Snam SpA (SNMRF) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong EBITDA Growth and Strategic Investments

In This Article:

  • Adjusted EBITDA: EUR2,089 million, up more than 12% year-on-year.

  • Adjusted Net Income: EUR996 million, up 6% year-on-year.

  • Investments: EUR1.8 billion, up 46% compared to nine months 2023.

  • Net Debt: EUR15.9 billion with an average net cost of debt at 2.5%.

  • Interim Dividend for 2024: EUR0.1162 per share, reflecting a 3% increase compared to 2023.

  • Revenue from Piombino FSRU: Contributed EUR36 million since starting operations in July 2023.

  • Regulated Revenue Growth: Transport and storage revenues increased by EUR123 million.

  • Net Income Contribution from Associates: EUR233 million, with EUR69 million from Italian associates and EUR164 million from international portfolio.

  • Funds from Operations: EUR1,668 million.

  • Cash Flow from Operations: Partially absorbed by EUR419 million of working capital.

  • Hybrid Instrument Issuance: EUR1 billion to finance acquisitions and CapEx plan.

  • Expected Net Debt by Year-End 2024: EUR16.5 billion, revised from previous guidance of EUR17.5 billion.

Release Date: November 07, 2024

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

Positive Points

  • Snam SpA (SNMRF) reported a strong growth in adjusted EBITDA, up more than 12% year-on-year, reaching EUR 2,089 million.

  • The company has approved an interim dividend for 2024, reflecting a 3% increase compared to 2023.

  • Snam SpA (SNMRF) successfully issued a EUR 1 billion hybrid instrument to finance acquisitions and maintain financial flexibility.

  • The company is progressing on its strategy to become a multi-molecule infrastructure operator, with significant investments in gas infrastructure and energy transition projects.

  • Snam SpA (SNMRF) has a robust transition plan aligned with the Paris Agreement, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint and enable energy system decarbonization.

Negative Points

  • Net debt increased to EUR 15.9 billion, with an average net cost of debt at 2.5%.

  • The Italian gas market saw a decline in demand by 2.7% in the first nine months due to low thermo-electric production and mild weather.

  • The energy transition business reported a negative contribution of EUR 6 million in the first nine months of 2024.

  • Higher net financial expenses were reported, driven by increased interest rates and higher net cost of debt.

  • The company faces potential risks related to gas volume decline and the need for infrastructure repurposing in the long term.

Q & A Highlights

Q: What are your expectations for the regulatory framework for carbon capture and storage (CCS) in Italy? A: Stefano Venier, CEO, explained that the Ministry of Energy and Environment is working on technical and legal frameworks for CCS. The outcome will be published for consultation by year-end. Snam expects a regulated market for transportation and segregation, allowing them to play a direct role in these activities.