moment the
concessions expire, the assets in question are expected to pass into the hands of the operator.
Public services under concession include the rights over networks, plants and other facilities related to
gas, integrated water cycle, and electricity (with the sole exception of the assets related to the territory
of Modena, which are classified among the assets owned by virtue of the associated acquisition) and
public lighting services (for the latter, except for that highlighted in the following note describing the
accounting principles applied to the “Payables and financing” item) linked to services managed by the
Group. These arrangements are accounted for by applying the intangible asset model provided for the
IFRIC 12 interpretation, since it was considered that the underlying concession arrangements do not
guarantee the existence of an unconditional right in favour of the concessionaire to receive cash or
other financial assets. Construction and improvement services carried out on behalf of the grantor are
accounted for as contract work in progress. Considering that most works are contracted out externally
and that on construction activities carried out internally the job margin cannot be identified individually
from the benefits included in the remuneration for the service, these infrastructures are reported on the
basis of costs actually incurred, net of any contributions paid by the entities and/or private customers.
This category also includes improvements made and infrastructure constructed on the goods
instrumental to the management of these services, which are the property of the Holding Companies
(so called Asset Companies, pursuant to Art. 113 of Legislative Decree no. 267/00), yet managed by
the Group by virtue of business branch leasing contracts. These contracts, in addition to establishing
the fees due, also include clauses governing the restitution of assets, normally maintained, upon
payment of a balance corresponding to the net book value or the Industrial Residual Value (also taking
into account the recovery funds) of these assets.
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The depreciation of these rights is carried out based on the useful life of the individual assets, also in
view of the relevant legislation which, in the event of a change in service provider, calls for
compensation to be paid to the outgoing operator in the amount of the Residual Industrial value (RIV)
for assets constructed under their ownership, or at Net Book Value (NBV), for assets manufactured
under a business unit leasing contract.
The intangible assets acquired following a business combination are recorded separately from goodwill
if their fair value can be reliably determined and are depreciated over the useful life estimated in the
purchase price allocation.
The depreciation begins when the asset is ready for use according to the needs of the corporate
management.
Gains or losses on disposal of intangible assets are calculated as the difference between proceeds
from the sale and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognized in the income statement when
the control of the asset is transferred to the buyer.
The depreciation rates of intangible assets are outlined here below:
Category
rates
Industrial patents and intellectual property rights
20.0%
Patents and trademarks
10.0%
Buildings under concession
1.8% - 3.5%
Distribution plants under concession
1.8% - 10.0%
Other plants under concession
2.5% - 12.5%
Equipment under concession
12.5%
Business combinations - Business combination operations are accounted for by applying the
acquisition method foreseen by IFRS 3, as a consequence of which the buyer acquires the equity and
takes over the assets and liabilities of the acquired company. The cost of the operation is shown as the
fair value of the transferred assets, liabilities assumed and equity instruments issued in exchange for
the control of the acquired company, as at the date of acquisition. The expenses related to the
business combination are generally recognised in the income statement at the time they are incurred.
Any positive difference between the cost of the transaction and the fair value at the date the assets and
liabilities are acquired is attributed to goodwill (subject to impairment test, as indicated in the following
section). If the process of allocating the purchase price shows a negative difference, such difference is
immediately charged to the income statement at the date of acquisition.
Any consideration subject to conditions set forth in the business combination contract is measured at
fair value on the acquisition date and considered in the value of the consideration paid for the business
combination, for the purposes of calculating the goodwill.
Non-controlling interests on the acquisition date are measured at fair value or according to the pro rata
amount of the net assets of the acquired company. The valuation method selected is stated for each
transaction.
In the case of business combinations that take place in phases, the equity investment previously held
by the Group in the acquired company is valued at the fair value on the date control was acquired and
any resulting profit or loss is recognised in the income statement.
Losses in value (impairment) - As of each balance sheet date and when events or situation changes
indicate that the book value cannot be recovered, the Group takes into consideration the book value of
property, plant and equipment and intangible assets in order to assess whether these assets have
suffered an impairment. If there is any indication in this sense, the recoverable amount of said assets is
estimated so as to determine the total write-down. The recoverable amount is either the fair value, less
sales costs or the usage value, whichever is the greater. Where it is not possible to estimate the
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recoverable value of an asset individually, the Group estimates the recoverable value of the unit
generating the cash flows to which said assets belong. Future cash flows are discounted to present
value at a rate (net of taxation) that reflects the current market value and takes into account the risks
associated with the specific business activities.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or of a cash generating unit) is estimated as lower than the
related book value, the book value of the assets is reduced to the lower recoverable value and the
impairment is booked to the income statement. When there is no longer any reason for a write-down to
be maintained, the book value of the asset (or the unit generating financial flows), with the exception of
goodwill, is restated at the new value deriving from the estimate of its recoverable value; however, this
new value cannot exceed the net book value that the asset would have had if the write-down had not
been made for the loss in value. The write-back of the value is charged to the income statement.
Treasury shares - treasury shares are recognised as a reduction in shareholders’ equity, and any
differences generated by future purchase or sale transactions are recorded directly as changes in
shareholders' equity, without passing via the income statement.
Investments valued at shareholders’ equity method - Investments entered in this item refer to long-term
investments in associated companies and joint ventures. An associated company is a company over
which the Group is able to exercise remarkable influence, but not control, by means of participation in
the decisions on the financial and operating policies of the investee company. A joint venture is a jointly
controlled arrangement in which the entities that share joint control have rights to the net assets of the
arrangement. Under the equity method, investments are recognised at cost, as adjusted for any
changes following acquisition in the associated companies' net assets, minus any impairment. The
excess price over the Group’s share of the fair value of an associated company’s identifiable assets,
liabilities and contingent liabilities at the date of acquisition is recognised as goodwill. Goodwill is
included in the carrying amount of the investment and is tested for impairment.
Other investments - This category includes investments that are not included in the scope of
consolidation, including investments in negligible size subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures. For
these investments, upon initial recognition, it is irrevocably determined whether subsequent changes in
fair value are recognised in other comprehensive income; otherwise, changes in fair value are
periodically recognised in profit or loss. This approach does not include equity investments held
exclusively for the purpose of subsequent disposal, whose changes in fair value are recognized in
profit (loss) for the fiscal period. The risk deriving from any losses exceeding the book value of the
investment is recorded in a specific reserve to the extent that the holder is obliged to fulfil legal or
implicit obligations vis-à-vis the investee company or in any event cover its losses.
Financial assets - The Group classifies financial assets through the business model adopted for
managing them and on the basis of the features of contractual cashflows In relation to the previous
conditions, financial assets are subsequently valued as follows:
▪ depreciated cost;
▪ fair value of the other comprehensive income components;
▪ fair value of the profit (loss) for the fiscal period.
Management determines their classification when they are first recorded.
Receivables and loans - This category includes assets not represented by derivative instruments and
not listed on an active market, from which fixed or determinable payments are expected. Since the
business model generally adopted by the Group provides for the holding of these financial instruments
solely for the purpose of collecting the contractual cash flows, these assets are valued at depreciated
cost on the basis of the effective interest rate method. The value of the assets is reduced on the basis
of the expected losses, using information that is available without unreasonable charges or efforts,
including historical, current and prospective data. Losses determined by an impairment test are
recognized in the income statement, as are any subsequent reversals of impairment losses. These
assets are classified as current assets, except for the portions accruing after 12 months, which are
included amongst the non-current assets.
This category includes, as provided by the interpretation IFRIC 12, the financial assets associated to
those public service under concession for which the Group has the unconditional contractual right to
receive liquidity from the issuer for the construction services rendered. The Group uses the financial
asset model for the contracts of public lighting service provision, in view of their characteristics, in
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which increasingly frequently the issuer guarantees the area provider a specific amount, or at any rate
which can be reliably determined, not depending on the use of the infrastructure by the final customer.
Under that model, the financial asset reported in the balance sheet in relation to the issuer for an
amount equal to the fair value of the construction services rendered.
Financial assets at fair value recorded in the comprehensive income components - This category
includes assets, other than derivatives, held by the Group for the purpose of receiving contractual cash
flows (represented by equity and interest payments) or for monetisation through sale. These assets are
valued at fair value, the latter determined by referring to the market prices at the balance sheet date or
using financial measurement techniques and models, recording their change in value in a specific
equity reserve “Reserve for fair value assessments of financial assets”. The changes in value due to
the impairment test as well as of profit/loss on the exchange rate are recorded in the profit (loss) for the
fiscal period This reserve is reclassified to income only when the financial asset is actually sold.
Classification as a current or non-current asset depends on management's plans and on the real
tradability of the security. Those whose sale is expected during the next 12 months are recorded as
current assets.
Should there be objective proof of indicators of impairment, the value of the assets is reduced to such
an extent as to be equal to the discounted value of the flows that can be obtained in the future. The
impairment previously booked is restored if the circumstances that brought about its recording no
longer exist.
Assets valued at fair value recorded as profit (loss) for the fiscal period - This category includes
the financial assets acquired for short-term trading purposes, in addition to the derivatives, which are
described in the specific paragraph below. The fair value of these instruments is determined by
referring to the market value on the date the registration period ends. Classification under current and
non-current reflects management’s expectations regarding their trading: current assets include those
whose trading is expected within 12 months or those identified as held for trading.
Trade receivables - These refer to financial assets arising from the provision of goods and services
and are valued at amortised cost, adjusted for any impairment. These assets are derecognized in the
event of sale which transfers all risks and benefits associated with their management to third parties.
Environmental bonds - The Group complies with the various regulations issued in relation to the
environment that require compliance with restrictions established through the use of certificates or
bonds. Therefore, the Group is obliged to meet a need in terms of grey certificates (emission trading)
and white certificates (energy efficiency instruments). The development of markets in which these
bonds/certificates are traded has also made it possible to initiate a trading activity. These bonds are
valued according to the intended use.
The bonds held to meet the company’s requirement are recorded as assets at cost. If the bonds in the
portfolio prove to be insufficient to meet the need, a liability is recorded to guarantee adequate
coverage when the certificates are delivered to the operator. Bonds held for trading are recognised as
assets and are measured at fair value through profit or loss.
Other current assets - These are stated at par value, and possibly adjusted for any losses in value
corresponding to the amortised cost.
Contract work in progress - When the outcome of a construction contract can be estimated reliably,
contract work in progress is measured on the basis of revenues accrued with reasonable certainty,
according to the percentage of completion method of accounting so as to apportion revenues and costs
to the relevant financial years in proportion to the stage of completion of the work in question. Contract
revenues, in addition to the contractual payments, include the variations, the price review and the
recognition of the incentives to the extent it is probable that they represent effective revenues which
can be determined reliably.
When the result of a contract cannot be reliably estimated, the revenues referable to the related
contract are recorded solely within the limits of the contract costs incurred which will probably be
recovered. The contract costs are recorded as expenses during the accounting period in which they
are incurred. When it is probable that the total contract costs will be greater than the contractual
revenues, the expected loss is immediately stated at cost.
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Inventories - Inventories are recorded at cost, including directly attributable costs, or net estimated
realizable value, whichever is the lower. The cost configurations used for the valuation of stocks are
the average cost measured on a continuous basis (used for raw materials and consumables) and the
specific cost of other inventories. The net realisable value is calculated on the basis of the current costs
of the inventories at year end, less the estimated costs necessary for achieving the sale.
The value of obsolete and slow-moving stock is written down in relation to the possible use or
realization, by means of the provision of a specific materials obsolescence allowance.
Inventories of work in progress are valued at weighted average manufacturing cost for the period,
which comprises the raw materials, the consumables and the direct and indirect production costs
excluding general expenses.
Cash and cash equivalents - The item regarding cash holdings and cash equivalents includes cash
and bank accounts and deposits repayable on demand and other short-term financial investments with
high liquidity that are readily convertible into cash and are subject to an insignificant risk regarding their
change in value.
Financial liabilities - This item is initially stated at cost, corresponding to the fair value of the liability
net of the transaction costs which are directly attributable to the issue of said liability. Following their
initial recognition, financial liabilities, with the exception of derivatives, are valued on the basis of
amortised cost, using the original effective interest rate method. If the estimates of payments are
revised, the adjustment of the liability is stated as income or expense in the income statement, except
for lease liabilities.
Lease liabilities - As at the effective date of the contract, lease liabilities are calculated as the present
value of payments due, discounted using the interest rate of the lease or, in case it is not easily
identifiable, the marginal lending rate. The payments included in the calculation of the liability are: (a)
fixed payments; (b) variable payments depending on an index or a rate; (c) amounts expected to be
paid to secure the residual value; (d) the exercise price of the purchase option, if any, if the term of the
lease considers it; (e) any penalties for terminating the contract, if the term of the lease considers them.
The marginal lending rate refers to the average rate at which the Group borrows, broken down by
contractual maturity. It is determined annually in the budget on the basis of the final figures for previous
financial year and is applied to contracts signed from 1 January of each subsequent financial year. It is
updated during the period in the event of significant changes to the Group’s average borrowing rate.
For contracts with a life of more than 4 years, the Group uses the medium/long-term borrowing rate,
while for contracts with a life of 4 years or less, the equivalent short-term rate is adopted.
After the initial date, lease liabilities are modified as a result of: a) accrued financial expenses recorded
to the income statement; b) payments made to the lessor; c) any new valuations or changes to the
lease or the revision of the assumptions regarding the payments due to the lessor.
Post-employment benefits - Liabilities related to defined-benefit plans (such as the employee
severance accrued before 1 January 2007) are reported net of any plan assets on the basis of actuarial
assumptions and on an accrual basis, in keeping with the service necessary to obtain benefits. The
liability is valued by independent actuaries. Independent actuaries assess financial liabilities. Actuarial
gains and losses are reported as other comprehensive income/losses. Following Law 296 of 27
December 2006, for companies with more than 50 employees, the severance amounts accruing after 1
January 2017 qualify as a defined-benefit plan.
Provisions for risks and charges - The provisions for risks and charges comprise the amounts set
aside as recorded in the financial statements on the basis of current obligations (as emerging from past
events) which the Group believes it probably will have to meet. The provisions are set aside on the
basis of the best estimate of the costs required to meet the obligation, as of the balance sheet date
(assuming that there are sufficient elements for being able to make this estimate) and are discounted
to present value when the effect is significant and the necessary information is available. In such event,
the provisions are determined by discounting to present value the future cash flows at a pre-tax
discount rate that reflects the current market valuation and takes into account the risk associated with
the business activities.
When the discounting to present value is carried out, the increase in the provision due to the passing of
time is recorded amongst the financial charges. If the liability relates to property, plant and equipment
(e.g. site restoration), the provision is recorded as a contra entry to the asset to which it refers and the
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charge is recorded in the income statement via the depreciation process for the tangible asset to which
it refers. The methods envisaged by IFRIC 1 are adopted if liabilities are recalculated.
Trade payables - These refer to payables derived from commercial supply transactions and are
recorded at amortised cost.
Other current liabilities - These concern sundry transactions and are stated at nominal value,
corresponding to the amortised cost.
Derivative instruments - The Group holds derivative instruments for the purpose of hedging its
exposure to the risk of interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations and the risk of changes in methane
gas and electricity prices. In relation to said activities, the Group must handle the risks associated with
the misalignment between the index-linking formulas relating to the purchase of gas and electricity and
the index-linking formulas linked to the sale of said commodities. The instruments the Group uses for
handling price risk, both with regards to the price of the goods and the related Euro/Dollar exchange
rate, are aimed at pre-establishing the effects on the sales margins irrespective of the changes in the
aforementioned market conditions.
In relation to commodity derivatives, operations are managed through OTCs - over the counter
financial instruments (index swaps), currency derivatives (forward purchases in dollars), derivative
instruments traded on the regulated platform EEX, as well as through brokerage contracts that provide
for the physical delivery of the underlying (so-called physical contracts). In particular, the accounting
method used for physical contracts varies according to their purpose: contracts related to procurement
activities are subject to the own-use exemption and the related economic effects are recognised on an
accrual basis only at the time of actual delivery, while contracts signed with reference to price or
volume risk management activities are considered derivative financial instruments and measured at fair
value from the time they are signed. Given the nature of physical contracts, in order to give a more
consistent representation of the actual transactions carried out, at the time they become operational,
regardless of their purpose, the settlement is recorded in the income statement either in the item
“Revenues” or in the item “Raw and other materials” depending on whether the sale or procurement of
commodities was involved.
From an operational point of view, a commercial portfolio has been identified, which includes physical
and financial contracts signed for the management of procurement, and a trading portfolio, which
includes physical and financial contracts signed for speculation, based on pure position taking logics
whenever there is a market opportunity, always within the risk limits defined by the Board of Directors
of the parent company.
The fair-value changes pertaining transactions that, in observance of the risk management policies,
meet the requirements laid down by the accounting standards for hedge accounting treatment are
recorded (in the terms indicated below) as part of the other components of comprehensive income,
while those that despite being entered into for hedging purposes, do not meet the requirements set by
the standards are recognises in profit or loss in the period in which they occur. Operations identified
from their outset as speculative are recognised in profit or loss in the reporting period. Fair value is
established with suitable assessment models for each type of instrument according to the reference
market value as more fully described below.
For hedge accounting purposes, the Group formally designates and documents the hedging
relationship, its risk management objectives and strategy pursued, identifying: i) the hedging
instrument, ii) the nature of the risk being hedged, and iii) the way the effectiveness of the hedge will be
assessed. The hedging relationship is effective if: i) there is an economic relationship between the
hedging instrument and the hedged item; ii) the credit risk does not prevail over the changes in fair
value resulting from the economic relationship; and iii) the hedge ratio is the same as the ratio between
the quantity of the hedged item that the Group actually hedges and the quantity of the hedging
instrument that the Group actually uses to hedge that quantity of the hedged item, and no imbalance is
identified.
For accounting purposes, the hedging transactions are classified as fair value hedges if they cover the
risk of fluctuations in the market value of the underlying asset or liability; or as cash flow hedges if they
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cover the risk of changes in cash flows deriving both from an existing asset or liability, or from a future
transaction, including transactions on commodities.
As far as derivative instruments classified as fair value hedges are concerned, which observe the
conditions for the accounting treatment as hedging transactions, the gains and losses deriving from the
determination of their market value are recognized through profit or loss. At the same time, gains or
losses deriving from the fair value adjustment of the underlying hedged item, limited to the hedged risk,
are also recorded in the income statement.
For instruments classified as cash flow hedges and that qualify as such, the fair value changes are
recorded, only as far as the effective amount is concerned, in a reserve called "Cash flow hedge
reserve" through the statement of comprehensive income. This reserve is recorded to income as soon
as the underlying hedged instrument is realised. The change in fair value referring to the ineffective
portion is immediately recorded in the income statement of the period. If the underlying transaction
should no longer be considered highly probable, or the hedging relationship can no longer be
demonstrated, the corresponding portion of the “Reserve of derivatives valued at fair value” is
immediately reversed to income.
If, on the other hand, the derivative instrument is sold and therefore the hedging of the risk for which
the transaction was created no longer qualifies as effective, the amount of “Reserve of derivatives
valued at fair value” relating to it is kept until the economic effects of the underlying contract arise.
Whenever applicable, the Group adopts the fair value option.
Fair Value Hierarchy
The financial instruments measured at fair value are classified through a three-level hierarchy based on
the way the fair value was determined, i.e., with reference to the factors used in determining the value:
▪ level 1, financial instruments the fair value of which is determined on the basis of quoted prices in
active markets;
▪ level 2, financial instruments the fair value of which is determined using valuation techniques that
employ parameters that are directly or indirectly observable on the market. Instruments valued on
the basis of the market forward curve and short term differential contracts are classified in this
category;
▪ level 3, financial instruments the fair value of which is determined using valuation techniques that
employ parameters that cannot be observed on the market, using internal estimates exclusively.
Assets and liabilities held for sale - Assets and liabilities held for sale are those whose value will be
recovered mainly through sale rather than use. Assets and liabilities are classified under this category
the moment the sale operation is considered highly likely and the assets and liabilities are immediately
available for sale in their current condition. These assets are valued at either cost or fair value,
whichever is lower, net of sales costs.
Grants - Capital grants are recognized in the income statement over the period necessary for
correlating them to the related costs. They are represented in the statement of financial position by
recording the grant as deferred revenue. Operating grants, including those received from users for
connection purposes, are considered to be revenues for services rendered during the fiscal period and
are therefore recorded on an accruals basis.
Revenue and cost recognition - Revenues and income are recognized net of returned items,
discounts and rebates, and net of taxes directly related to the sales of products and services rendered.
These are broken down into revenues deriving from operating activities and financial income which
accrues between the sale date and the payment date.
Specifically:
▪ revenues from energy, gas and water sales are recognised and recorded at the moment of the
provision of the service and include the services provided but not yet invoiced (estimated on the
basis of historical analyses determined according to previous consumption levels);
▪ revenues from the distribution are recognized on the basis of the tariffs paid by Aeegsi and are
subject to equalization at year end to reflect in accordance with the competence criterion the
compensation recognised by the Authority in relation to the investments made;
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▪ revenues are booked at the time (or as) the obligation is fulfilled, transferring the promised good or
service to the customer. The transfer occurs when (or as) the customer gains control over the
good or service. The revenue recorded corresponds to the price attributed to the obligation to be
recorded. Revenue is recorded only if the consideration for the goods or services transferred to the
customer is likely to be received;
▪ costs are accounted for in accordance with the accruals principle.
Lease payments - As defined by IFRS 16, lease payments relating to lease contracts for low-value
assets and leases with a contract duration of 12 months or less (short-term leases) are recorded in the
income statement as charges for the period. The Group has set a threshold of 10,000 euro for deeming
the individual underlying asset to be of modest value.
Financial income and expense - Financial income and expense are recognised on an accrual basis.
Dividends from “Other shareholdings” are recorded in the income statement, at the time the right to
receive payment is established, the economic benefits arising from the dividends are likely to be
received by the Group and their value can be assessed reliably.
Taxes - Taxes are the sum of current, deferred and possible substitute taxes. Current taxes are
calculated on the taxable income for the financial period. Taxable income differs from the result
recorded in the income statement, as it may exclude both positive and negative components which will
be taxable or deductible in other periods (temporary changes), and components that will never be
taxable or deductible (permanent changes). “Current tax liabilities” are calculated on the basis of the
tax rates applicable on the balance sheet date.
In determining tax rates for the period, the Group took into due consideration the effects of the IAS tax
reform introduced by Law 244 of 24 December 2007 and in particular the reinforced derivation principle
established by Article 83 of the TUIR. This regulation calls for entities that use IFRSs to apply,
including in a departure from the provisions of the TUIR, the criteria for the determination, recognition
and classification in the financial statements provided for by said accounting standards.
Deferred taxes are calculated having regard to timing differences in taxation, and are recorded under
item “Deferred tax liabilities”. “Deferred tax assets” are recognised to the extent that the existence of a
taxable income at least equal to the amount of the differences to be offset is considered probable when
the timing differences will reverse. Deferred taxes are determined on the basis of the tax rates foreseen
to be in force during the financial year in which the tax asset will be conferred or the tax liability will be
extinguished, on the basis of tax rates established by provisions in force or substantively in force at the
date of the financial statements. These changes are recognised in profit or loss or in equity, depending
on how the difference in question was originally recorded.
Finally, substitute taxes may be recorded when legal provisions exist that allow the Group to take
advantage of special tax regimes. These are, by nature, non-recurring taxes, which may be attributed
to the Group’s desire to opt or not for the related tax regime.
Translation of foreign currency balances - The functional and reporting currency adopted by the
Group is the Euro. Foreign currency transactions are initially recorded using the exchange rate in force
as of the transaction date. Foreign currency assets and liabilities, with the exception of fixed assets,
are recorded using the exchange rate in force as at the period end date and the related exchange
gains and losses are recognized through profit or loss. Any net gain that might arise is set aside in a
specific restricted reserve until the date of realization.
Earnings per share - The earnings per share are represented by the net profit for the year attributable
to the shareholders holding ordinary shares, taking into account the weighted average of the ordinary
shares outstanding during the year. The diluted earnings per share are obtained by means of the
adjustment of the weighted average of the shares outstanding, taking into account all the potential
ordinary shares with dilution effect.
Transactions with related parties - Transactions with related parties take place on an arms'-length
basis, in observance of efficiency and cost-effectiveness criteria. Some specific transactions are
remunerated on the basis of rates established by Arera resolutions.
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Risk management
Credit risk
The credit risk faced by the Group originates from the broad structure of the client portfolios in the main
business areas in which it operates; for the same reason, this risk is spread out over a large number of
clients. In order to manage the credit risk, the Group established procedures for selecting, monitoring
and evaluating its customer portfolio. The Italian market is the benchmark market.
The Group’s credit management model makes it possible to analytically determine the different risks
associated with the collectability of trade receivables as soon as they arise and progressively according
to their increasing seniority. This approach allows the company to reduce the concentration and
exposure to credit risk posed by both business and household customers. With regard to receivables
from small-sized customers, write-downs are carried out on the basis of future-oriented analysis
regarding the amount of probable future income, taking into consideration the seniority of the
receivables, the type of recovery action undertaken and the status of the creditor. From time to time,
analyses are conducted on the individual credit positions yet to be resolved, identifying any criticality,
and if the amounts outstanding are uncollectible, in whole or in part, the related receivables are written
down.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk concerns the inability to meet the financial obligations taken on due to a lack of internal
resources or an inability to find external resources at acceptable costs. Liquidity risk is mitigated by
adopting policies and procedures that maximise the efficiency of management of financial resources.
For the most part, this is accomplished through the centralised management of cash inflows and
outflows (centralised treasury service); in the prospective assessment of the liquidity conditions; in
obtaining adequate lines of credit; and preserving an adequate amount of liquidity.
The financial planning of requirements, focused on medium-term borrowings, and the availability of
abundant funds in credit facilities, allow effective management of liquidity risk.
Interest rate risk and currency risk on financing operations
The cost of financing is affected by interest rate fluctuations. In the same way, the fair value of financial
liabilities is also subject to interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations.
The Group regularly assesses its exposure to such risks and manages them by means of derivative
financial instruments, in accordance with its risk management guidelines. To mitigate interest rate
volatility risk and simultaneously ensure a correct balance between fixed rate debt and variable rate
debt, the Group has stipulated interest rate derivatives in relation to a portion of its financial liabilities.
At the same time, to mitigate exchange rate volatility risk, the Group has signed foreign exchange
derivatives to fully hedge loans in foreign currencies.
Under these guidelines, derivative financial instruments may only be used to manage its exposure to
interest and exchange rate fluctuations related to cash flows and balance sheet assets and liabilities.
These policies do not enable speculative activities to be carried out.
Market risk and currency risk on commercial operations
Concerning the wholesale business carried on by Hera Trading Srl, the Group manages risks related to
the misalignment between indexation formulas related to the purchase of gas and electric energy and
the indexation formulas related to the sales of the same commodities (including contracts entered into
at fixed prices) as well as exchange rate risks in case the trading contracts for the commodities are
denominated in currencies other than the euro (U.S. dollar).
In relation to these risks, the Group has set up a number of instruments, including different types of
commodity derivatives (which may also include physical delivery) aimed at pre-establishing the effects
on sales margins irrespective of changes in market conditions. The organisational model adopted and
the supporting management systems make it possible to identify the nature of the operation (hedging
vs. trading) and produce the information required for a formal identification of the purpose of these
instruments. Specifically, from an operational standpoint, the Group identified a commercial portfolio,
including contracts signed to manage the Group’s procurement activities, and a trading portfolio,
including instruments whose purpose cannot be strictly related to the underlying procurement activities.
Covid-19 emergency management
The strong economic growth recorded during the year and resulting upturn in consumption made it
possible to overcome the potential critical aspects that had received particular attention from the Group
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 136|
since the beginning of the health emergency. In particular, the forecasts of economic and financial
results for 2021, which the Group had not deemed necessary to revise on the basis of its particularly
resilient business model, were confirmed. From a health point of view, given the more positive situation
compared to last year, the measures taken remain in place and the Group continues to monitor them.
For an exhaustive discussion of how the Group analyses, measures, monitors and manages exposure
to these risks, please refer to paragraph 1.02.03 “Risk areas: identification and management of risk
factors” in the directors’ Report.
Significant estimates and valuations
Preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related notes requires the use of estimates
and valuations by the directors, with effects on the balance sheet figures, based on historical data and
on the forecasts of specific events that are reasonably likely to occur on the basis of currently available
information. These estimates, by definition, are an approximation of the final figures. Hence the main
areas characterised by valuations and assumptions that could give rise to variations in the values of
assets and liabilities by the next accounting period are set forth below.
Specifically, information is provided on the nature of these estimates and the assumptions on which
they have been based, with indication of the reference book values.
Impairment test
The Group carries out an analysis of the recoverable value of goodwill as well as of its investment (not
majority investment) in companies holding assets for generating thermoelectric energy, through
impairment tests, at least once a year. This test is based on the calculation of its value in use, which
requires the use of estimates as specified in note 31 of the comments to the financial statement
formats.
Provisions for risks
These provisions were made by adopting the same procedures as in previous years, with reference to
reports by the legal advisors and consultants that are following the cases, and on the basis of
developments in the relevant legal proceedings as well as of the updates of the hypotheses concerning
future expenses for post-mortem costs of the landfills, following the revision of the estimated costs
identified by external consultants.
Recognition of revenues
Revenues for the sale of electricity, gas and water are recognised and accounted for at supply only if
the consideration is expected to be collected. They include the allocation for services rendered
between the date of the last reading and the end of the financial year, but still not billed. This allocation
is based on estimates of the customer's daily consumption, based on the historic profile, adjusted to
reflect the weather conditions or other factors which might affect consumption under evaluation.
