Eni(E) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported production of 1,670,000 barrels per day, consistent with guidance, and EBIT for the quarter was approximately €1,700,000,000, with pro forma EBIT expected to be around €2,400,000,000 [11][12] - Cash flows before working capital for the quarter were €2,800,000,000, totaling €6,200,000,000 for the half year, maintaining efficient conversion of earnings into cash [13] - Net debt decreased to €10,200,000,000, which is €2,000,000,000 lower than year-end 2024, with leverage at 19%, the lowest level in company history [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Upstream segment, the company discovered approximately 600,000,000 barrels of oil equivalent of new resources, with significant projects in Norway and Angola contributing to production growth [4][5] - Transition businesses, including Plenitude, are expected to see EBITDA close to tripling between 2024 and 2030, with renewable capacity growth projected to exceed 30% year-on-year [6][7] - Versalis showed improvement quarter-on-quarter but remains significantly loss-making, with a turnaround in EBIT expected to approach €1,000,000,000 by the end of the full-year plan [10][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The refining operations improved due to better margins, although impacted by downtime at key assets [12] - The company expects to grow cash flow from operations (CFFO) to €11,500,000,000 in 2025, which is €500,000,000 higher than previous guidance [19] - The company anticipates a strong production ramp-up in the second half of the year, with guidance for production to reach between 1.7 million and 1.72 million barrels per day [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategic focus includes delivering efficient competitive growth in Upstream, integrating equity gas production into the LNG chain, and building complementary energy businesses related to decarbonization [2][3] - The company aims to grow CFFO by around 40% by 2030 and improve return on capital employed, driving shareholder returns through a competitive dividend and share buyback program [3][4] - The combination with Petronas in Indonesia and Malaysia is expected to create a leading regional player with significant growth potential in gas demand [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the operational momentum and positive outlook for the second half of the year, with expectations for a promising 2026 [19] - The company highlighted the importance of cash management initiatives and the adaptability of its satellite model to enhance efficiency and reduce costs [60][62] - Management noted that the current market conditions are conducive for continued strong performance in gas trading, despite volatility [112] Other Important Information - The company has identified an additional €1,000,000,000 in cash initiatives to be captured by the end of the year, raising the total benefit to €3,000,000,000 [13] - The company is advancing its biorefinery projects, with four additional projects in the pipeline, two of which are located in the Asian market [6][7] - The company is focused on corporate cost efficiency as part of its transformation plan for Versalis [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the terms of the contract with Venture Global and the confidence in volume delivery? - Management stated that they cannot comment on third-party contracts but expressed confidence in Venture Global's ability to deliver based on their past performance [27][28] Question: What is the expected adjustment in the asset sale to Vitol? - Management confirmed that the closing will consider production cash and investment ramp-up, leading to an uncertain but adjusted final consideration [34] Question: Can you provide an update on the tax rate and refining margins? - Management indicated that the tax rate is expected to be closer to 50% due to improved profitability in previously loss-making businesses, while refining margins are expected to remain strong due to low product storage and high crack spreads [42][44] Question: What is the timeline for Plenitude to turn cash flow neutral? - Management expects Plenitude to maintain a strong financial position, with cash flow turning positive as retail clients are served by renewable production [48] Question: What are the next milestones for the restructuring of Versalis? - Management outlined that the restructuring plan will yield positive effects in 2025, with significant improvements expected by the second half of 2026 [80][82] Question: What is the status of Libya gas projects? - Management reported multiple ongoing projects in Libya, with first production from structures A and E expected by the end of 2027 [106]