News

Herambiente S.p.A., a Hera Group company, acquired from minority shareholder Rogroup S.r.l. its entire stake in Aliplast S.p.A., equivalent to 20% of the share capital, thus coming to hold 100% of the company based in Ospedaletto d’Istrana, near Treviso, a European leader in plastic regeneration. This transaction concludes the process of integrating the company founded by Roberto Alibardi into the Hera Group, which began in January 2017 with the purchase of an initial 40% tranche followed by a second 40% in December of the same year. Today, therefore, the purchase of the remaining 20% was finalised, according to the economic conditions set out in the initial agreement. Since its entry into the Hera Group eight years ago, Aliplast has achieved significant growth, especially in the higher end of the recycled plastic market (for example, in the food and health & beauty sectors), bringing it to a turnover of 150 million euro in 2024, with a total production of recycled products coming to 100 thousand tonnes, including PET and LDPE flakes and granules, PET sheets, LDPE films, PP flakes and HDPE. For further information Press release sedebo_870.png The Hera Group company concludes its integration of this European leader in recycled plastic, which began in 2017, by purchasing the remaining 20% of the company from Rogroup S.r.l sedebo_110.jpg

The Board of Directors of the Hera Group approved its new Code of Conduct for suppliers. This is an innovative “supplier sustainability agreement” that reinforces the Group’s commitment to promoting a supply chain that is increasingly responsible and in line with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles. This Code was conceived through a participatory process, which actively involved a representative group of suppliers with whom principles and rules on sustainability and business ethics were shared and a true sustainability deal was co-designed, to stimulate the sustainable growth of the entire value chain. With the Code of Conduct, the Hera Group renews its commitment to recognising and valuing companies that adopt high ethical, social and environmental standards, including through the introduction of bonuses in tenders or in the supplier qualification process. Collaboration with suppliers: a strategic element for creating value The Hera Group has always focused on communication and collaboration with its stakeholders, first and foremost suppliers, as key elements for generating value. Hera, indeed, plays a strategic role in promoting sustainable development, enhancing its supply chain as an essential lever for sustaining the economy. The Hera Group adopts a rigorous approach in selecting its suppliers, which goes far beyond mere economic considerations: it deeply assesses their sustainability profile, actively favouring those who comply with the most stringent environmental and social standards. Code of Conduct for suppliers: a further element of empowerment for creating shared value in line with the Hera Group’s purpose The Code of Conduct for suppliers is part of the Group’s broader path towards creating shared value and implementing a business model guided by its Code of Ethics, which was updated in 2023 on the basis of the company’s purpose. Hera also stands out for its collaborative and non-imposing approach to its suppliers, focusing on empowerment and joint growth. For further information Press release   sede_hera_870_rounded.png The Code reinforces Hera’s commitment to promote a more responsible supply chain, aligning it with the company’s sustainability principles and ethics sede_bo_110_news primo piano.jpg

At the ESG Business Conference 2025, the Hera Group ranked second among Italian companies for its integration of sustainability policies into its business strategies and corporate governance. This year as well, and for the fifth consecutive time, Hera is among the leaders of the ESG Identity Corporate Index (formerly the Integrated Governance Index) managed by ETicaNews. Hera thus celebrates ten years in the Top 10 of the Index, launched in 2016. And precisely one decade after the ESG Identity Corporate Index project was created, the Group was also awarded three multi-year performance and continuity awards, aimed at companies that participated in all of the last six editions (2020-2025) of ESG.ICI. More specifically, in the Large Cap category, Hera won the awards: Strongest Performer, Best Finance Identity and Best Transition Identity. Sustainable growth and communication with local areas at the centre of strategies The integration of ESG targets into business strategies and strong local roots are distinctive features of the Hera Group. Today, more than 7.5 million citizens have at least one service provided by the Group in the waste management, energy and water sectors, contributing to the Group doubling its operational size over the last decade. Its business model bases growth and value creation on sustainability, promoting innovation and an inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders. This ongoing dialogue enables Hera to face the challenges raised by the ecological transition, energy security and climate change. The ESG Identity Corporate Index The ESG.ICI is Italy’s only quantitative index that measures the integration of ESG principles into corporate strategies, assessing companies’ commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, the environment and governance. It is unique for its scientific and quantitative approach and aims at measuring the degree of integration of ESG factors in corporate processes, outlining trends, identifying best cases and stimulating debate. The 2025 survey involved 98 companies, 72 of which were listed. For further information Press release   ESG_ICI_2025_870_rounded.jpg On the tenth anniversary of the ESG Identity Corporate Index, Hera also received recognition for performance and continuity as Strongest Performer, Best Finance Identity and Best Transition Identity among Large Cap companies. ESG_ICI_2025_110.jpg

