Menu Display


Alert Web

HeraAssetPublisherFilterComuneSelector

News - Sustainability

Testata News

Hera Custom Facet Publish Date

Custom Facet

ddmStructureKey
Custom Facet

Hera Custom Facet Publish Date

Custom Facet

ddmStructureKey
Custom Facet

Asset Publisher

21/03/2023
Sustainability Report 2022 approved

The Board of Directors of Hera Spa today approved the Sustainability Report 2022.

The Board of Directors of Hera Spa today approved the Sustainability Report 2022.
The 2022 Hera Group sustainability report:
• reports on the three areas of shared value creation: carbon neutrality, resource regeneration, innovation and resilience;
• contains a focus on EBITDA and shared value investments;
• reports objectives and results considering the Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD);
• proposes a way of reading the results achieved in the direction of the “Just transition”;
• continues the reporting of the digital transformation initiatives according to the Corporate digital responsibility framework;
• reports on Taxonomy (environmentally sustainable economic activities according to EU Regulation 2020/852);
• contains the Green Bond Report on the Green Bond 2022-2029 issued to finance Euro 500 million of investments aligned with the EU Taxonomy.

The sustainability report represents the Consolidated non-financial reporting of the Hera Group according to Art. 3 and 4 of Italian Legislative Decree No. 254/2016 and will be available online from April 5, 2023.

Search Results

22/10/2020

Beware of fraudulent job offers

Sede Hera It has recently come to the Hera Group’s attention that individuals misrepresenting themselves as Hera Group’s recruiters and managers have contacted people in order to conduct interviews and offer them fraudulent job opportunities within the Hera Group. According to what the victims reported, applicants are invited to conduct an interview using an instant messaging application (e.g. Telegram). After being interviewed, victims are offered jobs, usually in a work-at-home mode, may be required to provide personal or financial data and, in certain cases, to pay upfront for related costs such as job training. Also, false recruiters are using fake email addresses that are not associated with the Hera Group but can look similar (such as “@gruppoherausa.com”). Please be advised that the said interviews/job offers are completely false and are not connected with the Hera Group in any way. The Hera Group DO NOT select personnel through text messaging or e-mail communication alone and NEVER, under any circumstances, request payments of any kind in order for applicants to secure a job. The existing legitimate job opportunities within the Hera Group are available at eng.gruppohera.it under section “Working at Hera Group” - “Available Positions”. If you receive a similar request for an interview/a job offer: DO NOT reply; DO NOT send money; DO NOT disclose personal or financial information; Timely report what happened to the competent authorities; Please keep us informed by writing toinfo@gruppohera.it. We take this matter very seriously and we hope that publishing this information could prevent these scams. We have already reported the facts to the competent authorityseeking the identification and punishment of the impostors. Sede Hera 2019-07-18 Read more Sede Hera It has come to the Hera Group’s attention that individuals misrepresenting themselves as Hera Group’ recruiters and managers have contacted people in order to conduct interviews and offer them fraudulent job opportunities within the Hera Group Sede Hera
30/09/2020

With commitment and effort from all, the top international sports events can take place in complete safety

top international sports events One such venture has been completed in just twenty days by Regione Emilia-Romagna, APT Servizi Emilia-Romagna, FCI (Italian Cycling Federation), Comitato Organizzatore di Imola2020 (Imola2020 Organising Committee), Enzo e Dino Ferrari Race Circuit of Imola, supported with coordination by CON.AMI and the main sponsor Hera Group. With 2,303 accredited visitors arriving from 70 countries for these World Championships - including teams, staff, professionals and volunteers, authorised personnel and media (200 official journalists from 20 countries) - Italy and the Emilia Romagna region have skilfully demonstrated how it is possible to stage major international sports events in complete safety, despite Covid-19 and the relevant measures imposed to protect public health. As well as the memorable sporting achievements by top athletes and wonderful landscapes featuring the Emilia-Romagna gullies, the 2020 UCI World Cycling Championships of Imola-Emilia Romagna revealed new scenes to hundreds of thousands of TV viewers. “We are very proud of being part of the team that managed to pull off this amazing feat”, commented Hera Group's Executive Chairman, Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, “and thanks to which the region has received a huge benefit in terms of image and reputation. And we pay our compliments to the champions whose efforts won them the rainbow shirts. The roads on which the race takes place are the very same roads we travel every day to provide our services to citizens and businesses, being fully aware of how important they are for the community, and providing our services with great commitment and dedication. Also on this occasion, we believe we have done a good job, increasing our services to welcome and promote this important event to the best of our abilities.” top international sports events 2019-07-18 Read more top international sports events Hundreds of millions of viewers, 2,303 accredited from 70 countries: the numbers of the 2020 UCI World Championship in Imola, the fastest in history /-/hera-group-s-sustainable-energy-at-the-world-cycling-championships Read news stories dedicated to Hera Group’s sponsorship and the races in the World Cycling Championships top international sports events
23/09/2020

Hera Group's sustainable energy at the World Cycling Championships

World Road Cycling Championships Bike mobility is the most sustainable type of mobility and the Hera Group fully supports it as main sponsor of the World Road Cycling Championships that are to be held in Imola from 24 to 27 September 2020. But the multiutility has developed numerous sustainable mobility projects ranging from charging points for private and company vehicles, to vehicles that travel with biomethane produced from the separate collection of organic waste by citizens, and even garbage collection trucks powered by the vegetable oils collected in the area in which they operate. These are examples that bear witness to a vision of mobilitythat often goes hand in hand with the concept of circular economy, creating virtuous circuits. Try the E-Bike in the Hera area and find out more about e-charging During the World Cycling Championships, the multiutility will be present at the Enzo e Dino Ferrari Race Circuit, where the races start and finish, with an exhibition space to help the public better understand e-mobility through Hera’s products. In the exhibition area, visitors can try the E-Bikes Hera offers, through its business partnerships, and find out more about the electricity and gas deals and its range of e-mobility products. An initiative that has attracted great interest from customers in recent months. It will be possible to cycle electrically, thanks to the bikes distributed, among others, by a company of Castel San Pietro Terme. Hera’s charging points will also be on display in the exhibition area. The environmental services have been improved to ensure the sustainability of the event For the World Cycling Championships, together with the Administration of Imola, Hera has also improved the waste collection and cleaning services along the race routes to keep the city clean and ensure the sustainability of the event. In particular, specific cleaning operations have been planned along the routes of the time trial races and mass start events: sweeping with a driven sweeper and by an operator before the races and manual cleaning, before and after each race (even in the area around the circuit), collecting waste that has been abandoned or thrown on the ground and cleaning out dumpsters. At Imola, in the Circuit area, dumpsters will be unlocked for use by the public that attends the race. From 24 to 27 September, the times of certain waste collection services will differ, due to traffic restrictions. On 24 and 25 September these changes will also be applied in the municipalities of Borgo Tossignano and Casalfiumanese through which the time trial race route passes. Even in Riolo Terme, where the mass start events will be held on 26 and 27 September, as agreed with the municipal administration, Hera has improved the cleaning services before and after the races along the race route roads and in the neighbouring areas, also collecting waste that may be abandoned or thrown on the ground. The times of the dumpster emptying service will change, and door-to-door collection of paper and cardboard on Saturday will also be brought forward. After the World Championships, the roadside along the race route will be cleaned. “This is the first time that our Group has sponsored a high-level sporting event of this kind - said Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, Executive Chairman of the Hera Group - and we are proud that it will be held in one of the territories that made it possible to found this company and, in a setting, that of the race circuit, that will undoubtedly highlight its importance. The roads on which the race take place are the very same roads we travel every day to provide our services to citizens and businesses, being fully aware of how important they are for the community, and providing our services with great commitment and dedication, with the same effort that these great champions will put into tackling gruelling climbs, giving us an incredible show of perseverance. Much of what we do is invisible, but we try to do our work in the best possible way and on this occasion too we will be at work, as always, every day, improving the services to host the many cycling fans, and helping to make this important event sustainable.” World Road Cycling Championships Press release Hera Group's sustainable energy at the World Cycling Championships 2019-07-18 Read more World Road Cycling Championships The multiutility will be present at the Imola Race Circuit with a space dedicated to e-mobility. The environmental services have been improved to ensure the sustainability of the event https://imola-er2020.it/en/homepage-english/ https://youtu.be/NxOjs3EhhXY Visit the official website Watch the new video World Road Cycling Championships
17/09/2020

Fruttagel opts for the Hera Group's multiservice proposal, built around a circular economy

Firma accordo Fruttagel Circular economy and sustainability are at the heart of the Hera Business Solution protocol, signed today by the Hera Group and Fruttagel, a national leader in the food sector, specialised in the industrial transformation of fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals and beans. Thanks to the Hera Business Solution, a multiservice offer conceived for large companies, the Hera Group will lend its companies’ experience to Fruttagel. The support provided will allow the latter to meet rising and increasingly challenging goals in circularity along its entire production chain, broadening the range of services already provided by the Group and thus allowing it to count on the benefits ensuing from dealing with a single partner. Circular economy, indeed, is a concept often associated only with the waste treatment sector, while actually covering all areas and therefore also concerning the responsible and efficient use of water and energy. Circular economy across the board with Hera Business Solution The Hera Business Solution protocol signed by Hera and Fruttagel is a valid example of an agreement between different sectors of production that aims at providing solutions for both environmental and production issues, fully deserving a place within the circular economy circuit. This collaboration is part of a process already underway with Fruttagel, that uses a few services offered by the Hera Group, for example managing waste, with plans to reduce it and global service solutions to maximise recovery, and the purification plant; supplying drinking water; selling energy and web tools to analyse and manage energy consumption and evaluate its effects; offering data connectivity, internet and data centre services. Now that the Hera Business Solution protocol has been signed, the multi-utility will launch a phase of consulting to draft a monitoring model that covers all Fruttagel’s activities and provides support in reaching environmental sustainability goals in terms of raising consumption efficiency, improving environmental performances and reducing energy and environmental impact. The bar set for these goals will become even higher, owing to the broader range of coordinated services provided by the Hera Group. With the Hera Business Solution, the Hera Group is indeed available as a partner for large industrial groups, with an overall proposal consisting of integrated energy and environmental solutions, sustainable and well-defined for single businesses, taking their own complexity into account. The goal is to set out new opportunities for growth, working alongside companies, to reduce as much as possible costs for the community, the environment and future generations. All of this will involve regenerating natural resources, lengthening the useful life of goods and resources and developing skills for an efficient use of raw materials. The Circular Economy Report, to describe and measure sustainability Measuring and reporting are ever more crucial to remain competitive on the market, in reputational terms as well. In order to present results or previously launched sustainability projects, the Hera Group will lend Fruttagel its consolidated experience in this field, designing and drafting along with this company a report on the sustainability performance reached. The report will be constructed by including indicators concerning the main services acquired/provided, for example recovery in waste managed, greenhouse gasses avoided, renewable energy used and the primary energy saved thanks to efficiency interventions and cogeneration plants. Through these numbers, it will be possible to better analyse these processes and their impact, introduce plans for improvement and transparently report to stakeholders. Firma accordo Fruttagel Press release Hera Fruttagel 2019-07-18 Read more Firma_accordo_Fruttagel_870.1600351273.jpg The two companies have signed the Hera Business Solution protocol for managing integrated waste, drinking water, purification and energy efficiency enhancement services. This multiservice proposal is offered to large companies who wish to reach goals in sustainability, which are measurable and increasingly demanding in various areas, making the most of the skills provided by a single partner Firma accordo Fruttagel
16/09/2020

Diversity & Inclusion: Hera is 12th among the world's best companies

Refinitiv_110 This year as well, the “Diversity & Inclusion Index” confirms the Hera Group’s presence among the world’s 25 most interesting companiesfor investors inclined towards companies committed to guaranteeing diversity and inclusion. In the 2020 edition, which examined a broader range of listed companies coming to over 9,000 worldwide, Hera’s score of 77 points made it the second company in Italy and 12th in the world, further improving its position (after ranking 14th in 2019). The Group was furthermore confirmed as the leading multi-utility globally. The “Diversity & Inclusion Index” was conceived and is carried out by the international financial information giant Refinitiv (formerly Thomson Reuters), which analyses corporate performance based on a range of ESG (environmental, social and governance) factors. It mainly focuses on four areas: diversity, inclusion, people development and controversies published in the media. These recognitions prove that our company’s attention towards these issues have made it a pioneer, nationally and internationally. As early as 2009, indeed, our multi-utility signed the Charter for equal opportunity and equality on the workplace, and in 2011 it introduced a Diversity Manager who, supported by a team of employees coming from various areas and companies belonging to the Group, is responsible for planning projects that reflect the company’s policy in valorising diversity, equal opportunity and equality on the workplace. Refinitiv Press release Hera in DI Index 2020 2019-07-18 Read more Refinitiv_870.1600240517.png The Hera Group continues to rise in Refinitiv’s international ranking, the “Diversity & Inclusion Index”, a reference point for investors who look with interest towards the businesses committed to promoting diversity, inclusion and people development /group_eng/working-at-hera-group/why-work-at-hera/diversity-inclusion Hera's investments in sustainability, diversity and inclusion Refinitiv_110
11/09/2020

Hera Group is main sponsor of the next Cycling World Championships, which will be held in Imola

Hera Group is main sponsor of the next Cycling World Championships The UCI Road World Championships are returning to Italy seven years after the 2013 edition in Florence, Tuscany. The Emilia-Romagna Region, the APT Servizi Emilia-Romagna Tourism Bureau, the FCI (Italian Cycling Federation) and the Imola2020 Organizing Committee, that together with the Main Sponsor Hera Group, have taken on the major challenge of organizing this international event for Elite Men and Women in what is a particularly difficult year. From four quality bid files received, The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) chose that prepared by the Imola 2020 Committee thanks to a road race course that is as spectacular, tough and demanding, and state-of-the-art facilities offering essential required space to comply with the current laws and rules to ensure maximum safety during the current pandemic. From the 24th to the 27th September 2020 the UCI Road World Championships for Elite riders will have its headquarters at Imola’s Enzo e Dino Ferrari Racetrack, a venue that epitomizes Italy’s place in the history of worldwide sport. This premium facility, highlights the excellence of Emilia-Romagna and Italy. “The territory that our company takes care of day in and day out - says Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, Executive President of Hera Group - has strong historical and emotional ties with cycling. Therefore, a rendezvous such as the World Cycling Championships has instantly lit up our enthusiasm. We are particularly happy that we will not only be sustaining this effort to the best of our ability but also through our services that will accompany the event to guarantee its sustainability and to help handle the fan flow efficiently. After all”, says Mr. Tommasi, “the pedals of these bikes remind us of the great effort invested by so many champions and are a source of inspiration for those, such as Hera, who strive to constantly propose something new and better, to continue to improve with time and aim for new goals, in the interest above all of the communities served”. “Coming back to Italy with the UCI Road World Championships - emphasizees the UCI President, David Lappartient - is a strong message for cycling and for the country and its people who suffered so much from Covid-19 in the early months of the pandemic. Imola and Emilia-Romagna will provide an extraordinary backdrop for our event that will reveal the best men and women riders in the world on selective courses. Our thoughts go out to Aigle and Martigny in Switzerland who have worked tirelessly for two years and thank you to Italy for accepting the challenge of organising these Championships in such a short time.” Hera Group is main sponsor of the next Cycling World Championships 2020-05-13 Read more Hera Group is main sponsor of the next Cycling World Championships From 24 to 27 September, the multiutility will be alongside Emilia-Romagna Region, APT Servizi Emilia-Romagna, FCI and the Imola2020 Organizing Committee https://www.uci.org/road/events/uci-road-world-championships Visit the UCI's website Hera Group is main sponsor of the next Cycling World Championships
29/07/2020

Hera BoD approves 1H 2020 results

Financial highlights Revenues at 3,402.3 million euro (+0.9%) Ebitda at 559.7 million (+2.5%) Net profit at 174.9 million (+0.6%) Net financial position improves to 3,083.6 million Operating highlights Good contribution coming from both internal growth and the recently enlarged scope of operations, which more than offset the negative effects of the nationwide emergency Further activities introduced to support all stakeholders Solid customer base in energy sectors, with customers increasing sharply to 3.3 million thanks to the recent Ascopiave partnership Today, the Hera Group’s Board of Directors, chaired by Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, unanimously approved the consolidated operating results for the first half of 2020. The positive trend shown by our multi-utility was confirmed, with main operating-financial indicators improving, in spite of a few inevitable negative impacts caused by the health emergency that broke out across the country. In general, the good results reached confirm once again the Group’s valid business model, which balances regulated and free-market activities, along with internal and external growth, creating value for the areas served. Relying on its own financial solidity, Hera continued to proactively introduce, in the second quarter as well, a range of measures aimed at guaranteeing service continuity even while the emergency was still fully underway. Furthermore, support and protection were ensured for all main stakeholders, first and foremost employees, suppliers and customers, through means including favourable conditions for bill payments. Among the major changes in the Group’s scope of operations compared to the first half of 2019, note the acquisition in July of the waste treatment plants belonging to Pistoia Ambiente in Tuscany and, in December, the closing of the partnership between Hera and Ascopiave. This latter transaction led, through EstEnergy, to the birth of the largest energy operator in North-Eastern Italy while at the same time redistributing the respective activities in gas distribution. In recent weeks, lastly, Hera stock was included in the FTSE4Good Index Series, a set of ethical indices conceived by FTSE Russell to bring together the best companies who, around the world, are actively committed to sustainable development. This important recognition came just over one year after Hera was listed on the FTSE MIB. Revenues rise to over 3.4 billion euro In the first half of 2020, revenues amounted to 3,402.3 million euro, up 30.7 million (+0.9%) over the 3,371.6 million seen in the same period of 2019. This growth was mainly due to the changes in the scope of operations, which offset the fall in revenues for trading, production and sales of electricity and gas, heat management and district heating. Revenues also fell in the waste management sector, owing to lower revenues in electricity generation and lower volumes of waste treated. Ebitda increases to 559.7 million euro Ebitda settled at 559.7 million euro, up 13.8 million (+2.5%) compared to the 545.9 million seen at 30 June 2019. In the first half of the year, the health emergency impacted all business areas, bringing about an overall decrease in margins coming to roughly 30 million euro, entirely due to non-recurring effects and in line with the projections communicated in late March, when the year-end report was approved. In spite of this, the changes in the scope of operations, especially the entry of the companies belonging to the EstEnergy Group following the partnership with Ascopiave, along with the numerous measures introduced to enhance efficiency, allowed Hera to offset the negative effects and keep growing, above all in the energy areas. Net profit rises to 174.9 million euro Profits at 30 June 2020 came to 174.9 million, up slightly (+0.6%) compared to the 173.9 million seen at 30 June 2019, while profits pertaining to Group shareholders amounted to 166.2 million euro, in line with the same period in the previous year. These results benefitted from a tax rate coming to 27%, a clear improvement with respect to the 28.7% recorded in the first half of 2019, thanks in particular to the Group’s efforts in sustaining significant investments supporting a technological, digital and environmental transformation, in addition to the positive effects of the measures introduced by the government in the Relaunch Decree. Over 240 million invested, improvement in financial position In the first six months of 2020, the Group’s overall investments amounted to 240.6 million euro, up 16.2% compared to the 207.0 million recorded at 30 June 2019. Operating investments mainly concerned interventions on plants, networks and infrastructures, in addition to investments involved in an intensive meter substitution and in the purification and sewerage area. Total investments also included financial investments coming to 45.5 million. The Group’s net financial position, which reached 3,083.6 million euro at 30 June 2020, showed a 190 million (5.8%) decrease compared to the 3,274.2 million seen at 31 December 2019. This was due to a positive cash generation that entirely financed investments and M&A transactions, and that would also have been able to cover the annual dividend payment, which was postponed by a few weeks simply as a precautionary measure and regularly paid on 8 July. Statement by Executive Chairman Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano “We are satisfied with our ability to protect these half-year results from the negative impact of the Coronavirus emergency. Continuing efforts will be made in pursuing growth during the second half of the year as well, in line with the targets set out in our Business plan, hoping that the external context also moves in the direction of a complete recovery. Our solid growth levers (internal growth and M&As) have allowed us to continue creating value for our shareholders, by paying more than 160 million euro in overall dividends in early July, entirely covered by the cash generation achieved over the period”. Statement by CEO Stefano Venier “Thanks to the numerous initiatives introduced and our growth strategy, we have succeeded in containing the negative financial impact of the Coronavirus emergency within the limit foreseen, at the same time confirming our profitability and financial solidity, as witnessed by the positive figures in the income statement and the decreased net financial position. In addition to meeting our commitments with shareholders and providing continuity in all main services, producing positive effects for our network of service suppliers as well, this solidity allowed us to sustain our stakeholders experiencing difficulty, including customers and suppliers, confirming our close relations with local communities”. PROFIT & LOSS (MLN €) 30/06/2020 INC. % 30/06/2019 INC. % VAR. ASS. VAR.% Sales 3,402.3 3,371.6 +30.7 +0,9% Other operating revenues 222.6 6.5% 249.0 7.4% (26.4) (10.6%) Raw material (1,605.1) (47.2%) (1,699.2) (50.4%) (94.1) (5.5%) Services costs (1,151.0) (33.8%) (1,075.1) (31.9%) +75.9 +7.1% Other operating expenses (32.5) (1.0%) (29.8) (0.9%) +2.7 +9.1% Personnel costs (290.9) (8.5%) (286.6) (8.5%) +4.3 +1.5% Capitalisations 14.3 0.4% 16.0 0.5% (1.7) (10.6%) Ebitda 559.7 16.5% 545.9 16.2% +13.8 +2.5% Depreciation and provisions (264.0) (7.8%) (257.0) (7.6%) +7.0 +2.7% Ebit 295.7 8.7% 288.9 8.6% +6.8 +2.4% Financial inc./(exp.) (56.2) (1.7%) (44.9) (1.3%) +11.3 +25.1% Pre tax profit 239.5 7.0% 244.0 7.2% (4.5) (1.8%) Tax (64.6) (1.9%) (70.1) (2.1%) (5.5) (7.9%) Net profit 174.9 5.1% 173.9 5.2% +1.0 +0.6% Attributable to: Shareholders of the Parent Company 166.2 4.9% 166.2 4.9% +0.0 +0.0% Minority shareholders 8.7 0.3% 7.7 0.2% +1.0 +13.1% BALANCE SHEET (MLN €) 30/06/2020 INC.% 31/12/2019 INC.% VAR. ASS. VAR.% Net fixed assets 6,893.2 113.3% 6,846.3 108.9% +46.9 +0.7% Working capital (172.3) (2.8%) 87.0 1.4% (259.3) (298.0%) (Provisions) (638.7) (10.5%) (649.1) (10.3%) +10.4 (1.6%) Net invested capital 6,082.2 100.0% 6,284.2 100.0% (202.0) (3.2%) Net equity 2,998.6 49.3% 3,010.0 47.9% (11.4) (0.4%) Long term net financial debt 3,370.1 55.4% 3,383.4 53.8% (13.3) (0.4%) Short term net financial debt (286.5) (4.7%) (109.2) (1.7%) (177.3) +162.4% Net financial debts 3,083.6 50.7% 3,274.2 52.1% (190.6) (5.8%) Net invested capital 6,082.2 100.0% 6,284.2 100.0% (202.0) (3.2%) 1H results 2020-05-13 Read more 1H2020_870x320_eng.1596012193-2.jpg Although feeling the impact of the Coronavirus emergency, the half-year report shows operating-financial indicators rising, thanks to increased efficiency achieved in the Group’s various business areas and the recently enlarged scope of operations. /-/hera-bod-approves-1h-2020-results-1 Press release 1H results
24/07/2020

