News

Hera Group continues to focus on innovation and digitalisation: Alexa - Amazon's artificial intelligence - now interacts with Il Rifiutologo, the multiutility’s App that helps citizens with separate waste collection. The door-to-door function, that reminds the user on what days different materials are collected in its municipality, is already active. More functions will be coming soon After 400,000 downloads, Il Rifiutologo App, created by the multiutility to help customers with separate waste collection, now enters a new phase and for the first time can talk. The App talks through Alexa, the artificial intelligence created by Amazon to give a voice to the smart devices that we all have now. You can now add Il Rifiutologo on your Alexa app, who acts as the “friend” you can ask for basic information about the waste collection service provided by Hera Group in your municipality. The features of the first version, that are already operational, allow Alexa to give you the door-to-door waste collection schedule for the week, and answer more specific questions, for example about a particular type of waste. How to download the App and how it works Activating Il Rifiutologo is fast and simple. Simply download and open Amazon’s Alexa app, access “Skills and games” on the menu in the top left hand corner and enter the words Il Rifiutologo. Otherwise, simply connect to the Amazon site by typing “Il Rifiutologo Skill” in the search bar on the web page. Once you have enabled the Skill, simply say, “Alexa, open Il Rifiutologo”. On the first access, the personal assistant will ask you for your address in order to access the information for the collection method of that particular area. Now enable the voice command and say "Alexa, ask Il Rifiutologo...”, followed by the information you need. Waiting for the next versions... And it doesn't end here, because the future releases will feature new developments. Gradually Alexa will become a real expert in separate waste collection, together with the other functions of Il Rifiutologo such as the most popular function, which associates each material to the correct waste collection method. In addition to the “Where do I throw it?” feature, which helps you improve the quality of you separate waste collection, other skills will be added, including notifications that anticipate your requests, reminding you, for example, when to put out specific waste for collection. Alexa centrata Alexa Read more Alexa Alexa 2018-05-17

The consolidated quarterly report at 31 March shows growth in results, thanks to the contribution coming from the Group's main business areas. Value continues to be created in the areas served, while Hera has proactively introduced numerous measures supporting stakeholders while facing the Covid-19 emergency currently affecting the country. Financial highlights Revenues at 2,055.8 million euro (+5.9%) Ebitda at 349.2 million euro (+5.6%) Net profit at 130.3 million euro (+0.5%) Net financial position at 3,229.1 million euro Operating highlights Good contribution to growth coming from main businesses, the energy and waste management sectors in particular Solid customers base in energy sectors, with a strong rise to 3.3 million customers, thanks to the recent partnership with Ascopiave A wide range of activities introduced to protect and sustain all stakeholders, first and foremost customers, with favourable conditions granted for paying bills Today, the Hera Group’s new Board of Directors, which came into office on 29 April 2020 and is chaired by Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, unanimously approved the Group’s consolidated operating results for the first quarter. Improvement was seen over the same period in 2019, thanks to the contribution coming from internal growth and M&As, which proved able to more than offset the effects of the mild winter temperatures and the health emergency that has struck the country. The financial solidity that has always marked this multi-utility saw further improvement during the quarter, and allowed many measures to be proactively introduced, quite early, when the emergency had not yet affected the areas served. These measures are aimed at ensuring not only continuity in the Group’s services, but also support and protection for all stakeholders, above all employees, suppliers and customers, for example in the favourable conditions granted for paying bills. In general, the results reached confirm the validity of the