Italy's PM Meloni Backs Eni CEO Descalzi for Fifth Term
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 14 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Leadership Endorsement: Italy's Prime Minister Meloni is preparing to support Eni (E) CEO Claudio Descalzi for a new three-year term, which, if successful, would make him the longest-serving leader in the company's history, reflecting the government's commitment to state-owned enterprises.
- Shareholder Meeting Authority: With Meloni's administration controlling nearly 32% of Eni, they will dictate the management team's appointments at the shareholder meeting in May, ensuring alignment between corporate strategy and national interests, thereby boosting investor confidence.
- Other Executive Extensions: Meloni is also expected to extend CEO mandates at other key Italian state-backed companies, including defense contractor Leonardo (FINMF) and energy firm Enel (ENLAY), indicating a focus on stability within the leadership of state enterprises.
- Future Challenges: Analysts highlight that Descalzi's primary challenge over the next three years will be to drive growth in the company's new units while ensuring that promised returns to investment partners are delivered, which will directly impact the company's long-term development and market performance.
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Analyst Views on E
Wall Street analysts forecast E stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for E is 18.24 USD with a low forecast of 17.25 USD and a high forecast of 19.23 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
3 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 41.680
Low
17.25
Averages
18.24
High
19.23
Current: 41.680
Low
17.25
Averages
18.24
High
19.23
About E
Eni SpA (Eni) is an Italy-based company engaged in the exploration, development and production of hydrocarbons, in the supply and marketing of gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and power, in the refining and marketing of petroleum products, in the production and marketing of basic petrochemicals, plastics and elastomers and in commodity trading. The Company's segments include Exploration & Production, Gas & Power, and Refining & Marketing. Its Exploration & Production segment engages in oil and natural gas exploration and field development and production, as well as LNG operations in over 40 countries, including Italy, Libya, Egypt, Norway, the United Kingdom, Angola, Congo, Nigeria, the United States, Kazakhstan, Algeria, Australia, Venezuela, Iraq, Ghana and Mozambique. Its Gas & Power segment engages in supply, trading and marketing of gas, LNG and electricity, international gas transport activities and commodity trading and derivatives.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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