Enel Chile(ENIC) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Enel Chile reported a net income of $175 million for Q1 2025, reflecting an 11% increase compared to the previous year [22] - The company's EBITDA for the quarter reached$ 365 million, showing a positive variation driven by improved energy distribution receivables [24] - The gross debt increased by 2% to $4 billion, with an average cost of debt remaining competitive at 4.9% [25][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net electricity generation totaled 5.6 terawatt hours, an 8% decrease compared to 2024, primarily due to lower hydro and renewable generation [11] - Energy sales amounted to 7.7 terawatt hours, marking a 9% reduction from the previous year, attributed to lower sales to regulated customers [12] - The company achieved a total net installed capacity of 8.9 gigawatts, with 28% from renewable energy sources and battery energy storage systems [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The regulatory framework is undergoing significant updates, with expectations for changes in electricity subsidies and ancillary services [13][14] - The VAD 2020-2024 decree was published in April 2025, enabling recovery of outstanding balances from the tariff cycle [16][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Enel Chile is focused on strengthening grid infrastructure through a resilience program in response to increasing climate risks [8] - The company aims to modernize the regulatory framework to enhance asset rate resilience and promote innovation and efficiency [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving strategic objectives despite a challenging environment, emphasizing the importance of a diversified business model [27] - The company remains committed to advocating for comprehensive distribution reform and modernization of the regulatory framework [27] Other Important Information - The final dividend for the 2024 fiscal year was approved at approximately 4.24 Chilean pesos per share [10] - The company is in a comfortable liquidity position with$ 640 million in committed lines and $460 million in cash equivalents [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Additional details on the resilience program for distribution - Management confirmed that the resilience program includes investments in grid quality and digitalization, with increased CapEx compared to the previous year [34][35] Question: CapEx guidance for 2025 - The company maintains the$ 800 million CapEx guidance for 2025, with most investments expected in the second half of the year [40][41] Question: Impact of new regulatory changes - Management indicated it is too early to assess the financial impact of new regulatory changes, but they expect some benefits from improved rules for ancillary services [45][46] Question: Hydrology expectations for 2025 - The target of 10.7 terawatt hours for hydrology in 2025 remains valid, with further clarity expected by mid-year [56][57] Question: Economic impact of the resilient program - The CapEx for the resilience program is included in the last industrial plan, but estimating its impact on EBITDA is challenging at this stage [66] Question: Gas supply contracts with Argentina - Enel Chile's current gas contracts with Argentina include take-or-pay clauses, ensuring no issues are expected for the remainder of the year [71] Question: Expired regulated contracts - The expired regulated contracts were related to a tender process from 2013, which had prices indexed to commodities [79]