Group’s business model, which balances regulated and free market activities and, in line with the indications provided in the Business plan, promotes growth, sustainability and innovation, which have proven to be effective competitive levers in creating value for the areas served and all stakeholders. The main changes in the Group’s scope of operations compared to the first quarter of 2019 include the acquisition last May of Cosea Ambiente, the company that manages the urban and assimilated waste service owned by 20 municipalities in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine area, including a ten-year grant for managing the Cosea Consorzio landfill in Gaggio Montano; the acquisition in July of Pistoia Ambiente’s waste treatment plants in Tuscany; and, lastly, in December the finalisation of the partnership between Hera and Ascopiave, which acting through EstEnergy created the largest energy operator in North-Eastern Italy and at the same time led to a reorganisation of the two Groups’ gas distribution activities. Revenues reach over 2 billion euro In the first quarter of 2020, revenues amounted to 2,055.8 millioneuro, up compared to the 1,940.4 million seen in the same period of2019. This result was largely sustained by changes in the scope of operations, which more than offset lower revenues for electricity and gas trading, production and sales, heat management and district heating, as well as commissions in the water service. Revenues in the waste management sector increased. Ebitda rises to 349.2 million euro Ebitda went from 330.8 million euro in the first three months of 2019 to 349.2 millionat 31 March 2020, showing an 18.4 million(+5.6%) increase. This growth in Ebitda is due in particular to the performance seen in the energy areas, which were up by 17.2 million euro overall, mainly owing to the entry of the companies belonging to the EstEnergy Group, as well as the waste management area, while the water cycle area showed a slight drop. Operating result increases and pre-tax profit remains stable The net operating result also increased to 211.7 millioneuro at 31 March 2020, up compared to the 205.0 million seen at the same date in2019 (+3.3%). A 7.6 million euro change occurred in financial operationsat 31 March 2020, coming to 28.7 millioneuro, mainly due to the imputed costs involved in the put option concerning the amount held by Ascopiave and lower profits from joint ventures, mainly due to the consolidation of EstEnergy. Pre-tax profits came to 183.0 millioneuro, essentially in line with the 183.9 million seen in the first three months of2019. Net profit rises to 130.3 million (+0.5%) Net profit at 31 March 2020 increased to 130.3 millioneuro, up 0.5% over the 129.7 million seen one year earlier. Profits pertaining to Group Shareholders, instead, came to 124.4 millioneuro, with a slight increase compared to the 124.2 millionrecorded for the first quarter of2019. These results bear the effects of a28.8% tax rate, an improvement compared to the 29.5% seen one year earlier, thanks in particular to the Group’s commitment to making investments in technological and digital transformation, along the lines of Utility 4.0. Over 118 million in investments; net financial position improves Overall investments in the first three months of 2020 amounted to 118.6 millioneuro, as against 92.7 millionin the same period of the previous year, and mainly went towards interventions on plants, networks and infrastructures, in addition to investments concerning an intensive meter substitution and the purification and sewerage areas. Total investments also include financial investments coming to 27.2 million. Thanks to a positive cash flow generation, net financial debt, coming to 3,229.1 millioneuro, showed a roughly 45 millioneuro drop compared to December 2019. The Net debt/Ebitda ratio settled at 2.93x, confirming the Group’s financial solidity (2.44x excluding the EstEnergy put option). The average time to maturity of overall debt is more than 6 years. Profit & Loss (m €) 31/03/2020 Inc.% 31/03/2019 Inc.% Ch. Ch.