Deferred tax assets
Accounting for deferred tax assets takes place on the basis of expectations of taxable income in future
years. The evaluation of the taxable income expected for the purposes of accounting for deferred tax
assets depends on factors that may vary over time and significantly affect the recoverability of deferred
tax assets.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated on the basis of the useful life of an asset. The useful life is determined by
Management at the time the asset is recognized in the balance sheet; valuations of the duration of
useful life are based on historical experience, market conditions and the expectation of future events
that could affect the useful life itself, including technological changes. Therefore, the actual useful life
might differ from the estimated useful life.
Fair value assessment and evaluation process
The fair value of financial instruments, both on interest rates and foreign exchange rates, derives from
market prices. In the absence of prices quoted in active markets, the method of discounting back
future cash flows is used, taking the parameters observed on the market as reference. The fair value of
contracts on commodities are determined using directly observable market inputs, where available.
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 137|
The methodology for calculating the fair value of these instruments includes the assessment of the
non-performance risk, where relevant. All derivative contracts entered into by the Group are with
leading institutional counterparties.
Changes to the accounting standards
Accounting standards, amendments and interpretations applicable from 1 January 2021
Beginning 1 January 2021, the following accounting standards and associated amendments as issued
by the IASB and endorsed by the European Union apply:
Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16- Interest rate benchmark reform for
determining interest rates - phase 2 (Regulation 25/2021). Document issued by IASB on 27 August
2020, applicable from 1 January 2021 with early application allowed. The amendments provide for a
specific accounting approach to allocate over time changes in the value of financial instruments or
leases due to the replacement of the benchmark index for determining interest rates, thus avoiding
immediate impacts on profit or loss and terminations of hedging relationships.
Beginning 1 January 2021 the amendment to the standard listed below, issued by the IASB and
integrated by the European Union, is applicable:
Amendments to IFRS 16 - Covid-19-related rent concessions after 30 June 2021. Document issued
by IASB on 31 March 2021 and applicable beginning 1 January 2021. The change extends by one year
the possibility to apply the amendment issued in 2020, providing that lessees could account for Covid-
19 related rent reductions without having to assess whether the definition of a contractual change was
met.
With reference to the application of these amendments, there were no observable effects on the
Group’s financial statements.
Accounting standards, amendments and interpretations endorsed by the European Union
which are not yet applicable and have not been adopted early by the Group
With reference to the areas that are significant for the Group, the following accounting standard
amendments will be mandatory from the following financial years onwards, having also already been
endorsed by the EU:
Amendments to IFRS3 - Reference to the Conceptual Framework. Document issued by IASB on 14
May 2020, applicable from 1 January 2022 with early application allowed. The amendments require
entities to refer to the Conceptual Framework published in March 2018 and not the one in force when
IFRS3 was introduced. It also introduces an exception to the use of the Conceptual Framework for
certain types of liabilities, requiring to refer to IAS 37 when applying IFRS 3. Without this exception, an
entity might recognise liabilities in gaining control of a business that it would not otherwise recognise,
and immediately after the acquisition it would have to derecognise those liabilities by recording income
that has no economic substance.
Amendments to IAS16 - Selling items produced while bringing an asset into the location and condition
for its intended use. Document issued by IASB on 14 May 2020, applicable from 1 January 2022 with
early application allowed. This amendment prohibits deducting from the cost of an item of property,
plant and equipment any proceeds from selling items produced before that asset is in the location and
condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. The
entity must recognise the proceeds from selling such items, and the cost of producing those items, in
profit or loss for the period.
Amendments to IAS 37 - Onerous Contracts: cost of fulfilling a contract. Document issued by IASB on
14 May 2020, applicable from 1 January 2022 with early application allowed. The changes specify that
the cost of fulfilling a contract must comprise all the costs that relate directly to the contract.
Accordingly, the valuation includes not only incremental costs (such as the cost of material used in the
2.02.04
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 138|
processing), but also all costs that the company cannot avoid because it entered into the contract (such
as the share of personnel costs and depreciation of machinery used to fulfil the contract).
On 14 May 2020 the IASB published the document “Improvements to the International financial
reporting standard: 2018-2020 Cycle”. These improvements include amendments to existing
international accounting standards, including:
▪ IFRS 1 - First adoption of International financial reporting standards. The improvement allows a
subsidiary to measure cumulative exchange differences for all foreign currency transactions using
the amounts that were recognised in the consolidated financial statements, based on the parent
company’s date of first adoption.
▪ IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments. It specifies that the only fees to be taken into account for the
purposes of the 10% test for derecognising a financial liability are those exchanged between the
entity and the lender.
▪ IFRS 16 - Leases. The improvement revises the illustrative example number 13, excluding the
reimbursement of costs incurred to improve third-party assets, in order not to cause confusion on
how to apply incentives on contracts.
Amendments to IAS 1 - Disclosure of financial statements and accounting policies. Document issued
by IASB on 12 February 2021, applicable from 1 January 2023 with early application allowed. The
amendments require entities to disclose their material accounting policies rather than their significant
accounting policies and provide guidance to explain the application of the materiality process.
Amendments to IAS 8 - Accounting standards, changes in accounting estimates and errors.
Document issued by IASB on 12 February 2021, applicable from 1 January 2023 with early application
allowed. The amendments additionally clarify that companies should distinguish between changes to
accounting policies and changes to accounting estimates.
These amendments clarify, correct or remove redundant statements or formulations in the text of the
relevant standards.
The directors are currently assessing possible effects deriving from the introduction of these
amendments into the Group’s consolidated financial statement.
Accounting standards, amendments and interpretations that have not yet been endorsed by the
European Union
The following standards, amendments and updates of IFRSs (already approved by IASB) and
interpretations (already approved by IFRS IC) that are relevant for the Group are currently being
endorsed by the relevant bodies of the European Union:
Amendments to IAS 1 - Presentation of financial statements: reporting liabilities as current or non-
current. Document issued by IASB on 23 January 2020 and updated on 15 July 2020, applicable from
1 January 2023 with early application allowed. The amendments clarify the requirements to be
considered in determining whether payables and other liabilities with uncertain settlement date should
be classified as current or non-current in the statement of financial position (including payables that can
be settled by conversion into equity instruments).
Amendments to IAS 12 - Deferred taxes related to assets and liabilities arising from a single
transaction. Document issued by IASB on 7 May 2021, applicable from 1 January 2023 with early
application allowed. The amendments clarify how companies account for deferred tax on transactions
such as leases and contracts with decommissioning obligations that may generate assets and liabilities
of equal amounts, for which the exemption for reporting deferred taxation does not apply when assets
and liabilities are recognised for the first time. The amendments aim at reducing the differences in
deferred tax reporting between different types of contracts.
With reference to the new amendments described above, the directors are currently evaluating what
possible effects introducing them might have on the Group’s consolidated financial statements.
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 139|
Commentary notes to the financial statement formats
Please note that paragraphs 1.04 and 1.07 of the Directors’ Report provide an analysis of the business
management performance for each business area that may contribute to a better understanding of
changes in the main categories of operating expenses and revenues.
1 Revenues
2021
2020
Change
Revenues from sales and services
10,377.1
7,053.8
3,323.3
Changes in work in progress and semi-finished products
178.2
25.2
153.0
Total
10,555.3
7,079.0
3,476.3
Revenues are mainly generated in Italy, with the exception of natural gas wholesaling activities carried
out at the international level, the value of which amounted to 2,405.6 million euro at 31 December 2021
(1,167.7 million euros at 31 December 2020), of which 1,577.4 million euros refers to brokerage on the
Dutch TTF market carried out during 2021.
“Revenues from sales and services” includes allocations for services provided to end customers not yet
invoiced, including 283.8 million euro for the electricity sector, 447.1 million euro for the gas sector and
132.2 million euro for the water sector.
“Changes in work in progress and semi-finished products”, the increase compared to the previous year
is mainly attributable to the energy efficiency works the Group carried out for customers, mainly
apartment blocks; this business, which develops in line with the strategic choices concerning the fight
against climate change, is strongly increasing compared to the previous year, mainly due to the tax
benefits provided by the current legislation in this area.
2 Other operating revenues
2021
2020
Change
Long-term contracts
341.9
293.0
48.9
Operating grants
26.9
25.1
1.8
Grants related to plants
12.4
12.9
(0.5)
Gains on asset disposals
1.2
1.1
0.1
Other revenues
17.7
135.7
(118.0)
Total
400.1
467.8
(67.7)
“Long-term contracts” include revenues generated from the construction or improvement of
infrastructures held in concession as per the application of the accounting model for intangible assets
for public services held under concession.
“Operating grants” mainly include Fer incentives recognised by the GSE for energy produced from
renewable sources and grants awarded by public bodies, authorities or institutions for specific projects
and activities carried out by the Group.
“Grants related to plants” represent the proceeds for the period associated with the depreciation rate of
the assets subject to grants.
“Other revenues” mainly consist of insurance reimbursements, recovery of fees and white certificates.
White certificates comprise the revenues calculated on the basis of energy efficiency objectives as
established by the GSE and regulated in relation to the Cassa per i Servizi Energetici e Ambientali. The
2.02.05
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 140|
change compared to the previous year is mainly due to the decrease in revenues from white
certificates, which were negatively affected by the provisions contained in the Decree of the Ministry of
Ecological Transition of 21 May 2021 concerning the definition of the national energy saving targets for
electricity and gas distribution companies for the years 2021-2024. In addition to defining a significantly
lower number of certificates than in previous periods for the 2021 obligation, this decree retroactively
reduced by 60% the number of certificates for the 2020 obligation year.
3 Raw and other materials
2021
2020
Change
Raw materials earmarked for sale
6,612.1
3,058.8
3,553.3
Plastic materials
65.8
37.8
28.0
Materials for industrial use
35.9
31.2
4.7
Environmental certificates
(23.5)
88.7
(112.2)
Charges and revenues from derivatives
(175.7)
58.6
(234.3)
Maintenance and other materials
153.9
135.5
18.4
Total
6,668.5
3,410.6
3,257.9
“Raw materials earmarked for sale”, net of changes in stocks, includes supplies of natural gas,
electricity and water. Natural gas brokerage activities on the TTF market generated costs of 1,690.3
million euros in 2021.
“Plastic materials”, net of changes in stocks, include the cost of purchasing plastic raw materials
destined for subsequent processing, transformation and sales as part of the Aliplast company activities.
The change in costs is consistent with the increase in sales revenues due to the development of the
plastics regeneration business, which improved significantly in terms of both volume and profitability.
“Materials for industrial use” mainly include the procurement of methane gas and electricity to power
the Group’s production plants, as well as the purchase of fuels and lubricants for fleet management.
“Environmental certificates”, mainly include the purchase cost of white certificates, which are supplied
in accordance with the obligations assigned to the distribution companies. This item also includes the
environmental certificates in stock, mainly made up of white and grey certificates as well as the
valorisation of commitments for purchasing electricity from renewable sources in relation to contracts
signed with end customers. The negative value for the period and the resulting change from the
previous period are due to the income related to the reduction of the liability for the 2020 obligation that
the legislator retroactively applied, as described in note 2 “Other operating revenues”.
“Maintenance and other materials”, net of changes in stocks, mainly comprise consumables used in the
management of the Group’s operating activities and, marginally, products purchased to be resold to
end customers.
For the item “Charges and revenues from derivatives”, please see note 20 “Derivative instruments”.
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 141|
4 Service costs
2021
2020
Change
Transport and storage
1,008.7
1,266.5
(257.8)
Work and maintenance expenses
646.3
433.8
212.5
Waste transportation, disposal and collection
398.9
375.1
23.8
IT and data processing services
67.8
61.1
6.7
Fees paid to local authorities
64.9
65.2
(0.3)
Professional services
40.8
40.2
0.6
Other service costs
237.2
183.0
54.2
Total
2,464.6
2,424.9
39.7
“Transport and storage” include the costs of distributing, transporting and storing gas as well as
electricity distribution as well as system charges. The change compared to the previous year, which
substantially does not affect the Group’s performance as it relates to economic components re-charged
to end customers, is due in particular to the cancellation for the last three months of 2021 of the rates
concerning the general system charges of the electricity sector applied to domestic users and non-
domestic users in low voltage, for other uses, with power available up to 16.5 kW, as regulated by
Legislative Decree no. 130 of 30 September 2021. and by the following Arera resolution
396/2021/R/com of 28 September 2021, which the Italian government adopted in order to tackle the
rising cost of bills caused by the sudden increase in the price of energy commodities.
“Charges for works and maintenance” refer to the costs for the construction or improvement of
infrastructures under concession pursuant to the application of the accounting model for intangible
assets for public services held under concession, costs for maintaining the plants managed by the
Group and costs incurred for carrying out energy efficiency measures, which account for most of the
increase compared to the previous year.
“Waste transportation, disposal and collection”, mainly include the operating costs of urban hygiene
and waste disposal activities.
“IT and data processing services”, include costs for maintaining and managing the Group’s IT,
telecommunications infrastructure, corporate applications and cybersecurity systems.
The item “Fees paid to local entities” include the charges incurred for the use of public owned
networks, fees paid to companies that own these assets for the rent of gas, water and electricity cycle
assets. It also includes, marginally, the fees paid for the use of telecommunications and district heating
networks.
“Professional services” include charges for commercial, legal, notary, administrative and tax services.
This item includes fees paid for the audit of financial statements and the issuance of certifications.
“Costs for other services” include all other costs for services not specified in the above categories. In
particular, technical services for the completion of paperwork relating to building renovation of
apartment buildings, as well as commercial services provided by the Group’s sales companies, both of
which increased considerably compared to the previous year.
It should also be noted that the item “Costs for other services” also include bank fees for 8.7 million
euro and the instalments relating to short-term and low-value leases, the value of which was not
significant for 2021.
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 142|
5 Personnel costs
2021
2020
Change
Salaries and wages
415.7
402.8
12.9
Social security costs
133.0
128.6
4.4
Other costs
44.1
41.3
2.8
Total
592.8
572.7
20.1
The increase as compared to the previous year is mainly connected to:.
▪ the increase in the number of employees, particularly as a result of new acquisitions during the
year;
▪ salary increases provided for in national collective labour agreements;
▪ lower benefits related to the massive holiday plan, adopted by the Group in 2020 in connection
with the national lockdown.
The average number of employees for the period in question, analysed by category, is as follows:
2021
2020
Change
Managers
153
156
(3)
Middle managers
572
557
26
Clerks
5,047
4,940
134
Blue-collar workers
3,289
3,265
47
Total
9,061
8,918
204
Overall, the average cost of labour per capita for 2021 was 65.4 thousand euro (64.2 thousand euro in
2020).
At 31 December 2021, the actual number of employees was 9,122 (9,011 employees at 31 December
2020).
6 Other operating expenses
2021
2020
Change
Taxation other than income taxes
21.7
19.2
2.5
State rentals
13.1
12.6
0.5
Losses on the sale and disposal of assets
9.2
6.0
3.2
Minor charges
22.5
21.1
1.4
Total
66.5
58.9
7.6
“Taxation other than income taxes” mainly relate to taxes on buildings, stamp duties and registration
fees, public area occupation fee, fees related to the landfills managed and excise duties.
“State rentals” is fees paid to the Emilia Romagna region, land reclamation consortia, sector agencies
and mountain-area communities, mainly regarding the withdrawal and use of water, as well as
maintenance and management costs for hydraulic works; the item also includes fees for the
preservation of hydrogeological protection areas in mountain municipalities (as provided for in Law
933/2012) and fees paid for the functioning of Atersir.
“Losses on the sale and disposal of assets” arise mainly from the disposal of certain components of the
WTE plants, cogeneration plants, waste treatment plants and gas and electricity distribution network
meters.
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 143|
“Minor charges” comprise numerous charges including membership fees, indemnities, sanctions and
fines.
7 Capitalised costs
2021
2020
Change
Increase of self-constructed assets
60.8
43.3
17.5
This item includes mainly the labour costs and other charges (such as storage materials and costs for
use of equipment) directly attributable to the Group’s self-constructed assets.
8 Depreciation amortisation and provisions
2021
2020
Change
Depreciation
463.3
455.5
7.8
Write-downs
6.6
1.6
5.0
Amortisation and impairment of assets
469.9
457.1
12.8
Provisions
146.4
117.8
28.6
De-provisioning
(4.2)
(3.2)
(1.0)
Nominal change in provisions
142.2
114.6
27.6
Total
612.1
571.7
40.4
For breakdowns and further detail about these items, please refer to the comments under note 13
“Tangible assets”, note 14 “Rights of use and lease liabilities”, note 15 “Intangible assets”,
22 “Trade receivables” and 29 “Provisions for risks and charges”.
“Depreciation” includes depreciation of tangible assets, rights of use and intangible assets. The
changes as compared to the previous period is due primarily to:
▪ the increase in amortisation of assets relating to public services under concession as a result of
new investments in public services that came into use over the course of the year, particularly in
relation to the water cycle and gas distribution businesses, with a net effect of 7.6 million euro;
▪ capitalisation of incremental costs related to the entering into new energy and gas sales contracts
with end customers, represented by commissions paid to agents, depreciated according to the
average useful life of the acquired customers (churn rate), for 5.5 million euro.
▪ higher amortization relating to customer lists recorded following the acquisition of control of
Recycla Spa, Eco Gas Srl and the Vallortigara Group and process know-how recorded following
the acquisition of control, at the end of the previous year, of Wolmann Spa, for a total of 4.7 million
euro;
▪ a reduction of 9.1 million euro in the depreciation of plants linked to the waste treatment business
for which the depreciation process was completed in 2020 due to their expected end of life within
the first few months of 2021.
“Write-downs” mainly include:
▪ value reduction of land and buildings which the management considered to be no longer
recoverable for 4.2 million euro;
▪ plants no longer in use and expansion projects no longer deemed feasible totalling 1.5 million
euro;
▪ capitalised costs for participating in tenders for which the Group was not awarded in the amount of
0.9 million euro.
“Provisions” include:
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 144|
▪ 94.4 million euro to the provision for bad debts, up by 11 million euro compared to the previous
year due to a higher amount of receivables subject to valuation, against a decrease in the 24-
month unpaid ratio of the Group’s sales companies (from 0.87% in 2020 to 0.85% in 2021);
▪ 52 million euro to the provisions for risks and charges, an increase of 17.6 million euro, mainly
due to regulatory risks and updated estimates of future costs for post-operational management of
certain landfills.
The item “De-provisioning” include re-evaluations of the funds in view of the fact that the underlying
risks no longer exist.
9 Share of profits (losses) pertaining to joint ventures and associated
companies
2021
2020
Change
Joint venture share of net profits
3.1
1.2
1.9
Associated companies share of net profits
10.1
7.0
3.1
Total
13.2
8.2
5.0
The share of profits and losses of joint ventures and associated companies includes the effects
generated by the valuation of the companies included in the scope of consolidation carried out using
the equity method. For details please refer to note 17 “Shareholdings”. The increase for the period is
due to:
▪ an improvement in results compared to the previous period totalling 3.6 million euro, due to both
the economic recovery after the strong contraction linked to the Covid 19 pandemic and the
excellent performance in the last three months of the 2021 financial year of Enomondo Srl, a
company active in the production of thermal energy and electricity from biomass combustion
plants;
▪ the entry of SEA – Servizi Ecologici Ambientali Srl – into the scope of consolidation, for an effect of
1.4 million euro.
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 145|
10 Financial income and expense
2021
2020
Change
Customers
28.1
28.3
(0.2)
Income from derivatives
29.3
21.8
7.5
Income from valuation at fair value of financial liabilities
9.5
8.0
1.5
Other financial income
15.4
15.3
0.1
Total income
82.3
73.4
8.9
Expenses from trading
82.6
‐
82.6
Expenses from bonds and loans
73.1
79.1
(6.0)
Expenses from derivatives
34.1
30.3
3.8
Valuation at depreciated cost of financial liabilities
29.7
28.4
1.3
Expenses from valuation at fair value of financial assets and
liabilities
25.8
3.0
22.8
Charges from earn out and put option minority
20.0
19.6
0.4
Discounting of provisions
18.6
25.5
(6.9)
Factoring charges and transfer of tax credits
13.3
2.3
11.0
Other financial expenses
3.1
10.1
(7.0)
Total expenses
300.3
198.3
102.0
Total net financial income (expenses)
(218.0)
(124.9)
(93.1)
The change in overall financial performance, including reference to the Group’s average cost of debt, is
described in the directors’ report, section 1.04.02 “Equity structure and reclassified net financial debt”.
“Income and expenses from derivatives” is commented in note 20 “Derivative instruments”, while note
26 “Non-current and current financial liabilities” contains further details concerning “Expenses from
trading”, “Expenses from bonds and loans” and “Charges from earn-outs and minority put options”.
“Customers” is in line with the previous period and mainly include the interest on payments in arrears
billing system for the gas and electricity customers.
“Income from valuation at fair value of financial assets and liabilities” mainly include:
▪ valuation adjustments, in application of the fair value hedge, of a bond for 7.5 million euro, as
reported in Note 20 “Derivative instruments”;
▪ net financial income related to the valuation at current market value of receivables arising from the
application of the so-called invoice discount to end customers for services subject to the 110%
Superbonus concession, held by the Group and intended to be sold to financial institutions, for 1.3
million euro.
The item “Other financial income” mainly include:
▪ discounting of non-current financial receivables of 5.6 million euro representing a deferred
payment for asset construction work, increased by 1.6 million euro compared to the previous year;
▪ dividends paid by non-consolidated subsidiaries, amounting to 3.5 million euro, increased by 0.6
million euro;
▪ value restoration of a loan receivable from Tamarete Energia Srl, for 2.2 million euro;
▪ interest earnings on loans granted to companies valued at equity or to minor subsidiaries, in the
amount of 2.1 million euro, in line with the previous year;
▪ net financial income of 1.5 million euro relating to the sale, for the first time in 2021, of tax credits
for energy efficiency measures carried out with customers who benefited from the 110%
Superbonus concession.
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 146|
It should be noted that last year’s figures included non-recurring items such as interest granted by the
Agenzia delle Entrate in relation to the reimbursement of claims for the deductibility of IRAP from IRES
in the amount of 2.3 million euro, and income from the sale of the stake in the associated company
Q.tHermo Srl for 1.4 million euro.
“Expenses from trading”, the item includes the net effect of partial repurchase transactions made
during the year in respect of five bond issues. These operations led to the repayment of the debt for the
nominal share repurchased for 405.5 million euro and the recording of net charges totalling 82.6 million
euro. For further details, please see note 26 “Current and non-current financial liabilities”;
“Charges from earn out and put option minority” include discounting charges related to the fair value
valuation of put options granted to non-controlling interests, as reported in Note 26 “Non-current and
current financial liabilities”.
“Valuation at depreciated cost of financial liabilities”, this item includes imputed charges necessary to
bring the face cost of debt in line with that calculated using the effective interest rate method. The item
also includes figurative charges of 1.6 million euro, in line with the previous year, relating to the put
option held by Ascopiave Spa on the minority shareholding in Hera Comm, accounted for as a loan
(with a nominal value of 54 million euro).
“Expenses from valuation at fair value of financial assets and liabilities” mainly include:
▪ financial expenses related to the measurement at current market value of receivables related to
the application of the so-called invoice discount to end customers for energy efficiency measures
not following under the 110% Superbonus, held by the Group and destined to be sold to financial
institutions once the procedure for granting the related tax credit has been completed, for 18.6
million euro;
▪ valuation adjustments, in application of the fair value hedge, of a bond for 6.4 million euro, as
reported in note 20 “Derivative instruments”;
▪ recalculation of the fair value of the put option granted to Ascopiave Spa for the non-controlling
shares in Estenergy Spa, equal to 0.8 million euro.
The item “Discounting of provisions” is broken down as follows:
2021
2020
Change
Post-closure landfills
13.2
19.7
(6.5)
Restoration of third-party assets
5.4
5.4
‐
Post-employment and other employee benefits
(0.1)
0.3
(0.4)
Plant dismantling
0.1
0.1
‐
Total
18.6
25.5
(6.9)
The main change as compared to the previous period in the post-closure landfill provisions, is due to
the lower effect arising from the yearly update of the parameters used to reflect current market
conditions (Wacc), as well as the revision of the assumptions on the timing of future disbursements.
It should be noted that the positive effect related to the “Post-employment and other employee
benefits” is related to the interest rate curve used for the actuarial valuation of employee benefit
provisions, which shows negative short-term returns.
“Factoring charges and transfer of tax credits” include the charges due to:
▪ the transfer to financial institutions of tax credits for energy efficiency measures carried out with
customers who benefited from other concessions (other than the 110% Superbonus concession)
for 9.9 million euro. The Group began systematically disposing of these tax credits only in 2021;
▪ sales of trade receivables, amounting to 3.4 million euro.
“Other financial charges”, of a residual nature, include the write-down of the investment and non-
current financial receivable related to the company H.E.P.T. Co. Ltd for a total of 2.4 million euro, as
well as miscellaneous financial intermediation costs.
Discounting
costs
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 147|
IRES tax rate
reconciliation
11 Taxes
This item is made up as follows:
2021
2020
Change
Current
Pre-paid
Deferred
Total
Current
Pre-paid
Deferred
Total
IRES
99.4
(82.7)
(12.5)
4.2
109.0
(11.1)
(21.5)
76.4
(72.2)
IRAP
31.4
(11.9)
(2.6)
16.9
27.0
(0.6)
(3.3)
23.1
(6.2)
Substitute tax
13.1
‐
‐
13.1
12.3
‐
‐
12.3
0.8
Total
143.9
(94.6)
(15.1)
34.2
148.3
(11.7)
(24.8)
111.8
(77.6)
The significant decrease in the tax amount and the consequent improvement in the tax rate from 25.7%
to 8.4% is due to the non-recurring effects of the tax realignment of certain goodwill values, pursuant to
Article 110, paragraph 8, 8 bis and 8 ter of Legislative Decree 104/2020 as amended by Law 234/2021.
The tax recognition of higher values of eligible goodwill resulted in the recording of a tax benefit of 77.8
million euro. Specifically, this involved:
▪ recognising deferred tax assets for 79.8 million euro (refer to note 19 “Deferred tax assets and
liabilities” for considerations on the recoverability of this amount) and derecognise deferred tax
liabilities for 7.2 million euro;
▪ recognising and paying in full during the year substitute taxes in the amount of 3% of the value of
the realigned goodwill, amounting to 9.2 million euro.
As a result of the realignment operation described above, the Group companies that agreed to the
realignment proceeded to pledge reserves and capital, existing at 31 December 2020, in suspended
taxation for tax purposes pursuant to the above mentioned regulations, subject to taxation in the event
of distribution, for a total of 299 million euro.
For a more consistent analysis of the tax rate trend, reference should be made to paragraph 1.04.01
“Income statement and investments” of the Directors’ Report, in which both the pre-tax earnings and
the tax charge have been adjusted for special items for the period, in order to determine an adjusted
tax rate fully comparable with that of the previous year.
The statutory tax rate determined on the basis of the configuration of taxable income for the purposes
of IRES is equal to 24%; the reconciliation with the effective rate is shown below.
2021
2020
Nominal effect
Percentage effect
Nominal effect
Percentage effect
Pre-tax profit
406.9
434.6
IRES
Standard rate
(97.7)
(24.0)%
(104.3)
(24.0)%
IRAP deduction
0.9
0.2%
0.6
0.1%
Divestiture of shareholdings
‐
0.3
0.1%
Ace and super ace
5.7
1.4%
2.7
0.6%
Maxi and hyper depreciation
8.5
2.1%
8.0
1.8%
IRES previous years
2.0
0.5%
‐
Other changes (increases and/or
decreases)
(3.0)
(0.7)%
(2.0)
(0.5)%
IRAP and other current taxes
IRAP
(16.9)
(4.2)%
(23.1)
(5.3)%
Exemption
66.3
16.3%
6.0
1.4%
Taxes
(34.2)
(8.4)%
(111.8)
(25.7)%
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 148|
This reconciliation is performed only in connection with the IRES, given that, as a result of the rules
governing the IRAP, reconciliation between the statutory tax rate derived from financial statement
information and the effective tax rate, is not very meaningful.
The item “IRES previous years” mainly includes the positive effect of the Ace benefit for the years 2019
and 2020, recognised in 2021 following the positive outcome of a tax appeal.
The item “Exemption” includes the benefit on IRES taxes deriving from:
▪ realignments of goodwill net of substitute tax paid, amounting to 64.5 million euro;
▪ exemption pursuant to Legislative Decree no. 185/2008 (converted into Law 2/2009) of higher
values arising from the acquisition of Recycla Spa, amounting to 1.8 million euro.
The 3 million euro increase in the item “Ace and super Ace” compared to the previous year shows that
the Group seized the opportunities introduced by the Legislative Decree 73/202 regarding the super
ace (effect for 1.4 million euro), obtaining a significant benefit on the tax rate for the year.
