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IRSA(IRS) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
IRSIRSA(IRS)2024-09-04 18:24

Financial Data and Key Metrics - Rental adjusted EBITDA reached ARS171 billion, an 8.8% increase compared to the previous year [3] - Net income posted a loss of ARS23 billion, primarily due to non-cash effects from the fair value adjustment of investment properties [3] - Dividends of ARS119 billion were distributed in two tranches, with yields of 13% and 7% respectively [4] - Share buybacks amounted to 4% of total outstanding shares [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics - Shopping malls saw a 4.5% decline in tenant real sales compared to 2023, but occupancy remained at a historical high of 98% [5] - Office occupancy in premium buildings increased to 96%, with average rent stable at ARS25 per square meter per month [7] - Hotel occupancy averaged 64% for the year, with rates increasing to ARS243 per room from ARS217 [8] - Entertainment sector, including La Rural and convention centers, showed signs of recovery but has not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels [9] Market Data and Key Metrics - The company maintained strong occupancy levels across all segments despite macroeconomic volatility [5][7][8] - International tourism declined in the last quarter, posing a challenge for hotel operations in the coming year [7] - La Rural secured a concession extension until 2037, with an option to extend further until 2041 [9] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focusing on digitalization through its loyalty app ¡appa!, which has seen growth in registered users and transactions [12] - Real estate transactions included the sale of the Maple building and a 50% stake in Quality Invest, while new projects like Ramblas del Plata were launched [13][17] - The company is leveraging its land bank for future developments, with a focus on residential, office, and mixed-use projects [19][20] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the volatility of the year, with high inflation and government policy changes impacting consumption [3] - The company expects a slight recovery in shopping mall sales and visitor flow in 2025, driven by inflation capture and stable occupancy [5] - The launch of new mortgage lines by Banco Hipotecario is seen as a potential boost for the real estate sector [23] Other Important Information - The company advanced its ESG initiatives, achieving LEED certifications for 72% of its premium buildings and obtaining a green seal for waste management in shopping malls [10] - IRSA celebrated its 75th anniversary on the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange and will mark its 30th anniversary on the NYSE in December [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Urban Planning Code changes in Buenos Aires - The changes are expected to affect new projects, but most of IRSA's projects are already approved and should not be impacted [35] Question: Financing for Ramblas del Plata - IRSA plans to use swap transactions with developers and will invest 40millionininfrastructureoverthreestages[37][41]ThetotaldevelopmentcapitalforRamblasdelPlataisestimatedat40 million in infrastructure over three stages [37][41] - The total development capital for Ramblas del Plata is estimated at 1.3-1.4 billion, with a timeline exceeding 15 years [43] Question: Future capital allocation - The company plans to continue paying dividends and may increase debt levels slightly while investing in new projects [50][52] - Share buybacks will continue, subject to legal limits on liquidity [50] Question: Political outlook under Millay's administration - Management expressed hope for a more stable macroeconomic environment, which could encourage long-term investments [55]