% Sales 2,055.8 1,940.4 +115.4 +5.9% Other operating revenues 109.0 5.3% 121.0 6.2% (12.0) (9.9%) Raw material (1,035.4) (50.4%) (1,024.6) (52.8%) +10.8 +1.1% Services costs (627.2) (30.5%) (556.7) (28.7%) +70.5 +12.7% Other operating expenses (12.5) (0.6%) (13.1) (0.7%) (0.6) (4.6%) Personnel costs (147.3) (7.2%) (142.9) (7.4%) +4.4 +3.1% Capitalisations 6.8 0.3% 6.7 0.3% +0.1 +1.5% Ebitda 349.2 17.0% 330.8 17.0% +18.4 +5.6% Depreciation and provisions (137.5) (6.7%) (125.8) (6.5%) +11.7 +9.3% Ebit 211.7 10.3% 205.0 10.6% +6.7 +3.3% Financial inc./(exp.) (28.7) (1.4%) (21.1) (1.1%) +7.6 +36.1% Pre tax profit 183.0 8.9% 183.9 9.5% (0.9) (0.5%) Tax (52.7) (2.6%) (54.3) (2.8%) (1.6) (2.9%) Net profit 130.3 6.3% 129.7 6.7% +0.6 +0.5% Attributable to: Shareholders of the Parent Company 124.4 6.0% 124.2 6.4% +0.2 +0.2% Minority shareholders 5.9 0.3% 5.5 0.3% +0.4 +7.3% Balance Sheet (m €) 31/03/2020 Inc.% 31/12/2019 Inc.% Ch. Ch.% Net fixed assets 6,876.5 108.7% 6,846.3 108.9% +30.2 +0.4% Working capital 96.8 1.5% 87.0 1.4% +9.8 +11.3% (Provisions) (650.0) (10.3%) (649.1) (10.3%) (0.9) +0.1% Net invested capital 6,323.3 100.0% 6,284.2 100.0% +39.1 +0.6% Net equity 3,094.2 48.9% 3,010.0 47.9% +84.2 +2.8% Long term net financial debt 3,379.7 53.4% 3,383.4 53.8% (3.7) (0.1%) Short term net financial debt (150.6) (2.4%) (109.2) (1.7%) (41.4) +37.9% Net financial debts 3,229.1 51.1% 3,274.2 52.1% (45.1) (1.4%) Net invested capital 6,323.3 100.0% 6,284.2 100.0% +39.1 +0.6% 870x320_eng.1589362662.jpg Hera BoD approves 1Q 2020 results Read more /-/hera-bod-approves-q1-2020-results Press release 1Q_2020_eng_110 1Q_2020_eng_110 2020-05-13

We are regularly providing most of our local services. We have also put special measures in place to protect the health of our customers and employees.We recommend using telephone and online contact channels, including the My Hera app. Families and businesses facing financial hardship are able to ask us for payment extensions and instalments on their bills We have also activated a COVID-19 insurance policy for all employees of the Hera Group who are infected, bearing the corresponding cost. scudo.1584484923.png sinistra Insurance policy Together to move forward Together to move forward 2020-04-09

The Group continues along its path of growth, creating value for shareholders and local areas. Continuity in governance, with the new Board of Directors confirming Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano as Executive Chairman and Stefano Venier as CEO The ordinary and extraordinary sessions of the Hera Shareholders' Meeting were held in Bologna this morning. Following the resolutions approved, the Meeting appointed the members of the Board of Directors and the Board of Statutory Auditors for the next three years. Furthermore, the 2019 financial statements were approved, as was the ensuing payment of a dividend coming to 10 cents per share. Financial statements approved, with strong growth in results In the ordinary session, the Meeting approved the 2019 financial statements, whose results showed further improvement over the previous year, more than offsetting the significant impact of another partial reduction in incentives for waste to energy plants and lower margins from safeguarded customers. The partnership with Ascopiave, which was finalised in December 2019 and led to the creation of the main energy operator in North-Eastern Italy, will contribute to results as of the beginning of the current year. Go-ahead given to a 10 cent/share dividend payment The Meeting thus approved the Board of Directors' proposal to pay a 10 cent/share dividend, reflecting the intention previously announced in the Business plan. The coupon date has been set at 6 July 2020, with payment as of 8 July 2020. The overall 2019 return for Shareholders thus came to 50%, owing to the annual dividend approved and the increase in the value of Hera stock during 2019, sustained by results exceeding expectations and its inclusion in the FTSE MIB index. Further confirmation was thus given to the Group's commitment towards creating value for allstakeholders, with the Business plan calling for a transparent dividend policy, increasing to 12 cents in 2023. The sustainability report: shared value Ebitda at 422.5 million The 2019 sustainability report was also presented during the Meeting. This document shows that the Group's improvement in operating-financial results is accompanied by an increased creation of shared value and positive effects for the areas served, in the interests of local communities and, more generally, all stakeholders, in line with the United Nations' Global Goals. In particular, in 2019 the Hera Group's shared value Ebitda came to 422.5 million euro, accounting for 39% of overall Ebitda (+13% over the 375.2 million seen the previous year). This result perfectly reflects the projections