(Finance) – It is in the today presented i results 2021 which highlight a cprofit growth and EBITDA on the upper part of the guidance and a solid operational performance in all the businesses in which the Group is present. 2021 also highlighted a visible acceleration in the growth of renewables with an additional 5.1 GW.
The exercise – explained l‘To Francesco Starace in conference call – was characterized by good post-pandemic growth, but also by “headwinds” that affected the business.
“The fundamental role played by utilities they have in managing the sudden changes in the energy sector and it is in this direction that ours is going strategy, focused on decarbonisation and electrification “, said the manager, reiterating the will of “seize all opportunities” that they should arise and “accelerate investments in renewables, which guarantee a stable, safe and competitive source of energy”.
Starace also has confirmed a clear and predictable dividend policy and a commitment to distribute a dividend of € 0.40 in 2022 (+ 12% on 2020) from € 0.38 distributed in 2021. A 13% dividend growth is expected between 2021 and 2024 up to € 0.43 and Starace clarified “we do not see a change in the dividend policy due to the current turbulence “.
Enel’s CEO also answered questions aboutimpact that the Russia will have on the business. About the supplies he explained that Enel has no supplies from Russia and in any case are covered for the 90% from long-term contracts. About the asset Russians, the manager said that a decision “will be made in a few months” and that in any case they represent one “very limited portion of the business“. The investments envisaged by the Plan – he added – are estimated at just 40 million.
Starace has denied also ppossibility of reopening coal plants in Italy, confirming that the Group will continue the decarbonisation process outlined as planned.
Finally, Enel’s CEO confirmed the prospect of an IPO or placement of the company engaged in electric mobilitystating “we will decide in the coming months”.