Revenues at 4,321.3 million euro (+28.3%) Ebitda at 418.0 million euro (+0.2%) Net profit for shareholders at 153.7 million euro (+7.4%) Gross operating investments at 191.6 million euro (+22.2%) Net financial debt improves to 3,896.9 million euro, with net debt/Ebitda at 2.45x Today, the Hera Group’s Board of Directors, chaired by Executive Chairman Cristian Fabbri, unanimously approved the consolidated results at 31 March 2025. The first quarter of 2025 closed with growth in operating results and investments, and a degree of financial solidity showing further improvement compared to the end of 2024. This good performance was driven by the Group’s multi-business strategy, balanced between regulated and free-market activities, and its usual focus on sustainability.   Cristian Fabbri, Executive Chairman of Hera Group: “In the first quarter we achieved solid growth in our financial results, further strengthening of our capital position. Ebitda rose to 418 million euro, with a structural increase in margins in all business areas, which offset the end of the non-recurring items. Gross operating investments were fully self-funded, thanks to the increase in cash flows, and exceeded 190 million euro, up by more than 22%: capital expenditures to further improve the resilience of assets in the integrated water cycle grew by 57%, while those going to upgrade plant equipment in waste treatment increased by 40%. The value creation at the basis of our industrial strategy was also confirmed by the increase in return on invested capital, which rose to 10.3%.”   Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group: “The results achieved by the Hera Group in the first quarter of 2025 confirm our ability to pursue our path of growth, even in a complex macroeconomic scenario, keeping our focus on resilience, sustainability and innovation and confirming the solidity of our business model. The good operating and financial performances led to an increase of 7.4% in net profit attributable to shareholders, which rose to 153.7 million euro at 31 March 2025. Our positive cash generation, was able to fully cover the increase in both working capital and capital expenditures and also contributed to further improving financial flexibility, bringing the net debt/Ebitda ratio to 2.45x, lower than the leverage at the end of 2024, representing a strength for pursuing future external growth opportunities." Revenues at over 4.3 billion In the first quarter of 2025, revenues amounted to 4,321.3 million euro, up 28.3% compared to 3,368.6 million euro in the same period of 2024, mainly due to higher energy commodity prices and an increased energy customer base (adding almost 1 million customers equal to +20%). Ebitda rises slightly to 418.0 million Ebitda at 31 March 2025 came up at 418.0 million euro, up slightly (+0.2%) from 417.1 million euro in the first quarter of 2024, confirming strong resilience against macro scenario turbulence. Ebit and pre-tax result increase Ebit at 31 March 2025 rose to 247.2 million euro, up slightly (+0.5%) from 245.9 million euro in the first quarter of 2024. Lower provisions in last resort markets offset higher depreciation related to development capital expenditures, which increased the value of the Group’s assets particularly in regulated sectors and waste treatment, and the new customer acquisition activities in the energy sector. Net profit for shareholders rises to 153.7 million The solid operating and financial performances allowed net profit to rise to 163.8 million euro (+6.8%), compared to 153.3 million euro at 31 March 2024. Net profit attributable to the Group’s shareholders also rose to 153.7 million euro (+7.4%), compared to 143.1 million euro at 31 March 2024. Gross operating capital expenditures increase, and Group financial solidity maintained The Group’s operating capital expenditures, including capital grants, reached 191.6 million euro (+22.2%), compared to 156.8 million euro at 31 March 2024. This increase was mainly due to the water cycle and waste management areas. For further information Press release Visit Investors web area Img_Primo_Piano_1Q_2025_eNG.png Improvement in the main operating and financial indicators. Growth in investments and the reduction of financial debt also continued img_110x150_PrimoPiano_1Q2025.jpg

