The Group continues along its path of uninterrupted growth, closing 2023 with record performance in the main operating and financial indicators, thus constantly creating value for its stakeholders
Hera’s Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting, chaired by Executive Chairman Cristian Fabbri, was held in Bologna to approve the 2023 financial statements and the payment of a dividend increasing to 14 cents per share, in line with what was previously announced during the presentation of the 2027 Business Plan and based on the significant results achieved.
The 2023 Sustainability Report was also presented during the Meeting.
2023 financial statements approved with record results
The Shareholders Meeting approved the 2023 financial statements, which showed strong growth in the main operating and financial indicators compared to both the previous year and to pre-crisis levels (FY2021).
Among the main results: adjusted Ebitda rose to 1,494.7 million euro (+15.4%) and adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders amounted to 375.2 million euro (+16.5%). Gross operating investments reached 815.8 million euro (+15.0%) and were mainly allocated to innovation and resilience of the assets managed, the circular economy and the energy transition, with concrete projects consistent with the foremost national and international policies. Net debt fell to 3,827.7 million euro, as against 4,249.8 million euro at 31 December 2022. The financial structure thus improved significantly, with the net debt to adjusted Ebitda ratio dropping to 2.56x, compared to 3.28x for the previous year, well below the Group’s prudential parameters.
Dividend payment confirmed, rising to 14 cents per share
The Shareholders Meeting approved the Board of Directors’ proposal to distribute a dividend coming to 14 cents per share, up 1.5 cents over the last dividend paid (+12%). The ex-dividend date was set at 24 June 2024, with payment as of 26 June 2024. The dividend will be paid to the shares recorded on 25 June 2024.
Sustainability Report: shared-value Ebitda and investments rise
The 2023 Sustainability Report was also presented during the Shareholders Meeting, showing that improvement in operating and financial indicators goes hand in hand with the Group’s focus on sustainability and creating value in the served areas. In 2023, shared-value Ebitda, which refers to business activities that also respond to the targets on the Global Agenda, rose to 776.0 million euro, up 16% compared to the 670.3 million euro seen in 2022 and corresponding to 52% of overall Ebitda.
Two new directors appointed
The Shareholders Meeting also resolved to reappoint Director Enrico Di Stasi for the remainder of the term of office of the Board of Directors. Di Stasi had in fact been appointed by co-optation by the Board of Directors on 27 September 2023, following the resignation of Director Lorenzo Minganti. Director Di Stasi confirmed that he did not meet the independence requirements of current regulations. The Shareholders Meeting also appointed Director Tommaso Rotella to replace Gabriele Giacobazzi, who passed away on March 3, 2024. Director Rotella has declared that he meets the independence requirements of current regulations and the next Board of Directors will appoint him as Vice Chairman.
For further information
Press release
Shareholders’ Meeting 2024
Board of Directors
Online Report FY2023
Online Sustainability Report 2023
