A2A SpA (FRA:EAM) Q2 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong EBITDA Growth and Renewable Energy ...

In This Article:

  • Revenue: Lower revenues compared to the same period last year due to commodity dynamics.

  • EBITDA: Increased by 46%, reaching a high level with significant growth in ordinary EBITDA.

  • Group Net Income: Grew by 75%, with ordinary group net income increasing by 86%.

  • CapEx: Increased by 31% in the electricity network, with a focus on development and smart infrastructures.

  • Renewable Energy Generation: 61% renewable energy generation, with a 27% increase.

  • Installed Capacity: Increased from 1.7 to 2.7 gigawatts.

  • Customer Base: Grew by 42,000 units, with electricity and gas sales increasing by 6% and 7%, respectively.

  • Net Financial Position: Stable, with a leverage of 1.7 excluding the hybrid bond issuance.

  • Guidance: Increased to about EUR2.2 billion for EBITDA, with net ordinary income ranging between EUR700 million and EUR720 million.

Release Date: July 30, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • A2A SpA (FRA:EAM) reported a significant increase in EBITDA, growing by 46% compared to the previous year, driven by strong performance in generation and market sectors.

  • The company achieved a 61% renewable energy generation, with a notable increase in hydroelectric power, contributing to a 41% reduction in CO2 emissions per kilowatt hour.

  • A2A SpA (FRA:EAM) successfully issued its first hybrid bond, enhancing its financial stability and supporting its sustainable finance framework.

  • The company has increased its CapEx in electricity networks by 31%, highlighting its commitment to infrastructure development and future growth.

  • A2A SpA (FRA:EAM) improved its guidance for the year, expecting an EBITDA of about EUR2.2 billion, reflecting confidence in its operational and financial performance.

Negative Points

  • Thermoelectric production faced challenges, with a decrease in performance, partially offsetting gains from renewable energy sources.

  • The waste management sector showed a flat performance compared to the previous year, with a slight decrease in collection revenues.

  • The company anticipates a slight increase in working capital in the second half of the year due to seasonality, which may impact cash flow.

  • There are concerns about the future profitability of auctions and capacity markets, with potential impacts from new storage capacities.

  • A2A SpA (FRA:EAM) faces challenges in the Italian renewable energy sector, including regulatory and community opposition, which could affect future projects.

Q & A Highlights

Q: What is a reasonable assumption for hydraulic or water production in 2024 and 2025, and what are the expected price levels? A: For 2024, we estimate around EUR4.8, with a cautious forecast of EUR4 for 2025. The hedging for 2024 is at 59% with an average price of EUR151, and for 2025, it's 40% at EUR120. We expect DSM market contributions to close at around EUR80 million to EUR85 million for 2024.