The Hera Extraordinary and Ordinary Shareholders Meeting, chaired by Executive Chairman Cristian Fabbri, approved the 2024 financial statements and payment of a dividend increasing to 15 eurocents per share, in line with what had been previously announced when the 2028 Business Plan was presented, due to the significant results achieved. Also presented to Shareholders Meeting was the Sustainability reporting which, as of this year, is an integral part of the consolidated and separate financial statements at 31 December 2024, as required by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) 2022/2464/EU. Among the various resolutions passed, the Shareholders Meeting also approved an amendment to the Articles of Association, in compliance with Legislative Decree 125/2024 implementing the CSRD. Amendment of Article 29 of the Articles of Association: new position of Manager responsible for Sustainability reporting As part of the European Green Deal, in order to strengthen companies’ reporting obligations, Legislative Decree 125/2024 introduced the possibility of establishing the position of the Sustainability reporting manager. The Shareholders Meeting therefore approved the amendments of the Articles of Association aimed at regulating the procedures for appointment and the requirements concerning experience and professionalism for this new figure, in compliance with current legislation. 2024 financial statements approved with further growth in key indicators The Shareholders Meeting approved the 2024 financial statements, which indicate increases in the main operating and financial indicators and investments. The creation of value for all stakeholders and the Group’s solid equity once again prove the validity of its multi-business model and its ability to combine corporate growth and sustainable development. Among the main results: adjusted Ebitda rose to 1,587.6 million euro (+6.2%), mainly showing internal and structural growth, and the adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders increased sharply, reaching 494.5 million euro (+31.8%). Total operating investments grew to 860.3 million euro (+5.5%), an increase that demonstrates the ongoing focus on developing, enhancing and strengthening the resilience of assets under management, whose resistance was confirmed even during the extreme weather and climate phenomena that hit Emilia-Romagna last autumn. Payment of a dividend increasing to 15 euro cents per share approved The Ordinary Shareholders Meeting approved the Board of Directors’ proposal to pay a dividend coming to 15 eurocents per share, up 7.1% compared to the last dividend paid. The ex-dividend date was set at 23 June 2025, with payment as of 25 June 2025. Sustainability reporting: growth in shared value Ebitda and investments During the presentation of the 2024 financial statements, the Hera Group’s Sustainability reporting was also put to the attention of the Shareholders Meeting. In accordance with the CSRD and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), as of this year it is an integral part of the Directors’ report and contains all information needed to understand the company’s impact on sustainability issues and how they affect its performance and results. For further information Press release Visit Shareholders’ Meeting web area 2024 Financial Statements Creating Shared Value 2024   Assemblea-azionisti-2025_870_ROUNDED.png The Group’s process of industrial growth continues, closing 2024 with key operating-financial indicators and investments rising, continuing to successfully seize market opportunities and generate value for the local areas served and all stakeholders assemblea-azionisti-2025_110.jpg

In the Modena area, Inrete Distribuzione Energia, a Hera Group company, has launched Italy’s first injection of a mixture of natural gas and 5% hydrogen into a gas distribution network serving a residential area. These trials are possible thanks to the protocol, unique in Italy, recently signed by Inrete, the Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security (MASE) and the Italian Gas Committee (CIG), which allows for testing, in compliance with the most demanding safety requirements, methane gas mixtures with blending of up to 10% hydrogen in distribution networks. The goal is to create favourable conditions for the progressive enabling of mixtures with increasing percentages of gas with a low fossil carbon content to be used in networks, thus making a concrete contribution to the energy transition. The initiative was presented today in Castelfranco Emilia (Modena) near the construction site of the residential area chosen for the trial, in an event attended by the President of the Emilia-Romagna region, Michele de Pascale; the mayor of Castelfranco Emilia, Giovanni Gargano; the CEO of the Hera Group, Orazio Iacono; the CEO of Inrete Distribuzione Energia, Federico Bronzini and representatives of the CIG. Trials, now in the third phase, to conclude with the last step at the end of the year Since 2021, Inrete has been at the head of a project that has already successfully experimented, twice, with injecting a mixture of natural gas and 2% hydrogen into the gas networks serving the same residential area that is now the focus of the new initiative. Having received full confirmation of the necessary measures, both in terms of technology and safety, the Hera Group company, after signing the protocol with the MASE and the CIG, has launched the third phase of the trials with the aim of exploring the various operational aspects that enable the infrastructure to receive, in its current layout, mixtures of natural gas and 5% hydrogen. The project will come to a conclusion towards the end of the year when, based on the results obtained, the feasibility of testing mixtures with an even higher quantity of hydrogen, up to 10%, will be evaluated. For futher information Press release Fabbri-Iacono-dePascale-Braglia-Lanzi-Gargano-Bronzini_870 1 (1).png The tests in the province of Modena were made possible by the protocol, unique in Italy, recently signed by Inrete Distribuzione Energia (Hera Group), the Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security and the Italian Gas Committee pp_pionieri_110x150.jpg