A2A SpA (WBO:A2A) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strategic Growth Amid Revenue Challenges

In This Article:

  • Revenue: Decreased by 17% due to price and commodity dynamics.

  • EBITDA: Grew by 33% to EUR 1.8 billion from EUR 1.357 billion last year.

  • Net Income: Increased by 68% to EUR 713 million, with ordinary group net income slightly below at EUR 665 million.

  • Net Financial Position: Stable at EUR 4.7 billion, reduced to EUR 4 billion considering the hybrid bond issue.

  • Hydroelectric Power Production: Increased from 2.5 terawatts to 3.9 terawatts.

  • CapEx: Total CapEx of EUR 900 million, up 13% from the same period last year.

  • Cash Flow: Sufficient to fund investments and dividends, maintaining a neutral debt level.

  • Guidance: Improved by EUR 100 million, with expected net income between EUR 800 to 820 million.

  • Dividend Policy: Increased from 3% to 4% starting in 2024.

Release Date: November 12, 2024

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

Positive Points

  • A2A SpA (WBO:A2A) reported a significant increase in net income, growing by 68% to EUR 713 million for the group.

  • The company achieved a substantial increase in hydropower production, reaching 3.9 terawatts compared to 2.5 terawatts in the previous year.

  • A2A SpA (WBO:A2A) successfully managed to secure a one-off capital gain of EUR 11 million from litigation.

  • The company's strategic investments in infrastructure and renewable energy have led to higher regulated revenues and improved financial metrics.

  • A2A SpA (WBO:A2A) has updated its dividend policy, increasing dividends from 3% to 4% starting in 2024, reflecting strong financial performance.

Negative Points

  • The waste-to-energy (WTE) segment provided a non-positive contribution compared to other renewable energy sources.

  • Revenues decreased by 17% due to price and commodity dynamics, although this was partially offset by lower energy bills for customers.

  • The thermoelectric power production segment experienced a negative contribution of EUR 70 million.

  • The waste business performance was below expectations, despite some compensation from scenario effects.

  • A2A SpA (WBO:A2A) faces challenges in the regulatory environment, particularly with new decrees potentially restricting renewable plans.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you explain the scenario effect and energy assumptions for 2027, given the current energy prices? A: The scenario effect disappears in 2025, not 2027. It is due to increased production and hedging at higher prices in 2024. By 2025, we expect a reduction of EUR300 million in scenario effects, starting with 3 billion. We assume energy prices will remain between EUR100-110 per megawatt hour, with potential for a 10% improvement due to our energy management platform and technology implementation.