Core Viewpoint - Sempra is taking strategic actions to simplify its portfolio and recycle capital to support growth in its Texas and California utilities, including the sale of certain energy infrastructure assets in Mexico and a minority stake in Sempra Infrastructure Partners [1][2]. Asset Sales - Sempra Infrastructure plans to sell Ecogas México, which operates three utility franchises and has over 5,000 kilometers of distribution pipelines serving more than 600,000 consumers in Mexico [3]. - The sale of Ecogas is part of a strategy to divest non-core assets and focus on the U.S. utilities [14]. Minority Stake Sale - The company is initiating a process to sell a minority interest in Sempra Infrastructure, which has a strong position in liquefied natural gas (LNG) assets [4]. - Previous sales of non-controlling interests in Sempra Infrastructure were valued at approximately $16.9 billion in 2021 and $17.9 billion in 2022 [4]. LNG Growth Opportunities - Sempra Infrastructure is expanding its LNG franchise, with projects like Energía Costa Azul LNG Phase 1 expected to commence operations in spring 2026, and Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 on track for 2027 and 2028 [5][6]. - The company is in discussions for Phase 2 of Port Arthur LNG, which has strong commercial interest and aims for a final investment decision in 2025 [6][7]. Value Creation Initiatives - The announced sales are part of five value creation initiatives for 2025, aimed at increasing long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders [8]. - These transactions are expected to be accretive to earnings-per-share forecasts and enhance the company's credit profile [9].

Core Insights - Canadian Net Real Estate Investment Trust reported its Q4 2024 results, indicating a pivotal year with successful capital recycling initiatives and a focus on high-quality retail properties [2][3][4] - The REIT announced monthly distributions for Q2 2025, maintaining a consistent distribution per unit [9][21] Financial Performance - For Q4 2024, Canadian Net reported Funds from Operations (FFO) of $3.25 million, or $0.158 per unit, a decrease from $3.34 million, or $0.162 per unit in Q4 2023 [3][4] - Rental income for Q4 2024 was $6.8 million, down 6.4% from Q4 2023, while Net Operating Income (NOI) was $4.8 million, a decrease of 2.8% [4][16] - For the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2024, FFO was $12.36 million, or $0.601 per unit, compared to $13.06 million, or $0.635 per unit for the same period in 2023 [5][6] - Total rental income for the twelve-month period was $26.1 million, a decrease of 1.6% from 2023, with NOI at $18.9 million, down 2.6% [6][7] Capital Recycling and Portfolio Quality - The REIT successfully reinvested proceeds from the sale of five gas station properties into four necessity-based retail properties leased to national triple-A tenants, enhancing portfolio quality and resilience [2][4] - The portfolio remains at 100% occupancy, positioning the REIT well to navigate the current macroeconomic environment [2][4] Distributions - Canadian Net announced monthly cash distributions of $0.02875 per unit for April, May, and June 2025, maintaining an annualized distribution of $0.345 per unit [9][21] Non-IFRS Financial Measures - The REIT reported a decrease in FFO and Normalized FFO primarily due to higher interest charges on mortgage renewals and declines in rental income from property dispositions [8][12] - Adjusted Funds from Operations (AFFO) for the twelve-month period was $11.59 million, with AFFO per unit at $0.564, reflecting a slight decrease from the previous year [18]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported the strongest quarter of the year with significant EBITDA growth and cost control, achieving nearly BRL 25 billion in cash, the highest in its history [6][7] - The leverage ratio was impacted by exchange rate variations, with an adjusted leverage closer to 3.2 times without these effects [7][25] - EBITDA for Q4 2024 increased by more than BRL 1 billion compared to the previous quarter, driven by strong performance in mining, cement, and steel [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In mining, the company achieved production guidance with a 35% price increase compared to the previous quarter, resulting in an EBITDA margin above 50% [9][35] - Steel sales increased by 10% year-over-year, with an EBITDA margin reaching 11%, marking the first time it surpassed double digits in the year [10][32] - Cement segment achieved a record EBITDA margin of 33%, the highest since acquiring Lafarge Holcim, despite typical seasonal challenges [12][38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a favorable trend in steel consumption, with a 10% increase in sales compared to the same period last year, indicating strong market demand [10][29] - The logistics segment experienced a drop in invoicing and EBITDA due to seasonal factors, but overall performance improved with higher cargo volumes throughout the year [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on deleveraging and capital recycling, with significant actions including the sale of a stake in CMIN to enhance cash reserves [13][18] - Future CapEx will prioritize growth projects, particularly in mining and steel, with over 60% of CapEx allocated to priority projects in 2025 [51][83] - The company is exploring organic growth opportunities in cement and has plans for