That close the 2021 financial year with a Net income equal to 313,3 million euros, up 10% on an annual basis. THE revenues consolidated amounted to 3,972 billion euro, an increase of 17,6%. L'net financial debt is 3,988,4 billion.
On the profitability front, theEbitda consolidated increases to 1,256,1 billion (+8,7%). L'EBIT on the other hand, it grew by 8,6%, to 581,1 million euro, reflecting higher amortization (+9,7%) and the increase in bad debts (+8,6%).
The Board of Directors has proposed the distribution of a dividend equal to 0,85 euro per share, 6,3% more than in 2020 (58% payout, determined on the net result after attributions to third parties).
The words of Gola, the managing director
"The results for 2021, despite a still complex scenario both due to the persistence of the pandemic and, since the second half of the year, due to the volatility of the energy market, are growing - he said Joseph Gola, CEO of Acea – The significant increase in Ebitda, which exceeded the upwardly revised guidance during 2021, is due to the positive performance of all our business areas which showed results in progressive and constant growth, accompanied by the achievement of concrete sustainability objectives”.
Gola then recalled that "the year was characterized by the conclusion of important industrial operations both in the Environment area, with the acquisition of waste treatment plants, with a view to circular economy, and in the renewable energy sector, where we have signed an agreement with the infrastructure fund Equitix”.
Acea's objectives for 2022
As for the prospects for 2022, “even in a scenario that is currently complicated by international tensions, with significant effects on the energy market and which could affect the economic recovery – concludes Gola – we expect results to improve further”.
For this year, Acea expects an increase in Ebitda of between 2% and 4% compared to 2021, investments substantially in line with 2021 and a net financial debt of between 4,2 and 4,3 billion euro.
Acea: "It is difficult to assess the impact of the war between Russia and Ukraine"
However, precisely “in relation to the international geopolitical crisis that arose following the Russia-Ukraine conflict – continues the Acea note – it is currently difficult and uncertain to assess the effects and repercussions that could derive from the persistence of the international crisis. Management is currently engaged in monitoring the situation on international markets and will continue to analyze the trend in raw material prices over the next few months. With regard to the financial effects both in the short and medium term, the group is implementing appropriate monitoring activities in order to intervene promptly. Given the situation of absolute uncertainty, the Acea group will take steps to reflect any impacts that cannot be determined to date in the Business Plan".