The prepaid and deferred taxes relating to the year 2021 refer to the following variations between
taxable income and profit recorded in the financial statements:
Deferred tax assets
2021
2020
Temporary
changes
Tax effect
(IRES+IRAP)
Equity changes
Temporary
changes
Tax effect
(IRES+IRAP)
Equity changes
Pre-paid taxes with effect on the income statement and the statement of comprehensive income
Depreciation
701.7
183.1
415.0
102.7
Cash flow hedge
348.4
100.2
4.2
0.8
Provisions for risks and charges
189.2
51.4
172.8
47.1
Shareholdings
170.1
47.8
163.6
45.8
Provision for bad debts
191.8
46.0
167.4
40.1
Other
119.3
29.8
106.1
27.5
Total tax effect
1,720.5
458.3
0.3
1,029.1
264.0
(2.6)
Credited (or debited) amount to
the statement of comprehensive
income
99.4
(9.9)
Credited (or debited) amount to
the income statement
94.6
11.7
Deferred tax liabilities
2021
2020
Temporary
changes
Tax effect
(IRES+IRAP)
Equity
changes
Temporary
changes
Tax effect
(IRES+IRAP)
Equity changes
Deffered taxes with effect on the income statement and statement of comprehensive income
Depreciation
779.5
158.1
766.2
156.7
Cash flow hedge
463.4
133.1
15.6
4.5
Discounted liabilities
118.9
23.3
113.3
27.2
Provisions for risks and charges
37.6
10.9
42.0
12.1
Other
149.4
35.9
113.7
27.8
Total tax effect
1,548.8
361.3
19.5
1,050.8
228.3
3.6
Credited (or debited) amount to
the statement of comprehensive
income
(128.6)
(4.5)
Credited (or debited) amount to
the income statement
15.1
24.8
Deferred
taxation
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 149|
“Equity changes” have no effect on the income statement and the statement of comprehensive income
for the year, as they include the balances of deferred tax assets and liabilities arising from:
▪ business combination operations (please see paragraph 2.02.02 “Scope of consolidation” for the
specific values recorded during 2021);
▪ marginal reclassifications arising between deferred tax assets and liabilities.
In determining tax rates for the period, the Group took into due consideration the effects of the IAS tax
reform introduced by Law 244 of 24 December 2007, and associated implemetational decrees,
Ministerial Decree. of 1 April 2009, Ministerial Decree 8 June 2011 and Ministerial Decree 10 January
2018, to coordinate international accounting standards with the rules to determine the taxable base for
IRES and IRAP purposes, as per Article 4, paragraph 7-quarter of Legislative Decree 38/2005. In
particular, the reinforced derivation principle of article 83 of the Consolidated Tax Act (TUIR) was
applied, which calls for entities that use IFRSs to use, including in a departure from the provisions of
the TUIR, the criteria for the determination, recognition and classification in the financial statements
provided for by said accounting standards.
Reporting on tax litigations
IRES, IRAP and VAT
Company
Tax
Description
of litigation
Status
of litigation
Disputed amount*
Amounts paid
(including
provisionally)
Provisions
recorded in the
financial
statement
Ascotrade Spa
IRES, IRAP and VAT
Notice of assessment for the years
between 2013 and 2017 concerning
the deductibility of a number of
components of the purchase cost of
raw material and the irregular VAT
deduction. Notice of assessment for
the year 2018 concerning VAT alone.
The proceedings for the years 2013 and 2014 are
pending before the Regional Tax Commission of
Venice following the appeals lodged by the Inland
Revenue Office against first instance rulings in favour
of the company. The proceeding for the year 2015 is
still pending before the Provincial Tax Commission of
Venice. The Company filed appeals in February
2022, for the years 2016 and 2018.
7.6
-
-
Hera Trading Srl
IRES and "Robin Tax"
surtax
Notices of assessment for the years
between 2011 and 2013 (only the latter
for the Robin tax) concerning the
deduction of net financial income
related to commodity derivatives and
environmental certificates.
The proceedings are pending before the relevant
Regional Tax Commissions for all the tax periods for
which appeals were lodged against the first instance
ruling.
6.6
2.6
-
Herambiente Spa
IRAP
Notices of assessment for the years
from 2009 to 2013, focused mainly on
the amount the company owed in
relation to the IRAP subsidy “tax
wedge”.
In relation to the tax years 2009, 2010 and 2011
proceedings are pending before the Court of
Cassation following the appeals lodged by the
loosing party (the rulings are both favourable and
unfavourable to the company). For the tax year 2012
the second instance ruling is underway, whilst for the
tax year 2013 the appeal against the unfavourable
second instance ruling is being prepared.
4.4
3.5
1.4
Marche
Multiservizi Spa
IRES and IRAP
Notices of assessment for the years
between 2009 and 2015 to objection to
the deduction of provision to landfill
post management allowance.
The proceedings for the years 2009 and 2014 are
pending before the Regional Tax Commission of
Ancona following the appeals lodged by the loosing
party against the rulings (the rulings are both
favourable and unfavourable to the company). The
proceeding for the year 2015 was decided by the
Provincial Tax Commission of Ancona with a ruling
favourable to the Company, but the Inland Revenue
has lodged an appeal and the Company will file suit
within the period established by law.
2.5
1.8
0.1
AcegasApsAmga Spa
IRES, IRAP and VAT
The tax audit report for the year 2015
containing objections to the
secondment of staff.
Following discussions with the Inland Revenue
Office, the claim was reformulated with service of a
notice of assessment amounting to 14 thousand
euros, which was paid at the end of the dispute.
0.6
-
-
Inrete
Distribuzione Spa
IRES and IRAP
IRES and IRAP notice of assessment
for the year 2016 in which the verifiers
contested the undue deduction of
discounting charges and the erroneous
determination of the maxi depreciation
allowance, with regard to accessory
charges related to smart meters, as
well as the undue deduction of
personnel-related expenses for IRAP
purposes.
The company entered into negotiations with the
Inland Revenue Office and settled the IRAP claim by
paying the amount due. With reference to IRES, the
proceedings are currently pending in first instance
following the filing of an appeal.
0.3
0.1
-
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 150|
Hera Luce Srl
IRES and IRAP
Notice of assessment for the year 2013
concerning the deductibility of routine
maintenance costs.
The company appealed against the first instance
ruling issued by the Provincial Tax Commission of
Forlì, which cancelled the penalties, but confirmed
higher taxes.
0.3
0.3
-
Hera Luce Srl
IRES and IRAP
Audit report for the year 2015 in
relation to the handling of the waiver of
own receivables against an increase in
a consortium fund.
Following the notice of assessment served by the
Inland Revenue Office, payment was made with
acquiescence and a resulting reduction in fines to 1/3
at the end of the dispute.
0.1
0.1
-
* "redetermined amount" means the original amount of the claim with no interests, unless it was redetermined as a result of judicial conciliation,
assessment with adhesion, partial annulment in judicial proceedings or on self-defence.
** the amounts paid include interest, if due
Other taxes
Company
Tax
Description
of litigation
Status
of litigation
Disputed amount*
Amounts paid
(including
provisionally)
Provisions
recorded in the
financial
statement
Herambiente Spa
Eco-tax
Dispute documents related to the
Sommacampagna landfill for the
periods 2014-2017.
The proceedings are pending before the relevant
Provincial Tax Commissions for all the tax periods.
7.5
-
-
Herambiente Spa
ICI/IMU
Notices of assessment for the years
2008 to 2016 concerning the
classification in the real estate registry
of the Ferrara waste-to-energy plant.
The proceedings were concluded for the 2008-
2013 notices with a favourable ruling for the
Company, and are still pending before the Tax
Commission for the remaining years.
2.8
-
-
Herambiente Spa
ICI/IMU
Notices of assessment for the years
between 2010 and 2020 concerning
the classification in the real estate
registry of land, facilities and buildable
areas located in Ravenna.
Most of the notices of assessment for the period
2010-2015 were subject to judicial settlement in
2018 and the company is in the process of paying
them. A number of notices of assessment for
matters not included in the settlement agreement
as well as notices of assessment for the period
2016-2020 are still pending before the Regional
Tax Commission of Emilia-Romagna and the
Provincial Tax Commission of Ravenna.
2.6
1.8
0.2
AcegasApsAmga Spa
Excise on
self-consumption
Technical-administrative audit of the
Padua and Trieste waste-to-energy
plants carried out by the Customs
Agency for the years 2012 to 2015 in
relation to the installation of measuring
instruments for detecting electricity
produced and used for self-
consumption and associated payment
of the excise.
The proceedings pertaining to the waste-to-energy
plant of Padua are pending before the Court of
Cassation following the appeal filed, while the
proceedings pertaining to the waste-to-energy
plant of Trieste are pending before the Regional
Tax Commission of Trieste.
2.1
0.8
-
Herambiente Spa
ICI/IMU
Notices of assessment for the years
between 2013 and 2019 concerning
the waste to energy plant and the
recycling plant located in the
municipality of Coriano.
The proceedings for the years 2013-2015 are
currently pending partly before the Provincial Tax
Commission of Rimini and partly before the
Regional Tax Commission of Emilia-Romagna.
Assessments for the years 2016-2019 are pending
before the Provincial Tax Commission of Rimini.
1.0
-
-
Notices of assessment for the tax
periods from 2013 to 2017, notified by
the Municipality of Riccione for the
permanent occupation of public land
with waste bins.
The TOSAP proceedings for the years between
2013 and 2016 are pending before the Regional
Tax Commission of Emilia-Romagna, while the
COSAP proceedings for the year 2017 are
pending before the Civil Court of Rimini.
1.0
1.0
2.4
Hera Spa
COSAP/TOSAP
COSAP notice of objection for the tax
periods from 2018 and 2019, notified
by the Municipality of Riccione for the
permanent occupation of public land
with waste bins.
The proceedings are pending before the Civil
Court of Rimini.
2.1
-
TOSAP notices of assessment for the
tax years 2014-2018, notified by the
Municipality of Coriano for the
permanent occupation of public land
with waste bins.
The proceedings for the year 2014 are currently
pending before the Regional Tax Commission of
Emilia-Romagna, while the appeal for the year
2015 is pending before the Provincial Tax
Commission of Rimini.
With respect to the notices for 2016, 2017 and
2018, the following appeals were filed in the first
instance.
0.9
-
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 151|
* "redetermined amount" means the original amount of the claim with no interests, unless it was redetermined as a result of judicial conciliation,
assessment with adhesion, partial annulment in judicial proceedings or on self-defence.
** the amounts paid include interest, if due
With reference to the disputes in question, having consulted its lawyers, the Group has decided to
make the provisions indicated. In cases in which no provision has been made, the alleged violations
have been deemed groundless.
12 Earnings per share
2021
2020
Profit or loss for the period attributable to holders of ordinary shares of the parent
entity (A)
333.5
302.7
Weighted average number of shares outstanding for the purposes of calculation of
earnings (loss) per share
basic (B)
1,461,238,457
1,467,973,723
diluted (C)
1,461,238,457
1,467,973,723
Earnings (loss) per share (in euro)
basic (A/B)
0.228
0.206
diluted (A/C)
0.228
0.206
Basic earnings per share are calculated on the operating result attributable to holders of ordinary
shares of the parent company. Diluted earnings per share are equal to the basic as there are no
classes of shares other than ordinary shares and there are no instruments that can be converted into
shares.
At the writing of this consolidated financial statement, the share capital of the parent company Hera
Spa consisted of 1,489,538,745 ordinary shares, unchanged from 31 December 2020, which were
used in determining basic and diluted earnings per share.
13 Tangible assets
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
Land and buildings
585.3
573.2
12.1
Plants and machinery
1,107.8
1,120.1
(12.3)
Other movable assets
123.7
126.5
(2.8)
Assets under construction
122.1
104.4
17.7
Total operating assets
1,938.9
1,924.2
14.7
Investment property
2.1
2.3
(0.2)
Total
1,941.0
1,926.5
14.5
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 152|
Tangible assets are disclosed net of accumulated depreciation. Their composition and changes in the
period are as follows:
Net opening balance
Investments
Disinvestments
Depreciation and
amortisation
Changes in the scope of
consolidation
Other changes
Net terminal value
of which gross terminal
value
of which depreciation
provision
31 Dec 20
Land and buildings
583.5
6.4
(1.7)
(20.6)
‐
5.6
573.2
824.5
(251.3)
Plants and machinery
1,181.6
49.8
(2.0)
(133.9)
‐
24.6
1,120.1
2,906.6
(1,786.5)
Other movable assets
134.9
17.7
(0.5)
(27.1)
0.1
1.4
126.5
487.0
(360.5)
Assets under
construction
90.3
66.7
(0.1)
(0.4)
‐
(52.1)
104.4
104.4
‐
Total
1,990.3
140.6
(4.3)
(182.0)
0.1
(20.5)
1,924.2
4,322.5
(2,398.3)
31 Dec 21
Land and buildings
573.2
13.2
(0.1)
(21.5)
9.6
10.9
585.3
856.8
(271.5)
Plants and machinery
1,120.1
58.0
(4.2)
(120.6)
3.3
51.2
1,107.8
3,005.5
(1,897.7)
Other movable assets
126.5
14.4
(0.8)
(28.8)
2.3
10.1
123.7
511.1
(387.4)
Assets under
construction
104.4
86.3
(0.1)
(2.0)
‐
(66.5)
122.1
122.1
‐
Total
1,924.2
171.9
(5.2)
(172.9)
15.2
5.7
1,938.9
4,495.5
(2,556.6)
The breakdown and main changes within each category are commented on below, while for a more
detailed description of the investments made during the period, please refer to section 1.07 of the
directors’ report “Analysis by strategic business areas”.
“Land and buildings” consists of 122.7 million euro in land and 462.6 million euro in buildings. These
are mainly company-owned properties on which the majority of the sites and production plants stand.
“Plant and machinery” is made up mainly of distribution networks and plants relating to business not
falling within the scope of the concession system such as district heating, electricity in the Modena
area, waste disposal and waste treatment as well as plastic production plants. The main investments
during the year concern waste treatment, for a total of 25.6 million euro, distribution of electricity for 9.3
million euro and energy services for a total of 7.3 million euro.
“Other movable assets”, mainly includes the equipment, waste disposal bins for 63.9 million euro, and
vehicles and cars for 47 million euro.
“Assets under construction” includes mainly investment for development of district heating (8.9 million
euro), electricity distribution (8.8 million euro), cogeneration facilities (4.8 million euro) and waste
treatment plants.
“Other changes” covers the in-progress reclassification of fixed assets to the specific categories for
assets brought into operation during the financial year, as well as the reclassification from tangible
assets to intangible assets, especially when goods used in activities under concession are involved.
Please note that this also includes the initiation of the development of a new landfill, for 5.1 million
euro.
For additional details on guarantees granted in favour of third parties and in relation to tangible assets
held by the Group, please refer to note 26 “Current and non-current financial liabilities”.
The value of tangible assets was tested for impairment, the results of which are outlined in note 31
“Impairment test”.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 153|
14 Rights of use and leasing liabilities
The following tables show the breakdown of rights of use (reported net of the associated amortisation
provision) and lease liabilities at the transition date and the related movements. Contracts taken over
as part of business combinations are separately reported in movements during the period and
classified as “Changes in the scope of consolidation”.
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
Rights of use land and buildings
65.7
68.7
(3.0)
Rights of use plants and machinery
7.8
7.9
(0.1)
Rights of use other assets
28.1
19.3
8.8
Total
101.6
95.9
5.7
Net opening balance
New contracts and
contractual changes
Decreases
Depreciation and
amortisation
Changes in the scope
of consolidation
Other changes
Net terminal value
of which gross
terminal value
of which depreciation
provision
31 Dec 20
Rights of use land and
buildings
69.1
7.5
‐
(7.8)
0.3
(0.4)
68.7
106.1
(37.4)
Rights of use plants and
machinery
7.9
4.7
‐
(1.2)
‐
(3.5)
7.9
10.9
(3.0)
Rights of use other
assets
19.9
6.6
‐
(7.3)
‐
0.1
19.3
35.9
(16.6)
Total
96.9
18.8
‐
(16.3)
0.3
(3.8)
95.9
152.9
(57.0)
31 Dec 21
Rights of use land and
buildings
68.7
5.1
‐
(7.7)
0.8
(1.2)
65.7
110.4
(44.7)
Rights of use plants and
machinery
7.9
0.2
‐
(1.2)
0.9
‐
7.8
12.0
(4.2)
Rights of use other
assets
19.3
14.6
‐
(8.1)
2.4
(0.1)
28.1
48.3
(20.2)
Total
95.9
19.9
‐
(17.0)
4.1
(1.3)
101.6
170.7
(69.1)
“Rights of use land and buildings” consists of 60.3 million euro in rights of use of buildings and 5.4
million euro in rights of use of land. The rights of use for buildings refers mainly to contracts concerning
the real estate structures used for headquarters, offices and customer service desk.
“Rights of use of plant and machinery” refers mainly to contracts regarding purification and composting
plants.
“Rights of use of other movable assets” refers mainly to contracts concerning IT infrastructures
(especially data centres), operational vehicles and cars.
The column “New contracts and contractual amendments” shows the leases signed during the year, as
well as the change in the assumptions regarding their duration and contractual options. The increase in
the period is primarily due to the signing of contracts for the use of IT infrastructure (8.6 million euro),
company vehicles (3.4 million euro) and the revision of clauses relating to lease contracts for operating
sites (2.7 million euro).
The column “Other changes” includes the residual value of leased assets redeemed during the period
and reclassified under tangible assets due to their nature.
The value of the rights of use was tested for impairment, the results of which are outlined in note 31
“Impairment test”.
Rights
of use
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 154|
Financial liabilities are broken down below with details of the changes:
Net opening
balance
New
contracts and
contractual
changes
Decreases
Financial
expenses
Changes in
the scope of
consolidation
Other
changes
Net terminal
value
31 Dec 21
Lease liabilities
93.6
19.9
(22.5)
3.2
2.5
‐
96.6
of which
non-current liabilities
73.5
53.2
current liabilities
20.1
43.4
Financial liabilities due to leases mainly include financial payables arising from the rental fees of the
Group’s operating and administrative offices. The column “New contracts and contractual changes”
includes the new contracts signed in the period and the re-assessment of the debt of some of the
existing contracts, generated by the update of the assumptions underlying the contracts themselves
concerning options of renewal, purchase or early termination.
“Decreases” is generated by the reimbursement of contractual fees due over the course of the financial
year.
In accordance with its procurement policies, the Group subscribed contracts in line with market
standards for all types of underlying assets. In the case of offices, customer service desks, cars and IT
infrastructure, the contracts do not contain any binding clauses or special fees in the event of
annulment, as these assets are perfectly interchangeable and are offered by a large number of
counterparties. The liability reported in the financial statements therefore represents the most likely
total sum of disbursements that the Group will have to make in future periods. For the same reasons,
moreover, the renewal clauses, when they exist, are not currently expected to be exercised, possibly
assessing their cost-effectiveness in the future. Finally, with regard to the leased buildings hosting
important production facilities, which represent the contracts with the most significant absolute value,
following agreements entered into at the end of the financial year, the Group will redeem them during
2022 and therefore the value of the liability already reflects the option to transfer ownership.
The table below shows the lease liabilities broken down by category according to their expiration date,
within the financial period, within the 2nd year, within the 5th year and after 5 years:
Type
Total
Portion due within
the period
Portion due within
2nd year
Portion due within
5th year
Portion due beyond
5th year
2020 financial year
93.6
20.1
23.1
20.0
30.4
2021 financial year
96.6
43.4
15.0
26.1
12.1
Financial
liabilities
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 155|
15 Intangible assets
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
IT applications
84.6
78.8
5.8
Concessions and other rights of use
113.8
130.2
(16.4)
Public services under concession
2,963.4
2,860.1
103.3
Customer lists
576.2
546.3
29.9
Other intangible assets
79.4
67.7
11.7
Intangible assets in progress, public services under concession
237.4
169.5
67.9
Intangible assets in progress
71.9
71.8
0.1
Total
4,126.7
3,924.4
202.3
Intangible assets are stated net of their accumulated amortisation and are broken down below with
details of the changes during the year:
Net opening balance
Investments
Disinvestments
Depreciation and
amortisation
Changes in the scope
of consolidation
Other changes
Net terminal value
of which gross terminal
value
of which depreciation
provision
31 Dec 20
IT applications
78.6
4.3
‐
(37.2)
‐
33.1
78.8
479.3
(400.5)
Concessions and other
rights of use
132.0
2.8
‐
(15.5)
‐
10.9
130.2
471.3
(341.1)
Public services under
concession
2,718.6
196.6
(3.2)
(153.3)
‐
101.4
2,860.1
4,896.9
(2,036.8)
Customer lists
578.4
‐
‐
(32.1)
‐
‐
546.3
629.2
(82.9)
Other intangible assets
49.6
30.1
(0.7)
(20.5)
5.3
3.9
67.7
200.9
(133.2)
Intangible assets in
progress, public
services under
concession
157.3
82.8
(0.2)
‐
‐
(70.4)
169.5
169.5
‐
Intangible assets in
progress
65.7
49.2
‐
(0.2)
‐
(42.9)
71.8
71.8
‐
Total
3,780.2
365.8
(4.1)
(258.8)
5.3
36.0
3,924.4
6,918.9
(2,994.5)
31 Dec 21
IT applications
78.8
5.5
‐
(39.7)
0.2
39.8
84.6
524.5
(439.9)
Concessions and other
rights of use
130.2
0.3
‐
(16.8)
‐
0.1
113.8
471.6
(357.8)
Public services under
concession
2,860.1
181.1
(4.5)
(160.9)
4.7
82.9
2,963.4
5,144.1
(2,180.7)
Customer lists
546.3
‐
‐
(34.8)
64.7
‐
576.2
693.9
(117.7)
Other intangible assets
67.7
33.3
‐
(26.9)
0.2
5.1
79.4
225.8
(146.4)
Intangible assets in
progress, public
services under
concession
169.5
144.4
(0.8)
‐
‐
(75.7)
237.4
237.4
‐
Intangible assets in
progress
71.8
52.2
‐
(0.9)
‐
(51.2)
71.9
71.9
‐
Total
3,924.4
416.8
(5.3)
(280.0)
69.8
1.0
4,126.7
7,369.2
(3,242.5)
The breakdown and main changes within each category are commented on below, while for a detailed
description of the investments made during the period, please refer to paragraph 1.07 “Analysis by
business areas” of the directors’ report.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 156|
“IT applications” refers to costs incurred in purchasing licenses and implementing corporate information
systems.
“Concessions and other rights of use” mainly includes:
▪ concessions, for 44.5 million euro, primarily involving the rights relating to the activities of gas
distribution and integrated water cycle, classified as intangible assets even before the IFRIC 12
interpretation “Service concession arrangements” was first applied;
▪ the authorisation to operate the Serravalle Pistoiese landfill, for 59.6 million euro, an asset
recorded as part of a business combination operation carried out the previous financial year and
amortised on the basis of the tons consigned.
“Public services under concession” includes assets relating to gas distribution, electricity distribution
(Imola area), the integrated water cycle and public lighting activities (except for the latter, as specified
in note 18 “Current and non-current financial assets”) provided through contracts awarded the
respective public bodies. These concession relationships and associated assets involved in carrying
out the activities for which the Group holds the use rights, are accounted for by applying the intangible
asset model as set forth by IFRIC 12 interpretation. Investments for the year related mainly to the water
networks, in the amount of 104.2 million euro, and gas distribution networks, in the amount of 65.4
million euro.
“Intangible assets in progress and public services under concession” includes investments related to
these concessions that are still to be completed at the end of the period and mainly refers to the water
networks, in the amount of 87 million euro, and gas distribution networks, in the amount of 30.9 million
euro.
“Intangible assets in progress” essentially comprises IT projects that are still incomplete.
“Customer lists” are recorded as a result of business combination transactions and the consequent
valuation of the assets acquired. The amortisation period of these customer lists is correlated to the
churn rate identified for each individual transaction.
The item “Other intangible assets” refers mainly to the rights of use for networks and infrastructures for
the passage and laying down of telecommunication networks and the incremental costs incurred for
obtaining new sale contracts. As required by IFRS 15, these incremental costs, involving mainly
commissions paid to agents, were recorded as assets and are depreciated over the average lifetime of
new customers (churn rate). The commissions stated as assets for the year 2021 amount to 24.8
million euro (as compared to 24.6 million euro in the previous year).
“Other changes” includes reclassifications of assets under construction to their specific categories for
assets that began to be used during the year and reclassifications to tangible assets, especially when
goods used in activities under contract are involved.
The “Changes in the scope of consolidation” reflects the acquisitions carried out during the year that
specifically resulted in recording customer lists for 64.6 million euro and networks for managing public
services held under concession for 4.7 million euro. For further details, reference should be made to
paragraph 2.02.02 “Scope of consolidation”.
The value of intangible assets was tested for impairment, the results of which are outlined in note 31
“Impairment test”.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 157|
16 Goodwill
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
Goodwill
842.9
812.8
30.1
The value of goodwill at 31 December 2021 mainly reflects the following operations:
▪ acquisition of control of “Ascopiave commercial activities” in the Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and
Lombardy regions, that is the companies EstEnergy Spa, Ascotrade Spa, Ascopiave Energie Spa,
Blue Meta Spa and Etra Energia Srl, as well as the company Amgas Blu Srl operating in the
province of Foggia, for a total of 431.2 million euro;
▪ integration that in 2002 resulted in the creation of Hera Spa, 81.3 million euro;
▪ acquisition of control through the merger of Agea Spa, effective beginning 1 January 2004, 41.7
million euros:
▪ acquisition of control over Gruppo Meta which took place at the end of the 2005 financial year, as
a result of the merger of Meta Spa into Hera Spa, for 117.7 million euro;
▪ acquisition of control over Sat Spa through the merger into Hera Spa, effective beginning 1
January 2008, for 54.9 million euro:
▪ acquisition of control over the Gruppo Aliplast in early 2017, for 25 million euro;
▪ acquisition of control over the Marche Multiservizi Spa Group, for 20.8 million euro.
As reported in paragraph 2.02.02 “Scope of consolidation”, during 2021 the acquisitions of control of
the company Recycla Spa and of the Vallortigara Group led to the entry of goodwill amounting to 18.6
million euros and 11.5 million euros respectively.
The value of goodwill were tested for impairment, the results of which are outlined in note 31
“Impairment test”.
17 Shareholdings
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
Shareholdings valued using the equity method
150.6
137.2
13.4
Other shareholdings
47.9
50.7
(2.8)
Total
198.5
187.9
10.6
The changes in joint ventures and associated companies as compared to 31 December 2021 take into
account the pro-quota losses and profits reported by the respective companies (including the other
components of the comprehensive income statement) as well as the possible reduction of the value for
any dividends that were distributed and for depreciations due to the impairment test. The share of profit
or loss pertaining to companies accounted for by the equity method is shown in note 9 “Share of profit
(loss) of joint ventures and associated companies”.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 158|
Changes in consolidated investments using the net equity method are as follows:
31 Dec 20
Investments and
disinvestments
Profit for the period
Dividends paid out
Changes in the scope
of consolidation
Write-downs and
other changes
31 Dec 21
Joint ventures
Enomondo Srl
15.6
‐
3.1
(1.1)
‐
‐
17.6
Total joint ventures
15.6
‐
3.1
(1.1)
‐
‐
17.6
Associated companies
Aimag Spa
50.6
‐
3.7
(2.6)
‐
‐
51.7
Set Spa
27.9
‐
0.6
‐
‐
‐
28.5
Sgr Servizi Spa
24.4
‐
3.0
(2.2)
‐
‐
25.2
ASM SET Srl
18.7
‐
1.4
(1.2)
‐
‐
18.9
SEA - Servizi Ecologici Ambientali
Srl
‐
-
1.4
(2.4)
9.7
‐
8.7
Total associated companies
121.6
-
10.1
(8.4)
9.7
‐
133.0
Total
137.2
-
13.2
(9.5)
9.7
‐
150.6
Acquisition of 31% of the associated company SEA - Servizi Ecologici Ambientali Srl is illustrated in
Chapter 1.03 “Main events occurred”.
On 30 September 2021 the associated company Sinergie Italiane Srl in liquidation terminated its
operations due to the end of the multi-year contract for the import of gas and to the sale of the
transportation quotas held in its portfolio. The company, whose book value had already been written off
in previous years, is thus no longer consolidated using the equity method and is classified under “Other
shareholdings”, while the value of the outstanding loans to the company represents the best estimate
of the cash holdings that the Group will receive upon liquidation.
Investments in companies not included in the scope of consolidation underwent the following changes:
Fair value
hierarchy
31 Dec 20
Investments and
disinvestments
Assessments
at fair value
Other
changes
31 Dec 21
Ascopiave Spa
1
42.0
‐
(2.1)
‐
39.9
Veneta Sanitaria Finanza di
Progetto Spa
3
3.6
‐
‐
‐
3.6
Other minor companies
3
5.1
1.3
(2.0)
‐
4.4
Total
50.7
1.3
(4.1)
‐
47.9
In the case of shareholdings with a fair value hierarchy 1, the value adjustment, recorded in the
components of the comprehensive income statement, makes it possible to align the book value of the
equity investment with the market prices at the end of the year. In the case of hierarchy 3
shareholdings, partly in view of the insignificant value of the investments in the portfolio, the change in
fair value was not significant.
Investments for the period mainly refer to HEA Spa, established in 2021 by Herambiente Servizi
Industriali Srl in partnership with Eni Rewind Spa. The company, which was set up to create a multi-
purpose platform for special waste pre-treatment and treatment in the industrial area of Ravenna, is not
yet operational as it is awaiting the completion of the authorization process.
Associated
companies
and joint
ventures
Other share-
holdings
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 159|
The assessment of the shareholding in H.E.P.T. Co. Ltd resulted in a reduction in fair value of 2 million
euro due to current conditions in the Chinese benchmark market.
The carrying amounts of the equity investments representing vehicles through which the Group owns
production quotas for electrical generation plants (Set Spa and Tamarete Energia Srl) underwent the
impairment test; for the test results and further details regarding the assumptions, please see note 31
“Impairment test”.