Rimini: the underground tanks in Piazzale Kennedy have been completed and the area has now been entirely reopened to the public

On 6 June 2011, a violent storm on Rimini severely damaged the city's sewage system. For a community that has been focused on summer tourism for decades, solving this problem and avoiding environmental impacts such as water pollution was an absolute priority. The sea, in fact, is not only a precious tool that drives the city's economy, but also and above all part of Romagna's identity. Now, residents and tourists no longer have to fear sudden downpours, because right in the centre of town, under a terrace overlooking the sea, there is a remarkable work of engineering that watches over Rimini's sewage system. It is part of the Seawater Protection Plan (PSBO – Piano di Salvaguardia della Balneazione), a kind of "gentle giant" that is the largest water reclamation project underway in Italy and one of the most important in Europe, also recognized by the UN for its role in protecting the marine environment. After that storm, we at Hera Group responded to the call for environmental protection and, thanks to an impressive effort undertaken jointly with the Municipality of Rimini, Romagna Acque and Amir, succeeded in proving that keeping the sea clean, guaranteeing its bathing conditions, was indeed a complex undertaking, but not an impossible one. The PSBO is like a great marathon divided into 14 "stages", including the elimination of 11 drains discharging into the sea. It is the culmination of an investment of €154 million, with 130 people working on the project every day, 38 companies involved, and 45 km of new sewage pipelines laid. It started in 2013 with measures that, in the following years, led, for example, to the restructuring of the sewerage system of Rimini Isola (in 2014), the doubling of the Santa Giustina treatment plant (in 2015) and the separation of the sewer networks in North Rimini, so as to close 4 of the 6 drains in that portion of the city. The most important phase of the entire project began in 2016 in Piazzale Kennedy, the heart not only of coastal social life but also of the entire PSBO, with the construction of two tanks the size of 20 Olympic-size pools, located up to 40 meters below ground level, which involved excavating 70 thousand m3 of soil. One tank, with a capacity of 14 thousand m3, collects the water from the first flush of rain while the other, with a capacity of 25 thousand m3, temporarily holds and "stores" the rainwater, which can be sent to the purification plant or into the sea in the event of heavy rainfall. When average rainfall occurs, the tanks fill in 70 minutes, or 30 for particularly heavy downpours. A forced ventilation mechanism (with abatement using activated carbon filters) has solved the problem of bad odours. Lastly, to protect our beaches, over 21 thousand m3 of top-quality sand have been collected. With a view to a circular economy, they have already been used to replenish Rimini's coastline. Now that, after months of work, this fundamental component of the PSBO is complete, the two new waterfront terraces in Piazzale Kennedy cover the complex underground structure. The architecture of the terraces was designed by Studio Mijic of Rimini. The first terrace opened to the public in July 2019 and the other one opened today. The Piazzale Kennedy project is the fruit of great workdone not only jointly with the Municipality, Romagna Acque and Amir, but also with all the tour operators in the area and the residents, who have endured months of hardship in such a central area of the city that, for over 60 years, has been the holiday postcard of millions of tourists, both Italian and foreign. To date, more than 5 thousand m2of coastline have been "freed" from swimming bans, and the construction work is now 90% complete. By 2024, all 11 drains discharging into the sea will have been eliminated. The most important phases of Rimini's Seawater Protection Plan 2013: Start of work on the PSBO (Rimini Seawater Protection Plan) 2014: Rimini Isola sewer decontamination 2015: Doubling of the Santa Giustina treatment plant 2016: Start-up of the Piazzale Kennedy construction site Other measures carried out in recent years: 1. Testing of the North backbone 2. Construction of the hospital tank 3. Reconversion of the Rimini Marecchiese treatment plant 4. Construction of the first and second portions of the South backbone 5. Burial of the Ausa canal 6. Separation of the sewerage networks in North Rimini July 2019: Completion of the first waterfront terrace in Piazzale Kennedy July 2020: Completion of the second waterfront terrace and total reopening of Piazzale Kennedy Piazzale kennedy 2020-05-13 Read more piazzale_kennedy_870.1595953446.jpg After many months of relentless work, we have reached another milestone of the Seawater Protection Plan, the major water work that will eliminate drains discharging into the sea. Below the new waterfront terrace, two tanks the size of 20 Olympic-size pools are in place to keep watch over the sewage system piazzale kennedy
15/07/2020

The 2020 Integrated Governance Index: Hera once again on the podium for sustainable finance

Integrated Governance 110x Turning sustainability into a lever for financial and business strategy is rewarding. It is indeed rewarding for the Hera Group, which for the third year running claimed the top step of the podium in the sustainable finance category of the 2020 Integrated Governance Index, an authoritative model for analysing the degree to which ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) factors are integrated within a company's strategy. These factors, alongside the traditional business objectives the company pursues, address social and environmental and governance aspects. Once again, this award attests to the multiutility's competence and focus on sustainability as a factor that contributes to creating shared value not only for the company but above all for the communities and local areas it serves. The latter are both at the heart of the company's growth strategy and are priorities in defining its financial and investment actions. Sustainability at the heart of the multiutility's strategy The multiutility was the first company in Italy to issue a green bond, as early as 2014, followed by a second similar bond in 2019. Two years ago, furthermore, Hera launched its first sustainable revolving line of credit, introducing a bonus mechanism for reaching specific environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. These include, for example, further reducing the carbon footprint for energy production, attaining new energy efficiency targets, and improving separate waste collection. Moreover, the Hera Group provides public utility services to 4.4 million citizens: creating shared value and positive side-effects for the communities it serves is a duty and a priority. This is one of the reasons why, for some years now, the Group has decided to measure and publicly release, in its annual sustainability report, the portion of its EBITDA generated by businesses that meet the sustainability goals set out in the UN’s 2030 Agenda. This “shared value” EBITDArose to Euro 422.5 million in 2019, coming to 39% of its total EBITDA, and its new target is set at 42% for 2023, as defined in the Business Plan. The Integrated Governance Index The Integrated Governance Index (IGI) is the only project that quantitatively measures the degree to which ESG factors are integrated into a company’s management model (integrated governance). Developed by ETicaNews, with the scientific and legal support of associations and specialised advisors, this year marks the Index’s fifth edition. This year the businesses invited by IGI to participate included the top 100 listed companies in Italy, businesses that publish a non-financial statement, and the country’s top 50 non-listed companies, setting a record for the number of companies analysed. The 2020 Integrated Governance Index: Hera once again on the podium for sustainable finance 20200715_IGI_2020.1595590785.pdf 2020-05-13 Read more igi_870.1595590784-2.jpg For the third consecutive year, the multiutility took the number one spot in the survey area on the integration of ESG factors into the company's finance. A pioneer in this field with the launch of the first Italian green bond and the first sustainable revolving credit line, Hera has always considered sustainability to be at the heart of its business strategies Press release igi_110.1595590787-2.jpg
18/06/2020

Hera acquires an additional 2% of Ascopiave share capital

sede_hera_110 Today, Hera acquired 4,688,231 Ascopiave shares from A2A, equivalent to 2% of the share capital, for a price set at 3.905 euro per share and a total of roughly 18.3 million euro. The shareholding acquired, which arose out of a market opportunity, follows up on the similar transaction seen on 31 January 2020. In the present case as well, it was carried out jointly with Asco Holding, in order to reinforce the previously existing partnership with EstEnergy. sede_hera_870 2020-06-18 sede_hera_870.1592478679.jpg The operationd, which arose out of a market opportunity, follows up on the similar transaction seen on 31 January 2020 /-/hera-acquires-an-additional-2-of-ascopiave-share-capital-1 Press release sede_hera_110
22/05/2020

Questions about Door-to-door separate waste collection? Alexa answers with Il Rifiutologo

Alexa 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 2018-05-17 Read more Alexa 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 centrata Alexa
13/05/2020

Hera BoD approves 1Q 2020 results

1Q_2020_eng_110 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% Hera BoD approves 1Q 2020 results 2020-05-13 Read more 870x320_eng.1589362662.jpg 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. /-/hera-bod-approves-q1-2020-results Press release 1Q_2020_eng_110
04/05/2020

Together to move forward. Hera Group's measures to protect against the Covid and to support the community

Together to move forward We have also activated a COVID-19 insurance policy for all employees of the Hera Group who are infected, bearing the corresponding cost. Insurance policy 2020-04-09 scudo.1584484923.png 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 sinistra Together to move forward
29/04/2020

Hera Shareholders Meeting: top executive management confirmed and 10 cent dividend approved

President_and_CEO_110 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. President_and_CEO_870 2020-04-29 Further Information Tomaso_Tommasi_di_Vignano_Stefano_Venier_870.1588159615.jpg 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 /-/hera-shareholders-meeting-top-executive-management-confirmed-and-10-cent-dividend-approved-1 /group_eng/corporate-governance/shareholders-meetings /documents/1514726/4210686/Financial+results+as+of+31_12_2019.pdf/ca71a0b9-a147-d1af-4660-7e0a8c6f7b6b?t=1629971549137 /documents/1514726/4185885/Sustainability_report_2019_Highlights.1587713100.pdf/bdb93dd1-fef6-23cb-1d83-1b1d2daf7979?t=1595941322823 Press release Visit the section dedicated to the Shareholders' Meeting 2019 Financial Results 2019 Sustainability Report Highlights President_and_CEO_110
15/04/2020

Shareholders' Meeting 2020: find out how to participate

assemblea_soci_110 Due to the ongoing health emergency, the Hera Group Shareholders' Meeting, confirmed for 29 April, 2020, won't be held in the usual modalities. However, we have prepared all the instructions and procedures so that members can take advantage of the voting right. We therefore invite the shareholders to send their voting instructions, regarding each item on the agenda, to an Appointed representative, who will act on them during the Meeting. On this page, it's possible to find everything required to proceed in addition to a few tools intended to make the necessary procedures simpler to comprehend. We remind that this participation procedure demands earlier deadlines respect to the ones used in the past. assemblea_soci_870 /group_eng/corporate-governance/shareholders-meetings 2020-04-15 For further information assemblea_870x320_eng.1587045076.jpg Due to the health emergency, this year the Meeting won't be able to see the physical presence of the members. To take advantage of the voting right, all legitimate shareholders must send the proxy and the voting instructions to the Designated Representative as soon as possible. The deadline for submitting the form is Monday 27 April. /group_eng/corporate-governance/shareholders-meetings Find out how to participate assemblea_soci_110
09/04/2020

Hera Group's financial statement 2019 is online: check it out!

BE_2019_ENG_110 Just a few days after the approval of the financial results as at 31 December 2019, Hera Group's financial statement 2019 can today be consulted in full online. In just a few clicks, you can browse the various sections, read the comments of the Executive Chairman Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano and of the Chief Executive Officer Stefano Venier, and consult the data that bear witness to the work of all business areas. The graphic layout guarantees a simple and instant user experience, with numerous interactive graphs regarding the main economic indicators, benchmarks and the goals for 2023. It also enables users to compare the latest results with those of the previous year, and provides useful information for all stakeholders, for example about Stock market trends and relations with shareholders. Investor Case is a useful tool for those interested in investing into Hera, with data that provide a general overview ofbusiness, of growth factors and of the Group's sustainable approach, from the viewpoint of shared value. These two themes are precisely the focus that enriches the web version of the financial statements 2019. In fact, sustainability and shared value are the two pillars on which the Group strategy is built, combining economic and financial targets with environmental and social goals, in keeping with the objectives of the UNAgenda 2030. More specifically, five aspects of Group management are analysed in terms of sustainability: returns on investment, green finance, crisis management, payment system and proxy advisor management. The web version of the Financial statements 2019 is therefore the fruit of the commitment to absolutely transparent accounting, and details a year closed with improved performance, confirmation of a development programme now 17 years in progress. Development that continues to balance internal and external growth, with the achievement of major economies of scale and greater synergies, thanks to a multi-business strategy which has proved a winner over the years. BE_2019_ENG_870 https://eng.gruppohera.it/group/investor_relations/financial_results_presentations/be2019/ 2020-04-10 To find out more be_870x320_eng.1586514890.jpg The result of our commitment to reporting with transparency, the online version of the Financial Statements tells about 17 years of continuous growth, with the improvement of the main economic-financial and sustainability indicators /documents/1514726/4210686/Financial+results+as+of+31_12_2019.pdf/ca71a0b9-a147-d1af-4660-7e0a8c6f7b6b?t=1629971549137 /-/hera-group-approves-results-at-31-12-2019 Consult the version of performance Y2019 Go to the press release about performance Y2019 BE_2019_ENG_110
25/03/2020

The Hera Group approved the financial statement results

Financial results as at 31 December 2019 Turnover at 7,443.6 million euro (+12.3%) Ebitda at 1,085.1 million euro (+5.2%) Net profits at 402.0 million euro (+35.5%) Proposed dividends at 10 Euro cents per share The Hera Group closed 2019 with growing results, validated by the Board of Directors on 25 March and pending approval by the Shareholders' Meeting scheduled for the end of April. The partnership with Ascopiave, completed last December and responsible for the creation of the largest energy operator in the North-Eastern Italy, will be consolidated in the results of 2020. The Group’s path of development, in its 17 years of life, continues to combine internal and external growth, reaching significant economies of scale and increasing synergies, thanks to a multi-business industrial strategy that over time has proven to be a winning strategy for Hera, now Italy’s leading multi-utility by capitalisation. The improvement in operating-financial results goes hand in hand with the growing creation of shared value, which has long become the thermometer of the company's progress towards sustainability. Good contribution to growth coming from business areas, especially the gas, water and waste management sectors Positive results thanks to both internal and external growth Sharp rise in energy customers, which reach roughly 3.3 million thanks to the partnership with Ascopiave Sorted waste increases to an average of 64.6% across the areas served Improvement in all sustainability indicators, with shared value Ebitda growing to 422.5 million euro (+13%) “These results - commented the Executive Chairman Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano commented - demonstrate the merits of Hera’s multi-utility formula which, in a year made difficult by factors including a significant negative impact in the safeguarded customer segment, was able to deploy a wide range of development projects that guaranteed, quarter after quarter, positive growth in all activities. Our expectations were thus outperformed and, at the same time, our track record with 17 years of uninterrupted growth was confirmed, further improving our financial solidity in a year in which unprecedented efforts were seen in capital expenditures. In 2019, furthermore, two fundamental targets included in the business plan to 2022 were reached in advance: the finalised transaction with Ascopiave led the Hera Group to amply meet its objective of 3 million energy customers and, with our enlarged set of waste treatment plants, we were fully able to grasp the positive market trends seen as of 2019”. "The growth achieved with these results - added the CEO Stefano Venier - is also characterized by the creation of value. A value that continues to progress towards a greater sharing and in respect of 11 out of 17 fundamental goals defined by the UN. The progress made by this value shows that it is increasingly shared, respecting 11 out of the 17 fundamental goals defined by the UN. The Group’s risk profile, now more important than ever, continues to be extremely conservative, and has allowed the Group to continue expanding through a transaction, involving Ascopiave, that brought us among the highest-ranking companies in Italy for energy sales, only behind the two ex-incumbent energy groups. These are solid grounds, therefore, on which to rely in difficult moment, such as the one currently witnessed due to COVID-19, with respect to which we were able to activate, in a short period of time, all measures necessary to guarantee that our activities are not interrupted and health protection is provided for our employees and for all our stakeholders, along with proactive assistance for all our customers, whether households or companies”. Financial results as at 31 December 2019 2020-03-25 For further informations be_870x320_eng.1585142936 (1).jpg 17 years of continuous growth, with the improvement of the main economic-financial and sustainability measures. /-/hera-group-approves-results-at-31-12-2019 /group_eng/investors Press release Investor Relations Financial results as at 31 December 2019
04/03/2020

Legality and transparency: Hera has achieved ISO 37001 certification

Legality and transparency The sustainable growth of companies is often threatened by the risk of corruption. Thanks to the new UNI ISO 37001 standard, all companies and organizations have an additional tool to actively contribute to the fight against corruption. The directive, which is adhered to on a voluntary basis, provides for a certification issued only in the presence of certain characteristics. The Hera Group has obtained the important certification after a careful study conducted by company working groups on some areas of intervention. With the involvement of the company structures that operate on sensitive processes, it was possible to guarantee compliance with the requirements of the standard. As required by UNI ISO 37001, the Group has therefore defined a specific Anti-corruption Policy, a Training Plan and a Compliance Function coinciding with the Supervisory Body. We therefore continue in the wake already traced by the Code of Ethics, which contains the commitments and responsibilities that those who work at Hera assume in the context of every company activity and in the relationship with colleagues. The achievement of this certification further enhances the effectiveness of the tools already present in the multiutility to counter any cases of corruption, including the 231 Organization and Management Model which governs the liability of entities for administrative offenses resulting from a crime. "This important result - underlines the Internal Auditing Director of the Hera Group, Antonella Esposito - further strengthens the objectives of excellence that the Group has always pursued and targets the constant commitment of each employee in the prevention of corruption". Legality and transparency 2020-03-25 For further informations 870x320_C.1582791414.1599117168 (1).png It represents a further tool for the fight against corruption /group_eng/corporate-governance/internal-auditing Visit the web page dedicated to the Internal Auditing Department Legality and transparency
24/02/2020

Hera Group: protection measures against the coronavirus

All services are operating normally. In any event, customers are advised to prefer the use of phone and online contact methods, including the My Hera app With reference to protection measures against the coronavirus (COVID-2019), the Hera Group reports that all services managed in the country are operating normally, as are the emergency services. All local offices are open as normal, though customers are invited to give preference to contact by phone and online, visiting the branch offices only if necessary. For any matters to be processed, note that the toll-free Customer Service numbers operate from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 22:00, Saturdays 08:00 to 18:00 (800.999500 for domestic utilities, 800.999700 for non-domestic utilities), whilst the online services and the My Hera app operate 24/7. As the multiutility's key assets are its personnel and their protection is a priority, additional protective measures have been implemented to limit the spread of the virus. In addition to the instructions to contact the number 1500 for all health-related information and 112 for healthcare assistance requests in the event of obvious symptoms, the company has disseminated Ministry of Health communications containing the conduct to adopt, posted on all noticeboards and on the company Intranet, and a dedicated e-mail address has been set up to which employees can write to obtain information and clarifications. As a precautionary measure, all cleaning activities at head offices and branches are being intensified. Employees who are pregnant or who suffer from immune depression, and anyone with breathing difficultiesor flu symptoms, even if mild, or who have come into contact with persons who could have contracted the virus, are invited to contact their GP to consider absence from work.Again as a precautionary measure, all employees are invited to reduce business travel to areas close to those affected by Authority measures, where possible giving preference to meetings via video-conferencing or phone links. Suppliers are invited to abide by these measures adopted by the company. 20200224_Hera_Group_protection_measures_against_the_coronavirus.1583164102.pdf 2020-02-24 All services are operating normally. In any event, customers are advised to prefer the use of phone and online contact methods, including the My Hera app Read more together_110.1588000544.png
31/01/2020

Hera acquires 2.5% of Ascopiave's share capital from Amber

sede_Hera_110 Hera acquires 2.5% of Ascopiave's share capital from Amber. The shareholding purchase operation, which arose from a market opportunity, was shared with Asco Holding. It further reinforces the partnership launched with the transaction finalised last December and will be followed by a similar transaction by Ascopiave. sede_Hera_870 20200131Hera_acquires_2.5_of_Ascopiave_s_share_capital.1580457785.pdf 2020-01-31 sedeHera_870.1580456290.jpg The operation arose from a market opportunity, shared with Asco Holding sede_Hera_110
31/01/2020

Hera among the contributors of the SDG Action Manager

SDG_Action_110 Hera is part of the international team which collaborated in the conception and design of SDG Action Manager, the tool launched on 29 January 2020 by the United Nations Global Compact and BLAB with the aim of involving all cultural and business sectors in the building a Common Global Agenda, to improve people's lives and save our planet. SDG Action Manager offers a transversal way, to every type of business, an opportunity to know, manage and directly improve sustainability performance. The tool brings together the characteristics of B Lab's B Impact Assessment, the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals UN agenda, and enables commercial activities to self-evaluate themselves in a dynamic way, arriving at a comparative analysis and a subsequent improvement. The international team also includes 2 other Italian companies, Enel and Chiesi Farmaceutici, also included, like the Hera Group, among 65 stakeholders who stand out for good industry practices: 30 business companies with competence in corporate sustainability and 36 bodies of the civil society, UN organizations and academia. SDG_Action_870 2020-01-31 Read more sdg_870.1580463032.jpg The tool provides all types of business an opportunity to learn about, manage, and directly improve their sustainability performance https://bcorporation.net/welcome-sdg-action-manager Visit B Corporation website SDG_Action_110
30/01/2020

The Hera Group is once again a Top Employer

TE_2020_110 Never change a winning team. On the contrary: invest in it, to make it bigger and stronger. The Hera Group knows this well, and continues to dedicate resources, attention and commitment to its 9,000 employees. All of this has been certified, for the eleventh consecutive time, by the Holland-based Top Employers Institute, which has been researching quality standards in people practices since 1991. Hera has once again been recognised for its strategy, focused on people, and its best practices in terms of welfare, workplace environment, development and training. Top Employers is one of the most prestigious awards in this area, internationally. The exacting process through which companies are selected and certified is based on data analyses and detailed assessments concerning: investments in training and development, welfare policies and on-boarding for new hires, careful planning of selection processes and career paths, strategies aimed at increasing talent, corporate culture and a constructive workplace. Attention towards human resources is a key part of the Hera Group's strategic management. After all, the rapid changes seen in its external context, with factors including the environment, society, markets and technology, call for businesses to become increasingly agile, geared towards continuous improvement and able to do business while pursuing goals that are in the common interest. The Group's organisational procedures themselves are highly innovative, based on getting all employees involved, so that they can give meaning to their concrete operations, in line with the company's purpose. In so doing, Hera relies on a few of the best practices that have distinguished it for some time. Most importantly, "Hextra", the integrated corporate welfare plan intended for all Group employees (with investments reaching 4.9 million euro in 2019), which is characterised by an amount of monetary resources that can be "customised" by each worker, based on their own needs, as well as the possibility of converting part of their bonus for results into further welfare benefits. In order to improve work quality and agility, offices and workplaces have been made increasingly comfortable, functional and collaborative. As early as 2017, smart working was introduced, which, after a trial phase that produced positive and significant results, now involves over 1,500 employees. The Group's commitment to guaranteeing equal opportunity, along with inclusion and diversity valorisation, remains constantly present, as is proved by its recent inclusion in the 2020 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index and the Refinitiv (priorly Thomson Reuters) "Diversity & Inclusion Index", which in 2019 saw Hera rank third in Italy and fourteenth worldwide, furthermore qualifying as the leading multi-utility overall. These are important results, considering that diversity and inclusion is an increasingly central issue for the international financial community, with investors becoming more interested in listed companies with excellent policies in this area. TE_2020_870 20200130_Top_Employers_2020.1580396096.pdf 2020-01-30 Read more top_employer_2019_870x320.1580396135.png The Group has been certified for the eleventh consecutive year, rewarding a strategic management that focuses on people and gets them involved in pursuing shared goals. Investments in welfare, training, diversity and innovation continue https://www.top-employers.com/en/ /group_eng/working-at-hera-group Visit Top Employers website Visit the "Working in Hera Group" web area Further Informations TE_2020_110
22/01/2020

