Naturgy closed 2022 with a profit of 1,649 million euros, representing an increase of 35.8% compared to the 1,124 million it had earned the previous year, according to information presented this Wednesday at the National Securities Market Commission ( CNMV).
The operating result (ebitda) shot up 40.4%, to 4,954 million euros, and the upward trend that was already reinforced in the last quarter of the year continues. "In general, this period has been marked by the good performance of the liberalized activities, supported by the world energy scenario and the high prices of raw materials," the company explained.
The regulated activities, the Networks businesses, reached an operating result before taxes of 2,475 million euros in the year, which represents an increase of 8.7% compared to 2021. They were supported by lower operating expenses in Spain after the completion of the 2021 restructuring plan and in Latin America due to the update of rates that reflects the inflation of previous periods, as well as the positive effects of the exchange rate.
On the other hand, the liberalized activities, or the Markets businesses, explained most of the group's good performance compared to the previous year. They reached an ebitda of 2,574 million euros, an increase of 86.3%.
“2022 has been marked by the extreme volatility of the international energy market, as well as by geopolitical tensions that have made the year a disparate and unique year in the recent past. In this context, the company has intensified its activity to provide stability and security of supply to the system and has paid special attention to providing citizens and companies with the best conditions for access to energy despite uncertainty, as demonstrated by our Commitment initiatives of Gas and Electricity, as well as others to expedite and automate the change to the regulated gas rate of its clients”, explained the executive president of Naturgy, Francisco Reynés, in the note sent by the company.
The company chaired by Francisco Reynés closed the year with a 5.9% reduction in net debt, to 12,070 million, supported by cash generation, working capital management and the evolution of the exchange rate.
During 2022, the company invested a total of 1,907 million euros, almost 30% more than in the same previous period. The distribution networks and the renewable energy activity represented more than 90% of all the investment earmarked for growth (close to 1,200 million euros).
Regarding shareholder remuneration, the Board of Directors will propose to the General Meeting a complementary dividend of 0.50 euros per share, which is added to the first and second interim dividend of 2022, of 0.30 euros and 0.40 euros per share respectively, paid in cash during the year. Thus, the total remuneration to the shareholder in charge of the 2022 results will be 1.2 euros per share, as stated in Naturgy's Strategic Plan 21-25. The payout will be at 70%.