Below are presented the main aggregate values of the jointly controlled company Enomondo Srl as
well as companies with significant influence (Aimag Spa, ASM SET Srl, SEA Srl, Set Spa, Sgr Servizi
Spa and Tamarete Energia Srl):
Assets
Company
Joint ventures
Company
Associated companies
Total
Non-current assets
Tangible assets
31.7
411.5
443.2
Rights of use
0.7
0.7
Intangible assets
51.4
51.4
Goodwill
107.6
107.6
Shareholdings
7.4
7.4
Financial assets
0.1
10.9
11.0
Deferred tax assets
0.7
5.3
6.0
Total non-current assets
32.5
594.8
627.3
Current assets
Inventories
0.4
17.5
17.9
Trade receivables
9.9
334.0
343.9
Contract work in progress
0.4
0.4
Financial assets
29.7
29.7
Current tax assets
2.7
2.7
Other current assets
8.7
48.8
57.5
Cash and cash equivalents
7.2
49.2
56.4
Total current assets
26.2
482.3
508.5
Total assets
58.7
1,077.1
1,135.8
Subsidiary
data
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 160|
Net equity and liabilities
Company
Joint ventures
Company
Associated companies
Total
Share capital and reserves
Share capital
14.0
88.0
102.0
Reserves
15.1
272.8
287.9
Profit (loss) for the period
6.3
35.1
41.4
Group net equity
35.4
395.9
431.3
Non-controlling interests
13.6
13.6
Total net equity
35.4
409.5
444.9
Non-current liabilities
Non-current financial liabilities
10.2
244.6
254.8
Non-current lease liabilities
0.6
0.6
Post-employment and other benefits
5.8
5.8
Provisions for risks and charges
1.1
37.7
38.8
Deferred tax liabilities
0.7
0.7
Total non-current liabilities
11.3
289.4
300.7
Current liabilities
Current financial liabilities
2.5
30.3
32.8
Current lease liabilities
0.1
0.1
Trade payables
9.1
293.3
302.4
Current tax liabilities
0.2
0.7
0.9
Other current liabilities
0.2
53.8
54.0
Total current liabilities
12.0
378.2
390.2
Total liabilities
23.3
667.6
690.9
Total net equity and total liabilities
58.7
1,077.1
1,135.8
Income statement
Company
Joint ventures
Company
Associated companies
Total
Revenues
21.6
881.6
903.2
Other operating revenues
6.4
2.8
9.2
Raw materials and materials
(2.2)
(617.9)
(620.1)
Service costs
(12.0)
(112.5)
(124.5)
Personnel costs
(0.5)
(29.3)
(29.8)
Amortisation, provisions and depreciation
(4.9)
(49.6)
(54.5)
Other operating costs
(0.3)
(18.6)
(18.9)
Operating revenues
8.1
56.5
64.6
Financial income
8.6
8.6
Financial expenses
(0.1)
(8.2)
(8.3)
Total financial management
(0.1)
0.4
0.3
Other non-operating revenues (expenses)
(0.3)
(0.3)
Pre-tax profit
8.0
56.6
64.6
Taxes for the period
(1.7)
(15.2)
(16.9)
Net revenues for the period
6.3
41.4
47.7
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 161|
18 Current and non-current financial assets
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
Loan receivables
35.8
44.3
(8.5)
Portfolio securities
1.9
1.9
‐
Receivables for construction services
59.2
46.5
12.7
Other financial receivables
45.8
48.1
(2.3)
Total non-current financial assets
142.7
140.8
1.9
Loan receivables
5.8
4.1
1.7
Portfolio securities
‐
0.1
(0.1)
Other financial receivables
23.5
28.6
(5.1)
Total current financial assets
29.3
32.8
(3.5)
Total cash holdings
885.6
987.1
(101.5)
Total financial assets and cash holdings
1,057.6
1,160.7
(103.1)
“Loan receivables”, comprises loans, regulated at market rate, made to the following companies:
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Non-current
portion
Current portion
Total
Non-current
portion
Current portion
Total
Aloe SpA
6.1
0.8
6.9
6.9
0.8
7.7
Calenia Energia Spa
7.1
0.3
7.4
9.6
0.1
9.7
Set Spa
15.4
3.1
18.5
18.5
3.0
21.5
Other minor companies
7.2
1.6
8.8
9.3
0.2
9.5
Total
35.8
5.8
41.6
44.3
4.1
48.4
Loans to companies that are vehicles through which the Group owns production quotas for electricity
generation plants (Set Spa andTamarete Energia Srl) were tested for impairment, resulted in a write-up
of the loan to Tamarete Energia Srl for 2.2 million euro, equivalent to the amount collected during the
year.
“Portfolio securities” include for the non-current part 1.9 million euro in bonds, funds and insurance
policies to guarantee post-mortem management of the landfill managed by the subsidiary Asa Scpa.
These securities are financial instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income
components.
“Receivables for construction services” are from municipalities for the construction of public lighting
systems identified in keeping with the financial asset model provided by the IFRIC 12 interpretation, as
shown in greater detail in the section describing the evaluation criteria of the item “Loans and
receivables” in paragraph 2.02.03 “Evaluation criteria and consolidation principles”.
“Other financial receivables”, in the non-current section, include the following counterparties:
▪ the municipality of Padua, receivables regulated at market value and concerning the construction
of photovoltaic systems which will be reimbursed at the end of 2030 in the amount of 13.6 million
euro;
▪ the so-called Collinare Consortium of Municipalities in the amount of 12.1 million euro represents
the credit for the compensation owed to the outgoing provider when the gas distribution services
contract comes to an end;
▪ Acosea Impianti Srl, regarding a security deposit in the amount of 12.6 million euro;
▪ the municipalities of Vigarano, Goro and Castello d’Argile in relation to the credit for the
compensation owed to the outgoing provider when the gas distribution services contract comes to
an end, in the amount of 3.9 million euro.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 162|
“Other financial receivables”, in the current section, are mainly comprised of:
▪ public grants to be received from various subjects (Cato and the Veneto Region) in the amount of
9.8 million euro;
▪ advance payments to cover expenses paid by several Group companies as gas distribution
service operators in view of the commencement of the calls for tender, in the amount of 4.7 million
euro.
The decrease compared to the previous year is mainly due to the collection of the grant from the Friuli
Venezia-Giulia Region for the construction of the water treatment plant in Servola, amounting to 3.6
million euro, and the collection of 1.7 million euro from the Consorzio Stabile Energie Locali (Csel),
following the awarding of the tender for the public lighting service.
“Cash and cash equivalents” include almost exclusively bank and postal deposits.
To better understand the financial dynamics taking place during 2021, see the financial statements.
19 Deferred tax assets and liabilities
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
Pre-paid tax assets
458.3
264.0
194.3
Offsetting of deferred tax liabilities
(229.2)
(107.8)
(121.4)
Substitute tax credit
0.3
0.4
(0.1)
Total net deferred tax assets
229.4
156.6
72.8
Deferred tax liabilities
361.3
228.3
133.0
Offsetting of deferred tax liabilities
(229.2)
(107.8)
(121.4)
Total net deferred tax liabilities
132.1
120.5
11.6
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current
tax assets with the corresponding current tax liabilities.
“Pre-paid tax assets” arise from timing differences between reported profit and taxable profit, mainly in
relation to bad debt provisions, risks and expenses funds, instances of civil depreciation that are
greater than those relevant for tax purposes, and the redemption of goodwill customers lists and
controlling interests.
The increase for the period is due to the following effects:
▪ change for the period of the fair value of commodity derivatives classified as cash flow hedge,
resulting in an asset increase of 99.4 million euro with a balancing entry in the statement of
comprehensive income.
▪ realignment of the book and tax values of goodwill recognised in the financial statements at 31
December 2019, as provided for by Article 1, paragraph 83 of the 2021 Budget Law, amounting to
78.2 million euro.
Deferred tax assets were recorded in the financial statements in view of the high likelihood of
generating taxable income in future years against which the deductible temporary difference may be
used. In particular, in relation to the assets recorded against the realignment of goodwill, for which tax
regulations provide for annual use on a straight-line basis for a period of 50 years from 2021,
management has assessed they are fully recoverable in view of the extension of the predictability
timeframes of regulated distribution businesses (assessed on the basis of parameters such as the
residual useful life of the assets, the extension of the concessions and their likelihood of renewal), the
particularly limited impact of the taxable income required to recover these deferred tax assets on the
overall taxable income generated by the distribution assets with a residual useful life of several
decades, as well as the tax consolidation regime under which the Group operates, which makes it
possible to offset any tax losses across all businesses.
“Deferred tax liabilities” arise from temporary differences between reported profit and taxable profit,
mainly in relation to greater tax deductions taken in previous years for provisions and amounts of
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 163|
property, plant and equipment not relevant for tax purposes. The item also includes the significant tax
effects of recognising or adjusting assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements.
The increase compared to 31 December 2020 is mainly due to deferred taxes related to changes in the
fair value of commodity derivatives used as cash flow hedges, which brought about an increase in
liabilities in the among of 128.6 million euro with a balancing entry in the comprehensive income
statement.
For more details concerning the re-alignment and dynamics of deferred tax assets and liabilities, see
note 11 “Taxes2.
20 Derivative instruments
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Changes
Fair value
assets
Fair value
liabilities
Net effect
Fair value
assets
Fair value
liabilities
Net effect
Net effect
Interest/exchange rate
derivatives
Loans
‐
0.1
(0.1)
9.9
2.7
7.2
(7.3)
Foreign currency loans
6.9
13.4
(6.5)
14.4
20.1
(5.7)
(0.8)
Total interest/exchange
rate derivatives
6.9
13.5
(6.6)
24.3
22.8
1.5
(8.2)
Commodity derivatives
‐
‐
Commercial portfolio
1,716.1
1,616.6
99.5
56.5
49.4
7.1
92.4
Trading portfolio
81.3
86.6
(5.3)
46.8
63.6
(16.8)
11.5
Total commodity
derivatives
1,797.4
1,703.3
94.1
103.3
113.0
(9.7)
103.8
Total derivatives
1,804.3
1,716.8
87.5
127.6
135.8
(8.2)
95.7
of which non current
6.9
13.5
14.4
20.1
of which current
1,797.4
1,703.3
113.2
115.7
The derivative instruments used by the Group are divided into two types based on the underlying
assets hedged: interest and exchange rates with reference to financing transactions, and commodities
with reference to the commercial purchase and sale of gas and electricity. All commodity derivatives
are classified as current assets and liabilities by virtue of the high level of liquidity and the operational
time span that characterize these instruments.
The Group’s financial management policy envisages the use of hedging instruments to effectively
offset changes in the fair value, cash flows of the hedged instrument or, more specifically, changes in
interest and exchange rate fluctuations that affect the sources of funds used. With regard to
derivatives on current and non-current interest and exchange rates in the form of interest rate swaps
(IRS) and cross currency swaps (CCS) at 31 December 2021, the Group’s net exposure is lower
compared to the previous year and is due to the realisation of cash flows, declining interest rate curves
and a strengthening of the euro against the yen.
The Group’s operational management, on the other hand, is carried out through a process that
identifies objectives, strategies and responsibilities for each operation. Contracts, both financial and
physical (i.e. involving the exchange of raw materials), are classified into two portfolios according to
their purpose, either commercial or trading. The Group’s internal organisational model make it possible
to identify the nature of the operation (commercial or trading) and produce the information required for
a formal identification of the purpose of derivatives. In relation to the gas commodity, beginning in 2021
the Group reshaped its strategic approach to the management of its commercial portfolio. In particular,
this management adjustment has entailed the establishment of new procedures and the adaptation of
management systems which improved the process of identifying the nature of the operations and
underlying hedging relationships. The commercial portfolio includes financial and physical procurement
contracts and derivative or similar contracts, entered into for the purpose of hedging future transactions
for which cash flow hedge accounting is envisaged on the basis of the effectiveness of the hedge. In
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| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 164|
particular, the valuation of physical contracts varies according to their purpose: contracts related to
procurement activities are subject to the own-use exemption, while contracts related to price or volume
risk management activities are considered derivative financial instruments and measured accordingly
at fair value from the time of stipulation. The centralised management of hedging transactions allows
for all possible synergies for hedging the electricity consumption needs of the Central Market
Department, and is integrated with exchange rate transactions towards the market and is carried out
through the exclusive use of swap contracts or other authorised derivatives. All other derivatives or
similar instruments that are not intended to hedge the Group’s requirements are classified in the
trading portfolio. In the 2021 fiscal year, commodity derivatives showed a significantly higher net
positive exposure than in the previous year, substantially related to the significant increase in energy
commodity prices recorded especially beginning in the second half of the year, which were also
reflected in higher raw material costs (gas and electricity).
The fair value of financial instruments is deduced from market prices; in the absence prices quoted on
active markets, the method of discounting back future cash flows is used, taking the parameters
observed on the market as reference. All derivative contracts entered into by the Group are with
leading institutional counterparties.
Interest/exchange rate derivatives
Interest rate and foreign exchange derivative instruments held as of 31 December 2021, subscribed in
order to hedge loans, can be classed into the following categories:
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Type
Fair value
hierarchy
Notional
Fair value
assets
Fair value
liabilities
Notional
Fair value
assets
Fair value
liabilities
Cash flow hedge
2
9 mln
‐
0.1
10.5 mln
‐
0.3
Fair value hedge
2
149.8 mln
6.9
13.4
149.8 mln
14.4
19.8
Non hedge accounting
2
‐
‐
‐
500 mln
9.9
2.7
Total fair value
6.9
13.5
24.3
22.8
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Type
Fair value
hierarchy
Income
Expenses
Net effect
Income
Expenses
Net effect
Cash flow hedge
2
0.0
‐
0.0
0.1
‐
0.1
Fair value hedge
2
11.0
(15.8)
(4.8)
7.8
(16.1)
(8.3)
Non hedge accounting
2
18.3
(18.3)
(0.0)
14.0
(14.1)
(0.1)
Total income (expenses)
29.3
(34.1)
(4.8)
21.8
(30.3)
(8.5)
The positive change in the fair value of derivatives classified as cash flow hedges is mainly due to the
realisation of cash flows during the period and the reduction in the notional amount of the derivative.
No significant ineffective portions connected to the residual financial instruments were found in the
financial period. Overall effect of these instruments on the statement of comprehensive income was
lower than 0.1 million euro in 2021.
Derivatives designated as fair value hedges of foreign currency financial liabilities recorded in the
financial statements (fair value hedges), as interest rate swaps (IRS) and cross currency swaps (CSS)
relate to the bond loan in Japanese yen with a notional residual value of 20 billion yen or 149.8 million
euros (converted at the original exchange rate being hedged). The change in fair value is due to the
exchange rate, since the Japanese yen lost value against the euro during 2021.
The table below provides a breakdown of financial income and expense associated with derivatives
designated as fair value hedges and related underlying liabilities, as adjusted for the income and
losses attributable to the hedged risk:
Cash flow
hedge
Fair value
hedge
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| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 165|
Fair value hedges
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Income
Expenses
Net effect
Income
Expenses
Net effect
Assessment of derivatives
6.4
(7.6)
(1.2)
3.0
(8.0)
(5.0)
Accrued interest
‐
(0.1)
(0.1)
‐
(0.1)
(0.1)
Realised cash flows
4.6
(8.2)
(3.5)
4.8
(8.1)
(3.3)
Economic effect of derivatives
fair value hedge
11.0
(15.8)
(4.8)
7.8
(16.1)
(8.3)
Underlying amounts hedged
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Income
Expenses
Net effect
Income
Expenses
Net effect
Assessment of financial liabilities
7.5
(6.4)
1.2
8.0
(3.0)
5.0
The derivatives on interest rates, identified as non-hedge accounting, are entirely extinguished as they
matured during the year. The category originated in full from past restructuring operations and, despite
not including instruments that qualify as hedges pursuant to IFRS 9, have as their main objective to
hedge against interest rate fluctuations and have no impact on the income statement (mirroring).
The breakdown of the charges and revenues relating to derivatives classified as non-hedge accounting
is as follows:
Interest/exchange rate
derivatives
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Income
Expenses
Net effect
Income
Expenses
Net effect
Assessment of derivatives
6.3
(7.2)
(0.9)
1.4
(8.7)
(7.3)
Accrued interest
(0.6)
(5.6)
(6.3)
0.1
(0.1)
0.0
Realised cash flows
12.7
(5.5)
7.2
12.5
(5.3)
7.2
Economic effect of non-hedge
accounting derivatives
18.3
(18.3)
(0.0)
14.0
(14.1)
(0.1)
Sensitivity Analysis - Financial operations
Assuming an instant change of 10% in the euro/yen exchange rate, given the same interest rates, the
potential decrease in fair value of the derivative financial instruments in place at 31 December 2021
would amount to approximately 14.6 million euro. Likewise, assuming an instant reduction of the same
amount, the potential fair value increase would be approximately 19.3 million euro. Given that
exchange rate derivatives related to borrowing transactions are treated as fair value hedges, any
change in these fair values would not have any effect on the income statement, other than for the credit
adjustment part, as any such change would be offset by a movement in the opposite direction of the
hedged liability.
The assumptions on interest rate changes would have no significant effect on the fair value of
outstanding derivative financial instruments on interest and exchange rates. Furthermore, these
changes in fair value of financial instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges would have no effect
on the income statement if it were not for their potential ineffective portion, which moreover is not
significant. In the event of an increase or decrease in fair value, there would be a non-significant
increase or decrease in net equity. As to derivatives designated as fair value hedges, any change in
fair value would not have any effect on the income statement, other than for the credit adjustment part,
as any such change would be essentially offset by a movement in the opposite direction of the hedged
liability.
Commodity derivatives - Commercial portfolio
The commercial portfolio includes physical and financial derivative or comparable instruments entered
into to hedge mismatches between purchase and sale formulas, which are classed into the following
categories:
Non hedge
accounting
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| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 166|
Operations management
Type
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Fair value
hierarchy
Notional
Fair value
assets
Fair value
liabilities
Notional
Fair value
assets
Fair value
liabilities
Gas formulas
3
27,991,358
MWh
1,309.2
6,089,061
MWh
11.6
Electricity formulas
2
4,829,772
MWh
406.8
6,027,306
MWh
44.9
Exchange
2
10,408,061
USD
0.1
Gas formulas
3
28,987,729
MWh
1,440.8
7,076,405
MWh
14.5
Electricity formulas
2
2,905,219
MWh
175.6
5,394,118
MWh
34.9
Exchange
2
30,477,506
USD
0.2
Total fair value
1,716.1
1,616.6
56.5
49.4
Type
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Income
Expenses
Net effect
Income
Expenses
Net effect
Assessment of derivatives
1.6
(1.9)
(0.2)
15.5
(19.5)
(4.0)
Realised cash flows
1,242.7
(1,279.8)
(37.1)
(92.4)
(92.4)
Economic effect of
derivatives
1,244.4
(1,281.7)
(37.4)
15.5
(111.9)
(96.4)
The commercial portfolio includes financial and physical contracts that are almost all formally inserted
in hedging relationships for masses, designated to hedge planned future electricity and gas purchase
transactions that are considered highly likely, and consequently accounted for using hedge accounting
if formal requirements are met. The main objectives of these hedges are to replicate the cash flows of
the formulas on sale in the market and to cover the spread between the TTF price, the benchmark
market for continental Europe, and the PSV price, the virtual trading point and Italian gas hub. The fair
value changes are recorded to the statement of comprehensive as per the effective quota; such
changes are transferred to the income statement as soon as the underlying hedged instrument is
realised. For other limited types of operations involving the de-structuring of formulas and the hedging
of individual components, the formal requirements for being identified as hedge accounting are not met
and therefore, despite their hedging purpose and their inclusion in the commercial portfolio, the related
contracts are measured at fair value with a balancing entry in the income statement.
In order to assess the impact that fluctuations in the market price of the underlying asset have on the
financial derivatives attributable to the commercial portfolio, the PaR (Profit at Risk) tool is used, that is
the change in the value of the portfolio of derivative financial instruments within pre-established
probability hypotheses as a result of a shift in market indexes.
The increase in the net fair value of commodity derivatives related to the commercial portfolio is mainly
due to the increase in the gas price, which exceeded all-time highs during the year, and to the same
dynamics recorded during the period for the national price.
Overall effect of these instruments on the statement of comprehensive income is broken down as
follows:
Commodity derivatives -
Commercial portfolio
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Positive
components
Negative
components
Net effect
Positive
components
Negative
components
Net effect
Changes to expected cash flows
87.6
‐
87.6
‐
(24.5)
(24.5)
Reserve transferred to the income
statement
1,279.8
(1,242.7)
37.1
85.2
‐
85.2
Derivatives effect on statement
of comprehensive income
cash flow hedge
1,367.4
(1,242.7)
124.7
85.2
(24.5)
60.7
Effects on the
comprehensive
income statement
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| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 167|
The net effect of the year’s expected cash flows also includes the change in the fair value of derivative
instruments previously measured using hedge accounting, for which the outstanding hedge relationship
has been redefined in relation to hedged items that have not yet matured. The components recognised
in the statement of comprehensive income will be transferred to profit and loss on the maturity dates of
the corresponding hedged positions, which are expected to occur within the next twelve months.
The economic components associated with hedging operations, i.e. the balancing entries to the
changes in the cash flow hedge reserve accounted for at the time the instruments are realised,
although falling within operations management, are classified according to the nature of the instrument
concerned. In particular, at the time the underlying hedged item materializes, changes in the reserve
relating to financial derivative contracts are classified as an adjustment to the cost of raw material,
since, acting in a differential manner and mainly on procurement, they make it possible to represent the
correct amount of cost incurred, while changes generated by physical contracts treated as derivatives
are classified as sales revenues or as purchase costs of raw material, depending on whether they
relate to the sale or purchase of commodities.
The effect of these instruments on the statement of comprehensive income is broken down as follows:
Physical contracts treated as
derivatives
Financial derivative
contracts
Overall effect
Sales revenues
1,065.5
Income
177.3
1,242.7
Purchasing costs
(1,261.8)
Expenses
(18.0)
(1,279.8)
Effect of realising derivative
cash flow hedges
(196.3)
159.2
(37.1)
Sensitivity analysis - Commercial portfolio
In assuming an instant increase of 60 euro/MWh of the TTF, with no change in the national standard
price curve, the potential decrease in the fair value of derivative financial instruments commercially
held as at 31 December 2021 would amount to approximately 232.4 million euro. On the contrary, an
instant fall in the same amount would bring about a potential increase in the fair value of the
instruments of approximately 232.4 million euro.
In assuming an instant +60 euro/MWh change in the national standard price curve, with no change in
the TTF price, the potential increase in the fair value of derivative financial instruments of the
commercial portfolio held as at 31 December 2021 would amount to approximately 67.7 million euro.
On the contrary, an instant change of -60 euro/MWh would bring about a potential decrease in the fair
value of the instruments of approximately 67.7 million euro.
In the organizational model described above, these changes in fair value would mainly affect derivative
instruments accounted for as hedges thus the opposite variation of net equity would be recorded in the
income statement.
Effects on the
income statement
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 168|
Commodity derivatives - Trading portfolio
The trading portfolio comprises derivatives or comparable instruments subscribed for purposes of
speculation belonging to the following categories:
Operations management
Type
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Fair value
hierarchy
Notional
Fair value
assets
Fair value
liabilities
Notional
Fair value
assets
Fair value
liabilities
Gas formulas
3
546,478
MWh
20.6
Electricity formulas
2
1,323,041
MWh
60.4
4,878,393
MWh
46.8
Raw oil
2
4,253 Bbl
0.1
Other commodities
2
3,578 Ton
0.3
Foreign gas hubs
3
682,525
MWh
35.1
Electricity formulas
2
2,183,368
MWh
49.9
10,093,260
MWh
63.6
Raw oil
2
18,514 Bbl
0.2
Other commodities
2
16,163 Ton
1.3
Totale fair value
81.3
86.6
46.8
63.6
Type
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Income
Expenses
Net effect
Income
Expenses
Net effect
Assessment of derivatives
144.2
(132.7)
11.5
95.8
(96.5)
(0.7)
Realised cash flows
89.4
(61.3)
28.1
38.5
‐
38.5
Economic effect of
derivatives
233.6
(194.0)
39.6
134.3
(96.5)
37.9
The operational logic of trading activities is based on pure position taking logics whenever there is a
market opportunity, always within the risk limits defined by the Board of Directors of the parent
company. The purpose of the contracts included in this portfolio is univocally identified at source and
follows a dedicated workflow, with exclusive instruments and reporting.
In order to assess the impact that fluctuations in market prices of the underlying asset have on the
derivatives attributable to the trading portfolio, the VaR (Value at Risk) instrument is used, that is the
negative change in the value of the portfolio of derivative instruments within pre-established probability
hypotheses as a result of an unfavourable shift in market indexes.
The fair value changes are recognised in which they take place. The settlement of financial contracts
generates income and charges attributable to raw materials and as such are classified among
operating costs, while the settlement of contracts treated as derivatives is accounted for among sales
revenues or among purchase costs of raw materials, depending on whether the sale or purchase of
commodities is involved.
Contracts treated as derivatives
Financial derivative
contracts
Overall effect
Sales revenues
64.3
Income
25.1
89.4
Purchase costs
(41.4)
Charges
(19.9)
(61.3)
Effect from derivative
realization
22.9
5.2
28.1
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 169|
The following disclosure provides an analysis of the results of operations for the year ended 31
December 2021 for commercial and trading activities, including the effects of energy commodity
contracts.
Fair value
Fair value
Delta Fair value
Realised
Amounts entered in
the Income
Statement
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
2021
31 Dec 21
Trading portfolio
Gas, crude oil and commodity
formulas
(15.8)
‐
(15.8)
27.0
11.2
Electricity formulas
10.5
(16.8)
27.3
(21.8)
5.5
Total trading portfolio
(5.3)
(16.8)
11.5
5.2
16.6
Total
94.1
(9.7)
103.8
(31.9)
72.0
Sensitivity analysis - Trading portfolio
In assuming an instant increase of 60 euro/MWh of the TTF, with no change in the national standard
price curve, the potential increase in the fair value of derivative financial instruments held as at 31
December 2021 would amount to approximately 6 million euro. On the contrary, an instant fall in the
same amount would bring about a potential decrease in the fair value of the instruments of
approximately 6 million euro.
In assuming an instant +60 euro/MWh change in the national standard price curve, with equal TTF
price, the potential increase in the fair value of derivative financial instruments of the trading portfolio
held at 31 December 2021 would amount to approximately 8.4 million euro. On the contrary, an instant
change of -60 euro/MWh would bring about a potential decrease in the fair value of the instruments of
approximately 8.4 million euro.
21 Inventories
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
Gas stocks
58.9
37.9
21.0
Raw materials and stocks
50.5
53.4
(2.9)
Materials earmarked for sale and final products
6.7
6.1
0.6
Contract work in progress
251.9
74.3
177.6
Total
368.0
171.7
196.3
“Gas stocks” includes stocks of natural gas earmarked for sale. The change compared to the previous
year is due to the significant increase in wholesale raw material prices in 2021, while volumes in stock
at the end of the period were lower. The book value of gas stocks is recoverable on the basis of gas
sales made after the end of the financial period and forward sales contracts already signed by the
Group at the date of the financial statements.
“Raw materials and stocks”, already presented net of an associated obsolescence provision, mainly
includes:
▪ replacement parts and equipment used for the maintenance and running of operating plants, equal
to 44 million euros (47.7 million euro at 31 December 2020).
▪ plastic materials to be regenerated, equal to 6.5 million euro (5.7 million euro at 31 December
2020).
“Materials earmarked for sale and final products” mainly includes plastic products made in the Group’s
regeneration plants equal to 5.8 million euro (5.6 million euro as of 31 December 2020).
The item “contract work in progress” includes long-term contracts for plant construction work, mainly in
relation to energy services, public lighting management and water services (for 199.1 million euro, 23.4
million euro and 21.3 million euro respectively). The change in the period is mainly related to the
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 170|
energy requalification of apartment buildings, a business that has strongly increased in 2021 thanks to
the tax incentives for the sector (construction bonuses).
22 Trade receivables
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
Receivables from customers
1,842.9
1,435.0
407.9
Provision for bad debts
(444.6)
(394.4)
(50.2)
Receivables from customers for bills and invoices not yet issued
1,519.7
931.0
588.7
Total
2,918.0
1,971.6
946.4
Trade receivables comprise estimated consumption, for the portion pertaining to the period, relating to
bills and invoices which will be issued after 31 December 2021, as well as receivables for revenues
coming due during the period, referring to the water sector which will be billed in the following period, in
accordance with the billing methods for final customers established by the relevant Authority. Change
from the previous year was due to:
▪ the effect of the increase in the market prices of gas and electricity commodities, which led to a
corresponding increase in the value of sales to customers and the consequent amount of
receivables managed;
▪ the growth in the volume of energy efficiency upgrading of buildings carried out on behalf of end
customers, particularly apartment blocks.
The value of trade receivables reported in the financial statements at 31 December 2021 represents
the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk. Changes in the provision for bad debts is as follows:
Opening balance
Provisions
Changes in scope
of consolidation
Uses
Closing balance
2020 financial year
399.3
83.4
0.1
(88.4)
394.4
2021 financial year
394.4
94.4
1.8
(46.0)
444.6
The recording of the provision is made on the basis of analytical valuations in relation to specific
receivables, supplemented by measurements made based on future-oriented analyses of the
receivables regarding the general body of customers (in relation to the age of the receivables, the type
of recovery action undertaken and the status of the debtor), as described in the section “Credit risk”
and paragraph 2.02.03 “Evaluation criteria and consolidation principles”. The significant increase of
“Uses” is mainly due to the disposals of non-performing loans carried out during 2020, which led to the
complete derecognition of the value of the loans through the use of the provision allocated in previous
years for approximately 42 million euro. The value for the year 2021 is therefore substantially in line
with the value for the year 2020, appropriately adjusted for the above-mentioned effect.