Hera among the 10 Italian companies included in the "Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index"

ede_hera_110 The "Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index" (GEI) has included Hera, together with nine other important Italian companies such as Mediobanca, Snam, Acea, Enea, Intesa Sanpaolo and Unicredit, among the 325 most committed companies, globally, in the promotion of gender equality through the development of dedicated policies and projects and transparency in the dissemination of information. The index, presented as part of the World Economic Forum in Davos, in Switzerland, from 21 to 24 January 2020, assesses the financial performance of companies active in terms of equality, and measures their tangibility through five parameters: female leadership and talent enhancement, gender pay equality, inclusive culture, rigid harassment policy and corporate recognition for women. sede_hera_870 2020-01-22 Further informations Hera_870.1579685805.jpg The index, presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos, brings together the 325 companies globally most committed to promoting gender equality policies https://www.bloomberg.com/company/press/bloombergs-2020-gender-equality-index-expands-to-include-325-public-companies-globally/ Read the news ede_hera_110
20/01/2020

Hera Group promotes Circular View by Silvia Camporesi

Hera Group promotes Circular View by Silvia Camporesi Silvia Camporesi - BIOGRAPHY Silvia Camporesi was born in 1973 in Forlì. With a degree in philosophy, she uses the languages of photography and video to develop stories inspired by ancient myths, literature, religions and real life. In recent years her work has focused on the Italian landscape. Since 2004 she has held solo exhibitions in Italy - Dance dance dance at the MAR in Ravenna in 2007, Planasia at the European Photography Festival in Reggio Emilia in 2014, Genius Loci at the MAC in Lissone in 2017 - and abroad - À perte de vue at the Chambre Blanche in Quebec in 2011; 2112, Saint James Cavalier in Valletta in 2013; Atlas Italiae exhibited at the Abbaye de Neumünster in Luxembourg in 2015, and Art Musings in Mumbai in 2017 and Desfours Palace in Prague in 2018. Group exhibitions she has participated in include: Italian camera, Isola di San Servolo, Venice in 2005; Con gliocchi, con la testa, col cuore at MART in Rovereto in 2012; Italy inside out at Palazzo della Ragione, Milan in 2015; Extraordinary Visions at MAXXI in Rome in 2016 and at the Kolkata Centre in Kolkata in 2019, and The Quest of Happiness at Serlachius Museums in Mantta, Finland. In 2007 she won the Celestial Award for Photography; she was among the finalists of the Talent Prize in 2008 and the Terna Award in 2010; she won the Francesco Fabbri award for photography in 2013, the 2015 Artefiera Rotary Award, and the 2016 BNL Award. She has published five books: La Terza Venezia (Trolley, 2012); Journey to Armenia (Quaderni di Gente di Fotografia, 2014), Atlas Italiae (Peliti Associati, 2015), Il mondo è tutto ciò che accade (Danilo Montanari Editore, 2019) and Doppio sguardo (Contrasto Books, 2019). She complements her artistic work with teaching. Her works are present in public and private collections, among which: MAXXI, Rome; MART, Rovereto; BNL Group, Milan. Hera Group promotes Circular View by Silvia Camporesi 2019-07-23 870x500_eng.1579256714.jpg After the SCART exhibition in 2018 and the Gasometro M.A.N. n.3 exhibition by Carlo Valsecchi in 2019, the Hera Group promotes Circular View by Silvia Camporesi, curated by Carlo Sala, from 24 January to 24 February 2020 at Spazio Carbonesi, Bologna. Hera Group promotes Circular View by Silvia Camporesi
10/01/2020

Hera Group approves Business Plan to 2023

Business_plan_110 Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, Hera Executive Chairman The goals set out in the Business plan we are presenting today are in line with our history: for 17 years, we have been growing uninterruptedly, creating value for the areas in which we operate and for all stakeholders, beginning with our shareholders. This value translates into concrete benefits, concerning for example the investments made in services and plants, which become assets of the area itself, and in the activities in which Hera involves citizens, institutions, workers, suppliers and members of the third sector, acting as an “enabler” for their own growth. Our Plan is able to rely on both a solid initial basis – with preliminary year-end results 3% higher than expected – and significant growth in 2020, sustained among other things by the transaction with Ascopiave, which will now begin to contribute to our results. Stefano Venier, Hera CEO Our Business plan’s orientations, just like the initiatives carried out by Hera in previous years, reflect our growing attention towards sustainable development, circular economy and decarbonisation. Within the Group, sustainability is built into our corporate strategies themselves: by 2023, 42% of Ebitda will involve “shared value”, that is, projects that respond to the goals contained in the Un Agenda. In this area, investments will come to over 950 million euro over the period covered by the Plan, of which 330 million to make our cities increasingly smart, thanks to innovation and technological evolution, or again projects promoting energy efficiency, recovery and reuse of materials, air quality and network resilience, in order to face climate change. What’s more, we are looking even farther into the future, with the objective of reducing the impact of our activities up to 2030, in all areas in which we operate. Preliminary results for 2019 show Ebitda at 1,081 million; a new Plan to accompany development Today, the Hera Group's Board of Directors, chaired by Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, approved the Business plan to 2023. The year-end projections confirm results exceeding expectations, due to both the highly positive results seen in the third quarter report at 30 September 2019, and the performances projected for the last quarter of the year. Ebitda is expected to reach roughly 1,081 million euro, up 4.85% compared to the 1,031.1 million seen in 2018, with the Net debt/Ebitda ratio settling at roughly 2.5, before including the financial impact of the Ascopiave transaction, which brings this indicator to roughly 3.05. The scenario: options for growth, along with a range of opportunities Even within a complex national economic scenario, marked by limited prospects for growth, Hera intends to continue along its path of development and maintain the resilience it has shown over time in this type of context. This will be achieved by relying on its noteworthy available asset portfolio, the skills of its employees, the diversified portfolio mix and the opportunities now emerging in its various business areas. The growing attention shown by European institutions towards promoting sustainable growth, with interventions such as the recent "A European Green Deal" program, will give further value to the goals already pursued by the Group in recent years, in terms of sustainability, innovation and circularity in its business management models. In regulated sectors, growth opportunities are linked to the reassignment of concessions through tenders and ongoing changes in Arera tariff regulation which, as of 2020, will be responsible for the waste management sector as well. In free market waste management activities, the persistent shortcomings in waste treatment plants on a national and European level sustains a positive trend in prices and demand, going to the advantage of operators provided with adequate infrastructures. As regards free market energy sales, over the period of time covered by the Plan, new yearly/two-year tenders for assigning last resort services are expected to be held and a process of liberalising protected electricity customers "maggior tutela" is expected to be gradually introduced. Growth, risk management and circular economy: the three pillars of the new Business plan In such context, Hera has defined its Plan to 2023 by elaborating marketing and industrial growth strategies based on an increasingly sustainable business model, making the most of the opportunities offered by new technologies and digital evolution. The new strategic document aims at leveraging upon the competitive advantages of its multi-utility portfolio: a wide service portfolio marked by a significant amount of regulated services; solidity in assets and finance; an ability to fund significant investments; a corporate environment and experience geared towards efficiency and innovation; and the investments constantly made in training its roughly 9,000 employees. In particular, the Group has set out its Plan to 2023 by following 3 strategic directives: industrial growth, risk management. Attention towards sustainability remains a fundamental aspect of the Group's strategy, reflecting the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda that concern the Group's activities (covering 11 of the UN's 17 SDGs): almost 3/4 of the growth expected over the period covered by the Plan will be sustained by projects that respond to this "call to action". Almost 2.9 billion euro in investments; solidity confirmed in assets and finance The new Business plan foresees investments coming to roughly 2.9 billion euro, of which roughly 2 billion will go towards maintenance of currently owned plants and 900 million in plant expansion. In particular, investments for internal plant development are expected to rise, now coming to 540 million, 120 more (+30%) than in the previous plan. The attention that Hera has shown over time to the solidity of its assets and its financial balance has allowed to include projects for expansion through M&As in its new strategic document, in addition to the ones already finalised over the previous year, including the partnership with Ascopiave. At the same time, space to manoeuvre remains, as does the flexibility required to grasp any additional opportunities for external growth in the upcoming years, not included in the current Plan. Leader in the waste management area, thanks to sorted waste, solutions for waste transportation and outstanding projects for a circular economy Increases are also expected for Ebitda in the waste management area, which will go from 252 million in 2018 to 307 in 2023, with 618 million in investments expected between 2019 and 2023. In this sector, the Group aims at confirming its commercial and technological leadership in the integrated waste cycle, thanks to its avant-garde set of plants which are in line with European best practices, which will be further developed in the years to come with the goal of increasing resource protection and maximising reuse. One example comes from biomethane production plants. The experience acquired from the Sant'Agata Bolognese (BO) plant - which transforms the organic portion of sorted waste into compost and biomethane which fuels buses, taxis and private vehicles - will lead new projects to be introduced in areas served by the Group, supporting the model of a circular economy. In particular, over the period covered by the Plan, the Voltana anaerobic digester, located in the area surrounding Ravenna, will also be partially reconverted to produce biomethane. Within 2023 the Hera Group furthermore expects an additional rise in sorted waste in the areas served, up from the 62.5% seen in 2018 to 75% in 2023. The Group's objective is to improve its quality as well, thanks to numerous campaigns designed to raise awareness and initiatives meant to get citizens involved. The circular model, indeed, in addition to the appropriate type of plants, also requires coherent individual and collective behaviour. A larger and better amount of sorted waste leads to further circular business opportunities. One example can be seen in the partnership between Hera and Eni intended to produce biofuel from waste oil brought by citizens, which is expected to be extended to other areas served by the Group, outside Emilia-Romagna, where the pilot project took place. 2020-01-09 Further informations Business plan to 2023 In light of the positive preliminary results for 2019, showing higher growth than expected in the previous Plan, and the M&A transactions carried out, the Group has presented its new five-year strategic document. This reflects its commitment towards further industrial development, sustained by investments, innovation and an eye to sustainability. Hera has confirmed its role as a "local multi-utility", capable of creating value for the areas in which it operates and for all stakeholders /-/hera-group-approves-business-plan-to-2023-1?inheritRedirect=true http://investornews.gruppohera.it/en/?n=179 /group_eng/investor-relations/hera-strategy/ Press release Newsletter: business plan to 2023 Strategy and Business Plan centrata Read more bp_2023_110x150.1578647530.png
19/12/2019

Partnership between Hera and Ascopiave now operational in the energy sales sector

GH-ASCOPIAVE_110 The Hera Group and Ascopiave S.p.a. have finalised the transaction that formalises, as of today, the birth of the largest operator in the energy sector in North-Eastern Italy, with over one million customers, while at the same time redefining gas distribution between the two partners. Today's closing, which follows up on the framework agreement signed on 30 July and the subsequent approvals granted by the appropriate authorities and bodies, involves an exchange of assets having an equal value between the Hera Group and Ascopiave, in energy sales on the one hand, and gas distribution on the other. The economic aspects of the transaction did not change with respect to what had been made public previously, except for adjustments in the closing date included in last July's framework agreement, and settlements defined for governance and management options for Ascopiave's shareholdings in EstEnergy and Hera Comm. This transaction is an important step along the evolution of the Hera Group and Ascopiave's business portfolios, and fully respects the orientations in development approved by their respective Boards of Directors. The Hera Group, indeed, will achieve the goal set out in its Business plan to 2022 in advance, reaching roughly 3.3 million customers in energy sales. Ascopiave, instead, will implement its own strategic repositioning plan, through a sales agreement with a leading figure and a consolidation of its own position in the core business of gas distribution. As regards energy sales, EstEnergy will manage commercial activities in the Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Lombardy regions, with over one million customers (including roughly 795,000 gas contracts and roughly 265,000 electricity contracts). More specifically, the new company, whose value before the transaction came to 191.7 million euro, now includes the sales companies of the Ascopiave Group (Ascotrade S.p.a., Ascopiave Energie S.p.a. and Blue Meta S.p.a. as well as the joint ventures Asm Set S.r.l. and Etra Energia S.r.l.) and a shareholding in Sinergie Italiane S.r.l., for an overall value of 474.2 million euro, as well as those of the Hera Group (Hera Comm Nord-Est S.r.l), whose value comes to 159.0 million euro. The Hera Group holds 52% of the share capital of the new EstEnergy, while 48% is held by Ascopiave (which purchased this amount for a price of 395.9 million euro, based on the total equity value of EstEnergy, equivalent to 824.9 million euro). The Board of Directors is made up of 5 members, 3 appointed by Hera and 2 by Ascopiave, in line with the Shareholders Agreement signed today. The members, appointed today, are, for the Hera Group: Stefano Venier, CEO of the Hera Group; Cristian Fabbri, Group Market Manager and CEO of Hera Comm, who will also act as CEO of the new EstEnergy; Isabella Malagoli, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hera Comm. Ascopiave's members are: Giovanni Zoppas, CEO of Thelios, who will also act as Chairman, and Nicola Cecconato, Chairman and CEO of Ascopiave Group. As regards the reorganisation of gas distribution, Ascopiave purchased from the Hera Group, for a price set at 168 million euro, an area of concessions comprising roughly 188,000 users in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions, which as of 31 December 2019 will come together in the newly created company named AP Reti Gas Nord-Est. Thanks to this transaction, the Ascopiave Group will manage roughly 775,000 users and a network with a total length of over 12,000 Km, thus consolidating its position in the national ranking. Lastly, as indicated in the agreement signed in late July, 3% of the share capital of Hera Comm was purchased by Ascopiave today, for a price of 54 million euro. Furthermore, Chairman and CEO Nicola Cecconato was appointed in the company's Board of Directors. Furthermore, as part of the overall redefinition of energy sales activities, Hera Comm directly acquired 100% of the share capital of Amgas Blu, a company entirely held by Ascopiave, which operates in the province of Foggia and has roughly 50,000 customers, for a price of 42.5 million euro. GH-ASCOPIAVE_870 20191219_closing_Gruppo_Hera_e_Ascopiave_eng_final.1576776341.pdf 2019-12-19 hera_ascopiave_870.1576776340.jpg The transaction between the two companies, finalised today, marks the birth, through EstEnergy, of the largest energy operator in North-Eastern Italy, whose BoD was also appointed. Ascopiave acquires new assets in gas distribution, reinforcing its position in the sector and reaching 775,000 users served. The Hera Group now has roughly 3.3 million energy customers overall Read more GH-ASCOPIAVE_110
12/12/2019

The Hera Group is a "champion" in energy efficiency

FIRE_prize_110 The Hera Group has been recognized among the Italian companies most capable of promoting the rational use of energy. This was decided by the highest national body in the sector: the FIRE (Italian Federation for the Rational Use of Energy), which for the past three years has established the FIRE - Energy Manager Award. The Hera Group has now participated for the first time and immediately took the podium, thus obtaining an important recognition, on an equal footing with two other Italian companies, active in the civil and tertiary sectors. The award ceremony took place on 11th December 2019 in Milan, during the Enermanagement XII, a conference dedicated to energy management, resource management and the core business, at the end of a round table in which Hera Group experts also participated. The award assigned to the Hera Group is of great value, as it recognizes the attention and commitment that the company has always placed in the efficient use of energy in all its activities, starting with the overall goal of reducing its own energy consumption of 5% by 2020, with a saving of over 8 million euro compared to 2013 energy expenditure. FIRE_prize_870 20191212_FIRE_prize_press_release.1576150016.pdf 2019-12-12 Further informations 374AD479_008F_4660_8E5F_7F9B04C4C001.1576150015.jpeg The multi-utility received the FIRE - Energy Manager 2019 award, one of the most coveted awards in the sector at national level. The prize was awarded based on the activities carried out internally within the company to promote the rational use of energy /group_eng/sustainability/thematic-reports/value-to-energy Examine the report "Value to energy" Read more FIRE_prize_110
02/12/2019

The Hera Group ranked third-best in Italy for online communication

Hera is still on the podium for web communication Also this year the Hera Group is on the podium of online communication. In the Webranking 2019 edition, in fact, the multi-utility won the bronze medal. The study, published today in Corriere Economia, is conducted by Lundquist and the Swedish Comprend, the two expert digital communication companies that annually examine the corporate sites of the major Italian companies listed on the stock exchange, evaluating their communication strategies on the web in a national ranking. This year, the analysis includes 112 companies. In the 18th edition of the report, Hera ranked 3rd with a score of 90/ 100, ahead of large companies such as Generali, Mondadori, Telecom Italia TIM and ERG. In first position Eni was classified with a score of 93.2 while the third step of the podium is occupied by Snam with a score of 91.3. Hera Group is the best company in the Utilities sector. All results are available at this link. The third position on the podium is the detailed view of the company and its activities provided to the users of the institutional website. In particular, the multiutility proves to be close to the needs of various targets: Press and Careers sections, in fact, are particularly effective in communicating with the relevant public. Furthermore, the completeness of the sections dedicated to sustainability was much appreciated. Not only. The Hera Group's communication also distinguished itself in the first edition of the ".Trust" dossier by Lundquist, which placed the multi-utility in the "Bronze Class" and, in particular, in the parameter of measurement named "Substance", in which the narration is supported by a unified vision of the company mission and by concrete examples of the commitment to this mission. In order to respond to the continuous input and to the new needs of users, in fact, a constant commitment to transparency and renewal of content is needed. This important result is only possible thanks to an incessant and careful team work aimed at excellence and response and dialogue with its stakeholders. Since 2006, the year of its first entry into the top10 of the report, the Group has confirmed itself on the podium for 9 years. Hera Group stands out in the detailed view of the company and its activities and for the completeness of the sections dedicated to sustainability. Webranking 2019-2020 Italy listed Key information on webranking's survey Read the article from Corriere della Sera Download Whitepaper Italy listed 2019 2018-11-12 Further informations header_webranking.1575297694-2.png In the Webranking 2019 report on Italian digital communication conducted by Lundquist, in collaboration with Comprend, the Hera Group wins the third position distinguishing itself by the detailed view of the company and its activities and for the completeness of the web site sections focused on sustainability https://lundquist.it/webranking/webranking-italy-listed-2019-2020/ null To see the full results null Webranking 2019: il Gruppo Hera conquista la terza posizione
13/11/2019

Hera BoD approves 3Q 2019 results

Hera BoD approves 3Q 2019 results Financial highlights Revenues at 5,063.2 million euro (increased by 16.4%) Ebitda at 785.8 million (increased by 5.0%) Net result at 242.0 million (increased by 12.1%) Net debt at 2,740.7 million, with Net debt/Ebitda reduced to 2.57x Operating highlights Good contribution to growth coming from business areas, especially the gas, water and waste management sectors Positive results thanks to both internal growth and M&A Sharp increase in energy customers, now almost 2.65 million, more than triple the historical average Today, the Hera Group’s Board of Directors, chaired by Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, unanimously approved the consolidated financial results at 30 September 2019, which shows particularly positive results and further improved the growth already seen in the previous quarters. The trends seen over the first nine months of the year, which were higher than expected, reflected the Group’s effective implementation of its Business plan to 2022, having already reached 42% of the expected 200 million euro growth in Ebitda, ahead of the projected timeline. Some strategic projects, including M&As to be concluded in the near future, will be included in the upcoming Business plan to 2023. An excellent contribution came from internal growth, both in free market activities – which saw an increase in energy customers, now almost 2.65 million, and further expansion in the area of waste treatment – and regulated ones. The M&A operations carried out during the first nine months include the integrations of ATR in gas distribution and CMV Energia e Impianti’s energy sales operations, both of which are companies operating in the Ferrara area, the acquisition of Cosea Ambiente, with the Cosea Consorzio landfill in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine area, and Pistoia Ambiente in Tuscany. Furthermore, a definitive formalisation of the Ascopiave deal is underway, according to the timeline previously set out. In general, the results for the first nine months confirm the Group’s winning strategy, based on a business model that balances regulated and free market activities, and brings internal growth together with an eye towards M&A opportunities. Sustainability and innovation have proven to be increasingly important competitive levers underpinned higher amount of investments, focused on “circular economy model” and “resource regeneration”, with the goal of creating value for the local area and all stakeholders. Revenues increase to 5,063.2 million euro In the first nine months of 2019, revenues came to 5,063.2 million euro, increased by 16.4% over the 4,348.4 million recorded at 30 September 2018, thanks to the contribution coming from all business areas. Trading operations and higher revenues and volumes sold in gas and electricity were particularly significant. Ebitda rises to 785.8 million Consolidated Ebitda at 30 September 2019 increased from 748.6 million euro to 785.8 (increased by 5.0%). This growth mainly came from the good performance seen in the Group’s various business areas, especially the gas and water businesses. Positive results were also recorded in the waste treatment business. Operating result and pre-tax profit up thanks to factors including financial operations The operating result grew to 405.5 million euro, compared to the 376.5 seen at 30 September 2018 (increased by 7.7%), and pre-tax profit rose to 338.4 million compared to the 311.0 recorded one year earlier (increased by 8.8%). Financial income and expenses at the end of the first nine months of 2019 settled at 67.1 million euro, substantially in line with the figure seen at 30 September 2018. Net result increases to 242.0 million (increased by 12.1%) The net result at 30 September 2019 rose to 242.0 million euro (increased by 12.1%), compared to the 215.9 million seen at the same date one year earlier, while the Net profit post minorities increased to 230.8 million, compared to the 208.7 million recorded at 30 September 2018 (increased by 10.6%). These results benefitted from factors including an average tax rate that came to 28.5%, an improvement over the 30.1% seen in the same period of the previous year, thanks in particular to the Group’s commitment to investing in technological and digital transformation, along the lines of Utility 4.0. Over 343 million euro in investments and reduction in the Net debt/Ebitda ratio At 30 September 2019, the Group’s operating investments, including capital grants, amounted to 343.1 million euro, increased by 15.7% over the same date in 2018 and in line with the indications set out in the Business plan to 2022. Operating investments mainly involved interventions on plants, networks and infrastructures, furthering their development and resilience in order to better face the challenges coming from climate change. Investments also went to regulatory upgrading above all in the purification and sewerage area, in addition to gas distribution, with a large-scale gas smart meter installation. These interventions also include Hera’s increasing investments in the field of innovation: yesterday, at Paris’ European Utility Week, the most important conference in the sector, NexMeter was launched, the innovative smart gas meter 4.0 created by the Hera Group alongside leading national and international partners and provided with advanced safety functions and technology. Thanks to investments coming to 45 million euro, the first 300,000 smart meters will be installed over the next three years. At 30 September 2019, net debt came to 2,740.7 million euro, remaining basically stable, thanks to a cash flow that entirely financed the investments made, including those aimed at development, and the annual dividend payment. The change compared to the 2,585.6 million recorded at 31 December 2018 was mainly due to figurative debts booked in application of accounting standard IFRS16 and, to a lesser degree, the M&A operations carried out recently, which will contribute to growth in results in the fourth quarter as well. Financial leverage reduced, with the net debt/Ebitda ratio coming to 2.57x, compared to the 2.62x seen at 30 September 2018. Gas Ebitda for the gas business – which includes services in natural gas distribution and sales, district heating and heat management – came to 239.8 million euro at 30 September 2019, increased by 7.9% over the same period in the previous year, in terms of both revenues and volumes sold. These results were obtained thanks to a larger amount of trading activities and the market expansion in the default and last resort supply services. A very significant rise was seen in gas customer base – almost 1.5 million overall, at the end of the third quarter of 2019 – with growth coming to 52,400 (increased by 3.7%) compared to the same period in the previous year, mainly due to the consolidation of the companies Sangroserviziand CMV Servizi, new customers in the default and last resort markets and marketing initiatives. The gas area accounted for 30.5% of Group Ebitda. Water The water business – which includes aqueduct, purification and sewerage services – showed a 7.4% growth in Ebitda, which reached 200.0 million euro, compared to the 186.2 million seen in September 2018. This growth was caused above all by higher revenues for new connections and supply; the latter reflected the results of the tariffs introduced by the Authority for the period from 2016 to 2019 and bonuses for contract quality. The integrated water cycle business accounted for 25.4% of Group Ebitda. Waste management In the waste management business – which includes services in waste collection, treatment, recovery and disposal – the Hera Group further consolidated its leadership, with a set of avant-garde plants that offers solutions across the board and supporting the evolution of activities towards “circular economy model”. Important results were also reached in sorted waste, which went from 61.4% in the first nine months of 2018 to 63.4% in the same period of the current year. At 30 September 2019, Ebitda rose to 192.0 million euro, showing a 2.0% increase over the 188.2 million seen at 30 September 2018, mostly achieved in the third quarter. This positive trend – which fully offset lower revenues due to a drop in volumes treated – was sustained among other things by trends in prices for special and industrial waste treatment, the contribution coming from Aliplast and new structures such as the waste treatment plant inaugurated in Cordenons (PN) and the innovative biomethane production plant in Sant’Agata Bolognese (BO), both having progressively become fully operational. These results furthermore benefitted from the acquisitions of Cosea Ambiente, including the landfill in Gaggio Montano (BO), and Pistoia Ambiente. As regards the higher efficiency reached, moreover, also note the merger of WasteRecycling into Herambiente Servizi Industriali, which thus became Italy’s largest company involved in industrial waste management, and Aliplast, which continued to show growth through market development and the extraction of synergies through integrations. The waste management business accounted for 24.4% of Group Ebitda. Electricity Ebitda for the electricity business – which includes services in electricity generation, distribution and sales – went from 133.2 million in the first nine months of 2018 to 129.1 million at 30 September 2019. This result is even more appreciable considering the effects of the new tender for 2019-2020 safeguarded services, in which a high degree of competition led to lower prices than the previous two-year period. This factor was almost entirely offset by higher volumes sold and higher revenues, as well as the positive contribution coming from activities in electricity trading and generation. Significant growth was also seen in the number of customers, which came to 132,400, up 12.7% over the same period in 2018, thanks above all to marketing initiatives in the free market area. At 30 September 2019, customers amounted to almost 1.2 million. The electricity business accounted for 16.4% of Group Ebitda. Profit & Loss (m€) 30/09/19 Inc.% 30/09/18 Inc.% Ch. Ch. % Sales 5,063.2 4,348.4 +714.8 +16.4% Other operating revenues 366.7 7.2% 321.1 7.4% +45.6 +14.2% Raw material (2,504.9) (49.5%) (1,966.6) (45.2%) +538.3 +27.4% Services costs (1,698.4) (33.5%) (1,529.2) (35.2%) +169.2 +11.1% Other operating expenses (45.6) (0.9%) (42.9) (1.0%) +2.7 +6.3% Personnel costs (418.7) (8.3%) (410.1) (9.4%) +8.6 +2.1% Capitalisations 23.5 0.5% 28.0 0.6% (4.5) (16.1%) Ebitda 785.8 15.5% 748.6 17.2% +37.2 +5.0% Depreciation and provisions (380.3) (7.5%) (372.2) (8.6%) +8.1 +2.2% Ebit 405.5 8.0% 376.5 8.7% +29.0 +7.7% Financial inc./(exp.) (67.1) (1.3%) (65.5) (1.5%) +1.6 +2.4% Pre tax profit 338.4 6.7% 311.0 7.2% +27.4 +8.8% Tax (96.4) (1.9%) (95.1) (2.2%) +1.3 +1.4% Net profit 242.0 4.8% 215.9 5.0% +26.1 +12.1% Special items - 0.0% 4.8 0.1% (4.8) (100.0%) Net profit 242.0 4.8% 220.7 5.1% +21.3 +9.7% Attributable to: Shareholders of the Parent Company 230.8 4.6% 208.7 4.8% +22.1 +10.6% Minority shareholders 11.2 0.2% 11.9 0.3% (0.7) (6.0%) Balance Sheet (m€) 30/09/19 Inc.% 31/12/18 Inc.% Ch. Ch. % Net fixed assets 6,151.2 108.9% 5,905.1 108.7% +246.1 +4.2% Working capital 109.6 1.9% 115.4 2.1% (5.8) (5.0%) (Provisions) (610.0) (10.8%) (588.2) (10.8%) (21.8) +3.7% Net invested capital 5,650.8 100.0% 5,432.3 100.0% +218.5 +4.0% Net equity 2,910.1 51.5% 2,846.7 52.4% +63.4 +2.2% Long term net financial debt 2,846.5 50.4% 2,558.8 47.1% +287.7 +11.2% Short term net financial debt (105.8) (1.9%) 26.8 0.5% (132.6) (494.8%) Net financial debts 2,740.7 48.5% 2,585.6 47.6% +155.1 +6.0% Net invested capital 5,650.8 100.0% 5,432.3 100.0% +218.5 +4.0% Hera BoD approves 3Q 2019 results 2019-11-13 For further informations 870x320_eng.1573644991.jpg The Group closed the first nine months of the year with particularly positive results, higher than expectations, and with the third quarter showing further improvement over the previous quarters. All main operating and financial figures showed growth, as did investments, with a special focus on innovation as a lever for development /-/hera-bod-approves-3q-2019-results-1?inheritRedirect=true Press release Hera BoD approves 3Q 2019 results
16/09/2019

