(Finance) – “The buyback is a flexible instrument and there is no mapped out path. We declare a certain percentage of distribution or a range with respect to the CFFO, clearly divided between dividends and buyback. Then the buyback can be raised with improvement of the our performance or the scenario.” He stated it Francesco Gattei, Chief Transition & Financial Officer Of Eniduring the conference call with analysts that followed the publication of the results for the first nine months of 2024.
“And there is the possibility, as done this year, to change this percentage for an improvement – he explained – When we announce the distribution policy there is therefore a floor, with the decision being protected in every scenario. I believe it is an attractive model and we cannot be more precise because the volatility of the energy market is high“.
Considering that the divestment plan is progressing better than our initial expectations, Eni today confirmed theincrease in the 2024 buyback plan, which is now expected to amount to 2 billion euros+25% compared to the previous guidance of 1.6 billion euros and +80% compared to the original annual plan. This will increase the total cash return to shareholders to approximately 38% of CFFO.
“It’s one highly competitive and attractive distribution with a yield of 11.5%”, underlined the manager.
Regarding the possibility of reviewing the remuneration policy with the new plan next year, Gattei did not want to provide precise indications, but said that “the general idea is that we want to strengthen the company with growth and diversification, developing new lines of business and bringing other business lines that are now losing money to profitability. All this will help increase remuneration“.