Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA reached $36 million, reflecting a 23.7% year-over-year reduction, with the adjusted EBITDA margin contracting to 20.8%, a decline of 315 basis points year-over-year [5][12][16] - Net loss attributable to the owner of the company totaled ARS 8.5 billion for the quarter, compared to a net gain of ARS 27.9 billion in the same quarter last year [15][16] - Net debt declined by $9 million quarter-over-quarter to $206 million, with a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.49 times, up from 0.89 times at the end of 2024 [5][16][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue in the cement segment declined 13.2% year-over-year, driven by a 5.4% contraction in volumes and softer pricing [8][12] - Concrete revenues remained broadly flat versus the third quarter of 2024, with a 37.8% increase in volumes offset by softer pricing dynamics [9][12] - The aggregates segment posted a slight 0.8% revenue decline, despite a 26.3% increase in sales volumes driven by higher activity in road construction [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cement dispatches fell around 1% in the quarter, largely explained by a soft July, although September volumes were the highest in 22 months [6][7] - VAC cement dispatches reached 44% of total industry dispatches, showing strong performance in line with the previous quarter [7] - October's volumes showed renewed strength, with a 7.4% year-over-year increase, indicating a potential recovery in the market [7][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize performance and support the country's development as conditions normalize, with a focus on unlocking investment projects that have been on hold [19][20] - The recent electoral outcome is expected to provide stability needed for investment projects, with management expressing optimism about higher activity levels [19][26] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that key industry activity lost momentum due to a slowing economy and uncertainty around the electoral process, but expressed optimism for recovery following the elections [4][19] - The company expects to see a recovery in pricing in dollar terms with a more stable exchange rate and plans to increase prices above inflation [24][25] Other Important Information - The company began dispatching new 25-kilogram bags during the quarter, which were well received by customers [19] - Cash flow generation from operating activities totaled ARS 32 billion, reflecting higher working capital requirements and lower operational results [16][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pricing outlook for the company - Management indicated that pricing dynamics are expected to improve, with plans to increase prices above inflation in the coming months, especially with a more stable exchange rate [22][24] Question: Capital allocation and dividend distribution - Management stated that due to the macroeconomic situation in Argentina, they have not advanced with dividend payments this year but plan to reassess the situation for 2026 [24][25] Question: Early call orders or volumes for the fourth quarter - Management noted a recovery in volumes for October, driven by pre-election investment hesitance and a favorable exchange rate, expressing optimism for continued volume growth [26][27]

The Philippine central bank is allowing the dollar-peso exchange rate to be determined by market forces, confident that the local currency is backed by favorable economic fundamentals https://t.co/sVLG4glqmz ...

Tourism Industry Outlook - The Tourism Authority of Thailand projects a 6% year-over-year decrease in foreign tourist arrivals this year [1] - This decline marks the first annual decrease in a decade, excluding the pandemic period [1] - Safety concerns and a strong Thai Baht are factors suppressing tourist demand from key markets like China [1] Currency & Economic Impact - Analysts suggest that weak Thai tourism demand and sluggish merchandise exports will limit the appreciation potential of the Thai Baht [1]

The US Treasury bought Argentine pesos Thursday at the parallel exchange rate known among investors as the “blue chip swap,” Secretary Scott Bessent announced on X Friday https://t.co/3CAYmvYZ8u ...

Currency Market - The Indian rupee has shown minimal movement in the past three weeks [1] - Some traders speculate that the central bank is tightening its control over the currency [1]

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing U.S. government shutdown is likely to weaken the dollar further, as highlighted by top forex forecasting institutions [1][4]. Group 1: Economic Data Impact - The political deadlock in Washington has delayed the release of key economic data, including weekly jobless claims and the monthly non-farm payroll report [1][3]. - In the absence of economic data, the statements from monetary policymakers will become crucial for traders assessing the Federal Reserve's interest rate path [3][4]. Group 2: Predictions and Trends - The dollar index has declined nearly 10% this year, and further depreciation is expected [1]. - Prestige Economics' Jason Schenker predicts that the euro-to-dollar exchange rate will rise from 1.17 to 1.19 by year-end, while the dollar-to-yen rate will drop from 147 to 145 [4]. - Once the government shutdown is resolved, there is potential for a dollar rebound, but the overall trend suggests continued weakness into next year [4]. Group 3: Global Currency Reserves - The share of the dollar in global central bank foreign exchange reserves has fallen to its lowest level since 1995, with the IMF reporting a drop to 56.3% during the April to June period [4]. - This represents a decline of nearly 1.5 percentage points from the first quarter, marking a 30-year low [4].

Currency Market - The Thai baht is projected to achieve its largest annual increase in six years against the US dollar [1] Government Impact - This appreciation poses a challenge for the new government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul [1]

Exchange Rate Policy - China's central bank is subtly shifting its strategy towards favoring a stronger yuan exchange rate [1] - This shift is speculated to be driven by an improving economic outlook [1]

Currency Market - The yuan may appreciate further past 7 against the dollar [1] - Debate is growing among market participants over whether Beijing will allow the yuan to appreciate [1]

Summary of PBOC Q2 Monetary Policy Report Industry Overview - The report pertains to the monetary policy of the People's Bank of China (PBOC) and its implications for the Chinese economy. Key Points 1. **Monetary Policy Stance** The PBOC maintained a "moderately loose" policy stance in its Q2 monetary policy report released on August 15, indicating a limited appetite for broad-based monetary easing despite an easing bias [2][3][4] 2. **Implementation of Policies** The emphasis was placed on executing existing policies and targeted easing, suggesting a measured and reactive approach to monetary policy rather than aggressive easing [2][3] 3. **Credit Extension** The report indicated a shift in tone regarding credit extension, moving from "intensify credit extension" to "maintain steady support for credit extension." This reflects a response to July's weak loan growth [4] 4. **Targeted Easing Focus** The PBOC highlighted the importance of targeted easing through policy guidance, particularly in key areas such as technological innovation, rural development, elderly care, services consumption, and inclusive finance for small and micro enterprises [4] 5. **Shift in Loan Distribution** The share of new loans has shifted significantly, with over 60% previously allocated to real estate and infrastructure, now focusing more on five priority areas including tech innovation and green transition [4][9] 6. **Exchange Rate Management** The report reinstated "the three firm commitments" regarding exchange rates, indicating a preference for a stronger Chinese Yuan (CNY). The PBOC is expected to guide a gradual appreciation of the CNY [10] 7. **Monetary Policy Transmission** The PBOC called for "smooth monetary policy transmission" and emphasized the guiding role of policy rates and market self-regulatory pricing mechanisms [3] 8. **Financial Stability Concerns** The report reiterated the need to prevent idle money circulation and highlighted the trade-off between pro-growth easing and financial stability, indicating a cautious approach to monetary policy [3] Additional Important Insights - The PBOC's approach reflects a balance between stimulating economic growth and maintaining financial stability, which may influence investor sentiment and market dynamics in the near term [3][4]