The following table displays these receivables from clients on the basis of bills issued, organized by
degree of past-due:
31 Dec 21
Inc.%
31 Dec 20
Inc.%
Change
Not yet due
772.3
42%
501.7
35%
270.6
Due 0-30 days
214.5
12%
126.9
9%
87.6
Due 31-180 days
145.0
8%
113.9
8%
31.1
Due 181-360 days
98.8
5%
103.9
7%
(5.1)
Due beyond 360 days
612.3
33%
588.6
41%
23.7
Total
1,842.9
1,435.0
407.9
Past due
analysis
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 171|
23 Current tax assets and liabilities
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
Income tax receivables
20.3
9.8
10.5
IRES refund receivables
0.9
1.9
(1.0)
Total current tax assets
21.2
11.7
9.5
Income tax payables
24.2
25.4
(1.2)
Substitute tax payables
3.7
‐
3.7
Total current tax liabilities
27.9
25.4
2.5
“Income tax receivables” refer to the excess advance IRES and IRAP payments over the tax amount
payable.
“IRES refund receivables” the change from the previous year is mainly due to the collection of part of
IRES following the deductibility of IRAP from IRES related to labour cost and the like under Legislative
Decree 201/2011.
“Income tax payables” includes provisions for IRES and IRAP made in relation to profit for the period.
“Substitute tax payables” include the liability for redeeming the higher value of the controlling interest in
Recycla Spa; an operation that the management has already approved and which will be paid in 2022.
24 Other current assets
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
Security deposits
121.0
55.4
65.6
Fund for energy and waste management services for
equalisation and continuity income
49.9
49.1
0.8
VAT, excise and additional taxes
47.6
94.9
(47.3)
Energy efficiency bonds and emissions trading
46.9
150.5
(103.6)
Advances to suppliers
42.7
25.8
16.9
Pre-paid costs
26.5
19.9
6.6
Incentives from renewable sources
23.4
23.5
(0.1)
Other receivables
64.3
68.4
(4.1)
Total
422.3
487.5
(65.2)
“Security deposits” mainly include deposits provided as security for participation in foreign platforms
that deal in commodity contracts, auctions on the electricity market, and to secure transactions on
wholesale markets for electricity and natural gas, totalling 111.9 million euro; The increase in the period
was due to the significant change in raw material prices in the final months of the year, as deposit
requests were linked to the face value of the contracts traded, as well as an increase in the number of
operations performed.
During the last three months of 2021, a deposit of 7.5 million euro was collected from the affiliate
Sinergie Italiane Srl in liquidation, due to the termination on 30 September 2021 of the contract for the
import of natural gas signed by the company.
“Fund for energy and waste management services for equalisation and continuity income”, totalling
27.7 million euro of equalisation credit and 22.2 million euro of continuity income.
Equalisation credit decreased by 4.6 million euro compared to the previous year. The change is mainly
due to the lower equalisation of gas distribution for 15.5 euro million, only partially offset by the higher
equalisation credit from the sale of the regulated electricity service for 8.3 million euro. In particular, the
decrease in the equalisation credit for gas distribution is to be interpreted in conjunction with the
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Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 172|
increase in volumes distributed during the 2021 financial year, as the 2020 financial year had shown a
significant decrease in volumes due to the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic leading to a greater use of
the equalisation mechanism in relation to the regulated revenues recognised to the Group.
Continuity income increased by 5.4 million euro compared to the previous year mainly due to the
recognition of costs incurred for gas default services and last resort supply for 7.5 million euro and fees
introduced to compensate the equalisation balances for the gradually regulated electricity service for
1.5 million euro, only partially offset by the lower credit for the compensation component of the sales
costs of gas, for 4 million euro.
“VAT, excise and additional taxes” are comprised of tax credits receivables to the treasury for value
added tax in the amount of 6 million euro and for excise and additional taxes in the amount of 41.4
million euro. The change as compared to 31 December 2020 is attributable to a decrease of 26.9
million euro in receivables for value added tax and an increase of 20.4 million euro in receivables for
excise and additional taxes. These changes should be interpreted together with the same changes
shown in note 30 “Other current liabilities”. In particular, with regard to excise duties and additional
taxes, the procedures that govern the financial relations with the tax authorities should be taken into
account: as a matter of fact, advance payments made during the year are calculated on the basis of
the quantities of gas and electricity billed in the previous year. These methods can generate credit or
debit positions with differences that may be significant even between one period and another.
“Energy efficiency bonds and emissions trading”, include:
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
White certificates
22.7
127.9
(105.2)
Grey certificates
14.4
12.8
1.6
Green certificates
9.8
9.8
‐
Total
46.9
150.5
(103.6)
The decrease in the value of white certificates is mainly due to regulatory changes that led to
retroactively reduce the 2020 requirements for gas and electricity distribution companies and
simultaneously set targets for the years 2021-2024 that are significantly lower than in previous years.
For further details regarding the economic effect of this valuation, see note 2 “Other operating
revenues”.
In relation to grey certificates, the portfolio includes the valuation of both securities held by the Group
and forward contracts. The increase as compared to the previous year is due to the price effect which
was only partially off-balanced by the decrease in security volumes held at the end of 2021. The
increase in the prices of greenhouse gas emission quotas traded on the market during the 2021
financial year is a consequence of the publication by the European Commission of the “Fit for 55”
bundle of legislative proposals, which includes a revision of the European Emissions Trading System
Directive (as reported in section 1.01.02 of the Directors’ Report). The new proposals require
greenhouse gas emissions to be 61% below 2005 levels by 2030 (previously the target was -43%). In
order to achieve the new targets, the Commission proposes to lower the maximum quantity of
emissions for the sectors concerned by the directive and to decrease it each year during the
implementation phase until 2030. The Group, which currently has to comply with the directive in force
for a number of district heating plants and a number of power generation plants in which it participates,
views the new proposals to be negligible, both because they do not envisage extending the system to
municipal or hazardous waste WTE plants and because they do not consider extending it to
combustion plants with lower power thresholds (the threshold of total firepower at the site exceeding 20
Mwt remains unchanged at the moment). However, the Group still faces the risk of an increase in the
market price of the quotas. For an exhaustive discussion on the management of risks, including those
associated with climate change, please refer to paragraph 1.02.03 “Risk areas: identification and
management of risk factors” in the Directors’ Report.
The green certificate portfolio includes securities recognised on an accrual basis prior to 2016 in
relation to the electricity production of certain waste-to-energy plants operated by the Group. These
securities are the subject of a complaint by the GSE concerning the methodology for calculating the
self-consumption of auxiliary services. To cover the potential risk of non-recognition, the Group has
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| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 173|
already set up a risk provision in previous years to cover the entire amount of the portfolio. For further
details see note 28 “Provisions for risks and charges”.
In the item “Advances to suppliers”, the increase compared to the previous year is mainly due to the
advances paid to counterparties that support the Group in the energy efficiency upgrading of buildings
on behalf of customers, mainly apartment blocks.
“Prepaid costs” are mainly costs for a future period deriving from external work and services in the
amount of 13.7 million euro (8.5 million euros at 31 December 2020), costs incurred for insurance
policies, surety, bank fees and charges in the amount of 4.3 million euro (2.8 at 31 December 2020)
and network service fees and concession fees for 2.3 million euro (2.9 million euro at 31 December
2020).
“Incentives from renewable sources” consist of receivables from the GSE for the new incentive
mechanism to promote the production of electricity from renewable sources. These receivables are
generally collected within the following year.
“Other receivables” mainly include:
▪ tax credits arising from the application of the invoice discount to end customers in relation to
subsidised energy efficiency measures, amounting to 13.4 million euro (9.6 million euro at 31
December 2020). For the most part, these receivables are used directly by the Group to offset tax
withholdings, on the basis of the time distribution of benefits provided for by current legislation;
▪ receivables for water leakage provisions charged and not yet collected from users for insurance in
case of leakage, amounting to10.6 million euro (9.3 million euro as at 31 December 2020) and
receivables from companies owning the assets used to perform public utility services, amounting
to 5.7 million euro (8.5 million euro at 31 December 2020).
25 Share capital and reserves
Compared to 31 December 2020, shareholders’ equity increased by 261.5 million euro due to the
combination of the following effects:
▪ overall revenues for the period in the amount of 461.4 million euro;
▪ distribution of dividends in the amount of 178.7 million euro;
▪ decrease due to changes in treasury shares, in the amount of 21 million euro
▪ decrease due to transactions on treasury shares, in the amount of 0.2 million euro;
The statement of changes in net equity is shown in section 2.01.05.
Share capital
The share capital at 31 December 2021 amounted to 1,459.7 million euro, made up of 1,489,538,745
ordinary shares with a nominal value of 1 euro each and is fully paid-up.
The treasury shares, whose nominal value at 31 December 2021 was 29.2 million euro, and the costs
associated with the new share issues, net of the relevant tax effects, are deducted from share capital.
The number of treasury shares in the portfolio at 31 December 2021 was 29,217,962 (28,891,271 at 31
December 2020).
Reserves
This item, amounting to 1,407.1 million euro, includes retained earnings and reserves accrued in
previous financial years and in-kind equity injections, or shares, in the amount of 1,379 million euro,
cumulative losses in the other components of comprehensive income for 54.3 million euro and negative
reserves for operations on treasury shares in the amount of 26.2 million euro. These latter items reflect
transactions carried out on treasury shares at 31 December 2021. Changes over the course of the
financial year generated an overall capital gain in the amount of approximately 2.3 million euro.
Non-controlling interests
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| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 174|
This item reflects the amount of capital and reserves of subsidiaries held by parties other than the
parent company’s shareholders. It includes mainly the minority equity interests of the Herambiente
Group and the Marche Multiservizi Spa Group.
With reference to the shareholding of the Ascopiave Group in EstEnergy Spa, nominally equal to 48%,
note that Ascopiave Spa was granted an irrevocable put option. This option may be exercised annually,
on a discretionary basis on all or part of the shareholding, in a time window between 15 July and 31
October and, in any event, no later than 31 December 2026. According to the provisions of IAS 32, the
existence of such a right held by the minority shareholder has led to the need to classify the option on
the shares of EstEnergy currently held by Ascopiave Spa in the consolidated financial statements as a
financial liability, thus considering the shareholding in EstEnergy Spa to be fully owned. For additional
details on the calculation of fair value of put option debt, please refer to note 26 “Current and non-
current financial liabilities”.
The following is a reconciliation between the Parent Company’s separate financial statement and the
consolidated financial statement.
Net Profit
Net equity
Balances as per parent company’s financial statements
223.8
2,469.9
Excess of shareholders’ equity reported in the financial statements for the period
over the carrying amounts of investments in consolidated companies
161.6
484.8
Consolidation adjustments:
net equity valuation of companies recognised in the separate financial
statements at cost
3.4
45.7
difference between purchase price and corresponding net book equity
(39.5)
224.7
elimination of intra-group transaction effects
(15.8)
(24.9)
Total
333.5
3,200.2
Allocation of third-party holdings
39.2
216.6
Balances as per consolidated financial statements
372.7
3,416.8
26 Current and non-current financial liabilities
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
Bonds and loans
3,105.9
3,096.1
9.8
Minority shareholder’ put option
585.2
556.4
28.8
Payables to acquire controlling shareholdings and potential
consideration
23.0
22.8
0.2
Other financial liabilities
1.9
3.4
(1.5)
Total non-current financial liabilities
3,716.0
3,678.7
37.3
Overdrafts and interest liabilities
64.8
188.6
(123.8)
Bonds and loans
56.1
314.3
(258.2)
Payables to acquire controlling shareholdings and potential
consideration
2.2
1.3
0.9
Other financial liabilities
376.6
112.7
263.9
Total current financial liabilities
499.7
616.9
(117.2)
Total financial liabilities
4,215.7
4,295.6
(79.9)
“Bonds and loans” for the non-current part, increased mainly thanks to the overall net effect of the
following:
▪ issuing the first sustainability-linked bond (under the Euro Medium Term Notes programme) as
part of the sustainability strategy to reduce emissions and recycle plastics. The bond is linked to
the achievement of the sustainability targets contained in the Sustainability-linked financing
framework, for which intermediate Sustainability Performance Targets (SPTs) have been defined.
The new bond, listed on the regulated markets of the Irish Stock Exchange, the Luxembourg Stock
Reconciliation
prospectus
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| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 175|
Exchange and the ExtraMOT PRO multilateral trading system of Borsa Italiana, has a face value
of 500 million euro, a duration of twelve and a half years and annual fixed-rate coupon of 1%.
From the interest payment date of 2032, a possible increase in the interest rate is foreseen in the
event that the Group does not achieve the targets for the reduction of the greenhouse gas
emissions of CO2 tonnes (rate increase of 0.20%) and/or the quantity of recycled plastic in
thousands of tonnes (rate increase of 0.15%). For further details regarding the new issuance,
reference should be made to chapter 1.03 "Main events occurred" in the directors’ report;
▪ the partial re-purchase of five bonds, for a total book value of 1,832 million euro. These operations,
combined with the new issuance referred to in the previous point, made it possible to increase the
average duration of the debt to around 7 years and to improve the Group’s average debt rate..
Specifically, the repurchase operations involved the following instruments:
Type
Overall nominal value
Maturity
Nominal rate
Securities tendered in
the purchase offer
(mn€)
Repurchase charges
Bond
700.0
2028
5.20%
101.0
46.9
Bond
400.0
2026
0.875%
74.6
7.6
Bond
500.0
2027
0.875%
142.8
18.5
Bond
329.4
2024
2.375%
41.1
5.0
Private Placement
68.0
2023
3.375%
46.0
4.5
Total
1,997.4
405.5
82.6
▪ the early repayment of a loan with a face value of 125 million euro granted by the European
Investment Bank (EIB), which was to mature in June 2027. The portion of residual non-current
debt repaid early for 59.8 million euro;
▪ the classification in the current portion of the loan of 50 million euro issued by Banca popolare
dell'Emilia Romagna (Bper), maturing in January 2022 and repaid early in the year;
▪ the early repayment of two loans with a face value of 7.5 and 5 million euro granted by the Unione
di Banche Italiane (UBI), which were to mature in March 2024 and June 2023. The portion of
residual non-current debt repaid early respectively amount to 3.5 and 1.3 million euro.
The item includes the value of the sale option, in the amount of 54.9 million euro, related to Ascopiave
Spa's minority shareholding in Hera Comm Spa which, as a result of the contractual provisions, is
classified as a loan and valued according to the depreciated cost method. The face value of such debt
amounts to 54 million euro.
“Bonds and loans” for the current part, decreased mainly due to:
▪ the repayment at maturity in October of the bond issued in 2013 with a residual face value of 249.9
million euro;
▪ the repayment of the above-mentioned EIB loan, whose portion of residual current debt repaid
early amounts to 10.9 million euro;
▪ the repayment of the above-mentioned UBI loans, whose portions of residual current debt repaid
early together amount to 4 million euro.
“Minority shareholders’ put option”, which includes the fair value measurement of the sale options that
are granted, with specific contractual arrangements, to minority shareholders on their own shares. The
policy of the Group provides not to represent the holdings of minority shareholders in the result
component for the period, therefore in evaluating the value of the debt for the options (to be paid at the
date of exercising the option according to the contractual mechanism agreed between the parties)
increased of the dividends that are expected to be distributed by the subsidiary companies along the
hypothetical life of the options themselves. The fair value recognised as a liability in the balance sheet
is therefore not only the present value of the expected price of the put option at the date of it is
exercised, but also contains the discounted estimate of future dividends distributed as part of the
variable consideration due to the counterparty. Given the structure of the operation, during the period in
which the option is exercised, the profit generated by the subsidiary companies will be distributed
Put
option
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| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 176|
according to their respective nominal shareholdings. This mechanism means that the portion of the fair
value of the put option that will be settled through the distribution of future dividends is actually self-
liquidating, since the necessary financial resources (i.e. dividends of non-controlling shareholdings) will
be directly generated by the subsidiary companies, without thus determining during that period a real
additional financial need for the Group.
This item refers to the sale option on the non-controlling shares in EstEnergy Spa, equal to 48% of the
share capital, held by the Gruppo Ascopiave. The fair value of the option is calculated with reference to
the future scenario of exercising the option deemed to be the most likely by the management in line
with the updated planning assumptions, adopting applied multiples to margin indicators in accordance
with the conditions agreed between the parties and discounting the corresponding future cash flows,
using as a discount rate the average cost of the Group’s long-term debt at the date of the transaction.
Change from the previous year was due to:
▪ the recognition of imputed financial charges generated by discounting, the distribution of dividends
made by EstEnergy Spa during the year and the updating of the assumptions underlying the
calculation of the fair value of the option itself.
The following table, which also includes the value of the option granted on the minority interest in Hera
Comm Spa, shows the value adjustments during the year of the option described above:
31 Dec 20
Financial
expenses
Dividends
paid out
Changes
assumption
31 Dec 21
Put option (equity value)
401.9
14.1
3.2
419.2
Put option (future dividends)
153.0
5.3
(17.2)
(2.5)
138.6
Financing to Ascopiave
54.5
3.2
(2.7)
55.0
Total put option
609.4
22.6
(19.9)
0.7
612.8
▪ the acquisition of 70% of Recycla Spa and the consequent recognition of an option on the entire
minority shareholding, which may be exercised for 18 months beginning from the second year
following the closing, for an estimated value of 15.3 million euro;
▪ the acquisition of 80% of Vallortigara Servizi Ambientali Spa and the consequent recognition of an
option on the entire minority shareholding, which may be exercised for 3 years beginning in 2025,
for an estimated value of 9 million euro;
▪ the acquisition of 90% of Eco Gas Srl, that is the associated negotiation with the counterparty for a
cross option on the outstanding shareholding, which may be exercised for 2 years beginning in
2023, estimated at 1.6 million euro.
“Payables to acquire controlling shareholdings and potential consideration” include the amounts still to
be paid to transferor shareholders as part of the business combination transactions concluded in the
period or in previous periods, as well as the estimate of the potential payments foreseen by the
agreements signed at the time of the acquisition, as of the balance sheet date. At 31 December 2021
this item mainly refers to the acquisition of:
▪ Aliplast Group, for 17.9 million euro (in the non-current part for 17.4 million euro and in the current
part for 0.5 million euro);
▪ Pistoia Ambiente Spa for 5,6 million euro;
▪ Recycla Spa, for 1.2 million euro and Eco Gas Srl for 0.4 million euro (classified in the current
part).
“Other financial liabilities”, for the portion due after the current period, includes 1.9 million euro due to
the Municipal Pension Fund of the Municipality of Trieste. The current part mainly consists of payables
due to:
▪ Advances for 266.6 million euro for contracts for the exchange of electric power carried out on the
Eex platform, which provide for the daily settlement of differentials;
▪ collections from customers under the Safeguard regime, customers for last resort services of the
gas sector and proceeds from system charges for 39 million euro;
▪ collection of receivables factored without recourse still to be transferred to factoring companies at
year-end, in the amount of 23.1 million euro;
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| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 177|
▪ RAI license fee collection for 2.3 million euro to be transferred to the State treasury.
The difference with respect to the previous year is mainly due to advances on electricity exchange
contracts, which are significantly higher than those recorded at 31 December 2020 (10.3 million euro),
and are substantially related to the increase in energy commodity prices experienced mainly from the
second half of the year.
In “Overdrafts and interest liabilities”, the significant change compared with the previous financial
period is generated by the lower demand of short-term loans, in the form of hot money, amounting to
23.3 million euro (138.9 million euro at 31 December 2020).
The table below shows the financial liabilities at 31 December 2021 and indicates the portion expiring
within the financial year, within 2 years, within 5 years and after 5 years:
Type
Residual amount
31 Dec 21
Portion due within
the period
Portion due within
2nd year
Portion due within
5th year
Portion due beyond
5th year
Bonds
2,701.3
‐
21.4
740.5
1,939.4
Loans
460.7
56.1
57.2
157.9
189.5
Minority shareholders’ put option
585.2
‐
‐
585.2
‐
Payables to acquire controlling
shareholdings and potential
consideration
25.2
2.2
‐
23.0
‐
Other financial liabilities
378.5
376.6
0.4
1.5
‐
Overdrafts and interest liabilities
64.8
64.8
‐
‐
‐
Total
4,215.7
499.7
79.0
1,508.1
2,128.9
The main conditions of the bonds outstanding as of 31 December 2021 are as follows:
Bonds
Negotiation
Duration
(years)
Maturity
Nominal value
(mn)
Coupon
Annual rate
Sustainability-linked bond
Listed
12.5
25 Apr 2034
500.0 €
Annual
1.00%
Bond
Listed
10
22 May 23
22.0 €
Annual
3.375%
Green bond
Listed
10
04 Jul 24
288.3 €
Annual
2.375%
Bond
Unlisted
15
05 Aug 24
20,000 JPY
Six monthly
2.93%
Bond
Listed
12
22 May 25
15 €
Annual
3.5%
Bond
Listed
10
14 Oct 26
325.44 €
Annual
0.875%
Bond
Listed
10
03 Dec 30
500.0 €
Annual
0.25%
Bond
Unlisted
15/20
14 May 27/32
102.5 €
Annual
5.25%
Green Bond
Listed
8
05 Jul 27
357.2 €
Annual
0.875%
Bond
Listed
15
29 Jan 28
599.02 €
Annual
5.20%
At 31 December 2021 the outstanding bonds, totalling a face value of e 2,859.2 million euro (3,014.5 at
31 December 2020) and recorded at discounted cost of 2,701.2 million euro, have a fair value of
3,100.7 million euro (3,392.8 at 31 December 2020) determined by market quotations where available.
There are covenants on a few loans that require compliance with the corporate rating limit, namely that
not a single rating agency lowers its corporate rating below Investment Grade (BBB-).
As of the balance sheet date this covenant has been complied with.
Current cash and lines of credit, in addition to the resources generated by the operating and financing
activities, are deemed more than sufficient to meet future financial needs. At 31 December 2021, the
Group has committed credit lines of 450 million euro and uncommitted credit lines of 516 million euro.
These credit lines are distributed among leading Italian and international banks and allow for adequate
diversification of counterparty risk and competitive conditions.
Analysis
of debt
by maturity
Bonds
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| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 178|
Analysis
of the
scenario
The table below shows the worst-case scenario where assets (cash, financial and trade receivables)
are not taken into account, while financial liabilities are shown in the capital and interest portion, trade
payables and interest rate derivatives. Financial lines were assumed to be revoked on demand, while
loans were assumed to be repaid at the earliest date provided for in the contractual terms.
Worst case scenario
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
mn€
from1 to 3
months
beyond 3 months
up to 1 year
from 1 to 2
years
from1 to 3
months
beyond 3 months
up to 1 year
Bonds
33.0
62.0
87.0
38.0
321.0
Financial payables and other liabilities
66.8
66.0
62.0
191.5
119.0
Payables to suppliers
2,356.6
‐
‐
1,497.5
‐
Total
2,456.4
128.0
149.0
1,727.1
440.0
Sureties and guarantees
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Bank sureties and guarantees
1,870.2
1,591.8
Insurance sureties and guarantees
676.0
306.2
Total
2,546.2
1,898.0
“Bank sureties and guarantees”, the value at 31 December 2021 comprises the following:
▪ 913.6 million euro for sureties made to public institutions (the Ministry of the Environment, the
Regions, provinces and municipalities) and private entities to guarantee the suitable management
of plants for treating waste, for the suitable provision of waste disposal and intermediation
services, for reclamation work and for the proper fulfilment of contractual commitments;
▪ 956.7 million euro for comfort letters issued to guarantee timely payment for the sourcing of raw
materials
“Insurance sureties and guarantees”, at 31 December 2021, refers to sureties issued to public entities
(provinces, municipalities and the Ministry of the Environment) and third parties to guarantee the
suitable management of public utility and waste disposal services, the proper execution of the work to
lay company pipelines across land owned by private individuals, reclamation work, managing waste
treatment and disposal systems.
At 31 December 2021, the Hera Group provided the guarantees for certain bank loans, in the amount
of 3.7 million euro. Specifically, mortgages on buildings in Pesaro and Urbino held by a bank that
provided a loan to the subsidiary Marche Multiservizi Spa with a nominal outstanding value of 0.2
million euro.
27 Post-employment and other benefits
This includes provisions for employee leaving indemnities and other contractual benefits, net of
advances paid out and payments made to the social security institutions pursuant to current
regulations. The calculation is made using actuarial techniques and discounting future liabilities to the
balance sheet date. These liabilities comprise the employee's matured receivables at the presumed
date of leaving the company.
The item “Gas discount” represents annual indemnities provided to Federgasacqua employees, hired
prior to January 1980, which may be transferred to their heirs. “Premungas” is a supplementary
pension fund for employee members of Federgasacqua hired prior to January 1980. This fund was
closed with effect from January 1997, and changes quarterly solely to settle payments made to eligible
retirees. The “Tariff reduction” provision was provided to cover the charges deriving from the
acknowledgement to retired staff of the electricity business unit of tariff concessions for electricity
consumption.
The table below shows the changes in the above provisions during the year:
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| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 179|
31 Dec 20
Service cost
Financial expenses
Actuarial profit
(losses)
Uses
Other movements
Changes in scope of
consolidation
31 Dec 21
Post-employment
102.2
1.1
(0.1)
0.1
(11.5)
0.2
1.7
93.7
Tariff reduction
7.5
‐
‐
(1.0)
(0.3)
‐
‐
6.2
Premungas
3.2
‐
‐
(0.3)
(0.4)
‐
‐
2.5
Gas discount
3.8
‐
‐
(0.4)
(0.4)
‐
‐
3.0
Total
116.7
1.1
(0.1)
(1.6)
(12.6)
0.2
1.7
105.4
The item “Service cost” regards companies with a small number of employees for whom the employee
severance indemnity fund continues to represent a defined benefit plan.
“Financial charges” are calculated by applying a specific discount rate for each company, determined
on the basis of the average financial life of the bond. The charges for the year are positive, as the
expected yield curve at the beginning of 2021 showed negative values in the short and medium term.
“Actuarial profit (losses)” reflect the re-measurement of the liabilities for employee benefits arising from
changes in actuarial assumptions. These components are recorded directly in the comprehensive
income statement.
“Changes in scope of consolidation” include the post-employment provision acquired following the
business combinations carried out during the period.
The table below outlines the main assumptions used in the actuarial estimate of employee benefits,
subdivided by geographical area:
Central area
North-east area
Technical actuarial yearly rate
0.25%
0.25%
Overall increase of salary yearly rate
2.00%
2.00%
Yearly frequency of exit from work for reasons other than death
1.70%
1.70%
Yearly average frequency of use of severance pay provision
2.20%
2.00%
In interpreting said assumptions, account is taken of the following:
▪ with regard to the inflation rate, the inflation assumption was inferred by adopting the Extended
National Consumer Price index of 1% for the year 2022 and 1.2% for the following years;
▪ for probabilities of death, ISTAT 2020 tables were consulted;
▪ in the actuarial valuations, account was taken of the new effective dates for pensions under Law
Decree of 6 December 2011, no. 201 concerning urgent measures for growth, equity, and the
consolidation of public finances, as amended by Law 214 of 22 December 2011, as well as the
regulation for adjusting requirements for accessing the pension system in view of increased life
expectancies in accordance with Article 12 of Legislative Decree no. 78 of 31 May 2010 as
amended by Law 122 of 30 July 2010;
▪ for the probability of leaving employment for reasons other than death, an average yearly exit rate
of 1.7% was hypothesized, since the analysis differentiated by professional level and sex did not
result in statistically significant results;
▪ to take into account the phenomenon of early leaving, the incidence and amount of average
anticipated severance pay were hypothesized. The frequency of advance payments as well as the
average percentage of severance pay requested as an advance were drawn from corporate data.
The rate of severance pay requested as an advance was hypothesized at 70% of severance pay
or the maximum amount set by current regulations;
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 180|
Actuarial projections were made on the basis of the Euro Composite AA yield curve at 31 December
2021.
Sensitivity Analysis - Obligations of defined-benefit plans
Assuming a 50 bps increase in the internal rate of return compared to the discount rate actually applied
to value the liabilities at 31 December 2021, all other actuarial assumptions being equal, the potential
decrease of the present value of the obligations of the existing defined-benefit plans would amount to
about 2.6 million euro. Likewise assuming a reduction of this rate of 50 bps, there would be an increase
in the present value of the liabilities of about 2.8 million euro.
Assuming a 50 bps increase in the in the rate of inflation compared to that actually applied to value the
liabilities at 31 December 2021, all other actuarial assumptions being equal, the potential increase of
the present value of the obligations of the existing defined-benefit plans would amount to about 1.5
million euro. Likewise assuming a reduction of this rate of 50 bps, there would be a decrease in the
present value of the liabilities of about 1.5 million euro.
Changes in the remaining actuarial assumptions would not produce significant effects on the present
value of the liabilities of the defined-benefit plans reported in the financial statement.
28 Provisions for risks and charges
31 Dec 20
Provisions
Financial expenses
Uses
Other movements
Changes scope of
consolid.