several greenfield projects [54][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about operational efficiency and market conditions, expecting continued growth in EBITDA for 2025 [94] - The company is committed to maintaining a flexible investment strategy while focusing on deleveraging and operational excellence [96][100] - Management acknowledged challenges from international competition and trade policies but remains confident in the company's competitive position [60][82] Other Important Information - The company decided not to distribute dividends in Q1 2025 to reinforce its commitment to deleveraging [18][116] - The company has made significant progress in ESG initiatives, achieving a 63% reduction in lost days and a 7% reduction in CO2 emissions [42][43] Q&A Session Summary Question: Overview of expansion projects in mining and cement - Management highlighted that over 60% of CapEx in 2025 will focus on priority projects, with P15 being a significant priority expected to start operations by the end of 2027 [51][52] Question: Update on steel production and pricing strategy - Management indicated that the steel segment is expected to maintain a two-digit EBITDA margin, with price adjustments anticipated in the first quarter [77][78] Question: Strategic plan amidst trade wars and investment flexibility - Management confirmed that while the focus remains on mining and steel, there is flexibility in postponing less critical projects depending on market conditions [82][83] Question: Antidumping measures and market dynamics - Management discussed ongoing efforts to address antidumping issues and the competitive landscape in the Brazilian market, emphasizing the need for protective measures against unfair imports [60][61] Question: Future of cement business and IPO plans - Management confirmed readiness for a cement IPO but noted challenges due to market conditions, indicating a desire to proceed when favorable [127]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA nearly tripled from $190 million in 2023 to $540 million in 2024 [6] - GAAP EPS totaled $0.24 per share for Q4, compared to a loss of $1.78 in Q4 2023 [18] - Investment management revenue grew by 83% to $30 million in Q4 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Investment management fees grew by 60% year-over-year to approximately $100 million in 2024 [8] - The credit platform completed a record $1.4 billion of new loan originations in Q4 and $3.5 billion for the year [9] - Same-property NOI grew by 5.6% in Q4 [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall market environment is showing steady improvement with strengthening debt markets and rebounding transaction volume [7] - The apartment portfolio ended the quarter with 95% occupancy, with demand driven by high homeownership costs [28] - The Irish apartment portfolio ended the quarter at a strong 97% occupancy [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on increasing baseline EBITDA, growing the investment management business, and reducing unsecured debt [6] - Capital recycling through non-core asset sales is a core focus, with an expected generation of over $400 million in 2025 [13] - The company aims to deploy capital into higher return opportunities, particularly within investment management platforms [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates a very active year in 2025, committed to executing key initiatives while strengthening the balance sheet [17] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on new opportunities in rental housing and industrial assets as market conditions recover [16] - Management expressed confidence in the business environment in the U.S. and the attractiveness of investing in U.S. real estate [95] Other Important Information - The company successfully closed fundraising on its seventh discretionary commingled fund, securing $400 million for U.S. investments [11] - The company has a total of $28 billion in assets under management, producing an estimated annual NOI of $467 million [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on $400 million of incremental proceeds from dispositions in 2025 - Yes, the company plans to focus on non-core assets, particularly in housing-related investments [44][46] Question: Construction lending environment and commitments - The company believes the construction lending space remains compelling and expects to have a successful year [50] Question: Importance of adding more equity capital - The company has significant institutional partners interested in investing in the U.S. and U.K. markets, with expectations to deploy more equity opportunities [54][56] Question: Refinancing debt in Ireland - The company is refinancing at mid-4s, replacing an in-place rate just under 3% [66] Question: Expected yields and margins on the SFR platform - The company anticipates stabilizing yields in the high 5s towards 6% [72] Question: Future funding for the debt platform - The company aims to exceed $3.5 billion in originations this year, with strong demand from investors [78] Question: Rent caps in Ireland and implications for U.K. office demand - The company is monitoring the rent regime in Ireland and sees strong demand for quality offices in the U.K. [83][101] Question: Positive fair value marks on the co-investment portfolio - The company hopes for continued positive fair value marks if rates stabilize and operational improvements continue [86][88]