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Transportadora de Gas del Sur S.A.(TGS) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-06 15:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The total net income for Q2 2025 was ARS 40.3 billion, a decline from ARS 119.7 billion in the same quarter of 2024, primarily due to a negative variation of ARS 76 billion in financial results [7][8][13] - EBITDA for the natural gas transportation segment decreased to ARS 85.6 billion from ARS 118.2 billion in Q2 2024, reflecting a reduction of ARS 32 billion [9][10] - EBITDA for the liquids business fell over 50% to ARS 25.3 billion compared to ARS 52.6 billion in Q2 2024, largely due to extraordinary expenses from a flood [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The natural gas transportation segment's EBITDA decreased by ARS 32 billion, attributed to transitional tariff adjustments and inflation impacts [9][10] - The liquids segment's EBITDA decline was influenced by ARS 16.6 billion in extraordinary expenses from the March flood and a decrease in sales volume from 250,000 metric tons to 211,000 metric tons [10][11] - Midstream and other services saw an increase in EBITDA to ARS 52 billion from ARS 41.5 billion in 2024, driven by higher sales from increased natural gas transportation volumes [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average natural gas transportation volume rose from 25 million permits per day in 2024 to 30 million in Q2 2025, while natural gas conditioning volume increased from 16 million to 27 million cubic meters per day [12] - The price of natural gas increased from ARS 2.9 to ARS 3.3 per million ETU, impacting EBITDA negatively [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its transportation capacity, with a bid submitted for the Perito Moreno pipeline expansion project, which is expected to be awarded on October 13, 2025 [5][6] - The company has received a 20-year extension of its license, enhancing its operational stability and long-term planning [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the monthly tariff adjustments will help mitigate some inflation impacts, but the overall operating expenses have increased due to the tariff revision process [30] - The company expects to generate ARS 300 million annually from the regulated EBITDA after the tariff process is completed, contingent on inflation rates in Argentina [41] Other Important Information - The company reported a cash position decrease of 33% to ARS 676 billion, with EBITDA generation during Q2 amounting to ARS 163 billion [14] - A dividend payment of ARS 200 billion was approved and paid in June 2025 [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confirmation of impairment related to the climate event - Management confirmed an impact of ARS 16.6 billion due to extraordinary expenses from the flood [18] Question: Update on the NCL project timeline - Management is evaluating costs and expects results by September [20] Question: Sustainability of current EBITDA levels - Management indicated that the midstream services segment is expected to continue growing [22] Question: Recovery of profitability in the liquids segment - Full operations resumed on May 7, and management expects improved performance moving forward [24] Question: Increase in general costs - Management explained that the tariff revision process has led to higher operational costs compared to the previous year [26] Question: Status of insurance claims related to the flood - Insurance assessments are ongoing, with expectations for compensation numbers in two to four months [28] Question: Outlook for the regulated transportation segment - Management stated that future revenues will depend on the level of monthly adjustments based on inflation and wholesale price indices [30] Question: Perito Moreno pipeline tender status - Management confirmed they are the only bidder and expect the contract to be awarded on October 13 [32] Question: Financial investment decision timing - Discussions with gas producers are ongoing, with potential project advancement expected by the end of the year [33] Question: Total cost of maintenance due to the flood - Estimated total costs are around ARS 40 million for all expenses and asset impairments [34] Question: Amount received for ship or pay contract compensation - Management confirmed an amount of ARS 7 million received [35] Question: Deterioration of account receivable for the regulated transportation segment - The issue was attributed to a specific marketer, with 50% of the bad debt recovered [37] Question: CapEx for the Perito Moreno pipeline expansion - Management indicated a CapEx of around ARS 500 million for the project [38] Question: Financing for the GPM pipeline project - Management expects to finance imports of around ARS 70 million and use internal cash for the project [42]