LONDRA (United Kingdom) (ITALPRESS) – The CEO of Italgas, Paolo Gallo, today presents the Group’s Strategic Plan for the period 2025-2031 “Shaping a new energy” to analysts and investors, approved by the Company’s Board of Directors chaired by Paolo Ciocca. Altogether 16,5 billion euros (including the amount for the acquisition of 2i Rete Gas) the investments previewed in the Plan, in increase of 900 million euros (+5.7%) regarding the previous one. If you do not consider the acquisition of 2i Rete Gas, the relative disposal and tenders increase is 10.2%.
Investments are mainly driven by the development of gas distribution activities in Italy and Greece, as well as by the technological and digital upgrade of the new networks acquired, to make the same increasingly smart, digital and flexible, and able to accommodate increasing quotas of renewable gases, such as biomethane, hydrogen and synthetic methane, contributing at the same time to the stability of energy systems. At 2031, there are approximately 250 million benefits on EBITDA expected from the combination of industrial synergies, efficiencies, increased insourcing of industrial “core” and AI transformation activities, compared to the aggregated 2023 of the two Groups. The number is growing strongly compared to the previous Plan which provided €200 million of overall savings.
In addition to the benefits expected at 2031, the program of digitization of assets of 2i Rete Gas will bring extra-currence for more than 100 million euros (80 million euros in the previous Plan). The acquisition of 2i Rete Gas, with the largest planned organic investments and operational efficiencies tow the EBITDA that is expected to reach 3,0 billion euros to 2031, up 12% CAGR compared to 2024. The adjusted EPS, which reflects the impact of the increase in capital, realized at better conditions than those foreseen last year, is expected to increase by 10% CAGR compared to 20244.
Thanks to a better operating cash generation profile5, the Group plans to achieve a leverage level consistent with the commitments made with rating agencies in advance of about a year compared to the previous Plan. The dividend policy was extended to 2028, improving the reference base for the guaranteed annual growth of 5%. The new reference becomes the DPS 2024 of 0,406 euros (compared to the previous reference of the DPS 2023), while confirming the 65% payout. The new floor involves an implicit growth of dividend by share to value profits 2025 of at least 11.7% compared to dividend 2024 adjusted for application of IAS33.
GALLO “PIANO STRATEGICO PIÙ RILEVANTE NEI 188 ANNI DI VITA DEL GRUPPO”
The President of Italgas, Paolo Ciocca, on the occasion of the presentation of the strategic plan of the group for the period 2025-2031 commented: “Even in its new dimension as leader in Europe of gas distribution, with about 13 million customers, Italgas confirms the commitment to connecting industrial innovation with energy transition. However, the strength of Italgas is not only in size but in the ability to interpret the future, transform it into infrastructure and put it at the service of communities. We are guided by a vision based on innovation, technological neutrality and long-term value.”.
The CEO of Italgas, Paolo Gallo, added “The Strategic Plan 2025-2031 with €16.5 billion of investments, an increase of €900 million compared to the previous one, is the most important in the 188 years of the Group’s life. This goal is the result of the acquisition of 2nd Gas Network and the industrial vision of the Group. The shortest time for the closing of the operation, the only 90 days for the fusion of 2i Rete Gas and the most in-depth knowledge of the reality acquired, allow us today to review the guidance of the coming years. Thanks to the spirit of collaboration of our people, in only 3 months we have migrated data and operational processes on ITALgas’ IT systems, rationalized staff structures and the territorial organization and identified the activities that will allow us to achieve the ambitious synergie goals.
In the ‘hydric’ and ‘energy efficiency’ sectors, to which almost 800 million euros are allocated, the best digital solutions and Artificial Intelligence developed for the gas distribution sector will be applied. In the water sector, the goal is to step up investments to reduce losses and improve management through the digitization of networks. In energy efficiency the challenge is to offer increasingly advanced solutions in the areas where we operate. Technological innovation, digital transformation and widespread use of Artificial Intelligence are the distinctive elements of the Italgas Group in all activities. These elements combine with the passion and competence of women and men of Italgas who become the true thruster of growth.”.
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