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 of €2,400,000,000 [11] - 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 million barrels of oil equivalent of new resources, with significant projects in Norway and Angola contributing to production growth [5][6] - Transition businesses, including Plenitude and Eni Life, are expected to see EBITDA close to tripling between 2024 and 2030, with Plenitude's renewable capacity projected to grow by over 30% year-on-year [7][8] - 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 on Q1 due to better margins, although impacted by downtime at key assets [12] - The company expects to grow cash flow from operations (CFFO) in 2025 to €11,500,000,000, which is €500,000,000 higher than previous guidance [18] - The company anticipates a strong ramp-up in production in the second half of the year, with guidance for production to reach between 1.7 million and 1.72 million barrels per day [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow CFFO by around 40% by 2030 and improve return on capital employed, focusing on shareholder returns through dividends and share buybacks [4] - The strategy includes integrating equity gas production into the LNG chain and building complementary energy businesses related to decarbonization [4][5] - The company is advancing its upstream satellite model, which is expected to create significant cash flow and strategic options, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia [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, driven by production ramp-ups and new renewable power generation capacity [17][18] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet and leveraging new partnerships to enhance operational efficiency and cash flow [63][66] - Management acknowledged the challenges in the chemical sector but expects slight improvements in margins and performance [84] Other Important Information - The company has signed a significant contract with Venture Global for U.S. LNG, which is expected to complement its portfolio of contracted volumes [23][27] - The company is pursuing a binding offer for Atea Energia, which aligns with its strategy to increase its customer base in the power sector [73] - The company is not interested in the Galp process in Namibia, focusing instead on its existing resources and exploration wells [76] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the terms of the contract with Venture Global? - The company cannot comment on third-party contracts but finds the project competitive and complementary to its portfolio [26][27] Question: What is the status of the asset sale to Vitol? - The closing will consider production cash and investment ramp-up, with adjustments made at the time of closing [33][34] Question: What is the outlook for the tax rate? - The tax rate is expected to be closer to 50%, driven by the conversion of loss-making businesses into profitable ones [41][42] Question: Can you provide an update on the YPF Argentina project? - The plan is to have an FID by Q1 2026, with necessary agreements to be finalized by the end of the year [54][97] Question: What are the expectations for the buyback program? - The company is considering an increase in the buyback program, depending on the positive trend in financial performance [56][92]