On this page we present an in-depth on the economic and financial impact from the Covid-19 emergency and on the ESG Initiatives put in place by A2A during the pandemic.
The mitigation actions and the natural diversification of the Group’s businesses, some of which are not impacted by short-term outlooks (e.g. regulated or contracted business), made it possible to avoid generally suffering the effects of the epidemic.
In fact, compared with FY 2019, the estimated effects from COVID-19 on 2020 EBITDA, net of the recovery plan, are approximately -10 €M. This amount was, ultimately, offset by other developments, including external growth operations that made it possible to close the year with EBITDA in line with 2019.
The effects of COVID-19 have mainly been seen in terms of the length of time necessary to collect payments from customers for energy and gas supplies. This impact, which is valued as an average delay of 5 days in June, thereafter progressively reducing until neutralising at year-end. The negative effect on the non-collection of receivables has come in below expectations. At 31 December 2020, the Group has a comprehensive liquidity position of 1,802 €M comprising 1,012 €M in liquid funds and 790 €M in unused loans and committed credit facilities.
Forecasts for FY 2021, as set out and indicated in the 2021-2030 Strategic Plan unveiled to the market on 20 January 2021, are based on the hypothesis that the year just started will not be significantly impacted by the negative effects brought about by a continuation and/or worsening of the micro and macroeconomic scenario on both a national and international level, as compared with the situation seen at the close of 2020. Consequently, no measures have been considered to support the economy and/or businesses during the year.
In any case, with reference to the 2021 forecasts, different scenarios with alternative risk hypotheses and, for each of these, on the basis of the experience accrued by the action already taken in 2020, the related mitigating action they can take to protect the economic and financial situation.
During 2020, COVID-19 negative impact on A2A share price was relevant, especially in March. There was no negative impact on distributed dividend.
As of March 2020
As of April 2020
As of March 2020
From March to May 2020
As of May 2020
As of March 2020
As of April 2020