Hera rises to 14th place globally in the Diversity & Inclusion Index

Refinitiv_110 The Hera Group has confirmed its ranking as one of Italy and the world's most interesting companies for investors who look favourably on businesses committed to supporting diversity and inclusion. The outcome has been published in the 2019 edition of the "Diversity & Inclusion Index", which measures the performance of over 7,000 listed companies worldwide. In this international ranking, Hera, with a score of 75, came in third in Italy and 14th globally, further improving its position (after ranking 22nd in 2018). Furthermore, it was confirmed as the leading multi-utility worldwide in this classification. The "Diversity & Inclusion Index", conceived and carried out by the international financial information giant Refinitiv (the new name for Thomson Reuters' Financial and Risk division), analyses the performance of companies based on a range of ESG (environmental, social and governance) factors, mainly focusing on four areas: diversity, inclusion, people development and news controversy. 150 researchers participate in one of the world's largest and most accurate projects in data collection and analysis concerning companies committed towards these issues, which find significant room in the Hera Group. The multi-utility, indeed, continues to invest in developing internal and personalised career paths, an orientation that has allowed it to reach a percentage of women having roles of responsibility that in 2018 came to 32.3%, increasing over the previous year. The amount of female personnel, which grew overall, is once again higher than the national sector average (24.7%, as compared to 15.9%). Alongside this figure, one must also consider that workers with disabilities account for 4.5% of the company's employees, significantly moving in the direction of inclusion for people with special needs. Other positive effects unquestionably come from Hera's corporate welfare plan, Hextra, which supports employees and their families in many ways (the overall value of services claimed in 2018 came to 4.2 million euro). Lastly, numerous significant projects give concrete reality to managing plurality, such as scholarships, agreements with summer schools, work-life balance initiatives and arrangements for paid family leave, not only for mothers and fathers but also those who must take care of relatives or the elderly. The Hera Group's commitment to policies promoting inclusion and diversity, in any case, has a long history. It first took concrete shape in 2009, when the Charter for equal opportunity and equality on the workplace was signed. The introduction in 2011 of a Diversity Manager, whose task involves giving even greater emphasis to developing policies aimed at inclusion and the valorisation of diversity, was also fundamental. With these initiatives, Hera actively contributes to the fifth of the United Nation's objectives for sustainable development (SDG), specifically dedicated to gender equality. Refinitiv_870 20190916_Hera_in_Diversity_Inclusion_Index.1568616308.pdf 2019-09-06 Read more Refinitiv_2019_D_and_I_Top_100_Logo_870.1567771660.png In 2019 as well, the Hera Group reached outstanding results, further improving its raking compared to 2018, confirming itself as the world's leading multi-utility /group_eng/working-at-hera-group/why-work-at-hera/diversity-inclusion Visit the Diversity & Inclusion area on the website Refinitiv_110
13/08/2019

HeraSolidale with Save the Children, which continues to support the displaced people of the war in Syria

Save the Children With HeraSolidale, the project with which we promote the support of voluntary associations active in the territories in which we operate, we concretely contribute to the activities that Save the Children carries out in the three nurseries set up in a refugee camp in Jordan. With 25,000 euros we obtained the distribution of healthy snacks for 200 children for a year. Now we want to achieve the second goal: with an additional 50,000 euros we always guarantee the support of two asylum teachers for a year and we give children 2,000 school kits and books. There is still time to support the project! 2019-08-19 CH18291_800x.1564755264.jpg Thanks to the donations of workers, company and customers, the non-profit organization managed to distribute healthy snacks for 200 children for a year. Save the Children
30/07/2019

100% of Pistoia Ambiente goes to Herambiente

HA-PTA_110 Herambiente, a Hera Group company and Italian leader in waste treatment, has acquired Pistoia Ambiente, which manages the Serravalle Pistoiese landfill and the associated liquid waste treatment plant. This transaction, which follows up on others brought to a conclusion in previous years (from Waste Recycling and Teseco in Tuscany, to Geo Nova and Aliplast in Treviso), is part of Herambiente's path of growth in the sector of industrial waste treatment and environmental services for businesses. More specifically, Herambiente has further consolidated its own set of plants dedicated to companies, which is unique nationwide, having over 15 poly-functional sites active in treating industrial waste. The Serravalle landfill and the liquid treatment plant will mainly treat waste coming from industrial contexts, guaranteeing new opportunities for marketing and technical synergies with other the plants and services managed by the Group, furthermore allowing Herambiente to become the reference operator in the waste sector in Tuscany as well. The strategic priority pursued by Herambiente, which can rely on the roughly ninety plants it owns, all certified and at the forefront in bringing together efficiency, competitiveness in costs and sustainability, is to provide companies with waste treatment solutions that follow the principles of a circular economy. The technology currently used in rounding off the circle of waste treatment still requires final waste disposal sites such as landfills, able to safely deal with non-recoverable waste coming from treatment plants. The acquisition of Pistoia Ambiente is therefore in line with this strategic orientation and will guarantee positive results in this area. HA-PTA_870 20190730_100_of_Pistoia_Ambiente_goes_to_Herambiente.1564502990.pdf 2019-07-30 HA_PTA_870.1564502906.png The Hera Group extends the scope of its activities in Tuscany and consolidates its leadership in environmental services for businesses by acquiring the Serravalle Pistoiese landfill and the associated liquid waste treatment plant Read more HA-PTA_110
30/07/2019

Energy partnership between Hera and Ascopiave in the North-East gets the green light

GH-Ascopiave_110 Today, the Boards of Directors of Hera S.p.A. and Ascopiave S.p.A., the latter based on the favourable opinion of its committee of independent administrators, following the binding agreement signed this last June 17th and in full compliance with the timescales indicated therein, resolved to sign the framework agreement that will launch this commercial partnership through the joint venture EstEnergy aimed at developing an energy sector leader in the North-East with over one million customers, while at the same time restructuring the two partners' respective gas distribution activities. As already announced on June 17th, on the occasion of the signing of the binding term sheet, the operation involves exchanging assets of equal value between Hera and Ascopiave, considered strategic for the development of the two companies in the fields of both energy sales and gas distribution, in keeping with the strategic objectives of the two groups. On the commercial energy front, a single operator will be created to handle the respective commercial activities in the regions of Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Lombardy, through EstEnergy S.p.a., already jointly controlled by Ascopiave S.p.a. and Hera Comm S.r.l., which will thus hold approximately 795,000 gas contracts and approximately 265,000 electrical contracts, bringing it over the threshold of one million contracts. EstEnergy, when fully operational, will have a consolidated EBITDA of approximately € 69 million - on a 2018 basis and excluding the participation of companies held with minority interests. 52% of EstEnergy's share capital will be held by the Hera Group and 48% by Ascopiave. In addition, on the closing date Ascopiave will acquire a 3% stake in the capital of Hera Comm, acquiring the right to appoint a member of the Board of Directors; while Hera Comm will directly acquire 100% of the capital of Amgas Blu, a company operating in the province of Foggia. The reorganisation of gas distribution activities, on the other hand, will involve Ascopiave purchasing from the Hera Group a series of concessions covering 188,000 users in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia. As a result of this operation, the Ascopiave Group will directly manage approximately 775,000 users and over 12,000 km of network. GH-Ascopiave_870 20190730_comunicato_GruppoHera_Ascopiave_ENG.1564515789.pdf 2019-07-30 GH_ASCOPIAVE_870.1560775014.1564513165.jpg GH_ASCOPIAVE_110.1560775016.1564513167.jpg
30/07/2019

Hera BoD approves results for 1H 2019

1H_2019_110 Financial highlights Revenues at 3,371.6 million euro (+13.6%) Ebitda at 545.9 million (+4.3%) Net profit at 173.9 million euro (+7.1%) Net debt at 2,685.2 million euro Operating highlights Excellent contribution from all business areas Growth mainly internal, generally in free market activities Further increase in energy customers, now above 2.6 million Today, the Hera Group’s Board of Directors, chaired by Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, unanimously approved the consolidated economic results at 30 June 2019, which confirm the multi-utility’s positive trend, with indicators rising in all business areas: gas, water cycle, waste management and electricity. An excellent contribution came from internal growth, both in free market activities – which benefitted from an increase in energy customers, now 2.6 million, and from further expansion in waste treatment – and in regulated activities, above all the water sector. The first six months saw acquisitions including the company ATR in gas distribution and CMV Energia e Impianti’s energy sales activities, both operating in the Ferrara area and both acquired in March, as well as Cosea Ambiente, acquired in May with the concession of the Cosea Consorzio landfill, located in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine area, assigned as of the second half of 2019. The effects of additional M&A transactions are expected to arrive in the second half of the year, along with constantly increasing waste treatment capacity, thanks to the new waste treatment plants coming from Pistoia Ambiente in Tuscany and Cordenons in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Furthermore, work on formalising the definitive agreement with Ascopiave is ongoing, as set out in the binding Term Sheet signed on 17 June and respecting its timeline. Overall, the half-year results confirm the Group’s winning strategy, based on a business model that balances regulated and free-market activities, and brings internal growth together with attention towards the opportunities in external growth offered by the market. Revenues increase to almost 3.4 billion euro In the first half of 2019, revenues came to 3,371.6 million euro, up 404.9 million (+13.6%) over the 2,966.7 million seen in the same period of 2018. This result was reached above all thanks to growth in revenues for trading and higher revenues and higher volumes in gas and electricity sales. The remaining growth was due to higher revenues in electricity generation and waste treatment. Ebitda rises to 545.9 million euro Ebitda settled at 545.9 million euro, increasing by 22.3 million (+4.3%) over the 523.6 million recorded at 30 June 2018. This result is particularly remarkable considering the 22 million euro drop in Ebitda coming from last resort markets, and the growth ensued from the good performances in all Group activities, in particular the water cycle and gas. Positive results also came from the electricity, waste management and other services areas, including public lighting. Operating result and pre-tax profits show growth Operating profits increased to 288.9 million euro, up 15.3 million (+5.6%) over the 273.6 million seen one year earlier. Financial operations came to 44.9 million euro, owing to lower non-recurring income and lower profits from affiliated companies and joint ventures, as well as the application of international accounting standard IFRS16 on operating leases. Pre-tax profit grew by 9.6 million (+4.1%), going from 234.4 million euro in the first half of 2018 to 244.0 million euro at 30 June 2019. Net result rises to 173.9 million euro (+7.1%) The net profit at 30 June 2019 rose to 173.9 million, with growth coming to 11.5 million (+7.1%) over the 162.4 million recorded at the same date one year earlier, without the non-recurring effects coming from the transfer of Medea to Italgas in April 2018. This result is due to factors including a further improvement in the tax rate, which went from 30.1% to 28.7%, thanks to the Group’s continuous commitment towards investing in assets moving towards technological and digital transformation and utility 4.0, which benefitted from “super and iper” amortisations, alongside additional incentives and tax credits. Profits pertaining to Group shareholders amounted to 166.2 million euro, with an 8.1 million (+5.1%) increase over the 158.1 million recorded in the first half of 2018. Almost 215 million in investments, and financial position stable In the first six months of 2019, the Group’s operating investments, including capital grants, amounted to 214.6 million euro, up 30.8 million (+16.8%) over the 183.8 million seen in June 2018, and mainly went to interventions on plants, networks and infrastructures, in addition to regulatory upgrading above all in gas distribution, with an intensive meter substitution, and the purification and sewerage areas. The Group’s financial solidity is confirmed by the net debt/Ebitda ratio, which in the first half of 2019 settled at 2.55x, improving compared to both the 2.62x seen at 30 June 2018 and the 2.74x recorded at the same date in 2017. Further confirmation comes from the Roe and Roi indicators, which respectively came to 10.2% and 9.5%. Net debt remained stable, thanks to a cash generation that entirely financed investments and the yearly dividend payment. Net debt closed at 2,685.2 million at 30 June 2019, up 100 million compared to the 2,585.6 million recorded at 31 December 2018, exclusively due to the new accounting standard IFRS16 on leasing contracts. Statement by Executive ChairmanTomaso Tommasi di Vignano “These half-year results confirm the Hera Group’s trend of uninterrupted growth and fully respect its track record, thanks to organic growth and the numerous projects implemented in internal and external development. The increase in Ebitda, the profits gained and the attentive management of financial operations allowed the Group to fully cover both investments and annual dividend payments to our Shareholders, which rose to 10 cents per share (+5.3%). The further increase in waste treatment plants managed and the joint venture with Ascopiave in the energy sector, currently being formalised, will allow us to implement plans for growth as early as the second half of 2019 on the one hand, and on the other to expand in the Triveneto area, strategically important for a further development of the Group’s activities, already ensuring at present, after only 18 months, 60% of the growth in Ebitda foreseen within 2022 by the Business plan.” Statement by CEO Stefano Venier “The results for the first half of 2019 confirm the solid financial management that has allowed the Group to maintain stability in both debt and the net debt/Ebitda ratio, which now comes to 2.55x, providing evidence of its high financial flexibility. The debt profile has also improved, thanks to the placement, on 26 June, of our second green bond, amounting to 500 million euro, intended for projects in environmental sustainability. This has allowed us to grasp available M&A opportunities and confirm our leadership through further consolidation in the markets, still fragmentary, in which all of our businesses operate. One factor that cannot be overlooked, in continuing to pursue our strategy of growth, is the attention given to sustainability, which for us is a true business lever, and the principles underlying a circular economy, in order to continue creating shared value for all our stakeholders.” The manager responsible for drafting the company’s accounting statements, Luca Moroni, declares, pursuant to article 154-bis paragraph 2 of the TUF, that the information contained in the present press release corresponds to the documentation available and to the account books and entries. The half-year financial report and related materials will be made available to the public pursuant to the terms established by law at Company Headquarters, on the website www.gruppohera.it and on the authorised storage platform 1Info (www.1info.it ). Unaudited extracts from the Abbreviated Consolidated Half-Year Financial Statements at 30 June 2019 are attached. Profit & Loss (m€) 30/06/2019 Inc.% 30/06/2018 Inc.% Ch. Ch. % Sales 3.371,60 2.966,70 404,9 13,60% Other operating revenues 249 7,40% 209,8 7,10% 39,2 18,70% Raw material -1.699,20 -50,40% -1.327,60 -44,70% 371,6 28,00% Services costs -1.075,10 -31,90% -1.031,60 -34,80% 43,5 4,20% Other operating expenses -29,8 -0,90% -30,3 -1,00% -0,5 -1,70% Personnel costs -286,6 -8,50% -281,7 -9,50% 4,9 1,70% Capitalisations 16 0,50% 18,3 0,60% -2,3 -12,60% Ebitda 545,9 16,20% 523,6 17,60% 22,3 4,30% Depreciation and provisions -257 -7,60% -250 -8,40% 7 2,80% Ebit 288,9 8,60% 273,6 9,20% 15,3 5,60% Financial inc./(exp.) -44,9 -1,30% -39,2 -1,30% 5,7 14,50% Pre tax profit 244 7,20% 234,4 7,90% 9,6 4,10% Tax -70,1 -2,10% -72 -2,40% -1,9 -2,60% Net profit 173,9 5,20% 162,4 5,50% 11,5 7,10% Special items - 0,00% 4,8 0,20% -4,8 -100,00% Net profit 173,9 5,20% 167,2 5,60% 6,7 4,00% Attributable to: Shareholders of the Parent Company 166,2 4,90% 158,1 5,30% 8,1 5,10% Minority shareholders 7,7 0,20% 9,1 0,30% -1,4 -15,40% Balance Sheet (m€) 30/06/2019 Inc.% 31/12/2018 Inc.% Ch. Ch. % Net fixed assets 6.064,10 109,80% 5.905,10 108,70% 159 2,70% Working capital 59,8 1,10% 115,4 2,10% -55,6 -48,20% (Provisions) -599,9 -10,90% -588,2 -10,80% -11,7 2,00% Net invested capital 5.524,00 100,00% 5.432,30 100,00% 91,7 1,70% Net equity 2.838,80 51,40% 2.846,70 52,40% -7,9 -0,30% Long term net financial debt 2.754,30 49,90% 2.558,80 47,10% 195,5 7,60% Short term net financial debt -69,1 -1,30% 26,8 0,50% -95,9 -357,80% Net financial debts 2.685,20 48,60% 2.585,60 47,60% 99,6 3,90% Net invested capital 5.524,00 100,00% 5.432,3 100,00% 91,7 1,70% H1 2019 2019-07-30 Read more be_870x320_slide_eng.1564478551.png A highly positive half-year, thanks to the organic growth achieved in all business areas. At the same time, intense activity in external development and an increase in the Group's set of plants will support further expansion as early as the second half-year, leading the targets included in the Business plan to be reached ahead of time /-/hera-bod-approves-results-for-1h-2019-1 Press release 1H_2019_110
13/07/2019