31 Dec 21
Provision third-party asset
restoration
232.2
9.2
5.4
‐
(39.3)
‐
207.5
Provision for closure and post-
closure landfill expenses
179.0
5.6
13.2
(17.5)
2.3
‐
182.6
Provision for personnel legal cases
and disputes
14.5
3.1
‐
(5.8)
(1.1)
‐
10.7
Provisions for waste disposal
6.7
7.2
‐
(6.4)
‐
0.6
8.1
Provision for plants dismantling
5.9
‐
0.1
‐
‐
‐
6.0
Other provisions for risks and
charges
99.9
28.0
‐
(1.5)
(14.9)
1.6
113.1
Total
538.2
53.1
18.7
(31.2)
(53.0)
2.2
528.0
The “Provision for third-party asset restauration” include provisions made in relation to law and
contractual requirements for the Group companies as lessees of the distribution networks of the entity
that owns the assets. The allocations are made on the basis of depreciation rates held to be
representative of the remaining useful life of the assets in question in order to compensate the owner
companies for the wear and tear of the assets used for business activities. The provision reflects the
present value of these outlays which will be determined in future periods (usually on expiry of the
agreements entered into with the area agencies, as far as the water service is concerned, and on
expiry of the transitory period anticipated by current legislation as far as gas distribution is concerned).
The increases in the provision comprise the sum total of the provisions for the year, including those
discounted to present value, and the financial charges for the period associated with the cash flows
discounted to present value.
“Other movements” mainly include the reclassification under current financial payables of the amount,
equal to 39.4 million euro, that the Group will have to pay to the companies owning the assets in 2022
as a result of the conclusion of the tender and consequent awarding of the water service management
in the province of Rimini. Although the Group was confirmed, as the outgoing operator it is formally
required to pay compensation for the previous award period.
The “Provision for landfill closure and post-closure expenses” represent the amount set aside to cover
the costs which will have to be incurred for the management of the closure and post-closure period
pertaining to the landfills currently managed. The future outlays, calculated for each landfill by means
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 181|
of a specific appraisal, have been discounted to present value. The increases in the provision comprise
the financial component derived from the discounting process and provisions due to changes in the
assumptions about future outlays, following the change in expert estimates on closed landfills. Uses
represent the effective outlays during the year. “Other movements” additionally includes:
▪ estimated closure and post-closure costs in relation to newly constructed landfills and the changes
in the estimated closure and post-closure costs of active landfills, which entailed the recording of
an adjustment of the same amount as the value of tangible assets (landfill asset). At 31 December
2021, the initiation of the development of a new landfill, for 5.1 million euro;
▪ positive effects of the changes in the assumptions on future outlays following the revision of the
estimates, for 2.8 million euro at 31 December 2021.
The “Financial expenses” for the items “Provision for third party asset restoration”, “Provision for
closure and post-closure landfill expenses” are discussed in note 10 “Financial income and expenses”.
The “Provision for legal cases and disputes brought by personnel” reflects the outcomes of lawsuits
and disputes brought by employees.
“Provision for plants dismantling” includes the amounts allocated for the future dismantling of the WTE
plants.
“Provision for waste disposal” reports the estimated costs of disposal of the waste already stored at the
Group’s plants. The provisions reflect the estimated costs of contributions for the year 2021 not yet
processed at the end of the financial period, while the uses represent the costs incurred over the period
for the processing of waste that was residual at 31 December 2020.
“Other provisions for risks and charges” comprise provisions made against sundry risks. A description
of the main items is below:
Liabilities
Type
Amount
(mn€)
The amount of the WTE and cogeneration plants' green certificates, calculated according
to the difference between auxiliary services resulting from total self-consumption and
services estimated on the basis of the benchmark percentage, was not recognised;
Likely
18.7
Outstanding bonds (guarantee on financial exposure given by AcegasApsAmga S.p.A.) in
case of abandonment of the operations run by the foreign subsidiary AresGas (Bulgaria).
Contingent
11.3
The higher cost of the electricity used in the water service provision was not recognised,
due to the volatility of the energy market, which resulted in price values higher than the
allowed maximum limit provided for by the tariff system and which may only be recognised
by submitting a specific request to the relevant regional authorities, with no certainty that it
will be approved.
Likely
7.5
Risks arising from the activity of energy efficiency upgrading of buildings carried out on
behalf of end customers, particularly apartment blocks
Likely
7.3
Dispute concerning the granting of CIP6 incentives for the Trieste WTE plant for the years
2010-2012
Likely
6.6
Higher expenses that may be incurred in connection with extraordinary maintenance on
the Ponte San Nicolò (Padua) landfill
Contingent
6.3
reimbursement of a portion of the sewerage and purification tariffs for the water service
Likely
4.7
Potential litigations arising from the risk of disputes in relation to the gas distribution unit of
the Veneto and Friuli Venezia-Giulia regions, which was sold at the end of 2019
Likely
3.5
Risk arising from the Authority's resolution 2016/527, which, in keeping with the findings of
the GSE, established that the Fund for Energy and Environmental Services recover the
amounts that the Group would have been unduly received for the electricity produced by
the Granarolo (Bo) WTE plant
Likely
3.3
The liabilities classified as contingent were recognised as part of the business combination in the year
in which it occurred.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 182|
For detailed information on risk provisions for tax litigations, see note 11 “Taxes”.
“Other movements” of the item “Other provisions for risks and charges” shows a net decrease by 14.9
million euro. It mainly includes:
▪ the reclassification of amounts allocated in previous years (and re-accounted for in 2021) to cover
financial receivables that doubtfully will be collected from associated companies, amounting to
10.2 million euro;
▪ 4.2 million euro in connection with the reaching of an out-of-court settlement with the counterparty
in relation to a claim received after a contractual termination by the Group. The agreement
provided for the payment of 0.8 million euro at the end of the dispute, compared to an estimated
liability in previous years of 5 million euro.
The “Change in the scope of consolidation” include the provisions of the company acquired during
2021.
29 Trade payables
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
Payables to suppliers
741.2
616.8
124.4
Payables to suppliers for invoices not yet received
1,615.4
880.7
734.7
Total
2,356.6
1,497.5
859.1
The change in trade payables compared to the previous year is mainly due to the effects of the
increase of gas and electricity wholesale prices, which led to an increase in the purchase costs of raw
materials with a resulting higher liability towards suppliers.
Trade payables are mainly generated in from operations in the Italian national territory, with the
exception of natural gas and electricity brokerage activities carried out at the European level, for 61.3
million euro.
30 Other current liabilities
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
Payables for advances to the fund for energy and waste
management services
336.9
360.5
(23.6)
Plant investment grants
228.7
211.0
17.7
Anticipated revenues and other expenses
167.6
18.8
148.8
VAT, excise and additional taxes
155.0
32.8
122.2
Security deposits from customers
129.8
117.5
12.3
Fund for energy and waste management service components
and equalisation
85.8
88.2
(2.4)
Personnel and employee withholding
81.7
76.3
5.4
Payables to social security institutions
63.6
53.2
10.4
Advances for works
50.4
7.1
43.3
Energy efficiency bonds and emissions trading
49.2
8.1
41.1
Other payables
86.9
82.7
4.2
Total
1,435.6
1,056.2
379.4
“Payables for advances to the Fund for energy and waste management services” comprises non-
interest-bearing advances granted by the Fund for energy and waste management services, as follows:
▪ 233.4 million euro for advances in compliance with the integration mechanism set forth by
resolution 370/2012/R/Eel and 456/2013/R/Eel by the Authority in charge of regulating the energy
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 183|
networks and environment (Arera), for overdue and unpaid receivables from customers managed
as protected customers; The latest reports concern the years 2009-2019;
▪ 90 million euro in compliance with the integration mechanism set forth in Law 239 of 23 August
2004 and by Arera’s Tivg , for the charges for delinquency of services of last resort in the natural
gas sector (Fui, Ftf and Fdd) until the 2019-2020 thermic year;
▪ 11.8 million in compliance with Resolution 32/2021/R/Eel (former Resolution 445/2020/R/Eel),
relating to the procedures for accessing the reimbursement mechanism for general system
charges not collected from end customers and already paid to distribution companies for 2016-
2020. The scope is restricted to the sale of electricity on the free market, the Safeguard market
(disconnectable) and the gradual protection service (disconnectable);
▪ 1.7 million euro in compliance with the recognition mechanism established by Arera resolution
627/2015/R/com for overdue charges related to the supply of electricity, gas and integrated water
service to the populations affected by the 20 May 2012 earthquakes in the Emilia-Romagna
region.
“Plant investment grants” refers mainly to investments made in the water and environment sector; this
item decreases in proportion to the amount of depreciation calculated on the fixed assets in question
and increases as a result of new investments subject to grants. The item includes specifically:
▪ 73 million euro related to the FoNI fund (new water system investment fund);
▪ 36 million euro related to purification plants for the Servola plant built in the Municipality of Trieste;
▪ 33 million euro for investments earmarked for purification and sewer networks;
▪ 21.5 million euro to built rolling basins e underwater pipes in the area of Rimini.
The item “Anticipated revenues and other expenses” comprises for 146.8 million euro invoices for
energy efficiency measures benefiting from tax incentives (mainly ecobonus) for which the work will be
completed in the 2022 financial year. In particular, the relevant legislation has made it possible to
anticipate the invoicing of work already commenced, regardless of the stage of progress, thus resulting
in the recognition of only the portion of revenue accrued.
“VAT, excise and additional taxes” includes payables for VAT in the amount of 78.9 million euro (1.9
million euro at 31 December 2020), and excise and additional taxes in the amount of 76.1 million euro
(30.9 million euro at 31 December 2020). As outlined in note 24, “Other current assets”, this increase
must be understood taking into account the factors that regulate financial relations with the Inland
Revenue Office, which can generate credit/debit positions with differences that can be significant even
between one financial period and another.
With regard to value added tax, the increase at 31 December 2021 is linked to the significant increase
in turnover generated at the end of the financial year, in particular relating to sales of commodities to
end customers. The steady increase in the prices of raw materials, gas and electricity in the last few
months of the year and the higher volumes of gas sold compared to the previous year significantly
increased the taxable amount to which the current rates are to be applied, while the reduction of the
rate to 5% for invoices issued in the last three months of 2021 for the supply of methane gas for
domestic and industrial use, governed by Italian Legislative Decree 130 of 27 September 2021, only
partially mitigated the above effects.
With regard to excise and additional taxes, the advance payment in 2021 was made, as required by the
regulations in force, on the basis of the volumes invoiced in the previous year, which were adversely
affected by the economic downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the accrued liability was
generated on the basis of the volumes invoiced in the year 2021 which, in terms of sales of natural gas,
were higher than in the year 2020, resulting in an increase in the liability for excise and additional taxes
on gas sales of 43.3 million euro.
“Security deposits from customers” reflect the amount paid by customers for gas, water and electricity
provision contracts.
“Fund for energy and waste management service components and equalization”, reflects the liabilities
for the Fund for energy and waste management services mainly due to some system components of
the gas, water and electricity service for the protected market categories and equalization of the
electricity service. The change as compared to 31 December 2020 is mainly due to a lower debit for
the components of the services managed amounting to 1.3 million euros, and to the equalisation of
electricity distribution and sale for a total of 1.1 million euro.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 184|
“Personnel and employee withholding” includes for the most part the vacation time accrued and not
used, as well as the productivity bonuses accounted for by department at 31 December 2021, plus
withholding taxes to be paid to the State treasury as tax substitute for employees.
“Payables to social security institutions” relates to contributions owed to these institutions for the
December salaries, performance bonuses and additional monthly payments under national collective
agreements.
“Advances for works” includes advances received from municipalities and apartment buildings for
works in progress relating to public lighting and energy efficiency upgrades of private buildings,
respectively, which will be completed in the following years.
“Energy efficiency bonds and emissions trading”, includes:
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
White certificates
26.7
‐
26.7
Grey certificates
17.2
5.7
11.5
Go certificates
5.3
2.4
2.9
Total
49.2
8.1
41.1
White certificates include, beginning in 2021, the valuation of exposure with respect to obligations to
return energy efficiency certificates to the relevant authorities. At 31 December 2020, the amount of the
liability was estimated as a commitment to the Group’s suppliers.
Grey certificates reflect the valuation of both the obligation to return certificates calculated in
accordance with current legislation and the exposure for forward contracts to buy and sell greenhouse
gas emission allowances.
Go (guarantee of origin) certificates comprise market exposure concerning certification obligations for
electricity produced from renewable energy sources for sales made to customers with this type of
supply.
The increase in the liability for grey and Go certificates primarily is due to the increase in the market
price in 2021.
The item “Other payables” mainly comprises the following:
▪ payments on account and specific tariff subsidies payable to customers amounting to 12.8 million
euro (10.8 million euro at 31 December 2020) mainly referring to the water cycle service for 6.5
million euro and the waste disposal and treatment service for 5.4 million euro;
▪ insurance deductibles for 12.2 million euro (12.7 million euro at 31 December 2020) that the Group
must repay directly to damaged third parties or insurance companies;
▪ contributions for environmental damage to be made to municipalities, for 11.4 million euro (11.3
million euro at 31 December 2020) on the basis of specific agreements, as compensation for
activities that impact on the environment for waste delivered to plants in their territory. The amount
of these contributions is related to the amount of waste disposed of annually.
31 Impairment test
Cash-generating and goodwill units
Assets and goodwill have been subjected to impairment tests by determining the value in use, which is
the current value of operating cash flows (duly discounted according to the DCF - discounted cash flow
method) resulting from the 2021 - 2025 business plan approved by the Board of Directors of the parent
company at its meeting 27 January 2022.
The impairment test was applied to the following CGUs (Cash generating units): gas, electricity,
integrated water management, environmental and other services (Public lighting and
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 185|
telecommunications) that are consistent with the business areas used for internal periodic reporting
and with the information contained in section 2.02.06 “Reporting by operating sector”.
In relation to this, it should be noted that the Group has implemented a structured process for preparing
and reviewing the business plan, which involves formulating the Plan on an annual basis according to
an external context scenario that takes into account the market trends and rules for regulated
businesses, with the support of all the business units and following a bottom-up logic. Specifically,
assumptions were implemented in developing the 2021-2025 Business Plan consistent with those used
in previous plans and, on the basis of the final reported values, forecasts were developed that refer to
the most authoritative and up external sources available wherever necessary.
Revenues for regulated business areas were developed on the basis of the evolution of the rates
deriving from national regulations and/or agreements with the Area Authority. In particular, revenues
from energy distribution were forecasted according to the principles of Arera 570/19 (RTDG) and
654/15 (TIT) resolutions for gas and electricity respectively, and taking into account the respective
WACC values. Such values have been approved for the year 2022, through Resolution no. 614/21 in
relation to the electric power sector and for the gas distribution and measurement, and were updated
for the following years in line with the methodology of the same Resolution and according to the
forecasts of the financial and fiscal parameters integrated into the approved Business Plan.
Revenues from energy sales under protected conditions and with regard to services of last resort have
been estimated on the basis of the respective regulatory reference texts, i.e. the TIV (resolution
301/12) for electricity and TIVG (resolution 64/09) for gas.
For integrated water management, the hypothesis used to forecast revenues assumed no change in
the volumes distributed and was based on the rates originating from the agreements in effect with
ATERSIR and the application of the Water Rate method (MTI-3) set forth by Arera resolution no.
639/21, also taking account the parameters underlying the hedging of financial and tax charges, among
other factors. For urban sanitation, the hypothesis formalized involved achieving full rate coverage over
all the areas served within the duration of the plan, consistent with the provisions of rules currently in
effect.
Price trends for electric energy and gas bought and sold in the open market were worked out on the
basis of business considerations consistent with the planned energy scenario, considering the
forecasts provided by a panel of institutional observers.
The development of plants for the treatment and recycling of waste is consistent with the forecasts of
the provincial plans in which the Hera Group operates. The investment schedule and the subsequent
start of new plants is the result of the best estimate of the managers in charge.
The inertial evolution of the Group’s costs in the plan timeframe was developed by formulating
hypotheses based on the information available. Therefore, the most recent levels of inflation recorded
in the final balance were taken into account, along with the anticipated trends outlined in the Economic
and Financial Planning Document, as well as the forecasts made available by the Bank of Italy and
European Commission. In relation to employees and labour costs, instead, the indications included in
the various types of employment contracts were considered.
The first year of the plan represents the base reference for identifying economic, financial and
management objectives that converge in the annual budget, the guiding operational element for
achieving the Group’s growth objectives.
The cash flows generated were therefore determined using the data for the 2022 - 2025 period as a
base. In particular, the net profit margin was used, from which taxes were deducted, depreciation and
provision were added and the maintenance investments planned for each year of the plan were
deducted.
Following the last year of the plan, Free cash flows were considered equal to the value of the Net
operating profit for the last year of the plan, in the event that the value of depreciation and provisions
remains at the level of the investments. In the event that the plan does not take into account the
prediction of future events that significantly influence estimated cash flows as a result of its medium-
term timeframe, adjustments were applied in order to also incorporate the effects of such events. The
cash flows are calculated by applying the growth rate (g) to the normalised Free Cash Flows with the
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 186|
medium/long-term timeframe for the relevant sector (2% on average) for the 2026-2041 period (20
years total). For regulated services, these flows are brought into line with the expected continuation of
market share following the completion of the expected calls for tenders.
These flows are supplemented by the current value of perpetuity, calculated as follows:
▪ For market activities, the cash flow resulting from the application of the perpetuity criterion for the
last year (2041) was considered, assuming an average factor growth of 2%;
▪ for services under contract, the terminal value was established by considering the cash flow
resulting from the application of the perpetuity criterion weighted by the percentage of competitive
bidding processes that the Group is expected to win at the end of the contract periods (100% for
network services, 80% for urban sanitation services) and the redemption value of assets weighted
by the proportion of competitive bidding processes which the Group expected not to win. This
value was estimated as equal to the current value of the net book value of assets owned and
leasehold improvements, less the recovery values, in order to properly represent the non-renewal
of the contract and the subsequent sale of the assets to the new operator with a value equal to the
remaining book value.
To discount unlevered cash flows, the rate used was the weighted average cost of capital (WACC),
which represents the yield expected by the funders and shareholders of the company for the use of
equity capital, adjusted for the risk of the specific country in which the asset being valued. The value of
the specific country risk to be included in the discount rate is defined on the basis of information
provided by external providers. The cash flows are thus differentiated according to the specific
characteristics and consequent risks characterizing business areas as well as the countries in which
the Group operates. For Italy, a WACC of 5.15% was used for waste management and 4.27% for other
businesses.
The outcomes of the tests were positive. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted. In this regard, it
should be noted that the Group’s business model, with its distinct resilience thanks in part to the
diversified portfolio of assets under management, has made it possible to achieve constantly improving
results over the years with no overall significant changes in the planned hypotheses despite the
adverse macroeconomic environment.
In view of this, the sensitivity analysis that was developed focused on the marginality of the individual
businesses, hypothesizing a 5% decrease that would result in a reduction in the cash flows developed
in the years covered by the plan and subsequent years. In this context, the values obtained are much
higher than those recorded in the balance sheets, therefore this analysis has further confirmed the
carrying values.
Within the scope of the CGU Gas, in order to render the initial analyses carried out in relation to climate
change into a model, a further medium-long term stress scenario was developed that took into account
the effects of an increase in average winter temperatures of 1 degree with respect to what was
assumed in the Business Plan scenario and the consequent reduction in margins (reference should
also be made to the paragraph 1.02.03 “Management of environmental-catastrophic risks” of the
Directors’ Report). Once again, the outcomes confirm the full recoverability of the asset values
recorded in the balance sheet.
Electricity generation assets
With reference to the market for electric generation, in the presence of impairment indicators and in
keeping with previous financial periods, an in-depth analysis was performed to determine the
recoverable amount of the Group’s investments, and related financial assets, operating in the sector. In
particular, the analysis was conducted by discounting the value of the cash flows expected to be
generated over the remaining useful lives of the plants of Set S.p.A. and Tamarete Energia S.r.l..
In the 2021 financial year, as a result of the significant increase in gas prices, there was a significant
effect on prices in Mgp despite the presence of a positive clean spark spread. Emerging trends show
that relatively high Css values offer opportunities in the short term, while in the medium to long term the
outlook is for a consolidation at lower values. The factors that have determined the performance of the
electricity generation market during this decade are due to the combination of multiple factors on both
demand and supply sides. The main factors affecting current price dynamics are to be found in:
▪ introduction of significant production capacity in renewable energy in the past few years;
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 187|
▪ moderate GDP growth and consumption efficiency (driven by European and national
environmental policy objectives) reflected in the low growth in demand for energy;
▪ European and national policies in relation to CO2 emission reduction targets and targets for
renewable energy affecting supply.
On the basis of new scenarios developed, it is believed that the market will evolve towards levels of
clean spark spread aligned in the short term to the recent historical level, while they will be more limited
in the medium to long term, in particular due to a combination of multiple effects, including:
▪ new high-efficiency incoming capacity (CCGT) beginning in 2022, which will replace coal-powered
plants with a view to phasing out coal by 2025;
▪ beginning of the end-of-life cycle of the old CCGT plants, which, from the second half of the
decade, creates favourable market conditions for highly efficient and flexible retrofits of the old
CCGT plants, whose remuneration and return on investment are ensured by the participation in
MGP and MSD, additionally ensuring a higher level of suitability of the system in the medium-long
term and therefore less room for marginality growth in the absence of such investments;
▪ resulting unincreased marginality in the MGP market;
▪ growing role of renewable sources, also supported by the need to reduce dependency not only on
fossil fuels in general but also on specific geopolitical areas.
That said, future cash flows determined on the basis of the medium/long-term energy scenario the
Group considered to be the most likely, formulated on the basis of independent expert assumptions
consistent with growth expectations for energy demand, installed power, the demand for combined
cycle and the system's expected reserve margin. Especially in the medium/long term, this scenario
differs from that used in the previous year, especially as a result of more analytical information
concerning the efficiency levels of the new incoming capacity, which is expected to help maintain the
future clean spark spread at lower values. The estimated cash flows were discounted using a 5.04%
WACC, calculated in the same way as shown for the cash flow generating units.
The outcome of the test confirmed that the values concerning Set Spa are fully recoverable, while it
resulted in a reversal of an impairment loss on the loan to Tamarete Energia Srl of 2.2 million euro,
equal to the portion collected during the year.
A sensitivity analysis was also developed assuming a Css of zero, with a consequent reduction in the
cash flows developed over the life of the plants. In this scenario too, the carrying amounts of Set Spa
would be fully recoverable.
At the end of the valuation process, the carrying amount of financial assets, equity investments and
receivables attributable to Set Spa was 47 million euro, while the financial assets attributable to
Tamarete Energia Srl were written down in full.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 188|
32 Operational activity
Changes in net working capital
The following is a breakdown of information on changes in financial liabilities during the 2021 financial
year, differentiating between cash flows and non-cash flows.
Type
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
(a)
Non-cash flows
Cash flows
(f)=(b)+(c)+
(d)+(e)-(a)
Acquisitions
divestitures
(b)
Economic
valuation
components
(c)
Changes in fair
value
(d)
Other
changes
(e)
Inventories
368.0
171.7
196.3
0.2
(0.6)
(196.7)
Trade receivables
2,918.0
1,971.6
946.4
18.1
(95.0)
(17.3)
146.8
(893.8)
Trade payables
(2,356.6)
(1,497.5)
(859.1)
(11.2)
10.6
858.5
Other current
assets/liabilities
(1,013.3)
(568.7)
(444.6)
(2.1)
12.0
(12.9)
(161.8)
279.8
Changes in
working capital
(83.9)
77.1
(161.0)
5.0
(83.6)
(30.2)
(4.4)
47.8
“Acquisitions and divestitures” include the effects of the acquisitions of control carried out during 2021,
as illustrated in detail in paragraph 2.02.02 “Scope of consolidation”, in the section “Business
combinations”.
“Economic valuation components” mainly include:
▪ the provision for bad debts for a negative 94.4 million euro;
▪ the portions pertaining to the period of plan related grants, the total amount of which was collected
in previous years, amounting to 12.4 million euro.
“Changes in fair value” includes:
▪ the valuation at current market value of receivables resulting from the application of the invoice
discount in connection with energy efficiency measures for end customers, held for the purpose of
transfer to financial institutions, for a negative 17.3 million euro;
▪ the valuation of environmental certificates and greenhouse gas emission obligations assigned to
the Group, as well as the valuation of forward contracts for the purchase and sale of greenhouse
gas emission allowances, for a total negative 12.9 million euro.
“Other changes” mainly comprises offsets within net working capital of transactions involving the gross
recognition of assets and liabilities.
Dividends collected
In 2021, dividends for 8.5 million euro were received from companies consolidated according to the
equity method and 3.5 million euro from shareholdings held in other companies.
Net interest paid
The following is a reconciliation of the balance sheet values of financial income and expenses and the
related net cash flows for the year.
Type
2021
(a)
Non-cash components
Other changes
(d)
Non-cash
components
(e)=(a)-(b)-(c)-(d)
Components
economic valuation
(b)
Changes in fair value
(c)
Financial income
82.3
5.3
23.8
20.6
32.6
Financial expenses
(300.3)
(68.3)
(48.6)
(87.2)
(96.2)
Total
(218.0)
(63.0)
(24.8)
(66.6)
(63.6)
“Economic valuation components” include income and expenses arising from both the measurement at
amortised cost and the discounting of liabilities with medium- to long-term monetary outlays.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 189|
“Changes in fair value” include measurements at current market value of financial assets and liabilities,
mainly relating to receivables arising from the application of the invoice discount in relation to eligible
energy efficiency measures carried out on behalf of end customers.
For further details on the above items, please see note 10 “Financial income and expenses” and note
20 “Derivative instruments”.
“Other changes” mainly include:
▪ the components of income collected and expenses paid during the year, with the associated cash
flows reported in specific items of the cash flow statement, mainly related to trading expenses for
the partial repurchase of five bonds during the year for a negative 82.6 million euro;
▪ the interest cash flows recognised on an accrual basis in previous years.
Taxes paid
The breakdown of flows by tax type is as follows:
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Income taxes
148.2
116.9
Substitute tax
9.2
84.1
IRES refund
(1.1)
(16.4)
Taxes paid
156.3
184.6
The item “Substitute tax” at 31 December 2021 includes the amount paid in relation to the tax
realignment of goodwill, as detailed in note 11 “Taxes”. In the previous financial year, a significant tax
operation was carried out to redeem controlling shareholdings (through the payment of a 16%
substitute tax) as part of the acquisition of the Ascopiave Group sales companies.
The item “IRES refund” at 31 December 2020, refers to the collection of receivables for IRES refund
requests in relation to the deductibility of IRAP from IRES for 16.4 million euro.
These effects were only partially offset by the higher cash flows paid compared to the previous year for
the balance and advance payments of current taxes.
33 Investment activities
Investments in subsidiary companies and business units net of cash holdings
Over the course of the 2021 financial year, the Group gained control over the companies Primagas Ad,
Recycla Spa and Eco Gas Srl and the Vallortigara Group; for further details, reference should be made
to paragraph 1.03 “Main events occurred” of the directors’ report.
Other equity investments
Over the course of the 2021 financial year, the Group gained control over SEA – Servizi Ecologici
Ambientali Srl and Tremonti Srl and in partnership withe ENI Group it established HEA Spa. For further
details, reference should be made to paragraph 1.03 “Main events occurred” of the directors’ report.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 190|
The table below details the main cash disbursements and cash holdings acquired, when present,
associated with shareholdings in companies and business units.
31 Dec 21
Primagas
Ad
Eco Gas Srl
Recycla Spa
Vallortigara
Group
Other minor
companies
Total
investments
Cash outlays leading to the
acquisition of control
3.2
14.5
27.3
28.7
73.7
Fees payables
0.4
1.2
1.6
Cash holdings acquired
(0.6)
(2.3)
(8.3)
(11.2)
Investments in subsidiary
companies and business units
net of cash holdings
3.2
14.3
26.2
20.4
64.1
Cash outlays in non-consolidated
companies
11.0
11.0
Investments in subsidiary
companies, business units and
other shareholdings
3.2
14.3
26.2
20.4
11.0
75.1
Increase/decrease in other investment activities
The following is a breakdown of information on changes in the other investment activities during the
2021 financial year, differentiating between cash flows and non-cash flows.
Type
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
(a)
Non-cash flows
Cash flows
(f)=(b)+(c)+
(d)+(e)-(a)
Acquisitions
divestitures
(b)
Economic
valuation
components
(c)
Changes in fair
value
(d)
Other
changes
(e)
Current and non-
current financial
assets
172.0
173.6
(1.6)
0.2
7.1
(10.4)
(1.5)
“Economic valuation components” includes:
▪ income for 5.3 million euro from the discounting of financial receivables, as disclosed in note 10
“Financial income and expenses”;
▪ the revaluation of the financial receivable written down in previous years from Tamarete Energia
Srl, for 2.2 million euro, equal to the amount collected during the year;
▪ the write-down of non-current financial receivables from the associated company H.E.P.T. Co. Ltd
for a negative 0.4 million euro.
“Other changes” mainly include the reclassification of provisions recognised in prior years (and
reversed during the year) for doubtful receivables from investee companies for 10.2 million euro, as
disclosed in note 28 “Provisions for risks and charges”.
34 Financing activities
Changes in financial liabilities
The following is a breakdown of information on changes in financial liabilities during the 2021 financial
year, differentiating between cash flows and non-cash flows.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 191|
For further details on “Changes in fair value” please refer to note 20 “Derivative instruments”, while for
“Economic valuation components” and “Other changes” please refer to notes 10 “Financial income and
expenses”, 14 “Rights of use and lease liabilities” and 26 “Non-current and current financial liabilities”.
