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ERG SpA (STU:ER9) Q2 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strategic Investments and Growth Amidst ...

In This Article:

  • EBITDA: EUR281 million for the first half, up 4% year on year.

  • Adjusted Net Profit: EUR106 million for the first half, down 7% year on year.

  • Net Financial Position: EUR1.9 billion as of June 30, 2024.

  • Investments: EUR444 million in the first half, significantly up year on year.

  • Revenue from New Assets: EUR28 million contribution in the first half.

  • Second Quarter EBITDA: EUR116 million, EUR9 million higher than Q2 2023.

  • Second Quarter Adjusted Net Profit: EUR28 million, lower than EUR36 million in Q2 2023.

  • Full-Year EBITDA Guidance: EUR520 million to EUR580 million.

  • Full-Year CapEx Guidance: EUR550 million to EUR600 million.

  • Full-Year Net Financial Position Guidance: EUR1.75 billion to EUR1.85 billion.

Release Date: August 02, 2024

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

Positive Points

  • ERG SpA (STU:ER9) reported a 4% year-on-year increase in EBITDA, reaching EUR281 million, driven by larger installed capacity and full consolidation of the US portfolio.

  • The company successfully issued its fourth green bond for EUR500 million, extending its average debt duration to over 5 years.

  • ERG SpA (STU:ER9) completed significant projects, including a 101-megawatt capacity project in Sicily and acquisitions in the US and France.

  • The company maintained a strong financial structure, with Fitch confirming its investment-grade rating.

  • ERG SpA (STU:ER9) is on track to reach its target of 3.9 gigawatts of installed capacity by the end of the year, with significant contributions expected from new assets in 2025.

Negative Points

  • Adjusted net profit decreased by 7% year on year to EUR106 million, impacted by higher depreciation, financial charges, and a higher tax rate.

  • EBITDA outside Italy decreased by 16% year on year due to tough price scenarios in European countries, particularly in Germany and Spain.

  • The net financial position increased to EUR1.9 billion, reflecting investments, buybacks, and dividends.

  • The company faces challenges in Spain with high volatility in power prices, impacting revenues.

  • ERG SpA (STU:ER9) is awaiting regulatory clarity in Italy for its repowering projects, which could delay final investment decisions.

Q & A Highlights

Q: What are the conditions that would trigger a final investment decision on the 500 megawatts of fully authorized projects, particularly regarding the FER X pricing? A: More than 300 megawatts are Italian repowering projects, awaiting the FER X issuance. The draft decree suggests a price range between EUR70 and EUR95 per megawatt hour. We hope for clarity by year-end to participate in auctions and secure a 20-year CfD, which will guide our final investment decisions.