PSBO: open to the public Piazzale Kennedy

Piazzale_Kennedy_110 Piazzale Kennedy is now open to the public, the heart of the Piano di Salvaguardia della Balneazione (PSBO), created by Hera and the Municipality of Rimini together with Romagna Acque and Amir, one of the main hydraulic works of recent years in Italy, thanks to total investments for over 150 million euros, and reported by the UN for its importance in safeguarding marine environments. After months of incessant work on the building site, under the Construction Management of the Hera Group, the area was in fact returned to the city and the first of the two viewpoints was completed. The high lookout (the so-called "torrino") is still not accessible, although partially completed, which will remain fenced for safety reasons until the end of the summer period, also thanks to panels that show the citizens the most important phases of the intervention. Let us remember that Piazzale Kennedy is a project of great importance, not only from a plant engineering point of view, which the city of Rimini has undertaken. It is in fact the result of an important work of coherence between hydraulic works and urban planning and redevelopment guidelines. A synthesis of planning and architectural and landscape integration of the plant system in the city system. Piazzale Kennedy is one of the most important construction sites of the PSBO both in terms of impact and complexity: started in 2016, the shipyard sees today completed about 90% of the works. At the end of the summer season the works will resume in the remaining part of the area to reach the final phase of the redevelopment, the most visible and spectacular, with the opening of the lookout above the new hydraulic garrison. The underground part The new hydraulic facility provides an important accumulation infrastructure characterized by a total volume of almost 40,000 cubic meters, consisting of a first tank of 14,000 cubic meters of volume, which collects the first rainwater, and a second tank of 25,000 cubic meters with lamination and accumulation function. The first tank came into operation in mid-June, for the benefit of bathing in the Marina Centro area of Rimini. At the end of September, after the summer break, instead the works of the second larger tank will resume, which aims to limit, through a process of rolling the flood, the mixed flows that will eventually be conveyed to the sea. This tank is preparatory to the subsequent outflow lifting, with a pumping capacity of 18,000 liters per second, or to return to treatment at the Santa Giustina purifier. The large pool will come into operation once the sea pipelines have been completed, whose forecast for completion is scheduled for next autumn. In addition to the creation of new storage volumes and related lifting systems, particular attention was paid to the containment of odors. The project, in fact, provides a system based on forced ventilation that will convey the air drawn in from the tanks (both the first rain and the rolling one) to a treatment system that uses a specific activated carbon technology. Furthermore, the importance of the project must also be highlighted from the point of view of hydraulic protection: thanks to the work put in place it will in fact be possible to prevent flooding phenomena such as those already caused in the past by exceptional weather events. Finally, thanks to appropriate screening and storage treatments of the materials deriving from the excavations fielded by Hera, it was possible to recover over 20 thousand cubic meters of excellent quality sand, already used for the nourishment of the Rimini coasts. The operation is fully part of the initiatives aimed at protecting our beaches, because it helps to combat soil erosion, and as a good practice in a circular economy perspective. 20190713_PSBO_open_to_the_public_Piazzale_Kennedy.1564144575.pdf 2019-07-26 piazzale_kennedy_800_1.1563181364.jpg The viewpoint above the construction site, the heart of the Bathing Safeguard Plan, is now fully accessible Read more Piazzale_Kennedy_110
09/07/2019

HeraSolidale: with Butterfly Onlus our contribution has reached Africa

Pozzi_110 In Ethiopia, access to drinking water sources is extremely problematic. It is estimated that, on average, only 27% of the population has access to clean water. From all this derive diseases related to intestinal infections that tend to affect the weakest categories such as children, the elderly and women. This project is part of ongoing programs aimed at improving access to water supply for rural populations in the eastern area of the Tigray and Afar, regions in the extreme north of Ethiopia that live in a serious state of economic and social crisis. Here agriculture plays a predominant role employing 90% of the population. During 2018, for the Hera Solidarity project, thanks to the involvement and collaboration of workers, company and customers, we raised 145 thousand euros, of which 15 thousand for Butterfly Onlus. With this important amount, 3 wells were rehabilitated and then inaugurated. But let's not stop there: the goal for the year 2019 is to collect a useful amount to inaugurate another 4 wells, of which another 4,300 people will benefit. 2019-07-29 butterfly_foto1_800.1562838805.jpg Thanks to the donations of workers, company and customers, Butterfly Onlus has inaugurated three wells in Ethiopia that allow over 3 thousand people to drink clean water Pozzi_110
01/07/2019

10 candles: Herambiente celebrates its tenth anniversary with a gesture of solidarity

10anni_HA_110 It was July 1st 2009, when Herambiente was born, which takes the expertise and the rich endowment of Hera Group plants into a new reality that is better able to capture the prospects for development in the sector, characterized by a high fragmentation of operators and by a plant infrastructure insufficient to meet the needs of the country. The roots of the company therefore lie in almost 100 years of history, or in the DNA of those municipalities in Emilia Romagna to which the Municipalities entrusted, in the first half of the 1900s, the management of waste and then, over the years, the construction of the plants of urban waste disposal. Exact ten years of constant growth starting from Emilia-Romagna 2013: four years after its birth, Herambiente starts its expansion in the territories of Padua and Trieste with the acquisition of AcegasAps by the Hera Group, thus acquiring the Padua and Trieste waste-to-energy plants and the Padua storage plant. 2014: territorial expansion continues in northern Italy with the acquisition of the Ecoenergy Srl plant in Castiglione delle Stiviere (MN). Here non-hazardous special waste is transformed into CSS, a secondary solid fuel that feeds thermoelectric, cement and waste-to-energy plants, avoiding the use of fossil fuels. This confirms the company's position as a leader in the recovery of materials and energy from waste, completing the value chain downstream of the usual treatment process. 2016: Herambiente completes the acquisition of some environmental business branches of Geo Nova, which has twenty years of experience in the treatment, recovery, disposal of urban and industrial waste, in particular by detecting the storage plant for hazardous and non-hazardous waste at San Vito al Tagliamento (PN) and the active landfills for non-hazardous waste of Loria (TV) and Sommacampagna (VR). Thanks to this operation, the Group further expands its corporate perimeter in the North East following the logic of developing and strengthening sales in areas where it was already active and thus extending its plant park with a more complete offer for Veneto customers and of Friuli Venezia Giulia. 2017: the acquisition process of Aliplast begins, a leading national company in the collection and recycling of industrial plastic waste and in the recycling and production of regenerated polymers, a decision that testifies to Herambiente's desire to combine its business with the values of the circular economy, with a view to environmental sustainability. With this operation, the corporate scope also extends abroad because Aliplast has offices in Italy, Spain, France and Poland; Waste Recycling acquires Teseco, a leading company in the treatment and recovery of industrial waste, with more than 30 years of experience in the sector of special waste and innovative plants. 1 July 2019: in conjunction with the tenth anniversary, Waste Recycling is incorporated by merger and Herambiente becomes the international leader in the industrial waste sector, with 1 million tons managed per year, able to offer an increasingly complete and personalized service based on the needs of individual customers, be they small or medium and large companies. Circular economy and sustainability at the center of the choices As a company specializing in the treatment of urban waste, Herambiente in these 10 years has therefore gradually integrated industrial waste into its business, creating, in 2014, a dedicated company, Herambiente Servizi Industriali. With the subsequent acquisition of Aliplast it then moved towards the production of regenerated plastic. Along this path, by providing innovative services and technologies, the Group was able to make waste a resource, creating a circular economy for the benefit of the communities but also of national and foreign companies of which it is a partner. Together with customers, in fact, high-value services are developed to improve and streamline business processes and impacts, always combining attention to economic resources and sustainability. The increase in the customer portfolio from 370 in 2009 to 3,000 in 2019 is the acknowledgment to Herambiente of being a serious and reliable partner. A result achieved also thanks to the strong investment in the professional development of its resources, which went from 738 to 1,415 in 10 years, through a constant search for innovation and enriching the technical skills of employees. A gift to Ageop for Herambiente's birthday For ten years at the service of companies and territory, Herambiente has decided to celebrate this birthday by donating to the Associazione Genitori Ematologia Oncologia Pediatrica - AGEOP of Bologna a van equipped for the transport of children and their families from the AGEOP Houses to the hospital Sant ' Orsola Malpighi of Bologna. The association has been welcoming and assisting cancer children and their families for thirty-five years to improve their living conditions. The AGEOP facilities, where small patients and parents are welcomed for free all the time of the therapies, make it possible to realize the synergy with the Pediatric Oncology Department of the Policlinico Sant’Orsola Malpighi allowing to resort to the so-called "protected resignations". This means that children can be discharged as soon as possible, continuing therapies "at home" and therefore with a significant improvement in their quality of life. When the children are not from Bologna, the AGEOP structures become "their home" and the high standards of hygiene and health with which they are conceived make them a safe and welcoming haven in which to face the therapeutic period without ever being left alone in front of the illness . consegna_chiavi_veicolo 20190702_Herambiente_sets_solidarity_in_motion.1564143740.pdf 2019-07-26 The Hera Group company celebrates its birthday by donating a van equipped for transporting children and their families to the Sant'Orsola Malpighi hospital at the AGEOP of Bologna sinistra Read more 10anni_HA_110
28/06/2019

The biggest Italian company dedicated to the management of industrial waste grows

Hasi-WR_110 As of 1 July, Waste Recycling, a subsidiary of Herambiente, is founded through a merger with Herambiente Servizi Industriali (Hasi), which then becomes the largest Italian company dedicated to the management of industrial waste, with registered office in Bologna and three commercial locations in Ravenna, Padua and Pisa. Hasi targets one million tonnes treated per year The objective of the merger is to simplify and further rationalise the overall structure of the company and make corporate coordination activities easier in order to achieve economies of scale with a general improvement in operating efficiency. The entry to Hasi of the three Tuscan multifunctional sites of Waste Recycling (two in Castelfranco di Sotto and one in Pisa, the former Teseco) will also enable an increase in the range of customers, allowing Hasi to transfer more types of waste to the same platform. In Italy, waste from production activities accounts for 80% of all waste produced. With respect to urban waste, industrial waste requires highly professional management systems and cutting edge treatment plants. Thanks to this merger, the volumes treated by Hasi have doubled, up from 550,000 to one million tonnes per year, mainly coming from the chemical-pharmaceutical, petrochemical, iron and steel sectors, and also the manufacturing and food sectors. The same goes for customers, which rose from 1,500 to 3,000, small and medium enterprises and also 250 large customers. The number of employees in the new company Hasi rose from around 40 initially to 200, while turnover reached Euro 140 million per year, compared to Euro 50 million previously. Serving companies Hasi was created in 2014 from an offshoot of Herambiente, the Hera Group company which is a national leader in waste management, with more than 6 million tonnes per year (including urban and special, hazardous and non-hazardous, originating from urban collection and industrial and productive activities). Thanks to the availability of roughly 90 certified Herambiente plants and a network of qualified suppliers throughout the country, Hasi is the Group company that offers services to companies that range from micro collection for small commercial activities to treatment and disposal of all types of waste for SMEs and large industrial groups. With a view to reducing costs and enhancing the circular economy performance of business customers, Hasi's offer has evolved over time, augmenting waste treatment and transport with a comprehensive series of related higher value services: the so-called Global Waste Management, customised solutions to support customers at each phase of management of their waste,always with a focus on recycling and recovery, as also indicated in the EU directives. The companies supported by Hasi with Global Waste Management services actually reach recovery shares of roughly 80%, thanks to efficiency plans proposed to reduce waste produced and an improvement in plant performances. In addition, the synergy with other Hera Group companies allows business customers to access additional services based on the circular economy, such as energy and water efficiency plans, that sit alongside those implemented by Hera regarding waste treatment. Hasi-WR_870 20190628_Nasce_la_pi_grande_realt_italiana_dedicata_alla_gestione_di_rifiuti_industriali_DEF.1563435725.pdf 2019-07-18 hasi_wr_870.1561725495.1563435724.jpg As of 1 July 2019, the Tuscan company Waste Recycling, with its three multifunctional areas in the province of Pisa, joins Herambiente Servizi Industriali (Hasi). Hence, the range of solutions for industrial waste treatment will be expanded. A million tonnes of waste that will be treated annually Read more Hasi-WR_110
26/06/2019

Hera: new 500 m€ green bond

sede_berti_110 The Hera Group aims to continue in its role as a reference point for sustainable finance in Italy and, five years after issuing the country's first "green" bond, it is now launching its second. The bond is being announced at the end of a road show in Europe's main financial centres, aimed at illustrating the structure of the transaction to investors and analysts, in addition to the way in which the resources will be allocated, i.e. by investing in environmental sustainability projects in the waste, water and energy sectors. Considering that it also launched Italy's first ESG-linked revolving line of credit last year, Hera is carrying on with its activity in identifying and implementing innovative instruments. The latter are indeed able to valorise the company's commitment and the results it has reached hereto in this area, along with its future investment policies, thus meeting the market's growing attention towards this sort of endeavour. The characteristics of the new green bond and the projects financed The second green bond issued by the Hera Group (Moody's rating Baa2 with stable outlook and Standard & Poor's rating BBB with positive outlook) amounts to 500 million euro overall, repayable over 8 years with a 0.875% coupon and a 1.084% return. The date of payment for the newly issued bond has been set at 5 July 2019. Furthermore, the new green bond is expected to have the same rating as the Hera Group. A strong demand, coming to seven times the amount offered, and the quality of the orders received have allowed the price to be fixed at an excellent level. The transaction has seen significant participation from international investors (France, Germany, United Kingdom and Holland), most of whom follow green and sustainable criteria. The bond is expected to be listed on the Irish Stock Exchange and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange's regulated markets, and on Borsa Italiana's ExtraMOT PRO. The funds will be used to finance or refinance numerous projects, already implemented or included in the Business plan to 2022, that pursue one or more of the goals in the UN's 2030 Agenda. These projects have been subdivided into 3 areas: energy efficiency (in line with SDGs 7 and 13): from installing smart metres to developing district heating networks and projects in the area of public lighting; circular economy and sustainable waste management (responding to SDG 12): innovative projects in the waste collection systems, further use of unit pricing, creating plants and structures for recycling, recovering and reusing materials, plants for biological/chemical waste treatment and plants for transforming waste into energy, similar to the Sant'Agata Bolognese (BO) biomethane production plant; water infrastructures (meeting SDGs 6 and 14): waste water management projects, sewerage and water infrastructures furthering resilience and adaptation to climate change. In order to guarantee that the funds are correctly and transparently allocated, Hera has introduced a monitoring and reporting process. The amount actually dedicated to each intervention will be published in the Group's Sustainability Report, along with data concerning the environmental performances reached. "Green Financing Framework": Hera transparent in sustainability as well The Hera Group, furthermore, is among the first companies in Europe to have provided itself with a "Green Financing Framework" (GFF). The GFF is a particularly innovative programming document, in line with "Green Bond Principles", that covers not only aspects linked to issuing the green bond, but also sustainable loans and other ESG instruments on the market. The GFF is accompanied by a "Second Party Opinion", drafted by ISS-oekom, which ranked Hera "Prime" in terms of ESG performance (sixth in a panel of 43 worldwide companies), in particular giving an excellent opinion of Hera's contribution to the water sector. sede_berti_870 20190626_Cs_Nuovo_green_bond_Hera_final_ENG.1561565634.pdf 2019-06-26 Read more bologna_berti_pichat_870_320.1561565805.jpg Strong interest shown by international investors for the multi-utility's second "green" bond, which will finance environmental sustainability projects in 3 areas: energy efficiency, circular economy and sustainable water resource management /group_eng/investor-relations/strategy/strategy-and-business-plan /group_eng/investors /group_eng/investor-relations/debit-and-rates/green-financing-framework-e-opinion Hera Group Business Plan Investor Relations Green Financing Framework e Second Party Opinion sede_berti_110
17/06/2019

The Hera Group and Ascopiave: a large energy partnership in North-East Italy

Hera-Ascopiave_110 Today, the Boards of Directors of Hera S.p.a. and Ascopiave S.p.a. approved the signing of a binding Term Sheet intended to develop a major entity in areas of North-East Italy, which will be able to rely on over one million energy customers, while at the same time redefining their respective activities in gas distribution. The Term Sheet, which will be finalised by a framework agreement within 31 July 2019, defines the geographical areas involved, the economic terms of the agreement and related elements of governance. The agreement reached represents an important strategic transition in the evolution of the two Groups' activity portfolios and fully respects the strategic lines of development approved by the Boards of Directors of Hera S.p.a. and Ascopiave S.p.a., as communicated to investors. More specifically, as regards the gas and electricity marketing area, the agreement calls for a single operator to be created, bringing together the respective sales operations in the Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Lombardy regions, acting through EstEnergy S.p.a., a company currently jointly controlled by Ascopiave S.p.a. and Hera Comm S.r.l., the Hera Group's sales company. EstEnergy S.p.a.'s activities in the geographical areas indicated will be considerably increased, coming to include the Ascopiave Group's sales activities carried out by the subsidiaries Ascotrade S.p.a., Ascopiave Energie S.p.a. and Blue Meta S.p.a. as well as the joint ventures Asm Set S.r.l. (49%) and Etra Energia S.r.l. (51%), in addition to the liquidating Sinergie Italiane S.r.l. (30.94%) and the company Energia Base Trieste S.r.l. (92,000 contracts managed) and Hera Comm's Veneto and Friuli customers (96,000 gas contracts and 68,000 electricity contracts). A major operator rooted in the North-East will thus emerge with a portfolio totalling over 795,000 gas contracts and 265,000 electricity contracts, based on 31 December 2018 data, which considering the joint venture pro rata component amounts to over 1 million contracts. This new entity, which will take shape through EstEnergy, when fully operational, will have a consolidated Ebitda coming to roughly 69 m€, based on 2018 data, not including the contribution coming from owned companies with minority shareholdings. 52% of EstEnergy's share capital will be held by the Hera Group, and 48% by Ascopiave. The parties involved have disclosed that the overall equity value of the new EstEnergy amounts to 864.5 m€ (with a corresponding enterprise value of 797 m€), based on 31 December 2018 data, and may be subject to standard adjustments following the closing date; of this amount, 601 m€ (543 m€ enterprise value) pertains to sales activities originating from Ascopiave and 263 m€ to activities originating from HeraComm. As regards the Hera Group, through these agreements with Ascopiave it will reach its target of 3 million energy customers (3.2, according to 31 December 2018 data) set in its business plan to 2022. This represents a further step along the path of growth in this area, that has seen the Group double its energy customer base over the last 10 years, by way of internal growth and M&As. Hera-Ascopiave_870 20190617_press_release_GruppoHera_Ascopiave.1560792483.pdf 2019-06-17 GH_ASCOPIAVE_870.1560783726.jpg The business partnership, through the joint venture EstEnergy, involves over 1 million customers, with the new entity's overall value coming to 864.5 million euro and its Ebitda amounting to 69 million euro. With this transaction, the Hera Group reaches over 3 million energy customers Read more Hera-Ascopiave_110
10/06/2019

Communicating sustainability on the web: The Hera Group is among the eight best companies in Italy

lundquist_future_110 For a company, attention to sustainability does not incorporate only the implementation of current and future practical actions, but also the way in which these initiatives are described, for example with stories, initiatives and poignant videos. Being sustainable has always been in the Hera Group's DNA. For this reason, the multiutility is in the top eight companies in Italy in terms of on-line communication of the theme of sustainability in the ".future" research of Lundquist, the study that takes into consideration the 100 biggest Italian companies. In the Italian panorama, around twenty companies stand out for the practical and clear way in which they address the significant themes of sustainability and the attention reserved to users of digital channels. The Hera Group is among the six "Silver class" companies, alongside major names like Generali, Tim and Terna, which combine story-telling and involvement in their on-line communication. In particular, the first section of the research conducted by Lundquist, called "Substance", evaluates the sustainability strategy and the transparency of communication. Indeed in this ".future" chapter, the Hera Group distinguished itself as an "excellent example", because it presents clear and detailed information relating to the sustainability strategy and the priority company issues, relating them to the priorities of the global agenda and business opportunities". The most recent products, in terms of communication effectiveness, include the latest Sustainability Report of the Group, in which the contents focus on the creation of shared value, i.e. the multiutility's ability to meet the needs of the local area and tackle the challenges in terms of change geared towards sustainability. Furthermore, it is worth pointing out the new report of the Hera Group "Building the future together", dedicated to the initiatives in which the local community plays an active role, by creating a long-term relationship and a significant environmental impact. lundquist_future_870 2019-07-18 Read more lundquist_future_870.1560148207.1563434959.jpg The multiutility is an excellent example of the ".future" research of Lundquist, which evaluates sustainability and transparency strategy https://lundquist.it/our-thinking/future/ /group_eng/who-we-are/hera-group-strategy/shared-value Visit Lundquist.future website Find out Hera's commitment to create shared value lundquist_future_110
10/06/2019

Re-inventing the city: smartness and resilience to face new challenges

lundquist_future_110 Overview Exploring the transition that the cities of the near future will have to implement to counter the effects of climate change: a transformation that involves institutions, companies, associations and, more generally, citizens. It is the main theme addressed at the conference "Re-inventing the city: smartness and resilience to face new challenges", organized by the Hera Group in Bologna, in the multi-utility headquarters. The young actress Ludovica Nasti stepped in first, performing in a reading of the touching text "I have a dream" by the writer Stefano Massini. Regeneration of resources and sustainability as a business leverage were the focus of the opening speech by the Executive Chairman of the Hera Group, Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, who then gave the floor to the moderator of the entire afternoon, the director of Rai News 24 Antonio Di Bella. The first intermezzo was dedicated to the video with the results in terms of sustainability achieved by the Group in 2018, and collected in the Sustainability Report. "The most important contribution to urbanization, to tackle climate change, is to improve social cohesion", said during his speech the guest of honor Paul Romer, Nobel Prize 2018 for Economics and professor at NYU Stern School of Business. Then, the other speakers of the conference took turns on the stage, from the architect Stefano Boeri to the Global Ambassador of the B Corp Marcello Palazzi, from the full professor to the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and to the IUAV University of Venice, Paola Viganò, to the former mayor of Bogotà, Antanas Mockus, and the current first citizen of Bologna, Virginio Merola. The concluding remarks were made by the Chief Executive Officer of the Hera Group, Stefano Venier, who in his speech also emphasized: "In addition to the technological upgrade, the city of tomorrow will have to be based on the circular and resilient economy, able to adapt to change climate to ensure continuity of essential services for everyone's life”. Finally, the attention of those present was all for the children’s choir "Mariele Ventre" of the Antoniano of Bologna, which performed a moving cover of "Sing For The Climate", the famous song about the environment born in Belgium, in 2012, at the initiative of environmental director and activist Nic Balthazar. Reinventing the city - Regenerating resources to move to a society based on the circular economy During the event the 2018 Sustainability Report has been presented Watch the video with the results achieved in 2018 for the benefit of the served areas lundquist_future_870 2019-07-18 Read more On the occasion of the presentation of its sustainability report, an event to discuss together with so many authoritative voices of how cities will have to change to face climate change and guarantee wellbeing to future generations. Among the guests, the Nobel Prize for Economics Paul Romer https://paulromer.net/about/ https://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/stefano-boeri-biografia/ https://nl.linkedin.com/in/marcellopalazzi http://www.studiopaolavigano.eu/at06/at06.html https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Di_Bella https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginio_Merola https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antanas_Mockus https://www.antoniano.it/91-piccolo_coro/ Paul Romer Stefano Boeri Marcello Palazzi Paola Viganò Antonio Di Bella Virginio Merola Antanas Mockus Piccolo coro dell'Antoniano di Bologna lundquist_future_110
15/05/2019