Type
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
Change
(a)
Non-cash flows
Cash flows
(f)=(b)+(c)+
(d)+(e)-(a)
Acquisitions
divestitures
(b)
Economic
valuation
components
(c)
Changes in fair
value
(d)
Other
changes
(e)
Non-current
financial liabilities
3,716.0
3,678.7
37.3
29.8
51.8
(0.3)
(49.4)
5.4
Current financial
liabilities
499.7
616.9
(117.2)
2.9
(2.1)
(0.7)
135.7
(253.0)
Cash flows related
to financial
liabilities
4,215.7
4,295.6
(79.9)
32.7
49.7
(1.0)
86.3
(247.6)
of which
New issue of long-term binds
525.1
Repayments of non-current financial liabilities
(519.8)
Repayments and other net changes in financial liabilities
(252.9)
Lease liabilities
96.6
93.6
3.0
2.5
3.1
19.9
(22.5)
Financial liabilities
generated by
financing
activities
4,312.3
4,389.2
(76.9)
35.2
52.8
(1.0)
106.2
(270.1)
“Acquisitions and divestitures” include the effects of the acquisitions of control carried out during 2021,
as illustrated in detail in chapter 2.02.02 “Scope of consolidation”, in the section “Business
combinations”.
“Economic valuation components” include:
▪ valuation at depreciated cost of bonds and financing for 29.7 million euro;
▪ discounting charges related to the minority shareholdings put options and the earn outs contracted
in connection with the acquisition of control of companies and business units, for 20 million euro;
▪ expenses related to leases for 3.1 million euro.
“Changes in fair value” mainly include the adjustment made to the carrying amount of the foreign
currency bond as a result of the fair value hedge for 1.1 million euro.
“Other changes” in the items “Non-current financial liabilities” and “Current financial liabilities” include
net effect mainly due to:
▪ expenses from trading due to the repurchase transaction on the market of portions of bonds
carried out during 2021, for 82.6 million euro (as specified in the previous note 32 “Operational
activity” in the item “Net interests paid”);
▪ reclassification as a financial liability of the provision for restoration concerning the management of
the integrated water service in the province of Rimini, in the amount of 39.4 million euro, as
reported in note 28 “Provisions for risks and charges”;
▪ payment of dividends to the minority shareholders of EstEnergy Spa, equal to 17.2 million euro; In
the statement of cash flows, the related cash flow is represented by dividends paid in the period,
while in the financial statements it is a change in financial liabilities, since the Group’s policy
provides for the recognition of an estimate of the total amount of dividends that will be distributed
over the life of the put option granted to minority shareholders; this mechanism is described in
note 26 “Non-current and current financial liabilities”.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 192|
“Other changes” in the item “Lease liabilities” include payables related to contracts signed during the
year and the remeasurement of payables under existing contracts, generated by an update of the
underlying assumptions on renewal, purchase or early termination options.
Acquisition of interests in consolidated companies
The amount refers to the cash outlays related to the purchase of non-controlling shares in the company
Ascotrade Spa, as described in section 2.02.03 “Scope of consolidation”.
Dividends paid out to Hera shareholders and non-controlling interests
The value refers to dividends paid out during the year 2021 to:
▪ parent company’s shareholders for 157.3 million euro;
▪ minority shareholders in the amount of 35.7 million euro, of which 17.2 million euro paid to the
minority shareholders of EstEnergy Spa; the latter amount was deducted from the put option
payable, as explained in note 26 “Non-current and current financial liabilities”.
Finally, it should be noted that non-monetary flows due to exchange rate differences were absent in
2021.
35 Classification of financial assets and liabilities pursuant to IFRS 7
The table below illustrates the composition of the Group’s assets, using the current and non-current
distinction. The fair value of other investments and derivative financial instruments, on the other hand,
is discussed in notes 17 and 20, respectively.
31 Dec 21
Hierarchy
fair value
Fair value to
income statement
Fair value to
statement of
comprehensive
income
Depreciated cost
Total
Non-current financial assets
2
1.9
140.8
142.7
Non-current assets
‐
1.9
140.8
142.7
Trade receivables
3
198.0
2,720.0
2,918.0
Current financial assets
29.3
29.3
Other assets
2
26.1
417.4
443.5
Current assets
26.1
198.0
3,166.7
3,390.8
31 Dec 20
Hierarchy
fair value
Fair value to
income statement
Fair value to
statement of
comprehensive
income
Depreciated cost
Total
Non-current financial assets
2
1.9
138.9
140.8
Non-current assets
‐
1.9
138.9
140.8
Trade receivables
3
1,971.6
1,971.6
Current financial assets
2
0.1
32.7
32.8
Other assets
2
24.6
474.6
499.2
Current assets
24.6
0.1
2,478.9
2,503.6
With respect to "Non-current financial assets" reference is made to note 18.
With respect to "Current assets" reference should be made to notes 18, 22, 23 and 24.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 193|
The table below illustrates the composition of the Group’s liabilities, using the current and non-current
distinction. Details of the fair value of derivatives are provided instead in note 20.
31 Dec 21
Hierarchy
fair value
Fair value to
income statement
Fair value hedges
Depreciated
cost
Total
Non-current financial liabilities
2/3
590.8
143.7
2,981.5
3,716.0
Non-current lease liabilities
53.2
53.2
Non-current liabilities
590.8
143.7
3,034.7
3,769.2
Trade payables
2,356.6
2,356.6
Current financial liabilities
3
1.6
498.1
499.7
Current lease liabilities
43.4
43.4
Other liabilities
2
22.5
1,441.0
1,463.5
Current liabilities
24.1
‐
4,339.1
4,363.2
31 Dec 20
Hierarchy
fair value
Fair value to
income statement
Fair value hedges
Depreciated
cost
Total
Non-current financial liabilities
2/3
561.8
144.6
2,972.3
3,678.7
Non-current lease liabilities
73.5
73.5
Non-current liabilities
561.8
144.6
3,045.8
3,752.2
Trade payables
1,497.5
1,497.5
Current financial liabilities
616.9
616.9
Current lease liabilities
20.1
20.1
Other liabilities
2
8.1
1,073.5
1,081.6
Current liabilities
8.1
‐
3,208.0
3,216.1
With regard to "Non-current financial liabilities", the fair value hierarchy for hedged items is Level 2, while for items measured at fair value through profit or
loss it is Level 3.
With respect to "Non-current liabilities" reference is made to note 14 and 26.
With respect to "Current liabilities" reference is made to notes 14, 23, 26, 29 and 30.
Reporting by operating sector
Reporting by operational sectors is based on the approach management uses to monitor the
performance of the Group by homogeneous business areas. The net costs and assets for business
support functions, in keeping with the internal control model, are entirely associated to operational
businesses.
At 31 December 2021, the Hera Group was organized into the following business lines:
▪ Gas includes the costs of distributing and selling methane gas as well as district heating and
energy services;
▪ Electricity includes the costs of producing, distributing and selling electricity;
▪ Water Cycle includes aqueduct, purification and sewage services;
▪ Waste management includes waste collection, treatment, recycling and disposal services;
▪ Other services includes public lighting, telecommunications and other minor services.
2.02.06
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 194|
The following are assets and liabilities by business line for the 2020 and 2021 financial years:
31 Dec 21
Gas
Electricity
Water cycle
Waste management
Other services
Total
Current year
Assets (tangible and intangible)
1,943.3
647.6
2,134.2
1,315.4
128.8
6,169.3
Goodwill
494.8
72.2
42.7
228.3
4.9
842.9
Shareholdings
111.7
30.4
18.9
37.5
‐
198.5
Not attributed fixed assets
97.3
Net fixed assets
2,549.8
750.2
2,195.8
1,581.2
133.7
7,308.0
Attributed net working capital
(95.5)
108.1
(155.4)
66.8
(7.9)
(83.9)
Non attributed net working capital
87.4
Net working capital
(95.5)
108.1
(155.4)
66.8
(7.9)
3.5
Other provisions
(181.1)
(33.4)
(129.4)
(285.2)
(4.3)
(633.4)
Net invested capital
2,273.2
824.9
1,911.0
1,362.8
121.5
6,678.1
31 Dec 20
Gas
Electricity
Water cycle
Waste
management
Other services
Total
Previous year
Assets (tangible and intangible)
1,855.5
618.8
2,122.4
1,222.9
127.2
5,946.8
Goodwill
498.5
68.5
42.8
198.1
4.9
812.8
Shareholdings
112.6
29.9
20.0
25.4
‐
187.9
Not attributed fixed assets
36.1
Net fixed assets
2,466.6
717.2
2,185.2
1,446.4
132.1
6,983.6
Attributed net working capital
181.1
(32.6)
(145.6)
78.5
(3.9)
77.5
Non attributed net working capital
(23.9)
Net working capital
181.1
(32.6)
(145.6)
78.5
(3.9)
53.6
Other provisions
(175.6)
(32.8)
(159.4)
(282.6)
(4.5)
(654.9)
Net invested capital
2,472.1
651.8
1,880.2
1,242.3
123.7
6,382.3
The following are the main result measures by business line for the 2020 and 2021 financial years:
2021
Gas
Electricity
Water cycle
Waste
management
Other
services
Structure
Total
Current year
Direct revenues
5,833.6
2,784.2
911.1
1,272.1
125.9
28.5
10,955.4
Infra-cycle revenues
109.0
233.1
4.7
34.9
44.2
76.1
502.1
Total direct revenues
5,942.7
3,017.2
915.8
1,307.0
170.2
104.7
11,457.5
Indirect revenues
26.3
7.4
48.9
21.4
0.6
(104.7)
‐
Total revenues
5,969.0
3,024.6
964.7
1,328.4
170.8
‐
11,457.5
EBITDA
487.6
144.7
262.4
291.7
37.4
‐
1,223.9
Direct amortisations and provisions
173.8
69.7
121.2
152.0
20.4
75.0
612.1
Indirect amortisations and
provisions
8.0
3.0
35.4
28.1
0.5
(75.0)
‐
Total amortisations and
provisions
181.9
72.7
156.5
180.2
20.9
‐
612.1
Operating revenues
305.8
72.0
105.9
111.6
16.4
‐
611.7
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 195|
2020
Gas
Electricity
Water cycle
Waste
management
Other
services
Structure
Total
Previous year
Direct revenues
3,271.7
2,189.5
846.8
1,121.7
105.9
11.2
7,546.9
Infra-cycle revenues
74.3
120.2
4.7
54.5
42.6
54.9
351.2
Total direct revenues
3,346.0
2,309.7
851.6
1,176.2
148.5
66.1
7,898.1
Indirect revenues
15.3
6.1
32.0
14.1
(1.4)
(66.1)
‐
Total revenues
3,361.3
2,315.9
883.6
1,190.3
147.1
‐
7,898.1
EBITDA
374.4
188.2
265.8
258.0
36.7
‐
1,123.0
Direct amortisations and provisions
150.1
66.5
116.6
150.2
21.0
67.3
571.7
Indirect amortisations and
provisions
7.3
3.5
31.0
25.0
0.4
(67.3)
‐
Total amortisations and
provisions
157.4
70.0
147.7
175.2
21.4
‐
571.7
Operating revenues
217.1
118.2
118.1
82.8
15.2
‐
551.3
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 196|
NET DEBT
Net debt
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
A
Cash
885.6
987.1
B
Cash equivalents
‐
‐
C
Other current financial assets
29.3
32.8
D
Liquidity (A+B+C)
914.9
1,019.9
E
Current financial debt
(443.6)
(302.6)
F
Current portion of non-current financial debt
(99.5)
(327.2)
G
Current financial indebtedness (E+F)
(543.1)
(629.8)
H
Net current financial indebtedness (G-D)
371.8
390.1
I
Non-current financial debt
(1,073.8)
(1,203.6)
J
Debt instruments
(2,702.0)
(2,554.3)
K
Non-current trade and other payables
‐
‐
L
Non-current financial indebtedness (I+J+K)
(3,775.8)
(3,757.9)
M
Total financial indebtedness (H+L)
(3,404.0)
(3,367.8)
Non-current financial receivables
142.7
140.8
Net financial debt (net debt)
(3,261.3)
(3,227.0)
2.03
2.03.01
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 197|
Net financial debt according to the Consob notice DEM/6064293 of 2006
31 Dec 21
31 Dec 20
A
B
C
D
A
B
C
D
A
Cash holdings
885.6
‐
‐
‐
‐
987.1
‐
‐
‐
‐
B
Cash holdings
and equivalents
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
C
Other current
financial assets
29.3
‐
4.8
4.4
3.2
32.8
0.3
4.4
4.4
1.4
D
Liquidity
(A+B+C)
914.9
1,019.9
of which related
parties
‐
4.8
4.4
3.2
0.3
4.4
4.4
1.4
E
Current financial
debt
(443.6)
‐
‐
(0.8)
(39.4)
(302.6)
‐
‐
(0.7)
‐
F
Current part of
non-current
financial debt
(99.5)
‐
‐
(1.2)
(0.1)
(327.2)
‐
‐
(1.2)
(0.1)
G
Current
financial
indebtedness
(E+F)
(543.1)
(629.8)
of which related
parties
‐
‐
(2.0)
(39.5)
‐
‐
(1.9)
(0.1)
H
Current net
financial
indebtedness
(G+D)
371.8
390.1
of which related
parties
‐
4.8
2.4
(36.3)
0.3
4.4
2.5
1.3
I
Non-current
financial debt
(1,073.8)
‐
‐
(6.4)
(0.2)
(1,203.6)
‐
‐
(7.9)
(0.2)
J
Debt instruments
(2,702.0)
‐
‐
‐
‐
(2,554.3)
‐
‐
‐
‐
K
Commercial and
other non-current
payables
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
L
Non-current
financial
indebtedness
(I+J+K)
(3,775.8)
(3,757.9)
of which related
parties
‐
‐
(6.4)
(0.2)
‐
‐
(7.9)
(0.2)
M
Total financial
indebtedness
(H+L)
(3,404.0)
(3,367.8)
of which related
parties
‐
4.8
(4.0)
(36.5)
0.3
4.4
(5.4)
1.1
Non-current
financial
receivables
142.7
140.8
of which related
parties
‐
18.6
13.6
29.8
‐
20.3
15.0
36.9
Net financial
debt
(3,261.3)
(3,227.0)
of which related
parties
‐
23.4
9.6
(6.7)
0.3
24.7
9.6
38.0
Key to column headings for related parties:
A Non-consolidated subsidiaries
B Associated and jointly controlled companies
C Related companies with significant influence (shareholder municipalities)
D Other related parties
2.03.02
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 198|
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FORMATS AS PER
CONSOB RESOLUTION 15519/2006
2.04
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 199|
Income statement as per Consob resolution 15519/ 2006
notes
2021
of which related parties
2020
of which related parties
A
B
C
D
Total
%
A
B
C
D
Total
%
Revenues
1
10,555.3
‐
58.0
319.4
13.1
390.5
3.7%
7,079.0
‐
27.4
293.5
14.2
335.1
4.7%
Other operating revenues
2
400.1
-
0.3
7.1
0.5
7.9
2.0%
467.8
‐
0.2
9.2
‐
9.4
2.0%
Raw and other materials
3
(6,668.5)
‐
(51.0)
‐
(46.1)
(97.1)
1.5%
(3,410.6)
‐
(25.9)
‐
(43.1)
(69.0)
2.0%
Service costs
4
(2,464.6)
‐
(8.6)
(19.8)
(33.9)
(62.3)
2.5%
(2,424.9)
‐
(9.4)
(22.1)
(34.1)
(65.6)
2.7%
Personnel costs
5
(592.8)
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
(572.7)
‐
‐
‐
(1.6)
(1.6)
0.3%
Other operating costs
6
(66.5)
‐
‐
(1.8)
(0.6)
(2.4)
3.6%
(58.9)
‐
‐
(1.9)
(0.6)
(2.5)
4.2%
Capitalised costs
7
60.8
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
43.3
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Amortisation, provisions and depreciation
8
(612.1)
‐
(4.0)
‐
‐
(4.0)
0.7%
(571.7)
‐
(2.3)
‐
‐
(2.3)
0.4%
Operating revenues
611.7
-
(59.0)
304.9
(67.0)
178.9
551.3
‐
(10.0)
278.7
(65.2)
203.5
Share of profits (losses) pertaining to joint ventures and associated
companies
9
13.2
‐
13.2
‐
‐
13.2
100.0%
8.2
‐
8.2
‐
‐
8.2
100.0%
Financial income
10
82.3
‐
4.8
0.7
0.4
5.9
7.21%
73.4
‐
4.8
0.7
0.4
5.9
8.0%
Financial expenses
10
(300.3)
‐
(2.4)
(0.3)
‐
(2.7)
0.9%
(198.3)
‐
(2.3)
(0.3)
‐
(2.6)
1.3%
Financial management
(204.8)
‐
15.6
0.4
0.4
16.4
(116.7)
‐
10.7
0.4
0.4
11.5
Pre-tax profit
406.9
-
(43.4)
305.3
(66.6)
195.3
434.6
‐
0.7
279.1
(64.8)
215.0
Taxes
11
(34.2)
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
(111.8)
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Net profit for the period
372.7
-
(43.4)
305.3
(66.6)
195.3
322.8
‐
0.7
279.1
(64.8)
215.0
Attributable to:
Parent company shareholders
333.5
302.7
Minority shareholders
39.2
20.1
Earnings per share
Basic
12
0.228
0.206
Diluted
12
0.228
0.206
Column headings related parties: A non-consolidated subsidiaries, B Associated and jointly controlled companies, C Related companies with significant influence (shareholder municipalities), D Other related parties
2.04.01
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 200|
Statement of financial position as per Consob resolution 15519/2006
notes
31 Dec 21
of which related parties
31 Dec 20
of which related parties
A
B
C
D
Total
%
A
B
C
D
Total
%
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Tangible assets
13.31
1,941.0
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
1,926.5
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Rights of use
14.31
101.6
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
95.9
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Intangible assets
15.31
4,126.7
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
3,924.4
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Goodwill
16.31
842.9
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
812.8
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Shareholdings
17.31
198.5
-
152.4
‐
2.0
154.4
77.8%
187.9
‐
139.7
‐
2.0
141.7
75.4%
Non-current financial assets
18.35
142.7
‐
18.6
13.6
29.8
62.0
43.4%
140.8
‐
20.3
15.0
36.9
72.2
51.3%
Deferred tax assets
19
229.4
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
156.6
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Derivative financial instruments
20
6.9
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
14.4
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Total non-current assets
7,589.7
-
171.0
13.6
31.8
216.4
7,259.3
‐
160.0
15.0
38.9
213.9
Current assets
Inventories
21
368.0
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
171.7
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Trade receivables
22.35
2,918.0
‐
10.3
65.6
15.0
90.9
3.1%
1,971.6
‐
2.8
50.3
17.9
71.0
3.6%
Current financial assets
18.35
29.3
‐
4.8
4.4
3.2
12.4
42.3%
32.8
0.3
4.4
4.4
1.4
10.5
32.0%
Current tax assets
23.35
21.2
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
11.7
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Other current assets
24.35
422.3
‐
2.4
(1.2)
3.9
5.1
1.2%
487.5
‐
8.5
‐
5.4
13.9
2.9%
Derivative financial instruments
20
1,797.4
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
113.1
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Cash and cash equivalents
18
885.6
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
987.1
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Total current assets
6,441.8
‐
17.5
68.8
22.1
108.4
3,775.5
0.3
15.7
54.7
24.7
95.4
TOTAL ASSETS
14,031.5
-
188.5
82.4
53.9
324.8
11,034.8
0.3
175.7
69.7
63.6
309.3
Column headings related parties: A non-consolidated subsidiaries, B Associated and jointly controlled companies, C Related companies with significant influence (shareholder municipalities), D Other related parties
2.04.02
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 201|
notes
31 Dec 21
of which related parties
31 Dec 20
of which related parties
A
B
C
D
Total
%
A
B
C
D
Total
%
NET EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Share capital and reserves
Share capital
26
1,459.6
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
1,460.0
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Reserves
26
1,407.1
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
1,198.1
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Profit (loss) for the period
333.5
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
302.7
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Group net equity
3,200.2
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
2,960.8
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Non-controlling interests
26
216.6
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
194.5
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Total net equity
3,416.8
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
3,155.3
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Non-current liabilities
Non-current financial liabilities
26.35
3,716.0
‐
‐
1.8
‐
1.8
0.0%
3,678.7
‐
‐
2.3
‐
2.3
0.1%
Non-current lease liabilities
14.35
53.2
‐
0.1
4.6
0.2
4.9
9.2%
73.5
‐
‐
5.6
0.3
5.9
8.0%
Post-employment and other benefits
27
105.4
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
116.7
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Provisions for risks and charges
28
528.0
‐
1.5
‐
‐
1.5
0.3%
538.2
‐
2.8
‐
‐
2.8
0.5%
Deferred tax liabilities
19
132.1
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
120.5
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Derivative financial instruments
20
13.5
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
20.1
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Total non-current liabilities
4,548.2
‐
1.6
6.4
0.2
8.2
4,547.7
‐
2.8
7.9
0.3
11.0
Current liabilities
Current financial liabilities
26.35
499.7
‐
‐
0.7
39.4
40.1
8.0%
616.9
‐
‐
0.8
‐
0.8
0.1%
Current lease liabilities
14.35
43.4
‐
0.0
1.2
0.1
1.3
3.1%
20.1
‐
‐
1.2
0.1
1.3
6.5%
Trade payables
29.35
2,356.6
‐
31.8
16.7
24.6
73.1
3.1%
1,497.5
‐
15.0
16.7
24.5
56.2
3.8%
Current tax liabilities
23.35
27.9
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
25.4
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Other current liabilities
30.35
1,435.6
‐
4.8
4.8
0.4
10.0
0.7%
1,056.2
‐
1.4
5.7
0.3
7.4
0.7%
Derivative financial instruments
20
1,703.3
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
115.7
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Total current liabilities
6,066.5
‐
36.6
23.4
64.5
124.5
3,331.8
‐
16.4
24.4
24.9
65.7
TOTAL LIABILITIES
10,614.7
‐
38.2
29.8
64.7
132.7
7,879.5
‐
19.2
32.3
25.2
76.7
TOTAL NET EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
14,031.5
‐
38.2
29.8
64.7
132.7
11,034.8
‐
19.2
32.3
25.2
76.7
Column headings related parties: A non-consolidated subsidiaries, B Associated and jointly controlled companies, C Related companies with significant influence (shareholder municipalities), D Other related parties
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 202|
Financial statement as per Consob resolution 15519/2006
31 Dec 21
of which related parties
Earnings before taxes
406.9
Adjustments to reconcile net profit to the cashflow from operating activities
Amortisation and impairment of assets
469.9
Allocation to provisions
142.2
Effects from valuation using the net equity method
(13.2)
Financial (income) expenses
218.0
(Capital gains) losses and other non-monetary elements
25.5
Change in provision for risks and charges
(31.2)
Change in provision for employee and post-employment benefits
(12.6)
Total cash flow before changes in net working capital
1,205.5
(Increase) decrease in inventories
(196.7)
(Increase) decrease in trade receivables
(893.8)
(19.9)
Increase (decrease) in trade payables
858.5
16.9
Increase/decrease in other current assets/liabilities
279.8
10.8
Changes in working capital
47.8
Dividends collected
12.0
8.5
Interest income and other financial income collected
32.6
3.7
Interest expenses, net charges on derivatives and other paid financial charges
(96.2)
(2.5)
Taxes paid
(156.3)
Cash flow from operating activities (a)
1,045.4
Investments in tangible assets
(171.9)
Investments in intangible assets
(416.8)
Investments in subsidiary companies and business units net of cash holdings
(64.1)
Other equity investments
(11.0)
(11.0)
Sale price of tangible and intangible assets
2.5
Divestments of shareholdings and contingent consideration
0.2
(0.2)
(Increase) decrease in other investment activities
(1.5)
(2.5)
Cash flow from (for) investing activities (b)
(662.6)
New issue of long-term binds
525.1
Repayments of non-current financial liabilities
(519.8)
Repayments and other net changes in financial liabilities
(252.9)
(0.5)
Lease payments
(22.5)
(1.4)
Acquisition of interests in consolidated companies
(21.0)
Dividends paid out to Hera shareholders and non-controlling interests
(193.0)
(62.6)
Changes in treasury share
(0.2)
Cash flow from (for) financing activities (c)
(484.3)
Increase (decrease) in cash holdings (a+b+c)
(101.5)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
987.1
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
885.6
2.04.03
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 203|
List of related parties
The values reported in the table at 31 December 2021 refer to the related parties listed below:
Group A - Non-consolidated subsidiaries
-
Group B- Affiliated and jointly controlled companies:
Adria Link Srl
Aimag Spa
ASM SET Srl
Energo Doo
Enomondo Srl
Hea Spa
H.E.P.T. Co. Ltd
Natura Srl in liquidation
Oikothen Scarl in liquidation
SEA - Servizi Ecologici Ambientali Srl
Set Spa
Sgr Servizi Spa
Sinergie Italiane Srl in liquidation
Tamarete Energia Srl
Tre Monti Srl
Group C - Related parties with signficant influence
Municipality of Bologna
Municipality of Casalecchio di Reno
Municipality of Cesena
Municipality of Ferrara
Municipality of Imola
Municipality of Modena
Municipality of Padua
Municipality of Ravenna
Municipality of Rimini
Municipality of Trieste
Con.Ami
Holding Ferrara Servizi Srl
Ravenna Holding Spa
Rimini Holding Spa
Group D - Other related parties
Acosea Impianti Srl
Acquedotto del Dragone Impianti Spa
Aloe Spa
Amir Spa - Asset
Apa2 consulting Sas
Aspes Spa
Calenia Energia Spa
Co.ra.b. Srl
Cora costr. Resid. Artig. Srl
Dental invest Srl
Executive Advocacy Srl
Fiorano Gestioni Patrimoniali Srl
Fonderia cab Srl
Fonderia fomar ghisa Srl
2.04.04
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 204|
Formigine Patrimonio Srl
Ire immobiliare riqualificazione ed
Maranello Patrimonio Srl
Medeopart 2 Srl
Medeopart 3 Srl
Medeopart 5 Srl
Medeopart associates Srl
Rabofin Srl
Romagna Acque Spa
Sassuolo Gestioni Patrimoniali Srl
Se.r.a. Srl servizi ristorazione
Serramazzoni Patrimonio Srl
Sis Società Intercomunale di Servizi Spa in liquidation
Società Italiana Servizi Spa - Sis Spa asset
Te.Am Srl
Unica Reti Spa- Asset
Vanpart Srl
Auditors, directors, strategic executives, family members of strategic executives
Commentary notes to relations with related parties
Service management
In most of the areas it serves competence and in almost all of the areas of the shareholding
municipalities for the provinces of Modena, Bologna, Ferrara, Forlì-Cesena, Ravenna, Rimini, Padua,
Udine, Trieste, Gorizia and Pesaro, the Hera Group holds the concession for the local public services
of economic interest (distribution of natural gas through local gas pipelines, integrated water service
and environmental services, including sweeping, waste collection, transport and recovery and
disposal). The electricity distribution service is carried out in the areas of Modena and Imola, and in the
municipalities of Trieste and Gorizia. Other public utilities (including urban district heating, energy
services and public lighting) are carried out in a free market regime or through specific agreements with
the local authorities concerned. Through specific relations with the local authorities and / or local
agencies, the Hera Group is also responsible for waste treatment and disposal services, not included in
urban hygiene activities.
Water sector
The water services managed by the Hera Group are carried out in the areas served in the Emilia-
Romagna, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Marche regions. It is carried out on the basis of
conventions with the relevant local agencies, with a variable duration, which is usually twenty years.
The Hera Group’s mandate for managing integrated water services refers to activities of water
collection and drinking water treatment and distribution for civil and industrial applications as well as
sewerage and sewage treatment. The agreements signed with the local area authorities also require
the operator to carry out the planning and construction of new networks and plants aimed at providing
the service. The conventions regulate the economic aspects of the contractual agreement, as well as
the modes of managing the service, and the performance and quality standards.
Beginning in 2012, authority for rates was transferred from the state to the national agency ARERA
which, as part of this task it has been assigned, approved a transitional rate method for the period
2012-2013, a two-year period of consolidation from 2014 to 2015 and a rate method in force for 2016-
2019 and the current provision regime 2020-2023 (Mti-3).
The adjustment for 2020-2023 is in continuity with the 2016-2019 period with the introduction of a
number of incentives connected to energy and environmental sustainability objectives as well as
contract quality. Each operator is granted revenue (VRG) independently of the trends of the volumes
distributed and it is established on the basis of operating costs (efficient and exogenous) and capital
costs in relation to the investments made.
For the purpose of carrying out the service, the operator uses networks, facilities and other equipment
owned by the company itself or the municipalities or asset companies. These assets, part of the
inaccessible water stores, or granted or leased to the provider, must be returned to the municipalities,
asset companies or local area authorities at the end of the concession to be made available to the
2.04.05
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 205|
incoming provider. Any work carried out by the Hera Group for the water service must be returned to
the above mentioned entities following payment or the residual value of the assets in question.
Hera's relations with users are regulated by provisioning regulations as well as Service Charters
drafted on the basis of templates approved by local area authorities in compliance with provisions set
out by Arera regarding the quality of the service and the resource.
Waste management sector
The municipal waste service managed by the Hera Group in the area it serves is provided on the basis
of agreements with local authorities and comprises the exclusive management of the collection,
transportation, sweeping and cleaning of streets, preparations for waste recovery or disposal and other
minor services. Agreements concluded with local area authorities regulate the economic aspects of the
contractual agreement, as well as the modes of organising and managing the service, and the
performance and quality standards. Beginning in 2020, the considerations due to the operator for the
services rendered, including municipal waste disposal/treatment/recovery activities, have been defined
annually on the basis of the Arera new national rate regulation (Authority resolution 2019/433), as well
as on the basis of the consideration resulting from competitive procedures already concluded, for the
areas of new awarding of contracts.
The municipal waste management service is billed by the Hera Group to the individual municipalities in
the case of the Tari regime or to the individual users in the case of the application of the punctual
correspondent tariff (TCP).