included in the Business plan, which expects this figure to reach 42% in 2023. Appointment of the Board of Directors Furthermore, the members of the Board of Directors were chosen for the next three years (until the Shareholders Meeting called to approve the 2022 financial statements). The results of the vote led the following to be appointed: Majority list (representing Hera's public shareholders agreement): Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, Stefano Venier, and the independent directors Gabriele Giacobazzi, Monica Mondardini, Fabio Bacchilega, Danilo Manfredi, Lorenzo Minganti, Manuela Cecilia Rescazzi, Marina Vignola, Alessandro Melcarne and Federica Seganti. Minority list: the independent directors Erwin Paul Walter Rauhe, Paola Gina Maria Schwizer, Alice Vatta, Bruno Tani. The CVs of the new directors are available on the webpage: Shareholder's meetings Appointment of the Board of Statutory Auditors As regards the Board of Statutory Auditors, the following were appointed: Majority list (representing Hera's public shareholders agreement): Marianna Girolomini, Antonio Gaiani (standing auditors), Valeria Bortolotti (alternate auditor). Minority list: Myriam Amato (Chairman), Stefano Gnocchi (alternate auditor). The CVs of the new auditors are available on the webpage: Shareholder's meetings Presence of women in the BoD and the Board of Statutory Auditors The composition of the corporate governance bodies fully respects the content of Law no. 160, 27 December 2019, effective as of 1 January 2020. Replacing the previous Law no. 120 (2011), this law raised the percentage of members from at least one third to two fifths as regards both administration and control bodies, and increased the period in which the new criterion for subdivision is valid to six consecutive mandates. The number of women in the Board of Directors comes to 6 members out of 15, and in the Board of Statutory Auditors comes to 1 standing auditor out of 3. As regards the Board of Statutory Auditors, Communication Consob no. 1 of 30 January 2020 clarified, in fact, that in appointing control bodies made up of three standing auditors, the amount required is to be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Chairman and CEO confirmed The inaugural meeting of Hera's new Board of Directors, appointed during the morning by the Shareholders Meeting, was held in the afternoon in Bologna. This body proceeded to appoint its Chairman, Vice Chairman and CEO. Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano was confirmed as Hera's Chairman, acting as executive administrator. Born in Brescia, he has been at the head of the Hera Group since its creation in 2002, after gaining considerable experience in the telecommunications and utilities sectors. Gabriele Giacobazzi was appointed as Hera's (non-executive) Vice Chairman. Born in Modena, he is the President of Italy's Association of Engineers and adjunct professor at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia's Faculty of Engineering. The offices he has previously held include President of the Politecnica cooperative, in the planning sector, and he has also chaired the Oice, the National association of planning organisations, affiliated with Confindustria. Stefano Venier was confirmed as CEO. Born in Udine and at Hera since 2004, in the past he held the office of General Director for Development and Market. Previously, Venier covered positions involving increasing responsibility in the Eni Group and within a leading international consulting firm, for which he acted as Vice Chairman for Energy & Utilities from 2002 to 2004. The confirmation of the Executive Chairman and the CEO bears witness to the continuity seen in the Group's governance, which is one of the Hera Group's main strong points. Tomaso_Tommasi_di_Vignano_Stefano_Venier_870.1588159615.jpg President_and_CEO_870 Further Information /-/hera-shareholders-meeting-top-executive-management-confirmed-and-10-cent-dividend-approved-1 Press release /group_eng/corporate-governance/shareholders-meetings Visit the section dedicated to the Shareholders' Meeting /documents/1514726/4210686/Financial+results+as+of+31_12_2019.pdf/ca71a0b9-a147-d1af-4660-7e0a8c6f7b6b?t=1629971549137 2019 Financial Results /documents/1514726/4185885/Sustainability_report_2019_Highlights.1587713100.pdf/bdb93dd1-fef6-23cb-1d83-1b1d2daf7979?t=1595941322823 2019 Sustainability Report Highlights President_and_CEO_110 President_and_CEO_110 2020-04-29