Hera BoD approves 1Q 2019 results

1Q_2019_110 Financial Highlights Revenues at 1,940,4 million euro (+11,4%) Ebitda at 330,8 million euro (+2,5%) Net profit at 129,7 million euro (+3,0%) Net financial position at 2,622 million euro Operating Highlights Good contribution to growth coming from all main business, above all water cycle and gas Solid customer base in energy sectors, rising to approximately 2.6 million customers Today, the Hera Group’s Board of Directors, chaired by Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, unanimously approved the Group’s consolidated economic results for the first quarter of 2019, which improved over the same period of the previous year, showing constant growth in all main indicators. The company’s winning multi-business strategy was thus confirmed, balanced as it is between regulated and free market activities, with high attention given to sustainability and a circular economy. The Hera Group, indeed, pursues this model through both internal and external growth, always prepared to grasp the opportunities offered by the market also thanks to the financial solidity. The Group’s path of 16 years of uninterrupted growth took a step further on 18 March 2019, when it was included in Borsa Italiana’s FTSE MIB index, which brings together the 40 companies with the highest capitalisation on the Italian stock exchange. In general, the results for the first quarter of 2019 benefited from the higher tariffs on regulated services introduced by the Authority’s updates, in addition to commercial expansion and the creation of efficiencies. Among the changes in the Group’s scope of operations compared to the first quarter of 2018, mention must go to Blu Ranton and Sangroservizi in Abruzzo, Megas Net in the Marche region and, as of March 1st 2019, the integration, in the Ferrara area, of the energy sales activities carried out by CMV Energia e Impianti and the natural gas distribution activities carried out by CMV Servizi, including the subsidiary company ATR. Furthermore, 9 May saw the formal acquisition of 100% of the shares of Cosea Ambiente, a company that manages urban and similar waste services owned by 20 municipalities in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine. This operation also involved a ten-year concession for the Cosea Consorzio landfill in Gaggio Montano, effective as of the second quarter of 2019. Revenues reach 1.94 billion euro In the first quarter of 2019, revenues amounted to 1,940.4 million euro, rising compared to the 1,741.3 million seen in the same period of 2018. Contributions to this result came above all from growth in revenues from trading activities, power generation and waste treatment business, as well as higher revenues and higher volumes in gas and electricity sales. Ebitda rises to 330.8 million euro Ebitda went from 322.7 million euro in the first quarter of 2018 to 330.8 million at 31 March 2019, showing an 8.1 million increase (+2.5%). This growth is due to the good performances in all Group’s main areas, in particular the water cycle and gas. Improvement was also seen in the results from the waste management area and in other services, while the electricity area remained essentially stable. Operating results and pre-tax profits grow Net operating results also increased, coming to 205.0 million euro at 31 March 2019, up compared to the 197.6 million seen in the same period of 2018 (+3.7%). The change in financial operations came to 3.6 million euro, amounting to 21.1 million at the end of the first quarter, owing to lower dividends received and the application of accounting standard IFRS 16 on operating leases. Pre-tax profits grew by 2.1%, going from 180.1 million in the first quarter of 2018 to 183.9 million euro in the same period in 2019. Net profits up, settling at 129.7 million (+3.0%) Net profits for the first quarter of 2019 increased to 129.7 million euro, as compared to the 125.9 million recorded one year earlier (+3.0%). Profits pertaining to Group Shareholders, instead, came to 124.2 million euro, with a 3.1% growth over the 120.5 million seen in the same period of 2018. These results, considered alongside the improved tax rate (which came to 29.5%, compared to 30.1% in the first quarter of the previous year), are due to factors including the Group’s continuous commitment towards grasping the benefits offered by current legislation, in particular through the depreciations involved in the significant investments made in the direction of Utility 4.0. Profit & Loss (m€) 31/03/2019 Inc.% 31/03/2018 Inc.% Ch. Ch. % Sales 1,940.4 1,741.3 +199.1 +11.4% Other operating revenues 121.0 6.2% 95.3 5.5% +25.7 +27.0% Raw material (1,024.6) (52.8%) (831.4) (47.7%) +193.2 +23.2% Services costs (556.7) (28.7%) (538.5) (30.9%) +18.2 +3.4% Other operating expenses (13.1) (0.7%) (12.7) (0.7%) +0.4 +3.1% Personnel costs (142.9) (7.4%) (140.0) (8.0%) +2.9 +2.1% Capitalisations 6.7 0.3% 8.7 0.5% (2.0) (23.1%) Ebitda 330.8 17.0% 322.7 18.5% +8.1 +2.5% Depreciation and provisions (125.8) (6.5%) (125.0) (7.2%) +0.8 +0.6% Ebit 205.0 10.6% 197.6 11.3% +7.4 +3.7% Financial inc./(exp.) (21.1) (1.1%) (17.5) (1.0%) +3.6 +20.6% Pre tax profit 183.9 9.5% 180.1 10.3% +3.8 +2.1% Tax (54.2) (2.8%) (54.2) (3.1%) +0.0 +0.0% Net profit 129.7 6.7% 125.9 7.2% +3.8 +3.0% Attributable to: Shareholders of the Parent Company 124.2 6.4% 120.5 6.9% +3.7 +3.1% Minority shareholders 5.5 0.3% 5.4 0.3% +0.1 +2.3% Balance Sheet(m€) 31/03/2019 Inc.% 31/12/2018 Inc.% Ch. Ch.% Net fixed assets 6,042.1 108.5% 5,905.1 108.7% +137.0 +2.3% Working capital 118.9 2.1% 115.4 2.1% +3.5 +3.0% (Provisions) (591.8) (10.6%) (588.2) (10.8%) (3.6) +0.6% Net invested capital 5,569.2 100.0% 5,432.3 100.0% +136.9 +2.5% Net equity 2,947.2 52.9% 2,846.7 52.4% +100.5 +3.5% Long term net financial debt 2,760.4 49.6% 2,558.8 47.1% +201.6 +7.9% Short term net financial debt (138.4) (2.5%) 26.8 0.5% (165.2) (616.4%) Net financial debt 2,622.0 47.1% 2,585.6 47.6% +36.4 +1.4% Net invested capital 5,569.2 100.0% 5,432.3 100.0% +136.9 +2.5% 1Q2019 results 2019-05-15 For further informations be_870x320_slide_eng_senzafascia.1557916317 (1).png Consolidated 1Q report shows growing results and a positive contribution coming from all main business areas, in particular the water cycle and gas. Focus on sustainability and circular economy confirmed /-/hera-bod-approves-1q-2019-results?inheritRedirect=true Press release Read more be_110x150.1557916320.png
09/05/2019

100% of Cosea Ambiente goes to the Hera Group

GH-Cosea_110 The Hera Group has been definitively awarded the tender for purchasing 100% of the shares of Cosea Ambiente S.p.A., a company managing urban and similar waste services owned by 20 Municipalities in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine area (15 in the province of Bologna, already Hera Group shareholders, and 5 in the province of Pistoia). The documents involved were signed today, 9 May 2019. The tender was accompanied by a ten-year concession for the Cosea Consorzio’s Ca’ dei Ladri landfill, in the Municipality of Gaggio Montano, also covering assets and resources involved in its operation. The concession, also dated today, was stipulated between Herambiente and Cosea Consorzio. The 18 Municipalities owning Cosea Consorzio are also shareholders in Cosea Ambiente, even while holding different percentages in the two companies, with the exception of two Municipalities with no shareholding. Thanks to this acquisition, the Hera Group will be able to manage its waste management services in an increasingly synergic way across the entire Province of Bologna. These services will be integrated with the others already offered in the Apennine area (mainly water and gas), guaranteeing at the same time that the personnel currently employed is maintained. As for the Municipalities previously served by Cosea Ambiente, they will benefit from the scale economies ensuing from an advanced industrial approach in service management and fully meet the goals set by the regional law on recycling and recovery. Further benefits will also come from the multi-utility’s many infrastructures, which already guarantee a high level of environmental performance in the areas served by Hera (selection, disposal and biomethane production plants, etc.). Additionally, the Hera Group will invest in currently existing infrastructures and activities over the next few months. GH-Cosea_870 Press release Cosea acquisition 2019-05-09 Read more GH_Cosea.1557416645 (1).jpg The multi-utility has consolidated its leadership in the waste management area by acquiring the entire shareholding of the company operating in waste management, owned by 20 Municipalities in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine area http://www.coseambientespa.it/ visit Cosea Ambiente website GH-Cosea_110
07/05/2019

Hera, 2018 Sustainability Report on-line: central focus on the local area and shared value

BS_online_110 The Hera Group's 2018 Sustainability Report, which can be found on-line at http://bs.gruppohera.it,contains the economic, social and environmental responsibility statistics and the focus on the commitments undertaken, the results achieved and the future prospects. This year in the Report, the representation of contents focussed on the creation of shared value was reinforced: the multiutility's ability to meet the needs of the local area and tackle the challenges in terms of change geared towards sustainability, as demonstrated by the company's decision to quantity the EBITDA deriving from activities that are in keeping with the priorities established by the UN Agenda. In addition, with the objective of improving accountability even further, new pages have been introduced this year dedicated to presenting the results for each area served. The Group's sustainability reports have also been enriched: the "Building the future together" report highlights the initiatives of engagement and collaboration between Hera, citizens and players in the local communities, in observance of target 17 of the UN Agenda. A strategic approach that has been validated: the "shared value" EBITDA increases by 14% In 2018, the Group generated a "shared value" EBITDA of Euro 375 million, up by 14% compared to the previous year and accounting for 36% of the total, a percentage expected to hit 40% by 2022. A significant commitment which stems from the awareness of how economic, social and environmental changes require companies to rethink the links between CSR (corporate social responsibility) and company strategy. Albeit corporate social responsibility has, up until now, concerned the "what" and the "how" of the company, shared value places its central focus on the "why", outlining the reason why the company exists and the salient elements that differentiate it from all other companies. In fact, the Hera Group wants to be part of the companies of the future that will be able use their business to help society regenerate the ecosystem and the environment. BS_online_870 Press release 2018 Sustainability Report 2019-07-18 Read more bs_online_870.1563434417.jpg The multiutility continues to commit to creating shared value and to responding to the current environmental and socio-economic challenges. In the report, the focus is on the results achieved, the investments and the future initiatives with new sections dedicated to the local areas served BS_online_110
30/04/2019

Hera Shareholders Meeting: 2018 financial statements and dividend increasing to 10 cents approved

Shareholders_meeting_110 The Hera Ordinary Shareholders Meeting called to approve the 2018 financial statements was held in Bologna this morning, and the 2018 sustainability report (a consolidated non-financial statement drafted pursuant to legislative decree 254/2016) was presented. 2018 financial statements approved with strong growth in results In the ordinary session, the Shareholders Meeting approved the balance sheets pertaining to 2018, which showed improvement in all main operating-financial indicators: turnover reached € 6,626.4 million, up 8% over the previous year, Ebitda exceeded one billion euro for the first time – coming to € 1,031.1 million (+4.7%) – and net profits amounted to € 296.6 million (+11.2%). Overall Group investments in 2018, including capital grants, reached € 462.6 million (+5% over 2017). Net debt settled at € 2,585.6 million, essentially stable compared to the previous year (2,523.0 million in 2017). The quality of these results was confirmed by a drop in the net debt/Ebitda ratio, which fell to 2.51x (compared to the 2.56x seen in 2017), providing further confirmation of the Group’s financial solidity, which was also reflected in the opinions released by leading rating agencies (Baa2 with stable outlook from Moody’s and BBB with positive outlook from Standard & Poor’s). The positive results for 2018, in line with the Business plan to 2022 and higher than the forecasts communicated last January, confirm the Hera Group’s ranking among Italy’s major multi-utilities and lay the foundations to grasp further opportunities for expansion in the fragmentary markets in which it operates. Shareholders meeting 2019 - Welcome speech to the shareholders by te Hera Group executive chairman Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano Increase in dividends paid, now reaching 10 cents/share The Meeting thus approved the Board of Directors’ proposal to pay a dividend of 10 cents per share, up over the amount seen in the past. The ex coupon date has been set at 24 June, with payment beginning on 26 June 2019. The dividend paid, based on the price of Hera shares at 31/12/2018, corresponds to an annual return of 3.7%. This confirms once again the Group’s strong commitment to creating value for shareholders, as is also underlined by the most recent Business plan, whose dividend policy expects further growth to occur, reaching 11 cents in 2022. The sustainability report: shared value Ebitda reaches 375.2 million The 2018 sustainability report, presented during the meeting, highlights the Group’s attention towards creating shared value, reporting information on those businesses that, in addition to creating operating margins for the company, work towards the objectives for sustainable growth contained in the UN Agenda. The areas in which Group’s commitment takes shape fall under three main drivers: a smart use of energy, an efficient use of resources, along with innovation and contribution to local development. The Hera Group’s 2018 shared value Ebitda came to 375.2 million euro (+14% over 2017), representing 36% of overall Ebitda: a result which is perfectly in line with the path set out in the Business plan, in which this indicator is projected to reach 40% by 2022. Furthermore, in 2018 the Group invested over 180 million euro (approximately 40% of the total) in initiatives and projects aimed at creating shared value. Shareholders meeting 2019 - Introduction of sustainability report 2018 by the Hera Group CEO Stefano Venier 2019-04-29 Read more Tommasi_e_Venier_870.1556621864 (2).jpg The multi-utility, included in the FTSE MIB as of 18 March 2019, improved all its main operating-financial and sustainability indicators, with results exceeding expectations and Ebitda amounting to over one billion for the first time. Commitment towards creating shared value also confirmed /-/hera-shareholders-meeting-2018-financial-statements-and-dividend-increasing-to-10-cents-approved-1?inheritRedirect=true /group_eng/corporate-governance/shareholders-meetings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2rtLBrP54Q /documents/1514726/4880892/GruppoHera_Consolidated_Financial_Statements_31_12_2018.1554724349.pdf/44a36885-d73d-277e-aff2-53db3830e0b2?t=1610019133226 Press release Go to Shareholders' meeting session Watch the Executive Chairman's comments to the 2018 financial results 2018 Financial results Shareholders_meeting_110
15/04/2019

Clean energy for IMAB thanks to the agreement with the Hera Group

GH-IMAB_110 The Hera Group, one of the leading Italian multi-utility companies, has reached an agreement with IMAB, a historic national furniture manufacturer, for the construction of a trigeneration plant that will supply clean energy to the Fermignano plant, in the province of Pesaro Urbino. The agreement was signed by IMAB with Hera Servizi Energia, the energy service company of reference for the industrial sector of the Hera Group, which over the years has built production plants, in cogeneration and trigeneration, for the main Italian industrial companies, employing the best technologies on the market. The new Fermignano plant will also be managed according to a logic of optimization and efficiency, with the help of a remote management and remote control system, active 24 hours a day, and emergency response. The energy efficiency intervention made possible by the new plant will guarantee primary energy savings of around 17%, with an overall efficiency, in terms of energy conversion, of 64%. When fully operational, the plant will be able to express important environmental performance, avoiding annual consumption of around 440 tons of oil equivalent and the emission of 750 tons of CO ₂ , equal to the absorption of a forest of 125 hectares. An environmental benefit comparable to around 320 diesel cars stolen from circulation. Implementation, management and maintenance of the infrastructure will be headed by Hera Servizi Energia, which will invest a total of over one million euros, within the framework of an 11-year agreement. As far as the technical aspects are concerned, the plant will have its fundamental core in a 1,000 kWe trigeneration plant which, thanks to complex mechanical and electrical connections and the installation of a cooling unit fed by hot water, will operate the thermal utilities and refrigerators of the plant. In fact, it will heat the entire body of the building and adjacent offices, as well as the summer cooling of two mechanical workshops serving the production. In short, a technological pole capable of generating electricity produced and consumed in itself, thermal energy in the form of hot water and cooling energy. With this plant, IMAB will therefore be able to improve efficiency in the use of plant energy and bring benefits to the environment, orientation in line with the historic vocation of the Hera Group, always attentive to energy efficiency issues and developing its own business, together with those of the partners, in harmony with the ambitious path traced to 2030 by the UN Agenda. GH-IMAB_870 20190415_Clean_energy_for_IMAB_thanks_to_the_agreement_with_the_Hera_Group.1563885328.pdf 2019-07-23 GH_IMAB_870.1555325884.1563885327.jpg The trigeneration plant that will be built by the multi-utility in Fermignano will increase the efficiency and sustainability of the production cycles, avoiding the emission of 750 tons of CO₂each year, the same "absorbing" power expressed by a forest of 125 hectares in the same time frame. The primary energy savings are also significant, thanks to the high-performance standards of the plant https://imab.com/en/ Visit IMAB website Read more GH-IMAB_110
10/04/2019

With HeraSolidale 145 thousand euros to non-profit organizations for solidarity projects

Herasolidale_110 Aism - Associazione Italiana Sclerosi Multipla, Butterfly ONLUS, D.i.Re - Donne in Rete contro la violenza, Fondazione ANT Italia ONLUS e Save the Children. These are the five non-profit organizations receiving the contributions donated in 2018 by Hera employees and supplemented by the Hera Comm contribution, with the Hera Solidarity project. 145 thousand euros in total that will serve to achieve well-defined objectives proposed by the non-profit organizations themselves. The Hera Comm checks were delivered today at the Hera headquarters in Bologna in the presence of Cristian Fabbri, Hera Central Market Director and Hera Comm CEO, the Group's light and gas sales company, of Filippo Maria Bocchi, Hera Shared Value and Sustainability Director, and representatives of the five organizations. What is HeraSolidale This is a project through which Hera workers can support one of the 5 associations involved in solidarity programs, with monthly salary donations starting at 1 euro or through the Hextra corporate welfare system. The 2018-2019 edition was enriched with Hera's commitment to allocate to the project, at the end of each of the two years of validity, one euro for each new customer acquired by Hera Comm. A further important change also concerns the new light and gas customers of Hera Comm, who can participate in HeraSolidale by choosing to allocate 1 euro when signing a free market offer to one of the associations. The latter were selected by Hera employees among the 15 identified by the Group on the basis of some criteria, in particular the reputation and transparency of the activities and their contribution to one or more sustainability and development objectives defined in the UN Agenda to 2030 (health and wellness, clean water and hygiene, gender equality, quality education). The five winning non-profit organizations Overall, the amount of 145 thousand euros (87,500 from Hera Comm and 57.500 from the workers), destined for non-profit organizations and collected in 2018, was divided among the participating associations based on the preferences expressed by employees and customers and will be used to create different projects with a positive effect on thousands of people. The non-profit organizations that have already achieved the economic objectives set in 2018, will define with the Company the new projects / objectives to be reached in 2019. On herasolidale.gruppohera.it are available all the information on the projects and on how to join. 20190410_HeraSolidale.1564138574.pdf 2019-07-26 1_900.1554911588.jpg The amount, collected thanks to the subscriptions of the multi-utility workers and the contribution of Hera Comm, was devolved to five associations and will allow the practical achievement of numerous objectives. HeraSolidale will continue also in 2019, giving continuity to the collaboration that sees together workers, company, customers and associations, to achieve positive results for the benefit of many https://www.aism.it/ https://www.butterflyonlus.org/en/ https://www.direcontrolaviolenza.it/ https://english.ant.it/ https://www.savethechildren.it/ Aism Butterfly Onlus Donne in rete contro la violenza ANT Save the children Read more Herasolidale_110
27/03/2019