To run treatment plants for municipal waste, the Hera Group is required to obtain provincial
authorizations; furthermore, for 2021, the subsidiary Herambiente Spa signed with Atersir the service
contract established by Article 16 of Regional Law 23 of Emilia Romagna, dated 2011, for the disposal
of unsorted waste.
In compliance with the principle of continuity of public services, under the terms of the existing
agreements, the operator is obliged to continue the service also in the territories in which the expiry
date of the concession has already passed and until the start of the new assignments. For the Bologna
and Modena concessions, the new assignments have already been started in 2022.
Energy sector
The duration of licenses for the distribution of natural gas via local gas pipelines, initially set for periods
ranging between ten and thirty years by the original agreements stipulated with the municipalities, was
revised by Italian decree 164/2000 (so-called Letta Decree, transposing Directive 98/30/EC) and by
subsequent reforms of the energy market. Inrete Distribution Energy Spa, an Hera Group company that
took over natural gas and electricity distribution from Hera Spa, takes advantage of longer residual
terms established for operators that have promoted partial privatizations and mergers. The duration of
distribution concessions is unchanged with respect to that foreseen in the company’s stock exchange
listing. The agreements associated with the distribution licenses regarding the distribution of natural
gas or other similar gases for heating, domestic, handicraft and industry uses, and for other general
uses. Rates for the distribution of gas are fixed under current regulations and by periodical resolutions
issued by the agency in charge of this sector (Arera). The area in which Inrete Distribuzione Energia
Spa provides gas distribution services is divided into rate zones in which a uniform distribution rate is
applied to different categories of customers. The tariff regulations in force at the time these annual
financial statements were approved are resolutions 596/2020/R/gas (Update of tariffs for gas
distribution and metering services, for the year 2021), which replaced the 571/2019/R/gas of 27
December 2019 and which serve to approve the mandatory tariffs for natural gas distribution, metering
and marketing services for 2021, as per Article 42 of the RTDG.
Beginning 1 January 2020, in fact, the new Regulation governing gas distribution and metering service
rates for the regulation period 2020-2025 (Rtdg 2020-2025) came into force, approved with resolution
570/2019/R/gas.
Pursuant to Article 43 of the Rtdg 2020-2025, the mandatory natural gas distribution and metering
tariffs are broken down into different rate areas:
▪ the northwest area, which includes the regions of Valle d'Aosta, Piedmont and Liguria;
▪ the northeast area, including the regions of Lombardy, Trentino - Alto Adige, Veneto, Friuli -
Venezia Giulia, and Emilia - Romagna;
▪ the central area, comprising the regions of Tuscany, Umbria and the Marche;
▪ the central-south eastern area, including the regions of Abruzzo, Molise, Apulia and Basilicata;
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 206|
▪ the central-south western area, including the Lazio and Campania regions;
▪ the southern area, including the regions of Calabria and Sicily;
▪ the Sardinia area, including the region of Sardinia.
With resolution 596/2020/R/gas compulsory tariffs for natural gas distribution, metering and marketing
services were approved for the year 2021.
The value of the tariff components GS, RE, RS and UG1 referred to in paragraph 42.3, sections c), d),
e), f) of the Rtdg 2020-2025 is subject to quarterly updating.
Beginning 1 January 2021 the values are those of Table 8 attached to Resolution 349/2020/R/com and
beginning 1 March 2021 the values of Table 8 attached to Resolution 349/2020/R/com are applied from
1 July 2021 the values are shown in Table 8 annexed to Resolution 278/2021/R/com and from 1
October 2021 Table 7 annexed to Resolution 396/2021/R/com is applied.
With regard to electricity, the contracts (lasting thirty years and renewable pursuant to the current
regulations) govern power distribution activities comprising, inter alia, the management of distribution
networks and the operation of associated plants, ordinary and extraordinary maintenance, the planning
and identification of development projects, and metering. The contract may be suspended or
terminated, on the judgement of the national Authority, if defaults and violations occur on the part of the
concessionary company that seriously affect the performance of the distribution and metering of
electricity. The distribution company is obliged to apply to its customers (so called distribution users)
the rates set by current regulations and resolutions adopted by the sector Authority. The rate
regulations in effect at the time the annual financial statements were approved is that of the Authority's
resolution 654/2015/R/Eel of 23 December 2015 (Rate regulations for electricity transmission,
distribution and metering, for the regulatory period 2016-2023), which replaced the previous Authority
resolution Arg/elt no. 199/2011 and subsequent amendments and additions (Official directives for the
provision of electricity transmission, distribution and metering services for the regulatory period 2012-
2015 and provisions on economic conditions for the provision of connection services), in force until 31
December 2015.
With this resolution, the Authority issued the provisions on the tariff regulation of electricity
transmission, distribution and measurement services for the 2016-2023 regulatory period, defining an
eight-year regulatory period made up of two four-year semi-periods, also providing for an intra-period
update between the first and second semi-periods.
The mandatory rate for distribution services covers the costs of transporting electricity along
distribution networks. It is applied to all end customers, with the exception of low-voltage household
customers. The rate has a trinomial structure and is expressed in hundredths of a euro per sampling
point per year (fixed component), euro cents per KW per year (power component) and euro cents per
kWh consumed (energy component).
The compulsory tariff for the distribution service is periodically updated by the national authority Arera
by means of an appropriate provision, therefore, on 27 December 2019, resolution 568/2019/R/Eel was
issued, approving the tariff regulation of electricity transmission, distribution and measurement services
for the 2020-2023 regulatory semi-period.
For household customers for the year 2021, the update of tariffs for the delivery of electricity
transmission, distribution and metering services has been established by Resolution 566/2020/R/Eel of
22 December 2020.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 207|
SHAREHOLDINGS
List of consolidated companies
Subsidiaries
Registered name
Registered office
Share capital (€)
(*)
Consolidated percentage
Total interest
direct
indirect
Acantho Spa
Imola (BO)
23,573,079
80.64%
80.64%
AcegasApsAmga Spa
Trieste
284,677,324
100.00%
100.00%
AcegasApsAmga Servizi Energetici Spa
Udine
11,168,284
100.00%
100.00%
Aliplast Spa
Istrana (TV)
5,000,000
75.00%
75.00%
Aliplast France Recyclage Sarl
La Wantzenau (France)
1,025,000
75.00%
75.00%
Aliplast Iberia SL
Calle Castilla -Leon (Spain)
815,000
75.00%
75.00%
Aliplast Polska Spoo
Zgierz (Poland)
1,200,000 PLN
75.00%
75.00%
Amgas Blu Srl
Foggia
10,000
100.00%
100.00%
Aresenergy Eood
Varna (Bulgaria)
50,000 Lev
100.00%
100.00%
AresGas Ead
Sofia (Bulgaria)
22,572,241 Lev
100.00%
100.00%
Ares Trading Eood
Varna (Bulgaria)
50,000 Lev
100.00%
100.00%
Asa Scpa
Castelmaggiore (BO)
1,820,000
38.25%
38.25%
Ascopiave Energie Spa
Pieve di Soligo (TV)
250,000
100.00%
100.00%
Ascotrade Spa
Pieve di Soligo (TV)
1,000,000
100.00%
100.00%
Atlas Utilities EAD
Varna (Bulgaria)
50,000 Lev
100.00%
100.00%
Biorg Srl
Bologna
3,000,000
75.00%
75.00%
Black Sea Gas Company Eood
Varna (Bulgaria)
5,000 Lev
100.00%
100.00%
Blue Meta Spa
Pieve di Soligo (TV)
606,123
100.00%
100.00%
Eco Gas Srl
Castel di Sangro (AQ)
100,000
100.00%
100.00%
EstEnergy Spa
Trieste
299,925,761
100.00%
100.00%
Etra Energia Srl
Cittadella (PD)
100,000
51.00%
51.00%
Feronia Srl
Finale Emilia (MO)
70,000
52.50%
52.50%
Frullo Energia Ambiente Srl
Bologna
17,139,100
38.25%
38.25%
Green Factory Srl
Pesaro
30,000
46.70%
46.70%
Herambiente Spa
Bologna
271,648,000
75.00%
75.00%
Herambiente Servizi Industriali Srl
Bologna
2,748,472
75.00%
75.00%
Hera Comm Spa
Imola (BO)
53,595,899
100.00%
100.00%
Hera Comm Marche Srl
Urbino (PU)
1,977,332
84.00%
84.00%
Hera Luce Srl
Cesena
1,000,000
100.00%
100.00%
Hera Servizi Energia Srl
Forlì
1,110,430
67.61%
67.61%
Heratech Srl
Bologna
2,000,000
100.00%
100.00%
Hera Trading Srl
Trieste
22,600,000
100.00%
100.00%
HestAmbiente Srl
Trieste
1,010,000
82.50%
82.50%
Hydro Mud Srl
Torrebelvicino (VI)
50,000
75.00%
75.00%
Inrete Distribuzione Energia Spa
Bologna
10,091,815
100.00%
100.00%
2.05
2.05.01
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 208|
Marche Multiservizi Spa
Pesaro
16,388,535
46.70%
46.70%
Marche Multiservizi Falconara Srl
Falconara Marittima (AN)
100,000
46.70%
46.70%
Primagas Ad
Varna (Bulgaria)
1,149,860 Lev
96.90%
96.90%
Recycla Spa
Maniago (PN)
90,000
100.00%
100.00%
Tri-Generazione Scarl
Padua
100,000
70.00%
70.00%
Uniflotte Srl
Bologna
2,254,177
97.00%
97.00%
Vallortigara Servizi Ambientali Spa
Torrebelvicino (VI)
330,000
75.00%
75.00%
Vallortigara Angelo Srl
Torrebelvicino (VI)
80,000
75.00%
75.00%
Vegri Scarl
Torrebelvicino (VI)
20,000
75.00%
75.00%
Wolmann Spa
Bologna
400,000
100.00%
100.00%
(*) unless otherwise specified
Jointly controlled companies
Registered name
Registered office
Share capital (€)
Percentage held
Total interest
direct
indirect
Enomondo Srl
Faenza (RA)
14,000,000
37.50%
37.50%
Associated companies
Registered name
Registered office
Share capital (€)
(*)
Percentage held
Total interest
direct
indirect
Aimag Spa*
Mirandola (MO)
78,027,681
25.00%
25.00%
ASM SET Srl
Rovigo
200,000
49.00%
49.00%
SEA - Servizi Ecologici Ambientali Srl
Camerata Picena (AN)
100,000
31.00%
31.00%
Set Spa
Milan
120,000
39.00%
39.00%
Sgr Servizi Spa
Rimini
5,982,262
29.61%
29.61%
Tamarete Energia Srl
Ortona (CH)
3,600,000
40.00%
40.00%
*The share capital of these companies consists of 67,577,681 euro of ordinary shares and 10,450,000 euro of related shares.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 209|
Key figures in the financial statements of subsidiaries and associated
companies
Summary of key figures of the financial statements of subsidiaries pursuant to Article 2429, last
paragraph, of the Civil Code
thous. €
Acantho Spa
AcegasApsAmga
Spa
AcegasApsAmga
Servizi Energetici
Spa
Aliplast Spa
Aliplast France
Recyclage Sarl
ASSETS
Fixed assets
60,613
1,010,693
88,042
31,981
1,456
Circulating assets
26,750
163,386
105,058
89,825
2,104
Total assets
87,363
1,174,079
193,100
121,806
3,560
LIABILITIES
Share capital
23,573
284,677
11,168
5,000
1,025
Reserves
8,385
271,377
27,356
33,398
76
Net profit /(loss)
7,316
25,168
4,395
17,854
429
Provisions
25
30,818
-
4,855
‐
Severance pay provision
542
13,452
1,199
675
‐
Payables
47,522
548,587
148,982
60,024
2,030
Total liabilities
87,363
1,174,079
193,100
121,806
3,560
INCOME STATEMENT
Production value
75,873
359,387
94,656
157,539
6,596
Production costs
(65,305)
(318,597)
(95,158)
(132,018)
(6,166)
Financial income/ (expenses)
(629)
(6,977)
2,644
(725)
(1)
Extraordinary income/ (expenses)
‐
‐
‐
(8)
‐
Taxes for the year
(2,623)
(8,645)
2,253
(6,934)
‐
Net profit /(loss)
7,316
25,168
4,395
17,854
429
thous. €
Aliplast Iberia Sl
Aliplast Polska
SP O.O
Amgas Blu Srl
AresGas Ead
Aresenergy Eood
ASSETS
Fixed assets
613
417
512
80,665
21
Circulating assets
965
1,265
19,920
6,985
389
Total assets
1,578
1,682
20,432
87,650
410
LIABILITIES
‐
Share capital
815
261
10
11,541
26
Reserves
7
459
5,057
13,688
(189)
Net profit /(loss)
77
176
2,642
3,173
(25)
Provisions
‐
‐
‐
51
‐
Severance pay provision
‐
‐
114
‐
‐
Payables
679
786
12,610
59,197
598
Total liabilities
1,578
1,682
20,432
87,650
410
INCOME STATEMENT
‐
Production value
1,813
3,045
29,222
36,959
932
Production costs
(1,776)
(2,836)
(25,582)
(31,983)
(947)
Financial income/ (expenses)
‐
(4)
23
(1,483)
(10)
Extraordinary income/ (expenses)
52
‐
‐
‐
‐
Taxes for the year
(12)
(29)
(1,021)
(320)
‐
Net profit /(loss)
77
176
2,642
3,173
(25)
2.05.02
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 210|
As the companies AcegasApsAmga Spa and AcegasApsAmga Servizi Energetici Spa and Amgas Blus Srl apply the international accounting standards,
the values stated comply with them.
thous. €
Ares Trading
EOOD
Asa Scpa
Ascopiave
Energie Spa
Ascotrade Spa
Atlas Utilities
EAD
ASSETS
Fixed assets
‐
2,649
697
7,177
1,006
Circulating assets
1,233
14,249
78,191
183,625
126
Total assets
1,233
16,898
78,888
190,802
1,132
LIABILITIES
Share capital
26
1,820
250
1,000
26
Reserves
‐
622
9,659
26,339
1,017
Net profit /(loss)
169
‐
8,414
21,411
(4)
Provisions
‐
13,703
‐
‐
‐
Severance pay provision
‐
154
787
622
‐
Payables
1,038
600
59,778
141,430
93
Total liabilities
1,233
16,898
78,888
190,802
1,132
INCOME STATEMENT
Production value
3,821
1,704
181,989
369,647
3
Production costs
(3,628)
(1,854)
(170,345)
(339,985)
(7)
Financial income/ (expenses)
(5)
154
51
108
‐
Extraordinary income/ (expenses)
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Taxes for the year
(19)
(4)
(3,280)
(8,359)
‐
Net profit /(loss)
169
‐
8,414
21,411
(4)
thous. €
Biorg Srl
Black Sea Gas
Company Eood
Blue Meta Spa
Eco Gas Srl
EstEnergy Spa
ASSETS
Fixed assets
5,762
1,352
780
294
586,117
Circulating assets
2,127
2,334
47,881
6,347
178,836
Total assets
7,889
3,686
48,661
6,641
764,953
LIABILITIES
Share capital
3,000
3
606
100
299,926
Reserves
4,000
2,013
6,260
2,066
268,036
Net profit /(loss)
(170)
89
6,158
10
45,984
Provisions
‐
‐
‐
‐
2
Severance pay provision
‐
‐
660
84
562
Payables
1,059
1,581
34,978
4,381
150,443
Total liabilities
7,889
3,686
48,661
6,641
764,953
INCOME STATEMENT
Production value
223
9,073
80,026
5,477
382,563
Production costs
(528)
(8,944)
(71,614)
(5,451)
(364,271)
Financial income/ (expenses)
‐
(30)
28
2
32,387
Extraordinary income/ (expenses)
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Taxes for the year
134
(10)
(2,282)
(18)
(4,695)
Net profit /(loss)
(170)
89
6,158
10
45,984
As the companies Ascopiave Energie Spa, Ascotrade Spa, Blu Meta Spa and Estenergy Spa apply the international accounting standards, the values
stated comply with them.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 211|
thous. €
Etra Energia Srl
Feronia Srl
Frullo Energia
Ambiente Srl
Green Factory
Srl
Hera Comm
Marche Srl
ASSETS
Fixed assets
22
2,292
53,490
3,269
25,541
Circulating assets
6,739
3,240
18,737
366
59,528
Total assets
6,761
5,532
72,227
3,635
85,070
LIABILITIES
Share capital
10
70
17,139
30
1,977
Reserves
1,162
1,118
24,640
(5)
14,502
Net profit /(loss)
1,089
(558)
7,381
(34)
5,992
Provisions
‐
4,338
4,990
‐
‐
Severance pay provision
74
‐
1,745
‐
553
Payables
4,427
564
16,331
3,644
62,045
Total liabilities
6,761
5,532
72,227
3,635
85,070
INCOME STATEMENT
Production value
12,728
288
30,157
‐
117,009
Production costs
(11,214)
(1,140)
(20,864)
(34)
(109,018)
Financial income/ (expenses)
8
22
(14)
‐
56
Extraordinary income/ (expenses)
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Taxes for the year
(433)
273
(1,897)
‐
(2,056)
Net profit /(loss)
1,089
(558)
7,381
(34)
5,992
thous. €
Hera Comm Spa
Hera Luce Srl
Hera Servizi
Energia Srl
Hera Trading Srl
Herambiente
Servizi
Industriali Srl
ASSETS
Fixed assets
585,965
93,296
17,439
7,991
129,681
Circulating assets
1,694,488
55,603
432,585
3,691,816
56,064
Total assets
2,280,453
148,899
450,023
3,699,807
185,746
LIABILITIES
Share capital
53,596
1,000
1,110
22,600
2,748
Reserves
53,596
46,689
14,096
17,770
21,464
Net profit /(loss)
135,523
7,086
11,516
14,574
3,911
Provisions
5,716
127
14,039
‐
5,039
Severance pay provision
3,905
966
637
762
3,232
Payables
2,028,117
93,031
408,626
3,644,101
149,352
Total liabilities
2,280,453
148,899
450,023
3,699,807
185,746
INCOME STATEMENT
Production value
3,556,126
87,301
289,224
6,393,955
145,788
Production costs
(3,432,438)
(80,265)
(243,853)
(6,372,366)
(146,267)
Financial income/ (expenses)
22,942
2,513
(28,033)
(313)
871
Extraordinary income/ (expenses)
24,412
‐
‐
‐
‐
Taxes for the year
(35,519)
(2,463)
(5,822)
(6,703)
3,519
Net profit /(loss)
135,523
7,086
11,516
14,574
3,911
The companies Etra Energia Srl, Frullo Energia Ambiente Srl, Hera Comm Marche Srl, Hera Comm Spa, Hera Luce Srl, Hera Trading Srl and
Herambiente Servizi Industriali Srl apply the international accounting standards, therefore, the values stated comply with them.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 212|
thous. €
Herambiente Spa
Heratech Srl
HestAmbiente Srl
Hydro Mud Srl
Inrete
Distribuzione
Energia Spa
ASSETS
Fixed assets
1,054,888
313
91,147
82
1,264,010
Circulating assets
336,814
65,051
17,230
593
111,117
Total assets
1,391,702
65,364
108,377
675
1,375,127
LIABILITIES
Share capital
271,600
1,981
1,010
50
9,901
Reserves
33,671
4,198
16,136
406
543,169
Net profit /(loss)
51,807
2,690
1,118
103
60,488
Provisions
160,306
80
5,615
‐
123,166
Severance pay provision
7,641
6,186
942
13
8,814
Payables
866,679
50,229
83,556
103
629,589
Total liabilities
1,391,702
65,364
108,377
675
1,375,127
INCOME STATEMENT
Production value
462,574
152,168
63,179
686
287,504
Production costs
(416,116)
(148,034)
(59,964)
(543)
(218,408)
Financial income/ (expenses)
(20,793)
(293)
(1,734)
‐
(15,760)
Extraordinary income/ (expenses)
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Taxes for the year
26,143
(1,152)
(363)
(40)
7,152
Net profit /(loss)
51,807
2,690
1,118
103
60,488
thous. €
Marche
Multiservizi Spa
Marche
Multiservizi
Falconara Srl
Primagas Ad
Recycla Spa
Tri-Generazione
Scarl
ASSETS
Fixed assets
222,351
2,964
2,231
11,609
264
Circulating assets
96,252
2,731
551
9,565
4,256
Total assets
318,603
5,694
2,782
21,174
4,520
LIABILITIES
‐
Share capital
16,389
100
588
90
100
Reserves
101,459
333
155
6,437
289
Net profit /(loss)
13,520
260
184
2,240
‐
Provisions
34,918
318
‐
703
‐
Severance pay provision
5,431
949
‐
923
‐
Payables
146,887
3,734
1,855
10,781
4,131
Total liabilities
318,603
5,694
2,782
21,174
4,520
INCOME STATEMENT
‐
Production value
136,465
8,212
2,353
24,142
1,579
Production costs
(116,466)
(7,845)
(2,163)
(19,068)
(1,392)
Financial income/ (expenses)
(106)
(8)
(9)
117
(174)
Extraordinary income/ (expenses)
‐
‐
‐
‐
‐
Taxes for the year
(6.374)
(100)
3
(2,951)
(13)
Net profit /(loss)
13,520
260
184
2,240
‐
The companies Herambiente Spa, Heratech Srl, HestAmbiente Srl, Inrete Distribuzione Energia Spa and Tri-Generazione Scarl apply the international
accounting standards, therefore, the values stated comply with them.
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 213|
thous. €
Uniflotte Srl
Vallortigara
Angelo Srl
Vallortigara
Servizi
Ambientali Spa
Vegri Scarl
Wolmann Spa
ASSETS
Fixed assets
111,230
974
4,677
‐
440
Circulating assets
35,456
4,608
13,444
8
6,256
Total assets
146,686
5,583
18,121
8
6,697
LIABILITIES
Share capital
2,254
80
330
20
400
Reserves
25,994
3,095
9,595
(25)
(128)
Net profit /(loss)
5,866
456
1,430
(2)
(248)
Provisions
‐
15
150
‐
63
Severance pay provision
1,870
350
504
‐
85
Payables
110,702
1,586
6,113
15
6,524
Total liabilities
146,686
5,583
18,121
8
6,697
INCOME STATEMENT
Production value
92,322
6,065
25,623
‐
4,522
Production costs
(83,054)
(5,624)
(23,678)
(2)
(4,685)
Financial income/ (expenses)
(2,380)
24
(8)
‐
(107)
Extraordinary income/ (expenses)
‐
‐
‐
‐
22
Taxes for the year
(1,022)
(8)
(507)
‐
‐
Net profit /(loss)
5,866
456
1,430
(2)
(248)
The company Uniflotte Srl applies the international accounting standards, therefore the values stated comply with them.
Summary of key figures of the financial statements of joint ventures pursuant to Article 2429, last
paragraph, of the Civil Code.
thous. €
Enomondo Srl
ASSETS
Fixed assets
38,049
Circulating assets
26,818
Total assets
64,867
LIABILITIES
Share capital
14,000
Reserves
22,649
Net profit /(loss)
4,855
Provisions
1,144
Severance pay provision
17
Payables
22,201
Total liabilities
64,867
INCOME STATEMENT
Production value
27,956
Production costs
(21,328)
Financial income/ (expenses)
(93)
Extraordinary income/ (expenses)
‐
Taxes for the year
(1,680)
Net profit /(loss)
4,855
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 214|
Summary of key figures of the financial statements of associated companies pursuant to Article 2429,
last paragraph, of the Civil code.
thous. €
Aimag Spa
ASM SET Srl
SEA - Servizi
Ecologici
Ambientali Srl
Set Spa
Sgr Servizi Spa
Tamarete
Energia Srl
ASSETS
Fixed assets
317,574
25
11,417
116,567
1,615
56,165
Circulating assets
145,637
17,661
10,854
104,962
129,963
24,652
Total assets
463,211
17,686
22,271
221,529
131,578
80,817
LIABILITIES
‐
‐
‐
‐
Share capital
78,028
200
100
120
5,982
3,600
Reserves
133,643
69
9,369
71,455
40,677
1,958
Net profit /(loss)
15,102
2,906
4,352
1,463
10,429
(33)
Provisions
31,372
32
1,499
‐
118
3,546
Severance pay provision
3,275
235
419
275
1,429
‐
Payables
201,791
14,244
6,532
148,216
72,943
71,746
Total liabilities
463,211
17,686
22,271
221,529
131,578
80,817
INCOME STATEMENT
‐
‐
‐
‐
Production value
230,713
37,390
16,841
184,346
197,081
33,950
Production costs
(209,028)
(33,347)
(11,317)
(180,301)
(182,817)
(31,381)
Financial income/ (expenses)
(1,165)
19
129
(1,368)
448
(2,393)
Extraordinary income/ (expenses)
471
‐
(255)
‐
‐
Taxes for the year
(5,889)
(1,156)
(1,301)
(959)
(4,283)
(209)
Net profit /(loss)
15,102
2,906
4,352
1,463
10,429
(33)
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 215|
INFORMATION REQUIRED BY LAW 124 OF 4
AUGUST 2017 ART. 1 PARAGRAPHS 125-129
AND FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS
Law 124/2017, Art. 1, paragraphs 125-129 and following amendments established that companies
must disclose in the explanatory notes to the financial statements the “subsidies, grants, benefits,
contributions or aid, in cash or in kind, without consideration, remuneration or compensation” received
from the Public administration, above the threshold of 10,000 euro and on a cash basis.
The following table shows the cases present within the Group:
Operating grants
Issuing entity
Description
Amount received
(euro)
Atersir
Measures to reduce waste and increase separate waste collection
1,528,651
Municipality of Ferrara
Air Break
374,672
Emilia Romagna Region
Covid-19 emergency - Civil protection
298,860
Municipality of Ferrara
Covid-19 emergency grant
227,952
Emilia Romagna Region
Regular maintenance of networks in the municipality of Fiumalbo
150,000
Agenzia Nazionale Politiche
Attive del Lavoro
“Alta formazione” advanced training project
144,319
Emilia Romagna Region
Measures to reduce waste and increase separate waste collection in the municipality
of Bologna
126,965
Alma Mater Studiorum
University of Bologna
Greening Energy Market and Finance (GrEnFIn)
52,659
Municipality of Castelfranco
Emilia
Covid-19 emergency grant
46,309
Aster
BioMethER Life project - Regional Biomethane system in Emilia-Romagna
41,166
Municipality of Vignola
Covid-19 emergency grant
39,364
Emilia Romagna Region
Grant for damages due to adverse weather events in the municipalities of the province
of Modena
35,895
Municipality of Budrio
Covid-19 emergency grant
28,400
Emilia Romagna Region
Construction of a by-pass for the sewerage system in the Municipality of Monghidoro
27,681
Atersir
Earthquake Relief Fund for the Municipality of Ferrara - year 2018
21,217
Municipality of Spilamberto
Covid-19 emergency grant
20,563
Municipality of San Giovanni in
Marignano
Covid-19 emergency grant
17,689
Municipality of Bonporto
Covid-19 emergency grant
17,222
Municipality of Monte San
Pietro
Covid-19 emergency grant
14,033
Emilia Romagna Region
Flood suction works in the Municipality of Modena
14,012
Municipality of Dozza
Covid-19 emergency grant
11,356
Municipality of San Cesario sul
Panaro
Covid-19 emergency grant
10,542
Municipality of Bologna
Sustainable mobility and infrastructure projects
9,516
Municipality of Marano sul
Panaro
Covid-19 emergency grant
8,199
Municipality of Bastiglia
Covid-19 emergency grant
5,946
Municipality of Guiglia
Covid-19 emergency grant
5,690
2.06
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 216|
Plant investment grants
Issuing entity
Description
Amount received
(euro)
Aato Marche Nord - Marche
Region - Ministry of the
Environment
Upgrading of water and sewerage networks
3,030,990
Authority for water and waste
services - Friuli-Venezia Giulia
region
Works for the purification plant of Servola, municipality of Trieste
2,212,182
Municipality of Rimini
Construction of the Ausa lamination basin and submarine pipelines
2,028,545
Emilia Romagna Region
Re-organisation of urban waste collection services
1,667,292
Authority for water and waste
services - Friuli-Venezia Giulia
region
Regional funds - purification plant of Servola, municipality of Trieste
784,687
Emilia Romagna Region
Dreinage work and upgrading of water and sewerage networks
572,085
Emilia Romagna Region
Upgrading of gas networks
313,828
Consiglio di
Bacino Bacchiglione - Veneto
Region
Extension of the sewerage system in the municipality of Piove di Sacco
130,315
Authority for water and waste
services - Friuli-Venezia Giulia
region
Extension of the sewerage system in the locality of Puglie di Domio
87,366
Ferrovie dello Stato
Water drainage works
63,934
Marche Region
Upgrading of water network
45,218
Centro Coordinamento Raee
Implementation Raee system
25,460
Municipality of Castello d'Argile
Drainage work and upgrading of water and sewerage networks
9,091
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 217|
OUTLINE OF ARTICLE149 DUODECIES OF THE
CONSOB ISSUER'S REGULATION
thous. €
2021
Services provided to certify the financial statements
940
Provision of other services for the issue of an attestation by the independent auditor company
416
Provision of other services by the independent auditor
98
Total
1,454
2.07
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 218|
DECLARATION ON THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENT PURSUANT TO ART.
154-BIS OF LEGISLATIVE DECREE 58/98
2.08
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 219|
REPORT BY THE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR
2.09
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 220|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 221|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 222|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 223|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 224|
| Introduction
| Directors’ report
| Hera Group consolidated financial statements
Hera Group - Consolidated Financial Statement at 31 December 2021 225|
