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Loma Negra pania Industrial Argentina Sociedad Anonima(LOMA) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-08 15:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consolidated margin for the quarter stood at 21.2%, showing a year-over-year decline primarily due to a challenging competitive environment [6] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $34 million, down 31% in real terms when measured in pesos, reflecting a contraction in EBITDA margin [7][17] - Net profit attributable to owners of the company totaled ARS 0.4 billion for the quarter, a significant decline from ARS 41 billion in the same quarter of 2024 [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cement dispatch volumes grew by 14% year-over-year, but the Cement segment revenue declined by 9.9% due to weaker pricing [11][12] - Concrete revenues declined by 1.1% despite a 44% increase in volumes, impacted by price pressures [14] - The Aggregates segment posted a slight revenue increase of 0.8%, driven by a 44% increase in volumes [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Argentine economy showed a year-over-year growth of 5.8% in the first quarter, with forecasts for the full year around 5% [9][10] - The Construction Activity Index (ISAC) indicates a positive rebound in the industry, although recovery is not uniform across all sectors [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational efficiency and innovation, with a commitment to transitioning to 25-kilogram cement bags [27] - The management remains optimistic about the future, expecting double-digit growth in cement dispatches for 2025 [26] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the recovery is still in the early stages, with potential political volatility due to upcoming midterm elections [11] - The competitive environment is stable, with expectations for pricing recovery in the second half of the year [34][64] Other Important Information - The company successfully issued a new corporate bond for $112.9 million to address upcoming debt maturity and improve its maturity profile [8][24] - Cash flow used in operational activities totaled ARS 22.3 billion, driven by lower operational results and higher income tax paid [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing of price increases and competitive trends - Management indicated that the competitive environment has been challenging, but they foresee an increase in pricing above inflation by the end of the year [33][34] Question: Outlook for construction in the second half of the year - Management expects a gradual moderate growth in construction activity, driven by public works and private investments [39] Question: Expectations for volume growth in 2025 - Management maintains a double-digit growth forecast for volumes in 2025, with specific expectations for low to mid-teens growth [42][50] Question: Impact of energy prices on margins - Management acknowledged that both energy prices and competitive dynamics have affected margins, but they expect a recovery in pricing [56][64] Question: Public work program recovery outlook - Management believes there is significant potential in public infrastructure projects, but the impact in the second half of the year may be limited [67]