Hera Group approves results at 31/12/2018

Hera Group approves results at 31/12/2018 Financial highlights Turnover at 6,626.4 million euro (+8.0%) Ebitda at 1,031.1 million euro (+4.7%) Net profits at 296.6 million euro (+11.2%) Net debt at 2,585.6 million euro Net debt/Ebitda ratio improves to 2.51x Proposed dividends increase to 10 cents per share Operating highlights Good contribution to growth coming from all businesses, in particular the integrated water cycle and the gas area Management marked by good results achieved in internal growth Solid customer base in energy sectors (over 2.5 million), up by roughly 150,000 Sorted waste increases to a 62.5% average over all areas served Improvement seen in all sustainability indicators, with shared value Ebitda growing to 375.2 million euro (+14%) 2018 Economic results - Comments of the Hera Group executive chairman Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano Today, the Hera Group’s Board of Directors, chaired by Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, unanimously approved the consolidated economic results at 31 December 2018, along with the Sustainability Report. 16 years of uninterrupted growth and winning strategies, with all main operating-financial and sustainability indicators improving The Hera Group closed the 2018 financial year with improved results, exceeding expectations. All business areas contributed to this growth, which was largely sustained by regulated activities. The results achieved confirm the Hera Group’s position of leadership among multi-utilities and the solidity of its business model, preparing it to grasp additional opportunities for expansion in the fragmentary markets in which it operates. The Group’s sixteen-year track record of uninterrupted development combining internal and external growth has allowed it to reach significant economies of scale and ever-increasing synergies thanks to its multi-business industrial approach, balanced between regulated and free-market activities, which has proved to be a winning strategy. Since its birth in 2002, the Hera Group has quintupled its Ebitda, with net profits increasing eightfold: it now ranks among the Nation’s leaders in all business areas (first in waste management, second in the integrated water cycle, third in gas distribution and in energy sales to end customers). These results are accompanied by a strong commitment towards social and environmental sustainability and towards creating shared value, both of which are competitive levers in all respects and bring the company’s development into line with the targets defined in the UN’s 2030 Agenda and the most advanced European goals. Turnover exceeds 6.6 billion, increasing by 8.0% The Hera Group’s 2018 turnover rose to 6,626.4 million euro, up 489.5 million (+8.0% over the 6,136.9 seen in 2017), thanks above all to higher revenues in gas and electricity sales owing to volumes sold, in addition to higher revenues in the waste management area and water services. Ebitda grows to 1,031.1 million (+4.7%) Group Ebitda exceeded one billion euro for the first time, reaching 1,031.1 million (+4.7%), up 46.5 million over the 984.6 million recorded in 2017 and above the forecast released on 10 January 2019 (indicating an estimated 1,020 million 2018 Ebitda). This result was due to the good performances seen in the Group’s various business areas, first and foremost the integrated water cycle and the gas area. Operating results and pre-tax profits increase, financial management improves Net operating results also rose, coming to 510.1 million euro, up 30.8 million (+6.4% compared to the 479.3 seen in 2017), despite higher operating amortisation, depreciation and provisions for new investments in regulated distribution and changes in the scope of operations. Pre-tax profits went from 377.8 million euro in 2017 to 418.4 million (+10.7%), rising by 40.6 million euro thanks to a 9.8 million improvement in financial management. Sharp rise in net profits, reaching 296.6 million euro (+11.2%) Group net profits increased to 296.6 million euro (+11.2%), with a 29.8 million euro rise over the 266.8 seen one year earlier. The average tax rate settled at 29.1%, as against 29.6% at 31 December 2017; the latter moreover benefitted from several exemptions, without which it would have come to 30.8%. The improvement is thus equivalent to 1.7% and is linked to the benefits coming from the Group’s considerable investments in assets going towards technological and digital transformation. Profits pertaining to Group Shareholders came to 281.9 million euro (+12.1%), up 30.4 million over 2017. Investments rise to 462.6 million euro, Net debt/Ebitda ratio further improves to 2.51 Including capital grants, the Group’s overall 2018 investments came to 462.6 million euro, up 5% over the 440.5 million seen the previous year. They mainly went to interventions on plants, networks and infrastructures, to guarantee efficiency, safety, resilience and innovation, in addition to regulatory upgrading above all in gas distribution, with an intensive meter substitution, and the purification and sewerage areas. Net investments came to 431.8 million. Net debt settled at 2,585.6 million euro, improving compared to the 30 September 2018 figure and essentially stable with respect to the previous year (2,523.0 million in 2017), despite higher investments, the M&A operations seen during the year and the treasury shares repurchased. Further improvement was seen in the Net debt/Ebitda ratio, which dropped to 2.51 (compared to 2.56 in 2017). The Group’s financial solidity is reflected by the opinions expressed by major rating agencies: Baa2 with a stable outlook from Moody’s and BBB with a positive outlook from Standard & Poor's. Further improvement in the Group’s sustainability, shared value Ebitda up to 36% These positive operating results were matched by an ever-increasing attention towards sustainability. The Hera Group was among the first to introduce, in 2016, shared value reporting, covering all business activities that in addition to generating Ebitda for the company respect the drivers of sustainable development defined by the UN’s 2030 Agenda and, more generally speaking, various national and international policies. The Hera Group’s 2018 shared value Ebitda came to 375.2 million euro, accounting for 36% of overall Ebitda (+14% compared to the 329 million seen the previous year). This result is perfectly in line with the path set out by the Business plan, in which this indicator is projected to reach 40% by 2022. The Group’s attention towards sustainability is also proven by the fact that 40% of total investments made by the Group – coming to over 180 million euro – go towards initiatives and projects aimed at creating shared value, distributed among the three drivers within which the Hera Group has organised this commitment: 71.3 million invested in innovation and contributions to development, 68.9 million in a more efficient use of resources and 48.3 million in a smarter use of energy. Proposed dividends rise to 10 cents per share, inclusion within the FTSE MIB In 2019 Hera became part of the Borsa Italiana FTSE MIB index, which includes the 40 largest companies listed on the Italian stock exchange, thanks to the amount of free float capitalisation and the value of the shares traded over the last six months. The Board of Directors, considering the positive results achieved and the Group’s sound financial profile, has decided to put a dividend of 10 cents per share to the Shareholders Meeting to be held on 30 April 2019, higher than last June (9.5 cents per share) and in line with the content of the Business plan. The ex-dividend date has been set at 24 June 2019, with payment as of 26 June 2019. Gas Ebitda for the gas area, which includes services in natural gas distribution and sales, district heating and heat management, grew significantly over the previous year in terms of both margins and volumes sold: it indeed reached 316.5 million euro (+4.9%), 14.8 million more than the 301.7 million seen in 2017. This result was reached thanks to commercial development on the free market, increased activity on the default market and in last resort supply, greater efficiency in distribution and the positive effect on consumption coming from the colder winter temperatures. The number of customers rose by 59.6 thousand (4.3%), now totalling 1.5 million users, partially due to the acquisitions of 100% of the Abruzzo companies Blu Ranton and Sangroservizi. Volumes sold increased by 18.2%. In 2018 net investments amounted to 115.4 million euro (+14.3% compared to 2017), to guarantee and improve the high-quality standards in networks and plants, with non-recurring maintenance and work involving cathodic protection for the Trieste network. Investments also rose for heat management and the number of new connections in district heating grew. The gas area accounted for 30.7% of Group Ebitda. Water cycle In 2018, the integrated water cycle area, which includes aqueduct, purification and sewerage services, recorded Ebitda amounting to 249.7 million euro, up 19.8 million euro (+8.6%) over the 229.9 seen over the previous year. This result was mainly obtained through the efficiencies reached, higher revenues resulting from the tariffs introduced by the Authority, the bonuses awarded for high service standards and the change in scope of operations resulting from the operational status of the new Servola (Trieste) purifier and a few items from previous years. Net investments amounted to 127.6 million euro (increasing by 12.8% over 2017). Including capital grants, investments totalled 157.9 million, mainly dedicated to extensions, network and plant upgrading and reclamations, in addition to regulatory upgrading concerning above all purification and sewerage. The main investments also included work on the Rimini seawater protection plan, one of the Group’s most important and at the forefront nationwide as regards sewerage and purification. The integrated water cycle area accounted for 24.2% of Group Ebitda. Waste Ebitda for the waste management area, which includes waste collection, treatment and disposal services, also grew, coming to 252.0 million euro (+2.4%), up 6 million over the 246.0 million recorded in 2017. In the waste treatment sector, in which the Group ranks once again as the nation’s leader with roughly 90 plants handling all types of waste, the positive results were mainly due to fluctuations in the price of special waste and revenues from electricity generation. In waste management and recovery, it is worth mentioning, Hera works with complete and integrated offers, providing its partner companies with all-inclusive solutions that bring together efficiency and sustainability, in line with the principles of a circular economy. This is the strategy underlying the biomethane production plant inaugurated in October in Sant’Agata Bolognese thanks to a 37 million euro investment, which as of 2019 will contribute to results in the waste management area, and the contribution coming from Aliplast, a national and international leader in plastic collection and recycling. Sorted waste going towards recycling showed an unprecedented increase in 2018: almost five percentage points, going from 57.7% in 2017 to 62.5%, thanks to the numerous projects implemented across all areas served. The positive performance in sorted waste is also due to a few municipalities where services have been modified as preparation for the shift to unit pricing, with Ferrara representing one outstanding example. Investments coming to 77.7 million euro were mainly dedicated to maintaining and upgrading plants. The waste management area accounted for 24.4% of Group Ebitda. Electricity The electricity area, which includes services in electricity production, distribution and sales, recorded an Ebitda coming to 183.5 million, essentially in line with the 184.5 million recorded the previous year. This result was mainly due to higher revenues from sales and distribution, along with higher margins and operating efficiencies which largely offset lower revenues in trading and the lower income from electricity generation caused by regulatory modifications and temporarily suspended plants in Campania. Electricity customers rose to 1.1 million (+8.9%), up 87.1 thousand, with significant growth seen above all on the free market thanks to reinforced marketing initiatives, in particular in regions of Central Italy. Investments amounting to 23 million euro went mainly to non-recurring maintenance on plants and networks in the Modena, Imola, Trieste and Gorizia areas. The amount of Group Ebitda accounted for by the electricity area came to 17.8%. Statement by Executive Chairman Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano “We are particularly satisfied with the results achieved, since the various indicators confirm that the Hera Group’s growth is a healthy one: it corresponds, indeed, to further increases in the rates of return, with ROI and ROE continually progressing over the last 4 years. This is due to a growing and efficient capital allocation, expansion on free markets, the enhanced efficiency attained, and the innovations introduced, all of which has brought about a 6% growth in Ebitda per employee. Furthermore, we have confirmed our tendency to create value for all stakeholders, beginning with our shareholders, to whom we will pay a 10 cent per share dividend, showing a further increase with respect to the past and in line with what we have presented in our Business plan. They will additionally benefit from a higher stock liquidity, thanks to our recent entry in the FTSE MIB.” Statement by CEO Stefano Venier “The Hera Group’s excellent results, largely produced by internal growth, bear witness to the actions we have undertaken to improve efficiency and sustainability to an even greater degree, and also to broaden our reference market through tenders and boost our ability to compete on free markets. Our positive operating management has been matched by an improved financial management and tax optimisations, as is fully reflected by the Group’s growing profits. I feel it is important to mention that our growth is proceeding at the same rate as our attention towards sustainability and creating shared value, both fundamental levers in our strategy. Evidence of this can be seen in both the Group’s rising Ebitda that, in 2018 as well, was fully in line with the principles of shared value, and in our innovative financial operations, such as launching the first sustainable revolving line of credit last May, after we pioneered the first green bond on the Italian market in 2014.” PROFIT & LOSS (M€) 31/12/2018 INC.% 31/12/2017 INC.% CH. CH. % Sales 6,134.4 5,612.1 +522.3 +9.3% Other operating revenues 492.0 8.0% 524.8 9.4% (32.8) (6.3%) Raw material (2,984.1) (48.6%) (2,606.8) (46.4%) +377.3 +14.5% Services costs (2,040.5) (33.3%) (1,952.2) (34.8%) +88.3 +4.5% Other operating expenses (62.5) (1.0%) (84.6) (1.5%) (22.1) (26.1%) Personnel costs (551.4) (9.0%) (551.6) (9.8%) (0.2) (0.0%) Capitalisations 43.3 0.7% 43.0 0.8% +0.3 +0.7% Ebitda 1,031.1 16.8% 984.6 17.5% +46.5 +4.7% Depreciation and provisions (521.0) (8.5%) (505.3) (9.0%) +15.7 +3.1% Ebit 510.1 8.3% 479.3 8.5% +30.8 +6.4% Financial inc./(exp.) (91.7) (1.5%) (101.5) (1.8%) (9.8) (9.7%) Pre tax profit 418.4 6.8% 377.8 6.7% +40.6 +10.7% Tax (121.8) (2.0%) (111.8) (2.0%) +10.0 +8.9% Net profit before special items 296.6 4.8% 266.0 4.7% +30.6 +11.5% Special items 0.0 0.0% 0.8 0.0% (0.8) (100.0%) Net profit 296.6 4.8% 266.8 4.8% +29.8 +11.2% Attributable to: Shareholders of the Parent Company 281.9 4.6% 251.5 4.5% +30.4 +12.1% Minority shareholders 14.7 0.2% 15.3 0.3% (0.6) (3.9%) BALANCE SHEET(M€) 31/12/2018 INC.% 31/12/2017 INC.% CH. CH.% Net fixed assets 5,905.1 108.7% 5,780.6 110.5% +124.5 +2.2% Working capital 115.4 2.1% 23.2 0.4% +92.2 +397.4% (Provisions) (588.2) (10.8%) (574.8) (10.9%) (13.4) +2.3% Net invested capital 5,432.3 100.0% 5,229.0 100.0% +203.3 +3.9% Net equity 2,846.7 52.4% 2,706.0 51.7% +140.7 +5.2% Long term net financial debt 2,558.8 47.1% 2,735.4 52.4% (176.6) (6.5%) Short term net financial debt 26.8 0.5% (212.4) (4.1%) +239.2 (112.6%) Net financial debts 2,585.6 47.6% 2,523.0 48.3% +62.6 +2.5% Net invested capital 5,432.3 100.0% 5,229.0 100.0% +203.3 +3.9% Self-assessment of the Board of Statutory Auditors It should be noted that today the Board of Directors has taken note of the self-assessment report of the Board of Statutory Auditors of Hera S.p.A. that has carried out, according to the current legislation, its own self-assessment, based on the analysis of the suitability of its own members and the proper composition of the body. The Board has ascertained in particular that its members meet the requirements of professionalism, competence, integrity and experience. 2019-03-27 For further informations 870x320_eng.1553708795 (1).jpg The multi-utility, included as of Monday 18 March in the FTSE MIB, closed the year with all main results improving beyond expectations, reaching the milestone of a one billion-euro Ebitda and crowning a history of 16 years of uninterrupted growth. Proposed dividends also rise to 10 cents per share, in line with the content of the business plan. /-/hera-group-approves-results-at-31-12-2018-1 /group_eng/investors Press release Investor relations centrata Hera Group approves results at 31/12/2018
27/03/2019

The Hera Group approved the financial statement results

Bilancio d'esercizio 2018 16 years of brilliant results thanks to a dynamic and sustainable strategy The 2018 financial statements reported improved results, better than the expectations. Growth to which all company sectors contributed: energy, water and environmental. The numbers confirm the Hera Group's excellent positioning among multi-service companies in the Italian landscape. They reward innovation and are testimony to the effectiveness of the initiatives implemented in the field, to achieve ever-increasing efficiency, quality and sustainability. The solidity of the business model and a dynamic strategy lay the foundations for seizing the opportunities that emerge from an evolving scenario. "We are very satisfied with the results of 2018, which recorded growth once again. Constant improvement over time since 2002, the year Hera was founded. Healthy growth, which has always focused on the excellence of the services offered and attention to environmental and social sustainability, built together, step after step, thanks to the efforts and commitment of those who work with proficiency and dedication on a daily basis. These excellent results allow us to distribute a dividend of Euro 10 cents per share to our shareholders." President Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano went on to say at the end of the Board of Directors meeting of 27 March. Chief Executive Officer, Stefano Venier, added: "There were many interesting results, I'll draw attention to just three which I believe are cause for satisfaction and reassurance for many citizens: separate waste collection, for protection of the environment, has improved throughout the entire area served; the number of customers who have chosen Hera for gas and lighting has risen; Group investments have increased in water plants to protect this precious resource. I want to stress that our sustainable growth is being achieved hand in hand with the creation of shared value, with important benefits for the territory in which Group operates, which it is deeply rooted in". 2018 Economic results - Comments of the Hera Group executive chairman Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano 2019-07-18 16 years of brilliant results thanks to a dynamic and sustainable strategy. The 2018 financial statements reported improved results, better than the expectations. Growth to which all company sectors contributed: energy, water and environmental /-/hera-group-approves-results-at-31-12-2018-1 /documents/1514726/4185885/Sustainability_report_2018.1556277857.pdf/e8a25dc7-edaa-719e-d625-9cc85bbfe8fb?t=1595941280703 /documents/1514726/4185885/Sustainability_report_2018_Highlights.1555672617.pdf/c2074c5c-8f84-7d5a-5147-88d55123b939?t=1595941282958 /group_eng/investors Read the press release on Y2018 results Sustainability Report 2018 complete version 2018 Sustainability Report Highlights Find out the Investor Relations area Bilancio d'esercizio 2018
18/03/2019

Hera included in the FTSE MIB

Hera Group Hera has been included, as of today, Monday 18 March, in the FTSE MIB, the main index of Borsa Italiana, which comprises the 40 largest stocks listed on the Italian stock exchange in terms of capitalisation, liquidity and trading volume. Hera, one of Italy's leading multi-utilities, has become part of this index based on the amount of free-float capitalisation and the value of shares traded over the last six months (+52% compared to the 2018 average). This achievement was made possible by Hera's path of uninterrupted growth, which began 16 years ago and is based on a multi-business model that combines internal and external growth and shows a mix of activities offering resilience towards the main macro-variables seen in its reference scenario. The new Business plan to 2022 shows further prospects for growth in Ebitda (+200 million euro in the period from 2018 to 2022), sustained by 3.1 billion in investments (of which 1.1 going towards development). Increases in cash generation will also ensure the Group's ability to maintain its financial soundness (with the 2022 target for the net debt/Ebitda ratio coming to 2.9). The Plan also confirms the importance of creating value for shareholders, with a dividend policy aimed at paying 11 cents per share in 2022 (compared to the 9.5 cents paid in 2018). 2019-03-18 For more information sede_hera_1.1565014838.bmp As of today, Monday 18 March, the multi-utility is part of the index comprising the 40 largest companies listed on the Italian stock exchange /group_eng/investors Go to Investor Relations Hera Group
01/03/2019

From 1 March, the energy activities of CMV Servizi and CMV Energia e Impianti go to Hera Group

ATR-CMV_110 Following the approval of the related Shareholders' Meetings on 20 December, the transaction was formalized today which provides for the integration of the energy activities of CMV Servizi, including the subsidiary A Tutta Rete (ATR), and CMV Energia e Impianti in the Group Hera, respectively in Inrete Distribuzione Energia with regard to natural gas distribution activities and in Hera Comm for energy sales activities. The integration into the Hera Group, operational since 1 March 2019, involves around 30,000 redelivery points (26,500 in the Ferrara area and over 3,100 in the Bologna area) for the distribution of natural gas and about 25,000 customers (21,300 gas and 3,500 electricity), who will receive a bill communication to welcome them and explain all the news. In particular, the Customer Service number 800.688.690 will remain active for energy CMV customers and the current branches will be maintained, including that of Viale Cavour in the recently renovated Ferrara city center, already integrated with the services of the Hera Group. From March 1, those who connect to the CMV website will be automatically redirected to the new dedicated pages. In addition to maintaining the territorial safeguards and the current personnel employed in the two branches of activity of CMV Servizi and CMV Energia e Impianti, with convergence with respect to the other activities of the multi-utility in the same territory, the Hera Group solutions and policies will be applied, for the benefit of of the quality and innovation of the service dedicated to customers. ATR-CMV_870 20190226_From_1_March_the_energy_activities_of_CMV_Servizi_and_CMV_Energia_e_Impianti_go_to_Hera_Group.1564137027.pdf 2019-07-26 ATR_CMV_870.1551343799.1564137025.png Last formal step for the integration between the natural gas distribution activities of Inrete and CMV Servizi and between the energy sales activities of Hera Comm and CMV Energia e Impianti. CMV's energy customers will receive a dedicated communication with all the news on their bills Read more ATR-CMV_110
01/03/2019

Hera always top for its ability to attract talents

Potentialpark_110 Just a few weeks after the Top Employers certification, the Hera Group is confirmed among the most "talent friendly" companies in Italy for the third consecutive year. This is proclaimed by the new Italian edition of the Online Talent Communication studio, created by the Swedish research company Potentialpark which, each year, compiles the classification of companies that, through on-line communication, are more attractive for candidates looking for work. In the 2019 edition of Potentialpark, the multiutility, in addition to joining the Top-Ten Italia, obtained an excellent position in three categories: first place in the ATS category, for the quality of the portal through which applications are managed; second place for the Mobile category, for the ease with which candidates can apply using a mobile phone/smartphone; third place in the category "Career Website", thanks to the constant improvements made to the "Working at Hera Group" section on the company website (www.gruppohera.it/gruppo/lavorare_gruppohera). Significant results attributable to the constant commitment shown by the Hera Group to creating, disseminating and personalising content and information on the policies regarding human resources in the different web communication tools: from the positions open to internship offers, to training courses or agreements with the universities. In fact, numerous activities were implemented in the field to make the application process easier and provide all the necessary information for understanding "life" at Hera. As regards social networks, the multiutility is recognised for its good strategy both in terms of promoting open positions and the content of the activities described, thanks to the growing interaction through the company page on LinkedIn, the professional platform par excellence, where Hera now has more than 46 thousand contacts, and the use of other channels, starting with Twitter. Potentialpark_870 20190301_CS_Potentialpark_Hera_DEF.1563432613.pdf 2019-07-18 Potentialpark_870.1551441116.1563432612.png For the third consecutive year, the multiutility is awarded by major Swedish research company Potentialpark for being the most "talent friendly" company in on-line communication targeted at young new graduates looking for employment. An award received just a few weeks after the prestigious Top Employers certification for the job conditions offered to employees Potentialpark_110
01/03/2019

Energy activities of CMV Servizi and CMV Energia e Impianti to the Hera Group

ATR-CMV_110 Following the approval, on 20 December, by the associated shareholders' meetings, the transaction was formalised today which makes provision for the integration of the energy activities of CMV Servizi, including the subsidiary A Tutta Rete (ATR), and CMV Energia e Impianti in the Hera Group, respectively in Inrete Distribuzione Energia as regards natural gas distribution activities and in Hera Comm for energy sale activities. The integration in the Hera Group, operational from 1 March 2019, concerns around 30,000 redelivery points (26,500 in the Ferrara area and more than 3,100 in the Bologna area) for natural gas distribution and around 25,000 customers (21,300 gas and 3,500 electricity), who will receive a communication in their bill to welcome them and explain all the changes. In particular, for CMV energy customers, the customer service number 800.688.690 will remain active and the current branches will be retained, including that of Viale Cavour in the historical centre of Ferrara, recently renovated and already integrated with the services of the Hera Group. From 1 March, those who connect to the CMV website will automatically be redirected to the new dedicated pages. In addition to maintaining the regional coverage and current personnel employed in the two business units of CMV Servizi and CMV Energia e Impianti, with convergence with respect to the other activities of the multiutility in the same territory, the solutions and policies of the Hera Group will be applied, for the benefit of the quality and innovativeness of the service dedicated to customers. ATR-CMV_870 20190301_Energy_activities_of_CMV_Servizi_and_CMV_Energia_e_Impianti_to_the_Hera_Group.1563432305.pdf 2019-07-18 ATR_CMV_870.1551343799.1563432304.png The last formal step on today's date for the integration of the natural gas distribution activities of Inrete and CMV Servizi and the energy sale activities of Hera Comm and CMV Energia e Impianti. The energy customers of CMV will receive a special communication in their bill with all the updates ATR-CMV_110
21/02/2019

Top Utility 2019: Hera in first place for communication

toputility_110 The Hera Group focuses on communication to create a direct relationship and open dialogue with the local area in which it operates. A commitment that saw it achieve first place in the "Communication" category of the seventh edition of the Top Utility award which, each year, analyses and enhances the evolution and performance of the top 100 Italian utility companies. The award ceremony was held today in Milan, during the Top Utility Analysis convention entitled "Utilities, the driver of sustainable growth". Quality and transparency: Top Utility rewards Hera communication "Capacity to establish relationships with all stakeholders and listen to the numerous requests from the communities in which it operates, as well as a high level of administrative transparency": these are the factors that have made the difference for the members of the Scientific Community (lecturers and researchers at the most important Italian universities) who chose to give the award to Hera. In particular, indicators relating to the quality of the website, transparency and exhaustiveness of financial, institutional and environmental communications were used for the evaluation. But also the quality of communication with customers and the various stakeholders. The recognition this year for communication is a repeat of the one obtained in the same area in 2014 and augments the Top Utility Assoluto award received in 2012 and the Top Utility Sostenibilità award in 2015 and 2018. The website, apps and social channels: Hera close to citizens An always updated and highly interactive website, with dedicated on-line services for customers, plus numerous channels for dialogue with citizens and operating support for services, including social and the app. "My Hera", an extremely valuable application that Hera Group customers can use to manage their utilities; but also "Rifiutologo" and l'"Acquologo", which turn smartphones and tablets into digital assistants for separate waste collection and water services: these are some of the strong points of communication that have brought the multiutility to the summit of the Top Utility classification. Not only these, numerous initiatives constantly implemented in the field to spread awareness of the economic and sustainability data. Together with multiple editorial activities to inform citizens about particularly important themes, an example of which are the annual reports on the themes of water, energy, waste and initiatives for citizens and customers. toputility_870 20190221_CSpremioTopUtility_DEF.1563431901.pdf 2019-07-18 Read more top_utility_870.1550754098.1563431900.png The prize was given today in Milan at the seventh edition of the award, which analyses and enhances the performances of the most important public service companies in the country http://www.toputility.it/ https://twitter.com/GruppoHera https://www.instagram.com/gruppohera/ Visit Top Utility website Visit Hera Group Twitter profile Visit Hera Group Instagram profile toputility_110
15/02/2019

Hera: energy efficiency in the home

valuetoenergy_110 Giving "Value to energy", because the advantageous effects of the circular economy model are actually visible in energy savings. And this is one of the objectives of the Hera Group which, on Monday 18 February, celebrates International Energy Efficiency Day. An imperative that is also the title of the sustainability report in which the Hera Group details the results obtained over the last eleven years on the energy efficiency front. Now in its fourth edition, the report - verified by an independent certification body - analyses all the aspects which embody the multiutility's commitment to energy savings and efficient energy use, focusing on environmental and economic sustainability and to the interests of the local areas and more than 4 million customers. Decarbonisation is actually crucial for tackling climate change. Both the multiutility's energy efficiency initiatives and the other projects for promoting the production of renewable energy are implemented with this in mind.The Hera Group also contributes to 6% of the national white certificates target, by incentivising energy efficiency and financing projects with measurable and certified savings. The figures are telling: 507 projects have been implemented in the field by the Group over the last 11 years to save energy (of which 133 in companies in the local area), with 753 thousand toe (tonnes of oil equivalent) saved, corresponding to annual consumption of 529 thousand households, and 1.4 million tonnes of avoided CO2, equivalent to approximately one million less cars in circulation (with 10,000 km of travel). In order to reach these energy efficiency objectives, Hera therefore makes all its know-how available to local companies, by supporting them in carrying out energy analyses, with the objective of encouraging the implementation of energy efficiency initiatives. In the Bologna area alone, the last two projects, which concerned the construction and management of a new technology-energy hub for a company which produces bioplastics and a new cooling plant for a well-known company that produces salami and cold pork meat, generated a total energy saving of 413 toe per year. The confirmation of the multiutility's general objective of cutting its energy consumption by 5% by 2020 (with respect to 2013 consumption) should also be emphasised, following the increase from 3% to 5% which occurred last year. These initiatives generated a saving of over Euro 8 million, of which Euro 4.5 million relating to the water service, with subsequent benefits on citizens' bills. The results have been made possible by integrated efficiency programmes, implemented in the field continuously by the Hera Group, first and foremost within its plants and offices and which, in 2017 alone, enabled the company to improve the heating energy efficiency index of its premises by 6.3%. As regards plants, an important example is on show in the water sector, in which Hera implemented 115 efficiency initiatives, for a total of 2,876 toe saved. Significant efforts were expended in the public lighting sector, in which Hera manages more than 518 thousand lighting points scattered throughout Italy, 71% low consumption and 51% with consumption optimisation, augmented by 65% of traffic lights with led lights. Stratagems which, in 2017, contributed to an energy saving of 10.2%. valuetoenergy_870 20190215_CS_Hera_per_la_giornata_internazionale_dell_efficienza_energetica_BO_DEF.1563431443.pdf 2019-07-18 Read more value_to_energy_870.1563431442.jpg Over 11 years, with 507 projects, with a saving of 753 thousand toe (tonnes of oil equivalent), equal to annual consumption of 529 thousand households and benefits in terms of tackling climate change. The multiutility looks to 2020, aiming to reduce consumption by 5%. All the available data in the Value to Energy report, dedicated to the Hera Group's commitment to energy efficiency valuetoenergy_110
01/02/2019

Hera Group presents Carlo Valsecchi Gasometer M.A.N. 3

Valsecchi_110 The Hera Group promotes the project by Carlo Valsecchi, which from February 1 to March 31, 2019 exhibits fourteen photographs of the Gasometer M.A.N. #3 at the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna. The photographs by Carlo Valsecchi tell in a completely new and original way the metamorphosis of the gasometer during the reclamation and restoration works promoted by the same multi-utility. Outside of any archaeological intent, Valsecchi's work presents the structure of the gasometer as a living organism in continuous transformation and not as inert testimony of an industrial past. The project, in addition to the free exhibition, is accompanied by a volume edited by Luca Massimo Barbero, published by Silvana Editoriale. Carlo Valsecchi's work stems from a continuous and direct dialogue with the places he faces in his projects from time to time, be they architecture, an urban landscape, heavy industry, high-tech industry, or natural infinity. The analogical and geometric-analytical approach to large-format photography - a medium that distinguishes the entire production of Valsecchi - leads him to break down and recompose the subject to return it in a completely new form. "We wanted this exhibition - comments Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, Executive Chairman of the Hera Group - to bring out the distinctive element of our recovery intervention, which goes beyond a merely conservative dimension and gives the city a structure capable of actively interacting with the his physical and emotional landscape: an important artist like Carlo Valsecchi - continues Tommasi - thanks to his experience at international level, he was able to fully grasp this aspect, allowing us to represent also through art the spirit with which we put ourselves daily at the service of our reference territories ". [block]div:row-fluid::db:hr_press_comunicazione::box:117[/block] Valsecchi_870 2019-07-23 mostra_valsecchi_870x.1547559528.1563890557.jpg The exhibition will be open for free from February 1 to March 31 2019 at the Pinacoteca Nazionale of Bologna Valsecchi_110
31/01/2019

Hera is a "Top Employer" for the tenth time

The Hera Group firmly holds its place among the companies that set themselves apart for their commitment to providing the best working conditions for their employees and for implementing best practices focused on the development and well-being of its people. It was certified by the Dutch organisation Top Employers Institute which, since 1991, has been carrying out research focused on quality standards in terms of human resources management. Moreover, with this year's achievement, Hera has achieved ten consecutive Top Employers certifications: a factor that further enhances the value of the recognition and confirms the Group's ongoing focus on the development and continuous improvement of its strategies in this field. For the Dutch institute, in fact, what qualifies Hera for certification are "the working conditions offered to employees and the ability to develop a human resources strategy focused on putting people first". Top Employers is one of the most prestigious international awards. Its selection and certification process requires in-depth data surveys and validation. The parameters the Institute analyses include: investment in learning and development, corporate welfare and on-boarding, career and succession management, talent strategy, corporate culture and the working environment. The level required for each of them is very high, which makes access to certification very challenging. Hera's best practices include: Hextra, the integrated corporate welfare plan for the Group's almost 9,000 employees, in which workers can "customise" a quota of economic resources according to his or her needs, as well as the possibility of converting part of one's performance bonus into an additional welfare quota; work-life balance measures and initiatives to raise awareness on health, safety and well-being issues. Also, Hera Group's commitment to equal opportunity and the appreciation of diversity is paramount. Hera is once again among the leading Italian companies that invest in the personal and professional development of its employees, with 29 hours of training per capita per year, well above the national average for multi-utilities. Heracademy, the corporate university that facilitates the Group's interaction with companies and the main public local organisations, has played a pivotal role in this context. It has also provided targeted training opportunities, such as workshops focused on the macrotrends of business and society. Not to mention the significant investments to increase organisational agility and to develop digital skills. Hera has also implemented many projects thanks to partnerships with important local and national companies, focussing on innovation and circular economy. The new generations are also at the heart of Hera's commitments, to train tomorrow's employees today and pass on the Group's values and mission. An example is the ever-increasing number of joint school-work experiences that Hera has organised, based on adding business skills to those acquired in secondary schools, which starting this year will also take place in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions. In addition, the focus on sustainability and generating shared value remains strong, as reflected by Hera's participation in the network of companies involved in the "Insieme per il Lavoro" [Together for Work] project, in which the Group engaged in implementing horizontal cooperation, training and mentoring practices to help people in need or scarcely independent and seeking employment. "To receive the Top Employers certification for the tenth consecutive year makes us particularly proud because it acknowledges our commitment in the field of training and investments directed to the well-being of our workers, our primary resource - declared Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, Executive Chairman of Hera. Moreover, it confirms our front-line involvement on behalf of the new generations, to whom we try to hand down the distinctive values of our corporate culture: integrity, transparency, personal accountability and continuous improvement". Top employer 2019 20190131_comunicato_Top_Employers_2019_EN_DEF.1549895226.pdf 2019-01-10 top_employer_2019_870x320.1548921797-2.png Innovative human resource strategies, excellent working conditions, initiatives for personal and professional development for the entire company and the new generations: this is how Hera achieved the prestigious certification for the tenth consecutive year. https://www.top-employers.com/it/ Go to the Top Employer site centrata top_employer_2019_110x150.1549895228.png
28/01/2019

Hera Group presents Carlo Valsecchi Gasometro M.A.N. n.3

Hera Group - Business Plan to 2022 The Hera Group is promoting Carlo Valsecchi's "Gasometro M.A.N. n.3" project, on display from 1 February to 31 March 2019 at the Pinacoteca Nazionale of Bologna in the Salone degli Incamminati. In an entirely new and original view, Carlo Valsecchi’s fourteen photographs tell the story of the iconic gas holder’s metamorphosis throughout the reclamation and restoration works sponsored by the multiutility. Far from any archaeological intent, Valsecchi's work presents the gasometer’s structure as a living organism in continuous transformation and not as an inert testament to an industrial past. In addition to the free exhibition, the project is complemented by a publication curated by Luca Massimo Barbero, published by Silvana Editoriale. Carlo Valsecchi's work stems from a continuous and direct dialogue with the places he encounters from time to time in his projects, whether they be architecture, an urban landscape, heavy industry, highly technological industry, or the infinity of nature. His analogical and geometric-analytical approach to large-format photography - a medium that distinguishes all of Valsecchi's production - leads him to break down and recompose subjects, to bring them back to life with a completely new appearance. “With this exhibition - comments Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, Executive President of the Hera Group - we wanted to draw attention to the distinctive element of our recovery operation, which goes beyond its merely conservatory aspect and gives the city a structure capable of actively interacting with its physical and emotional landscape. An important artist like Carlo Valsecchi - continues Tommasi - thanks also to his experience at an international level, has been able to grasp this aspect in depth, allowing us to represent through art the spirit with which we put ourselves daily at the service of our territories of reference”. The project is part of ART CITY Bologna. Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna Sala degli Incamminati via Belle Arti 56, Bologna Open to the public from 1 FEBRUARY to 31 MARCH 2019 from Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m. Free admission Saturday 2 February special opening until 11.00 p.m. for the ART CITY White Night event The poster of the Gasometro M.A.N. n.3 exhibition (2525 Kb - PDF) Carlo Valsecchi – BIOGRAPHY Carlo Valsecchi was born in Brescia in 1965. He lives and works in Milan. In 1992 his work was selected for the Venice Architecture Biennale exhibition, and he later held exhibitions in Italy and abroad. He has exhibited his photographs in galleries, public and private institutions and events around the world, including the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, New York (1999); Fondazione Peggy Guggenheim, Venice (2000); Galerie 213, Paris (2001); Studio Casoli, Milan (2001); Semaines européennes de l’image – Le bâti, le vivant, Luxembourg (2002); GAMeC, Bergamo (2003); Guido Costa project, Turin (2006); Triennale di Milano (2006); Paris Photo, Statements, Paris (2007); Kunstforum, Vienna (2009); Musée de l’Elysée, Lausanne (2009); Walter Keller Gallery, Zurich (2009); Galleria Carla Sozzani, Milan (2011). His exhibitions also include: San Luis, MaRT – Museo d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea di Trento e Rovereto, Rovereto (2011); the 54th Mostra internazionale di arti visive of the Venice Biennale, Italy Pavillion, Norman Foster selection, Venice (2011); Subverted, Ivorypress, Madrid (2012); Landmark: the Fields of Photography, Somerset House, London (2013); Mare Nostrum, Walter Keller Gallery, Zurich (2013); Museo della Merda, Piacenza (2015); Industria, oggi, MAST Foundation, Bologna (2015); No Man Nature, Palazzo Da Mosto, Fotografia europea, Effetto Terra, Reggio Emilia (2015); Fotografie dell’Emilia-Romagna al lavoro, MAST Foundation, Bologna (2016); Sviluppare il Futuro, Ex Ospedale dei Bastardini, Biennale di Fotografia dell’Industria e del Lavoro, Bologna (2017); Civilization: the way we live now, MMCA Seoul, South Korea (2018). In 2010, the book Lumen (Hatje Cantz, 2009) was given the silver award at the Deutscher Fotobuchpreis, the German photo book award of the year. Bologna's Gasometer - HISTORY The "Gasometro Man n. 3" has characterised Bologna's skyline for almost a century. It is located inside the headquarters of the Hera Group, one of the largest Italian multiutilities, that provides waste management, water and energy services. In operation since 1930, it was used until 1984 to store gas used in the city. It is 52 meters high with a diameter of 30 and is considered a jewel of industrial architecture in the heart of the capital of Emilia. It was built using the so-called "dry" construction method, at the time very widespread abroad but not yet tested in Italy. The gasometer consists of a 16-sided prismatic sheet metal casing that rests on a concrete base. An iron cap with a ventilation dome covers its top. Outside, three walkways are linked to each other by a staircase that wraps around the building. The last coal distillation furnace was shut down on 7 October 1960 and for a few years gasometers were used to store the new methane-based natural gas. In the 1980s, with the introduction of new storage facilities, the gasometer was definitively decommissioned. By restoring it, the Hera Group has made it the absolute protagonist of its headquarters area, which was recently inaugurated after major modernisation and redevelopment works. 2019-01-10 From 01/02/2019 to 31/03/2019 Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (the national art gallery of Bologna), V. Belle Arti 56 Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 a.m. - 7.00 p.m. Hera Group - Business Plan to 2022
10/01/2019

Hera Group approves Business Plan to 2022

Hera Group - Business Plan to 2022 Operating and financial highlights 2022 Ebitda: 1,185 million euro (+200 million over 2017 Ebitda) Overall industrial and financial investments: over 3.1 billion euro (+9% over the investments foreseen by the previous Business Plan) Net debt/Ebitda ratio to remain below 3 Further increases expected in dividends, reaching 11 cents per share in 2022 (+16% over the last dividend paid) Business highlights Business strategy once again based on 5 priorities: growth, efficiency, excellence, innovation and agility, all reworked and enhanced to meet the challenges involved in Ecosystems, Circularity and Technology Development driven by a balanced mix of internal and external (M&A) growth Confirmation of tenders currently awarded for gas distribution and urban waste management Goal of reaching over 3 million energy customers by 2022, thanks to leadership in last resort services, the end of the protected market and actions taken towards commercial growth Shared Value coming to over 470 million euro Preliminary consolidated 2018 Ebitda at roughly 1,020 million and a plan geared towards growth This morning the Hera Group’s Board of Directors, which met to discuss the Business Plan to 2022, also examined the forecast of consolidated results for 2018, with year-end Ebitda reaching 1.02 billion euro, up 3.6% over the 984.6 million seen at 31 December 2017 and higher than expected by the previous business plan. The net debt/Ebitda ratio settled at roughly 2.54x, in line with the previous year. On the solid basis of this achievement and the results previously reached, which reflect an uninterrupted path of growth lasting 16 years, the Board approved the new Plan to 2022, which shows a strong commitment towards the Group’s further development in the industry, in spite of an increasingly complex scenario. A deeply changing scenario The macro-economic scenario now appears to be less favourable than in the past (with interest rates rising and an economic outlook less positive than during the previous year), and yet this should not significantly influence the Group’s prospects, thanks to the breakdown of its service portfolio, the changes introduced in its business models in recent years and its large degree of regulated activities. The upcoming years will witness many important events, perhaps most decisively the process, already underway, involving tenders in gas distribution, which is expected to lead to a significant rationalisation in the number of operators. In the waste collection sector as well, the five years covered by the Plan are expected to see the beginning of tenders for service concessions that have already expired or will do so in the near future. Regulatory changes for customer segments in protected services are also foreseen, intended to promote an additional increase in the added value of services offered and higher competition on the marketplace. Mention must also go to continued progress towards consolidation in multi-utility sectors, energy sales and waste treatment services, which are still among the most fragmentary in Europe. Investments amounting to over 3.1 billion euro, financial solidity confirmed In light of the opportunities offered by the scenario, the new Plan to 2022 foresees investments coming to over 3.1 billion euro, up roughly 260 million over the previous strategic document. Three quarters of these investments will be concentrated in regulated activities: approximately 70% will continue to be dedicated to the network system and roughly 6% to urban waste collection. Significant interventions in infrastructure modernisation and development will be deployed, confirming the Group’s commitment to investing in its reference areas and thus offering increasingly innovative, resilient and high-quality services. Investments intended for tenders for gas distribution have thus been confirmed, in order to maintain the major tenders currently managed. Overall, considering the expansion in plants, gas tenders and M&As, roughly 1.1 billion in investments will be dedicated to supporting development in these activities over the next five years. This investment plan is financially sustainable thanks to an increasing cash generation, able to cover investments and pay dividends. The ratio between net financial debt and Ebitda is expected to settle at 2.9 by 2022, in line with the figure seen in the previous plan. Without including the effect of tenders, financial balance will remain similar to the present, guaranteeing sufficient leeway to be able to grasp any possible opportunities for growth not included in the Plan, without harming the Group’s financial solidity. A strategy aimed at grasping opportunities, with a focus on Shared Value as an additional source of competitive advantages The Group’s strategy is focused on Ecosystems, Circularity and Technology, achieved by activating its time-tested principles of efficiency, excellence, growth, innovation and agility, in addition to creating coherent projects that guarantee the full implementation of the Business Plan. Always giving close attention to issues regarding sustainability, the Group has recently defined some lines of development intended to pursue the goals on the UN Agenda which apply to the activities carried out by this multi-utility (covering at least 10 of the 17 goals indicated). Almost 3/4 of the growth expected over the five years covered by the Plan will thus be sustained by projects introduced in order to respond to this “call to action”, thus bringing the amount of shared value Ebitda to exceed 470 million euro by 2022 (corresponding to 40% of overall Ebitda). Ebitda targets growing, balanced among the various business areas, between regulated and free market activities and between internal and external growth Matching the investments implemented over the next five years, 2022 Ebitda is expected to reach 1,185 million euro, with an over 200 million increase compared to the 984.6 million recorded in 2017 and with an average annual increase of roughly 40 million over the period of time covered by the Plan. All areas of activity (networks, waste management, energy and other services such as telecommunications and public lighting) will contribute to this growth, with the Group’s usual balance between income from regulated and free market activities, as well as between internal and external growth. Thanks to higher levels of efficiency and ever more substantial investments, the overall contribution to the increase in Ebitda coming from internal growth is expected to reach 120 million over the period of time covered by the Plan (130 million, taking into account 10 million due to lower incentives), while an 80 million increase in Ebitda is expected from external growth. These goals are in line with the five-year growth of the previous Plan and that benefit from the already consolidated outperformance linked to the trends seen in 2018 and the outcome of tenders for last resort markets, in which Hera has become the leader in all segments. Value for shareholders to increase, with a bold dividend policy The Plan confirms the Group’s attention towards the creation of value and transparency in dividend policies, which have become more challenging than in the past and compared to the content of the previous Business Plan. The dividend established, which had already risen to 9.5 cents per share in 2017, will indeed reach 10 cents per share in 2018 and 2019, 10.5 in 2020 and 2021 and 11 in 2022 (+16% over the most recent dividend payment), with a 0.5 cent increase every 2 years. Networks: efficiency and resilience intended to tackle climate change; innovation and excellence to become a leading figure in a smart economy Most of the growth foreseen by the Plan is expected to come from the networks area: Ebitda related to electricity and gas distribution, the water cycle and district heating will increase from the 424 million euro seen in 2017 to 581 million in 2022, thus making up roughly half of the Group’s overall Ebitda. Many initiatives have been introduced to make networks increasingly “smart”, boosting their efficiency, circularity and resilience as well as contributing to their ability to meet the growing challenges coming from climate change and the environment. These projects include a large-scale installation of “smart” meters, understood as factors able to promote the evolution towards smart cities. One example lies in the new and evolved functions shown by the last-generation gas meters developed by the Group in a partnership with Panasonic, which will allow the service to be constantly monitored and increase safety in case of leaks, earthquakes or network disruptions. In electricity distribution, network upgrading is expected to benefit the continuity of this service, by constructing new primary transformer rooms and carrying out targeted interventions on secondary transformer rooms, also involving network automation and digitalisation to support on-field interventions by personnel. District heating will play a significant role in decarbonising the area, since over 70% of the heat produced over the duration of the Plan will be generated from renewable and comparable sources. As regards the gas area, an opportunity for expansion lies in the tenders to be awarded for grants in gas services; after countless postponements, this should take place within 2022, beginning as of the current year, in all geographical areas in which the contracting authorities have already defined the networks’ VIR (residual industrial value). In this sector, the Hera Group aims at growth mainly by confirming the areas already served, thanks to investments amounting to roughly 470 million. In the water area, lastly, the focus will go to protecting this resource, by upgrading the search for leakage and developing the districtualization of the network, also including innovative projects in water management to promote, both inside and outside the company, increasing sustainability and awareness regarding the use of water. Special attention will go to the reuse of purified water, already implemented with excellent results in the Bologna area and currently being extended to other zones. Consolidating leadership in the waste management sector, by enhancing resource protection and maximising reuse Ebitda in the waste management area is expected to grow from the 246 million euro seen in 2017 to almost 300 million in 2022. The goal set for this area is to be confirmed at the forefront as an operator in the integrated waste cycle, offering concrete solutions for businesses and citizens. Protecting environmental resources will remain a top goal, as will maximising their reuse. Special attention will continue to go to promoting sorted waste, expected to rise from 57.7% in 2017 to over 73% in 2022 and to see qualitative improvement as well, through specific communication campaigns and initiatives designed to get citizens involved. Unit pricing should provide citizens with an incentive to improve the quality of their sorted waste as well, as has been demonstrated by the excellent results, exceeding expectations, reached in a few municipalities where it has already been introduced (attaining over 85% of SW in a local capital such as Ferrara and peaks of close to or over 90% in some municipalities in the Modena area). In waste treatment and recovery, the Herambiente Group will be able to consolidate its national leadership by offering complete and integrated commercial packages. The latter consist in solutions for large industrial clients, including waste and energy services as well as purification and through an avant-garde group of plants able to offer solutions supporting a circular economy. These range from the biomethane production plant recently opened in the Bologna area, to reinforcing Aliplast’s outstanding capabilities in plastic recycling, creating new business opportunities, and lastly launching important partnerships, such as the ones with Eni in biofuel and Bio-on in developing new natural and 100% biodegradable plastic materials. Collecting and analysing data coming from on-field infrastructures (bins, vehicles, etc.) and WTE plants will allow all activities to be optimised, automating processes and reducing costs. Energy: over 3 million customers, thanks to customer experience and new “sustainable” solutions Ebitda for the energy area will settle at 268 million in 2022, showing a slight growth over the objective set in the previous strategic document. The challenging goal the Group has set for itself is to reach over 3 million customers by the end of the period covered by the Plan, confirming its place among the sector’s leaders with a more substantial and loyal customer base, thanks to positive results in customer experience and new solutions geared towards savings and respect for the environment. In addition to internal growth in the customer base and the hypothesis of additional development along the Adriatic coast, the Group can rely on an excellent result that saw it confirmed, in recent months, as a leading player in last resort services in the energy market. One significant opportunity to reinforce the customer base will come from the end of the protected market (i.e. maggior tutela), which according to Hera’s estimates will lead it to gain at least 500,000 customers. Commercial development will depend on offers bringing added value, from those in support of smart homes (smart thermostats, remote sensors, etc.) to combinations of insurance and maintenance products, or again services involving energy efficiency or electric mobility. The country’s objectives in energy efficiency themselves provide an opportunity to develop the Group’s energy services through its specialised companies, able to offer solutions tailored for public administrations, apartment buildings and industrial clients. The Group will furthermore give increasing attention to customer experience, turning to process and payment digitalisation to meet the needs of customers who are ever more “online”, as well as adopting efficient systems for data management and analysis, to guarantee an excellent service and accelerate the “time to market”. Applying behavioural science, combined with precise interventions (such as reporting consumption in bills), will lastly allow an increasingly efficient use of energy to be promoted. Tomaso Tommasi di Vignano, Hera Executive Chairman The growth we have foreseen over the duration of the Plan is entirely visible, considering our track record. Our investment program is significant, increasing by 260 million, and the rise in cash generation will allow the Net debt/Ebitda ratio to be maintained at 2.9x, as had been predicted for the end of the period covered by the previous plan. We have confirmed our strong attention towards creating value for shareholders and a transparent dividend payment policy, year by year. This solidity and visibility is also guaranteed by the prospects offered by the external scenario (M&As, protected services and gas tenders) and taken into account in the Plan, based on a conservative estimate which consists in maintaining current market shares. Stefano Venier, Hera CEO In a five-year period that will see a remarkable expansion in our plant facilities, a new phase is taking shape, with important events on the horizon in almost all our businesses. The Plan’s premise lies in affirming our leadership in services for our reference area and continuing in technological evolution, in order to persist in increasing regeneration in management models for activities and their resilience. Our risk/return tradeoff will improve thanks to a significant development in regulated activities, complemented by trends in free market activities. The Business Plan has been built around globally relevant issues, since we are perfectly aware of our role in enabling circular smart cities, but also the need to adequately respond to the new needs of our customers and the local ecosystem, brought about by digital evolution and environmental challenges. Business Plan to 2022 2019-01-10 870x320.1547131114 (1).jpg Based on solid forecast for 2018, which significantly exceeded the goal of one billion in Ebitda, this new strategic plan confirms the path of uninterrupted growth achieved by the Group since 2002. The focus on investments and innovation will guarantee a place at the forefront of its evolving services, further improving resilience and rising to the challenges of the sector. Efficiency and increased attention towards investment allocation, including a higher level of sustainability, will favour internal growth, with financial solidity fuelling external growth. /-/hera-group-approves-business-plan-to-2022-1 http://investornews.gruppohera.it/en/?n=58 /group_eng/investor-relations/hera-strategy/ Press release Newsletter: business plan to 2022 Strategy and Business Plan centrata Hera Group - Business Plan to 2022

[Sustainability Report] Banner - SBTi

Pre-Footer Standard

Hera SpA, Viale Carlo Berti Pichat 2/4, 40127 Bologna, Tel.051287111 www.gruppohera.it